Zoology: Bones

The wreathed hornbill is a large (4-8 pounds) black bird with a yellowish tail, red eyes, and a long, thick beak topped with a small 'wreathed' casque with up to 9 ridges. The male has a bright yellow inflatable throat pouch, while the female's is blue. It is suggested that the casque, which has a spongy hollow core, may serve as a resonating chamber for its harsh barking call, as a form of species recognition, and/or to convey health status. The first two cervical vertebrae are fused to help their neck support the extra weight of the large bill. Their 2nd and 3rd toes are partially fused to help them better grasp tree branches. Using droppings, mud, and fruit pulp, the female hornbill is renowned for walling itself into tree hollows for up to 41/2 months while nesting. The female leaves only a small slit through which its mate must pass all needed foodstuffs until their babies fledge. 2-part skull (separate cranium & jaw).
6 ¾" L x 2" W x 2 ¾" H 16.9L x 5.3W x 7.2H (cm)

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