The brown-cheeked hornbill is a species of hornbill in the family Bucerotidae. It is found in Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Its natural habitats are tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, plantations, and secondary growth forests. It is threatened by habitat destruction, as timber is harvested and the forests become increasingly fragmented.
Region
West Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Upper Guinean forests from Sierra Leone and Liberia east through Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana to Togo and western Benin. It inhabits primary and mature secondary lowland rainforest, as well as selectively logged forests that retain large emergent trees. The species also forages in fruit-rich forest edges and plantations adjacent to intact forest. It is largely a canopy specialist but will descend to mid-story when fruiting trees are available.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This West African hornbill is an important seed disperser, especially for figs and other canopy fruits, helping maintain forest regeneration. The female seals herself inside a tree cavity to nest, leaving only a narrow slit through which the male passes food. They are shy, canopy-dwelling birds that are more often heard than seen. Habitat loss and forest fragmentation are the main threats to their survival.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
strong flier with heavy wingbeats and short glides between tall trees
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or small family groups, occasionally joining mixed-species frugivore flocks at fruiting trees. Forms long-term pair bonds and nests in large tree cavities. The female seals the entrance with a mixture of mud and fruit pulp, leaving a narrow slit; the male provisions her and the chicks throughout incubation and early rearing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include deep, resonant grunts, cackles, and clucking notes that carry through the forest canopy. Wingbeats can produce an audible whooshing sound in flight. Calls often intensify around dawn and at fruiting trees.
