Hornbills are birds with huge bills that can account for up to 1/6th of the entire body length. Because of their large beak, the hornbill can’t see very well what is right in front of them. They will often search for food on the ground, overturning twigs and leaves to find insects.
Photo taken in Pilanesberg National Park
Tag: hornbill
Southern Ground Hornbill
Southern ground hornbills live together in family groups consisting of males and females, adults and youngsters. They prefer walking around to flying, and while doing so they catch small animals like snakes, lizards, insects, and small mammals. The whole group takes care of the young ones, who are only able to live independently after two years. This long period means that southern ground hornbills can only breed every three years, making them vulnerable to extinction.
Photo taken in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
Hornbills at dawn
This must be one of the most magical moments I’ve experienced during a game drive: two Southern yellow-billed hornbills at dawn, bowing their heads synchronously toward the rising sun.
