How Loud Is the Southern Ground Hornbill?

The southern ground hornbill is not only a carnivorous bird, it also is a very loud one. These birds' calls are sometimes even confused with lions' roars, and group calls can be heard from about 1.8 miles (3 km) away. A hornbill's upper beak includes a feature known as a casque, a structure that can contribute to the sound and quality of its call.

More about southern ground hornbills:

• A person can tell a male southern ground hornbill from a female by looking at their throats. Males sport red wattles, and females have purple wattles.


• The species is monogamous.


• The diet of the southern ground hornbill is a meaty one, often including snails, turtles and frogs. The birds also dine on animals such as hares, squirrels and mongoose.

Frequently Asked Questions

How loud can a Southern Ground Hornbill call be?

The Southern Ground Hornbill's call is impressively loud, reaching up to 90-100 decibels, which is comparable to the sound of a chainsaw or a lawnmower. This volume allows their calls to carry over long distances, essential for communication across their vast savannah habitats.

Why do Southern Ground Hornbills need to have such loud calls?

Southern Ground Hornbills live in open savannahs and woodlands where dense vegetation can muffle sounds. Their loud calls, which can be heard up to 3 kilometers away, are crucial for maintaining contact with their group members and for territorial displays during the breeding season.

What does the call of a Southern Ground Hornbill sound like?

The call of the Southern Ground Hornbill is a deep, resonating boom that has been likened to distant thunder. It's a series of low-pitched notes that are often described as 'ooomph, ooomph' sounds, which they use to communicate with their family groups and to establish territory.

Can the Southern Ground Hornbill's call be harmful to human ears?

While the Southern Ground Hornbill's call is very loud, it is generally not harmful to human ears unless one is in close proximity to the bird during its call. Prolonged exposure to sounds above 85 decibels can cause hearing damage, so it's advisable to maintain a safe distance from any loud animal call.

How do Southern Ground Hornbills use their calls in the wild?

Southern Ground Hornbills use their calls for a variety of reasons: to maintain contact with family members over large distances, to define and defend their territory, and to coordinate group activities. Their calls are also an integral part of their mating rituals, helping to strengthen pair bonds.

Are Southern Ground Hornbills vocal year-round or only during certain seasons?

Southern Ground Hornbills are vocal throughout the year, but their calling activity increases during the breeding season, which typically occurs from September to March. During this time, their calls play a vital role in courtship and territorial defense.