Hornbills

Hornbills are birds famous for their giant beaks. They live in warm forests in Africa and Asia. Some hornbills have a big bump on top of their beak called a casque. There are about 60 kinds of hornbills. They come in many colors and sizes, from small to as big as a turkey.

All About the Beak

A hornbill's beak looks heavy but is actually hollow inside. This makes it light enough for the bird to fly. They use their beaks to pick fruit, grab bugs, and even catch small animals. The casque on top helps make their calls louder, like a loudspeaker. Each type of hornbill has a different beak shape.

Safe Inside the Tree

Hornbills have a very unusual way to keep their eggs safe. The mother bird goes inside a hole in a tree and then seals the opening almost shut with mud. She leaves just a small slit so the father can bring her food. The mother stays inside while the eggs hatch and the chicks grow. This keeps snakes and monkeys from getting the babies.

Forest Helpers

Hornbills eat lots of fruit and help spread seeds through the forest. They swallow whole fruits and later drop the seeds far from the parent tree. This helps grow new trees. Hornbills also eat insects, lizards, and frogs. They make loud honking and cackling sounds as they fly through the treetops.

Fun Facts

• The biggest hornbill is called the great hornbill and stands almost 4 feet tall.
• Hornbills are the only birds whose first two neck bones are joined together.
• Their wings make a loud whooshing sound when they fly.

Did You Know?

Some hornbills pair up for life and stay with the same partner for over 30 years.