Hornbill
family of birds in the order Bucerotiformes
The hornbills (Bucerotidae) are a family of bird found in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asia and Melanesia. They have a long, down-curved bill which is often brightly colored and sometimes has a box-like thing on the upper mandible. Many states of India like Kerala are fond of the hornbills. It is also the state bird of Kerala.
Hornbill Temporal range:
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Malabar grey hornbill Ocyceros griseus | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Aves |
Order: | Bucerotiformes |
Family: | Bucerotidae Rafinesque, 1815 |
The female hornbill lays her eggs in a hole in a tree. Then, helped by her mate, she seals herself in, covering the entrance with droppings and mud. Only a small slit is left, through which the male gives her food. This keeps the nest safe from snakes until the chicks are grown enough to leave the nest, and learn how to fly.[1]
Related pages
changeReferences
change- ↑ Ganeri, Anita (2000). Jungle animals: over 100 questions and answers to things you want to know. Dubai, U.A.E. ISBN 0-75254-909-X.
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: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)