Similar to the breeding pattern of the Great Hornbill (a family relative), Rhinoceros Hornbills rear and care for their chicks based on complete trust in their partners. After going through the whole female’s isolation with the egg in the nest and the male going about catering to his brood’s nutrition, the couple chip open the nest’s entrance to let their chick out for its debut fly. I’ve not experienced it first-hand; still, it must be a proud moment for the parents.
This gleaming black omnivore is found naturally in tropical lands, and hilly rainforests are set apart by its picturesque red/orange casque that sits on top of a huge bill. What’s even more interesting, the bird holds a categorical place in several mythologies and is often considered the ‘chief of worldly birds.’ Not forgetting it’s Malaysia’s national bird, I dare wonder if these titles are enough to pull this hornbill species out of the ‘near threatened’ list.
Distribution
Brunei
Indonesia
Malaysia
Singapore
Official estimate
ThailandAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd / Flock
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
Rhinoceros hornbill on banknotes
