Male Oriental Pied Hornbill

Male Oriental pied hornbill, close up. Langkawi, Malaysia. These stunning birds are the smallest and most widespread of the hornbills, being found in tropical rainforest throughout Asia. The hornbill’s diet consists mainly of fruit but they will also eat insects, crustaceans, small reptiles, mammals and small birds.

About the Oriental Pied Hornbill:

Oriental Pied Hornbills are striking black and white birds. Easily recognised by the large bill with a yellowish white knob on the bill, known as a casque. Breeding pairs first establish bonds with the interlocking of bills and courtship feeding where the male brings his potential mate gifts of fruit or prey.  Once successfully courted the male hornbill encourages the female to nest in a tree cavity, where if suitable they will seal off the entrance using dirt and fibres. Ultimately the female will seal herself inside the old tree cavity, leaving only a narrow slit through which the male will bring food to feed her and the chicks. 

You can find out more about the Oriental Pied Hornbill here.