Wild Neighbors: Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops) On Our Portuguese Homestead
- Herman Kraut
- 7 days ago
- 5 min read
Common Name: Eurasian hoopoe
Scientific Name: Upupa epops
Animal Group: Bird
Status in Portugal: Native and resident
IUCN Status: Least Concern
Some neighbors announce themselves loudly. Others slip in quietly, leave a trace, and vanish before you even raise the camera. The Eurasian hoopoe firmly belongs to the second group.
We see hoopoes on our land throughout the year. In the heat of summer, they fly down into our deep granite stone well to drink. In winter and spring, they patrol our mowed pathways, walking slowly and deliberately, probing the soil with their long, curved bills. Compared to many other birds, they are extremely shy. Any sudden movement and they are gone, wings flashing black and white, crest folding away like a secret.
For homesteaders, the hoopoe matters. It feeds heavily on soil insects, prefers semi-open land managed without chemicals, and quietly signals that your ground still supports complex life below the surface.
If you enjoy understanding not just what you see on your land but why it behaves that way, the Recommended Books & Resources section at the end of this post offers excellent field guides and observation tools to deepen your wildlife literacy.
Quick Facts At A Glance
Characteristic | Information |
Common Name | Eurasian hoopoe |
Scientific Name | Upupa epops |
Size | 25–29 cm body length; wingspan 44–48 cm; ~50–80 g |
Activity Pattern | Diurnal |
Typical Diet | Insects, larvae, grubs, especially soil-dwelling species |
Predators (Portugal) | Birds of prey, snakes, domestic cats |
Predators (General) | Raptors, mammals, reptiles |
Preferred Habitat | Open woodland, orchards, pastures, gardens |
Human Risk Level | Very low |
Role On Our Homestead | Natural soil pest control and indicator species |
How To Recognize the Eurasian Hoopoe On A Mediterranean Homestead
Visual ID
The hoopoe is unmistakable once you get a clear look. It has warm cinnamon-brown plumage, bold black-and-white barred wings, and a long, slightly downcurved bill. The famous crest is usually folded flat but can fan open dramatically when the bird is excited or alarmed.
On the ground, hoopoes walk rather than hop. Their movement is steady, almost methodical. Juveniles look similar to adults but slightly duller, with shorter bills.
Sounds & Behavior
The call is one of the easiest ways to identify them. A soft but distinctive “hoo-poo, hoo-poo” carries surprisingly far, especially on still mornings. We often hear them long before we see them.
Behaviorally, hoopoes are cautious. On our land, they flush instantly when they notice movement, which explains why good photos are rare and usually a matter of luck rather than skill.
Tracks, Droppings & Other Signs
Tracks are subtle and rarely visible unless the soil is damp. Droppings are small, dark, and usually left near feeding areas or perches. Foraging signs are easier to spot: small probe holes in soil where Upupa epops has inserted its bill to extract larvae. As always, wash hands after handling soil or surfaces where birds feed.
Where the Eurasian Hoopoe Lives: Portugal and Beyond
In Portugal, the Eurasian hoopoe is widespread, especially in rural landscapes that combine open ground, scattered trees, and low human disturbance. It thrives in Mediterranean systems where soil life remains intact.
Globally, Upupa epops ranges across Europe, North Africa, and large parts of Asia. Some northern populations migrate, but in southern Europe many birds remain year-round.
On our homestead, sightings cluster around mowed paths, orchard edges, and the well, especially during dry periods when water access becomes critical.
What the Eurasian Hoopoe Eats (And What Eats the Eurasian Hoopoe)
Diet
Hoopoes specialize in ground foraging. Their long bill is perfectly adapted to probing soil for beetle larvae, grubs, ants, crickets, and other invertebrates. Seasonal variation exists, but insects dominate year-round.
We often see them working the same path repeatedly, suggesting a strong spatial memory of productive feeding zones.
Predators & Threats
In Portugal, hoopoes face natural predation from raptors and snakes. Human-related threats include habitat loss, pesticide use that reduces insect prey, and disturbance of nesting sites.
A unique defense occurs during nesting. Females and chicks produce a foul-smelling secretion that coats the nest and eggs. This smell deters predators and helps suppress harmful bacteria, a rare and fascinating adaptation.
Living With the Eurasian Hoopoe On An Off-Grid Homestead
Hoopoes are excellent neighbors. Their benefits are quiet but substantial.
Helpful roles:
Control of soil-dwelling insect populations
Indicator of healthy, living soil
Part of a balanced food web
Potential issues:
None worth worrying about. They do not damage crops or structures.
Practical coexistence strategies:
Avoid pesticides and soil sterilization
Maintain some open ground and short vegetation
Preserve old trees, dead wood, and natural cavities
Provide water access during dry summers
Coexistence with hoopoes is mostly about restraint. The less we interfere, the more likely they are to stay.
Herman’s Tough Kraut Field Notes: Wild Neighbors Edition – Upupa epops
Hoopoes raise a surprising number of questions once you start noticing them regularly. From whether Eurasian hoopoes (Upupa epops) pose any risk to gardens or buildings to how to support them without disturbing nesting or feeding behavior, this section addresses the most common troubleshooting questions we encounter on the homestead.
Q: Why are hoopoes so hard to photograph?
A: They are naturally cautious birds with excellent eyesight. Slow movement and distance help, but patience matters more than gear.
Q: Do hoopoes nest in bird boxes?
A: Rarely. They strongly prefer natural cavities like old tree holes, stone walls, or abandoned structures.
Q: Is the smell around hoopoe nests a problem?
A: It is noticeable up close but localized. It is a defensive adaptation, not a sanitation issue.
Q: Can I attract hoopoes deliberately?
A: Focus on soil health, insects, water, and habitat. Hoopoes arrive on their own terms.
Q: Are hoopoes aggressive?
A: No. They avoid conflict and rely on stealth and distance rather than confrontation.
Recommended Books and Resources
Books
Collins Bird Guide by Lars Svensson, Killian Mullarney & Dan Zetterström
The “spot it, name it, understand it” bible for European birds, perfect for turning a shy hoopoe glimpse into a confident ID.
Birds of the Iberian Peninsula by Eduardo de Juana & Ernest Garcia
A deeper Iberia-focused reference that helps you go beyond ID into range, habitats, and what’s actually normal for Portugal and Spain.
Where to Watch Birds in Portugal, the Azores & Madeira Archipelagos by Colm Moore, Gonçalo Elias & Helder Costa
A practical “go here at this time” site guide for planning real birding days (and finally catching that hoopoe on camera).
Tracks and Signs of the Animals and Birds of Britain and Europe by Lars-Henrik Olsen
Ideal for homesteaders who want to read the land like a diary, including feeding signs and ground activity when the bird itself vanishes.
Resources
Merlin Bird ID App (Free)
Excellent for confirming hoopoe calls when the bird stays hidden.
Nikon PROSTAFF P7 8x42 binoculars
Wide, steady viewing for cautious birds that flush fast, so you can observe details from a respectful distance.
iZEEKER Trail Camera with 940nm “no-glow” night vision
Set it near paths or the well to document visits without your movement spooking them (no-glow helps reduce visible IR).
Tough Kraut Resources
Explore our curated collection of field-tested books and tools that support wildlife-friendly, resilient homesteading in Mediterranean climates.
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