Eurasian Hoopoe
⚡ Key Facts & Quick Answers (AEO Summary)
- Taxonomic Class: Birds (Aves)
- Dietary Niche: Insectivore (Crickets, locusts, grubs, pupae, spiders)
- Max Speed: 40 km/h (25 mph)
- Adult Weight: 50 - 90 grams
- Typical Lifespan: 8 - 11 years
- Primary Habitat: Open woodlands, orchards, savannahs, Mediterranean gardens
- Native Region: Europe, Asia, Africa
- IUCN Red List: Least Concern
📊 Physical & Biological Metrics
🧬 Scientific Taxonomy & Biological Classification
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Bucerotiformes |
| Family | Upupidae |
| Genus | Upupa |
| Species Binomial | Upupa epops |
📖 1. Species Overview
The Eurasian Hoopoe is a distinctive bird famous for its crown of black-tipped cinnamon crest feathers and black-and-white zebra wings. Its name comes from its soft, rhythmic 'oop-oop-oop' call.
🦿 2. Physical Appearance, Anatomy & Adaptations
Cinnamon-peach head and body, bold black and white striped wings and tail, a long curved bill, and a foldable feather crest.
🗺️ 3. Habitat, Geographic Distribution & Territorial Range
Ground foragers that walk on lawns and soil, opening their crest feathers when landing or startled.
🥩 4. Diet, Feeding Strategy & Hunting Tactics
Probe soil with their long bill to locate grubs and pupae, beating large insects against rocks before eating.
🐣 5. Reproduction, Lifecycle & Social Hierarchy
Nest in tree hollows or stone walls. Females and nestlings produce a foul-smelling liquid to deter predators.
🛡️ 6. Conservation Status, Population Threats & Protection
Least Concern, though threatened locally in Europe by pesticide reduction of soil insects.
💡 Fascinating Facts & Trivia
- Hoopoe nestlings can squirt liquid feces directly into the faces of intruding predators.
- The hoopoe was revered in ancient Egypt and is officially the national bird of Israel.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Direct authoritative answers regarding the biology, feeding habits, and habitat of the Eurasian Hoopoe.
The Eurasian Hoopoe is scientifically classified as Upupa epops. It belongs to the genus Upupa within the family Upupidae, class Aves, and phylum Chordata.
In the wild, Eurasian Hoopoes inhabit Open woodlands, orchards, savannahs, Mediterranean gardens. Their native geographic range primarily spans Europe, Asia, Africa.
The Eurasian Hoopoe is classified as a Insectivore. It feeds primarily on specialized nutrients suited to its ecological niche in Open woodlands, orchards, savannahs, Mediterranean gardens.
A Eurasian Hoopoe can achieve top speeds of 40 km/h (25 mph) and weighs approximately 50 - 90 grams. Its expected natural lifespan is 8 - 11 years.
The Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops) is currently designated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Cite this Article
FaunaWiki Zoological Database (2026). "Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops) Species Profile."
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