The Quran
declares that King Solomon was inspecting his unique Hosts; and he reviewed the birds, He had a glance see the
hoopoe but he could not see him. The Hoopoe was absent! King Solomon threatened to punish the Hoopoe severely or to kill it unless the Hoopoe has a reasonable excuse!
The Hoopoe came back and bravely said that he has got information that King Solomon has no idea about!
The Hoopoe said that he found a woman ruling over the
people in Yemen and she has a mighty throne;
She and her people were prostrating to the sun instead of Allah. The Hoopoe wondered "why they do not worship Allah; why do they not prostrate to Allah.”
King Solomon, said, to the hoopoe: ''We shall see whether you have spoken the truth, or not. He
(Solomon) then composed a letter and commanded the hoopoe to take the letter and deliver it to them, and see what kind of response they shall give. The Hoopoe did his job and the Queen, consumed by fear, read Solomon''s letter!
On the other hand, the Bible in Leviticus 11
declares that the Hoopoe is a Detested and Unclean bird.