Saturday, May 24, 2014

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.

24 comments:

Bob Bushell said...

Brilliant Hoopoes, well done Phil.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

You are quite right, Phil, it's a wonderful species and I can see why you always return with many photographs. Before I had ever seen one my daughter was visiting Spain and told me about a bird "that will make you drool Dad." That was before the days of digital cameras so she wasn't able to email me a picture. But she sure gloated when she returned home!

FAB said...

Superb series of this charismatic species.

Hootin Anni said...

Wow...
That's all I can say...wow!! Have a great weekend, Phil.

Hootin' Anni
and
Anni @ I'd Rather B Birdin'

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Hi Phil This is an outstanding post with all the action. Your shots are stunning adn it was fantastic to see the Hoopee at the nest. Have a great weekend

sandyland said...

so fascinating

carol l mckenna said...

Wonderfully informative post and you always have the best bird photography ~ Excellent for CC ~ xoxo

artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)

TexWisGirl said...

fantastic photos and enjoyed the video very much!

Karen said...

Superb photos of these handsome birds Phil! I loved hearing their call.

Rose said...

Wonderful captures!!! What a unique bird!

Anni said...

Had to come back and send along my...

Thanks for stopping by and linking up with your bird treasure this weekend!! Much appreciated.

ps...would I ever love to go anywhere in the world to see one of these up close, live, and in the wild.

Unknown said...

Interesting!! Boom, Bobbi and Gary

Unknown said...

Fabulous photos of these birds. The video was very interesting.

sunshine said...

Stunning series of photos.

Santiago Domínguez Martín said...

Excelent explanation and pictures.Some people in spain have a mistake with call of this bird and Cuculus canorus.

Stuart Price said...

Wow, Hoopoe porn. I've seen it all now.

EG CameraGirl said...

These photos are wonderful!

eileeninmd said...

Phil, they are cool birds. I would love to see them too. The photos and video are wonderful. Love the sounds they make.. Thank you for sharing your post on Saturday's Critters.. Have a happy day!

Choy Wai Mun said...

I love this series. Hoopoes are such exotic looking birds. Unfortunately, they are extremely rare visitors to Malaysia.

carol l mckenna said...

Good to see the Hoopoes again ~ fascinating photos for OWT ~ xoxo

artmusedog and carol ~ (A Creative Harbor)

Sylvia K said...

Superb captures of such a beautiful bird!! I've never seen a Hoopoe and they are exotic looking! Thanks for sharing!!

mick said...

A great series of photos of very interesting birds. Those birds certainly have it all - shape, color and call are all so different.

Arija said...

Wonderful photos and video. Loved seeing each and every one.

chai-and-chardonnay.blogspot.com said...

Great pictures of a " Wiedehopf" , that is how they are called in german.Spotted them last year in my garden in France and was over the moon! Such wonderful birds.

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