Gaudy, long-billed, crested passerine, typically seen walking with nodding head and probing its long decurved bill actively into grass and soil for invertebrate prey. They have a characteristic undulating flight, which is like that of a giant butterfly, caused by the wings half closing at the end of each beat or short sequence of beats.
Monogamous breeder using a variety of cavities as nest site. It lays 4 - 6 light blue or greenish eggs. Incubation is done by the female alone, but both adults care for the young.

Upupa = onomatopoeic for call

Wikipedia

fatbirder.com