The Hoopoe
[
](Israel’s national bird – the Hoopoe)
A good choice, I think. It’s fairly common here, and while it’s not the most dignified bird, it certainly is distinctive looking.
Also, its Hebrew name - *duchiphat * - isn’t nearly as silly as “hoopoe”
Just a little bit more about some of the politics behind the decision. No, I suppose the Palestinian Sunbird wouldn’t do, would it?
Had never seen the Hoopoe, not in person or even a picture, but yes, it is very distinctive and interesting and I think a fine choice.
It’s better than Linnaeus’s name. Upupa epops?
Well, at least they have a sense of humor. (How can anyone be “solemn” about a bird that looks like that?)
But…
Israel adopts a bird which the Old Testament says is “unclean”? That’s weird.
Wait, is that “duchiphat” as in “Dukey, this joint be PHAT, yo!!!”, or is it similar to “dutch - ee-pat”? 'cos that’ll influence my thinking…
Actually, I think it’s cool - hoopoes are cool birds. But “The Hoopoe has been crowned…” is a groanworthy pun.
You want they should be eating their national bird, now?
Isn’t that what a national bird is for? I eat quail on a weekly basis. Bald eagles, however, are hard to come by.
The former, I’m afraid, although the CH is Channukah/Loch Ness type guttural, for whatever that’s worth.
The pictures don’t do it justice - it really is a womderful-looking little bird. With its headdress open, it looks like it wandered off of a very tiny Carnaval procesion.
Och aye, I get it now, thanks.
I know, we get them here, too. They’re certainly bright - and they fly…weirdly.
It’s about time that Israel paid the hoopoeback for its role in ratting out the Queen of Sheba to Solomon so that Solomon could acquire her great treasures.