Upupa epops - Although there are nine recognized sub-species of the hoopoe, it is the only living species of the family Upupidae. The hoopoe sub-species differ from each other through slight variance in plumage, coloration, and size. There had been another species, the Saint Helena hoopoe, but it became extinct in the 16th century. The hoopoe is easily recognized by its long curving bill and pinkish-brown crest. When excited or threatened, the hoopoe will puff up its crest to gain additional height.
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Great Britain had maintained a protectorate over nine Persian Gulf sheikhdoms: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Bahrain, Dubai, Fujairah, Qatar, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm al-Quwain. In 1971, Britain decided it was a financial burden to maintain a military presence and ended its relationship with the nine entities. An attempt to form a union failed when Bahrain and Qatar decided to declare their own independence. The seven others formed a successful union and became the United Arab Emirates.
