Lophoceros alboterminatus
The Crowned Hornbill, Lophoceros alboterminatus, is a striking medium-sized hornbill endemic to sub-Saharan Africa, easily identified by its prominent black casque atop a black and yellow bill. Measuring approximately 50-54 cm (19.5-21 inches) in length and weighing between 300-600 grams, it features a glossy black plumage on its back and wings, contrasting sharply with a white belly and a distinctive white trailing edge to its flight feathers. Males typically boast a larger casque than femal...
Found primarily in moist evergreen forests, riverine woodlands, and savannas with mature trees, extending into well-wooded suburban areas and gardens. Occurs from sea level up to approximately 1,800 meters, occasionally higher.
Omnivorous, primarily consuming fruits (especially figs) and a wide variety of insects, such as beetles, grasshoppers, and mantises. They also opportunistically prey on small vertebrates like lizards, geckos, chameleons, and occasionally nestlings or rodents.
Crowned Hornbills are diurnal, spending their days foraging in the tree canopy and on the ground, often in pairs or small family groups. Their foraging strategy involves gleaning insects and fruits from branches and leaf litter, as well as opportunistically catching small vertebrates. They are ge...
The Crowned Hornbill is a widely distributed resident species across sub-Saharan Africa. Its breeding range extends from Ethiopia and Somalia in the northeast, south through Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. It also occurs in Botswana, the Caprivi Strip of Namibia, easter...
Least Concern
- The female Crowned Hornbill seals herself into a tree cavity with mud and her own droppings during nesting, relying entirely on the male for food for several weeks. - The casque, the prominent bony growth on top of the bill, is believed to play a role in amplifying their calls, allowing them to...