Ground Hornbill

The Ground Hornbill is a large, terrestrial bird of the open savannah that can be found across the African continent.  At up to one meter tall, it is the largest of the hornbill family.  While its population is stable, many other hornbill species with smaller ranges are in danger of extinction.  Hornbills are known for their long, curved bills that are often brightly colored.  They are omnivorous and eat a variety of foods, from fruits and nuts to insects and small animals like reptiles, frogs, snails and even mammals up to the size of rabbits.  Ground Hornbills forage on the ground and have long, bare legs that enable them to walk well.  They live in groups that claim fixed territories of several square miles.  They have jet black feathers with vivid red patched of bare skin around the eyes and throat.