Birdorable Blog

National Birdorable of Israel: Hoopoe

June 16th, 2008 in In the News, National Birds, New Designs – 3 comments

The Hoopoe, a striking and unique crested bird, was named the official national bird of Israel in May 2008. The bird won a national survey to become the honored bird. Stephen Colbert had some fun making the announcement on his show last week. We couldn't miss the opportunity to further honor the beautiful Hoopoe, already a member of the Birdorable family, with a special Birdorable of Israel edition.

The design is available on t-shirts and other gifts:

National Birdorable of Israel: Hoopoe Men's Crew Value T-Shirt

National Birdorable of Israel: Hoopoe Toddler Fine Jersey T-Shirt

3 comments on "National Birdorable of Israel: Hoopoe"

16 Jun 2008
at 6:10pm

Ashira wrote:

Hoopoes are so cute! :) What a remarkable honor.

17 Sep 2020
at 12:10pm

Abdelhadi Matar wrote:

What a win to name the Hoopoe as Israel National Bird. But to be honest as a Muslim,I am still shocked to find how Muslim World wide ignored to claim the honor?!
The Hoopoe is a very sacred Bird to Muslims as it is the only bird mentioned by name in Quoran as a narration to the Biblical story of king Solomon with Queen Sheba of Yemen.
Congratulations despite of your very late claim (2008) because king Solomn Biblical stories should be deeply embeded in the Jewish culture !!!!

1 Dec 2020
at 4:14am

Peter wrote:

Though colorfully and conspicuously dressed, the hoopoe is notably unclean in home and habits. Its diet of insects is obtained by probing with its sharp bill not only into the ground but also into dunghills and other filth. The nest gives off a disagreeable odor produced by secretions of the bird’s oil glands, and it also becomes foul smelling due to the bird’s failure to clean the nest of excrement. Thus, while not a bird of prey nor an eater of carrion, the hoopoe was included among the birds listed as unclean for food in the Mosaic Law.