African Hoopoe

Common resident. The crest is normally held down, but raised briefly when the bird settles or when alarmed. Female and immature paler than male. Has an undulating, butterfly-like flight; black-and-white wings then conspicuous. Male shows white flashes on inner wings formed by white secondaries. In female, the secondaries are barred with black. The call is ‘hoop-hoop, hoop-hoop-hoop’ frequently repeated; also a harsh ‘kwarrr’ when alarmed. Fledglings call ‘sweet, sweet’. Occurs singly or in pairs in any open woodland, bushveld, parks and gardens. Walks about probing the ground with its bill. Seasonal fluctuations occur in some regions. Breeds in existing cavities in trees, or any other protected hole in buildings, cliffs or even the ground.