Where do Eurasian Hoopoe Nest?

16/04/2009 Indrani Ghose
58 Comments
India, Photography

During my travels, I was fortunate enough to witness the magnificent Eurasian Hoopoe (upupa epops) in all its glory. The sighting occurred on a warm summer day while I was exploring Akal wood Fossil Park in Jaisalmer Rajasthan. As I was walking along a winding trail, I suddenly heard a distinctive call that caught my attention. I was curious to find where Eurasian Hoopoe birds nest.

Do you get excited when you spot rare birds as you travel? I am hyper excited when I spot one during my road trips. Several times during road trips I have brought the car to a halt just to photograph the birds. I crouch slowly so as to not disturb the bird.

But a new problem arose. What do you do when the pretty bird refuses to face your lens?

Where do Eurasian Hoopoe nest and live

Bird Watching as I Travel – The Majestic Eurasian Hoopoe bird: A Rare Sighting

Discovering the Beauty of the Eurasian Hoopoe Bird

Stalk her? Well, that is what I did at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. From behind it was difficult to identify the bird. I had this urge to call it, make some kind of sound to look at me, to attract its attention. I dared not to, lest it flies away.

The bird Hoopoe was around 25cm in length with a distinctive long, curved beak and a colorful plumage of black, white, and orange. The bird was none other than the Eurasian Hoopoe, a migratory bird species found across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Eurasian Hoopoe Images in India

Encountering the Enchanting Eurasian Hoopoe on My Travels in Jaisalmer Rajasthan

Unveiling the Unique Plumage of the Eurasian Hoopoe

The Eurasian Hoopoe is a bird species that can be identified fast for its striking and unique plumage. Its plumage is striking with a stunning combination of black, white, and orange colors. The distinctive patterns and markings set it apart from other bird species.

The bird’s crest is perhaps its most distinguishing feature. Not as beautiful as a peacock’s, but the fan of feathers can be raised or lowered depending on the bird’s mood. When raised, the crest forms a distinctive ‘crown’ that makes the bird look even more regal and elegant.

The black and white stripes on the bird’s wings and tail feathers form a distinctive pattern, creating a striking contrast against the bird’s orange plumage, contributing to its unique appearance.

The Eurasian Hoopoe’s distinctive plumage is not just a source of aesthetic beauty; it also serves a functional purpose. The alternating black and white stripes on its wings and tail feathers when in flight confuse the predators. The orange coloration of its plumage serve as a warning to potential predators that the bird is poisonous or dangerous.

Its unique appearance and graceful flight make it a true wonder of nature.

The Fascinating Flight of the Eurasian Hoopoe

After many clicks the Eurasian Hoopoe kindly cast a side ward glance in my direction, blessing me with just one single shot before it flew off.

I watched in awe as the bird took flight, revealing a striking fan of orange and black feathers on its wings. It flew effortlessly, gliding through the air with its long wings and distinctive flight pattern. It was a breathtaking sight, and I felt incredibly lucky to have witnessed such a rare and beautiful bird.

The crest was flat, I found later to my disappointment on downloading the picture.

Common Hoopoe in India

Eurasian Hoopoe called as Common Hoopoe in India

Many months later, at Kokkare Bellur near Bangalore I spotted one more Common Hoopoe. It was searching for its food among the short grass, in the soil.

What do Eurasian Hoopoe eat?

They mainly feed on spiders, earthworms, lizards and sometimes on frogs too. These birds keep walking around, digging their bills deep into the soil, often making you follow them through uneven paths. One reason why the bird is seen as a symbol of industriousness and hard work.

This Hoopoe was slightly alarmed or disturbed by my presence. I could see its erect crest.

Where do Eurasian Hoopoe Nest?

The Eurasian Hoopoe breeds and flourishes in Asia, Africa and Europe. These birds nest and live in different parts of India. However they are known as Common Hoopoe. During the breeding season, which typically begins in March or April, they look for suitable nesting sites to raise their young.

Eurasian Hoopoes nest in cavities, which can include tree hollows, rock crevices, and even gaps in walls and buildings. They are known to use abandoned nests of other birds, such as woodpeckers, as well as man-made structures like nest boxes.

The female Eurasian Hoopoe is responsible for building the nest, using materials like grass, leaves, and feathers to create a soft, comfortable lining for the eggs. The male may assist in the process by bringing materials to the female or helping to guard the nest.

