| Size |
35-40 in (90-100cm) |
| Weight |
Male: average 10.5 lb (4800 g). Female: average 7.5 lb (3400 g). |
| Conservation Status |
|
| Diet |
Southern ground hornbills are omnivorous (eat both meat and plant material). In the wild these birds consume a variety of prey including small snakes, lizards and mice as well as a variety of fruit. At the Zoo the base diet for the birds is comprised of a commercial raw meat mix, which contains the nutrients essential for the animal’s well being. For enrichment, activity and training the birds receive fruit, insects and mice. |
| Geographic Range |
Southern Africa |
| Where to find me in the Zoo |
Carnivore Kingdom |
Note: Description below should include Longevity, Behavior, and Reproduction information
The ground hornbills are the largest and the heaviest of all the hornbill species. The body feathers are black but the primary feathers of the wings are white and can only be seen when the birds are in flight. The birds have a bright red throat patch that can be inflated when they vocalize. The female has additional blue markings on her throat patch. Both sexes have very long eyelashes and the eyes are also surrounded by red skin patches.
Longevity
Average lifespan in the wild is not definitely known but believed to be 35 to 40 years. Kemp (1995) reports that maximum longevity could be as long as 70 years. Longevity in captivity is not known but there are many living in zoos today that are in their 20s and a few in their 30s, 40s and 50s.
Behavior
Although they can fly, southern ground hornbills are mostly terrestrial. Their long bills are used for stabbing at prey species. These hornbills have an unusual habit of collecting multiple prey items and lining them up in their bills before tossing them back and swallowing. They are very opportunistic in their feeding habits, eating carrion when it is available and even going after snakes as venomous as cobras and puff adders.
Reproduction
Nest in cavities, typically in a large tree. Clutches of 1-2 eggs that are incubated for 37-43 days. Even if 2 eggs hatch, the younger chick rarely survives. The surviving chick fledges at about 86 days.
Cleo: Male, born July 17, 1988 at San Diego Wild Animal Park.
Oscarina: Female, born June 16, 1995 at Jacksonville Zoological Gardens.
The pair arrived at the Zoo together on April 29, 2003.
Enrichment
Adoption Information
Featured Foster Parent
Fun Facts
- Southern ground hornbills make a deep booming call (hoo hoo hoo-hoo) that can be heard as far as 3 miles away.
- Many Africans regard hornbills as sacred, so the large ground hornbills thrive virtually unmolested by man.
- Some hornbill species apply makeup! Their bills are stained red-yellow and orange by preening oil from a gland at the base of their tails.
Conservation
Introductions
Animal Lingo
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