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 with black, 
and having a subterminal bar of yellowish-white. The upper part 
of the back is of a vinous-grey, and the scapulars and flight-feathers 
are black, broadly barred with white, tinged in the former with 
buff. The tail is black with 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 
Hoopor 
(Tentamen, pp. 53-55) united the Upupide and Alaudidx in the 
same “cohors,” Holaspidex. Comparative anatomy, however, for- 
bids its being taken to signify any real affinity between these 
groups, and the resemblance on this point, which is by 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 
