The Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) is a large Asian bird. It is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon: The Board Game.
Description[]
Reaching a body length of up to 130cm (51in), with a wingspan of 152cm (60in) and a weight of 4kg (8.8lbs), the great hornbill is one of the largest species of hornbill. Like most members of its family, its most distinguishing feature is the large yellow casque on its large, down-curved bill. The casque is hollow and may help to amplify its calls, but males have also been reported butting casques together mid-flight.
The great hornbill is native to tropical forests of India and South-East Asia and typically feeds on fruit such as figs, although it will also eat other animals. Typically living in groups of up to 40 individuals, pairs will mate for life and make their nests in hollow tree trunks. As with other members of the hornbill family, the female will seal the opening of her nest using mud and her own feces, after which she will remain in the tree until her chicks are developed enough. During this time, the male will pass food to her through a small slit in the seal. Although an important bird in many native cultures, the great hornbill is currently threatened by deforestation.
Zoo Tycoon: The Board Game[]
The great hornbill is an adoptable animal in Zoo Tycoon: The Board Game. It is classed as a "Co-Species" bird and is adopted during the Autumn months.
The great hornbill is a rainforest animal. As a co-species, it can be exhibited on its own or alongside a compatible "main" species. The Golden Lion Tamarin, Red-and-green Macaw, Red Ruffed Lemur and Tufted Capuchin will all tolerate the great hornbill in its exhibit, although it is a large bird and thus needs extra space.
The great hornbill is also part of the Ramganga national park conservation project, alongside the Asian Elephant, Bengal Tiger and Axis Deer. Exhibiting all four species will give the zoo a rise in conservation points.
Trivia[]
- The great hornbill is the only co-species in Zoo Tycoon: The Board Game to have a popularity rating of 2. All other co-species have a popularity rating of 1.
- Conversely, it is the only co-species not to have either an education or conservation rating.