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Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill

Tockus leucomelas

Photo by YvetteM
Published on Project Noah
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Field Notes

Description:

I spotted this hornbill in the Kruger National Park.
Hornbills are a sociable species, generally living in small groups. They have a very distinctive clucking call. In the bushveld you will often see two hornbills sitting together, clucking away with very entertaining wings open, back and forth rocking, head bowing display.
Yellow-billed hornbills will eat insects, bird chicks, frogs, chameleons, ants, termites and the list goes on

Habitat:

This hornbill is found in southern Africa. This hornbill is a common, widespread resident of the dry thorn fields and broad-leafed woodlands. And are frequently spotted next to the road or at camp/picnic sites.

Notes:

Some locals refer to it as the "flying banana".
They were also made famous in the move "The Lion King" where they were used as the character Zazu.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)

That's one odd-looking bird. It'd be hard to misidentify it. I like those species that are so distinct that you can't mistake them for something else.
Spectacular bird! Welcome to the community, Yvette! You already have some fantastic spottings!
Great capture in case of opposite light source..... Beautiful bird...

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