For thousands of years, all over the world – from Asia, to Africa, to Europe – people have been telling stories and legends about the hoopoe bird.

Perhaps this is because it’s so handsome – with its long, curved beak, beautiful colors, and feathery crown.

Or perhaps because of its mysterious song, which sounds like its name: “hooooo-poe!”

But in stories and legends, the hoopoe is more than just a pretty bird that makes pretty sounds.

The people who lived in Egypt way back when the pyramids were built believed that the hoopoe was a special friend of God.

The Bible and the Koran both tell us how, long ago, the hoopoe helped King Solomon by carrying a special message to the Queen of Sheba.

King Solomon was very wise. And so, they say, is the hoopoe.

In the country of Afghanistan, people tell the story of how Solomon asked all of the creatures of heaven and earth to choose which one was the wisest of all.

Do you know who they chose? The hoopoe.

So, then, why shouldn’t we?!