Abyssinian Ground Hornbill
(Northern Hornbill) Bucorvus abyssinicus
WILD STATUS
Vulnerable
Vulnerable
DISTRIBUTION
Southern Mauritania and Guinea, east to Ethiopia, N.W. Somalia, N.E. Kenya and Uganda
SIZE
Weight 3.6-4.5kg (8-10 lbs)
HABITAT
Savannah and sub-desert scrub
REPRODUCTION
1 to 2 eggs laid 3-5 days apart. Incubation is done by the female and takes 37-41 days. Hatchlings are fed in the nest by the male
1 to 2 eggs laid 3-5 days apart. Incubation is done by the female and takes 37-41 days. Hatchlings are fed in the nest by the male
DIET
Mainly small mammals, lizards, amphibians, birds, tortoises, spiders and insects. Hornbill also eats carrion, fruit and seeds
INTERESTING TIDBITS
- Abyssinian Ground Hornbills are the second largest of the hornbill species.
- Eyelashes are unusually long to protect their eyes from sand, etc.
- They live up to 40 years.
- The horn or casque is composed of keratin, the same substance as our hair and fingernails. It functions to communicate age to other hornbills, helps to reinforce the beak and helps to resonate vocalizations.
- Will often see birds carrying various materials in their beaks. These are nest offerings.
- Protected as a totem bird in some areas.
- Often killed and the mounted head is used as a hunting disguise in parts of Nigeria, Cameroon and Sudan.
- In Gambia, the local villagers will chase these birds as they are considered to bring bad luck if they are not seen in flight.
HABITAT RANGE
ANIMAL FACT SHEET
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