Southern Ground Hornbill
Call & Sounds

The Southern Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri) is the largest and heaviest species of hornbill in the world and is found in eastern and southern Africa. These huge birds spend much of their time foraging on the ground in grasslands and savannas. They are a sociable species and are often found in groups of 2-8 individuals.  

What does a Southern Ground Hornbill sound like? Southern Ground Hornbills make deep, rhythmic hooting calls which are far-carrying and can be heard up to 3km away. Pairs often call in duet, with the sounds of male bird lower in pitch than that of the female, creating an interesting rhythmic pattern. The calls are often heard at dawn and act as an advertising sound to declare territory,

Listen to some examples of Southern Ground Hornbill calls and sounds below.