Monday, April 9, 2012

H is for Hoopoe


Hoopoe
Hoo poo

“And these you shall regard as an abomination among the birds; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination”… “the stork, the heron after its kind, the hoopoe, and the bat.” (Leviticus 11:13,19, NKJV)

The hoopoe is one of the most peculiar and famous birds living in Palestine. This bird has a large curved bill and a very beautiful plumage. The hoopoe is about the size of a thrush. The hoopoe’s back is a rich cinnamon color and its head is a golden buff crested with gold feathers. The head is banded in white feathers with black tips that gradually lengthen as the feathers cover the head. The bird’s wings and tail are black banded with white and buff trim.

The hoopoe lives in holes and hollow trees. Ornithologists all agree that this is a very nasty and filthy bird in both its feeding and breeding habits. Apparently the hoopoe never cleans their nests and they nests become soiled, dirty, and foul smelling. This could be the reason the hoopoe was included in the list of abominable birds which could not be eaten by the Hebrews.

7 comments:

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

I had never heard of this bird before Gregg, your write up about it is as always interesting to read.Especially about their feeding habits glad they're not over here.

Have a super day.
Yvonne.

Larri said...

Great 'H' word, Gregg! The hoopoe is nasty indeed. Coincidentally, I've been reading "The Maker's Diet" which is based on the food rules of Leviticus. Makes sense to not eat a bird who lives in filthy conditions.

Happy Monday! ☺

Sara Hill said...

Never heard of a hoopoe before. It looks something like the weird cousin of a woodpecker to me. :)

Petra said...

We just read that Lev. chapter as part of our fam. reading last night. God never ceases to amaze me. Great H post!

Luana Krause said...

This bird is beautiful! Nothing like this in America, that's for sure. God is an awesome Creator!

DL Hammons said...

That is a really beautiful bird. Thank you for introducing it to us! :)

IanH said...

Pretty, but I think I'll limit my intake to chickens and turkeys, plus the odd duck.