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Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill
Sighted on: 06.Jan.2025
The highlight of the week was the Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, and our guests were fascinated to learn about its nesting behaviour. The nesting behaviour of the Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill is a captivating display of adaptation, teamwork, and resilience.
During the rainy season, the pair selects a suitable tree cavity, often in a Purple Pod Terminalia or a similar tree, as their nesting site. Once chosen, the female seals herself inside the cavity using mud, saliva, and droppings, leaving only a small slit through which the male can pass food. This remarkable strategy protects the female and her eggs from predators and harsh weather conditions.
While inside the nest, the female sheds her flight feathers and dedicates herself entirely to incubation and caring for the chicks. During this time, the male takes on the critical role of sole provider, tirelessly foraging for food such as insects, fruits, and small reptiles to sustain the female and, later, the hatchlings. This cooperative breeding behaviour ensures the safety and survival of their offspring.
After weeks of incubation, the chicks hatch and are fed by both parents. Once the chicks are strong enough, the female breaks out of the sealed nest, and the family works together to care for the fledglings. This unique nesting behaviour highlights the hornbill's ability to adapt to challenging environments and its commitment to raising the next generation in the heart of the Kalahari.
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