huppe

The huppe, or hoopoe (Upupa epops), is a distinctive passerine bird in the family Upupidae. It is easily recognized by its long, slender bill, cinnamon-brown plumage, and a crest of white-tipped feathers that can be raised into a dramatic fan.

Description and range: The hoopoe measures about 25–32 cm in length, with bold black-and-white patterns on the wings and tail. The underparts are pale, and the face is pale with a narrow dark stripe through the eye. Its crest can be waved when excited or during courtship.

Habitat and distribution: The hoopoe has a wide distribution across Europe, Asia, and Africa, and in some regions is migratory, wintering in warmer areas. It favors open landscapes such as fields, meadows, savannas, orchards, and cultivated grounds where it can forage on the ground.

Behavior and diet: Hoopoes forage mainly on the ground, probing the soil, leaf litter, or crevices with their long bills for insects and other invertebrates, especially ants and their larvae. They may be observed singly, in pairs, or in small groups during migration. The calls are distinctive, often described as a flat, tapping “hoo-poo” or “hoop-hoop” sound, which is the origin of the common name in several languages.

Breeding and status: The hoopoe nests in cavities such as tree holes, wall crevices, or nest boxes. The clutch typically contains four to seven eggs, incubated by both parents, with chicks fledging after a few weeks. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its large range, though local declines occur where habitat is altered or pesticides reduce prey availability. Several subspecies are described across its range.