Habitat and Range
These birds live in savannah grasslands, scrub, and light woodlands across eastern and southern Africa. They are widespread but sparse, primarily inhabiting national reserves or protected areas.
Physical Characteristics
The largest member of the hornbill family, southern ground hornbills have black plumage with white flight feathers. It has vivid red patches of bare skin on its face and throat and a large black bill. Females differ in having violet-blue patches at the throat, located below the bill. Southern ground hornbills emit deep, rhythmic hooting calls that can travel nearly 2 miles—making them one of the most far-reaching voices in the savanna.
Behavior
Southern ground hornbills have the ability to fly, but they spend most of their time on the ground. They hunt by probing, pecking, and digging at the ground. They often walk with antelopes, zebras, and other mammals. Southern ground hornbills may spend the night roosting in trees.
Our Animals
Our female southern ground hornbill, Esther, was hatched in 2006 at the Tracy Aviary in Salt Lake City, Utah. She came to Potter Park in 2012 and can be seen with our eastern bongos.
