Hornbills get their name from their down-curved horn-shaped beaks. There is a hollow extension above the beak called ‘casque’ which varies in shape and size, depending upon the species. The shape of the casque also varies, depending upon the age and sex of the individual bird. The use of the casque is still not fully understood but it is believed that this plays a part in sexual selection.
Almost prehistoric in its looks, the Great Hornbill is an amazing bird to come across in the jungle. Jhirna and Dhela zones located close to Jim’s Jungle Retreat are some of the best areas to find the Great Hornbill. This female Great Hornbill was seen on a safari to the Dhela zone of Corbett Tiger Reserve by Jim’s Jungle Retreat naturalist Jeewan Rautela.