Animal Profiles
Birds

Hornbill

Bucerotidae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Hornbills are tropical birds with large bills. This account describes the great hornbill (Buceros bicornis), a forest species with a prominent casque and an unusual enclosed nest.

Buceros bicornis (hornbill)

Representative species: great hornbill (Buceros bicornis).

Pradhumnghugare · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Habitat
Rainforest
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Mostly fruit, with small animals also eaten.

Classification

Common name
Hornbill
Browse group
Birds
Scientific name or taxon
Bucerotidae
Taxon rank
family
Order
Bucerotiformes
Family
Bucerotidae
Source classification
Aves

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • A tree cavity is used for breeding.
  • Fruit is the principal food.
  • Its casque is a hollow structure.

Habitat and range

Great hornbills inhabit forests in South and Southeast Asia. Tall mature trees matter especially because breeding requires a cavity large enough for the female and eggs.

Appearance and adaptations

Black and white plumage contrasts with the large bill and hollow casque. Tinted preen-gland oil can colour parts of the bill and feathers yellow or reddish.

Diet and behaviour

Fruit supplies most food, with small animals also taken. During breeding, the female is enclosed inside a tree cavity while a narrow opening allows food delivery. Birds gather at communal night roosts.

Sources

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