African Hoopoe

The African Hoopoe is most conspicuous and cannot be confused with any other species. It normally holds its crest flattened, forming a long point behind the crown. It's only raised when the bird lands, is displaying or alarmed. Although I've seen it raise its crest (excitement?) when it hits pay dirt (excuse the pun!) and pulls a meal from under the grass!

The African Hoopoe which had just landed on my lawn - its crest is slowly subsiding

The crest folded neatly on its head, the black markings are beautifully obvious

No procrastinator, this Hoopoe. It mines the lawn for its meal

Trying another area...

...and excavates a small gnat

Earnestly digging for another morsel

Rewarded with another, bigger insect!

The African Hoopoe is fairly common, usually found in parks and gardens. It's prolific in our area and we regularly have the pleasure of watching these pretty birds work our lawn. 

The African Hoopoe's call is a soft hoo-poo, hoo-poo-poo! 

I'm linking my post to Wild Bird Wednesday here

Happy Wednesday to you all!