Northern Red-billed Hornbill

The Northern Red-billed Hornbill is a smaller hornbill of the genus Tockus and is native to sub-Saharan Africa. It thrives in savannas, woodlands, and arid regions. This bird is easily recognizable by its long, curved red bill, which it uses for gathering food which mainly consists of insects and small berries. Red-billed Hornbills in the wild are often seen in association with Dwarf Mongooses. The hornbills benefit from catching insects disturbed by the activity of the mongooses and return the favor by acting as sentries for predators and issuing an alarm call that alerts the mongooses to the danger. Like most hornbills, they have a fascinating nesting strategy whereby the female seals herself inside a tree cavity leaving only a small slit through which the male feeds her during the incubation period and early chick development. The females may spend many weeks or a couple of months inside the nesting chamber completely relying on the male to provide for them. Their unique behavior, vocalizations, and striking plumage make them a fascinating subject of study and a notable presence in their natural habitats. They are equally engaging in aviaries with their active and inquisitive personalities. Hand-reared hornbills can make wonderful pets if provided with plenty of space to fly in and explore.