Crowned Hornbill

Overview

The crowned hornbill (Lophoceros alboterminatus) is a medium-sized African hornbill classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It is a common resident of coastal and riverine forests across southern and northeastern Africa.

Identification

• Medium-sized bird measuring 50–54 cm in length.
• White belly contrasting with a black back and wings, featuring white tips on the long tail feathers.
• Yellow eyes and a red beak with a stocky casque on the upper mandible, which is smaller in females.
• Distinguished from the similar Bradfield's hornbill by its shorter beak.

Habitat

This species inhabits coastal and riverine forests in southern Africa, specifically limited to the eastern coast, and extends its range to northeastern Africa.

Diet

It forages mainly in trees, feeding on insects often caught in flight, along with small rodents, small reptiles, eggs, seeds, and fruits. This species can be observed in flocks, usually during the dry season.

Did you know?

Females are distinguished from males by having a smaller casque on their beak. Juveniles remain with both parents for approximately eight weeks after hatching.