THE ground hornbillis an unmistakable bird which resembles a large, black turkey.
It used to be found from Eastern Cape to Kenya but sadly is now highly endangered and is only presently found in national parks.
It is sought after by sangomas for tribal medicines.
The bird is usually found in pairs or small parties that hunt separately in sight of each other. They waddle slowly over the ground, calling to one another when separated.
When put to flight, they do not go far but perch in trees which they also use for roosting. Patches of burnt ground are greatly favoured for seeking food, while they feed on insects, frogs, small reptiles, rats, mice and chameleons.
The ground hornbill’s voice is a deep, booming with males and females having different tones.
Tribal people relate the call to the female saying “I’m going, I’m going home to my relations”, while male replies “You can go, you can go home to your relations.”
The bird’s nests are built in holes in trees or krantzes but the entrance to the nest is not plastered up like some other hornbill species.
The male is assiduous in feeding his mate but she also leaves the nest at times for him to take over sitting on the eggs. Two eggs are laid which are white in colour and rather rough. The nesting period is at least 82 days.
The Zulu name of the ground hornbill is in-Singisi.
