Fauna
Bird · GBIF taxon 8101752

African Gray Hornbill

Lophoceros nasutus

Also known as African Grey Hornbill, Grey Hornbill

African grey hornbills are slender, medium-sized hornbills recognized by their distinctively curved bills and mottled grey-brown plumage. They actively forage in pairs or small family groups across woodlands and savannas, flitting between branches in search of large insects and fruit. During the breeding season, females seal themselves inside tree cavities with mud, leaving only a narrow slit through which the male delivers food.

WoodlandCavity NesterSub-Saharan
African Gray Hornbill reference
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
  • Grasshoppers
  • Lizards
  • Tree Fruits
Predators
  • Raptors
  • Genets
  • Snakes
ThreatsHabitat loss and the removal of large nesting trees
HabitatsSavanna, open woodland, dry bushland, thornveld
Life span10 to 15 years
  1. FamilyBucerotidae
  2. SpeciesLophoceros nasutus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Listen for Calls: Scan the canopy when hearing their characteristic, rising piping whistle.
  • Watch Nest Trees: Look for large mature trees with natural hollows during the breeding season.
  • Keep Distance: Avoid approaching nest cavities closely to avoid disturbing breeding pairs.
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