Among the ten total global species of avocets and stilts, wading birds that are members of the Recurvirostridae family, there are a lot of interesting information and fascinating facts. Following our Amazing Adaptations post, here are some more facts about these long-legged birds.

Bird Terms Related to Avocets and Stilts

• Avocets and stilts are cosmopolitan -- they can be found nearly all around the world, with the exception of Antarctica. 

• Baby stilts and avocets are precocial. They are covered with down and their eyes are open at hatching. The can walk and feed themselves just hours later.

Taxonomy Tidbits

• A Special Subspecies: The Hawaiian Stilt (Himantopus mexicanus knudseni) is an endemic, endangered subspecies of the Black-necked Stilt of the Americas. The Hawaiian Stilt is known as the aeʻo or kukuluaeʻo locally, is at risk of extinction due to habitat loss and predation by non-native species (a common problem for native Hawaiian birds).

• The Black-necked Stilt itself is considered to be a subspecies of the Black-winged Stilt by some taxonomic authorities; the AOS (American Ornithological Society) has always considered it to be its own separate species. 

• Taxonomy of the White-backed Stilt is also disputed, with some authorities considering it a subspecies of the Black-necked Stilt rather than its own separate species.

Long-legged and Long-lived!

• The longevity record for a wild American Avocet is just over 15 years for a bird banded in California. 

• The longevity record for a wild Black-necked Stilt is nearly 17 years, known from a bird first banded in 2002 and retrapped and released in 2019. 

• The longevity record for a wild Pied Avocet is nearly 28 years! This is known from bird ringing done in the Netherlands; the ring numbers were read in the field so the final disposition for this individual is unknown.

• The longevity record for a wild Black-winged Stilt is almost 19 years. This information is known from bird ringing done in Portugal and, like the Pied Avocet, was learned from reading ring numbers on a live bird. 

What's In a Name?

• The Pied Avocet is also known as the Black-capped Avocet, the Eurasian Avocet, or simply as Avocet in English-speaking regions of its range.

• The Black Stilt of New Zealand is known as kakī in Maori.

• The Pied Stilt is also commonly known as the White-headed Stilt.

• The Red-necked Avocet has several alternative common names: Australian Avocet; Cobbler's Awl; and Painted Lady. A cobbler's awl is a sharp tool, often with a curved tip, used to punch holes in materials like leather and vinyl. The shape of the cobbler's awl resembles the upcurved beak of avocets.

We’re excited to announce four new Birdorable coloring pages for Avocet & Stilt Week. This family of birds is known for their long legs, slender bills, and striking plumage, making them a favorite among bird enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a fan of avocets or stilts (or both!), you’ll love these new coloring pages. You can use your imagination to bring these birds to life with your favorite colors. And if you need a little inspiration, be sure to check our website to see their true colors.

Here’s what you can expect with our new coloring pages:

• Pied Avocet: This stunning bird has long, slender blue-gray legs and a distinctly upturned black bill. Its clean white plumage is accented by bold black markings on its wings, back, and crown, making it one of the most recognizable shorebirds in the world. Download the Pied Avocet coloring page here.

• Black-winged Stilt: Known for its long pink legs and straight, black bill, the Black-winged Stilt is an elegant shorebird with mostly white plumage. Its contrasting black wings and back make it truly stand out. Download the Black-winged Stilt coloring page here.

• Black-necked Stilt: With a distinctive black cap and neck, this stilt species is truly eye-catching. The Black-necked Stilt’s long pink legs and stark black-and-white plumage create a bold and beautiful combination. Download the Black-necked Stilt coloring page here.

• American Avocet: This beautiful bird is known for its long blue-gray legs and elegant upturned bill. The American Avocet’s wings are boldly patterned in black and white, and its head and neck change color during the breeding season, from a warm cinnamon to grayish-white in winter. Download the American Avocet coloring page here.

Coloring is a great way to relax and learn more about these amazing birds. Each coloring page is easy to print and perfect for bird lovers of all ages. Plus, it’s a fun way to appreciate the incredible diversity of shorebirds from around the world.

Once you’ve finished coloring, be sure to share your creations with us on social media using the hashtag #Birdorable. We can’t wait to see your colorful interpretations of these wonderful birds!

On this second day of Avocet & Stilt Week, we're introducing you to three new Birdorable species.

