African Hoopoe
Upupa africana
African Hoopoe, insect eater in savannas and farmland edges.
| Scientific name | Upupa africana |
|---|---|
| Swahili name | Kikuyu: Mchiriku; Swahili: Mchiriku |
| Conservation status | Least Concern |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Bucerotiformes |
| Family | Upupidae |
| Size | Male: body length about 25-29 cm, weight about 50-80 g; Female: slightly smaller in size and lighter in weight |
How to identify
Prominent crest on the head, fan-shaped when spread; body feathers mainly orange-brown, wings and tail with black and white stripes; long, downward-curved bill; rhythmic wing beats during flight; distinctive call resembling 'hoo-poo'
Habitat
Sparse woodland savanna, open shrubland, edges of farmland, and river valleys
Diet
Mainly feeds on insects, especially beetles, grasshoppers, earthworms and other invertebrates; also consumes small amounts of seeds and fruits
When it is active
Diurnal, mainly active during the day, more active at dawn and dusk
Where it lives
Distributed across most of sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Maasai Mara, and other areas
How to spot it
Look for them in open areas at dawn or dusk, listen for their distinctive call, observe the behavior of spreading their crest
Photography tips
Use soft morning light for photography, capture the moment when the crest is spread, use a telephoto lens to avoid disturbance
Threats
Habitat destruction and the impact of pesticide use on food resources
Similar species
Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops), African Hoopoe is darker in color and slightly larger; Eurasian Hoopoe has a more brightly colored crest
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