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Madagascar hoopoe facts for kids

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Madagascan hoopoe
Madagascar hoopoe (Upupa marginata).jpg
Isalo National Park
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Genus:
Upupa
Species:
marginata
Synonyms

Upupa epops marginata

The Madagascan hoopoe (scientific name: Upupa marginata) is a special kind of bird found only on the island of Madagascar. It's part of the hoopoe family, known for their unique look.

This bird was once thought to be a type of hoopoe found in other parts of the world. But scientists later realized it was its own species. They noticed differences in its calls and small details in its plumage (feathers). The Madagascan hoopoe is quite common. Because of this, the International Union for Conservation of Nature says it is a species of least concern. This means it is not currently at risk of disappearing.

What the Madagascan Hoopoe Looks Like

The adult Madagascan hoopoe is about 32 centimetres (13 inches) long. It usually weighs between 57 to 91 grams (2 to 3.2 ounces). This bird has a long, curved beak. Its feathers are a warm cinnamon colour. Its wings have bold black and white stripes.

The tail of the hoopoe is black. It also has a long, cinnamon-coloured crest on its head. The tips of the crest feathers are black. When the bird feels scared or excited, it can raise this crest. Its wings are wide and rounded. When it flies, it flaps its wings a few times, then folds them for a moment to glide. Then it starts flapping again.

Female Madagascan hoopoes are a bit duller in colour than males. They also have less white on their wings. Compared to the African hoopoe, the Madagascan hoopoe is larger. It also has a longer tail and a pinker throat. The song of the Madagascan hoopoe is different from the African hoopoe's "hoop-hoop-hoop" call. It makes a low, cooing sound like "rrrrrrooow". This sound drops slightly and lasts about 1.5 to 2.5 seconds. It repeats every 3 to 10 seconds.

Where the Madagascan Hoopoe Lives

The Madagascan hoopoe is found only in Madagascar. This means it is endemic to the island. Its home includes the northern, western, central, and southern parts of the country. However, you won't find it much in the eastern areas.

This bird likes to live in certain places. It can be found at the edges of forests and in clearings. It also lives in open areas, savannahs, and pastures. You might also spot it in areas with lots of bushes.

What the Madagascan Hoopoe Eats

Madagascar hoopoe (Upupa marginata) with spider for chick
A Madagascan hoopoe with a spider for its chick

The Madagascan hoopoe usually lives alone or in pairs. It looks for food on the ground. It walks a few steps, then looks around. It bobs its head and pokes its beak into the soil and fallen leaves. It also picks up food from the ground's surface. Sometimes, it probes into animal dung or checks cracks for food.

Its diet is mostly made up of insects. This includes beetles, flies, and their young (larvae). It also eats grasshoppers and caterpillars. If something disturbs the hoopoe, it might fly to a tree branch. There, it will perch, flash its wings, and raise and lower its crest.

Reproduction and Life Cycle

The Madagascan hoopoe is a monogamous bird. This means one male and one female stay together to raise their young. They also protect their territory. Breeding happens between August and December. Most of the time, it takes place in October and November.

The hoopoe builds its nest in a deep hole in a tree. This hole is often less than 3 metres (10 feet) off the ground. The birds use very little material to build the nest. The hole can become quite messy and smelly before the young birds are ready to leave. One nest was found with six bluish-grey eggs.

It is thought that only the female bird sits on the eggs to keep them warm. The male bird has been seen feeding the female while she is incubating. For other types of hoopoes, the eggs hatch after 15 to 16 days. The young birds are ready to fly after 26 to 32 days. Both parents help feed the young birds.

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