Hippos don't live in trees, mum!

This morning I saw two hoopoes (Upupa epops) flitting around in the treetops in Corro d'Amunt. As I called out to the kids "Look at the hoopoes in the trees" my daughter replied "Hippos don't live in trees, mum!"

I love these birds as I don't see them very often and they just look so stunning with their wonderful crests and striking colour and patterns. In Catalan the hoopoe is called the 'puput' which is a great name as it reflects the sound that they make. I remember last summer hearing one from the garden but never actually seeing it.

This photo was taken a few years ago in Sant Pere Pescador.

Hoopoe / Puput (Upupa epops)