30-5-2019 VICTORIA FALLS , ZAMBIA - TRUMPETER HORNBILL (Bycanistes bucinator)

The trumpeter hornbill (Bycanistes bucinator) is a medium-sized hornbill, with length between 58 and 65 cm (23 and 26 in), characterized by a large grey casque on the bill, smaller in females. The eyes are brown or red, with pink surrounding skin. Body mass is between 0.45 and 1 kg (0.99 and 2.20 lb).[2] It is similar to silvery-cheeked hornbill. Distinguishing features include an all-black back, white belly and white underwing coverts (in flight, wings present white tips), and red facial skin.

The trumpeter hornbill is a gregarious bird, usually living in groups of two to five individuals, although sometimes as many as fifty. This hornbill is a locally common resident of the tropical evergreen forests of Burundi, Mozambique, Botswana, Congo, North Pare Mountains of Tanzania, Kenya, the Caprivi strip of Namibia and eastern South Africa, where it feeds on fruits and large insects. Like other hornbills, the females incubate four to five white eggs while sealed in the nest compartment.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN AVIARY, CAPE TOWN - TRUMPETER HORNBILL (Bycanistes bucinator)

The trumpeter hornbill, Bycanistes bucinator, is a medium-sized bird, with a length ranging from 58 to 65 centimeters. It boasts a prominent grey casque atop its bill, which is notably smaller in females. The species exhibits a striking contrast with brown or red eyes set against pink skin. The body weight varies between 0.45 and 1 kilogram.

To identify the trumpeter hornbill, look for its all-black back, white belly, and white underwing coverts, which reveal white tips when the bird is in flight. Another distinctive feature is the red skin on its face, which can help birdwatchers distinguish it from similar species.

This hornbill favors the lush canopy of tropical evergreen forests, where it thrives and contributes to the biodiversity of the ecosystem.

The trumpeter hornbill is a locally common resident in various parts of Africa, including Burundi, Mozambique, Botswana, Congo, the North Pare Mountains of Tanzania, Kenya, the Caprivi strip of Namibia, and eastern South Africa.

A gregarious creature, the trumpeter hornbill typically lives in small groups ranging from two to five individuals, but it can sometimes be found in larger congregations of up to fifty.

During the breeding season, females lay four to five white eggs and incubate them within the sealed nest compartment, a unique behavior among hornbills.

The silvery-cheeked hornbill bears resemblance to our subject but can be differentiated by the trumpeter hornbill's unique coloration and facial skin.

The diet of the trumpeter hornbill consists mainly of fruits and large insects, which it forages from the forest.

The trumpeter hornbill is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, indicating a stable population across its wide range.