Least Concern Birds

African Grey Hornbill

Lophoceros nasutus

African Grey Hornbill, omnivore in savannas eating fruits, insects, and small reptiles.

Scientific name	Lophoceros nasutus
Swahili name	Kasuku wa Kijivu
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Bucerotiformes
Family	Bucerotidae
Size	Male: approximately 300-400 grams; Female: slightly lighter, about 280-350 grams

See this species in the app

How to identify

Gray head and neck; long and curved gray bill with yellow tip; white abdomen with black spots; black tail feathers with white terminal spots; medium-small size

Habitat

Sparse savanna, shrubs, open woodlands, and river valley areas

Diet

Omnivorous, mainly feeding on fruits, insects, small reptiles, and bird eggs

When it is active

Diurnal, active during the day

Where it lives

Distributed in East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and neighboring areas; commonly found in Maasai Mara National Reserve

How to spot it

Look for them at dawn or dusk at the edges of sparse savanna and shrubs; pay attention to their unique calls and flight posture; use binoculars to observe bill features

Photography tips

Use natural light to capture bill details and flight moments; choose backgrounds of open sky or sparse savanna to highlight the bird's silhouette

Threats

Habitat destruction and deforestation; human activity disturbance in local areas

Similar species

Red-billed hornbill (Tockus erythrorhynchus), distinguished by its bright red bill and lighter body color; African gray hornbill has a gray bill and darker body color

📖 how to spot the african grey hornbill on safari