Hoopoe

🔍 Overview

A colourful spring overshoot from southern Europe. Seen annually in Sussex, often in gardens or open grassland.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Pinkish-orange body

Striking black-and-white wings

Large crest often raised in display

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Favours golf courses, lawns, and grazed fields. Sightings from Brighton, Chichester, Beachy Head, and Ashdown Forest are regular between March and May, with a few in autumn.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Soft “hoo-poo” call, though often silent in the UK. Feeds by probing soil and may be surprisingly tame.