Ground hornbill

Within the family of the calaos, the southern calaos is the largest. It has a curious helmet on its bill, which makes it unmistakable. Its plumage is totally black (except for the primaries). It can inflate the red gular sac of its throat at will. Its strong beak can reach up to 50 cm in length. 

It lives in savannahs, grasslands and forests of sub-Saharan Africa, from Kenya and Tanzania to Angolo and southern South Africa.

It is a primarily terrestrial bird, hence its stout legs. Its long eyelashes help protect its eyes from dust and sun. Females are smaller than males and have a blue throat patch. 

They feed on insects, snails and amphibians. They occasionally hunt snakes, lizards, rats, hares, squirrels and tortoises. 

It is a territorial and sedentary species. 

They live in groups of about 2-9 individuals, with a dominant pair accompanied by several “helpers” who are in charge of protecting the territory, feeding the female during incubation and caring for the newly hatched chicks. 

During the mating season, the dominant male prepares a nest with leaves. He usually looks for a cavity in a rock or tree. The female remains in the nest and usually lays 2 eggs that hatch 37-43 days after laying. Usually only one chick survives.