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An adult male Wreathed Hornbill with a yellow gular pouch and visible corrugations on its beak.

A young male Wreathed Hornbill sports a low casque with ridges that will develop and become more pronounced with age. Scientists speculate that the age of this species can be estimated by counting the number of ridges on the casque. Wreathed hornbill (Rhyticeros undulatus) The Wreathed Hornbill is a shy and elusive bird that prefers higher elevations and is known for its impressive long-distance flights. Typically seen traveling in pairs with their young or in larger flocks, their distinctive wingbeats can be heard from up to one kilometre away. In the evenings, large flocks gather at communal roost and as many as 1,000 birds have been counted in one area!

After spending about 5 months in its nest, this young Helmeted Hornbill peers over the rim of the cavity, exploring its surroundings from the safety of its home. It soon makes its first attempt at flight under the watchful eyes of its parents. There have been records of fatalities during a chick’s first flight. Despite its grandeur, the Helmeted Hornbill is the only hornbill species in Malaysia listed as ‘critically endangered’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to severe habitat loss and hunting pressures. The Punan tribe of Sarawak, an indigenous group, holds a deep reverence for this majestic bird, believing that it guards the river that separates life from death.

In between foraging trips, the Helmeted Hornbill stays close to the nest as a guardian and to rest. Its long central tail feather shows signs of wear from the extended hours spent foraging for its rapidly growing young. Helmeted Hornbill (Rhinoplax Vigil) The Helmeted Hornbill is one of the most magnificent and prehistoric hornbill species, celebrated for its imposing solid casque used in fierce head-to-head battles between territorial males. This striking bird is renowned for its hauntingly eerie call, which starts with singular ‘tooks’ that gradually increase in frequency. The call then erupts into what can only be described as maniacal laughter, a sound as dramatic as the bird itself.

Buceros Rhinoceros, present in peninsular Malaysia. In Sarawak, various indigenous tribes associate hornbills with powerful omens. The Ibans, the native people of Sarawak, create the stunning kenyalang — an elaborate wood sculpture of the Rhinoceros Hornbill for sacred rituals. In Iban cosmology, Hornbills are linked to the upper world and were once connected to warfare and headhunting. They are revered as intermediaries between the mighty deity Singalang Burong and the human world.

Two females of two subspecies; Buceros Rhinoceros Borneoensis, present in Borneo. Rhinoceros Hornbill (Buceros Rhinoceros) The Rhinoceros Hornbill stands as a true Malaysian icon, proudly displayed on our currency and featured on Sarawak’s emblem. As one of the three largest hornbill species in Malaysia, it is distinguished by its strikingly bright, curved casque.

A male Oriental Pied Hornbill returns to the nest with a protein-rich meal for its growing chick. Attached to the tree is a data logger that records external temperature and humidity. A similar device is placed inside the natural cavity for research, helping scientists understand the microclimate of hornbill nests. Hornbills are also specialist breeders who usually time their long breeding season with the peak availability of fruit resources.

Courtship feeding between hornbills occur before the nesting season. The male presents the female with a fruit as a declaration of commitment. This fruit is passed back and forth a couple of times before the female consumes it as a sign of acceptance. The pair then proceeds to nest. This dating ritual resumes when the pair is ready for another nesting season. The male hornbill takes on the crucial role of sole provider, often traveling great distances to find the best offerings for his trapped queen. As the chick grows, the demands for nourishment intensify, with the young needing protein-rich insects and small reptiles. After months of dedicated foraging, the moment arrives when the female breaks free from the sealed nest. She then steps in to share the responsibility, helping to feed their growing chick. Nesting seasons can span from 3 to 6 months, depending on the species.

A male Wreathed Hornbill returns to its nest where its female has sealed herself in a cavity over 20m off the ground. In this confined state, certain species may even experience feather moulting, leaving them especially vulnerable. The female’s survival, along with that of her chicks, depends entirely on the male, who travels great distances to gather food and guard the nest. His unwavering efforts ensure his family has the best chance of thriving in their secluded home.

Soaring high, one of the largest hornbill species appears as a small bird in the sky. With fruit in its beak, it signals the presence of a plentiful food source within its territory. Natural cavities are essential for hornbills, providing crucial nesting sites where they raise their young. Larger hornbill species require large trees with spacious cavities. During breeding season, usually aligned with flowering periods, the pair copulates near their chosen site. The female then enters the cavity and seals herself inside, leaving only a small slit for food and to ward off predators.