Tockus

Tockus is a genus of birds in the hornbill family Bucerotidae. They are native to sub-Saharan Africa, with some species inhabiting Sahelian and woodland regions at the edges of forests. Members of Tockus are medium-sized hornbills, typically displaying a distinct casque on the upper bill and bold plumage patterns that aid in species recognition.

They are diurnal and mostly omnivorous, feeding on a mix of fruit, seeds, insects, and occasionally small vertebrates. They are vocal birds, often foraging in pairs or small family groups and capable of rapid flight through trees.

Tockus hornbills favor savannas, woodlands, and forest edges, sometimes using human-modified landscapes. They nest in tree cavities; the female seals herself inside with a mud-and-saliva plaster, leaving only the bill opening, while the male feeds her and later the young until fledging.

The genus contains multiple species; taxonomic revisions have occurred as new data emerge. Conservation status varies by species; while some are listed as least concern, others face declines from habitat loss and hunting in certain regions.