Helmeted Hornbill
NameHelmeted Hornbill
Common NameHelmeted Hornbill
Scientific NameRhinoplax vigil
FamilyBucerotidae
Wingspan (cm)200
Length (cm)120
Weight (g)3100
Plumage DetailsAdults have blackish-brown body plumage with a white belly and white tail feathers, often with a broad black band near the tip of the central tail feathers. The bare skin on the head and neck is red in males and bluish-white in females. The bill is yellow with a prominent, solid red or orange casque.
Vocalization / CallIts distinctive call is a series of loud, resonant 'tok-tok-tok' notes that accelerate into a maniacal, cackling laugh, often described as sounding like a human laughing.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeFound in the tropical lowland forests of the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, Solid, prominent casque on the bill, Bare red (male) or bluish-white (female) skin on head and neck, Long central tail feathers, Distinctive laughing call
Description
The Helmeted Hornbill is a very large hornbill known for its distinctive solid casque, which makes up a significant portion of its weight. It is primarily a frugivore, playing a crucial role in seed dispersal within its tropical forest habitat.
