Bycanistes subcylindricus
The Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill (Bycanistes subcylindricus) is a striking, large-bodied avian resident of African tropical forests, easily recognized by its contrasting black and white plumage and prominent, cylindrical casque atop its bill. Measuring 70–75 cm (28–30 in) in length and weighing 1.0–1.6 kg (2.2–3.5 lb), this hornbill boasts glossy black upperparts and head, contrasting sharply with a white lower back, rump, and belly. Its most distinctive feature is the substantial, creamy...
This hornbill primarily inhabits the canopy and sub-canopy of evergreen rainforests, secondary forests, and gallery forests. It is found from lowlands up to moderate elevations of around 2,500 meters (8,200 feet).
Primarily frugivorous, especially favoring figs, but also consumes a significant amount of insects such as beetles, mantids, and grasshoppers. It also opportunistically preys on small reptiles, amphibians, bird eggs, and nestlings.
Black-and-white-casqued Hornbills are diurnal birds, spending their days foraging actively in the forest canopy and often roosting communally in tall emergent trees at night. Their foraging strategy is predominantly arboreal, gleaning fruits from branches, but they are also opportunistic, hawking...
The Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill is resident across a broad band of Central and West Africa, from Sierra Leone in the west, extending eastward through countries like Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. Its range continues into Central Africa, encompassing parts of Cameroo...
Least Concern
- The Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill is known for its incredibly loud, resonant calls that can travel long distances through the dense forest, often described as 'honking' or 'cackling'. - The male's casque is significantly larger and more developed than the female's, sometimes showing slight v...