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Glite Dictionary
European hoopoe

European hoopoe

8.9
A bird with black and white wings and a crest, found in Europe, Asia and Africa
  • noun
  • UK
translation icon : abubilla europea
  • The striking crest of the European hoopoe makes it easy to recognize.

Examples

  • We spotted a European hoopoe in the garden during our trip to Spain.

  • The European hoopoe has beautiful plumage.

  • Photographers are often drawn to the unique appearance of the European hoopoe.

  • I saw a European hoopoe in the garden.

  • The unique crown of feathers on the European hoopoe attracts birdwatchers in Europe.

  • During our nature hike, we were excited to see a European hoopoe perched on a branch.

  • The European hoopoe is known for its distinctive black-and-white wings and striking appearance.

Synonyms

hoopoe
vsEuropean hoopoe
1 9.9

A colorful bird with a long curved beak and a fan-shaped crest

focuses instead on pinkish brown color and regional presence
Upupa epops
vsEuropean hoopoe
  • Specialized
9.9

A pinkish-brown bird with a long crest and black-and-white wings found in Europe, Asia, and North Africa

is the common regional name for that same species
hoopoo
vsEuropean hoopoe
  • US
9.9

A bird with a crest of feathers and a long curved bill that eats insects

describes instead the bird by pinkish brown color and where it lives

Surface Forms

European hoopoe singular
European hoopoes plural

Morphology

European + hoopoe

The compound simply combines a demonym/adjective 'European' (from Europe) with the noun 'hoopoe' (a specific bird), so its meaning — a hoopoe found in Europe — is directly derivable from the parts. This is a literal, non-idiomatic demonym + noun pattern common across languages, making it immediately understandable to learners who know both words.

Etymology

European hoopoe may get its name from the bird's soft call that sounds like 'hoop-hoop' and from its showy crest of feathers that looks like a small crown. That's why the name helps you picture this pinkish-brown bird with black-and-white wings and a crest.