The Trumpeter Hornbill is a species of hornbill found in southern parts of Africa. They are social birds, living in family groups of 3 to 5 birds. They sometimes feed and roost in large groups of up to 50 individuals.
Trumpeter Hornbills are named for their call, which is a high-pitched bray that sounds like a baby crying.
Hornbills have an unusual nesting practice. They nest in natural tree cavities. Prior to incubation, the entrance to the cavity is sealed by a wall constructed by the mother bird (sometimes with assistance from the male). During incubation, the female receives all food from her mate through a small hole in the wall. Once the baby birds hatch, they also receive all of their food through the nest cavity wall hole. Once the babies grow larger, the female bird will break out but the chicks remain inside. They continue growing while receiving food from both adults through the repaired nest cavity wall.
