The Hoopoe's Crown

A Eurasian hoopoe stands on a concrete ledge, its fan-like crest and long decurved bill unmistakable, barred wings folded. One of the most flamboyant birds you'll ever see on the ground. Fun fact: The hoopoe was crowned "king of the birds" in ancient legend and is mentioned in the Qur'an and the Bible — and its nest has a very unroyal defence: nestlings and the brooding female produce a foul smell to repel predators.