Yellow-casqued Hornbill
Ceratogymna elata
Huge, spectacular, mostly black hornbill. Males have a large cream-and-white bill, and females a much smaller horn-colored one. In flight, shows a mostly white tail with a black center. Found in lowland rainforest, forest edge, and gallery forest. Usually in pairs or small groups of up to a dozen. The loud calls are surprisingly high-pitched yelps and honks that are often given in a quick series, higher and less rasping than similar calls of Black-casqued Hornbill. Similar to Black-casqued Hornbill in appearance, but male separated by the yellow casque, female by the paler bill and neck, and both sexes by the completely white outer tail feathers.
Identification
The yellow-casqued hornbill (Ceratogymna elata), also known as the yellow-casqued wattled hornbill, is found in the rainforest of coastal regions of West Africa, for example in Côte d'Ivoire. It is threatened by habitat loss. The yellow-casqued hornbill is one of the largest birds of the West African forest, with adults weighing up to two kilograms (4+1⁄2 pounds). They live mainly in the forest canopy, rarely feeding on the ground. They live in small family groups containing at least one adult male and female, with one or two immature birds, though they sometimes gather in larger flocks to exploit a major food supply such as an ant or termite nest. The birds are occasionally preyed upon by crowned hawk-eagles, and they respond to the presence of an eagle (sometimes indicated by its characteristic shriek) by mobbing – approaching it and emitting calls. Since the eagles depend on surprise to make a catch, this frequently causes them to leave the area. Recent research (Rainey et al., 2004) has shown that the birds respond in the same way to the alarm calls that Diana monkeys, which live in the same areas, emit if they notice an eagle, and that they can distinguish the calls made by the monkeys in the presence of eagles from those they make in the presence of leopards, which prey on the monkeys but not on the hornbills.
Taxonomy
Genus: Ceratogymna; Family: Bucerotidae; Order: Bucerotiformes.
- Scientific name
- Ceratogymna elata
- Authority
- (Temminck, 1831)
- Order
- Bucerotiformes
- Family
- Bucerotidae
- Genus
- Ceratogymna
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
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Widespread and common vulture in lowland rainforest. Head may not appear yellow unless seen at close range. Best identified by steady flight with wings held at a slight dihedral. Similar to Turkey Vulture, but has broader wings which it holds flatter and does not teeter from side to side as often. Occurs in rainforest, cities, and agricultural areas.
Blue Jay
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Familiar but stunning jay found year-round throughout most of eastern North America. Bright blue above and pale gray below with a fluffy crest. Also look for black necklace and black and white markings on the wings and tail. Pairs or small groups travel through mature deciduous or coniferous woodlands, often revealing their presence with loud, harsh “jay” calls. Frequently visits bird feeders, where it is often aggressive towards other birds.
Spotted Sandgrouse
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A medium-sized pallid and delicately-patterned sandgrouse. Pale and sandy overall. Note male’s silver-gray eyebrow and orange cheek and throat. Female has a paler version of the male’s pattern, as well as a speckled nape and chest. Lacks breast bands, unlike Pin-tailed and Black-bellied Sandgrouse. Very similar to Crowned Sandgrouse, but note the present species’ tail filaments and different facial pattern. Note the strong contrast in two-toned underwings when in flight. Flight call is a characteristic “Waka! Waka!” Favors sandy or stony desert plains where it breeds on the ground. Congregates to drink in waterholes in the morning, often flying back and forth over long distances in large flocks.
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