The hoopoe on Tenerife is a real treat, especially since this bird is almost nonexistent in the UK. On Tenerife, this winged flyer is permanently present, making it frequently spotted and photographed.
This is noticeable on social media, where pictures of the hoopoe often appear with inquiries about the name of this winged creature. The hoopoe (Upupa epops) is easily identifiable by its reddish-brown feathers, the crest that rises in excitement, and its long, slender beak.
On Tenerife, nature in all its glory is present and perfectly suited for this black-beige bird. This particular bird, called abubilla in Tenerife, continually surprises even the most seasoned nature enthusiast. The hoopoe is not just any bird; it’s a symbol of the rich biodiversity that Tenerife, and by extension the Canary archipelago, hosts.
In the UK, the hoopoe has become a rarity, a near-mythical sight reminiscent of times when nature was still pristine. But on Tenerife, the hoopoe thrives along the vast coastlines and in the green forests.
Colorful Character
The hoopoe is unmistakable with its striking plumage. Its long, black beak gracefully curves downward, as if it could touch the earth at any moment. But the most remarkable feature is undoubtedly the beautiful crest, which opens like a fan when the animal becomes excited. The crest is adorned with black and white stripes, a unique spectacle in the bird world. The warm, rust-red color of its body, decorated with black and white bands on the wings and tail, makes the hoopoe a conspicuous presence in Tenerife’s nature.
Flight
The hoopoe is a ground dweller; it forages among low shrubs and in open fields in search of food. Its diet consists mainly of insects, which it deftly picks out of the ground with its long beak. It’s a fascinating sight, the hoopoe, seemingly in a meditative trance as it gathers its meal. Yet, the hoopoe is not bound to the earth. With powerful wingbeats, it takes to the air, its flight a play of undulating movements, showcasing its dominion over both land and air.
Unique Call
The hoopoe is often associated with the arrival of spring. When the first individuals are spotted on Tenerife, it’s known that the season of renewal has arrived. The sound of the hoopoe is as unique as its appearance. A soft, distant call that sounds like ‘oop-oop-oop’ carries far over the mountain flanks and through the forests. It’s a call that breaks the silence of nature and announces the presence of this magnificent creature.
Cherishing
The hoopoe on Tenerife is more than just a bird. It is an emblem of the island’s natural wealth and reminds us of the wonders our world has to offer. For those fortunate enough to observe it, the hoopoe provides a moment of pure wonder and connection with nature. This beautiful bird, also called the ‘rockabilly of birds’, possesses unique characteristics and behaviors. It highlights the diversity of life on Tenerife and calls on us to cherish and preserve our natural environment.
Habitat
The hoopoe is primarily found in temperate and subtropical regions of Europe and resides in open forests and grass steppes to coastal areas and desert-like environments. The Iberian Peninsula is by far the most important breeding ground. They overwinter in Southern Europe and Africa. The specimens on the Canary Islands forage throughout the year on the islands.
More TRIVIA can be read [HERE]
Unknown © Photography
The hoopoe on Tenerife ©
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