Crowned Hornbill

The crowned hornbill, known scientifically as Lophoceros alboterminatus, is a medium-sized bird, measuring between 50 to 54 centimeters in length. It boasts a striking contrast with its white belly set against a black back and wings. The tail feathers are tipped with white, adding to its distinctive appearance. The bird's eyes gleam with a yellow hue, while the beak is a vibrant red, topped with a prominent casque on the upper mandible. In females, this casque is notably smaller, a subtle difference that aids in gender identification.

Identification Tips

To identify the crowned hornbill, look for its shorter beak which sets it apart from the similar Bradfield's hornbill. The male's casque is more pronounced than the female's, and the white tips on the long tail feathers are a key characteristic to watch for.

Habitat

This hornbill species is a familiar sight in the coastal and riverine forests stretching from the eastern coast of southern Africa to the northeastern regions of the continent.

Diet and Feeding

The crowned hornbill is an arboreal forager, predominantly feeding in the trees. Its diet is varied, consisting of insects, which it often snatches in flight, as well as small rodents, reptiles, eggs, seeds, and fruits. This bird is known to gather in flocks, particularly during the dry season.

Breeding

The breeding habits of the crowned hornbill involve laying a clutch of four to five pristine white eggs. These eggs undergo an incubation period lasting between 25 to 30 days. Post-hatching, the juveniles remain under the care of both parents for approximately 8 weeks, learning the ways of the forest.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the crowned hornbill as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species does not face an immediate threat of extinction in the wild.