Bucorvus abyssinicus
The Abyssinian Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus abyssinicus) is a magnificent, terrestrial bird, measuring an impressive 90-100 cm (35-39 inches) in length with a wingspan reaching 120-150 cm (47-59 inches) and weighing 3-4 kg (6.6-8.8 lbs). This imposing hornbill is predominantly glossy black, contrasting sharply with conspicuous white primary feathers that become highly visible in flight, serving as a key identification mark. Its most striking features include a large, dark grey-black bill topped ...
This species primarily inhabits open savannas, semi-arid grasslands, and sparse woodlands, preferring areas with short grass for foraging. It is typically found in lowland areas, though it can occur up to elevations of about 2,500 meters.
The Abyssinian Ground Hornbill is an opportunistic carnivore, primarily preying on insects (locusts, beetles), reptiles (snakes, lizards), small mammals (rodents, hares), and sometimes carrion. It forages exclusively on the ground, using its powerful bill to catch and subdue prey.
Abyssinian Ground Hornbills are diurnal, spending most of their daylight hours walking and foraging on the ground in small family groups, typically roosting in large trees at night. Their foraging strategy involves slow, deliberate walking, scanning the ground for prey, which they capture with th...
The Abyssinian Ground Hornbill is native to a broad band across sub-Saharan Africa, stretching from Senegal and Mauritania in the west to Eritrea, Ethiopia, and northwestern Kenya and Uganda in the east. This extensive breeding range primarily covers the semi-arid Sahel region and northern savann...
Vulnerable
- The Abyssinian Ground Hornbill can live for an impressive 30 to 40 years in the wild, and even longer in captivity. - Unlike most other hornbill species, the female Abyssinian Ground Hornbill is not 'walled in' during nesting; she can enter and exit the nest cavity freely. - They are one of onl...