Hoopoes

Hoopoes: It is a fascinating birds known for their striking plumage and unique behaviour, have been observed across India, Africa, Europe, and Central Asia.

• About Hoopoes: Belong to the family Upupidae and species Upupa epops; commonly known as Common Hoopoe or Eurasian Hoopoe.
• Distribution: Resident bird of India, seasonally migrates across the subcontinent (e.g., Western Ghats to downhill regions during monsoon).
• Appearance: Crown extends like royal headgear, with black-and-white-tipped crest resembling a Japanese fan.

• Plumage is cinnamon-colored with zebra-striped back and wings, creating a regal appearance.
• Behavior:

o Foraging: Waddles on the ground, inserting its long, down-curved bill into the earth to probe for insects.

o Bathing: Engages in sunbathing and sand bathing.

o Calls: Named after its call, "Hoo-po, hoo-po-po", which echoes repeatedly.

o Fighting: Males fight over nesting sites, jabbing with bills and flaring crests; fights can result in blindness.

o Nesting: Nests in tree trunks or stone wall holes, lined skimpily with grass, leaves, feathers, and rubbish.

o Reproduction:  Breeding season between March and June. Female incubates 5-7 greenish-blue, dirtily speckled eggs; male feeds her during incubation.

• IUCN Red List category: Least Concern