Page 22 - Atlas Of The World's Strangest Animals

22 ATLAS OF THE WORLD’S STRANGEST ANIMALS

Hoopoe

With their dramatic head crest and striking

plumage, it’s no wonder that hoopoes have
inspired so many myths and legends.Yet
these beautiful birds have one unenviable
and strange claim to fame.While other
birds preen and clean, hoopoes revel in

muck and mess!

Crest Feet
Juvenile
The hoopoes’ dramatic crest is Hoopoes have anisodactyl feet,
Young hoopoes take some time
flat at rest, but it can be raised with three toes facing forwards
to develop the characteristic
when the bird is alarmed and one facing backwards.This
elongated, curved bill, long tail
or excited. is common for perching birds.
and impressive crest worn
by adults.

(c) 2011 Marshall Cavendish. All Rights Reserved.