The Abyssinian Ground horn bill (Tockus deckeni) is a horn-bill found in Uganda and other East African countries, mostly the east of the East African Rift. Jackson’s horn bill is often treated as a subspecies of it. Among the categories of Horn bills in Uganda are the African pied horn bill, African grey horn-bill, Black-casqued hornbill, Jackson’s horn bill and Abyssinian ground-horn bill. These birds feed mainly on fruits, small creatures and insects making them Omnivores.
The ground hornbill is a large, terrestrial hornbill with black body feathers and white primary feathers which are visible in flight. The adult male has a patch of bare blue skin around the eye and an inflatable patch of bare skin on the neck and throat which is red, apart from the upper throat which is blue. Hornbills can weigh up to 7kg and their size vary depending on the species. But the female are normally smaller than the Males. Their bill serves different purposes that include protection purposes thus helps in defence, preening, building the nest, and collecting food. When she has mated, the female hornbill finds a hole in the tree to nest in it. She seals the tree hole with the help of the male and cements the hole with mad and its droppings, living just a small entrance that cannot allow predators to feast on the babies.
Heads of Hornbills are often worn by hunters to trick prey into thinking they are a hornbill), and in some places superstition names them as bringers of bad luck. For example, The Masai in Kenya believe that this African ground hornbill should never be killed because it will bring bad luck. Their Bills are precious and dear to artefacts known as hornbill ivory which makes them targets for poachers, though not common in Africa.
Hornbills in Uganda can be sighted at Murchison falls National Park, Budongo Forest Reserve, Bwindi impenetrable National Park, Lake Mburo National Park, Semuliki National Park, Mabamba Swamp, open savannah grasslands, woodlands and dense forests.
Apart from East Africa, these birds can also be found occupying areas in Asia, Melanesia, sub-tropical and tropical Africa.
There are more than 1000 bird species in Uganda that constitutes 50% of Africa’s bird species. And can be easily seen during their breeding season mating season, dry season and some others wet season.
If you visited the Pearl of Africa, a birding safari is a great way to spice your visit.
These bird’s characters ranging from dances, songs, fishing skills, courtship tricks and techniques will give you an everlasting memory. Book a birding trip with Trojenn Tours
By kennedy migadde B