The avocets are a remarkable group of wading birds within the avocet and stilt (Recurvirostridae) family, known for their elegant appearance and unique feeding techniques. Among the four total species of avocets, the Andean Avocet, Pied Avocet, and Red-necked Avocet stand out for their distinctive traits and habitats. Let’s take a closer look at these fascinating birds that are new to Birdorable.

Andean Avocet (Recurvirostra andina)

The Andean Avocet is a striking bird native to the high-altitude wetlands of the Andes Mountains in South America. Unlike its relatives, which are often found in lowland coastal areas, the Andean Avocet is adapted to life in a more extreme environment, living at elevations ranging from 3,500 to 4,700 meters (about 11,500 to 15,400 feet) above sea level. This avocet, like the others in the family, is easily recognized by its black and white body plumage and its long, slender, upturned bill. The bill is particularly important for its feeding strategy, allowing the Andean Avocet to sweep through the shallow waters of high-altitude lakes and salt flats in search of small aquatic invertebrates. Its long legs enable it to wade through deeper waters, accessing food that other birds cannot reach. The Andean Avocet’s choice of such harsh habitats helps it avoid competition, but it also means it must be resilient to extreme temperatures and limited food resources.

Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)

The Pied Avocet is perhaps the most iconic of the avocet species, known for its striking black-and-white plumage. Found across Europe, Asia, and Africa, the Pied Avocet inhabits coastal and inland wetlands, including estuaries, mudflats, and saline lagoons. Its elegant appearance is matched by its unique feeding technique, known as "scything." The Pied Avocet swings its upturned bill from side to side in the water, catching small crustaceans, insects, and other invertebrates. This feeding method is highly efficient, allowing the bird to cover large areas of shallow water quickly. The Pied Avocet is also known for its strong social behavior, often nesting in large colonies. This communal nesting strategy provides safety in numbers, as many eyes are on the lookout for predators. The Pied Avocations adaptability to various wetland environments and its striking appearance make it a favorite among birdwatchers across the pond.

Red-necked Avocet (Recurvirostra novaehollandiae)

The Red-necked Avocet is a species native to Australia, where it can be found in shallow inland wetlands, including salt lakes, swamps, and coastal estuaries. This avocet is easily identified by its reddish-brown head and neck, contrasting with its white body and black wings. Like its relatives, the Red-necked Avocet uses its upturned bill to feed by scything through the water, capturing small invertebrates and other aquatic prey. The Red-necked Avocet is well-adapted to Australia’s often harsh and variable climate, capable of traveling long distances to find suitable feeding and breeding grounds. During dry periods, these birds may move to coastal areas or more permanent water bodies. Their ability to adapt to changing environments is key to their survival in a land known for its extreme weather conditions.

American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana)

The American Avocet is a striking wader native to North America, easily recognized by its long, upturned bill, black-and-white wings, and elegant, slender build. During the breeding season, adults have a beautiful cinnamon-colored head and neck, which turns to grayish-white in the winter. This species is commonly found in shallow wetlands, including freshwater and saline lakes, marshes, and mudflats. This graceful bird is also known for its distinctive behavior of nesting on the ground, often on small islands or in sparsely vegetated areas near water. This iconic species joined Birdorable in 2010!

Each of these avocet species—Andean, Pied, and Red-necked—has developed unique adaptations that allow them to thrive in their respective habitats. From the high-altitude wetlands of the Andes to the estuaries of Europe and Asia, and the salt lakes of Australia, avocets are a testament to nature's ability to shape species to fit their environments. Their specialized feeding techniques, striking appearances, and ability to adapt to diverse habitats make avocets some of the most fascinating birds to observe in the wild.

In total there are four avocet species in the world, and with the addition of these three joining the Birdorable American Avocet, we now have all of the birds in this group here in our flock!

Stilts and Avocets are the only birds in the family Recurvirostridae. We'll be highlighting them on the Birdorable blog this week. Since Recurvirostridae Week is a mouthful, we're calling it Avocet & Stilt Week.

These fascinating wading birds are often found in wetlands, marshes, and shallow water bodies worldwide, where their specialized adaptations allow them to thrive. Let's look at some of the amazing traits that make these wading birds unique.

One of the most striking features of avocets & stilts is their long, slender legs. These birds are built for wading, and their legs are perfect for navigating shallow waters in search of food. The long legs allow them to move easily through different depths without getting their bodies wet, giving them access to a variety of feeding grounds. Whether they’re in salt marshes, mudflats, or freshwater wetlands, their legs enable them to forage efficiently and avoid potential predators by staying in deeper waters that might deter other species.

