The Southern Ground Hornbill is the largest species of hornbill in the world. Adult birds may weigh up to 13 pounds or more!
Southern Ground Hornbills live in groups which usually consist of a breeding pair and some other (often related) hornbills. These groups work together to cooperatively raise the young of the breeding pair.
The Southern Ground Hornbill is considered to be Vulnerable to extinction. One of the major threats they face is loss of suitable nesting habitat.
The Southern Ground Hornbill is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and was last assessed in 2012 by BirdLife International. Habitat destruction and persecution are estimated to have caused very rapid population declines in South Africa and there are anecdotal reports that they have caused declines in other range countries. There is a high probability that such threats and subsequent declines will continue into the future, and as such this qualifies as Vulnerable. Should more accurate trend data become available further reassessment may be required in the future.
Our 2013 Birdorable Bonanza kicks off today! We're adding new birds each day in July until we reach our 500th Birdorable species! Today's Bonanza bird is the Southern Ground Hornbill. Southern Ground Hornbills are found in parts of southern Africa, where... Read more »
