HOOPOE 



431 



neck are of a golden-buff — the former adorned by the crest already 

 mentioned, which begins to rise from the forehead and consists of 

 broad feathers, gradually increasing in length, tipped Avith black, 

 and having a subterniinal bar of yellowish-white. The upper part 

 of the back is of a vinous-grey, and the scapulars and flight-featliers 

 are black, broadly barred with white, tinged in the former with 

 buff. The tail is black Avith a white chevron, marking off about 

 the distal third part of its length. The legs and feet are as well 

 adapted for running or walking as for perching, and the scutella- 

 tions are continued round the whole of the tarsi. Chiefly on account 

 of this character, which is also possessed by the Larks, Sundevall 





Hoopoe. 



{Tentamen, pp. 53-55) united the Ujnipulai and Alaudidx in the 

 same " cohors," Holaspideai. Comparative anatom}^, however, for- 

 bids its being taken to signify any real affinity between these 

 groups, and the resemblance on this point, which is b}^ no means 

 so striking as that displayed by the form of the bill and the colora- 

 tion in certain Larks (of the genus Certhilauda, for instance), must 

 be ascribed to analogy merely, though at present no explanation of 

 the why and the wherefore can be offered. 



Pleasing as is the appearance of the Hoopoe as it fearlessly 

 parades its showy plumage, its habits are much the reverse. All 

 observers agree in stating that it delights to find its food among 

 filth of the most abominable description, and this especially in its 

 winter-quarters. But where it breeds, its nest, usually in the hole 



