Abyssinian Hornbill This magnificently ugly fellow is Ted’s nemesis at the zoo. Every time they’ve encountered each other, the hornbill defends his territory like crazy. Ted wasn’t with us when I took this, and the hornbill was showing off mightily for his lady friend, so I got some great pictures. :)
I've read a theory that (human, anyway) males have disproprionatly thick eyelashes to help keep dust and grit out of their eyes while out hunting. Presumably this survival trait helps them to breed even if they're ugly. :)
Iiiiiiiiii don't think so but I'll check. The problem is that a shot like this is taken through the mesh cage, which at this telephoto range blurs out, but a longer shot shows the cage clearly. If I don't have one, though, I'll take one for you next time I get a chance. :)
seriously, it's this whole alpha male thing! And when that critter raps on something with his monster beak, the echo is huge and loud! and he moves FAST!