Lophoceros nasutus.
The common savannah hornbill, but somewhat like the Red-beaked Hornbill from farther north.
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Grey Hornbill. Lophoceros nasutus. The common savannah hornbill, but somewhat like the Red-beaked Hornbill from farther north. |
| Recognition: Medium large with long tail. Plumage mainly grey and brown but with paler underparts. A little white in the wings and tips of the outer tail feathers. The bill is mainly black in the male, red-tipped in the female. ( The Red-beaked Hornbill has much more white in the plumage and a red bill.) |
| Distribution: Widespread in savannah throughout West Africa, extending nearly to the desert, where it meets the Red-beaked Hornbill. |
| Habits: Often seen in small parties. The flight is very characteristic, consisting of alternate short flapping climbs and downward glides. Insects as well as fruits are eaten. Has a habit of perching on top of a tree, stretching up the neck and uttering the mournful long-carrying cry. Subject to some imperfectly understood local migrations. Breeding in tree holes, like all Hornbills, towards the end of the dry season. |
| Call: A loud prolonged very plaintive "Pee-ye". |
