Tockus deckeni (Cabanis, 1868)

Taxonomic Naming

This is a description of the species Tockus deckeni (Cabanis, 1868), commonly known as Von der Decken's hornbill.

Plumage Characteristics

This small hornbill has blackish upperparts, and mostly whitish underparts and head. It has a long tail and a long curved bill that does not have a casque.

Similar Species Distinction

It resembles the red-billed hornbill, but differs from that species in bill colour and the absence of spotting on the wing coverts in both males and females.

Sexual Dimorphism

This species displays sexual dimorphism: females have a black bill, while males have a red bill with a cream tip and a black cutting edge.

Wild Diet

Von der Decken's hornbill is omnivorous, feeding on insects, fruit, and seeds. It feeds mostly on the ground, and will form flocks when it is not the breeding season.

Captive Diet: Produce

In captive settings, Von der Decken's hornbill readily eats papaya, cantaloupe, blueberries, bananas, and apples.

Captive Diet: Live Prey

Live food such as crickets and mealworms must also be offered to captive individuals every day. Captive hornbills will readily take small rodents, but these should only be offered two or three times per week.