Silvery-cheeked Hornbill

Overview

The silvery-cheeked hornbill (Bycanistes brevis) is a large species of hornbill found in Africa. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, though its presence in South Africa is marginal.

Identification

• Measures 75 to 80 centimetres in length.
• Features a very large cream-coloured casque on the beak, with the female's casque being smaller than the male's.
• The head is silver-grey while the rest of the plumage is iridescent black, contrasting with a white rump, lower back, thighs, vent, and tail tips.
• Females have reddish skin around the eyes, while sexes are otherwise similar.

Habitat

Residents of tall evergreen forests in East Africa, ranging from Ethiopia to South Africa. The species is locally fairly common, especially in the northern and central parts of its range, but is threatened by habitat destruction in Zimbabwe.

Diet

This omnivorous bird feeds on fruits, insects, small birds, rodents, small reptiles, and centipedes.

Did you know?

These birds usually live in pairs but may roost in flocks of hundreds of individuals. Young birds remain with both parents for approximately 80 days after hatching.