The red-billed dwarf hornbill is a species of hornbill in the family Bucerotidae. It is distributed across the African tropical rainforest.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occupies the Guineo-Congolian rainforest belt, ranging through lowland evergreen and semi-deciduous forests. It is most often found in primary forest but also uses secondary growth, forest edges, and riparian gallery forest. The species forages from the understory to the mid-canopy, especially along forest tracks and clearings. It tolerates lightly disturbed habitats and can visit fruiting trees in plantations adjacent to forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small hornbill frequents the lower to mid-levels of African rainforests and is often detected by its high, piping calls. Like other hornbills, it nests in tree cavities where the female seals herself inside and is fed by the male through a narrow slit. Its fluttering, whooshing wingbeats are typical of hornbills despite its diminutive size.
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups moving quietly through the lower canopy. Breeds in natural tree cavities; the female seals the entrance with a mixture of mud and droppings, leaving a slit for the male to pass food. Pairs maintain small territories and may join mixed-species foraging flocks when not breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched piping whistles and squeaky notes, often in short repeated series. Calls carry well through dense foliage and are used for contact between mates.
Plumage
Mostly dark slate-brown to blackish upperparts with paler underparts, often whitish on the belly and vent. Tail shows contrasting white tips on the outer feathers. Feathers are sleek with minimal cresting; the bill lacks a prominent casque.
Diet
Primarily feeds on insects such as beetles, orthopterans, caterpillars, and spiders gleaned from foliage and bark. Will snatch small vertebrates on occasion. Also takes small fruits and figs, especially when in season, supplementing its protein-rich insect diet.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the understory and mid-canopy of intact forest, along edges, and near forest gaps. Frequently visits fruiting trees and may follow ant activity to pick off flushed arthropods.
