HOOPOES. 



489 



The Hoopoes are easily recognised from the double range of 

 plumes which form an arched crest on their head, which they 

 have the power of raising at pleasure. These feathers are, in 

 the Common Hoopoe, of a ruddy buff colour, tipped with black. 

 They are solitary birds, living by preference in low grounds 

 and humid places, where they prey on the worms, insects, and 

 terrestrial mollusks. They are migratory, and are occasionally 



Fig. 204. Hoopoes ( Upupa epops, Linn.). 



found in the British Islands in autumn : instances have occurred 

 of their breeding there. They take their departure for warmer 

 regions in September. They have a light and graceful walk, and 

 nearly pass their existence on the ground, rarely perching, and 

 flying with visible effort. They have no song, and only utter 

 two notes, which may be rendered by the syllables zi, zi; houp, 



