The West African pied hornbill is a bird of the hornbill family, a family of tropical near-passerine birds found in the Old World.
Region
West Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in the Upper Guinea forest zone from Senegal and The Gambia east through Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana, with occurrence tapering near the Dahomey Gap. Prefers lowland evergreen and semi-deciduous forests, forest edges, gallery forests, and mature secondary growth. Frequently visits agroforestry mosaics and plantations (such as cocoa) where tall trees remain. It forages from the mid-canopy to the upper canopy but will also descend to edges and clearings.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The West African pied hornbill is a small, black-and-white hornbill with a prominent curved bill and small casque. Females seal themselves inside a tree cavity with mud and droppings during incubation, leaving a narrow slit through which the male passes food. They are important seed dispersers in West African forests and also consume many insects, helping control pests.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats interspersed with glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small, noisy parties that move along forest edges and through canopy corridors. Strong pair bonds are typical; they nest in natural tree cavities. The female seals herself in the nest with a plaster of mud and droppings, and the male delivers food through a narrow slit until the young are large enough.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are a series of nasal yelps and cackling notes, often rendered as yak-yak-yak or kek-kek-kek, given in quick sequences. Also produces piping whistles and clucking contact calls; wingbeats can create an audible whoosh in flight.
Plumage
Pied pattern with glossy black upperparts and head contrasting with white underparts and vent. Broad white panels in the wings are conspicuous in flight; tail is black with white tips. Bill is long, curved, and pale horn to yellowish with a small casque; males show a larger casque.
Diet
Omnivorous, feeding heavily on fruits and figs, which it swallows whole and later disperses as seeds. Also takes large insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, and occasionally small vertebrates like lizards or nestling birds. Will supplement diet with cultivated fruits where available.
Preferred Environment
Forages mainly in the mid- to upper canopy, especially along forest edges, treefalls, and riverine corridors. Often visits secondary growth and cocoa or oil-palm plantations that retain tall shade trees.
