According to Taiping Zoo director Dr Kevin Lazarus, the “couple” was spotted nesting on a tree just outside the zoo about two weeks ago, and many bird enthusiasts started camping nearby with cameras to get shots of the birds flying in and out.
He said they are migratory birds which are indeed rare and have nested here for the first time.
The hoopoe or known as “Duchifat” in Hebrew, was named by Israel as its national bird in 2008, as it is listed in the Old Testament as unclean and forbidden food for Jews.
Kevin said the birds could be breeding and believes that the female is probably incubating, adding that zoo staff are monitoring it closely as it takes about three weeks to hatch.
“We are not sure but we are not taking any chances. We have put up barriers so the public or birdwatchers do not cause undue disturbance to these birds.
“It is okay for them to come and watch the rare nesting here but I hope they keep their distance and do not disturb the birds with lots of noise. We will advise the public not to feed the birds,” he told FMT.
Kevin said there has been some change in patterns of migratory birds coming to the zoo which he attributed to climate change.
“For example, the cattle egrets (bangau) which migrate here normally leave by March or April. But this time, a big flock is still here, breeding nearby,” he said, adding that the hoopoes’ presence too had something to do with the changes in migratory patterns.
The hoopoe (Upupa epops), is a colourful bird that is found across Afro-Eurasia, and is notable for its distinctive crown of feathers.
Stay current - Follow FMT on WhatsApp, Google news and Telegram