Rufous-necked Hornbill Bird Details
Aceros nipalensis
Rufous-necked Hornbill,Laced Hornbill, Red-necked Hornbill;
Laal Gardani Dhanesh
Brian Houghton Hodgson in 1829.
Bucerotiformes (HOOPOES and HORNBILLS)
Bucerotidae
Aceros
India (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, and parts of Meghalaya), Nepal, Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos
Appearance :
The Rufous-necked Hornbill is a large bird with striking colors. Males are slightly larger than females and have a prominent rufous (reddish-brown) head and neck, while females are mostly black with a white tail. Both sexes have a large, curved yellow-orange bill with a casque (horn-like structure) on top. The body is dark blue-black, with a white tail and orange-brown facial skin.
Behaviour :
Rufous-necked Hornbills are monogamous and typically found in pairs or small family groups. They are highly territorial birds and are known for their loud calls and vocalizations. These birds nest in tree cavities and use mud to seal the entrance after the female enters, leaving only a small slit for food to be passed through during the incubation period.
Habitat :
This species inhabits dense, tall evergreen forests and subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, particularly in hilly and mountainous regions up to an elevation of about 1,500 meters.
Diet :
The Rufous-necked Hornbill has a varied diet that includes fruits, figs, small mammals, insects, and occasionally small reptiles. They are primarily frugivores, but also opportunistic feeders.
Conservation Status :
Vulnerable
Distribution :
Found in parts of Southeast Asia, including northeastern India, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and southern China.
Population Size :
The population of the Rufous-necked Hornbill is estimated to be between 10,000 to 19,999 individuals, and the population is decreasing.
Life Span :
They are believed to live for around 30 years or more in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: The Rufous-necked Hornbill has a robust and stocky body with strong, muscular features. Its plumage is predominantly dark with distinctive rufous (reddish-brown) coloration on the neck and head.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 4.5 to 6 cm (1.8 to 2.4 inches), depending on the individual.
Head And Bill :
- Head: The head is large, with a prominent casque on the bill, which is more pronounced in males. The rufous coloration on the head and neck contrasts with the darker body feathers.
- Eyes: The eyes are relatively large and have a bright orange to yellow iris. They are well-adapted for sight, allowing the bird to locate food and navigate its habitat.
- Bill: The bill is one of the most striking features, being large and curved with a prominent casque that is yellow-orange in color.
- Bill Length: The bill length can range from 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches), which is quite large compared to the size of its head.
Length :
The total body length of the Rufous-necked Hornbill ranges from 60 to 75 cm (24 to 30 inches).
Neck :
The neck is thick and powerful, adorned with rufous feathers, giving it a distinctive appearance.
Size :
Overall, it is a large-sized hornbill
Tail Details :
- Tail: The tail is long and narrow, with a characteristic white tip, which helps in balance during flight.
- Tail Length: The tail length is approximately 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 inches).
- Feathers: The feathers are primarily dark blue-black, with the rufous feathers on the neck and head being the most distinguishing feature. The wings are also covered in dark plumage.
Weight :
The average weight of the Rufous-necked Hornbill ranges from 2 to 3 kg (4.4 to 6.6 lbs).
Wing :
The wings are long and pointed, adapted for soaring and gliding in forested areas. They have a relatively broad shape that aids in maneuverability.
Wing Span :
The wingspan can reach up to 1.2 meters (approximately 4 feet).
Facial Feature :
The facial features of the Rufous-necked Hornbill include a large, distinctive bill with a prominent casque. The facial skin is often bright orange to yellow, adding to the bird's striking appearance.
Nest Details :
- Nest: The Rufous-necked Hornbill typically nests in tree cavities, often choosing large, mature trees in dense forests.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest itself is primarily made of organic materials like leaves, twigs, and sometimes mud. After the female enters the cavity to lay eggs, the entrance is sealed with mud and droppings, leaving only a small opening for the male to deliver food.
Breeding Season :
The breeding season typically occurs from March to June.
Nesting Season :
The nesting season coincides with the breeding period.
Egg Color :
The eggs are generally white or cream-colored.
Egg Length :
The length of the eggs is about 3.5 to 4 cm (approximately 1.4 to 1.6 inches).
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: The width of the eggs is around 2.5 to 3 cm (approximately 1 to 1.2 inches).
- Egg Weight: The weight of the eggs is approximately 10 to 15 grams each.
Clutch Size :
The clutch size usually consists of 2 to 4 eggs.
No. of Broods :
Rufous-necked Hornbills typically have one brood per year.
Incubation Period :
The incubation period lasts about 30 to 35 days.
Nestling Period :
The nestling period is about 70 to 80 days before the chicks fledge.
Vocalization :
Rufous-necked Hornbills are known for their loud and distinctive calls, which can include honks, squawks, and chattering sounds.
Sex Demorphism :
Males being larger than females. Males also tend to have a more prominent casque and brighter facial coloration compared to females, which are generally darker.
Migration Details :
Rufous-necked Hornbills are generally non-migratory. They are sedentary birds that establish and defend territories within their preferred habitat.
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