Anthracoceros marchei
The Palawan Hornbill (*Anthracoceros marchei*), a striking medium-sized member of the Bucerotidae family, is a captivating endemic resident of the Palawan biogeographic region in the Philippines. Measuring approximately 60-65 cm (23-26 inches) in length and weighing around 700-800 grams (1.5-1.8 lbs), this hornbill is characterized by its glossy black plumage, contrasting with distinct white tail tips and a prominent, creamy-yellow bill topped with a relatively high, pale casque. Males exhibi...
This hornbill primarily inhabits lowland evergreen rainforests, forest edges, and secondary growth up to elevations of about 1000 meters. It particularly favors areas with tall, mature trees suitable for nesting and roosting within its restricted island range.
The diet of the Palawan Hornbill is largely frugivorous, consisting mainly of various fruits, especially figs, supplemented with insects, spiders, and small vertebrates like lizards and frogs. Foraging primarily occurs in the forest canopy, with food items swallowed whole.
Palawan Hornbills are diurnal, spending their days foraging actively in the forest canopy and returning to specific tall trees for nocturnal roosting. Their foraging strategy is predominantly arboreal, with individuals or small family groups gleaning fruits, insects, and small vertebrates from br...
The Palawan Hornbill is strictly endemic to the Palawan Faunal Region in the southwestern Philippines. Its distribution encompasses the main island of Palawan, as well as several smaller surrounding islands, including Busuanga, Culion, Coron, and Balabac. This species is a resident throughout its...
Vulnerable
- The Palawan Hornbill is an endemic species, found nowhere else in the world except the Palawan biogeographic region of the Philippines. - Often referred to as "the forest gardener" due to its vital role in dispersing seeds of the fruits it consumes, aiding forest regeneration. - Females of this...