The Hoopoe is found in much of the Old World. Northern populations that breed in Europe and Asia migrate southwards in winter while African, Indian and south-east Asian populations tend to be sedentary. See the distribution map at Birdlife International.

They are found in woodland, parks and gardens and are often to be seen feeding on the ground searching for insects and invertebrates though they also feed on small lizards, snakes, frogs, etc.