Hoopoe (Upupa epops)

The hoopoe is an exotic-looking bird with broad black-and-white-striped wings. It is a regular summer visitor to Europe. The hoopoe is a common sight in southern Europe, living in tree-filled open country and in olive groves, vineyards, and orchards. It often chooses a breeding site near human habitation. It winters in Africa in the open bush. An adult hoopoe on the ground reacts to a bird of prey flying overhead by taking a defensive pose, the bird flattens itself against the ground with its wings and tail feathers spread out to their fullest and its head and bill pointing upward. The ancient Egyptians held the hoopoe in high regard and created a hieroglyph (picture script) based on its crested head. Medieval writers mention the hoopoe in connection with magic and the supernatural and recommended using parts of its body in potions to aid memory. One popular legend tells how hoopoes were killed for their crests, which were originally made of gold. The birds asked King Solomon for help, and were granted crests of feathers instead of gold. Hoopoes have been spotted as far north as Iceland in summer, but they do not breed in such cold climates.

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