The hoopoe is one of the most spectacular birds living in Beijing, China's capital. 

It has a distinctive crest that rises when the bird is alarmed or excited. The hoopoe is a common bird in Beijing, the locals call them "Chougugu," which refers to their smelly nests filled with their chicks' droppings. Besides, the females and young also secrete a stinky odor to ward off predators. An experienced birder can find a hoopoe's nest just by following the smell. 

The bird likes to forage on the ground, its slightly bent beak allows it to dig into the ground to find insects. It also likes to bathe in the sun. The bird is under second level national protection in China.

Here are some photos of hoopoes taken in Beijing, a city where hundreds of bird species are found. 

About 'City of Wild'

Nature is not limited to faraway mountains and oceans, it also exists in urban cities and our daily lives. In the series, "City of Wild," CGTN not only unfolds a world of wildlife you were probably not aware of, but also highlights the theme of this year's CBD COP 15: Ecological Civilization: Building a Shared Future for All Life on Earth. 

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