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HoopoeSize: 25-32 cm; wing span 44-48 cm Weight: 46-89 g |
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Taxonomy, classification |
See Hoopoe
at Wikipedia 
.
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Sightings |
A Hoopoe was spotted by us regularly on the campus of Sultan Qaboos University in the timeframe September 2009 to January 2010.
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Photos |
Relaxed Hoopoe
Hoopoe wondering "What is that human with the big dark eye doing
there?"
Here a lateral view of a Hoopoe displaying its characteristic plumage
Hoopoe in need a bit of preening...
...and some more...
...but no amount of preening will help when half the Hoopoe's crest
has fallen out
Dorsal view of a Hoopoe's stripe pattern
Here a wing stretch Hoopoe style
... and the same exercise seen from behind
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Behaviour |
While foraging, Hoopoes prefer to run from place to place, rather than fly short distances.
Frontal view of a Hoopoe running from one shady place to another
The Common Myna in the photo below tried to hustle the Hoopoe, but with little effect. The Hoopoe showed who is the tallest (with crest) and that settled the issue.
OK, Buddy, that's close enough! Hoopoe warning a
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Food |
Hoopoes feed on small animals they dig out of the soil with their long, pointed bills.
