
Photo: Rohit Naniwadekar · CC BY-SA 4.0
Buceros bicornis
Diet
Primarily fruit, especially figs; also small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects
Habitat
Mature tropical evergreen and moist deciduous forest with large fruiting and cavity-bearing trees
Range
India, Nepal, Bhutan, southern China, mainland Southeast Asia, the Malay Peninsula, and Sumatra
Clutch size
1–2 eggs
Incubation period
Approximately 38–40 days
Size
Approximately 95–130 cm
Wingspan
Approximately 152 cm
Weight
Approximately 2.15–4 kg
The great hornbill inhabits the Indian subcontinent, southern China, mainland Southeast Asia, the Malay Peninsula, and parts of Indonesia. It depends on mature tropical evergreen and moist deciduous forest containing both large fruiting trees and old cavity-bearing trees. One of the largest hornbills, it measures roughly 95–130 cm and bears an enormous yellow-and-black bill topped by a casque. The plumage is chiefly black and white, while males and females differ in eye color and details of the casque and bill. (Animal Diversity Web)
Fruit dominates the diet, particularly figs, although great hornbills also capture small mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Monogamous pairs use natural cavities high in large trees. After entering, the female seals the opening with mud, food remains, and feces, leaving only a narrow slit through which the male delivers food. She lays one or two eggs and incubates them for approximately thirty-eight to forty days. The female and young remain enclosed until the nestling has developed sufficiently to emerge. (Animal Diversity Web)