Michelle Gates- Helmeted Hornbill

Ready to hang - framed oil painting.

There are about 60 species of hornbills in the world. Their name is derived from the hollow horn shaped structure on top of their curved bills, hence “hornbill” and it is believed by some that this compartment acts as a vibrating chamber to amplify their sound. These birds sure know how to get your full attention, being both load and quirky looking with their flashy and oversized beaks! They are larger than most forest birds and also boast thicker and stronger necks than the average bird.

They always start the day by taking great care in looking their best and several species even have a special gland that produces an oily substance to help with their early morning routine of preening. They can appear rather decked out with their long feathery eyelashes and some even have a dazzlingly coloured pouch of sagging skin at the throat (which is used for carrying food).

With amplified calls, bellows and cackles they are known to be social animals that gather in large flocks and they can even form reciprocal relationships with other species. Some can be friends with monkeys and recognise their warning calls, while others are known to work with mongoose to gather food. It keeps a lookout while the mongoose stirs up the insects to be consumed.

True to their social nature, they forage for food in pairs or small groups and can consume between 20-33% of their body weight in fruit and meat daily. Subsequently the female food lover gets courted over a period of a month by sitting on her nest and being fed by her mate.

Psalm 50:11 - I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine.

48 W x 38 H x 3 D cm

50% of the proceeds from this piece will be donated to Mabula Ground Hornbill Project to support their conservation efforts. To learn more about their work please visit https://ground-hornbill.org.za