Hornbills

Hornbills are magnificent birds found throughout the Old World tropics. About a third of all Hornbill species occur in Africa, where they predominantly live in savanna environments. In contrast, Asian Hornbills are nearly all forest species. Hornbills are relatively bold, inquisitive birds that have a wide variety of loud vocalisations used in communication. Their most distinctive feature is the long, downward curving, brightly-coloured bill, which often has a ‘casque’ on the upper mandible; a feature unique to many Hornbills.

We have six species of Hornbill here at the Zoo, which can be seen our Tropical Realm, Elephants of the Asian Forests and Islands in Danger exhibits. Our only African Hornbill species can be found in the Tsavo Bird Safari Aviary.