An Encounter with the Eurasian Hoopoe at the Dubai Creek Park

 

The Hoopoe is also called the Hudhud

The Hoopoe displays a distinct crown of feathers 

Notice the distinct black and white zebra pattern on its wings

The long, downward curve bill is mainly use for foraging

The Hoopoe is a solitary forager which feeds directly on the ground

Striding on the park grounds in search for food

Morning has broken, the sun was beginning to fill the sky with its radiance, the grass was still moist on the grounds of the Dubai Creek Park but the birds were already out-and-about. High upon the tree branches you could hear the chirping and squawking of different bird species. It was not the chirping and squawking birds that caught my attention during this expedition, but it was the awesome solitary forager, with its grandiose crest and zebra stripes, the Hoopoe or Hudhud.          

The Eurasian Hoopoe Bird or Hudhud (Upupa epops)

The hoopoe got its name from the sound of the cry of the bird. 

The Eurasian Hoopoe is pinkish-brown in color, with striking black and white, zebra pattern wings, a long, down- curved beak or bill and a long pinkish-brown crest with dark brown markings.  This grandiose crest is raised when the bird is excited. 

Distribution of the Eurasian Hoopoe 

This majestic bird is found in Europe, Asia, North Africa, Northern Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East.  \

Biodynamics Notes

Hoopoes or Hudhuds are solitary foragers and feeds directly on open ground. It strides thru open ground and probes the ground with its long, down curved bill. Insect larvae and pupae are detected by their bill which can be directly extracted or dug further from the soil with the aid of its strong feet. They can also locate insects on the surface of piles of leaves, on stones and the bark of trees.  

The Hoopoes can scoop insects and beat them on hard, rough surfaces to remove the undigestible parts like wings, legs and other insect parts. 

There diet is composed mainly of insects, small reptiles and frogs, and sometimes seeds and berries. 

Hoopoes are monogamous, with this bond lasting only for a breeding season. The female bird stays with the eggs inside their tree hole nest while the male forages for food. The brooding female produces a foul smelling secretion that resembles rotting meat which deters predators. (Stinky nest defense mechanism).

The males are territorial. They are observed to stab rival birds with their long bills. They can joust in mid-air which may result in the blinding of their opponent. (That is some serious rivalry!) 

These majestic birds are truly awesome! 

Awesome creatures! Awesome CREATOR! 

(This feature on the magnificent Hoopoe bird is specially dedicated to my lovely, graceful, smart and ever supportive collaborator and daughter, Odette, who is celebrating her birthday on July 12th. Happy happy birthday awesome young lady!)