Check the beak
While exploring the scrublands of East Africa, I stumbled upon a true standout: the Von der Decken’s Hornbill (Tockus deckeni). This bird is a master of the dry bush, but if you want to know exactly who you're looking at, you have to check the beak!
The Battle of the Bills
The easiest way to tell the “handsome fellas” apart from the “lovely ladies” is by their striking coloration. In this species, sexual dimorphism (that is, the difference between individuals of different sex in the same species) is on full display:
The Males: Feature a vibrant red and ivory-cream bill that pops against the landscape.
The Females: Carry a more subtle, solid black bill.
Seeing that bright red flash is a surefire sign you’ve found a male looking to defend his territory or provide for his mate.
Life in the Scrub
Native to the arid regions of countries like Tanzania, Kenya, and Ethiopia, these hornbills are perfectly adapted to life in the thorns. They are omnivores with a “see it, eat it” attitude—munching on everything from seeds and fruit to snails and insects with those big bills.