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Animal Guide

Southern Ground Hornbill

47 destinations · 26 states

Native Range
Sub-Saharan Africa

The southern ground hornbill is a bird that looks built for walking rather than flying, and that is exactly what makes it fun to watch. It spends much of its time striding across the ground with deliberate steps, probing the soil and leaf litter with its large bill. The bright red skin around the throat and face stands out against its mostly black feathers, especially when the bird stretches its neck or calls. Groups may forage together, moving across an open habitat while searching for insects, small reptiles, frogs, and other prey. Despite their size, these hornbills can also fly, often using slow, powerful wingbeats to reach a perch or cross their territory. Their deep booming calls are another feature to listen for, particularly when several birds answer one another. Native to grasslands, savannas, and open woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa, southern ground hornbills give visitors a chance to see a large bird behaving more like a ground hunter than a typical treetop hornbill.

Southern Ground Hornbill

Where to see Southern Ground Hornbill

47 destinations across 26 states

47 destinations

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