Yellow-billed Hornbill {Tockus leucomelas}

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.