Another distinctive trait of Recurvirostridae birds is their long, thin bills, which are upturned in avocets.  This specialized bill shape is key to their unique feeding techniques. Avocets use a sweeping motion to catch small invertebrates in the water. They swing their bills from side to side while walking through shallow water, a method known as scything. This technique is highly effective in stirring up tiny creatures from the soft substrate, making them easy prey. Stilts use their straight bills to probe into the mud or sand, hunting for insects, small crustaceans, and other invertebrates.

These birds are also known for their social behavior, particularly during the breeding season. Many stilt and avocet species nest in colonies, which provides several advantages. Group nesting allows for better protection against predators, as there are more eyes to spot danger and more individuals to mob intruders. Both parents are typically involved in duties, taking turns incubating eggs and watching over the nest, ensuring that their offspring are well-protected and cared for. This cooperative breeding strategy increases the chances of survival for the chicks.

Another remarkable adaptation of these birds is their migratory behavior. Several species within the Recurvirostridae family are long-distance migrants, traveling thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering grounds. For example, some Black-winged Stilt breed in southern Europe, Asia, and Africa but may migrate to the Middle East, South Asia, or sub-Saharan Africa during the winter. This ability to travel long distances is essential for survival, allowing them to exploit seasonal food resources and avoid harsh weather conditions.

In addition to their physical adaptations, avocets and stilts have also developed a variety of vocalizations and displays to communicate with each other. These can range from alarm calls that alert the group to danger, to complex courtship displays that involve synchronized movements and calls to attract mates. Their vocal repertoire is an important aspect of their social structure, helping them maintain group cohesion and coordinate activities.

Recurvirostridae birds are a prime example of how evolution shapes species to fit their environments. Their long legs, specialized bills, keen eyesight, social behaviors, and migratory habits all contribute to their success as a family. By understanding these adaptations, we can appreciate the intricate balance of nature that allows these birds to thrive in diverse and often challenging habitats.

Join us this week as we discover more about this family of birds, and reveal a few new birds to join our Birdorable Recurvirostridae family!

The Long-tailed Duck is a medium-sized sea duck with a distinctive appearance that changes dramatically between seasons. During the breeding season, males sport a mostly dark plumage with a striking white face and a long, slender tail that can measure up to 10 inches, accounting for about half of the bird’s total length. The females and non-breeding males, however, have a more muted coloration, with a combination of browns and whites. The seasonal plumage change is one of the most noticeable features of this species and adds to their charm.

One of the most interesting aspects of Long-tailed Ducks is their vocalizations. These ducks are highly vocal, particularly during the winter months when they are often heard before they are seen. Their calls have a melodic, almost laughing quality, often described as "ow, ow, ow" or "ah-oh-leee." 

Long-tailed Ducks are exceptional divers, a necessary adaptation for their Arctic breeding habitat. They can dive up to 200 feet below the surface to forage for food, which is deeper than most other diving ducks. Their diet primarily consists of aquatic invertebrates, small fish, and crustaceans, which they find on the sea floor. During the summer breeding season, they may also consume insects and plant material. Their ability to dive to such depths is aided by their relatively small wings, which make them agile underwater but give them a somewhat labored flight above the surface.

These ducks breed in the tundra regions of the Arctic, where they nest on the ground near water. The female lays a clutch of 6 to 9 eggs, which she incubates for about three weeks. Only the female develops a brood patch. After hatching, the precocial ducklings are quickly led to water by the female, where they begin feeding and learning to dive. The young fledge at around 35 to 40 days old but remain with their mother for some time after.

In winter, Long-tailed Ducks migrate to coastal ocean waters, including those off the northern United States, Canada, and parts of Europe and Asia. They often gather in large flocks or mixed flocks with other waterfowl. 

While the Long-tailed Duck is not currently considered endangered, it does face challenges from habitat loss, climate change, and pollution. The melting of Arctic ice, for example, threatens their breeding grounds, and oil spills can have devastating effects on their coastal habitats. General conservation efforts are crucial to ensuring the survival of this remarkable species, including protecting their breeding and wintering habitats and monitoring population trends.

