A RARE hoopoe bird has been spotted in Scotland after it was blown off course while migrating to Africa.

Birdwatchers have been flocking to the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Montrose Basin Wildlife Reserve in Angus since the exotic looking bird arrived last week.

Hoopoes were considered sacred in ancient Egypt and decorative carvings of them have been seen in tombs and temples.

A Scottish Wildlife Trust spokesman said yesterday: “It has been seen several times today and is feeding and seems quite happy. It has attracted a lot of visitors.

“Hoopoes are unlikely to over-winter in the UK so it should find its way back on course and head back south.”

Between five and 20 hoopoes are recorded in Scotland each year.