Crowned Hornbill

Tockus alboterminatus

Other Names

  African Crowned Hornbill   Calao couronné   Kronentoko   Toco Coronado     Kuiftok   Bucero coronato

World: Africa: in the W found S of the Congo Basin as far as SW Angola. Further N its range extends through E Africa (including S Sudan, W Ethiopia and S Somalis) and S through eastern Zaire along the east coast to E South Africa.

Kenya: Found in woodland habitats up to 3000m S of 2°N.

Feeds mainly among tree foliage although they are known to hawk moths, termites and other flying insects. Diet consists mainly of arthropods and fruit although they will also raid nests for young birds, reptiles or small mammals. These birds are usually found in pairs or small family groups although large flocks of over 70 birds have been observed wandering away from their breeding ground in search of food (particularly in times of drought). As with other hornbills the Crowned Hornbill nests in crevices in trees, walling in its young who then have to break out when they are ready to fledge.