Importance As Forest Gardeners

A Bushy Crested Hornbill holding a fig in its beak. These hornbills assess the ripeness of fruit by gently squeezing it with their beaks before plucking it from the tree.

Importance as Forest Gardeners

The types of food hornbills consume vary throughout the year. While they primarily prefer figs, they also rely on protein-rich insects, reptiles and even small birds to complete their diet during the nesting season.