South Africa Wildlife
Yellow-billed Hornbill {Tockus leucomelas}
The Yellow-billed Hornbill
The Yellow-billed Hornbill is a common resident in South Africa. They are commonly seen in scrub and dry woodland areas.
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.
Quick Facts
Name:
Tockus leucomelas
Size:
length between 48 to 60 cm.
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.
View Birder-friendly Accommodation (registered with Birdlife South Africa):
Gauteng Birder Friendly, Free State Birder Friendly, Limpopo Birder Friendly, Mpumalanga Birder Friendly
Eastern Cape Birder Friendly, Garden Route Birder Friendly, KwaZulu Natal Birder Friendly
Northern Cape Birder Friendly, North West Province Birder Friendly, Western Cape Birder Friendly
Gauteng Birder Friendly, Free State Birder Friendly, Limpopo Birder Friendly, Mpumalanga Birder Friendly
Eastern Cape Birder Friendly, Garden Route Birder Friendly, KwaZulu Natal Birder Friendly
Northern Cape Birder Friendly, North West Province Birder Friendly, Western Cape Birder Friendly




