The Buceros bicornis (scientific name) or great hornbill is a native of the forests of South and South-East Asia. 37-51 inches in length, this bird’s plumage is predominantly jet black, with a yellow neck. The beak is large and downward curved. The upper mandible is yellow and the lower is white. There are also white bars on the tips of the wings, and the tail is white with black bars. A unique feature is the bright yellow-black casque on top of the beak. Mostly frugivorous, their diet also includes small mammals, birds, insects and reptiles. Monogamous breeders, an average clutch has 1-2 eggs which are incubated for 40 days, while the female stays sealed in its nest. Its IUCN listing is NEAR THREATENED.
Great Hornbill
