Sulawesi Hornbill

Overview

The Sulawesi hornbill (Rhabdotorrhinus exarhatus), also known as the Sulawesi tarictic hornbill, Temminck's hornbill or Sulawesi dwarf hornbill, is a relatively small black hornbill endemic to Indonesia. Classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, this species is uncommon throughout its native range.

Identification

• Approximately 45 cm long and predominantly black in plumage.
• Males possess a yellow face and throat with a yellowish horn bill featuring black markings.
• Females are entirely black with a darker bill.

Habitat

Found in tropical lowland, swamps, and primary forests of Sulawesi and nearby islands, ranging from sea level to altitudes of up to 1,100 metres. The species is distributed across two subspecies: the nominate subspecies in north Sulawesi, and P. e. sanfordi in central, east, and south Sulawesi, Buton, and Muna Island.

Diet

The diet consists mainly of fruits, figs, and insects. During the breeding season, the male and group helpers provide food to the female, who seals herself inside a tree hole, and the young.

Did you know?

It is believed that only the dominant pair in a social group breeds, while the remaining members, which can number up to 20 individuals, act as helpers.