Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/eurasian-hoopoe/ Species photography guide # Eurasian Hoopoe Photography Holidays *Upupa epops* Explore our Eurasian Hoopoe photography holidays in [Spain](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/spain/) & [Hungary](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/hungary/), timed so photographers have strong chances to work with this species during the breeding season offer the best opportunities.Our small-group photography holidays prioritise time in the field, light, behaviour, positioning & repeatable photographic opportunities rather than rushed wildlife viewing. [View trips](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/eurasian-hoopoe/#nl-species-trips)[Where](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/eurasian-hoopoe/#nl-species-where)[Field notes](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/eurasian-hoopoe/#nl-species-field-notes)[Related species](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/eurasian-hoopoe/#nl-species-related) ![Eurasian Hoopoe photography holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/a-kite-banks-in-flight-above-the-areas-used-for-the-natureslens-eagles-other-birdlife-of-northern-spain-photography-holiday-1024x683.jpg) ## At a glance Trips2 associated holidays Where[Hungary](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/hungary/) & [Spain](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/spain/) Led by[David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) & [Ian Roberts](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/ian/) Species profile ## About this species The Eurasian Hoopoe is a striking bird recognisable by its distinctive pinkish-brown plumage, bold black & white barred wings, and its iconic erectile fan-shaped crest. It is widely distributed across Europe, Asia & Africa, favouring open habitats where it forages for insects and larvae in the soil. The species is renowned for its repetitive 'oop-oop-oop' call, which gives rise to both its common & scientific name. **Habitat** Open & semi-open landscapes including farmland, orchards, vineyards, open woodland edges, and short grassland with areas of bare or sparsely vegetated soil for foraging. Often found in warm, dry regions across Europe, Asia & Africa. [Species background](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_hoopoe) Where to photograph ## Where our trips feature this species You can photograph Eurasian Hoopoe with us in [Hungary](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/hungary/) & [Spain](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/spain/). These departures are part of our [Europe](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/) programme. In the field, [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) & [Ian Roberts](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/ian/) helps guests make the most of these encounters. Field notes ## Photography notes **Best time** Spring & early summer during the breeding season offer the best opportunities, as birds are highly active & vocal. Early morning light provides warm tones that complement the bird's rich plumage colours beautifully. **Approach** Position yourself near foraging areas such as short grassland or bare soil where the bird probes with its long bill, allowing for close behavioural shots. Photograph during the breeding season when hoopoes are more active & less wary, increasing your chances of capturing crest displays. Use a medium telephoto lens of at least 400mm to maintain a respectful distance & avoid disturbing the bird whilst achieving frame-filling compositions. Connected wildlife ## Often seen on the same trips On the trips associated with this species, photographers may also encounter: [European Bee-eater](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/european-bee-eater/)[Black Kite](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/black-kite/)[Bonelli's Eagle](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/bonellis-eagle/)[Common Cuckoo](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/common-cuckoo/)[Common Kingfisher](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/common-kingfisher/)[Egyptian Vulture](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/egyptian-vulture/)[Eurasian Otter](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/eurasian-otter/)[European Ground Squirrel](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/european-ground-squirrel/)[European Roller](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/european-roller/)[Golden Eagle](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/golden-eagle/) Available holidays ## Trips featuring Eurasian Hoopoe The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article. #### Guide connection David Miles leads trips where guests have the chance to photograph Eurasian Hoopoe in the field. [Meet David](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/david/) ![Birdlife of Northern Spain](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/a-kite-banks-in-flight-above-the-areas-used-for-the-natureslens-eagles-other-birdlife-of-northern-spain-photography-holiday-1024x683.jpg) #### Related holiday Birdlife of Northern Spain gives guests time in Hungary & Spain where Eurasian Hoopoe can be part of the day's wildlife encounters. [View trip](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/spain/birdlife-of-northern-spain/) Route Destination Signature Destination The photography holidays listed below operate in regions & habitats where the Eurasian Hoopoe is regularly encountered. As with all wildlife photography, sightings can never be guaranteed, but our itineraries are designed around seasonal behaviour, suitable habitat, & photographic opportunity, giving you the best possible chance of meaningful encounters in the field. Our small-group approach allows time in the field to adapt to conditions, behaviour, & photographic opportunities as they unfold. You can photograph the Eurasian Hoopoe in Hungary & Spain. During our photography holidays, the Eurasian Hoopoe is often photographed alongside European Bee-eater, Black Kite, Bonelli’s Eagle, Common Cuckoo, Common Kingfisher, & Egyptian Vulture. Seasonal presence & photographic opportunity vary by location & time of year. Single occupancy Group Size: 5-7 guests Experienced guidance 2 departures - [![Join Us For The Birdlife of Northern Spain Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/a-kite-banks-in-flight-above-the-areas-used-for-the-natureslens-eagles-other-birdlife-of-northern-spain-photography-holiday-1024x683.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/spain/birdlife-of-northern-spain/) ### 11th - 18th Apr 2027 - Birdlife of Northern Spain **Location:** Spain Capture images with us during a wildlife photography holiday in Northern Spain, scheduled for April 2027, focused on mountain, plains & woodland birds. **7 nights** w. **Single occupancy** for **£2299** Guided By **Ian Roberts** [View Birdlife of Northern Spain](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/spain/birdlife-of-northern-spain/) - [![Join Us For The Wildlife Photography Hides of Hungary Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/a-great-egret-preening-itself-at-one-of-the-ponds-photographed-at-bence-mate-hides-in-hungary-during-a-natureslens-wildlife-photography-holiday-1024x768.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/hungary/wildlife-photography-hides-of-hungary/) ### 5th - 12th Jun 2027 - Wildlife Photography Hides of Hungary **Location:** Hungary Join us for a wildlife photography holiday in Hungary, during June 2027, focused on using Bence Máté's purpose-built network of wildlife photography hides for close-range bird & mammal photography. **7 nights** w. **Single occupancy** for **£4499** Guided By **David Miles** [View Wildlife Photography Hides of Hungary](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/hungary/wildlife-photography-hides-of-hungary/) -