The Devoted Horn bill Delivers Food to Mate (Video)

She has turned the tree hole into a predator-proof fortress.

Nesting is a dangerous time for any bird.

The hole in this tree trunk will provide vital protection.

Just what she wants.

Once settled inside, the female does something truly bizarre.

She pulls out her flight feathers. She is not going to need them

because she will be staying in here for quite some time.

Now her partner brings her a beakful of mud

and she begins to seal herself in.

She has turned the tree hole into a predator-proof fortress.

But it's also a prison. Her partner, however, is a regular visitor.

For the next two months, he will deliver all her food directly

to her door. Delicious. It may seem that he has been doing all the work,

but she too has been fully occupied.

The food he has brought has enabled her to produce two precious eggs.

She will keep them safe for another six weeks, until the young have grown and fledged.

And then both she and they will break out of their confinement.

But until then, this devoted couple are going to be very busy indeed.

Hornbills are known for their strong pair bonds and remarkable behaviors when it comes to caring for their mates and offspring. Witnessing a devoted hornbill delivering food to its mate is a beautiful testament to their commitment and cooperation.

These birds often engage in cooperative breeding, where both partners work together to raise their young. The male hornbill typically brings food to the female and their chicks while she remains in the nest to protect and nurture the brood. This act of delivering food not only sustains the mate but also strengthens the bond between them.

It's heartening to see such displays of dedication and partnership in the animal kingdom. Hornbills' behaviors remind us of the importance of support and care in relationships, whether in the wild or in our own lives.