What to Know About the African Grey Hornbill in Uganda?

The African Grey Hornbill in Uganda is one of the African birds of Uganda seen during Uganda birding safaris & Tours. The African grey hornbill is a member of the hornbill family of tropical near-passerine birds found in the Old World.

It is a widespread and common resident breeder in much of Sub-Saharan Africa, more so in Semuliki forest national park in Uganda and into Arabia. It prefers open woodland and savannah.

How Does the African Grey Hornbill in Uganda Look Like?

African Grey Hornbills measure about 45 cm in length, including the long tail. They are large birds, but amongst the smaller hornbill species. Their flight is described as a smooth wavelike motion.

The plumage is mostly grey, with the head, wings and tails being a darker shade. There is a white line down each side of the head and one on the back which can only be seen in flight.

The bill is long and curved, with a small casque (a display growth on the upper mandible of the bill) and a creamy horizontal stripe.

Males and females look similar. Although the male can be distinguished by his black bill, whereas the female has red on the mandibles (upper bill). Immature birds are more uniformly grey.

How Does the African Grey Hornbill in Uganda Sing and Make Calls?

This conspicuous bird advertises its presence with a piping pee-o pee-o pee-o call.

How Does the African Grey Hornbill in Uganda Feed?

The African grey hornbill is omnivorous, taking insects, fruit and reptiles. It feeds mainly in trees.

How Does the African Grey Hornbill in Uganda Nest?

African Grey Hornbills nest in tree cavities, the entrance of which they mostly close off with a cement made of mud, droppings and fruit pulp, while they are incubating the eggs inside. The purpose of this is to keep potential predators out of the nest.

How Does the African Grey Hornbill in Uganda Reproduce?

The average clutch consists of two to four white eggs. The male feeds the female and young by transferring food through a narrow opening.

When the chicks and the female are too big to fit in the nest, the female will break out and rebuilds the wall, again only leaving a small opening. Both parents will feed the nestlings until they are independent.