The Abyssinian Ground-hornbills or Northern Ground-hornbills (Bucorvus abyssinicus) are ground-hornbills found north of the equator in Subsaharan Africa, where they inhabit steppes, savannas and woodland.
This species is considered “vulnerable” and is only found in reserves.
They are diurnal (active in the daytime) and are usually found in pairs or small groups.
In captivity, they can live 35-40 years.
Description
The Abyssinian ground-hornbill weighs about three kilograms and has long bare legs for walking.
The male has a red throat pouch and the female has a blue throat pouch. Modified feathers form long eyelashes, which protect their eyes from dust.
Diet / Feeding
They forage on a wide variety of small vertebrates and invertebrates, including amphibians, mammals, birds, tortoises, lizards, spiders, beetles, and caterpillars. They also take carrion (the flesh of dead animals).
Additionally, they feed on some fruits, seeds, and groundnuts.
Breeding
They start breeding when they are about four years old. The average clutch consists of two eggs, which the female incubates for about a month.
Once the young hatch, the older chick usually competes with the younger one for feedings and the younger one in most cases starves to death. The surviving chick will remain in the nest for another three months and continue to be fed by its parents after fledging for another nine months.
