African Hoopoe

The African hoopoe, Upupa africana, is a striking bird with a sizeable range of 25 to 29 cm in length, a wingspan of 44 to 48 cm, and a weight between 38 and 67 grams. Its most notable feature is the chestnut crest with black tips, which it raises when alarmed. The male is resplendent in full chestnut, while the female sports a grayer hue. Both sexes exhibit distinctive black and white stripes on their wings and tail, creating a V-shaped pattern on their backs. The juvenile resembles the female but has a notably shorter beak.

Identification Tips

In flight, the African hoopoe can be identified by its unique wingbeat pattern: four to five flaps followed by a pause, during which the body dips slightly. The underside reveals the same black and white striping seen when the bird is perched. The species is differentiated from its Eurasian counterpart by its deeper rufous plumage, as opposed to the pale sandy buff of the latter.

Habitat

The African hoopoe favors open and bushy landscapes, including thornveld and riverine woodlands in arid regions. It is also found in broadleaf forests and savannahs.

Distribution

This bird is native to southern Africa, ranging from the Central Democratic Republic of Congo to central Kenya, and southward to the Cape of Good Hope. It is a resident species, though it may undertake short-distance movements.

Behaviour

The African hoopoe's behavior is similar to that of the Eurasian hoopoe, though it has adapted to a different ecological niche. Raptors such as hawks and eagles pose the greatest predatory threat to this species.

Song & Calls

The male African hoopoe's call is a distinctive "oop-oop" or "oop-oop-oop," often used during mating season. Additional vocalizations include a "swizzling" sound and other calls like "rattle" and "huk" when disturbed. During courtship, males may also produce a "choorie, choorie, choorie" sound when presenting food to females.

Breeding

The African hoopoe is monogamous, with breeding commencing in mid-April. Nesting occurs in pre-existing holes, with clutches of four to seven blue-green eggs. Incubation is solely the female's responsibility, and chicks fledge after 26 to 32 days. The species is known to be double-brooded.

Similar Species

The African hoopoe can be confused with the Eurasian hoopoe, but the former's deeper rufous plumage sets it apart.

Diet and Feeding

The diet consists mainly of insects such as beetles, earwigs, and orthopterans, along with small reptiles, worms, slugs, and occasionally seeds and berries. The long beak is used to probe the soil for prey.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of the African hoopoe is not explicitly mentioned, but the lack of concern suggests it may not be currently at risk.