African grey hornbill

The African grey hornbill is a captivating bird belonging to the hornbill family, predominantly found in Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Arabia. These birds prefer open woodlands and savannahs, where they can be observed year-round.

Regarding nesting, the female hornbill lays 2-4 white eggs in a tree hollow. She then seals herself inside with a mixture of mud, droppings, and fruit pulp, leaving just a small opening. This aperture allows the male to pass food to her and, later on, to the chicks. Once the chicks outgrow the nest, both parents continue to feed them.

Measuring about 45 centimeters in length, the African grey hornbill is primarily grey with a darker head, flight feathers, and tail. When in flight, white lines on its head and back become visible. The bird’s bill is black with a small casque and a creamy stripe. Males possess an entirely black bill, while females display a touch of red on their mandibles. Young hornbills are more uniformly grey.

These birds are omnivores, enjoying a diet of insects, fruits, and even small reptiles. They primarily feed in trees and have a distinctive call that sounds like "pee-o pee-o pee-o."

Interestingly, the African grey hornbill has been observed in Florida, USA. However, there’s no evidence suggesting they are breeding there. It appears their presence may result from continual releases or escapes rather than a self-sustaining population.