Trumpeter hornbill

Size

The trumpeter hornbill weighs 0.5 to 1.5 kg. The casque on top of its bill is larger in males than in females.

Ecology

The trumpeter hornbill inhabits the dense forests of Africa, usually along rivers, and like all other hornbills, the trumpeter has a casque on top of its bill. The casque, an extension of the bill itself, is larger in males than in females, and is considered to most likely be an indicator of the individual bird’s age, sex and status within their group. They are most active and noisy during mornings and evenings. Their call is a high, far-reaching screech reminiscent of a donkey’s braying.

Food habits

Hornbills are omnivorous preferring fruits, berries, insects and small mammals.

Longevity

The trumpeter hornbills live for approximately 30 years.
Reproduction
Female hornbills lay 2 to 4 eggs in naturally-occurring holes and crevices in either trees or rocks. Mud and food items are used as material to seal the female inside such a cavity, where she begins to incubate the eggs. A narrow slit is maintained sufficiently large by the birds, thus allowing the male to offer food to the female and chicks, as well as protecting them from surrounding predators. The mud casing is hacked away in readiness for the young to emerge after 3 to 4 months.

Conservation status

The threat status of the trumpeter hornbill is uncertain. However, continued deforestation has negative affects on the species since it needs old growth trees for breeding.