Upupa epops, commonly known as the Eurasian Hoopoe, is native to a broad range encompassing Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The species is resident in southern Europe and parts of Asia, and it is a summer visitor to much of the rest of Europe and Asia, extending as far north as southern Scandinavia.

Eurasian Hoopoes typically inhabit open landscapes such as savannas, grasslands, farmlands, orchards, and edges of wooded areas. They prefer regions with a warm climate and are often found at altitudes ranging from sea level up to 2,000 meters.

The species occupies an ecological niche characterized by its preference for open areas with sparse tree cover, which provide ideal conditions for foraging and nesting. Eurasian Hoopoes are ground foragers, primarily feeding on insects, small reptiles, and other invertebrates. They nest in cavities within trees, cliffs, or occasionally in man-made structures.