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About the African Hoopoe
The African hoopoe is a striking ground-foraging bird recognised by its long narrow bill, orange-brown plumage, black-and-white barred wings and tail, and prominent erectile crest. It occurs in woodland, savanna, grassland, gardens and other open habitats with suitable feeding areas. It uses its long bill to probe soil and leaf litter for insects, larvae, worms and other invertebrates, occasionally taking small reptiles and other prey. It is usually encountered alone or in pairs.
How to identify the African Hoopoe
Medium-sized bird with a long, narrow down-curved bill, prominent crest and distinctive black-and-white wing pattern. The body is mainly cinnamon-brown to orange-brown, with black-and-white barring across the wings and tail.
Did you know?
African Hoopoes use their long bills to probe soil and leaf litter for hidden insects, making them particularly effective hunters of prey that is not visible from the surface.
Also known as: Hoopoe, Afrika-Hoephoep, Hoephoep
Parks where you can see the African Hoopoe
Recent African Hoopoe sightings
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