In the second half of the 20th century, the hoopoe came close to disappearing from our landscapes as large insects, its main source of food and suitable nesting sites, became increasingly scarce.
In fact, it frequents mainly semi-open, cultivated environments, where fertilizers and pesticides have a direct and harmful impact on biodiversity. Measures such as the installation of nesting boxes have since helped to boost numbers. Today, they are estimated at 180 - 260 pairs throughout Switzerland. However, the bird is still classified as VU (vulnerable) on the national red list and is the subject of targeted conservation measures.
Diet
The Huppe is mainly an insectivore. Its diet consists of larvae and large insects, such as crickets, but sometimes also worms and small lizards. It uses its long beak to search the ground and capture its prey. Areas of bare ground (without vegetation) and sparse vegetation are therefore particularly important for detecting and accessing its food.
Ecological requirements
The quantity of food, the presence of bare ground and the number of cavities available are determining factors for the reproduction of the hoopoe. Its presence generally indicates an abundance and diversity of entomofauna (insects), as well as structures conducive to biodiversity. The Central Valais is home to the majority of the Swiss population of the hoopoe, as its temperate climate is ideally suited to its needs.
Nesting
A cavernicolous species, the Hoopoe uses all kinds of cavities to build its nest. Old woodpecker holes, hollows in dead trees or old buildings are particularly popular. A pair lays eggs 1 - 2 times a year. The 5 - 6 eggs are incubated for around 15 days. 4 - 6 young leave the nest 7 - 8 weeks later.
Migration
A migratory species, the Hoopoe usually returns to Africa for the winter. However, with climate change, it is being seen more and more frequently around the Mediterranean during this period. In our region, it can be seen between March and September.
Stinking defense
Only in the nest and during the breeding season, the female and her young secrete a foul-smelling substance from their rump gland. This substance seems to be directed against parasites on the one hand, and to keep predators at bay on the other. If this isn't enough, the young birds throw up droppings to keep predators away from the nesting cavity.
The "Birds of the Park" project
As partner organizations, the Swiss Parks Network and the Swiss Ornithological Institute have launched the national "Bird of the Park" project for 2022.
The aim of this joint project is to promote landscape-typical and/or rare bird species, preserve and enhance their habitats, and exploit synergies to promote biodiversity. The Pfyn-Finges Nature Park is distinguished by its rich bird life. When it came to defining the emblematic bird of our region, we chose the hoopoe.
Through this project, the Nature Park is committed to promoting this magnificent species and developing various measures to encourage its preservation. Although it is already a regular nesting bird in the Park's territory, the Rhône plain and its hillsides still offer many opportunities to increase its presence.
