Hoopoe

Description:

Know as the "Hud Hud" bird here in the United Arab Emirates, the Hoopoe bird is found in various countries throughout the Middle East and across Afro-Eurasia and is know for its distinctive cry and its 'Crown' of feathers.

Habitat:

I caught this Hud Hud on a palm tree branch shouting its call (for which it got its name) by the local Mosque.

Notes:

The Hud Hud is an interesting bird in terms of its lineage as the Holy Quran mentions this creature in its verses: "And he Solomon sought among the birds and said: How is it that I see not the hoopoe, or is he among the absent? (20) I verily will punish him with hard punishment or I verily will slay him, or he verily shall bring me a plain excuse. (21) But he [the Hoopoe] was not long in coming, and he said: I have found out (a thing) that thou apprehendest not, and I come unto thee from Sheba with sure tidings."