Black-casqued Hornbill

A couple in the Cincinnati Zoo (USA ), left the female, the male on the right.

The black helmet or leg Hornbill ( Ceratogymna atrata ) is a hornbill of the genus Ceratogymna.

Description

The plumage is black, wing and tail tips are white. The downward- curved bill has a Horny nursery. The male has a black head and neck and a bluish skin flap below the beak. Head and neck of the female are rust brown against it. Male black helmet hornbills are 81 inches long, females reach a length of 76 centimeters.

Distribution and habitat

The species lives in tropical Africa from Guinea to the Congo basin. The birds inhabit mainly rain forests and keep preferably on or near fruiting trees.

Reproduction

Breeding pairs are monogamous. The female incubates alone in a tree hollow. It seals the tree hollow except for a small gap in order to protect themselves and the brood from predators. The male fed his mate and the young birds ( altricial ).

Endangering

The species is widespread and is classified by the IUCN as not at risk (least concern).