Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill
NameSouthern Yellow-billed Hornbill
Common NameSouthern Yellow-billed Hornbill
Scientific NameTockus leucomelas
FamilyBucerotidae
Wingspan (cm)52.5
Length (cm)45
Weight (g)180
Plumage DetailsThis hornbill has white underparts and a grey-brown back heavily spotted and streaked with white. Its head is white with grey streaking, particularly on the crown and nape, and it has a long black tail with white outer feathers. The most prominent feature is its large, bright yellow bill, often with a reddish tip, and a small casque.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations consist of a series of accelerating, high-pitched clucking or cackling calls, often transcribed as 'tok-tok-tok-tokkie-tokkie-tok'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, forest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across Southern Africa, including Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and parts of Angola and Zambia.
Identifying FeaturesLarge, bright yellow, decurved bill, White belly and heavily spotted/streaked grey-brown upperparts, White head with grey streaking, Long tail with white outer feathers, Pale skin around the eye
Description
The Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill is a medium-sized hornbill characterized by its striking bright yellow, decurved bill. It is commonly found foraging on the ground for insects and seeds in the dry savannas and woodlands of Southern Africa.
