Wreathed Hornbill Bird Details
Rhyticeros undulatus
Wreathed Hornbill,Barred Hornbill, Undulated Hornbill, Bar-pouched wreathed hornbill;
Choodel Harnbill
George Shaw , 1812
Bucerotiformes (HOOPOES and HORNBILLS)
Bucerotidae
Rhyticeros
Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, , Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia (Borneo and Sumatra)
India(Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland)
Appearance :
Medium to large size. Prominent curved bill with a wreathed structure. Black and white plumage with distinctive yellow and red facial skin. The male has a more vibrant coloration, while females have a duller appearance.
Behaviour :
Typically found in small groups or pairs. Known for their vocalizations, including loud calls and whistles. Exhibits monogamous behavior, often forming lifelong bonds.
Habitat :
Prefers tropical and subtropical forests, particularly in hilly regions. Found in dense evergreen forests, often near rivers and streams.
Diet :
Primarily frugivorous, feeding mainly on fruits. Also consumes insects, small reptiles, and occasionally bird eggs.
Conservation Status :
Near Threatened
Distribution :
Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia (Sumatra and Borneo)
Population Size :
Populations are declining due to habitat loss.
Life Span :
Generally, Wreathed Hornbills can live up to 25 years in the wild.
Body And Tarsus:
- Body: Robust and stout body with a strong build, adapted for climbing and navigating through forest canopies.
- Tarsus Length: Approximately 6.0–7.0 cm.
Head And Bill :
- Head: Large head with a distinct wreathed bill, making it easily identifiable.
- Eyes: Bright yellow or orange iris with a prominent brow ridge. Positioned forward, giving them excellent binocular vision.
- Bill: Large and curved, wreathed with a prominent structure on the upper mandible, which is particularly pronounced in males.
- Bill Length: Approximately 20–25 cm.
Length :
About 70–90 cm (27–35 inches) in total length, including the tail.
Neck :
Short and stout, blending with the robust body structure.
Size :
Medium to large-sized hornbill, with males generally larger than females.
Tail Details :
- Tail: Long and wedge-shaped tail that aids in maneuvering through dense foliage.
- Tail Length: Approximately 25–30 cm.
- Feathers: The plumage is primarily black with white underparts, and the wings feature a barring pattern. Males have more vibrant coloration, while females are duller, aiding in camouflage.
Weight :
Typically weighs between 2.5 to 3.5 kg (5.5 to 7.7 lbs).
Wing :
Broad wings with a rounded tip, adapted for soaring and gliding through the canopy.
Wing Span :
Approximately 1.3 to 1.5 meters (4.3 to 4.9 feet).
Facial Feature :
The Wreathed Hornbill has distinctive yellow and red facial skin, which varies in intensity between sexes. The bill is prominent and adorned with a wreathed structure on the upper mandible.
Nest Details :
- Nest: Typically located in tree cavities or hollows high in the canopy, offering protection from predators.
- Nest Made Up Of: The nest is lined with materials such as leaves, twigs, and sometimes mud or droppings to provide insulation and protection.
Breeding Season :
Breeding generally occurs during the dry season, but often ranges from March to July.
Nesting Season :
Generally lasts from March to July.
Egg Color :
The eggs are generally white or pale cream in color.
Egg Length :
Approximately 4.5 to 5.5 cm.
Egg Width and Weight :
- Egg Width: Approximately 3.5 to 4.0 cm.
- Egg Weight: Each egg weighs around 40 to 50 grams.
Clutch Size :
Typically 2 to 4 eggs per clutch.
No. of Broods :
Generally, they raise one brood per breeding season.
Incubation Period :
The incubation lasts about 30 to 40 days.
Nestling Period :
Chicks fledge approximately 70 to 90 days after hatching.
Vocalization :
They are known for loud, echoing calls, including a variety of whistles, honks, and grunts, which they use for communication within their social groups.
Sex Demorphism :
Males are generally larger with more vibrant colors, while females are smaller and have duller plumage.
Migration Details :
The Wreathed Hornbill is primarily a non-migratory species. However, they may exhibit local movements in response to food availability.