Abstract
THE hoopoe (Upupa epops, L.), a colorful bird about ii inches long, with slender black beak, wings striped with broad bands of black and white, russet breast and fan-like crest, is found throughout Asia, Africa, and Europe where its regal air and flamboyant plumage has assured it a prominent place in folklore. Hoopoe-lore through time and space reveals an amazingly wide range of roles and attributes.' It was regarded as a sacred bird in ancient Egypt where, according to Aelian, 'even upon the scepters of the gods a Hoopoe is an augmentation of honore'.2 The ancient Arabs ascribed many miraculous medicinal qualities to it while Persian poetic imagery credits the bird with such gentle qualities as filial devotion and virtuousness. Contrast this to the Scandinavian
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
