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Cover Story

Hornbills are known to travel A flash of colour
long distances to forage. amidst the green.

Though sometimes rejected, the male is always persistent with Apart from natural
predators, humans are the
its romantic antics. This act strengthens the bond between the largest threats to hornbills.
pair. Once the female has accepted his offerings, they are then
ready to start a family.

Major Threats
Hornbills are cavity nesting birds and are known to reuse their
nests, although they may visit several other options - very much
like humans - before settling down. The male continues to entice
the female furthermore by placing food inside the nest. Hornbills
are unable to create these cavities, hence they rely on other
wildlife to create them.
These natural cavities are vital to hornbills, especially when
raising their young. Larger hornbill species need bigger trees to
nest in. When suitable breeding conditions develop, the couple
copulates close to their nesting sites. The female then enters
the nest and seals herself within the cavity until a only a small
slit remains, which is for her to receive food. This also works in
keeping prey away.
Somewhat like a willing prisoner, the female is now trapped and
remains flightless by moulting her wing feathers. Her survival -
and that of their young - are dependent on the male, who stands
guard outside the nest.
The male hornbill is now the sole provider for food and
occasionally has to travel far in search of the best pickings for
his trapped princess. The efforts to provide food becomes more
demanding over time as the chicks require additional nutrients
such as protein-rich insects and small reptiles.
Once the chicks have grown in size, the female breaks off the
seal and leaves the nest. She then contributes to feeding her
family. The nesting periods can take between three to six months
- depending on the species.
Apart from natural predators, humans are the largest threats
to hornbills. Deforestation causes the depletion of food sources
and nesting sites. Hunting for hornbill heads and casques of the
Helmeted Hornbill has become an issue that has gained global
attention and placed it in the critically endangered list.

FireFlyz ~ 13