African Grey Hornbill
Lophoceros nasutus
The African Grey Hornbill (Lophoceros nasutus) is a uncommon hornbill found in 38 countries, weighing about 180 g. The African grey hornbill is a member of the hornbill family of mainly tropical near-passerine birds found in the Old World.
About the African Grey Hornbill
The African grey hornbill is a member of the hornbill family of mainly tropical near-passerine birds found in the Old World. It is a widespread resident breeder in much of sub-Saharan Africa and the southwest of the Arabian Peninsula. The African grey hornbill has escaped or been deliberately released into Florida, USA, but there is no evidence that the population is breeding and may only persist due to continuing releases or escapes.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
At 45–51 cm (18–20 in) in length, the African grey hornbill is a large bird, although it is one of the smaller hornbills. Its plumage is grey and brown, with the head, flight feathers and long tail being of a darker shade. There is a white line down each side of the crown and another down the back which is only visible in flight. Their long curved bills feature a small casque along the upper culmen, which is more prominent in males than females. A dark upper mandible with creamy-yellow mark or horizontal stripe is diagnostic of males, whereas females have tricoloured, red-tipped mandibles.
Where it lives
When to see it
The African Grey Hornbill can be seen all year round, with peak activity in November. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Watch the African Grey Hornbill on live cams
Browse all 118 bird cams worldwide, live and seasonal, by region and species.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify an African Grey Hornbill?
- At 45–51 cm (18–20 in) in length, the African grey hornbill is a large bird, although it is one of the smaller hornbills. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is an African Grey Hornbill?
- The African Grey Hornbill is a medium sized bird weighing about 180 g.
- Where can you see an African Grey Hornbill?
- The African Grey Hornbill occurs in 38 countries, including South Africa, Namibia, Nigeria, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
- What birds look similar to an African Grey Hornbill?
- The African Grey Hornbill is most easily confused with the Crowned Hornbill, the Congo Pied Hornbill and the Bradfield's Hornbill.
- Is the African Grey Hornbill endangered?
- The African Grey Hornbill is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the African Grey Hornbill for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.