Our nest of upupa birds

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Our nest of upupa birds is a fascinating sight to behold. These unique birds are known for their distinctive crown of feathers and their remarkable nesting habits. In this post, we'll explore the beauty and wonder of our upupa birds' nest, and learn more about these remarkable creatures.

The upupa birds, also known as hoopoes, are renowned for their elaborate nests, which are often found in tree hollows or crevices. The nests are meticulously crafted using a combination of twigs, feathers, and other natural materials, creating a cozy and secure home for the birds and their offspring.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the upupa birds' nest is the way they care for their young. The female upupa bird typically lays a clutch of 5 to 7 eggs, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs and feeding the hatchlings. This cooperative parenting behavior is a testament to the strong bond within the upupa bird family.

Annual Nesting 

Every year, our home welcomes a family of upupa birds who choose to nest in our algarrobo (carob tree). Positioned at the entrance of our house, the algarrobo provides a perfect nesting site, and it's not uncommon to see the parents coming and going from the nest. This annual event adds to the charm of our property, allowing us to witness the marvels of nature up close.

The nesting process of the upupa birds is a marvel of ingenuity and dedication. The male upupa bird often begins the nesting process by creating a foundation of twigs and branches, while the female adds softer materials such as feathers and grass to line the nest. This collaborative effort results in a sturdy and well-insulated home for the upupa family.

Once the eggs hatch, the nest becomes a hub of activity as the parents tirelessly gather food to nourish their young. The chicks, covered with minimal down, are fed a diet of insects until they are ready to fledge. Interestingly, both the young and the female emit a defensive secretion from their uropygial glands, earning them the nickname "stench birds" in some languages.

Despite their initially odoriferous reputation, the upupa chicks spend around 22 to 24 days in the nest, receiving care from their parents until they are ready to venture out on their own. Eventually, they become indistinguishable from the adults, continuing the cycle of life.

Distinctive Call

The upupa bird is known for its characteristic call, a deep and far-reaching "up-pu-pu-pu," which has given rise to its Latin name (Upupa). In moments of excitement, it also emits a rough and noisy cry: "schiir."

Feeding Habits 

Observing upupa birds on the ground is a common sight as they search for larvae beneath the pebbles. They feed on a variety of insects and invertebrates, including pine processionary moth caterpillars, freshly buried beetle larvae, ants, flies, and their larvae. They even tackle larger prey such as centipedes and are not averse to spiders, snails, and earthworms. Prey is decomposed with pecks, often thrown into the air and then skillfully caught in the upupa's mouth.

Our annual encounters with these fascinating birds provide a firsthand look at the wonders of nature, reminding us of the resilience and beauty of the world around us

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