hornbills (family Bucerotidae) includes fifty-seven species.The scientific name of this animal is of Greek origin and literally means "bull horn".This species of birds common in the Southeast of Asia, Africa, islands in the Indian and Pacific Ocean.Lifestyle is the same in all individuals.However, in accordance with other criteria, in this family it provides quite extensive classification of birds.
birds nest in natural cavities.Distributed in the dense forests, among the tall trees that and spend much of their time.
animals got its name because of the large long beak, which is sharply bent downward and has a massive outgrowth at the base.Different representatives of various shapes it.Almost every hornbill has the outgrowth.Exceptions are representatives of the currents.
At the edges of the beak are arranged irregularly shaped notch.Despite the considerable size, it is very easy.This is due to the fact that inside it, as well as within the bone, there are large pneumatic space.But in this case there is also among individuals exceptions.So, shlemoklyuvogo Hornbill outgrowth of the bone is similar to a dense structure.In this regard the mass of the skull in these individuals is approximately eleven percent of body weight.
outgrowth function is not fully understood.According to scientists, it helps to maintain a large beaks and strengthening the voices in the period to attract females.
hornbill may reach 1.2 meters in size.The smallest member of the family is the small currents, the size of which - about thirty centimeters.Weight ranges from poultry sixty grams to eleven kilograms.However, most are large, stocky individuals.
to members of the family characterized by fusion of toes.At half the length of the main phalanx fused third and second finger, while the fourth and third - 2/3 phalanx.In this case, the exception is a special kind of horned crows.Their fingers are not completely fused.
hornbill has a very strong neck muscles.They needed it to hold such a large head and beak.It should be noted that the head (with respect to the body) is small.The neck and tail birds long enough large wings, broad and powerful, much rounded.The legs are very short individuals.
rare birds perform long flight.At the same time, they are able to overcome big enough distances.During the flight, the birds emit a peculiar noise, which is similar to the sound of an approaching train.This is due to the fact that the air gaps between the flight feathers are open.During the flight the air passes freely through the wings, so there is a characteristic vibrating sound.
The plumage of many members of the family is white, black, brown or gray.Beak, in contrast to the body color can be very bright.
males molt begins, usually in the rainy season.During brooding females are replaced by feathers of the wings and tail moult lasts very long.
Males generally look larger.For some types of characteristic manifestations of sexual dimorphism in color.Thus, for example, Black hornbills difference between males and females - in color and size of the beak.While males and females mindanaoskih Hornbill wrinkled different color feathers.
hornbill quite flashy.Almost all kinds of typical frequently, especially during the nesting season, sharp and dull, two-syllable or monosyllabic sound.They can scream in flight or when alarmed.When a bird or injured or caught, she begins to continuously and very loud scream.
