283 THE BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. ' 



Sub-order UPUP^. 

 Family UPUPID^. Hoopoes. 



The Hoopoes have an erectile crest, long slender curved bills 

 and a well-developed hind toe. 



Hoopoe. Upupa epops Linn. 



The history of the Hoopoe (Plate io8) as a British bird is a 

 long, disgraceful obituary. It is a striking and conspicuous 

 species which breeds throughout the greater part of Europe, 

 south of southern Sweden, in western Asia and north-western 

 Africa, and winters in southern Africa. Allied races are 

 recognised elsewhere in Asia and Africa. Not only is it a 

 passage migrant in spring and autumn, but it would be a 

 regular summer visitor to England if stupid and greedy 

 collectors and gunners would leave it alone. It has frequently 

 nested in southern counties, and without doubt would do so 

 again if permitted. To our knowledge it has been striving to 

 establish itself for two and a half centuries, and still in spite of 

 opposition continues its efforts. As a would-be settler, 

 wanderer or passage bird it has occurred in all parts of the 

 British Isles, and though most frequent in the south and east, 

 is by no means unusual in the west ; indeed the list of 

 " specimens " in any western county is shockingly lengthy. 



The large, black-tipped erectile crest, when elevated like the 

 head-gear of an American Indian, and the conspicuous barring 

 of the back and wings, together with its almost stupid tame- 

 ness, render the Hoopoe not only too easy to see, but far too 

 easy to shoot. Its flight is slow and undulating ; its gait 

 similar to that of the Starling, with whom it freely consorts, 

 its head bobbing to and fro as it walks. The food consists of 

 insects of various kinds, worms, centipedes and woodlice, and 



