Facts, Information, Scientific Name of Hoopoe
Common name- Hoopoe
Scientific name- Upupidae
Size- 25cm- 32cm
Type- Aves
Distribution and Habitat-
Hoopoe lives in diverse ecosystems, that includes Grasslands, Woodlands, Prairies, Forests, wood steppes, Savannah, Gardens, Orchards etc.
It is found in the countries of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Some Hoopoes are partial Migrant, they travel till North
Appearance and Habits-
The Hoopoe Bird has a Brown, buff or cinnamon-coloured body with black and white stripes on the wings and tail.
It has a feathered crown that has Black stripes.
Wings are long, and they have frequent wing beats, that help the bird move in an irregular pattern flight to chase and catch insects.
The pointed probing bill is long, this probing bill helps them peck the ground while walking. They forage upon Insects, Frogs, Reptiles, Plant matter, berries, etc.
Hoopoe Sunbathe, with a position of spread wings and upright, stretched neck hold.
Hoopoe dust bath and Preen themselves to get rid of parasites on the body.
‘oop-oop-oop’ is a three-note call of this bird.
Breeding, Nesting and Brooding.
Males claim the territories by fighting with their bills by stabbing each other. The fight is ferocious.
Hoopoes are monogamous for a single season.
They nest in a tree hole or wall that has a short entrance covered with Grass scarps.
Females lay 4-12 eggs and Incubate them for 18 days, meanwhile male brings the food for the female.
The Hoopoe chicks have down (primary) feathers and a smell of a Preen (oil) gland passed by female Preen Glands. She rubs it on her chicks so that the intolerable smell can lure the predators away from chicks.
Chicks need care for 9-14 days. Now, both males and females forage the food for Chicks.
Hoopoe chicks leave the nest within 26-29 days. They can still stay with one of the parents for a week.
Also See ⇒ Merganser Facts