Influx of Hoopoes causing “quite a stir”

A relatively rare visitor to Irish and northwest European shores has been spotted in increasing numbers across Ireland in recent weeks.

More than 90 sightings of the distinctive and colourful Hoopoe have been made to irishbirding.com during March, which is double the number of sightings made during 2023 and 2024 combined.

The first sighting was reported by Sally Bolger on March 8th in Bantry, County Cork, with the next sighting coming in Kinsale 13 days later on March 21st.

Since then, 91 other sightings have been made in counties Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Wexford, Louth, Galway, Kilkenny, Derry and Down.

The most westerly sighting was on Cape Clear Island, home to BirdWatch Ireland‘s bird observatory.
Birdwatch Ireland said the recent influx of Hoopoes has caused “quite a stir”, adding that the “exotic birds are only seen rarely in Ireland, but they do tend to turn up, usually in small numbers, almost every year.”

“These striking birds have been recorded at least 41 locations so far, with some sites hosting up to four individuals. With their pink bodies, black-and-white ‘zebra-striped’ wings and flamboyant crests, they are unlikely to be confused with any other bird,” added Birdwatch Ireland.

Hoopoes breed across much of southern Europe and winter in Africa.