Found across Malaysia, Thailand, Sumatra, Borneo, and parts of Myanmar and Brunei, the black hornbill is often heard long before it’s seen, its croaking, laughing call reverberating through the dense canopy. It’s a bird that captures attention not just for its appearance, but for its extraordinary behaviors, intelligence, and role as one of the rainforest’s great seed dispersers.

At first glance, the black hornbill seems almost regal. It has a sleek, glossy black body with white under-tail feathers, a massive yellowish bill, and a prominent casque—a hollow, helmet-like structure that sits atop its beak. The casque is more than decoration; it helps amplify the bird’s calls and may play a role in attracting mates. Males and females can be told apart by eye color: males have red eyes, while females have white ones, a subtle but unmistakable distinction.

It is primarily a frugivore, feeding on figs, berries, and other tropical fruits, though it occasionally takes insects, small reptiles, or even bird eggs. As it moves from tree to tree, swallowing fruits whole and later excreting the seeds far away, it becomes a key seed disperser—helping regenerate and spread forest plants across vast distances. In fact, hornbills are often called the “gardeners of the forest” for this very reason.

Perhaps the most remarkable feature of the black hornbill’s life is its breeding behavior, which is among the most unique in the bird world. When it’s time to nest, the female seals herself inside a tree cavity using a mixture of mud, fruit pulp, and droppings, leaving only a narrow slit open. Through this tiny gap, the male passes food to her and, later, to the chicks. She remains walled inside for up to three months, completely dependent on her mate for survival. This extraordinary adaptation helps protect the nest from predators such as snakes and monkeys.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Brunei

2018

Breeding

Indonesia

2018

Breeding

Malaysia

2018

Breeding

Singapore

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Thailand

2018

Breeding