Von der Decken's Hornbill

distribution of Von der Decken's Hornbill
Names, conservation status and distribution
von der decken's hornbill, calao de der decken, toco de von der decken, birds of kenya, wildlife of kenya
Tsavo West National Park
von der decken's hornbill, calao de der decken, toco de von der decken, birds of kenya, wildlife of kenya
Tsavo West National Park
von der decken's hornbill, calao de der decken, toco de von der decken, birds of kenya, wildlife of kenya
Tsavo West National Park
von der decken's hornbill, calao de der decken, toco de von der decken, birds of kenya, wildlife of kenya
Tsavo West National Park

Von der Decken's hornbill (Tockus deckeni) is a hornbill found in East Africa, especially to the east of the East African Rift, from Ethiopia south to Tanzania. It is found mainly in thorn scrub and similar arid habitats. Jackson's hornbill is often treated as a subspecies of it. This species is a small hornbill with blackish upperparts and mainly whitish underparts and head. It has a long tail and a long curved bill which lacks a casque. It is similar to the red-billed hornbill except for the bill colour and the lack of spotting on the wing coverts in both male and female.

The species shows sexual dimorphism; the female has a black bill, whereas the male has a red bill with a cream tip and a black cutting edge. 

Von der Decken's hornbill is omnivorous, taking insects, fruit and seeds. It feeds mainly on the ground and will form flocks outside the breeding season. In captivity the Von Der Decken hornbill will readily eat papaya, cantaloupe, blueberries, bananas, and apples. Live food such as crickets and mealworms should also be offered daily. Small rodents are readily taken but should only be offered two or three times a week.

Source : Wikipedia