Aluva: A rare and unexpected visitor touched down at the Aluva Palace government guest house on the banks of the Periyar. Around 8.30 am on Wednesday, staff spotted a hoopoe — the national bird of Israel — exploring the palace grounds.

The hoopoe, known for its striking black-and-white wings and the reddish crest atop its head, stayed for nearly 15 minutes before flying off. It earned its national-bird status in Israel through a public vote held during the country’s 60th anniversary, winning more than 1.5 lakh votes.

The rare bird was first spotted by V M Ajesh, the chef at the guest house, who also managed to capture the bird on video.