Why Do Hornbills Have Casques?
Hornbill Beaks Have a Distinct Feature Called a Casque, Which Can Range from a Subtle Ridge Along the Top of the Bill to a Knob or a Large Bulky Structure...
Hornbill beaks have a distinct feature called a casque, which can range from a subtle ridge along the top of the bill to a knob or a large bulky structure. ... Casques can add strength or counterweight to the bills (handy when chiseling in bark or hard soil) or act as sound chambers to augment vocalizations.
Why does the hornbill have a horn?
The first thing you notice about the great hornbill is the golden-yellow horn (called a casque) on the top of its head. This curious feature serves several functions. It acts as a "resonating chamber" that amplifies the nasal sounds that the birds make. The casque is also an indicator of sexual maturity.
What were hornbill Casques used for?
The casques (growths on the upper part of the bill) were most probably traded as ornamental material to be carved as 'ivory'. Henry Ridley, the Botanic Garden's first Director, 1888 – 1911), recorded finding Hornbills in Singapore's forests in 1898.
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