My "H" post is the hornbill.
Hornbills (Bucerotidae) are a family of bird found in tropical and sub-tropical Africa and Asia. They are characterized by a long, down-curved bill which is frequently brightly-coloured and sometimes has a casque on the upper mandible. Both the common English and the scientific name of the family refer to the shape of the bill, "buceros" being "cow horn" in Greek. In addition, they possess a two-lobed kidney. Hornbills are the only birds in which the first two neck vertebrae (the axis and atlas) are fused together; this probably provides a more stable platform for carrying the bill. The family is omnivorous, feeding on fruit and small animals. They are monogamous breeders nesting in natural cavities in trees and sometimes cliffs. A number of species of hornbill are threatened with extinction, mostly insular species with small ranges.
This picture was taken May 2009, in Baluarte - Vigan, Ilocos Sur. I am personally afraid of birds - so this picture I took using the zoom of my camera. Although the birds in this zoo are well trained, I am still afraid of it. :)
*** Jenn ***
9 comments:
Great capture, Jenn! I don't think I've ever seen such a close up of the Hornbill! Interesting looking bird! Hope you're having a great week!
Sylvia
Nice photo of an interesting looking bird :)
This looks like a commanding bird! I have been seeing all these cute little bird pictures lately and marveling over all variations. This just brings the point home more. Thanks for sharing it!
what a great capture
They are remarkable looking birds, aren't they? But the size of that bill! No wonder he needs his vertebrae fused!
He looks almost prehistoric. And metallic, to boot. Excellent photo!
This bird would make ME a little nervous, I would think. TG for zoom!
Wonderful photo and wonderful bird. i had heard of Hornbills, but I never knew what they looked like. I'm so glad to know, because it's a spectacular bird!
The ones we usually see in the zoo has very colorful bill. This one do look very big and mean, no wonder you do not want to get close.
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