Damara hornbill

Introduction: Damara hornbills (Tockus damarensis) prefer Acacia woodlands in hilly areas with large trees, especially mopane. They are seen in pairs before breeding and are regular sun and dust bathers. Favourite roosts of Acacia and buffalo thorn trees, perching on branches close to the trunk, is a feature.

Distribution: Central and north-western Namibia such as Etosha National Park, Epupa Falls, Damaraland and Kaokoland.

Diet: Crickets and caterpillars from bushes as well as small insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, ants, termites, beetles, scorpions, spiders and centipedes are taken. Sand frogs and the flap-necked chameleon are eaten, but less often.

Description: Small to medium hornbills with black and white, grey and brown plumages.

Breeding: Fledglings and eggs are preyed upon by monitor lizards, black-tailed tree rats, African hawk eagle and buzzards.

Size: 40 to 50cm.

Weight: 210g.