The Eurasian hoopoe (Upupa epops), also known as common hoopoe, is a strikingly distinctive bird native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is easily recognized by its pinkish-brown plumage, bold black-and-white barred wings, and a spectacular fan-like crest that it raises when excited. Its long, slender, down-curved bill is a specialized tool for probing the soil for its primary diet of insects and larvae. The Eurasian hoopoe is a medium-sized bird, 25-32 cm long, with a 44-48 cm wingspan. It weighs 46-89 g. The hoopoe was chosen as the national bird of Israel in May 2008 in conjunction with the country's 60th anniversary