The hoopoe
The hoopoe
The hoopoe
Upupa - Eurasian Hoopoe - Upopa epops (LINAEUS 1758)
Even though there were only a few sightings of the hoopoe on Giglio last year, it is one of the most conspicuous birds in the entire Mediterranean region. Its plumage is mostly orange and the wings are black and white striped, which is particularly striking in flight. The characteristic crest can be erected or put on.
With a size of 26 to 28 cm and a wingspan of 42 to 46 cm, it is slightly smaller than a green woodpecker.
The hoopoe belongs to the thermophilic bird species such as the bee-eater and European Roller and was widespread as a breeding bird as far as Denmark and England in the last century. There are still a few breeding pairs in northern Central Europe, but the European population is concentrated in the Mediterranean region.
Hoopoes overwinter south of the Sahara and leave their breeding grounds in July. They are loyal to their breeding sites. They favour open pine forests, vineyards and orchards with partially uncovered meadows, as these are ideal areas for insect hunting. To do this, the hoopoe runs around to flush out insects or searches for its prey under stones.
In addition to its unusual appearance, the hoopoe's typical three-syllable "ub-ub-ub" song is very conspicuous and can be heard from afar.
Sources:
BAUER, H.-G.; BEZZEL, E.; FIEDLER, W. (2005): Das Kompendium der Vögel Mitteleuropas. 2nd edition. Aula-Verlag, Wiebelsheim.
SVENSSON, L.; GRANT, P. J.; MULLARNEY, K.; ZETTERSTRÖM, D. (2018): The Kosmos bird guide. Franckh-Kosmos-Verlags-GmbH & Co KG, Stuttgart.