Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill

The Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, known scientifically as Tockus leucomelas, is a medium-sized bird, with a length ranging from 48 to 60 centimeters and a weight between 132 and 242 grams. Its most striking feature is the long, down-curved yellow beak, which is disproportionately large compared to its body, making up to one-sixth of its body length. Males boast a longer beak, averaging 90 millimeters, while females have a slightly shorter one, averaging 74 millimeters. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males generally larger than females. The bird's plumage is a combination of white, grey, and black, with the white belly and grey neck contrasting against the black back adorned with white spots and stripes. The eyes are typically yellow, though brown variations exist, and the skin around the eyes and malar stripe is pinkish.

Identification Tips

To identify the Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, look for the long yellow beak and modest-sized casque that covers almost the entire length of the beak in males. The bird's white belly, grey neck with spots, and black back with white markings are also distinctive. The male's larger size and longer beak are reliable indicators for sex differentiation in the field.

Habitat

This hornbill species is a common and widespread resident of the dry thornveldt and broad-leafed woodlands, often seen along roads and watercourses. They show a preference for acacia and broadleaved woodlands when available.

Distribution

The Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill is near-endemic to the dry savannas of southern Africa, with its range extending from Angola and Namibia in the west to Mozambique and KwaZulu-Natal in the east, including Botswana, Zimbabwe, and northern South Africa.

Behaviour

Active during the day, these birds are often solitary, but may form couples or small groups, especially during breeding or nesting seasons, or when local migration occurs during the dry season. They are ground foragers, not digging but rather overturning debris to find food. They are sedentary but may roam in search of sustenance during dry spells. Monogamous pairs defend their territories with elaborate displays.

Song & Calls

The Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill's vocal repertoire includes a piercing cry, whistles, grunts, and cackles. These calls are used for territory demarcation and long-distance communication, often accompanied by physical displays.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet consists mainly of arthropods like termites, beetles, larvae, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, supplemented by small mammals, berries, fruits, nuts, and eggs from other species. They use their beak as forceps to grasp and toss food into their throat, with serrated inner edges aiding in crushing and fragmenting their prey.

Breeding

Breeding coincides with the onset of the rainy season, varying regionally. Courtship involves feeding, mutual preening, copulation, and nest prospecting. Nests are made in natural cavities, with the female sealing herself inside during incubation. Eggs are white and oval, with 2-6 per clutch, hatching after about 24 days. Chicks are born naked and are fed by both parents until they are ready to fledge.

Interactions with Humans

The unique appearance of hornbills has led to their significant role in various cultural beliefs. Some indigenous tribes consider them sacred, while others may hunt them for food, traditional medicine, or ritualistic purposes.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face a significant risk of extinction.