Eurasian hoopoe

The Eurasian 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".

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Distribution

Region

Eurasia and North Africa

Typical Environment

Breeds widely across temperate Europe, North Africa, and Asia, avoiding dense forests and very cold zones. Prefers open landscapes with short vegetation such as orchards, vineyards, pasture, steppe, and parklands. Nests in cavities in trees, walls, cliffs, or nest boxes and often uses traditional sites repeatedly. Northern breeders migrate to winter in sub‑Saharan Africa and southern Asia, while many southern populations are resident. It is scarce in heavily urbanized areas and closed-canopy woodland.

Altitude Range

0–3000 m

Climate Zone

Temperate

Characteristics

Size25–32 cm

Wing Span44–48 cm

Male Weight0.075 kg

Female Weight0.07 kg

Life Expectancy10 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The Eurasian hoopoe is instantly recognized by its tall, erectile crest and bold black‑and‑white wings. Females and nestlings produce a strong, antibacterial secretion that helps deter parasites and predators in nest cavities. It forages with a long, downcurved bill, deftly probing soil and leaf litter for hidden prey. Its mellow 'oop-oop-oop' call carries far across open country.

Gallery

Distribution of Upupa species Eurasian hoopoe (breeding) Eurasian hoopoe (resident) Eurasian hoopoe (wintering) Madagascar hoopoe African hoopoe

U. e. epops in Galicia, Spain.

Hoopoes seen in Tenerife in July 2021

The muscles of the head allow the hoopoe's bill to be opened when it is inserted into the ground

Juvenile in nest box, Hungary

Young and mature hoopoe in Dubai park

Hoopoe eggs in MHNT

Behaviour

Temperament

wary and territorial

Flight Pattern

buoyant, undulating flight with short rapid wingbeats and brief glides

Social Behavior

Generally solitary or in pairs during the breeding season; pairs are seasonally monogamous. Nests in cavities with minimal lining, and may reuse sites across years. The female and chicks can produce malodorous secretions to deter predators and parasites.

Migratory Pattern

Partial migrant

Song Description

A soft, resonant 'oop-oop-oop' delivered in series, carrying well over open ground. Alarm calls include harsher chacks and hisses at the nest.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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