hornbill

Hornbill refers to a group of birds in the family Bucerotidae, a lineage found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia, with some species reaching parts of Melanesia. Hornbills are notable for their large, often vividly colored bills and, in many species, a hollow casque atop the upper mandible. They inhabit forests, woodlands, and savannas where fruiting trees are available. Plumage varies widely among species, from black-and-white to bright yellow and orange; sexes are generally similar, though some species show size or color differences.

Most hornbills are omnivorous, with fruit forming a sizable portion of their diet. They also take insects, small animals, eggs of other birds, and nestling chicks. They are generally diurnal and may form family groups or small flocks outside the breeding season. They play an important ecological role as seed dispersers for large-fruited trees.

Reproduction is distinctive: many hornbills nest in tree cavities. The female seals herself inside the cavity with a cement-like wall made of mud, droppings, and other materials, leaving only a small slit through which the male passes food. After the incubation period, the seal is broken and the chicks fledge; in some species the nest is a multi-chambered cavity and males and helpers assist in feeding the family.

Conservation status varies by species; habitat loss and hunting for meat or for the casque and beak materials threaten several hornbills. Some species are protected under national laws and international agreements; in parts of Asia and Africa, their continued survival depends on forest conservation and reductions in illegal wildlife trade.

Taxonomy: Hornbills belong to the family Bucerotidae, within the order Bucerotiformes. The family includes several genera such as Buceros, Rhinoplax, Rhyticeros, Anorrhinus, and Aceros.