Monteiro's Hornbill(Tockus monteiri)
It is a medium-sized bird, 54–58 cm in length, characterised by a white belly, black back, with white spots on the wings and white secondary flight feathers. The outer feathers of the long tail are also white. Females are smaller than males and can be recognized by turquoise facial skin. The eyes are black and the beak is red.
Habitat
Its habitat is the savannah and dry thornveld of northwestern Namibia and southwestern Angola. It is an endemic species of Namibia. The Monteiro's hornbill is near endemic to southern Africa, occurring in Namibia and Angola. It lives in the driest habitats of any hornbill in the world, preferring desert-like habitats with lots of rocky hills.
Diet
Unlike other hornbills, which are omnivorous, the Monteiro's hornbill feeds exclusively on insects and other small arthropods.
Breeding
In springtime, Monteiro's hornbills migrate to the southern Windhoek region to nest. They are adapted to the arid environment, and drinking is not a vital necessity for them. They breed at the end of a good rainy season, laying 3 to 5 greyish-white eggs, which hatch after about 45 days. The nest is built on rock faces or in trees.
Population
According to the IUCN Red List, they are classed as Least Concern(LC). The global population size has not been quantified, but the species is reported to be common and widespread within its limited range. The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.
Threats
There are currently no threats to this species. However, about 70% of its population live in commercial rangeland, making them vulnerable to overgrazing.
Conservation
There are currently no conservation actions for this species.