Western Red-billed Hornbill
NameWestern Red-billed Hornbill
Common NameWestern Red-billed Hornbill
Scientific NameTockus kempi
FamilyBucerotidae
Wingspan (cm)47.5
Length (cm)37.5
Weight (g)200
Plumage DetailsThe plumage features a grey head and neck with a prominent white supercilium. The underparts are white, contrasting with a black back and wings that are heavily spotted with white. The long tail is black with white outer tail feathers, and the most distinctive feature is the bright red bill, often with a yellowish base on the lower mandible.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations consist of a series of accelerating, high-pitched 'tok-tok-tok-tok-tok' notes, often ending in a trill or a rapid sequence of 'kok-kok-kok' sounds.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, forest, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in West Africa, ranging from Senegal and Gambia east through southern Mauritania, Mali, Burkina Faso, northern Ivory Coast, and Ghana.
Identifying FeaturesBright red bill, Grey head with white supercilium, White-spotted black wings, White belly, Long black tail with white outer feathers
Description
The Western Red-billed Hornbill is a medium-sized hornbill characterized by its striking bright red, slightly curved bill. It primarily forages on the ground for insects and fruits in the savannas and open woodlands of West Africa. This species is known for its distinctive vocalizations and cooperative breeding behavior.
