Crowned Hornbill Bird Details
Lophoceros alboterminatus
Crowned Hornbill
Tajdar Sitara
Johann Büttikofer, 1889
Bucerotiformes (HOOPOES and HORNBILLS)
Bucerotidae
Lophoceros
Sub-Saharan Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Appearance :
The Crowned Hornbill has a distinctive appearance with a mainly black body, white belly, and a striking white crown on its head. It also has a large bill that is curved downwards.
Behaviour :
Known for its habit of nesting in tree cavities and its loud, distinctive calls. They are generally social birds found in pairs or small groups.
Habitat :
They inhabit various types of woodland and savanna habitats, often near rivers or water sources.
Diet :
Primarily feeds on fruits, insects, small vertebrates, and occasionally small reptiles.
Conservation Status :
Near Threatened
Distribution :
Found in parts of sub-Saharan Africa, including countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and others.
Population Size :
Generally, not considered to be critically low.
Life Span :
Live up to 20-30 years
Body And Tarsus:
The Crowned Hornbill has a compact body with predominantly black plumage and white belly.
Head And Bill :
It has a large, down-curved bill that is primarily yellow with a dark ridge.
Length :
Approximately 50-54 cm (20-21 inches).
Neck :
Short and thick.
Size :
Medium-sized.
Tail Details :
Short, with white tips on the outer feathers.
Weight :
Around 250-300 grams.
Wing :
Rounded wings.
Wing Span :
Around 70-80 cm (27-31 inches).
Facial Feature :
The most distinctive feature is the yellowish-white crown on its head, which gives it the name "Crowned Hornbill."
Nest Details :
- Nest: Usually in tree cavities.
- Nest made up of: The nest is lined with grasses, leaves, and feathers.
Breeding Season :
Generally, from October to January.
Nesting Season :
During the rainy season in its habitat.
Egg Color :
White.
Egg Length :
Approximately 35-40 mm.
Egg Width and Weight :
Around 25-28 mm.
Clutch Size :
2-4 eggs per clutch.
No. of Broods :
one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
About 25-30 days.
Nestling Period :
Fledge after about 45-55 days.
Vocalization :
Known for a variety of calls including loud, trumpeting calls and softer, grunting sounds.
Sex Demorphism :
Males possibly being slightly larger.
Migration Details :
Generally sedentary, non-migratory birds.
