Tockus

Tockus is a genus of birds in the hornbill family Bucerotidae. These hornbills are native to Africa. Members of the Tockus genus are generally small to medium-sized hornbills characterized by their curved bills, often featuring a casque, although casques in this genus tend to be relatively small or absent. They are typically found in savanna, woodland, and scrubland habitats.

Tockus hornbills exhibit a range of plumage colors, with many species displaying combinations of black, white, and grey. Some species also have bare facial skin that can be brightly colored.

Diet primarily consists of insects, seeds, and fruits. They forage both on the ground and in trees.

Tockus hornbills are known for their nesting behavior. The female seals herself inside a tree cavity using mud, droppings, and food remains, leaving only a small slit through which the male feeds her and, later, the chicks. This nesting strategy provides protection from predators.

The genus Tockus includes several recognized species, each with its own distinct characteristics and geographic distribution within Africa. Some notable species within the Tockus genus include the Red-billed Hornbill (Tockus erythrorhynchus) and the African Grey Hornbill (Tockus nasutus). The taxonomy of hornbills has undergone revisions, and some species formerly classified within Tockus may now be placed in different genera.