Meet the Tanzanian Red-Billed Hornbill: The Real-Life Zazu
How about a Tanzanian red-billed hornbill for your Tuesday morning? If you’ve ever seen Disney’s The Lion King, you already know this bird’s famous relative. While Zazu serves as the royal majordomo on screen, the real-life red-billed hornbill is just as full of personality.
A Unique Tanzanian Resident
This particular species, Tockus ruahae, is endemic to central Tanzania. You’ll often find them in the big parks, distinguished from other hornbills by their bright red, curved beaks and the black skin around their eyes.
Unlike many birds that stay tucked in the canopy, red-billed hornbills are frequently found on the ground. They use their powerful, slightly serrated beaks like garden tools to dig through loose soil and leaf litter for seeds, insects, beetles, and even small lizards.
The Call of the Savanna
If you’re near one, you can't miss him. Watch him bob his head down and listen to his rhythmic, clucking cry: kok kok kok kok kok kok kokok kokok kokok kokok! This distinctive bobbing display is often a territorial signal or a way to communicate with their monogamous partners.
See Them in Person
February is one of the most magical times to witness Tanzania's avian diversity. Whether they are foraging alongside mongooses (a famous symbiotic relationship where they warn each other of predators) or nesting in tree hollows, these birds are a safari highlight.
Join us for a Tanzania Wildlife Safari in February 2026!
While our current expedition is sold out, we are now accepting early interest for our 2027 Safari.
Join the 2027 Safari Waitlist – Don’t miss your chance to photograph the "Circle of Life" in person.