If you’re lucky enough to live near their wintering grounds, keep an eye (and an ear) out for these distinctive ducks. Their graceful appearance, impressive diving skills, and cheerful calls make them a highlight of any birdwatching excursion. And if you're new to birdwatching, the Long-tailed Duck is a fantastic species to add to your life list.

If you love birds and enjoy a good glass of wine, our fun Waxwing Wine Club design is perfect for you! Featuring our unique Birdorable style cartoon illustration of a Cedar Waxwing, this design combines the elegance of these beautiful birds with their known love of fruits, and the joy of wine appreciation.

Waxwings are Known for Getting "Drunk"

Cedar Waxwings are known for their fondness for berries, and during certain times of the year, they may consume berries that have fermented on the bush. The natural sugars in these berries can ferment into alcohol, leading to intoxication in the birds. This can result in unusual behavior such as erratic flight patterns and disorientation. This fascinating behavior highlights the unique and sometimes quirky aspects of wildlife and their interactions with the natural environment.

Our Unique Cedar Waxwing Design

At the heart of Waxwing Wine Clue is an adorable cartoon Cedar Waxwing, perched between clusters of berries. The slogan "Waxwing Wine Club Member" adds a playful touch, celebrating the connection between these elegant birds and fermented fruits. To make it even more special, the two W's in "Waxwing" are creatively cut out with the shapes of a wine bottle and a wine glass, adding a unique and artistic flair.

Perfect for Bird and Wine Lovers

Whether you're a dedicated birdwatcher, a wine enthusiast, or both, this design is a fantastic way to express your passions. A shirt is perfect for wearing to your next wine tasting event, birdwatching outing, or casual gathering with friends. And a wine glass is a perfect addition to your cupboard and a fun way to enjoy a glass of fermented grape juice or your beverage of choice after a long day!

Celebrate Your Hobbies with Style

Wearing or using our "Waxwing Wine Club Member" merchandise is a great way to share your love for birds and wine. It’s a conversation starter and a fun way to connect with others who share similar interests. Plus, it makes a fantastic gift for the bird and wine lovers in your life.

The gape of a bird's beak might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about our feathered friends, but it’s an incredibly important feature that plays a vital role in their survival. Let's delve into what the gape is, why it matters, and some fascinating examples from the bird world.

The gape is the opening of a bird’s mouth, including the width and the angle when the beak is open. It's not just about how wide a bird can open its beak, but also how it uses this ability. The gape is particularly crucial for feeding, both in terms of what a bird can eat and how it feeds its young. The size and shape of the gape can give us insights into a bird’s diet and its feeding behavior.

For many songbirds, especially those that feed their young in the nest, the gape is a bright, colorful target. Nestlings often have brightly colored gapes, which serve as a visual cue for parents to know where to place food. This ensures the food goes directly into the chick’s mouth and not somewhere else. The vibrant colors can range from yellow to red, and this is especially prominent in species where the nest is dark and hard to see.

The gape also plays a significant role in the feeding strategies of various bird species. For instance, flycatchers, with their wide gapes, are adept at catching insects on the wing. Their beaks may appear short and stubby, but when they open wide, they can catch a considerable number of flying insects. This adaptation is crucial for their survival, as their diet consists mainly of airborne insects.

Another interesting example is the Common Nighthawk, which has a very wide gape, allowing it to scoop up insects while flying with its mouth open. This behavior, known as "aerial feeding," is made possible by the bird's ability to open its beak exceptionally wide, creating a larger target area for catching prey.

Pelicans have one of the most impressive gapes in the bird world. Their beak can open wide enough to catch fish and even hold large quantities of water, which they then drain out before swallowing their catch. The gape of a pelican’s beak is not only wide but also flexible, allowing it to expand to accommodate large prey.

Gape size can also influence a bird's song. In many songbirds, the muscles controlling the gape are highly developed and allow for a wide range of vocalizations. This ability to produce varied and complex sounds is crucial for communication, especially during mating season when males are trying to attract females with their songs.

Hummingbirds, with their narrow, elongated beaks, might not seem like they have much of a gape, but they do. Their beaks can open wider than you might expect, allowing them to catch small insects, which are an important protein source in their diet. This capability shows that even birds with specialized beaks for feeding on nectar can have a significant gape when needed.

