The Hoopoe is a familiar bird in our area although sometimes mistakenly called a woodpecker. It does not bore holes or search tree bark for food but rather uses its long curved bill to probe for invertebrates in the ground. It will also eat small reptiles and rodents.

Passage birds frequently occur in small, scattered parties in open, often marshy country. Generally though the Hoopoe has a distinct preference for short grass and is found on lawns of all sizes and in open grassy woodland. It also likes dirt tracks, manure heaps and feeds in villages, often around the stacks of drying dung. Hoopoes nest from March to August in holes, usually in trees, fence posts or buildings. It is well-adapted to urban life and individuals have a regular beat on which they tour various garden lawns.

Although a striking bird, it is readily overlooked as it moves over the ground with a rather nervous-looking, rapid gait and the body held low. Sometimes it is so engrossed in feeding it allows close approach. But when it is flushed it is obvious, with its broad black and white barred wings and a characteristic bounding flight in which the wings are closed between beats. The striking crest is usually held closed but is opened in display or when the bird is alarmed.  Hoopoes occur across Europe and Asia at lower latitudes and most populations migrate southwards in winter.