Rhinoceros hornbill

35 years. That’s how long it can live in captivity. But, does that equal its time in the rainforests of Borneo, among high canopy greens?

Thomas Quine

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

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Brunei
2020
Indonesia
2020
Malaysia
2020
Singapore
0
Official estimate
EX
2020
Extinct 1970s
Thailand
2020

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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

Malaysia 5 Rinngit Banknote (2012)