Eurasian Hoopoe

If birds had a fashion competition, the Eurasian Hoopoe would almost certainly take first prize. With its striking orange crest, zebra-striped wings and long curved beak, it’s one of the easiest birds to spot in Fuerteventura. Known locally as the Abubilla in Spanish, this charismatic little bird is a favourite among residents, photographers and holidaymakers alike.

Whether you’re exploring the island’s volcanic landscapes, wandering through a village park or enjoying a morning coffee on your terrace, don’t be surprised if an Abubilla makes a stylish appearance.

What Does a Hoopoe Look Like?

The Eurasian Hoopoe is about the size of a pigeon, but it’s much more colourful. Its cinnamon-orange body is topped with an impressive fan-shaped crest that pops open whenever it’s excited, alarmed or landing.

Its black-and-white striped wings give it a distinctive fluttering flight that almost looks like a giant butterfly gliding through the air.

Once you’ve seen one, you’ll never mistake it for another bird.

Where Can You See Hoopoes in Fuerteventura?

Good news — they’re found across the island.

Hoopoes love Fuerteventura’s dry, open countryside and can often be seen in:

• Parks and gardens.
• Palm groves.
• Golf courses.
• Rural tracks and farmland.
• Around villages and quieter residential areas.

They’re surprisingly comfortable around people, so keep an eye on grassy areas where they’re busy searching for food.

Some of the best places to spot them include Corralejo, Caleta de Fuste, La Oliva, Betancuria, and many of the inland villages dotted across the island.

What’s That Funny Noise?

Long before you spot an Abubilla, you might hear it.

Its call is a soft, repeated “hoo-poo, hoo-poo, hoo-poo,” which is actually where the English name Hoopoe comes from. It’s a gentle sound that’s often heard early in the morning or during the cooler parts of the day.

It’s one of those sounds that quickly becomes part of the soundtrack of life in Fuerteventura.

What Do Hoopoes Eat?

They are nature’s pest controller!

Using its long curved beak, it probes into soil, sand and cracks looking for tasty treats such as:

• Beetles.
• Grubs.
• Caterpillars.
• Ants.
• Small insects and larvae.

They’re constantly on the move, stopping every few steps to poke at the ground before wandering off again.

A Bird With an Impressive Hairdo

That spectacular crest isn’t just for showing off.

Hoopoes can raise and lower the feathers depending on their mood. A fully opened crest usually means the bird is startled, excited or landing after a flight. Most of the time, it stays neatly folded back, giving the bird a much sleeker look.

It’s basically Fuerteventura’s answer to a dramatic hairstyle reveal.

Is the Eurasian Hoopoe Common in Fuerteventura?

Yes — thankfully, it’s a common resident bird across the Canary Islands, including Fuerteventura.

Unlike many migratory birds that only visit seasonally, you’ll have a good chance of seeing Abubillas throughout the year.

That makes them one of the easiest “must-see” birds for anyone interested in the island’s wildlife.

Fun Facts About the Abubilla

• The Abubilla is Spain’s name for the Eurasian Hoopoe.
• Its scientific name is Upupa epops.
• Hoopoes have one of the most recognisable crests of any European bird.
• They can detect insects hidden beneath the soil using their sensitive beaks.
• In many cultures, the Hoopoe appears in folklore and legends and is often seen as a symbol of wisdom or good fortune.

Tips for Spotting an Abubilla

If you’re hoping to photograph one, mornings and late afternoons are your best bet.

Bring a pair of binoculars, move slowly and watch open grassy areas rather than looking up into trees. Hoopoes spend much of their time feeding on the ground and will often let you get surprisingly close if you stay calm and quiet.

Keep an Eye Out for Fuerteventura’s Feathered Celebrity

The Eurasian Hoopoe is one of those little details that makes Fuerteventura special. It’s colourful, quirky and surprisingly easy to find once you know what you’re looking for.

So next time you’re out exploring the island, listen for that gentle “hoo-poo” call — Fuerteventura’s most stylish bird might be just around the corner.