Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Where do coraciiform birds build their nests?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Coraciiform
Yellow-billed hornbill (Tockus leucomelas).
Coraciiform birds, which include kingfishers, bee-eaters, hoopoes, and hornbills, exhibit diverse nesting habits, though they frequently utilize cavities or burrows.123
- Burrows: Many species, such as bee-eaters, excavate burrows in earthen banks. Some kingfishers also dig their burrows into arboreal termite mounds, a site some species are believed to use exclusively.43
- Cavities: Hoopoes may utilize existing holes, such as those created by woodpeckers, and are also known to nest near human buildings.4
- Behavioral Adaptations: A notable behavioral modification occurs in certain hornbill species, where the female is sealed inside the nest cavity during the incubation and brooding periods.1
While these birds are generally considered arboreal, their specific nesting requirements—such as the need for cut banks or termite mounds—are critical factors in determining their habitat selection and local population abundance.423