Hornbill Studies.

Abstract

RECENTLY we have undertaken the hand-rearing of young Lophoceros melanoleucos and young Bycanistes cristatus. In nature these species form an interesting contrast: the former is omnivorous and something of a predator; the latter is frugivorous. The female Lophoceros breaks her way out of the nest-hole when the young are barely half fledged and thereafter helps her mate to feed them; the female Bycanistes remains in the nest with her offspring (usually only one) until it is ready to fly.