We have a bird here, which is called a hoopoe. It is bigger than a thrush, but smaller than a magpie. It is pinkish in colour, with black and white tips to its wings. When it flies, it is not very graceful, but, it does have one redeeming feature; it is the only bird that eats the pesky processionary caterpillars. Apparently, it picks up the caterpillar in its long beak, and then wipes the poison off on a nearby branch, before eating them! Excellent. I know the picture is not very good, but they are easily frightened, as they spend a lot of time on the ground, digging out insects (and caterpillars).
They have quite a distinctive call, so we know they are around, before we even see them. Sadly, they are not here all year, otherwise we might have less of a caterpillar problem!!
http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/h/hoopoe/index.asp
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