Red Billed Hornbill

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

The Red-billed hornbill, Tockus erythrorhynchus, measuring 20 inches, is distinguished by a red bill. It does not have the casque on the bill that many other hornbills have. It is brownish black above with white markings and white below.

Hornbills are notable for their long eyelashes and rather stubby legs and toes, with broad soles and the bases of the three front toes partly fused.

DISTRIBUTION and HABITAT:

The Red-billed hornbill inhabits the African tree and bush savanna.

BEHAVIOR:

Red-billed hornbills usually occur in pairs or small parties. They are sedentary and defend a permanent territory that may range up to 25 acres.

Short wings and a direct flight support their terrestrial foraging. They utter clucking calls with the head bowed and the wings slightly opened during display.

DIET:

These birds are omnivorous, taking both plant and animal food. They skillfully seize swarming termites in flight and pursue grasshoppers on the ground.

In the Zoo they are fed Soft Bill mix, soaked dog chow, crickets and mealworms.

REPRODUCTION and GROWTH:

Hornbills reach sexual maturity at between one and six years depending on their size, but how long they live in the wild is unknown. The rainy season stimulates breeding behavior.

Most hornbills are monogamous. They nest in natural cavities, usually in trees but also in rock faces and earth banks. In most species, including the Red-billed hornbill, the female seals the nest entrance using mud and her own droppings mixed with food remains. She makes a narrow vertical slit, through which the male feeds her.

The female lays up to five eggs. She incubates for three weeks, remaining sealed in with her offspring for another three weeks. It takes about five hours for her to chip away the hard, brick-like wall so that she can leave the nest. She then joins the male in finding food and returning to feed the young.

When the mother leaves the nest the young are already able to seal themselves in with wooden chips. They remain in the nest for an additional 11/2 months, while both parents continue to supply them with food.

During the time the female is sealed in the nest, she undergoes a simultaneous molt of all her flight and tail feathers. They are dropped at the time of egg laying and regrown by the time she emerges.