The gape of a bird’s beak is a fascinating and important aspect of avian biology. It influences feeding habits, parental care, communication, and survival strategies. Whether it’s the bright, colorful gapes of nestlings, the wide-mouthed aerial feeders, or the specialized adaptations of pelicans and hummingbirds, the gape is a key feature that helps birds thrive in their environments.

What Vagrancy Means In Bird Terms

In the birding world, the term "vagrant" refers to a bird that has strayed far outside its usual range or migratory path. These wayward travelers often end up in unexpected places due to various factors such as weather events, navigational errors, or a mysterious sense of wanderlust. Observing a vagrant bird can be a thrilling experience for birdwatchers, as it provides a rare opportunity to see species that are typically not found in their region.

What Causes Vagrancy?

Vagrancy in birds occurs for several reasons. One common cause is weather. Strong winds, storms, or other extreme weather conditions can push birds off course during migration or at other times, leading them to unfamiliar territories. For instance, hurricanes have been known to carry seabirds far inland, where they are not usually seen. Similarly, strong tailwinds might allow birds to overshoot their intended destinations.

Another factor contributing to vagrancy is navigational error. Birds navigate using a combination of the Earth's magnetic field, the position of the sun and stars, and visual landmarks. Sometimes, particularly in young or inexperienced birds, these navigational tools can fail, causing the birds to veer off course. This can result in sightings of species thousands of miles away from their typical range.

Changes in habitat and climate also play a role in bird vagrancy. Habitat destruction, whether through deforestation, urbanization, or agricultural development, can force birds to seek new areas. Climate change is altering migration patterns and the availability of resources, prompting some birds to explore beyond their traditional boundaries in search of food or suitable breeding grounds.

Examples of Vagrant Birds

In the wake of major Hurricane Idalia, which hit the Big Bend area of Florida as a cat 3 storm on August 31, 2023 and continued northeast along the eastern coast of the United States, American Flamingos started turning up in unlikely places. The striking pink birds were recorded in Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Kansas!

Another fascinating case is a lost individual Steller's Sea-Eagle that has been visiting the northeastern United States on and off since 2021. The usual range for this majestic eagle is across far eastern Siberia and Asia!

Why Vagrant Birds Matter

Vagrant birds can provide valuable scientific insights. Studying these out-of-range birds helps ornithologists understand more about migration patterns, navigation, and the effects of environmental changes on bird populations. For instance, tracking the movements of vagrant birds can reveal how species respond to habitat loss or climate change, offering clues about their adaptability and resilience.

For birdwatchers, the appearance of a vagrant bird is a cause for celebration. The excitement of spotting a bird that is not normally found in their area adds an element of unpredictability and adventure to birding. Many birdwatchers keep detailed lists of the species they have seen, and a vagrant bird can be a prized addition to these lists.

The American Birding Association's Rare Bird Alert page highlights rarities spotted within the ABA area, showcasing a number of vagrants that can be found at any given time.

Vagrant birds are those that have strayed far from their usual range, often due to weather events, navigational errors, or changes in their environment. These birds provide thrilling opportunities for birdwatchers and valuable data for scientists. The next time you're out birdwatching, keep an eye out—you never know when a vagrant might make a surprise appearance!

The Gray-headed Chickadee, also known as the Siberian Tit, is a charming little bird found in the northernmost parts of Europe and Asia, including Scandinavia and Siberia. These birds have an endearing, familiar fluffy appearance and are well-adapted to their harsh, cold habitats. Let’s learn more about the Gray-headed Chickadee, one of the newest species to join Birdorable!

A note about Gray versus Grey: The difference in spelling between "gray" and "grey" primarily depends on regional preferences. "Gray" is the preferred spelling in American English, while "grey" is more commonly used in British English. Both spellings are correct and refer to the same color. The choice of spelling is typically based on the writer's native dialect or the audience they are addressing. You may find different authorities online use either spelling or even both in the same publication.

Gray-headed Chickadees are small birds, measuring about 13-14 centimeters (5-5.5 inches) in length. They weigh around 11-14 grams (less than half an ounce!). They are named for their distinctive gray head, which contrasts beautifully with their brownish bodies and pale underparts. The birds also have a black bib under their beak and white cheeks, giving them a striking and easily recognizable look like other species of chickadee.

These chickadees are non-migratory, meaning they stay in their range throughout the year, enduring the frigid winters of their northern homes. They are incredibly resilient and have several adaptations to help them survive the cold. During the winter, they often roost in tree cavities or nest boxes, where they can stay warm and safe from predators.

