The Madagascar hoopoe is a species of hoopoe in the family Upupidae. It was previously considered a subspecies of the hoopoe, but was split due to its vocalisations and small differences in plumage. Some taxonomists still consider all three species conspecific. Some authorities also keep the African and Eurasian hoopoe together, but split the Madagascar hoopoe. It is endemic to Madagascar, where its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forest. It is a common bird and the International Union for Conservation of Nature considers its conservation status to be of least concern.
Region
Madagascar
Typical Environment
Found widely across Madagascar, especially in subtropical and tropical dry deciduous forests, spiny thicket, and open woodland. It frequents forest edges, clearings, and semi-arid scrub, and adapts well to human-modified habitats such as orchards, villages, and farmland with scattered trees. Foraging usually occurs on bare or lightly vegetated ground where probing is easier. It uses natural tree cavities and occasionally man-made structures for nesting.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This hoopoe raises a striking fan-like crest when alarmed or displaying, revealing black-tipped feathers. It probes soil and leaf litter with a long decurved bill to extract insects and their larvae. Like other hoopoes, it often nests in cavities and can produce a strong nest odor used as a deterrent to predators.
With spider for chick
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
undulating with broad rounded wings, butterfly-like
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, defending feeding areas and nest sites. Nests in tree cavities or cavities in structures; the female incubates while the male often provisions her and the chicks. Pairs are seasonally monogamous and may reuse suitable cavities across years.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The call is a resonant, repeated hoop-oop or hoo-poo-poo series that carries well. It also gives soft growls and hisses at the nest, especially when disturbed.
