Crowned Hornbills
The Crowned Hornbills, Tockus alboterminatus, is an African hornbill.
Distribution / Range
The Crowned Hornbill is a common resident of the coastal and riverine forests of southern (only the eastern coast) to northeastern Africa.
In the dry season, this hornbill species can be seen in flocks.
Description
This medium-sized bird measures between 50 and 54 cm in length.
It has a white belly and black back and wings. The tips of the long tail feathers are white. The eyes are yellow. The bill is red with a stocky casque (a large display growth on the upper mandible of the bill). In females, this casque is smaller.
Hornbill Information … Hornbill Index of Species … Hornbill Species Photo Gallery
Similar Species
The Crowned Hornbill can be distinguished from the similar Bradfield’s Hornbill by its shorter beak.
Diet / Feeding
It feeds on insects (often caught in flight), small rodents and reptiles, seeds, and fruits.
Breeding / Nesting
The average clutch consists of 4 – 5 white eggs. The eggs are incubated for 25 to 30 days. Both parents raise the chicks and leave the nest at about 8 weeks old.
