Hoopoe

The Exotic Hoopoe



I was introduced to the Hoopoe (Upupa epops) while hiking and trekking on the outskirts of Poona/Pune in the late 1980s. It's a truly mesmerising sight, and once you see it, you cannot unsee it.

Artwork and original poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2025


I thought my eyes were playing a trick
When I first spied this colourful maverick
Could it possibly be that a circus in town
Is unbeknownst perhaps missing a clown?
Or did an ambitious bird in a flight of fantasy
Crown itself King of the forest in a flush of fancy?
Ladies and gentlemen, I present the exotic Hoopoe
Always dressed to go 'n putting on a grand ole show


Additional notes:

  1. The Hoopoe is an exotic-looking bird with an orangish-brown body, with zebra-striped wings, a Chinese-fan of a crest (usually held closed, but often raised just after landing or when excited), and a rapier of black downcurved bill.
  2. Its birdcall is a distinctive “hoopoopoo,” giving it its name
  3. To view a short, slow-motion video, by Polish wildlife filmmaker Artur Homan, that inspired this artwork, visit https://player.vimeo.com/video/109782515

Comments

Anonymous said…
Your love of birds shows! (A dear relative on WhatsApp)
June 14, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Kieran said…
My classmate Susheel Borkar introduced me to birding in 1985 and I’ve immersed myself in the wonders of the Avian workd eversince. - Kieran
June 14, 2025 at 10:15 AM
Anonymous said…
👌👌 - Susheel (A classmate on WhatsApp)
June 14, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Kieran said…
Thanks to you, dear Susheel for introducing me to the immensely intriguing and satisfying world of birding. Now I am a lifelong birder - Kieran
June 14, 2025 at 10:16 AM
Anonymous said…
You are welcome, Dear Kieran.

I, in turn, was introduced to Birding by someone else.
Pass on the baton.

😉 ( Reply to above comment)
June 14, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Kieran said…
That I did and continue to do. My relatives in Goa have the BNHS Salim Ali guide with a lot of my notes - Kieran
June 14, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Anonymous said…
👌🏻beautiful....truly a bird of paradise ! (A dear relative on WhatsApp)
June 14, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Kieran said…
Quite eye catching indeed. Delightful to watch as it forages on the forest floor for insects- Kieran
June 14, 2025 at 10:18 AM
Anonymous said…
👆🏻loved looking at this beautiful bird in the Rolex show window in Munich this time - thought it more exotic than the watches on display (Reply to above comment)
June 14, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Kieran said…
You my dearest cuz, are a naturalist. God bless - Kieran
June 14, 2025 at 10:20 AM
Anonymous said…
You stay aware of your surroundings and guide us to see the picture. (A dear friend on WhatsApp)
June 14, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Kieran said…
Thanks for your kind words. I always had an interest in nature. Once you see a hoopoe, it’s truly an unforgettable mesmerizing sight - you can never unsee it. - Kieran
June 14, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Anonymous said…
Kieran, good poetry and beautiful art work. (Sumeeta Jogdand on the Facebook Group, Memories of Poona)
June 14, 2025 at 10:24 AM
Kieran said…
Sumeeta Jogdand, thank you. Glad you liked both - Kieran
June 14, 2025 at 10:24 AM
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