The Eurasian Hoopoes have long, thin, and decurved bills; broad round wings; square tails crossed by a wide white band, and long erectile crests. They feed mainly on ground, walking with ease (and even running) with accompanying movement of head. Fond of feeding on lawns and path or, alternatively, on manure or refuse-heaps, probing for larvae, etc. Crest depressed when at rest, but erected when excited or alarmed and for a moment on settling. Flight is not weak and uncertain as it appears, for it will readily elude trained falcons, mounting easily into the air away from them. Perches in trees, as well as on buildings, walls, etc., and will occasionally climb up tree like a woodpecker, but this is not usual. Fond of dust and sand-baths.