Overview
With its curved red bill, expressive eyes and quick, purposeful movements, the northern red-billed hornbill is one of the most characterful birds of Tanzania’s dry bushlands. It is found mainly in the north-east of the country, where it inhabits open savannah, thorn scrub and dry woodland.
These adaptable birds spend much of their time on the ground, walking or running in search of insects, seeds, fruit and small animals. They often flick aside leaves and loose soil with their bills, pausing frequently to scan for both food and danger.
Although they may be seen alone or in pairs, red-billed hornbills can also gather where food is plentiful. Their lively movements and loud, clucking calls make them a conspicuous presence in otherwise quiet, dry landscapes.
Behaviour & How to Identify
Look for a medium-sized hornbill with a long, curved red bill, pale underparts and a grey-brown back marked with white spots and stripes. The tail is long and dark with white outer feathers, while the face has pale skin surrounding the eye.
Males and females look similar, but males are generally slightly larger and have a longer, heavier bill. Females usually have a smaller bill with darker colouring towards the tip.
Their nesting behaviour is especially remarkable. The female enters a natural tree cavity and helps seal the entrance with a mixture of mud and other material, leaving only a narrow slit. The male passes food through this opening while she incubates the eggs and cares for the young. Later, she breaks out and helps feed the chicks until they are ready to leave.
Interesting facts
The female seals herself inside the nest. A narrow opening allows the male to deliver food while helping protect the eggs and chicks from predators.
They are accomplished ground foragers. Northern red-billed hornbills walk through dry bush searching for insects, seeds, fruit and small reptiles.
Their calls carry across the savannah. Pairs use a range of clucks, whistles and accelerating notes to remain in contact and advertise their presence.