Common Hoopoe

Upupa epops

Least ConcernCommonInvertebratesGrasslandCavity nestMedium · 67 g

About the Common Hoopoe

The Eurasian hoopoe or common hoopoe is the most widespread species of the genus Upupa. It is a distinctive cinnamon coloured bird with black and white wings, a tall erectile crest, a broad white band across a black tail, and a long narrow downcurved bill. Its call is a soft "oop-oop-oop".

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

The Eurasian hoopoe is a medium-sized bird, 25–32 cm (9.8–12.6 in) long, with a 44–48 cm (17–19 in) wingspan. It weighs 46–89 g (1.6–3.1 oz). The species is highly distinctive, with a long, thin tapering bill that is black with a fawn base. The strengthened musculature of the head allows the bill to be opened when probing inside the soil. The hoopoe has broad and rounded wings capable of strong flight; these are larger in the northern migratory subspecies.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

What the Common Hoopoe sounds like

Recording: Lionel Triboulin · CC0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Lionel Triboulin · CC0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Lionel Triboulin · CC0 · via xeno-canto

Where it lives

Regular rangeRare visitor

Recorded as a rare visitor in Australia, Luxembourg, United States, Singapore, Guernsey, Madagascar, San Marino.

When to see it

Peak activity in April · a resident species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Learn the Common Hoopoe for real

BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.

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