The Congo pied hornbill is a bird of the hornbill family, a family of tropical near-passerine birds found in the Old World.
Region
Central African rainforests
Typical Environment
Occurs across lowland and riverine forests of the Congo Basin, including primary and mature secondary rainforest. It frequents forest edges, clearings, gallery forests, and wooded farmlands with tall trees. Birds regularly visit fruiting figs and other canopy resources and sometimes enter plantations and village groves. They are most often seen in the mid to upper canopy but will descend to lower levels when feeding.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Hornbills are key seed dispersers in African rainforests, and the Congo pied hornbill is no exception, often traveling between fruiting trees and spreading seeds over long distances. Like other hornbills, the female seals herself inside a tree cavity during nesting, leaving only a narrow slit through which the male passes food. Its casque is relatively small and helps with call resonance rather than combat.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family groups and occasionally joins mixed-species hornbill flocks at fruiting trees. Monogamous pairs nest in natural tree cavities; the female walls herself inside with a plaster of mud and droppings, leaving a narrow slit. The male provides food until the female and chicks break out.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Emits clear piping whistles and nasal cackles, often given in short series. Wingbeats can be audible during close flight, and pairs may duet around dawn near roost or nest sites.
