Listen to this magnificent Hoopoe showing off its distinctive "hoop-hoop-hoop" call in perfect clarity! A rare spring visitor to the UK, these striking birds with their mohawk-like crests and zebra-striped wings typically prefer Southern Europe and North Africa. Their unique three-note call carries through the April countryside as they search for insects among the warming soil. Nature's symphony is in full swing this sunny mid-April morning - have you spotted any unusual visitors in your local a

The exotic-looking hoopoe is a rare visitor to the UK, though it nests in warmer climates. After laying its eggs in a tree cavity, the female covers her clutch in a foul-smelling secretion. It’s thought that this protects the eggs against bacteria as well as making them less appealing to predators. Delightful! #WildlifeWednesday #WednesdayWisdom | RSPB