Hoopoe
The number of species is also estimated to range between five and ten. Its range extends across all continents. However, the hoopoe prefers dry, warm, and open areas with sparse vegetation.
Characteristic features of Hoopoes
Even the number of species varies between five and ten. Their range extends to all continents. However, the Hoopoe prefers dry, warm and open areas with little vegetation. Hoopoes are on average 28 cm tall. Characteristic is the approximately 5 cm large feather crest. They also have a long, curved beak, with plumage usually patterned in black and white with rust-brown tones. The Hoopoe feeds almost exclusively on insects and finds its food on the ground. Sometimes, however, the Hoopoe also raids the nests of other birds to expand its diet. The Hoopoe prefers to build its nests in tree hollows, but also in rocks.
In doing so, the Hoopoe prefers higher altitudes, but sometimes also breeds in earth holes. To protect their own nests, Hoopoes often secrete a strongly smelling secretion when in danger, which is produced in the so-called uropygial gland.
Population of Hoopoes
The population of Hoopoes has declined sharply over the last 50 years and in the Netherlands, Luxembourg and Belgium the Hoopoe is now extinct. In the United Kingdom and Sweden, a small population of Hoopoes seems to have re-established itself. But even in the other European countries, the situation is not better, because in most countries the Hoopoe – including in Germany – is on the Red Lists of endangered species.
