African Grey Hornbill(Lophoceros nasutus)
They measure about 45cm in length, including the long tail. They are large birds, but amongst the smaller hornbill species. Their flight is described as a smooth wavelike motion. The plumage is mostly grey, with the head, wings and tails being a darker shade. There is a white line down each side of the head and one on the back which can only be seen in flight.
The bill is long and curved, with a small casque (a display growth on the upper mandible of the bill) and a creamy horizontal stripe. Males and females look similar. Although the male can be distinguished by his black bill, whereas the female has red on the mandibles.
Habitat
It is found in a variety of habitats and has been known to move into suburban areas too. These hornbills are common and widespread in much of sub-Saharan Africa and western parts of Arabia, where they inhabit open woodland and savannah.
They are resident (non-migratory) within their natural range.
Diet
Their diet is largely made up of invertebrates such as beetles and grasshoppers. Small vertebrate prey, such as lizards and tree frogs are taken too. During the dry season the diet is supplemented with seeds and fruit. These birds have been known to follow larger animals to take advantage of the disturbed insects. They will also wait in groups at forest fires to catch the small animals that flee.
Breeding
The breeding season for the African grey hornbill begins when the trees come into leaf. A male and female maintain a territory together. The female will build a nest inside a tree hollow and will block herself in using mud and droppings. The male will continue to feed the female through a small hole throughout the incubation. Once the chicks are around 30 days old, the female will break out of the nest before partially blocking it up and assisting the male with the feeding. The chicks will fledge after around 45 days.
Population
The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is reported to be widespread and common (del Hoyo et al. 2001).
Trend Justification: The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.