What is Hornbill?
{{Automatic taxobox | name = Hornbill | fossil_range = {{fossilrange|Early Miocene | Recent}} | image = Malabar grey hornbill.jpg | image_caption = [[Malabar grey hornbill]]<br/>''Ocyceros griseus'' | taxon = Bucerotidae | authority = [[Constantine Samuel Rafinesque|Rafinesque]], 1815 }} [[File:Aceros cassidix -Vogelpark Walsrode -pair-8a.jpg|thumb|right|280px|The brightest colours on most hornbills, like this pair of [[knobbed hornbill]]s, are found on the beaks and bare skin of the face and throat]] The '''hornbills''' (Bucerotidae) are a [[family (biology)|family]] of bird found in [[tropical]] and subtropical [[Africa]], [[Asia]] and [[Melanesia]]. They have a long, down-curved bill which is often brightly colored and sometimes has a box-like thing on the upper [[mandible]]. Many states of India like Kerala are fond of the hornbills. It is also the state bird of Kerala. The female hornbill lays her eggs in a hole in a [[tree]]. Then, helped by her mate, she seals herself in, covering the entrance with droppings and mud. Only a small slit is left, through which the male gives her food. This keeps the nest safe from [[snake]]s until the chicks are grown enough to leave the nest, and learn how to fly.<ref> {{cite book |title=Jungle animals: over 100 questions and answers to things you want to know |last=Ganeri |first=Anita |year=2000 |location=Dubai, U.A.E |isbn=0-75254-909-X}}</ref> == Related pages == *[[Uchek Langmeidong]] == References == {{reflist}} {{-}} {{biology-stub}} [[Category:Bucerotiformes]]