Von Der Decken's Hornbill(Tockus deckeni)
This species is a small hornbill that can reach 2 feet in length. with blackish upperparts and mainly whitish underparts and head. It has a long tail and a long curved bill which lacks a casque. It is similar to the red-billed hornbill except for the bill colour and the lack of spotting on the wing coverts in both male and female. The species shows sexual dimorphism; the female has a black bill, whereas the male has a red bill with a cream tip and a black cutting edge. It was named after the German explorer Baron Karl Klaus von der Decken
Habitat
Von der Decken hornbills live in eastern Africa, occupying parts of Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya and Tanzania. They prefer dry, arid conditions, including scrublands, savannas and open bush habitats.
Diet
They are omnivorous, taking insects, fruit and seeds. It feeds mainly on the ground and will form flocks outside the breeding season. In captivity, they will readily eat papaya, cantaloupe, blueberries, bananas, and apples. Live food such as crickets and mealworms should also be offered daily. Small rodents are readily taken but should only be offered two or three times a week. In the wild they eat small ground prey, eggs, fruits and insects.
Breeding
Hornbills are known for their unique breeding habits. Males find a tree cavity and entice females by bringing her mudding material and food gifts. Females do the mudding using dirt and feces, which turns rock-hard when dried. Females then enter the cavity before mudding up the entrance until just a slim slit is left open. For over two months, males feed the trapped female and the chicks when they hatch, through the small vertical slit. Females break out about two weeks before the young in order to help feed them. When the young emerge, they are fully flighted, though their parents will continue to offer them food for another week.
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 widespread and locally common. The population is suspected to be in decline owing to destruction of large trees which provide nesting sites.
Threats
The main threat to this species is habitat loss and nesting sites as trees are being chopped down and there are not many trees left for them to be able to nest in, thus stopping reproduction of the species.
Conservation
There are currently no conservation actions for this species.