The Eurasian Hoopoe, crowned queen of Provencal orchards
With an extraordinary crest spreading like an ornate fan and an undulating flight like an oversized butterfly, the Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops) is among Provence's most beloved birds. Its gentle 'oop-oop-oop' call echoes across sunny olive groves from early spring.
My field observations in the Var — sites, months and context
✓ Aug 2026 Synthesis (2 records)Photographed foraging on bare soil across vineyards, olive groves and sparse pine edges near Hyères and the Gapeau valley, probing the earth with its decurved bill.
Commented in situ photo gallery
1 telephoto photographs taken in the Var department (Rule 11)
Recognizing the species on my photos — visible details
Warm cinnamon-pink plumage, boldly zebra-striped black-and-white wings and tail, long slender curved bill, and a tall erectile crest tipped with velvet black dots.
Olive groves, traditional orchards, vineyards, open garrigue clearings and sunny pine margins.
Mole crickets, grasshoppers, processionary moth pupae, dung beetles and spiders.
Photographing the species: field experience
Witnessing it probe the ground and momentarily raise its crown feathers upon landing is pure photographic delight. Its vivid colors pop against the warm Mediterranean soil.
- •It is one of the few natural predators of pine processionary caterpillar pupae, rendering great ecological service to Var woodlands.
- •Nestlings defend their cavity by expelling a foul-smelling liquid spray that deters snakes and mammalian predators.
- •Its spectacular crest is typically kept folded back against the nape, raised like a crown upon landing or when alerted.
