Hornbills are fascinating birds with unique traits and behaviours, says Tim Plowden making them an interesting topic of study for ornithologists and conservationists alike. Here he takes an in-depth look at this captivating bird
What is a hornbill?
A hornbill is a large bird that belongs to the family Bucerotidae, instantly recognised by a long, curved beak and a bony structure called a casque on top of its head.
How many species of hornbills are there?
There are approximately 62 known species of hornbills, each with their unique characteristics.
Where do hornbills live?
Hornbills inhabit the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Melanesia.
What habitats do they prefer?
Hornbills can thrive in varying habitats, from dense forests to open plains. However, they generally prefer forested areas.
What do hornbills eat?
Hornbills are omnivores and have a diverse diet consisting of fruit, insects, and small animals. Some larger species are known to hunt small birds and reptiles.
What is the casque at the top of their beak for?
The casque, a hollow structure on top of the beak, serves multiple purposes. It is used as visual signal of sexual maturity, as a resonating chamber for calls, and for aerial jousting during mating season.
Where do hornbills nest?
Hornbills have unique nesting habits. They build nests in tree cavities, often sealing themselves in with a cement-like mixture of mud. The female remains in the tree hole nest with her eggs and relies on the male to bring food through a small opening. The female moults while incubating the eggs.
How do they raise their young?
Hornbills are monogamous and one of a few animals that mates for life and they work as a team to raise their young. After the eggs hatch and when there’s not enough space inside the nest hole for the nestlings and the female, she leaves the cavity. Both parents continue to care for the brood until they are ready to leave the nest.
What are the biggest threats hornbills face?
Habitat loss, hunting, and climate change are significant threats to hornbills. Hornbills in Asia are particularly vulnerable to these pressures. There are three Critically Endangered species of hornbill in Southeast Asia. The population of the Helmeted Hornbill has declined sharply because of deforestation and hunting for the trade in its solid casque.
What is the smallest hornbill?
The smallest hornbill is the Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Lophoceros camurus, measuring about 30cm in length.
What is the biggest hornbill?
There are a couple of contenders for the biggest hornbill. At 150cm and on account of its magnificent tail feathers, the longest hornbill is the Helmeted Hornbill, Rhinoplax vigil. When it comes to mass, the heaviest hornbill is the Southern Ground Hornbill, Bucorvus leadbeateri, which can weigh as much as 6.3 kg.
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