Hoopoes In The Limousin

Scientific Name : Upupa epops

Common Names :
English : Hoopoe
French : Huppe puput
German : Wiedehopf
Dutch : Hop

Appearance : Unmistakable. About the same size as a Jay but slimmer. Pinkish-brown plumage with boldly barred black and white wings and tail. Long black-tipped erectile crest raised when excited, and long down-curved beak used for probing for insects. Flight is lazy and undulating, with distinctive ‘butterfly’ wing action. Most likely to be seen feeding in open grass, probing for invertebrates.

Distribution : Arrives in our region towards the end of March and occurs in open woodlands, villages, orchards, parklands and open bushy country. Widespread in Europe, the Hoopoe is sparsely distributed throughout. They can be heard singing their characteristic song of 3 or 4 notes “poo, poo, poo” uttered from tree-top or roof-top during late March, April and June. French population estimated at 100,000 pairs in 1976. Winters in sub-Saharan Africa. Rarely seen in UK, but has been known to breed.

Nesting : Nests in holes trees or walls, and sometimes in nest-boxes. Lays 5-10 eggs. Incubation 15-16 days by female alone who is fed by male. Fledging period 26-29 days.

Status : General decline in numbers in recent years, possibly due to loss of nest sites such a ancient buildings and old trees.