Common Hoopoe

Common Hoopoe

Last May we were in Kodaikaanal for few days. We mostly spent time visiting places that were not frequented by the tourists. On the way to Kodai from Mannavanur I photographed this beauty. This a fawn colored bird with black and white zebra markings on back, wings and tail. A fan shaped crest (when erected) is interesting to watch. This long, slender, gently curved bill is very useful in probing the soil for food mainly insects, grubs and pupae. Next day morning also I witnessed this bird in Caoker's walk.

Upupa epops Linnaeus, சவல் குருவி, கொண்டலாத்தி