Hoopoe

A bird with a crown of feathers, black and white wings, and a curved beak that eats insects; it was considered ceremonially unclean to eat.

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Hoopoe

About Hoopoe

A hoopoe is one of the most colorful birds in the Holy Land (Upupa epops). It has pinkish-brown feathers, black and white bands on its back, tail, and wings, and a crown-shaped crest of feathers that stands up when the bird is alarmed. It has a long, thin, curved bill. The hoopoe is about 28 centimeters (11 inches) long and usually lives in dry areas.

The name “hoopoe” comes from the sound of the bird’s call. To make this call, the hoopoe puffs up the feathers on its neck and snaps its head into the air. On the ground, it uses its bill to hammer into the soil.

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Habits, distribution, and how translators render the term across languages.

Key References

Leviticus 11:19

the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat.

Deuteronomy 14:18

the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, or the bat.

All Scripture References (2)

Leviticus (1)
Leviticus 11:19

the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat.

Deuteronomy (1)
Deuteronomy 14:18

the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, or the bat.