Silvery-cheeked hornbill

In Zimbabwe it is threatened by habitat destruction and its presence in South Africa is marginal, but it remains locally fairly common, especially in the northern and central parts of its range.

It measures 75 to 80 centimetres (30 to 31 in) in length, and has a very large cream-colored casque on the beak.

The head is silver-grey and the rest of the plumage is iridescent black, except for the white rump, lower back, thighs, vent and tip of the outer tail-feathers.

The sexes are similar except the female has a smaller casque and reddish skin around the eyes.

They breed in spring (September and October; at least in part of its range) and lay clutches of one to three white eggs, incubated for 40 days.