The Southern Ground-hornbills or safer (Bucorvus leadbeateri) is one of two species of ground-hornbill and is the largest species of hornbill.
The other species of the genus Bucorvus is the Abyssinian Ground-hornbill, B. abyssinicus.
Description
It is a large bird, at 90 to 129 cm (36 to 51 in) long and a weight of 2.2 to 6.2 kg (4.8 to 13.6 lbs), with the male considerably larger than the female.
It is characterized by black coloration and vivid red patches of bare skin on the face and throat (yellow in juvenile birds). The white tips of the wings (primary feathers) seen in flight are another diagnostic characteristic. The beak is black and straight and presents a casque, more developed in males. Female Southern Ground-hornbills are smaller and have violet-blue skin on their throats.
The most prominent features of these large African-dwelling birds are their human-like eyes and the long, dark, and curly “lashes.” These aren’t lashes at all. Birds don’t have hair. The lashes consist of fine feathers – the function of which is to keep the dust out of the eyes.
Juveniles are dependent on adults for 6 to 12 months.
Habitat and Distribution
Its habitat comprises savannahs, woodlands, and grasslands. It can be found from northern Namibia and Angola to northern South Africa to Burundi and Kenya. The Southern Ground Hornbill is a vulnerable species, mainly confined to national reserves and national parks. They live in groups of 5 to 10 individuals including adults and juveniles. Often, neighboring groups are engaged in aerial pursuits.
Southern Ground-Hornbills are native to sub-Saharan Africa. Their range extends from southern Kenya and Tanzania through Uganda, Botswana and Namibia. The Southern Ground-Hornbill is found primarily in open woodlands and savannas grasslands. It also occurs along the edges of forest, especially in areas where there are scattered trees and shrubs that offer both shelter and food.
The bird is usually found in lowland areas, but it can be seen at higher elevations as well, particularly in East Africa. Southern Ground-Hornbills are attracted to areas that have access to water. They often gather near rivers, wetlands, and marshes where they can easily find food.
They are territorial birds and form groups called “troupes” which consist of the dominant breeding pair, their offspring and other members. The birds are fairly stable in their habitats and stay in the same place year-round, as long as conditions are favorable. Their territories can be different in size depending on resources like food and nesting sites.
Diet / Feeding
They forage on the ground, where they feed on reptiles, frogs, snails, insects, and mammals up to the size of hares. According to IUCN Red List, this species is well documented.
References
- BirdLife International (2004). Bucorvus cafer. 2006. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 2006. Retrieved on 11 August 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
- Kemp, Alan (2003). “Hornbills”. in Christopher Perrins (Ed.). Firefly Encyclopedia of Birds. Firefly Books. pp. 384–389. ISBN 1-55297-777-3.
- Maclean, Gordon Lindsay. Roberts’ Birds of South Africa, 6th Edition
- Zimmerman, Dale A., Donald A. Turner, and David J. Pearson (1999). Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania. Princeton University Press. pp. 78–79, 397. ISBN 0-691-01022-6.
Feeding / Diet
Southern Ground-Hornbills forage primarily on the ground, eating a variety of animals. These birds are opportunistic predators. They prey on small mammals, such as rodents and birds, but also on frogs and snails. They are highly efficient predators because they can use their strong beaks and curves to break their prey open. Their large beaks can crush hard-shelled bugs and even break open the tough exteriors on reptiles andamphibians. According to Bug Guide, this species is well documented.
Southern Ground-Hornbills have been known to forage, in addition to hunting. This is especially true when food sources are limited. They will feed on larger animals such as antelopes or herbivores that they find in the savanna. They can take advantage of food that may have been overlooked by other predators.
Southern Ground-Hornbills can also dig through soil and leaf litter in order to locate insects such as termites, beetles and grasshoppers. During the wet season they will feed on amphibians and insects, while in the dry season they will rely on reptiles and mammals, which are easier to locate when they gather around water sources. They will eat fruits and berries, even though they are primarily carnivorous. This helps to balance their diet.
Social structure and the bird’s ability to walk large distances on foot and to find food are also important. Families often work together to forage, and the younger birds are often involved in locating and catching prey. Its feeding habits are crucial in controlling the insect and small vertebrate population.
Breeding and Nesting
Breeding habits of the Southern Ground-Hornbill are unique and different from many other birds. The hornbills breed during the dry season. However, timing can vary depending on where they are located. Both parents incubate the eggs for 40-45 days. The eggs are laid in large cavities in trees, usually a hollowed out trunk of a tree, to protect the young from predators.
Both parents incubate the eggs at the same time, unlike many other species. The first egg to hatch is usually more competitive than the second, which can lead to the second one not hatching. It is not always true, though. In some cases, both chicks can survive, if the parents provide enough food and care.
Once they hatch, chicks become altricial. This means that the chicks are completely dependent on their parents to provide warmth, food and protection. Parents feed their chicks directly by regurgitating the food into their mouths. They remain in the nests for several months and are usually ready to leave around six months. The young hornbills remain with their parents up to three-years, and help raise the next generation.
Conservation Status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified the Southern Ground-Hornbill as Vulnerable. Despite being relatively common in certain parts of its range and a declining population, the Southern Ground-Hornbill is still at risk. This bird’s primary threat is habitat loss. This is especially true as agriculture, human development and deforestation expand in Africa. Southern Ground-Hornbills lose their nesting and food sites as their forest habitats and savanna habitats become cleared for agriculture and urbanization.
The illegal hunting of Southern Ground-Hornbills for bushmeat and the poisoning animals can also be a threat. The bird’s slow reproduction rate, with its small number of eggs and long dependency period for young, makes it susceptible to population decline.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting and conserving their habitats. This includes the creation of protected areas, and promoting sustainable land use practices. Programs of awareness are also designed to reduce conflict between humans and wildlife, as well as to make local communities aware of the importance in preserving this majestic bird.
Conclusion
Southern Ground-Hornbills are truly beautiful birds, both for their physical beauty and fascinating behavior. The large size of this bird, its striking plumage and social structure have made it a symbol of the African Savanna. This majestic bird faces several challenges including habitat loss and interference from humans. Conservation efforts are vital to ensure the Southern Ground Hornbill continues to thrive and maintain its position as one of Africa’s most impressive birds. We can ensure the survival of these majestic creatures by promoting habitat protection and sustainable land management.
