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Hornbills

Hornbills are a diverse group of tropical birds found across Africa, Asia, and Melanesia, known for their distinctive long, curved bills that are often vividly colored and feature a casque on the upper mandible. Their neck vertebrates are uniquely fused for stability under the weight of their bills, which serve multiple purposes such as fighting and foraging. Omnivorous in diet, these birds feed on both fruit and small creatures and are considered monogamous nesters, using tree cavities or cliffs for nesting. Some species face extinction threats, particularly certain island dwellers in Southeast Asia. Size among hornbills varies greatly, with the smallest being the black dwarf hornbill and the largest being the southern ground hornbill, which is also the most massive. Their vivid plumage is often black, white, grey, or brown, set off by bright colors on their bills or skin patches. Hornbills have binocular vision, even though their large bills partially obstruct their visual field. They are distributed over various habitats, with arboreal species living in forests and the terrestrial ground hornbills found in the open savanna. They are generally diurnal and may form flocks, with some species exhibiting territorial behavior, particularly those dependent on fruit. Breeding involves the female sealing herself inside a nest cavity to lay eggs, while the male brings food. Hornbills have symbiotic relationships with other species like mongooses and also play a vital ecological role as seed dispersers. Taxonomically, they have been classified in various ways, with some studies suggesting the separation of the ground hornbills into their own lineage. Cultural significance, especially in Asia, has led to hornbills being hunted for their casque, most notably in the helmeted hornbill. The conservation status varies, but many Asian hornbill species are at risk, while African species are generally less threatened. Hornbills have featured in popular culture, such as the Disney franchise "The Lion King," where the character Zazu, a hornbill, makes appearances.

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A photo of a African Grey Hornbill (Lophoceros nasutus) , male

African Grey Hornbill

Lophoceros nasutus
A photo of a Bradfield's Hornbill (Lophoceros bradfieldi)

Bradfield's Hornbill

Lophoceros bradfieldi
A photo of a Crowned Hornbill (Lophoceros alboterminatus) , male

Crowned Hornbill

Lophoceros alboterminatus
A photo of a Damara Red-billed Hornbill (Tockus damarensis)

Damara Red-billed Hornbill

Tockus damarensis
A photo of a Monteiro's Hornbill (Tockus monteiri)

Monteiro's Hornbill

Tockus monteiri
A photo of a Silvery-cheeked Hornbill (Bycanistes brevis) , male

Silvery-cheeked Hornbill

Bycanistes brevis
A photo of a Southern Red-billed Hornbill (Tockus rufirostris)

Southern Red-billed Hornbill

Tockus rufirostris
A photo of a Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill (Tockus leucomelas)

Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill

Tockus leucomelas
A photo of a Trumpeter Hornbill (Bycanistes bucinator) , male

Trumpeter Hornbill

Bycanistes bucinator
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Downloaded Birda around the time my interest in birding was sparked, and it has been a terrific app to help me (1) share my experience, (2) document my sightings, and (3) learn more about birds in general. That said, I also believe Birda is a fantastic app for birders of all experience levels. Great community!
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Birda is honestly the best bird logging app I have seen. I love all the features it has from being able to do a session and log all the birds you see in one sitting, to being able to connect with other birders from all over the globe!
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I really enjoy using Birda, all sightings are recorded and photos can be added. There are monthly challenges which help to get you out to record your sightings. The Birda community are great and are happy to help with unidentified bird sightings. Suitable for all ages and experience!
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