If you’ve ever been lucky enough to spot a Crowned Hornbill (Tockus alboterminatus) swooping between the trees on Fairview, you’ll know just how special these birds are. They were spotted on Fairview for the first time last year in May by Nic Jordan in his garden.
Crowned Hornbills are medium-sized birds with long, curved, orange bills and striking black and white plumage. The males and females look quite similar, but you can often tell them apart by their size—the males are usually a bit larger. Their flight pattern is a mix of flapping and gliding, making their movement between trees quite elegant.
They are commonly found in coastal and riverine forests, woodlands, and savannas in East and Southern Africa.
Their distinctive calls, a series of cackling and croaking sounds, are often the first sign that they are nearby.
They seem to favour the taller trees, particularly those with dense foliage. They are often spotted in pairs or small family groups, moving gracefully between branches. Interestingly, these hornbills are primarily insect-eaters, though they also enjoy fruits and small reptiles. This makes them valuable residents, as they help control insect populations naturally.
One of the most fascinating aspects of their behaviour is their breeding habits. The female will seal herself inside a tree cavity using mud and her own droppings, leaving only a small slit for the male to pass food through. This unique adaptation protects the nest from predators and ensures the chicks have a safe start in life. In the wild, they can live up to 15 years or more
For those of us living on the estate, the presence of Crowned Hornbills is a reminder of how wildlife and human activity can coexist. By preserving natural habitats and planting indigenous trees, we can help support these birds and other native species.
Next time you’re out for a walk, take a moment to look up—you might just spot one of these magnificent birds watching you from above!
Image: SalaiLian from pixabay
