Hoopoe
Scientific Name: Upupa epopsMaltese Name: Daqquqa tat-Toppu
Family: Upupidae (Hoopoe)
Occurence: Regular
Breeds in Malta: No
Overview:
The Hoopoe is a striking bird and one of the most colorful birds in Europe. It has an orange body with black and white striped wings. Has a long bill which is slightly curved and has also a beautiful crest. It usually fans its crest out when it is alert or just after it settles on the ground after flying. Its flight is like one of a butterfly. Often it catches the eye of the observer when it flies quickly low over the ground after it is flushed or disturbed by someone. The Hoopoe mainly feeds on insects, beetles and even frogs as it forages the ground. Keeps a distance from man but some birds can be quite approachable. Often is overlooked as it spends most of its time on the ground often hidden in grass. It breeds in holes found in trees or walls.
Status:
Regular spring and autumn migrant, larger numbers are recorded in spring. Usually seen solitary but one site can hold many individuals on a good day of migration.
When to See:
Spring; Some migrants appear as early as February. Mostly seen from mid-March till mid-April. Some birds recorded later on until May. In autumn recorded from August till September.
Where to See:
A bird of open countryside, garrigue and also woodlands. Good places include Comino, Ta' Cenc, Foresta 2000, Buskett and more. Sometimes also seen coming in from sea during migration, example form Qawra.
Photographs:
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Hoopoe, Majjistral Natural Park |
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| Hoopoe, Simar Nature Reserve | Hoopoe, Simar Nature Reserve |
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Hoopoe, Simar Nature Reserve |
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| Hoopoe in flight, Majjistral Natural Park | Hoopoe in flight, Majjistral Natural Park |
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