The Hoopoe is an exotic looking bird that is the size of a Mistle Thrush. It has a pinkish-brown body, striking black and white wings, a long black downcurved bill, and a long pinkish-brown crest which it raises when excited. 

It does not breed in the UK, but as many as 100 birds can turn up in spring (mostly seen as single birds) as birds migrating north to Europe from Africa overshoot and land on the south coast of England. For this reason the south coast is the most likely place to see this species with encounters inland and further north being less frequent.

Most birds turn up in late April and May but can be encountered into autumn.

Feeds on insects and spiders.

Vagrant to UK. Summer migrant to mainland Europe.

Rare visitor to Leicestershire and Rutland.