Bradfield's Hornbill

The Bradfield's hornbill, known scientifically as Lophoceros bradfieldi, is a medium-sized bird, with a length ranging from 50 to 57 centimeters. It boasts a striking plumage with a black back and wings, contrasted by a pristine white belly. The elongated tail is adorned with white tip feathers, adding to its distinctive appearance.

Identification Tips

Males of the species can be identified by their larger size and vivid red beak, which is long and lacks a casque. Females are slightly smaller and can be distinguished by their turquoise facial skin. Both sexes have yellow eyes, which peer out from their striking faces.

Habitat

Bradfield's hornbill is an inhabitant of the mopane woodlands and mixed thorn fields, where it finds both shelter and sustenance.

Distribution

This hornbill is an uncommon resident in the northeastern regions of Namibia, particularly on the Waterberg plateau, extending its range to northern Botswana, southern Angola, and eastern Zimbabwe.

Behaviour

The Bradfield's hornbill is known for its resourceful foraging habits, as it searches for food both in trees and on the ground.

Diet and Feeding

Its diet is quite varied, consisting of fruits, large insects, nuts, and small reptiles, which it skillfully procures from its environment.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Bradfield's hornbill as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species does not face immediate threats of extinction.

The common name and Latin binomial of this hornbill pay homage to the South African naturalist R. D. Bradfield, a testament to his contributions to the natural sciences.