Great Hornbill (8)
Buceros bicornis
(Near-threatened)
India
Jan 18 2023
adult
They are large birds with a wingspan of 152cm (60inch). The casque on top of their bills are hollow, concave and serve no known purpose. They are monogamous and often build their nests in the same place every year. Before mating, they clean up the nesting hollow and engage in a little courtship involving food exchange. The female will spend increasing amounts of time inside the nest. When the eggs are laid, she sheds her breast feathers and seals herself inside the nest, leaving a vertical slit for the male to feed her. Here we see their pre-mating preparations.
Jan 19 2023
Stills can be excellent but in this case the video does a better job of capturing the action.
In a few days, the female will shut herself inside the nest, depending on her mate to feed her though the incubation period. This is the only time one can see both interacting, before the eggs are laid.
Fabulous bird and video. Really good to see they continue to survive with their habitat requirements…despite our ongoing encroachment in many places
Thank you, Chris.
Excellent