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".
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
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
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.
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
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.
Plumage
Warm cinnamon-buff body with striking black-and-white barred wings and tail; tall erectile crest tipped with black; long, narrow, downcurved bill.
Diet
Primarily feeds on large insects such as beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, ants, and their larvae, also taking spiders and other invertebrates. Uses its long bill to probe soil, dung, and leaf litter, and to flip clods to expose prey. Occasionally snaps small vertebrates or consumes seeds when insects are scarce. Foraging success is highest on bare or short turf where prey is accessible.
Preferred Environment
Short-grass fields, grazed pastures, orchards, edges of fields, and sunlit open woodland with patches of bare ground. Frequently feeds along paths, farmyards, and vineyards where soil is soft and disturbed.
