ExploreBirds

Von der Decken's Hornbill

Tockus deckeni

Von der Decken's Hornbill is a colorful bird with a big, curved bill. They live in Africa and love to eat fruits and insects. Their unique calls can be heard in the trees!

Habitat: Savannas

Appearance

The Von der Decken's Hornbill has a black body and white belly with a distinctive white head and neck. Males boast a bright red-orange bill with a creamy casque, while females have an all-black bill without a casque. This striking sexual dimorphism makes them visually unique.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderBucerotiformesFamilyBucerotidaeGenusTockus
Von der Decken's Hornbill
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Von der Decken's Hornbill

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

During nesting, the male feeds his sealed-in family through a narrow slit.

Their name honors a German explorer, Baron Karl von der Decken!

These birds use a special 'casque' on their beak, which is hollow and lightweight!

They have fused neck vertebrae to support their large, impressive beak.

Special abilities

Ability

Sealed Nursery

Von der Decken's Hornbill can seal the female inside a tree cavity during nesting that helps protect eggs and chicks from predators.

Ability

Multi-Purpose Beak

Von der Decken's Hornbill has a large, strong bill that helps them forage for food and even dig out insects from tough places.

Ability

Seed Spreader

Von der Decken's Hornbill eats many wild fruits which helps them spread seeds, growing new plants across their habitat.

Measurements & details

Length
35-38 cm
Wingspan
45-55 cm
Weight
0.165-0.25 kg
Lifespan
15-25 years
Top Speed
40 km/h
Clutch Size
2-4
Incubation
24-30 days

Diet & Feeding

An omnivore that enjoys both tasty fruits and crunchy insects found in its dry habitat.

Primary Foods

  • insects
  • wild fruits
  • small reptiles
  • spiders
  • berries

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Tawny Eagle

Aquila rapax

An aerial predator of hornbills and other birds.

eats

Sycamore Fig

Ficus sycomorus

Consumes its fruits, aiding in seed dispersal.

depends on

Umbrella Thorn

Acacia tortilis

Relies on these trees for nesting cavities and shelter.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch birds from a distance and do not try to touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Von der Decken's Hornbill?

The easiest way to identify Von der Decken's Hornbill is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Von der Decken's Hornbill?

35-38 cm

What is Von der Decken's Hornbill's wingspan?

45-55 cm

How much does Von der Decken's Hornbill weigh?

0.165-0.25 kg

How long does Von der Decken's Hornbill live?

15-25 years

How fast can Von der Decken's Hornbill move?

40 km/h

What does Von der Decken's Hornbill eat?

An omnivore that enjoys both tasty fruits and crunchy insects found in its dry habitat.

Where is Von der Decken's Hornbill usually found?

Savannas

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