Their diet mainly consists of insects and seeds. In the summer, Gray-headed Chickadees feed on a variety of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. In the winter, when insects are scarce, they rely more heavily on seeds. These little forward-thinkers are big on caching food. They will often cache food during times of abundance to help them through the cold months. Cached items include both seeds and arthropods.

Gray-headed Chickadees are also known for their delightful vocalizations. They have a variety of calls and songs, serenades and warning calls, all used for communication. 

Breeding season for Gray-headed Chickadees begins in spring. They are cavity nesters, using old woodpecker holes, natural tree cavities, or nest boxes. The female lays a clutch of 4-11 eggs and incubates them alone for about two weeks. Both parents are involved in feeding the chicks once they hatch. The young fledge the nest after about three weeks but may remain with their parents for some time before becoming fully independent.

Gray-headed Chickadees are a wonderful example of the resilience and adaptability of birds living in extreme environments. Because of their far northern habitat, they are not as closely studied as other species of chickadee -- more research is needed to fully understand these cold-weather dwellers. Surely seeing these small but tough birds thrive in the harshest conditions is truly inspiring. 

In the fascinating world of birds, some species have developed unique adaptations that set them apart from others. One such distinctive feature is the casque. The casque is an enlargement of bones found on the upper beaks and/or heads of certain bird species, typically serving various functions, from display and communication to protection and foraging. Let’s explore the role and significance of the casque in these remarkable birds.

Casques in Hornbills

The casque is most prominently seen in birds like most hornbills, all cassowaries, some species of curassows, the Horned Guan, and others. These structures can vary greatly in size, shape, and function depending on the species. For many birds, the casque is an integral part of their identity and survival strategy. Casques are typically made of bone, an extension of the upper beak or skull with a layer of keratin covering the protrusion. They are mostly hollow, given structure by bony filaments inside.

Hornbills are perhaps the most well-known group of birds with casques. These relatively large birds are found in Africa and Asia, and are easily recognized by their oversized bills topped with casques. These casques play a role in both individual identification and sexual selection; the size, shape, and coloration of casques in some species varies between males and females, and between young birds and adults. Larger and more colorful casques can be a sign of health and vitality, attracting potential mates. 

The casque in hornbills is also used in combat. During territorial disputes, hornbills may engage in head-butting contests, where the casque provides protection and acts as a battering ram. This behavior helps establish dominance without causing serious injury, thanks to the cushioning effect of the casque.

Casques in Cassowaries

In contrast, the casque of the cassowary serves a different primary function. Cassowaries are large, flightless birds native to the tropical forests of New Guinea, nearby islands, and northern Australia. The casque of the Southern Cassowary, for example, is a tall, helmet-like structure made of keratin, the same material as human nails. The prevailing theory for purpose in cassowaries suggests that the casque helps the birds thermoregulate, allowing the bird dissipate heat in its warm, tropical habitat. Other theories that suggest cassowaries use their casques in protect their heads in dense forest habitat or as shovels while foraging are no longer considered credible.

Casques in Curassows and other Animals

Curassows, a group of large, terrestrial birds found in Central and South America, also sport casques, although these are generally less pronounced than those of hornbills and cassowaries. In the curassows that have them, the casque is often more ornamental, serving as a display structure to attract mates. The size and shape of the casque can vary between species and even between individuals, often reflecting the bird’s health and genetic fitness.

Birds aren't the only animals with casques! Several species of chameleon and lizard sport casques. Just like in birds, casques are used for various reasons among reptiles; some are used to store fat, collect moisture, strengthen biting power, or as part of mating displays. 

Casque Drawbacks

Casques, especially those used in combat, are subjected to breakage or other injuries. Some birds have been hunted for their casques, used as ivory for carvings in some cultures dating back more than 2000 years. The critically endangered Helmeted Hornbill is particularly sought after for their very dense casques.

Casques are Fascinating!

The casque is a fascinating and diverse structure found in several bird (and other) species, each adapted to serve specific functions essential for survival and reproduction. Whether it’s amplifying calls in hornbills, navigating dense forests in cassowaries, or attracting mates in curassows, the casque is a remarkable example of nature’s ingenuity in adapting to different ecological niches. The next time you encounter a bird with a casque -- at a zoo, in a nature documentary, or in the wild -- take a moment to appreciate the unique role this structure plays in its life.