Abyssinian or Northern Ground-Hornbill Bird Details
Bucorvus abyssinicus
Abyssinian or Northern Ground-Hornbill
NA
Pieter Boddaert, 1783
Bucerotiformes (HOOPOES and HORNBILLS)
Bucorvidae
Bucorvus
Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Sudan.
Appearance :
Large ground-dwelling bird with black plumage, bare red facial skin, and a large downward-curved bill. They have white primary feathers that are visible in flight.
Behaviour :
Social birds living in groups called "coalitions". They are terrestrial and known for their distinctive booming calls.
Habitat :
Found in savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands.
Diet :
Omnivorous, feeding on a variety of items including insects, small mammals, reptiles, birds, and fruits.
Conservation Status :
Vulnerable
Distribution :
Found in parts of East Africa, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Sudan.
Population Size :
They are generally considered to be declining.
Life Span :
Live up to 40-50 years.
Body And Tarsus:
Large, predominantly black with white primary feathers. Tarsus typically long and strong, suited for terrestrial foraging
Head And Bill :
Large head with a prominent downward-curved bill.
Length :
Approximately 90 to 100 cm (35 to 39 inches) from head to tail.
Neck :
Long and muscular, aiding in prey capture and feeding.
Size :
Among the largest hornbills, significant in size and weight.
Tail Details :
Short and broad, characteristic of ground-dwelling species.
Weight :
Around 4 to 6 kg (7 to 13.2 lbs).
Wing :
Broad and strong, adapted for short bursts of flight.
Wing Span :
Typically 180 to 200 cm (71 to 79 inches)
Facial Feature :
Bright red or blue skin around eyes and throat, with a bare patch of skin on the throat.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Large and bulky, often lined with leaves or other vegetation.
- Nest Made Up Of: Sticks, grass, and other natural materials found in their habitat.
Breeding Season :
Typically during the rainy season
Nesting Season :
Begins after the rainy season
Egg Color :
White or off-white with a slightly rough texture.
Egg Length :
Approximately 9-11 cm.
Egg Width and Weight :
Around 6-7 cm. Each egg can weigh up to 160-200 grams.
Clutch Size :
Usually 1-2 eggs per clutch.
No. of Broods :
Typically one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
Lasts about 37-41 days, shared by both male and female.
Nestling Period :
fledge after about 85-100 days.
Vocalization :
Loud booming calls, often heard in the early morning or during courtship displays.
Sex Demorphism :
Males are larger with a more prominent casque on the bill than females.
Migration Details :
Non-migratory; they are sedentary birds.
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