Trumpeter Hornbill

Overview

The trumpeter hornbill (Bycanistes bucinator) is a medium-sized bird in the hornbill family, measuring between 58 and 65 cm in length and weighing 0.45 to 1 kg. It is a gregarious species that typically lives in groups of two to five individuals, though larger flocks are occasionally observed.

Identification

• Large grey casque on the bill, which is smaller in females, along with brown or red eyes surrounded by pink skin.
• Distinctive plumage features an all-black back, a white belly, and white underwing coverts that present white tips in flight.
• Resembles the silvery-cheeked hornbill, but is distinguished by its red facial skin.

Habitat

Found in the tropical evergreen forests of Burundi, Mozambique, Botswana, Congo, the North Pare Mountains of Tanzania, Kenya, the Caprivi strip of Namibia, and eastern South Africa. It is a locally common resident and is classified as least concern on the IUCN Red List due to its widespread range.

Diet

Feeds primarily on fruits and large insects.

Did you know?

Females are sealed within the nest compartment while they incubate four to five white eggs.