The hornbill is a unique and striking bird known for its large, curved bill and a hollow structure on top called a casque. These birds are mainly found in tropical Africa and Asia, especially in forests and woodlands. There are about 60 species of hornbills, ranging in size from small (30 cm) to large (over 1 meter).
Hornbills are omnivorous, feeding on fruits, insects, small animals, and reptiles. They play an important role in seed dispersal, helping to maintain forest ecosystems. One of their most fascinating behaviors is their nesting method. The female seals herself inside a tree cavity using mud and droppings, leaving only a small slit. The male feeds her and the chicks through this slit until they are ready to leave the nest.
Hornbills are also culturally important. In India, the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland celebrates the bird as a symbol of tradition and nature. Some hornbills, like the helmeted hornbill, are endangered due to habitat loss and illegal hunting for their casques.
