Von der Decken’s Hornbill

Tockus deckeni

Habitat and geographic distribution: East Africa, from Ethiopia to Tanzania, especially in arid areas

Diet: Omnivorous. Insects, fruit and seeds.

Reproduction: Oviparous.  Lay 2 to 3 eggs, deposited in a hole in a tree, then the hole is sealed by the couple with a mixture of mud, faeces and fruit remains, leaving only a small opening for the male to feed the female during incubation.

Behaviour: Diurnal animals. They vocalise using monotonous calls. Usually found in pairs, but form flocks outside the breeding season. The Von der Decken´s hornbills play an important role in the ecosystem, keeping insect populations stable. They also disperse fruit seeds in their droppings.

Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN)

Classification

Class: Aves

Order: Bucerotiformes

Family: Bucerotidae

Length: 45-55 cm

Lifespan: 10-15 years

Other animals in Exotic Birds Garden