Eurasian Hoopoe

Seeing an Eurasian Hoopoe in Portugal really isn’t very hard. It is a very common bird, especially in the south of the country in the regions of Algarve and Alentejo where we live. Nevertheless, having the chance to see Eurasian Hoopoes everyday at home was something I could only dream of when we were living in Switzerland and France.

The Eurasian Hoopoe has a stunning black, white and orange plumage, with a long and slightly downcurved beak, broad rounded wings, and a striking crest. It is a very distinctive bird that cannot be confused.

Here on our land, not only we get to see the Eurasian Hoopoe daily, but the first time we were here in April 2023 we witnessed the whole breeding season of this incredibly beautiful and iconic bird, as a pair decided to nest in the olive trees right between our cars, which is one of the closest olive trees from our home! We did our best not to disturb them, but even though it is where we walk by many times each day, the hoopoes did not seem to mind at all. Now we can only wish they do the same next year! Seeing them flying all over in short ondulations and hearing them doing their '“oop-oop-oop” song is one of nature’s wild wonders.

If you are interested in birding on our land and in Alentejo, please contact us. We would be pleased to guide you.