General Information

Also known as the Greater Indian Hornbill, this bird is the largest member of the hornbill family. The great hornbill is also long living; they can reach up to 50 years in captivity.
        
Physical Description

This hornbill's impressive size and color have helped make them a part of local tribal cultures and rituals. They are nearly four feet tall with a 60 in. wingspan. Their tail feathers reach 36 inches and a weight of approximately 6 lbs. The most noticeable feature of the hornbill is the bright yellow and black casque on top of its gigantic bill. The casque is hollow and serves no known purpose although they are believed to be the result of sexual selection. 

Diet

In the wild, the Great Hornbill's diet consists mainly of fruit. It will also eat small mammals, birds, lizards, snakes and insects.

Habitat

The great hornbill inhabits the forests of India, the Malay Peninsula, and Sumatra, Indonesia.

Reproduction

Female hornbills build their nests in the hollows of large tree trunks and the opening is sealed off with feces, dirt, grass, and wood. The mother remains imprisoned inside of the hollow with her young until they are semi-developed. The male feeds the mother through a slit in the sealant until she is ready to come out with her hatched young.