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Today on animal fact files we're talking about hoopoes. We're bonkers about birds here, subscribe if you are too! Hoopoes are named after their calls. Here’s what a hoopoe sounds like… Can you hear the “hoopoe” in the call? Previously the hoopoe was classified as a single species, but new evidence has led to the reclassification of the genus and there are now three living species of hoopoes: African hoopoes, Madagascan hoopoes, and Euraisan hoopoes. Based on those names it’s probably unsurprising that hoopoes are found in Africa, Asia, and Europe. There have also been rare sightings of them in Alaska, however, these are likely wayward individuals and aren’t representative of the species as a whole. Hoopoes are woodland birds, but generally don’t like densely wooded areas, though Madagacan hoopoes can tolerate more foliage than the other two species. Hoopoes will also take advantage of man made gardens and utilize non-native tree species. They enjoy open areas with sparse vegetation for foraging. Hoopoes usually eat from the ground and enjoy crickets, butterfly larvae, and other arthropods as well as the occasional fruit, small reptile, or small mammal. Food is exceptionally important for breeding because males will offer up food to entice females when they aren’t making calls to draw them in.

Hoopoes are monogamous for a breeding season. The breeding season typically occurs in September through December, though it can change based on the hoopoe’s location. Some may migrate to breeding grounds will others will remain residents year round. Hoopoes build their nests inside tree hollows and in small rock caverns in cliffsides or reuse tree holes that were previously made by other animals, usually by woodpeckers. This aspect makes them vulnerable to tree removal by people and this can be a contributing factor to their population declines, though they are still currently listed as least concern on the IUCN. The female hoopoe incubates the eggs during the two weeks before the eggs hatch and the male feeds her. Once the babies hatch, it takes about a month for them to leave the nest, but during their time there they are afforded some protections. Hoopoe chicks will actually send out sprays of well aimed poop projectiles on predators trying to reach them. They’ll also let out vocalizations to confuse predators and warn them away from the nest. The mother hoopoe also rubs a foul smelling oil on the chicks to help prevent disease and to act as an antibiotic. When all these measures don't keep them safe, hoopoes are eaten by birds of prey, but if they stay safe they can live a decade.

Hoopoes are distinct with their call, but they also come equipped with a fancy and distinct crest of head feathers, kind of like the peafowls we’ve talked about previously. There are about 28 feathers in a hoopoe’s head crest and the feathers will raise when the hoopoe is excited. Sometimes the raised head feathers can look intimidating, too. Hoopoes are known for taking a position on the ground where their wings are spread, their head feathers are raised, and their head is bent back over their shoulders. Previously this was thought to be some sort of intimidation tactic, though now it’s widely accepted as hoopoe sunbathing, though it likely has nothing to do with getting that tan glow for the summer. Hoopoes also take dust baths, probably to help rid their skin and feathers of parasites. Considering they make themselves stinky in order to combat bacteria, it’s unsurprising these birds would invest in another means of keeping out unwanted visitors. In size hoopoes have about a one and a half foot (45.7 centimeters) wingspan and they weigh about two ounces (57 grams).

For more facts on hoopoes, check out the links in the description. Give a thumbs up if you learned something new today, and thank you for watching Animal Fact Files.