The trumpeter hornbill is a medium-sized hornbill, with length between 58 and 65 cm, characterized by a large grey casque on the bill, smaller in females. The eyes are brown or red, with pink surrounding skin. Body mass is between 0.45 and 1 kg. It is similar to silvery-cheeked hornbill. Distinguishing features include an all-black back, white belly and white underwing coverts, and red facial skin.
Region
Eastern and Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, riverine forest, and coastal woodland, extending into forest edge, plantations, and large gardens with mature fruiting trees. Most common along the humid eastern escarpments and coastal belts. Frequently forages high in the canopy but also descends to mid-levels at forest margins. Strongly associated with fruiting fig trees and other large-fruited species. Uses natural tree cavities for nesting in older forest tracts.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Trumpeter hornbills are named for their loud, far-carrying trumpet-like calls. Like other hornbills, the female seals herself inside a tree cavity during nesting, leaving only a slit through which the male feeds her and the chicks. They roam widely to track fruiting trees, especially figs, and often travel in small, noisy flocks.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with deep wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small to medium-sized flocks, especially outside the breeding season. Monogamous pairs nest in natural tree cavities; the female seals the entrance with a mixture of mud, droppings, and fruit pulp. The male provisions the female and chicks through a narrow slit until the young are ready to fledge.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud, resonant trumpet-like calls and nasal honks that carry over long distances in forest. Calls may be delivered in series, with rising and falling notes during social interactions or when flocks are moving.
