Eurasian Hoopoe

The Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops) is a bird with a very striking appearance. In Taiwan, it's mainly a rare migratory bird, more likely to be seen in spring, while Kinmen has a stable population. Its most noticeable feature is the large, brownish-orange crest on its head. Normally, it lies flat like ordinary feathers, but when spread, it's as if a fan has suddenly opened above its head, with the black tips of the feathers becoming very prominent. The Hoopoe has a long, slightly downcurved bill. It's often found foraging on the ground, probing into soil or leaf litter with its long beak to find small invertebrates like insects, larvae, spiders, and earthworms. It also has a unique survival strategy. During the breeding season, the preen gland secretions of the female and chicks turn dark, become sticky, and emit a strong odor. Besides potentially having antibacterial properties, this is also thought to help reduce the risk of predation. Normally unassuming, but instantly transforming when its crest is raised, the Hoopoe is truly a distinctive bird. Image source: https://share.google/t6OAlZW7kCtAsO1ks