Southern Ground Hornbill

The Southern Ground Hornbill is an imposing bird native to sub-Saharan Africa, particularly found in savannas, grasslands, and open woodlands. Known for their impressive size with a wingspan of up to 7 feet and distinctive black plumage with bare red facial skin, these hornbills are easily recognizable. They are social birds, living in tight-knit groups called clans, often consisting of a dominant breeding pair and their offspring or other related individuals. Their conservation status is currently listed as Vulnerable mostly due to habitat loss. Highly intelligent and social, Southern Ground Hornbills are very popular zoo exhibit birds and are great as trained ambassadors. Care must always be taken with tame hornbills to avoid the development of aggressive behaviors toward people and other birds that might be perceived as threats.