Rhinoceros Hornbill

Overview

The rhinoceros hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros) is a large arboreal forest hornbill native to the Malay Peninsula and surrounding islands. It is designated as the national bird of Malaysia and the state bird of Sarawak. Currently listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, it faces threats from habitat loss and poaching.

Identification

• A large bird measuring 80 to 90 cm in length, with males weighing between 2,465 and 2,960 g and females between 2,040 and 2,330 g.
• Predominantly black plumage featuring a white vent and legs, complemented by a white tail with a black band.
• A huge bill and casque that are orange and red in colour, a hue derived from preen oil rubbed from the gland above the tail.
• Red eyes with black rims in males, contrasting with white eyes with red rims in females.

Habitat

This species inhabits lowland and montane tropical and subtropical climates, specifically within mountain rain forests up to 1,400 metres in elevation. Its range includes the Malay Peninsula from southern Thailand, as well as the islands of Singapore, Borneo, Sumatra, and Java.

Diet

The diet is dominated by fruit, though the bird will also take any insect, small reptile, rodent, and smaller bird that it can catch.

Did you know?

During the breeding season, the pair packs mud, food, and faeces to wall up the entrance of their tree cavity nest, leaving only a small hole for the male to feed the female and later the chicks.