re: #495 CuriousLurker

The hoopoe (hud-hud in Arabic) is very popular in the Mideast and is even specifically mentioned in the Qur’an in relation to Solomon (and Sheba):

I think it’s also mentioned in a couple of other verses, but I’m not 100% sure and couldn’t tell you which ones.

The hoopoe also plays a major role in the famous Persian poem The Conference of the Birds by Attar. It’s a delightful, enchanting story about a group of birds (all of whom represent humans with their faults) who set out on a journey to find the legendary Simorgh (a symbol of God in this tale). The hoopoe, who is considered to be the wisest among them, is their leader/guide.

I didn’t know it was the national bird of Israel, but it doesn’t surprise me. Good choice! ;-)

The Conference of the Birds

I collect bird figurines, and I added this Swarovski crystal to my collection about two years ago: