The hoopoe (hud-hud) is an elegant bird, which is related to the hornbill. It gets its unusual name from its shrill call of “hoops”, which rings clear and far and is repeated two or three times. Often the cry is cut off very short. This may be caused by the bird's bill sharply striking the ground at the end of the note.
Hoopoes are usually found in open areas far away from patches of vegetation or habitation. They can most often be seen singly but are sometimes found in pairs. The hoopoe walks and runs with ease, as it feeds almost entirely on the ground. It walks with quick steps, bobbing its head in time with the steps.
The hoopoe prefers the ground to the sky, and does not build its nest in trees. It does, however, utilize dark holes in trees or cavities in walls, roofs, soil banks or cliffs as nests.