As is the case with all the smaller hornbill species, Southern Red Billed Hornbills are raucous, comical birds that are particularly common in areas inhabited by larger mammals such as elephant, buffalo and zebra. They occur in pairs or small flocks and can often be seen on the side of the road, flicking through elephant dung in search of insects and other delicacies. They nest in natural cavities in trees and in typical hornbill fashion, the female seals herself into the nest to deter predators such as snakes, mongoose and raptors.

I took the photograph that provided the reference for this painting at Satara Camp in the Kruger National Park.

On a recent visit to the Kruger National Park, I found myself becoming more and more captivated by sightings of birds. Despite the fact that it was during the dry winter months when the migratory birds are far away in the northern hemisphere, it felt as though I was seeing a greater diversity than on many previous occasions; rollers and sunbirds, orioles and kingfishers, barbets, owls and coucals – suddenly it felt as though there were birds everywhere. Looking back at the photographs from the trip, I have become absorbed by the structure of birds, the detail of the feathers, the shape of the bills, the configuration of the tails. As a result of these observations, I’ve now embarked on a series of bird studies, given the incredible variety of species in southern Africa, this could be a long journey!

Signed Limited Edition Print on 300 GSM Fine Art Cotton Paper from an original watercolour painting. This print is delivered rolled into a tube, ready for framing. Free worldwide shipping.

Limited Edition of 25 Fine Art Prints.

Size: 420mm x 300mm