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.
