Trumpeter Hornbill

The trumpeter hornbill, Bycanistes bucinator, is a medium-sized bird, with a length ranging from 58 to 65 centimeters. It boasts a prominent grey casque atop its bill, which is notably smaller in females. The species exhibits a striking contrast with brown or red eyes set against pink skin. The body weight varies between 0.45 and 1 kilogram.

Identification Tips

To identify the trumpeter hornbill, look for its all-black back, white belly, and white underwing coverts, which reveal white tips when the bird is in flight. Another distinctive feature is the red skin on its face, which can help birdwatchers distinguish it from similar species.

Habitat

This hornbill favors the lush canopy of tropical evergreen forests, where it thrives and contributes to the biodiversity of the ecosystem.

Distribution

The trumpeter hornbill is a locally common resident in various parts of Africa, including Burundi, Mozambique, Botswana, Congo, the North Pare Mountains of Tanzania, Kenya, the Caprivi strip of Namibia, and eastern South Africa.

Behaviour

A gregarious creature, the trumpeter hornbill typically lives in small groups ranging from two to five individuals, but it can sometimes be found in larger congregations of up to fifty.

Breeding

During the breeding season, females lay four to five white eggs and incubate them within the sealed nest compartment, a unique behavior among hornbills.

Similar Species

The silvery-cheeked hornbill bears resemblance to our subject but can be differentiated by the trumpeter hornbill's unique coloration and facial skin.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the trumpeter hornbill consists mainly of fruits and large insects, which it forages from the forest.

Conservation status

The trumpeter hornbill is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, indicating a stable population across its wide range.