Black Hornbill

Overview

The black hornbill (Anthracoceros malayanus) is a species of hornbill classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. It is a lowland specialist found across several Southeast Asian countries, playing a crucial ecological role as a major seed disperser.

Identification

• Males possess a yellowish bill, while females have a dark grey bill.

Habitat

Native to Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, this lowland specialist inhabits environments with large fruit supply and large trees. It is currently threatened by habitat loss and hunting.

Diet

As a frugivore, it consumes a wide range of fruits, including over 50 species such as figs, Vitex pinnata, Sterculia cordata, and Durio graveolens. It is notably selective, sometimes curtailing nesting for years when fruit availability is low.

Did you know?

The species is the primary seed disperser for Durio graveolens, a relationship so significant that local cultures name the fruit after the bird, such as 'durian anggang' and 'durian burong'.