Von der Decken's Hornbill

Overview

Von der Decken's hornbill (Tockus deckeni) is a small hornbill species found in East Africa, primarily to the east of the East African Rift from Ethiopia south to Tanzania. It is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Blackish upperparts and mainly whitish underparts and head.
• Long tail and a long, curved bill that lacks a casque.
• Sexual dimorphism in bill colour: females have a black bill, while males have a red bill with a cream tip and black cutting edge.
• Distinguished from the red-billed hornbill by bill colour and the lack of spotting on the wing coverts in both sexes.

Habitat

Found mainly in thorn scrub and similar arid habitats. The range extends across East Africa, especially east of the East African Rift, from Ethiopia to Tanzania.

Diet

Omnivorous, feeding on insects, fruit, and seeds. The species forages mainly on the ground and forms flocks outside the breeding season.

Did you know?

During incubation, the female seals herself inside a tree hole with a cement made of mud, droppings, and fruit pulp, leaving only a narrow aperture for the male to transfer food to her and the chicks.