South Africa Birds - Yellow-billed Hornbill {Tockus leucomelas} The Yellow-billed Hornbill is characterized by a long yellow beak

The Yellow-billed Hornbill is a medium sized bird, with length between 48 to 60 cm, characterized by a long yellow beak with a casque (only in males). The skin around the eyes and in the malar stripe is vivid red-coloured. White belly, grey neck, and black back with abundant white spots and stripes.

Name: Tockus leucomelas

Distribution: Southern to northeastern Africa.

Diet Description: The Yellow-billed Hornbill feed mainly on the ground surface, where they forage for seeds, small insects, spiders and scorpions. Termites and ants are a preferred food source in the dry season.

Habitat: Dry thorn fields and broad leafed woodlands.

Reproduction: Females lay 3 to 4 white eggs in their nest cavities and incubate them for about 25 days. Juveniles take about 45 days to mature.