African hoopoe

Introduction: The African hoopoe (Upupa africana) can be seen in an open woodland habitat with a short-grass undergrowth. Other areas include gardens orchards and plantations. They are usually in pairs or singly. A defence feature of this species is to freeze, that is to lie on the ground with a flattened crest, whilst looking up with the bill, also pointing to the sky. They sometimes dustbathe and when disturbed will flutter away with a 'moth-like' flight.

Distribution: Widely throughout Namibia but absent from most of the southern Namib Desert and dry Karoo regions.

Diet: Mainly large insects.

Description: Distinctive fan-shaped crest is the most recognizable feature as well as squirting a foul-smelling liquid excrement when disturbed. Long de-curved bill.

Breeding: Between 4 and 7 eggs are laid between August and February with an incubation period of 15 to 16 days. Snakes including the Cape cobra are a threat to nests.

Size: 26cm.

Weight: 57g.