The piping hornbill is a bird in the hornbill family. This black-and-white species is found in humid forest and second growth in Central and West Africa, ranging from Senegal east to Uganda and south to Angola. At about 50 cm (20 in) in length, it is the smallest member of the genus Bycanistes.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from Senegal and Sierra Leone east through the Upper Guinea forests to Nigeria, Cameroon, and into the Congo Basin, reaching Uganda and northwestern Angola. It inhabits humid lowland rainforest, secondary growth, gallery forests, and forest edges, and readily uses wooded farmland mosaics where large trees remain. The species forages from the midstory to the canopy, frequently visiting fruiting figs. It is generally sedentary but may wander locally in search of seasonal fruit.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A small black-and-white hornbill of West and Central African forests, it is the smallest member of the genus Bycanistes. Pairs often perform duets of clear, piping whistles that carry over the canopy. Like other hornbills, the female seals herself inside a tree cavity during nesting while the male delivers food through a narrow slit, and the species is an important disperser of forest fruits, especially figs.
At Guinate Tropical Park, Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain
At Birds of Eden aviary, South Africa
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Often travels in pairs or small family parties and gathers at fruiting trees with mixed-species flocks. Monogamous pairs nest in tree cavities; the female seals the entrance with a plaster of mud and droppings, leaving a narrow slit. The male provisions the female and chicks until she breaks out, after which both parents feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of clear, piping whistles and fluty notes, often given in antiphonal duets by pairs. Calls carry far across the forest canopy and can quicken into excited chatter near fruiting trees.
Plumage
Glossy black upperparts with crisp white underparts concentrated on the lower belly and vent; contrasting black-and-white tail pattern. Flight feathers show bold black-and-white contrast in flight.
Diet
Primarily frugivorous, taking a wide variety of soft fruits and figs (Ficus). Supplements fruit with insects such as beetles and orthopterans, and occasionally small vertebrates or eggs. Regurgitates seeds intact and disperses them widely, playing a key role in forest regeneration.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mainly in the mid-canopy and canopy at fruiting trees, especially along forest edges and riverine corridors. Also visits secondary growth and wooded farmland when large fruiting trees are present.
