The Monteiro's hornbill is a species of hornbill that is native to the dry woodlands of southwestern Africa. It is a common, near-endemic species in Namibia, with a total population estimated at 340,000 individuals.
Region
Southwestern Africa
Typical Environment
Favors arid and semi-arid thornveld, mopane and acacia woodlands, rocky hillsides, and dry riverbeds. Often seen in open scrub with scattered trees and along the bases of escarpments. It forages readily on the ground and among low shrubs, and may frequent farmyards and roadside verges. Dense, closed forests and very wet habitats are generally avoided.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Monteiro's hornbill is a near-endemic of Namibia, thriving in arid, open woodlands and rocky savannas. Unusual among hornbills, it feeds predominantly on insects and obtains much of its water from prey. Like other hornbills, the female seals herself into a tree cavity during nesting while the male provides food through a narrow slit. The species is common locally, with an estimated population around a few hundred thousand individuals.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with glides
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or small family parties, sometimes joining loose foraging groups. Forms long-term pair bonds, nesting in natural cavities where the female is sealed inside during incubation and early chick rearing. The male provisions the female and chicks until they break out and may continue feeding fledglings for several weeks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clucking and cackling notes, often accelerating into a rattling chatter. Also gives sharp clucks and soft whistles during contact and foraging.
Plumage
Grey-brown upperparts with pale spotting on the wings, clean white underparts, and a long blackish tail with white edges and tips. The head and neck are grey with a white throat, and the bill is long, decurved and horn-colored with little or no casque. Feathers appear sleek and close-fitting, giving a slender profile.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects such as beetles, termites, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, supplemented by spiders and other arthropods. Will occasionally take small vertebrates and opportunistically consume fruit or seeds when available. Forages by gleaning from the ground, probing leaf litter, and picking prey from branches and bark.
Preferred Environment
Open ground beneath thorn trees and shrubs, around termite mounds, along dry river courses, and at the edges of woodland. Frequently uses perches on low branches or rocks to scan for prey before dropping to the ground.
