What kind of bird is the great hornbill? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. The hornbill got its name because the large horn on its beak looks like a rhinoceros horn. Because of its unusual appearance, this bird can be easily identified.
What is a great hornbill? About basic status
The great hornbill is a bird classified in the genus Hornbill, in the order Carpenteridae and family Hornbillidae. The English name is Great Hornbill, and the scientific name is Buceros bicornis. The list of information is as follows. The body length is 90–125 cm and the weight is 3–4 kg.
| Japanese（和名） | オオサイチョウ |
| English（英名） | Great Hornbill |
| scientific name(学名) | Buceros bicornis |
| classification（分類） | Ave、 Coraciiformes、Bucerotidae、Buceros 鳥綱、ブッポウソウ目、サイチョウ科、サイチョウ属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | VULNERABLE |
| Length（全長） | 90–125cm |
| Weight（体重） | 3-4kg |
Taxonomy
- 界 (Kingdom): Animalia（動物界）
- 門 (Phylum): Chordata（脊索動物門）
- 綱 (Class): Aves（鳥綱）
- 目 (Order): Bucerotiformes（サイチョウ目）
- 科 (Family): Bucerotidae（サイチョウ科）
- 属 (Genus): Buceros（オオサイチョウ属）
- 種 (Species): Buceros bicornis（オオサイチョウ）
About habitat
Its habitat ranges from China to Southeast Asia.
- Natural Distribution (Origin)
Indian Subcontinent
Northern India, Nepal, Bhutan
Southeast Asia
Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia (Sumatra, Borneo)
Living in wooded tropical and subtropical rainforests
- Habitat
Prefers tropical rainforests and evergreen forests
Arboreal, living in trees with high canopies
Altitude
Flat to mountainous areas (up to approximately 1,500 m)
Population Density
More common in mature forests
- Range
Primarily sedentary
May move locally for food and breeding
As a large arboreal bird, it is rarely seen in open grasslands or urban areas
- Distinctive Habitat Conditions
Requires forests with large fruit trees and tree cavities
Uses cavities in large trees for breeding and nesting
May prefer to live near water sources
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The great hornbill is a large hornbill that lives in the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. It is called the great hornbill because of the rhino horn-like thing on its beak that makes it look like a rhinoceros horn. Like other hornbills, this hornbill builds its nest in the hollow of a large tree, and when the female leaves the nest, the male coats the entrance to the nest with feces.
- Appearance and Physical Characteristics
Body Size
Body Length: 95-130 cm
Wingspan: Approximately 1.2-1.5 m
Weight: Approximately 2-4 kg
Beak
Large, yellow to orange
A horn-like bony structure called a “casque” is located above the upper beak.
Body Color
Back and Wings: Black
Belly and Tail: White
Head and Chest: Yellowish
Eyes and Face
Clear skin around the eyes gives the bird an expressive appearance.
💡 Appearance: Majestic and flashy, its large beak stands out in the forest, making it a striking bird.
- Flight and Behavior
Flight Ability
Flight style suited to flying through forest canopies
Long-distance flight is possible, but they primarily live in trees
Do not swim
Not a waterfowl, but entirely arboreal
- Diet
Primarily frugivorous (mainly fruit)
Fruits such as bananas, mangoes, and papayas
Occasionally eats animals
May also eat small reptiles and insects
- Reproduction and Sociality
Nesting in tree holes
Females stay in the nest hole, while males bring food
Parent Role
Both parents care for their chicks
Calling
Loud, low-pitched “caw, caw” call
Can be heard far in the forest
- Personality and Characteristics
Generally timid but dignified
Highly adapted to life in the trees
Uses its large beak to crack open fruit and for intimidation
What is your personality like?
Great hornbills are said to be wary and timid, but there seems to be considerable individual variation. Some birds are wayward.
- Basic Personality
Timid and cautious
Easily wary of humans and predators
Very aggressive when defending their nests and chicks
Majestic
Due to their large size and presence, they behave as “dignified birds” in the forest.
- Sociality
Solo or small flocks
Often found in pairs
Sometimes flock in areas with abundant fruit
During the breeding season, cooperation between parents is evident
The male brings food while the female stays secluded in the nest
Both parents care for their chicks until they are fully grown
- Intimidation/Aggression
Uses its large beak and wings to intimidate others
When threatened, it makes a loud noise and either flies away or engages in threatening behavior
Very defensive of its nests and chicks
- Environmental Adaptation
Highly adapted to arboreal forest life
Moves cautiously in tall trees
Intelligent and strategic in securing food and nests
What does the ecology look like?
The great hornbill is omnivorous, but its favorite food is figs. It takes approximately 40 days for the eggs to hatch. The form of tying is oviparous. The lifespan is 30 to 40 years.
- Living Environment
Highly arboreal, living primarily in tall trees in mature tropical and subtropical rainforests.
Move, rest, and forage in the treetops.
Use tree hollows and hollows in large trees as nests.
