What is yellow-casqued hornbill?

The yellow-casqued hornbill, also known as the white-thighed hornbill, is a large bird found in the rainforests of West and Central Africa. It is a member of the Bucerotidae family, which includes around 57 species of hornbills.

The yellow-casqued hornbill is easily identified by its large, down-curved bill, which is brightly colored with yellow and black markings. It has a distinctive, white throat and a bright yellow casque on its head, which is made of a material called keratin. The casque is more prominent in males and is believed to play a role in courtship displays.

These birds are primarily frugivorous, meaning they eat mostly fruit, but they also consume insects, small animals, and occasionally carrion. They play an important role in seed dispersal, as they swallow fruit whole and then regurgitate the seeds, helping to distribute them throughout the forest.

Yellow-casqued hornbills are social birds and typically live in groups of 2 to 6 individuals. They are monogamous, meaning they mate with one partner for life. Females lay 1-2 eggs per breeding season, and both parents help to incubate them.

Despite their impressive size and distinctive appearance, yellow-casqued hornbills are considered vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss and hunting. They are also sometimes kept as pets or hunted for their valuable casques, which are used in traditional medicines and for decorative purposes. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these beautiful birds and their habitat.