The western long-tailed hornbill is a species of hornbill found in humid forests of West Africa. It was formerly considered to be conspecific with the eastern long-tailed hornbill with the English name "white-crested hornbill".
Region
West Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in the humid Upper Guinea forest belt, chiefly from Guinea and Sierra Leone through Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire to Ghana and western Togo. It favors evergreen and moist semi-deciduous lowland forest, riverine forest, and tall secondary growth, often along edges and in logged areas that retain large trees. Birds typically forage in the mid-story to canopy but will descend to lower levels along forest margins. They may also use shaded agroforestry systems, such as cocoa plantations, when adjacent to intact forest. Large mature trees are important for nesting cavities.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This species was formerly lumped with the eastern long-tailed hornbill under the name white-crested hornbill. The female seals herself inside a tree cavity during nesting, leaving only a narrow slit through which the male passes food. With its very long tail and agile movements, it forages mostly in the canopy and helps disperse forest seeds.
Temperament
shy and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief glides between trees
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or in small family groups, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks in the canopy. Strong pair bonds are typical. Nests in natural tree cavities; the female is sealed inside with a wall of mud and droppings, leaving a slit for food delivery by the male. Breeding coincides with periods of high fruit and insect availability.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are a series of nasal cackles and chattering notes, often delivered from mid to upper canopy. Calls may accelerate into rattling sequences during social interactions. Soft grunts and croaks are used at close range between mates.
