EPOW - Ecology Picture of the Week

Silver Cheeks

Silvery-cheeked Hornbill (Bycanistes brevis), Family Bucerotidae
Mt. Kenya, Africa

Explanation:  On the mid-elevation slopes of Mt. Kenya, at Sarena Mountain Lodge, in the country of Kenya, eastern Africa, I spotted a large dark form flapping from branch to branch in the forest canopy.  As it finally settled to a perch site, I recognized it as a wonderful Silvery-cheeked Hornbill.  

   
Like other hornbills, it gets its name from the large hollow casque on the top of its head, protruding over the upper bill.  The casque is hollow, allowing the bird to issue loud, resonant squawks across the treetops as territorial or mating calls.

Often found in flocks, this was a lone individual, perhaps a male out foraging for food to bring back to its mate and nestlings.  

Found through much of eastern Africa,
populations of Silvery-cheeked Hornbills seem secure.