Hoopoe Action From Menorca

Every year I seem to return from Menorca with lots of pictures of Hoopoes. 2014 was no exception, particularly since I found a pair breeding in the same location they have used for a number of years.

So here are more Hoopoe pictures for all the fans of this rather spectacular bird. 

The name of the Hoopoe, pronounced 'hoo-poo', is derived from the bird’s call frequently described as ‘oop-oop-oop’. So remarkable is this call that it is also reflected in the scientific name of the species, Upupa epops. 

The nest is built in a tree cavity or a rock crevice, sometimes lined with debris, or sometimes bare. The female lays and incubates from four to six pale blue to olive coloured eggs per clutch and is fed during incubation by her mate. 

Hoopoes are primarily ground feeders and use their long, slender, decurved bills to probe for large insects, worms, and lizards. Less frequently a Hoopoe feeds while airborne, exhibiting its characteristic undulating and floppy, erratic flight. A Hoopoe's bill can wear down during the summer months as they spend so much time drilling into the ground to find their prey. 

The pictures require little commentary from me, but “click the pics” for a close-up of the action. 

Hoopoe

Hoopoe

Hoopoe

Hoopoe

Hoopoe

Hoopoe

Hoopoe

When seeing an individual Hoopoe it is almost impossible to say whether it is male or female as both sexes are identical. There is a however a size difference, and when seen together the male is noticeably bigger than the female. 

Hoopoes - female and male

Hoopoes

Hoopoes

Hoopoes

Hoopoes

Here’s a video of a Hoopoe at a nest site. Watch carefully to see how the bird inflates its neck to emit the ‘oop-oop-oop’ call. 

There's more birding action from Another Bird Blog very soon. Don't miss it.

Linking this post to Anni's Birding Blog and to  Eileen's Saturday Blog.