BLACK, white and orange all over, the Eurasian hoopoe is an unmistakable sight. Its zebra-like wing markings are particularly recognisable when in flight, delighting birdwatchers across Europe, Asia and North Africa.
The bird’s colourful crest of feathers also adds to its distinctive appearance. These feathers are usually closed but are often raised, as in this photo, just after landing. It is the most widespread of three living hoopoe species – the other two being the Madagascan and African hoopoes – and has a recognisable whooping call.
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Favouring grassy open areas such as heaths and farmland, the Eurasian hoopoe (Upupa epops) feeds on the ground, using its long bill to probe underground for insects or to pick its prey off the surface.
Uniquely among birds, nesting female Eurasian hoopoes coat their eggs with a dark, foul-smelling secretion, which is thought to protect the developing embryos from infection and increase the likelihood that chicks will hatch successfully.
This image was taken by Finnish photographer Sanna Kannisto, whose exhibition Observing Eye is showing at the Helsinki Contemporary in Finland from 5 April. Kannisto’s images and videos of birds highlight issues relating to environmental conservation and threats to their existence.
Photographer
Sanna Kannisto: Upupa epops, 2019
Courtesy of the artist/Helsinki Contemporary
