If I am right, then we have a male version of this subsaharan African bird. He's taken a break from hunting down small mammals, lizards, snakes, spiders, and almost anything that will move to pose for this shot. Or maybe he's just keeping an eye out for local tribesmen, who use hornbills in their tribal medicine (tribal and traditional medicines: the scourge of the natural world).
Keep a wary eye open, Mr. Ground Hornbill. Though you probably live in a zoo, and might even be used in some sketch comedy by some of your handlers, it never hurts to be vigilant, especially when adorned with such a coveted wattle.
UPDATE: I was wrong. Anonymous has identified this as a southern ground hornbill, Bucorvus leadbeateri. Thanks, anon.
posted by Raging Wombat at 8:46 AM on Mar 18, 2009
9 Comments
Close this window Jump to comment formpretty eyelashes...!
March 23, 2009
I find him stunningly beautiful.
March 23, 2009
and strangely hypnotic?
March 23, 2009
I was thinking "arresting," myself, I have rarely seen a bird with such compelling eyes.
March 23, 2009
I think he is gorgeous too, look at those eyes!
March 23, 2009
He reminds me of one of those Bedouins with the brightly colored turbins and clothes.
March 24, 2009
(it's a southern ground hornbill, Bucorvus leadbeateri)
Beautiful eyes.
March 24, 2009
So elegant! Just needs a hat, some lipstick, and maybe a necklace!
March 25, 2009
Beautiful, daaaahlink!
April 29, 2009