The Saint Helena hoopoe, also known as the Saint Helena giant hoopoe or giant hoopoe, is an extinct species of hoopoe known exclusively from an incomplete subfossil skeleton. Once endemic to the island of Saint Helena, it was last seen around 1550, likely driven to extinction by various aspects of human activity.
Region
South Atlantic Ocean (Saint Helena)
Typical Environment
Endemic to the island of Saint Helena, it likely occupied a range of open and semi-open habitats. Based on comparison with living hoopoes, it probably foraged on the ground in scrub, grassland, and forest edges. Nesting may have occurred in tree cavities, rock crevices, or earthen hollows, as in other hoopoes. Much of its potential habitat was altered soon after human settlement through deforestation, grazing, and invasive species.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Saint Helena hoopoe, or giant hoopoe, is known only from subfossil remains and is thought to have been larger and more terrestrial than living hoopoes. Endemic to the remote island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic, it likely declined rapidly after human arrival in the early 16th century. Habitat loss, introduced predators, and other human impacts are believed to have driven it to extinction by around 1550.
Upupa antaios original specimen from the Smithsonian
Temperament
unknown
Flight Pattern
unknown
Social Behavior
unknown
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
unknown
