At the same roadside location where we observed the green cuckoo, we were also able to see a White-thighed Hornbill. This unexpected encounter added even more value to an already excellent birding stop.
A Different Impression from Southeast Asian Hornbills
During our time in Uganda, we observed two species of hornbills. Compared with hornbills in Southeast Asia, African hornbills give a noticeably different impression — their bodies appear more solid and powerful, almost raptor-like in build.
Despite this difference, one thing remains exactly the same. Just like hornbills in Singapore, they announce their presence with loud, unmistakable calls, often heard before the birds themselves come into view.
A Welcome Encounter
Hornbills have always been among my favorite birds, and seeing the White-thighed Hornbill here was a genuine pleasure. Encountering such a charismatic species in the wild never gets old, no matter how many times you’ve seen hornbills elsewhere.