About the Project

The ZooTrophy Animal-a-Day project began on October 15th, 2013 as illustrator Angela "LemurKat" Oliver began working her way, systematically but selectively, through the alphabet and presenting, via social media, an illustrated animal to the world. Daily.

All pieces are drawn as 2.5 x 3.5 inch collectible cards, using a combination of polychromos and prismacolor pencils, along with other art materials. Many are still available for purchase ($10) or trade, so drop her an email if anything captures your eye or if there is an animal you wish to request.

It is predicted this project will take her at least two years to complete - with approximately 36 animals being drawn for each letter. She has also used the images to create a collectible hardback encyclopedia series, playing cards and a desk calendar, as well as the ZooTrophy collectible trading card game.

Sunday, August 31, 2014

Creature Feature #316: Hoopoe

Sorry about all the birds recently.
Okay, so I'm not really sorry. I love drawing birds. But do not fear - we'll be up to "Horse" soon, followed by a very strange arthropod.

The Hoopoe is a colourful bird, found across Eurasia and Africa. His name comes from his call of "ooop-ooop-ooop". He is an insectivore, and solitary forager. During breeding season, he forms a monogamous bond and fiercely defends his territory from rivals. Ensuring fights can be brutal, with the males stabbing one another with their bills. This occasionally results in a blinding. Eggs are laid in a crevice. The female's uropygial glandstarts producing a foul-smelling liquid, which she rubs into her plumage. This makes her reek of rotting meat and acts as a deterrent to predators. If that fails, nestlings can direct streams of faeces at intruders, or stab them with their bills.
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