Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill

Description

The Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill (Tockus leucomelas) is one of the most distinctive and charismatic birds of southern Africa’s dry savannas and open woodlands. Easily recognised by its long, curved yellow bill and bold black-and-white plumage, it’s often seen striding confidently along dusty tracks or perched on low branches, flicking its tail and calling with a nasal, cackling cry. Its bright beak has earned it the affectionate nickname “flying banana.”

These hornbills form lifelong pairs and are known for their fascinating breeding behaviour. The female seals herself inside a natural tree cavity with a wall of mud, leaving only a narrow slit through which the male passes food. She remains enclosed for the duration of incubation and chick rearing, relying entirely on her partner for sustenance until the young are ready to fledge.

PRINT#35B

Paper Print (Archival – Matt Texture)
Landscape Format:

A3 420 x 297mm Print Code J – R
A2 594 x 420mm Print Code K – R
A1 841 x 594mm Print Code L – R
A0 1189 x 841mm Print Code M – R