THE HOOPOE. 25 



longer bill thicker at base ; U. e. somalensis (north-east Africa) 

 is pinker on mantle and breast and has no white on crest-feathers ; 

 U. e. africana (south Africa) is deep pink, has no white on primaries 

 and more on secondaries ; U. e. marginata (Madagascar) has narrow 

 white band on tail ; U . e. indica (southern India and China) is 

 much like somalensis but paler on under -parts and greyer on 

 mantle ; U. e. ceylonensis (Ceylon) is much like last but smaller. 

 Black and white wings and tail, long curved bill and long crest 

 distinguish the species. 



Field -characters. — When flying, wings barred with black and 

 weak fluttering flight with rounded wings are sufficient to dis- 

 tinguish this species. Note, " Oo-poo-poo, Oo-poo-pco," is quite 

 unlike that of any Passerine bird. When at rest long curving crest 

 is depressed, but still noticeable, and when raised black tipped 

 orange-tawny crest, disproportionately large, is quite unmistak- 

 able. (F.C.R.J.) 



Breeding-habits. — Nesting-sites variable ; frequently in hole of 

 tree (especially willows and olives), but also in loose stone-walls, 

 heaps of stones, crevices in buildings, and even in drains and nesting- 

 boxes. Nest. — Sometimes a few bits of straw, feathers, etc., and 

 frequently excrement of some kind is added, so that site becomes 

 very offensive as faeces are not removed. Eggs . — 5 to 7 as a rule, 

 occasionally 8 to 10, and 12 once recorded, dull greenish-blue to 

 whitish-grey or yellowish-olive, but often nest stained more or 

 less. Average of 100 eggs, 25.9 X 17.8 mm. Max. : 29.3 X 19 and 

 28.3 X 19.2. Min. : 23.1 X 17.3 and 25.7 X 16.6. Breeding- 

 season. — End April to early May in south Europe ; May and June 

 in middle Europe. Incubation. — By hen only. Probably single 

 brooded. 



Food. — Chiefly insects and their larva? : coleoptera (Scarabceus, 

 Bembidium, Aphodius, etc., and their larvae : larvae of Melolontha) ; 

 orthoptera (larval stages of locusts and grasshoppers, also Forficula) ; 

 lepidoptera (larvae of Noctuae, Zygcena, etc.) ; also diptera and 

 hymenoptera (ants). Spiders, centipedes (including very large 

 tropical species), woodlice and earthworms also recorded. 



Distribution. — England and Wales. — Passage -mi grant, regular in 

 spring (beginning April to end May) but less frequent in autumn 

 (early Aug. to mid-Nov.) on south and south-east coasts England. 

 North of Thames on east coast frequent, but less regular ; elsewhere 

 a vagrant, rare in north Wales, midlands and north-west England. 

 Has nested from time to time in all south coastal counties (perhaps 

 most frequently Hants.) as well as Surrey, Wilts, and Bucks. 

 As vagrant has occurred in all other months of year, even in winter 

 in north. Scotland. — Vagrant. Has occurred in most parts, 

 including I. and 0. Hebrides, Orknevs, Fair Isle, and Shetlands. 



