Bycanistes brevis

(Friedmann, 1929)

Vernacular names
English : Silvery-cheeked hornbill
French : Calao à joues argent

Classification
Class : Aves
Order : Bucerotiformes
Family : Bucerotidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can reach 70 cm in length for a weight of 1.4 kg. Plumage mostly black except from white thighs and back. Dark grey bill with conspicuous clear casque (smaller for females). Silvery-grey spots on cheeks, nape and neck.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in Eastern Africa, from Ethiopian highlands to Kenya, south to Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Lives in evergreen forests, deciduous forests and woodlands, up to 2600 m.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species has a patchy distribution and is generally uncommon, being vulnerable to habitat clearing. Its occurrence in many habitats is erratic.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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