Common Hoopoe

A fawn coloured bird with black and white zebra markings on back, wings and tail. A fan shaped crest and long, slender, gently curved beak. Usually on the ground. Probes the soil for food with beak slightly opened like forceps. When digging the crest is folded back and is pointed behind the head. It is opened from time to time. The call is a soft musical hoo-po. Eats insects, grubs and pupae so is beneficial for farmers.The nest is filthy in a natural tree hollow, known for the stench.