Introduction
It is well-known that the lion is the king of all animals. However, if birds were to choose their king, they would likely have selected the hoopoe for its bright, tall, erectile crest that reminds one of an orange crown. A reason to choose The Eurasian hoopoe as a species for an animal report is that the hoopoe bird has played an incredible role in the texts, plays, religious myths, and other cultural elements of different peoples throughout history. Valued for its crown of feathers and seen as a symbol of wisdom, purification, protection, and kingship, it is now a national bird of Israel and was considered sacred by Ancient Egyptians centuries ago.
Scientific Classification of the Eurasian Hoopoe
The Eurasian hoopoe and Upupa epops are the common and scientific names of the selected species. The scientific name is rather descriptive as it includes the sounds that these birds make: a soft and repetitive “oop-oop-oop” (Animalia, n.d., para. 1). Another explanation is that the names are “derived from the French name for the birds, huppée, which means crested” (Animalia, n.d., para. 8). The Eurasian hoopoe belongs to the Chordata phylum and the Aves class. This bird has a distinctive appearance and cannot be confused with other species. However, some scientists believe that the African hoopoe is only a subspecies of the Eurasian hoopoe instead of a separate species, as these birds have few external differences.
Distinctive Features of the Hoopoe
Hoopoes are quite small, cinnamon-colored birds, and the color of males of the Eurasian species is less saturated. Their narrow, downcurved black bill is reminiscent of a woodpecker but is thinner and longer (Lederer, n.d.). The Eurasian hoopoe has white and black wings, which are rounded and broad, allowing these birds to take strong and extended flights. Moreover, according to zoologists, “the hoopoe has a characteristic undulating flight, which is like that of a giant butterfly, caused by the wings half-closing at the end of each beat or a short sequence of beats” (Animalia, n.d., para. 2). The representatives of this species have a tall crest that reminds an orange crown and a black tail with a white band across it.
Dietary Patterns of the Eurasian Hoopoe
It might be interesting to explore the dietary patterns of the selected species. According to researchers, the Eurasian hoopoe mostly has a carnivorous or, to be more specific, insectivorous diet (Animalia, n.d.). Lederer (n.d.) states that these birds most often eat different insects, but minor invertebrates, such as rodents, frogs, snakes, and lizards, can also be included in their diet. Moreover, Eurasian hoopoes can eat berries, seeds, and some plants. Interestingly, some hoopoes can engage in gaping, which is when they poke the ground with their closed bill and then open it to expose and capture the soil-dwelling food.
Habitat and Range of the Hoopoe
Regarding the birds’ habitat and range, the Eurasian hoopoe may be found in North Africa, Asia, and Europe. Many representatives of the species from Northern Asia and Europe migrate in winter to warmer areas. Habitats such as forest glades, grasslands, savannas, wooded steppes, and heathlands are the best for hoopoes because there is lightly vegetated ground and high places on which they nest (Animalia, n.d.).
Many hoopoes have somewhat funny and interesting behaviors: they sunbathe by “spreading out their wings and tail low against the ground and tilting their head up” (The National Parks, n.d., para. 5). They also like to preen often and take sand and dust bathes (The National Parks, n.d.). These birds are active primarily during the day and prefer finding food on the ground instead of in the air. The most obvious adaptation of the species is their long, thin, strong, and slightly curved bill, which helps the hoopoes to feed on the ground.
Offense and Defense Mechanisms
Eurasian hoopoes have interesting offense and defense patterns. For example, when hunting a larger animal, they beat the prey against a stone or the ground with their massive and strong wings to kill it and eliminate legs, wings, and other indigestible parts (The National Parks, n.d.). At the same time, since larger predators, especially cats, may target hoopoes, they need to protect themselves. This is often done by emitting oils and chemicals with a foul smell that discourages predators (Animalia, n.d.). These birds can also fight with each other, especially for territories or during the breeding season, and with predators.
Reproduction and Lifespan
Eurasian hoopoes are monogamous and breed with a single partner during a season. Female representatives can lay approximately twelve eggs at a time, one per day (Lederer, n.d.). After laying all of them, the bird incubates them for about sixteen days while male birds gather food. Chicks then achieve sexual maturity at several months, and the expected lifespan of Eurasian hoopoes is ten years. Lastly, it is essential to notice that this species is not endangered and is of the least concern because, in many countries, these birds are under strict protection.
Conclusion
To conclude, these birds are beautiful, defensive, strong, funny in their behavior, and viable. A hoopoe’s amazing orange crown has made it an object of myths and a symbol of numerous cultures. Spread among Asia, Europe, and North Africa, Eurasian hoopoes are mostly sedentary but may migrate to warmer places. They eat insects, small reptiles, and seeds, enjoy sunbathing, and discourage predators by emitting chemicals with a disgusting smell.
References
Animalia. (n.d.). Eurasian hoopoe. Web.
Lederer, R. (n.d.). The Eurasian hoopoe. Ornithology. Web.
The National Parks. (n.d.). Eurasian hoopoe. Web.