Anthracoceros albirostris
The Oriental Pied Hornbill, Anthracoceros albirostris, is a striking medium-sized hornbill characterized by its predominantly black and white plumage and a prominent, pale yellow casque atop its large bill. Males average 55-60 cm in length and weigh 230-360 grams, with a wingspan of approximately 75-85 cm. Key field marks include the bright yellow bill with a black base and markings, the large, often yellowish-white casque, entirely black body plumage contrasted by a white belly, white-tipped...
Found in tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, open woodlands, deciduous forests, plantations, and even urban parks and gardens, typically at low to mid elevations up to 1,400 meters.
Primarily frugivorous, with a strong preference for figs, supplemented by a wide variety of insects, small reptiles, amphibians, and occasionally eggs or nestlings, foraging mainly by gleaning.
Oriental Pied Hornbills are diurnal, often roosting communally in large trees in significant numbers. Their foraging strategies are opportunistic, primarily involving gleaning fruits and invertebrates from trees, but also fly-catching insects in mid-air and preying on small vertebrates. Monogamou...
The Oriental Pied Hornbill is a widespread resident species across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Its breeding range extends from Nepal and Bangladesh eastward through India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia, and Singapore, reaching southern China. It a...
Least Concern
- The female Oriental Pied Hornbill seals herself inside a tree cavity during nesting, relying entirely on the male to bring her and her chicks food through a narrow slit. - They are crucial seed dispersers, helping to regenerate forests by regurgitating or defecating seeds after consuming fruits...