Silvery-cheeked Hornbill

Description:

Here, a couple of Silvery-cheeked Hornbills, large and heavy black-and-white birds. Black wings (including underwing coverts), black head, neck and chest, and white back, belly and outer tail feathers. Headside feathers have silvery tips, causing pale face appearance. Both sexes sport large and heavy, creamy-coloured beaks with casque - male's casque (Ph 1 and 2) is massive, while those of female (pphoto 3) and juvenile are of reduced size.

Habitat:

Sub-saharan bird, found on eastern side of the continent; locally common resident and local nomad. Chooses montane and coastal forests as habitat; here observed in montane forest near Awasa lake and town; a place very rich in wildlife, and birdlife in particular.