Definition:
(noun) The scientific family classification that includes all hornbills, approximately 55-65 total species depending on how different birds are split or lumped. These birds are exclusive to the Old World, found ranging from sub-Saharan Africa to India, southeastern Asia and Indonesia. These birds prefer tropical and subtropical habitats, but some species are found in a range of different habitat types.
Most hornbill species are arboreal – living primarily in trees – but larger species can be terrestrial – staying largely on the ground.
Hornbills are named for their amazingly large, decurved bills, which often show bright colors and may have a horny protrubence or casque on the upper mandible. While the bill sizes as well as the overall size of these birds can vary, they do share a range of other characteristics, including…
- Overall omnivorous diets, though exact foods preferred vary by range and season
- Sexually dimorphic in size with males typically larger, though both genders share similar plumage
- Monogamous mating relationships and often mating for life
- Cavity-nesting, with the female sealed into the nest for several weeks while the male feeds her through a narrow opening
Familiar species of Bucerotidae birds include the southern ground hornbill, knobbed hornbill, great hornbill, oriental pied hornbill and Von der Decken's hornbill.
Pronunciation:
BEW-serr-ah-tih-deye or BEW-serr-ah-tih-dee
Also Known As:
Hornbills
Photo – Southern Yellow-Billed Hornbill © Derek Keats