Southern Ground Hornbill
NameSouthern Ground Hornbill
Common NameSouthern Ground Hornbill
Scientific NameBucorvus leadbeateri
FamilyBucorvidae
Wingspan (cm)150
Length (cm)100
Weight (g)4000
Plumage DetailsEntirely black plumage, except for white primary feathers that are visible in flight. The bare skin around the eyes and on the throat is bright red in adults, with males having a fully red throat pouch and females having a patch of violet-blue on the upper throat.
Vocalization / CallDeep, booming calls, often given in a synchronized duet or trio by a group, sounding like 'uh-uh-uh-uh-uh'. These calls are typically made in the early morning.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, forest
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeFound in southern and eastern Africa, ranging from northern Namibia and Angola east to northern South Africa and Mozambique, and north through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, and Kenya.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, All-black plumage, Vibrant red bare facial and throat skin, Long, heavy black bill, Terrestrial foraging behavior
Description
The Southern Ground Hornbill is a large, terrestrial bird characterized by its striking black plumage and vibrant red facial and throat skin. It is a social species, often seen foraging in groups on the ground, using its powerful bill to catch prey.
