Hornbill

हॉर्नबिल को हिंदी में धनेश कहा जाता है. 

Hornbills are a family of birds known scientifically as Bucerotidae, found in tropical and subtropical Africa, Asia, and Melanesia. They're known for their large, curved bills and often a prominent casque (a hollow structure on top of the bill), which varies in size and shape by species.

 Features

Number of Species: Around 60+

Size: Varies by species – from about 30 cm (12 in) to 120 cm (47 in)

Lifespan: Up to 40 years in captivity

Diet: Omnivorous – fruits (especially figs), insects, small mammals, and reptiles

Habitat: Dense forests, open woodlands, and savannas

Distinctive Traits

Casque: The large bill often has a casque, used in resonating sound, mating displays, or combat.

Nesting Behavior: Females seal themselves inside tree cavities with mud and droppings during nesting, leaving only a slit through which the male passes food.

Flight: They have strong wings, but many species are better suited for short glides between trees.

The Hornbill Festival is an annual celebration in Nagaland celebrating the state's tribal heritage and named after the bird.

Hornbill 

Conservation Status

Some species like the Helmeted Hornbill and Rufous-necked Hornbill are endangered, mainly due to habitat loss and hunting (for meat, feathers, or the casque).

Conservation efforts include habitat protection, awareness campaigns, and community-based forest management.

Want info on a particular species (like the Great Hornbill or Helmeted Hornbill), or more about the Hornbill Festival?