AN EXOTIC rare visitor has arrived on Portland.

The colourful orange bird with the black and white striped bird is a visitor from Africa. The Hoopoe has a curved long beak and a head crest. The Hoopoe doesn’t breed in the UK but individuals are seen in the spring along the south coast, as they migrate to Europe from Africa and some overshoot their destination.

Megan Shersby spotted this little chap in Suckthumb Quarry on Portland, just off Weston Street.

She said she was surprised and delighted to see the exotic species on Portland on Thursday.

She said: “I couldn't believe it to be honest. I'd been in Dorset for less than 24 hours, having moved down on Wednesday evening, and seen four new species for me for the year, so to see a Hoopoe as well was just fantastic.

“I have been to South Africa a couple of times and not seen them there, so to finally see one is thrilling.

“It is a brilliant bird to watch - both for its stunning plumage and to learn more about its behaviour.”