The hoopoe is an exotic looking bird that is the size of a mistle thrush. It has a pinkish-brown body, striking black and white wings, a long black downcurved bill, and a long pinkish-brown crest which it raises when excited. It does not breed in the UK, but as many as 100 birds can turn up in spring (mostly seen as single birds) as birds migrating north to Europe from Africa overshoot and land on the south coast of England.
Latin name
Upupa epops
Family
Hoopoe (Upupidae)
Where to see them
The best chance of seeing one is during spring migration along the south coast and not far inland, but birds have turned up as far north as Shetland.
When to see them
Most birds turn up in late April and May.
What they eat
Insects and spiders.
Population
| Europe | UK breeding* | UK wintering* | UK passage* | | - | Occasionally breeds | - | 100 birds |