The black-and-white-casqued hornbill, also known as the grey-cheeked hornbill, is a large black and white hornbill. It has an oversized blackish bill with a large casque on top. The female is slightly smaller than the male and has a significantly smaller casque. It is a monogamous species, and pairs nest in suitable tree cavities. The female usually lays up to two eggs. The diet consists mainly of figs, fruits, insects and small animals found in the trees.
Region
Central and East Africa
Typical Environment
Primarily inhabits lowland and submontane tropical forests from West-Central Africa east to Uganda and western Kenya, including the Congo Basin. It favors mature evergreen forest, riverine and gallery forest, and tall secondary growth. Often visits forest edges, wooded farmlands, and villages with large fruiting trees. Frequently gathers at fruiting figs and other canopy fruit sources.
Altitude Range
0–2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Its oversized casque acts as a resonating chamber that helps project its loud, barking calls through dense forest. The species is an important seed disperser, especially of figs, moving seeds far from parent trees. During nesting the female seals herself inside a tree cavity, leaving only a narrow slit; the male feeds her and the chicks through the opening until they fledge.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
heavy, direct flight with strong wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family parties and sometimes in loose flocks at fruiting trees. Monogamous pairs nest in natural tree cavities; the female seals the entrance with mud and droppings, leaving a narrow slit. The male provisions the female and chicks throughout the nesting period.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, barking and honking notes that carry over long distances in forest. Also gives grunts and cackles during interactions at fruiting trees.
Plumage
Glossy black upperparts with contrasting white belly, thighs, and undertail; tail largely white with a bold black subterminal band. Cheeks appear greyish, and underwings show white panels in flight. The massive blackish bill bears a high casque, larger in males and smaller in females.
Diet
Feeds largely on figs and other forest fruits, which form the bulk of its diet. Supplements with insects, snails, and small vertebrates such as lizards and nestlings when available. By swallowing fruits whole and regurgitating seeds, it plays a key role in forest regeneration.
Preferred Environment
Forages high in the canopy at fruiting trees, especially figs, but also descends to mid-story and edges. Frequently visits forest clearings, river margins, and tall trees in farmland or villages.
