Tockus rufirostris
The Southern Red-billed Hornbill, Tockus rufirostris, is a vibrant and characteristic inhabitant of Southern African savannas, instantly recognizable by its long, brilliant red, decurved bill. Measuring approximately 42 cm (16.5 inches) in length and weighing between 150-240g, its plumage is generally greyish-brown above with distinctive white streaks and spots on the head and neck, contrasting with a clean white belly. A crucial identification mark distinguishing it from its close relatives ...
This hornbill primarily inhabits arid and semi-arid savannas, thorn scrub, and Mopane woodlands, generally found at low to moderate elevations.
Primarily omnivorous, their diet consists mainly of insects (grasshoppers, beetles, termites, ants), spiders, and small vertebrates (lizards), supplemented significantly by seeds, fruit, and berries.
Southern Red-billed Hornbills are diurnal, often foraging during the day and roosting communally in trees at night. They employ a 'run and snatch' foraging strategy, spending considerable time on the ground pecking at insects, seeds, and small vertebrates, but also gleaning from foliage. Pairs ma...
The Southern Red-billed Hornbill is a resident species found throughout a substantial portion of Southern Africa, generally not undertaking long-distance migrations. Its breeding range encompasses southern Angola, much of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, southern Zambia, southern Malawi, central and ...
Least Concern
- The Southern Red-billed Hornbill was only recognized as a distinct species in 2014, having previously been considered a subspecies of the wider Red-billed Hornbill complex. - Female hornbills famously seal themselves inside their nest cavity using mud, droppings, and food pulp, relying entirely...