622 
BIRD-LIFE. 
Our friend, the Hoopoe, cannot be mistaken for any 
other one of our native birds. The prevailing colour of 
its plumage is a yellowish red, darker on the back than 
on the under parts; the back and tail are black, barred 
with white and yellowish bands, and the head is sur¬ 
mounted with a beautiful crest. This is a full and 
sufficient description of the bird: it measures from ten 
and a half to eleven inches in length, while the spread 
of its wings is from nineteen to twenty inches; the beak 
is attenuated and curved, and often measures over two 
inches in length. 
Our Hoopoe, though not rich in kith or kin, inhabits a 
wide range. It is found in almost every part of Europe, 
and occurs over a large portion of Asia, while in the whole 
of Northern Africa it is a very common bird. It reaches 
us by the end of March, leaving again in August, on 
which account it is often called “ Cuckoo’s-herald,” that 
is to say, the Cuckoo’s forerunner. It frequents thinly- 
wooded districts, pastures, and waste lands, showing a 
decided preference for fields where cattle graze, and there 
is plenty of dung lying about: it is always to be met with, 
in suitable localities, near large herds of oxen. Here the 
Hoopoe occupies itself busily in foraging for beetles and 
other insects amongst the dung, which form its principal 
food. 
This bird is easily recognized at a distance by its 
bright colours, and also on account of its singular 
appearance and curious behaviour. In the East it is 
indifferent to the approach of man, but with us it is 
somewhat shy and difficult to get near: its timidity 
is so great that it mistrusts all other animals; a 
passing Swallow, even, will scare it; and if a Pigeon 
approaches it will fly off to the top of the nearest tree. 
