Hornbill photographs by Yvonne van der Mey

You can see them everywhere, in and outside the camps, in the Kruger National Park. And especially at places where people enjoy a meal, such as picnic spots or dining rooms. They are true masters of robbery, and I have been a victim of their to-the-point approach more than once. Other than that, it is a joy to observe them and to take their photographs. Their large, bright eyes, their size and beautiful colours make them very photogenic.

Hornbills come in quite a few species. In this part of Africa, you can find six different types, with some being pretty difficult to find. The largest of the Hornbills, the Ground Hornbill, has been in trouble for quite some time. Fortunately their numbers are presently going up again, but they will continue being monitored for some time.

All Hornbills, except for the Ground Hornbill, have a famous way of hatching their eggs. The females are sealed into their nesthole by the male, and he has to feed her and the chicks through a small slit. The Ground Hornbill has something unusual as well; two eggs are produced and hatched, but only one chick is fed. The other one dies within a few days.

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