Southern Ground Hornbill

Bucorvus leadbeateri

Range

• Southern Africa

Habitat

• Savannahs, woodlands, and grasslands

Diet

• Reptiles
• Frogs
• Snails
• Insects
• Mammals

Weight

• Males 7.5-14 lbs, Females 4-10 lbs

Height

• 3′-4′ long

Wingspan

• 5′

Lifespan

• 40-50 years

A Well-Grounded Bird

These large, carnivorous birds run along the ground spearing insects, reptiles, and small mammals with their beaks. Mated pairs raise one chick at a time which stays with them for years, joining the family group alongside elder siblings. All members of the group cooperate in raising the chick.

Did You Know?

• Their long eyelashes, which are actually feathers, offer protection from the sun and dust.
• This bird carries several prey in its bill until enough are gathered to eat all at once.
• They have white feathers that can only be seen in flight.
• Females have blue skin on their throats.

Conservation Status

A slow reproductive rate, habitat loss to livestock and agriculture, and human persecution have caused this species’ numbers to dwindle in their home range.