They love fruit and can become quite a nuisance to farmers. However, their liking for aphids and other small pests make these little birds popular in gardens. A familiar sight on lawns, the Hoopoe prods the soil with its rapier-like bill in search of grubs and worms. Both sexes have rufous upper parts and striking black and white bars on wings and tail. The birds nesting habits are unhygienic and ancient Egyptians prohibited their use as a delicacy, for health reasons.
Characteristic markings are the olive grey upper parts, white chest and gray bib.
Being a cousin of the Masked Weaver he will be found in the vicinity of reeds, where nesting takes place. Since seed is the Bishops main diet he is often regarded as a pest to farmers . As has happened throughout the world, this dove has adapted to man s changing conditions and can be found in almost any location. It does, however, need to drink frequently so will not be far from water. Like the Red Bishop, the Masked Weaver has many wives concurrently.