I'm thinking this is an Abyssinian ground hornbill, but I can't be sure.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.
pretty eyelashes...!
ReplyDeleteI find him stunningly beautiful.
ReplyDeleteand strangely hypnotic?
ReplyDeleteI was thinking "arresting," myself, I have rarely seen a bird with such compelling eyes.
ReplyDeleteI think he is gorgeous too, look at those eyes!
ReplyDeleteHe reminds me of one of those Bedouins with the brightly colored turbins and clothes.
ReplyDelete(it's a southern ground hornbill, Bucorvus leadbeateri)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful eyes.
So elegant! Just needs a hat, some lipstick, and maybe a necklace!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, daaaahlink!
ReplyDelete