The hoopoes (family Upupidae) are a family of birds belonging to the order Coraciiformes distributed across the Old World. These birds mostly forage on the ground, where they probe for caterpillars and pupae with their long curved-down slender bill. They nest in holes of vertical structures, including trees and buildings. Their black-and-white wing pattern, large crest and butterfly-like flight pattern are some features of the family.
The family comprises 2 extant species in 1 genus. Genus Upupa includes a migratory species well distributed across the Old World, with the African population being resident and showing somewhat distinct features, and a second species endemic to Madagascar. A third one, St Helena hoopoe (Upupa antaios) was a giant, possibly flightless species endemic to St Helena Island in the Atlantic Ocean which got extinct in the 16th Century.
Juveniles in Safa Park, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 5 Jul 2024
Common hoopoe
Upupa epops
An emblematic inhabitant of gardens and open woodland across the Old World. This species breeds and is an increasing resident in Alicante. I have also seen it in India and UAE, plus the distinct, sedentary ‘African‘ africana form in Kenya.
Lake Ravelobe in Ankarafantsika National Park, Madagascar, 7 Dec 2023
Madagascar hoopoe
Upupa marginata
Endemic to the tropical forests of Madagascar. This species seems to depend on primary habitats more than hoopoes elsewhere. I have seen this species in the understory of Ankarafantsika in Madagascar.
