From Opus

Photo by Reini
Photo taken: The Gambia

Tockus erythrorhynchus

Includes: Damara Red-billed Hornbill; Southern Red-billed Hornbill; Tanzanian Red-billed Hornbill; Western Red-billed Hornbill and Northern Red-billed Hornbill

Identification

This bird has a black stripe on the back of its head. Its underparts are mainly whitish, with a grey head and upperparts. Its tail is long and it has a long curved red bill, lacking a casque. Sexes are similar, but the female has a smaller bill. 42cm in length.

Its voice is a tok-tok-tok-toktoktok call.

Distribution

Sub-Saharan Africa.

Taxonomy

Tockus erythrorhynchus has five subspecies:

• T. e. erythrorhynchus
• T. e. rufirostris
• T. e. damarensis
• T. e. kempi
• T. e. ruahae

Every subspecies is sometimes accepted as full species.

Habitat

Tree and bush savanna.

Behaviour

Nests are built in a tree hole and 3-6 white eggs are laid. The nest is blocked off with a mixture of mud and droppings. There is one narrow entrance through which the male passes food to the mother and chicks. Once the chicks and mother are too big to fit in the nest, the mother breaks and rebuilds the wall. The chicks are fed by both parents.

Its diet includes insects, fruit and seeds. It is a ground feeder.

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