The hoopoe is a medium sized bird, 25–32 cm (9.8–12.6 in) long, with a 44–48 cm (17–19 in) wingspan. It weighs 46–89 g (1.6–3.1 oz). The species is highly distinctive, with a long, thin tapering
bill that is black with a fawn base. The strengthened
musculature of the head allows the bill to be opened when probing inside the soil. The hoopoe has broad and rounded wings capable of strong flight; these are larger in the northern
migratory subspecies. The hoopoe has a characteristic undulating
flight, which is like that of a giant
butterfly, caused by the wings half closing at the end of each beat or short sequence of beats.
From Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoopoe
