And [one day] he looked in vain for [a particular one of] the birds; and so he said: How is it that I do not see the hoopoe? Or could he be among the absent?

And he took a muster of the Birds; and he said: "Why is it I see not the Hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees?

And he sought among the birds and said: How is it that I see not the hoopoe, or is he among the absent?

And he reviewed the birds, then said: How is it I see not Hudhud, or is it that he is one of the absentees?

And he took attendance of the birds and said, "Why do I not see the hoopoe - or is he among the absent?