Common Hoopoe

The hoopoe were considered sacred in Ancient Egypt, and were "depicted on the walls of tombs and temples". In the Bible, Leviticus 11:13–19, hoopoes were listed among the animals that are detestable and should not be eaten. They are also listed in Deuteronomy (14:18[20]) as not kosher. Hoopoes also appear in the Quran, in Surah Al-Naml 27:20–22.: " Islamic literature also states that a hoopoe saved Moses and the children of Israel from being crushed by the giant Og[21] after crossing the Red Sea. The hoopoe was chosen as the national bird of Israel in May 2008 in conjunction with the country's 60th anniversary, It is the state bird of the Punjab province of India. The hoopoe appears on the Logo of the University of Johannesburg and is the official mascot of the University's sports. The municipality of Armstedt, Germany, has a hoopoe in its coat of arms. Wikipedia Scientific name: Upupa epops