Once the nest is complete, the female Eurasian Hoopoe lays a clutch of 4-6 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for around two weeks. After hatching, the chicks are cared for by both parents, who feed them a diet of insects and other small invertebrates.

Overall, Eurasian Hoopoes are adaptable birds that can nest in a variety of habitats, as long as suitable cavities or structures are available. Their nesting behavior is a fascinating example of the remarkable ways in which birds have adapted to their environments and evolved to meet the challenges of raising their young.

Where do Eurasian Hoopoe Nest

Nestlings of Hoopoe can be nasty when you approach them. They defend themselves by hissing, jabbing with the bill, producing an evil-smelling secretion and even spraying feces.

But the adults are well-mannered, I can confidently say from my experiences.

Fun Facts on Eurasian Hoopoe

  • This is the national bird of Israel since 2008. It got highest votes followed by Bulbul, Warbler and Finch.
  • In biblical stories, the bird carried messages to King Solomon from the Queen of Sheba.
  • These birds keep their nests dirty with a lot of excreta to ward off predators.
  • Their beaks are strong and can dig into the ground to find insects to eat.

The Significance and Symbolism of the Eurasian Hoopoe

One of the most significant aspects of the Eurasian Hoopoe is its role as a symbol of good fortune and happiness in many cultures. In ancient Egyptian mythology, the bird was associated with the sun god Ra. It was believed to bring luck and prosperity to those who saw it.

Similarly, in Greek mythology, the bird was associated with the Goddess Hera and was believed to bring happiness and good luck to those who encountered it.

The bird is seen as a symbol of beauty, elegance, and grace. In some cultures, the bird is also associated with royalty and nobility, perhaps due to its striking appearance and distinctive behavior.

Hoopoe Stamps

The Eurasian Hoopoe bird species has been featured on numerous postal stamps by different countries around the world. These stamps often depict the bird’s distinctive plumage and unique behavior, and they are sought after by collectors and bird enthusiasts alike. Do you have any such postal stamp?

One notable example of a stamp featuring the Eurasian Hoopoe is the 1996 stamp issued by the Israeli Postal Service. The stamp depicts a colorful image of the bird, with its distinctive crest raised and its beak probing into the ground in search of insects. The stamp was part of a series of stamps featuring birds native to Israel, highlighting the rich diversity of bird life in the region.

Another example of a stamp featuring the Eurasian Hoopoe (upupa epops) is the 2015 stamp issued by the Cyprus Postal Service. This stamp depicts a pair of Eurasian Hoopoes perched on a branch, with their colorful plumage on full display.

These stamps are a testament to the enduring appeal of this remarkable bird species and its importance in cultures around the world.

Eurasia Hoopoe Bird  Information FAQ

What do Eurasian Hoopoes look like?

Eurasian Hoopoes have distinctive crest of feathers on their head, black and white stripes on their wings and tail feathers, as well as orange plumage on their head, neck, and breast.

What is the nesting behavior of Eurasian Hoopoes?

Eurasian Hoopoes nest in cavities. They sometimes use abandoned nests of other birds, or abandoned man-made structures. The female Eurasian Hoopoe builds the nest. The mother birds line the nest with materials like grass, leaves, and feathers.

When do Eurasian Hoopoes breed?

Eurasian Hoopoes breed during the spring and summer months, typically beginning in March or April.

A Birdwatcher's Dream: Spotting the Eurasian Hoopoe in the Wild

A Birdwatcher’s Dream: Spotting the Eurasian Hoopoe in the Wild

Are Eurasian Hoopoes endangered?

Eurasian Hoopoes are not currently considered endangered, but they may be threatened by habitat loss and other factors in some areas.

What is the symbolism of the Eurasian Hoopoe?

The Eurasian Hoopoe has been associated with various symbolic meanings in different cultures, including good luck, prosperity, and protection. It is also sometimes seen as a messenger between the living and the dead.

Did you know before where do Eurasian Hoopoe nest? 

Did you like this blog on Eurasian Hoopoe? If you have found the information on Hoopoe birds useful you may consider saving and sharing it. Have you sighted this bird species in your native land? Please do share your unique encounters and Hoopoe sightings in comment box.

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