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THE HOOPOE. 
I]sr the Plume Birds the nostrils are partly covered with a number of velvet-like plumes, 
but in the Hoopoes they are protected by a membranous scale. The bill is long, curved, 
pointed at the tip, and keeled at the base. The crown of the head is surmounted by a tuft of 
feathers which can be raised or depressed at will. The wings are rather long, the first quill 
being short, and the fourth the longest, and the tail is composed of ten feathers of nearly 
equal length. 
The common Hoopoe enjoys a very wide range of country, being found in Northern 
Africa, where its principal home is generally stationed, in several parts of Asia, and nearly 
the whole of Europe. On account of its very striking and remarkable form, it has attracted 
much notice, and has been the subject of innumerable legends and strange tales, nearly all of 
which relate to its feathery crest. One of the Oriental legends is worthy of notice inasmuch 
as it contains a moral exclusive of the interest of the story. 
It is related that Solomon was once journeying across the desert and was fainting with 
heat, when a large flock of Hoopoes came to his assistance, and by flying between the sun and 
the monarch formed an impenetrable cloud with their wings and bodies. Grateful for their 
ready help, Solomon asked the birds what reward they would choose in return for their 
HOOPOE .— Upupa epops. 
services. After some consultation among themselves, the Hoopoes answered that they would 
like each bird to be decorated with a golden crown ; and, in spite of Solomon’s advice, they 
persisted in their request, and received their crowns accordingly. For a few days they were 
justly proud of their golden decoration, and strutted among the less favored birds with great 
