A truly unique and remarkable bird native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Myanmar. This large bird is easily recognizable by its distinctive appearance and one very unusual feature—its solid, helmet-like structure on the top of its head, called a “casque.” While many hornbills have casques, the helmeted hornbill is unique because it is almost completely solid and accounts for about 10% of the bird’s body weight. This casque is made of a dense, ivory-like material, which has, unfortunately, made the bird a target for poachers.

The helmeted hornbill is known for its loud and unique call, which starts as a series of deep “hoots” that gradually rise in pitch before ending in a maniacal laughter-like sound. These calls can be heard echoing through the forest and are used by the birds to communicate and establish territory. The bird’s call is so distinctive that it is often considered one of the most characteristic sounds of the Southeast Asian rainforest.

One fascinating behavior of the helmeted hornbill is its territorial battles. Males engage in dramatic mid-air clashes, where they fly at each other and collide head-on, using their casques like battering rams. These battles are loud and can last for several minutes, with the birds crashing into each other repeatedly until one backs down. These clashes are not only a display of strength but also a way to establish dominance and territory.

Despite its impressive appearance and behaviors, the helmeted hornbill is facing severe threats, primarily due to illegal hunting for its casque, which is highly valued in the illegal wildlife trade. The casque, often referred to as “red ivory,” is carved into ornaments and jewelry, leading to a significant decline in the bird’s population.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Brunei

2020

Indonesia

2020

Malaysia

2020

Myanmar

2020

Singapore

Official estimate

EX

Extinct locally

Thailand

2020