- Diet
Mainly frugivorous (mainly fruit).
Bananas, mangoes, papayas, figs, etc.
Occasionally consumes animal matter.
Supplementary diet includes small reptiles and insects.
Uses long necks and large beaks to aid in fruit digestion.
- Breeding Behavior
Nest Construction: Nests are built in tree hollows.
Nest Behavior:
Females remain confined to the nest, with the male bringing food from outside.
Females remain in the nest until the chicks leave the nest.
Breeding Season: Varies by region, but primarily spring to summer.
Number of Eggs: Usually 1-2.
Parental Roles: Both parents protect and feed the chicks.
- Movement and Behavior Patterns
Primarily sedentary
May move locally to find food or nests
Spread their wings and fly gracefully between tree canopies
- Sociality
Single or paired
May form small flocks in areas with abundant fruit
Their calls carry far and wide, signaling their territory and presence
- Distinctive Ecology
Cavity-Dependent: Reproduction is highly dependent on hollows in large trees
Important as Fruit Dispersers: Contributes to forest regeneration by excreting seeds from eaten fruit
Few natural predators, allowing adult birds to live relatively safe in the forest
Are there any natural enemies?
Natural enemies include birds of prey. Your enemies will mainly be birds flying in the sky.
About Great Hornbill Chicks
This article provides a detailed summary of Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) chicks. Great Hornbills are characterized by parental cooperation and hollow tree nest building, and their chick development is also unique.
- Birth and Hatching
Number of Eggs: 1-2 eggs are common
Incubation Period: Approximately 38-40 days
Characteristics Immediately After Hatching:
Fluffy feathers of pale gray or whitish color
Small, yellowish beak
Completely flightless
- Life in the Nest
Nests are built in hollow tree cavities
Female Behavior Within the Nest:
Warms eggs and remains confined to the nest until the chicks leave the nest
Sometimes blocks the nest entrance with mud or feces to protect it from predators
Male Role:
Brings food to the female and chicks who remain confined to the nest
Feeds fruit and insects by mouth
- Developmental Stage
Early Stage (from hatching to a few weeks):
Feathers are still soft and they cannot fly.
Parents provide food and keep them warm.
Middle Stage (a few weeks to 2 months):
Feathers gradually become more like those of an adult, and their bodies become stronger.
They begin practicing feeding in the nest using their necks and beaks.
Late Stage (2-4 months):
Feathers are fully grown and ready for flight.
Both males and females begin practicing leaving the nest.
- Flight and Fledging
Time to fly: Approximately 3-4 months old.
Fledging:
Chicks initially fly close to their parents, but gradually become independent.
Even after fledging, their parents continue to provide them with fruit and provide temporary care.
- Characteristics and Biology
Feathers are paler than those of adults, ranging in color from gray to whitish.
They have a habit of being fed by mouth.
Chicks stay confined to tree hollows and rely on their parents for safety and warmth.
Is the great hornbill an endangered species?
The great hornbill is listed as an endangered species. It is also listed in Appendix I of the Washington Convention, and international trade is restricted. Because the number of birds in captivity has increased so much, it has become a target for protection.
- IUCN Red List Assessment
Classification: Vulnerable (VU: Critically Endangered)
Reason: Population decline due to habitat destruction and hunting
- Causes of Endangerment
Deforestation and Habitat Destruction
Decrease in large trees with hollows due to deforestation in tropical rainforests
Habitat shrinkage due to development and agricultural land
Hunting and Poaching
Capture for feathers and ornaments
In some areas, they are also captured for food
Low Reproduction Rate
Only one or two eggs are laid, and the eggs must be protected in the nest until they grow
Chick survival rate is low
- Conservation Status
Conservation efforts are being carried out within protected areas in India, Nepal, Bhutan, and other countries.
Deforestation restrictions and breeding protection are important.
Breeding programs are also being implemented in zoos and conservation facilities.
Can a great hornbill be kept as a pet?
The great hornbill is also listed on CITES Appendix I, which restricts international trade. Therefore, it is difficult to breed them.
- Difficulty of Raising
Very Large
Adults have a body length of approximately 95-130 cm and a wingspan of 1.2-1.5 m
They cannot fit into a home cage
Strongly arboreal
Prefers high places and requires space to fly
They do not require a special environment like a waterside, but a large, high open space is essential
Loud call
Their “cawing, cawing” calls can be heard far away
They can be noisy in residential areas
- Personality and Behavior
Timid but dignified
They can become aggressive during breeding season and when they are very territorial
They are a flock-living bird
They can easily become stressed when alone
- Laws and Permits
In Japan, the Hornbill family in general is subject to the Wildlife Protection Act, although it is different from eagles, hawks, and designated invasive species.
Keeping and breeding require a zoo or special permit
Private breeding and sales are almost impossible
- Examples of care
Typically, they are kept in zoos, parks, and conservation facilities.
The following are required for care:
A large, tall cage or treetop space
Fruit-based diet
Breeding season management and chick protection
Veterinary health care
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