We determined the mitochondrial DNA control region sequences of six Bucerotiformes. Hornbills have the typical avian gene order and their control region is similar to other avian control regions in that it is partitioned into three domains: two variable domains that flank a central conserved domain. Two characteristics of the hornbill control region sequence differ from that of other birds. Key words: Mitochondrial DNA, Control region, Bucerotiformes, Characterization, Repeats, Secondary structure, Phylogenetics, Population genetics.