Bonanza Bird #4: Trumpeter Hornbill

Our Birdorable Bonanza 2012 continues today with the Trumpeter Hornbill.

Trumpeter Hornbill

The Trumpeter Hornbill has the honor of being the first hornbill species to be added to Birdorable. These gregarious birds are found in southern parts of Africa. Trumpeter Hornbills are named for their baby-like crying vocalization, which is trumpeted out at a very loud volume. Here's what it sounds like:

Trumpeter Hornbill (Ceratogymna bucinator)
Trumpeter Hornbill by Ian n. White

All hornbill species have a very unusual nesting practice. They use natural tree cavities, but they make an interesting modification. Prior to incubation, the entrance to the cavity is sealed by a wall constructed by the female, who may or may not be assisted by her mate. It is sealed so tightly that she is unable to leave the cavity! During the incubation period, she receives all food from her mate through a narrow slit in the wall. When the chicks hatch, the whole family continues to be fed through the slit with food provided by the male. When the babies grow too large for all to remain comfortably inside the cavity, the mother hornbill breaks out -- but still the chicks remain inside! The broken cavity wall is repaired and they continue to grow, now receiving food delivered by both adults.

Sample Trumpeter Hornbill t-shirts and gifts

Tomorrow's bird is just a little thing that wears a crown of gold. Can you guess what it will be?

Birdorable Bonanza Preview

Comments

Laurakeet on July 13, 2012 at 9:35 AM wrote:
Gold crowned kinglet!
Elinor (Ashira) on July 13, 2012 at 9:51 AM wrote:
I had no idea you were doing another Bonanza! : D Tomorrow's bird must be a Golden-Crowned Kinglet. Or a Goldcrest, I suppose!
Laurakeet on July 13, 2012 at 10:18 AM wrote:
I can't believe it wasn't a great hornbill.
Tough Titmouse on July 13, 2012 at 11:19 AM wrote:
I feel bad for you, Laurakeet.. I was thinking the same thing... I sure hope they make one for you this year!!! Go birdies Go !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Laurakeet on July 13, 2012 at 4:39 PM wrote:
Yay!
Gustavo Carvalho on July 29, 2012 at 9:53 PM wrote:
with great hornbill U guys mean the great pied hornbill?!?if it is,i love this bird also!
Louise Warner on February 17, 2017 at 4:45 PM wrote:
golden crowned kinglet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Spurwing Plover on May 21, 2022 at 7:02 AM wrote:
Tooooot Toooooooooot Tooooooooooooot

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