What is blue-crested hoopoe?

The blue-crested hoopoe, also known as the Eurasian hoopoe, is a colorful bird species found across parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia.

It is a medium-sized bird, measuring around 25-30 cm in length, with distinguishable features such as its long, curved beak and vividly colored plumage. The feathers on its head are a mix of blue, purple, and brown, while the wings are black and white with a distinctive stripe pattern.

Blue-crested hoopoes are predominantly insectivorous, feeding on insects, grubs, and other small invertebrates found in soil or tree bark. They are also known to use their long beaks to probe into holes in the ground or trees to find food. They are solitary birds, although they may form small flocks during the non-breeding season.

Their breeding season lasts from early spring to mid-summer, during which the male performs elaborate displays of head-bobbing and wing-folding to attract a mate. The female then constructs a nest in a tree cavity or other hidden area, laying a clutch of 4-6 eggs.

The blue-crested hoopoe is classified as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN, as it is relatively widespread and has a large population. However, it is threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and hunting, particularly in some parts of Asia.