African pied hornbill

The African pied hornbill is a captivating bird belonging to the hornbill family, native to equatorial Africa. These birds thrive in forest habitats, where the females lay up to four white eggs in tree cavities and seal themselves inside during incubation. The males play a vital role by passing food through a small opening to the mother and the chicks.

Visually striking, the African pied hornbill is a large bird characterized by predominantly black plumage, a white belly, and a compelling black and yellow bill topped with a casque. Their omnivorous diet includes both fruits and insects, and they are frequently seen in oil palm trees.

Known for their whistling calls, these birds are very social. When the chicks become too large for the nest, the mother breaks out, reconstructs the entrance wall, and then both parents collaborate to feed their young.