AN EXOTIC looking bird has caused a hoo-hah after stopping off on Portland.

A hoopoe has been spotted on the isle at several locations over the past week. 

It has a pinkish-brown body, black and white wings, a long black downcurved bill, and a long pinkish-brown crest.

The bird does not breed in the UK but up to 100 have been known to turn up in spring whilst migrating to Europe from Africa.

Birdwatchers have been quick to flock to the isle to catch a glimpse of the bird.

It has been seen in Suckthumb Quarry and near Portland Bill.

Martin Cade, warden at Portland Bird Observatory, said: "Portland is quite lucky because it is slap bang in the middle of the south coast.

"[The hoopoe] are very pretty things. They attract all the [birdwatchers] because they are good looking."

Martin said the hoopoes were often spotted in the area this time of year.

He added: "It's a nice bird to see but we are lucky enough to get them quite often."

Dan Bartlett, a senior visitor centre assistant at RSPB Radipole Lake, said three hoopoes had been seen over the weekend.

He said: "They always a bit of a stir when they turn up because they are quite colourful birds.

"Although they aren't mega, mega rare, we don't get huge amounts of them coming into the country.

"Quite often they overshoot and end up in this country."

If you have a photo of the hoopoe you'd like the Echo to share, please email newsdesk@dorsetecho.co.uk

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Picture: Peter Staddon