Greensboro Science Center Celebrates Birth of First Trumpeter Hornbill Chick
November 1, 2025 2025-11-01 12:25Greensboro Science Center Celebrates Birth of First Trumpeter Hornbill Chick
Greensboro Science Center Celebrates Birth of First Trumpeter Hornbill Chick
The Greensboro Science Center (GSC) in Greensboro, N.C., has announced the birth of its first trumpeter hornbill chick. Mother Ronnie and father Jazz produced an egg that hatched on 1 August. Ronnie and her chick emerged from their sealed nest on 3 October.
Ronnie and Jazz have been residents of the Greensboro Science Center since 2021 and were recommended to breed by the Trumpeter Hornbill Species Survival Plan® (SSP) program. SSP programs use genetic data to maintain and grow healthy, diverse animal populations at AZA member institutions, such as the Greensboro Science Center.
“From the moment they were introduced to each other, Ronnie and Jazz were instantly compatible,” said Darcie, primary trumpeter hornbill animal care specialist at the GSC, and Trumpeter Hornbill SSP vice coordinator. “Ronnie is very bold, while Jazz is a little more reserved, but they always take care of each other. Staff and guests alike adore them, whether they are feeding or preening one another, or simply people-watching from their exhibit window.”
Before laying eggs, trumpeter hornbill females exhibit a unique nesting behavior. They seal themselves in a cavity, leaving only a small opening for the male to provide food and nesting materials. While in the nest, the female molts her tail and flight feathers, which she uses to help line the nest.
Trumpeter hornbills will lay one to five eggs beginning a few days after the nest is sealed. The mother will incubate the eggs for an average of 24-28 days. It’s then another 50 or so days before mom and chick(s) break out from the sealed nest. In total, the female is sealed in the nest for about 90 days, while her mate provides food for her and the chicks after they hatch.
“This was the first year the SSP recommended them to breed, and they are both first-time parents,” said Darcie. “Success with a first-time breeding recommendation, especially with first-time parents, is not always guaranteed. Ronnie and Jazz have both done a wonderful job following their instincts through this entire process. Ronnie has been self-sealed in her nest since the end of June, and Jazz has been extremely helpful by bringing her food and nesting materials. We are thrilled to have a new addition to this flock!”
