Bucorvus is a genus of the Bucerotidae family (hornbills). species included in the genus are:
Southern Ground Hornbill, Bucorvus leadbeateri, is a large-sized bird, with length between 90 to 129 cm. It is characterized by black coloration and vivid red-coloured face and throat patches (yellow in juvenile birds). The white tips of the wings (primary feathers) seen in flight are another diagnose characteristic. The beak is black, straight and presents a casque, more developed in males. Female Southern Ground Hornbills are smaller and present a blue stripe in the throat patches.
Its habitat comprises savannahs, woodlands and grasslands of north-east southern Africa. The Southern Ground Hornbill is a vulnerable species, mainly confined to national reserves and national parks. They live in groups of 5 to 10 individuals including adults and juveniles. Often, neighbouring groups are engaged in aerial pursuits. They forage on ground, where they feed on reptiles, frogs, snails, insects and small mammals. Juveniles are dependent of adults for 6 to 12 months.
This distinctive feature is formed by the expansion of the posterior end of the upper mandible and is comprised of a bony core at the base that may be either highly cancellated (as in Bucorvus) or more solid.
Bucorvus abyssinicus, the northern ground hornbill, and B.
Elliott, D. Bucorvus: remarks on the genus, with figure of heads of Bucorvus abyssinicus, Bucorvus guineensis, Bucorvus cafer, and Bucorvus pyrrhopsis.
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