Helmeted Hornbill
NameHelmeted Hornbill
Common NameHelmeted Hornbill
Scientific NameRhinoplax vigil
FamilyBucerotidae
Wingspan (cm)170
Length (cm)120
Weight (g)2850
Plumage DetailsThe body plumage is predominantly dark brown to black. The head and neck are bare, with males displaying red skin and females pale blue. The most prominent feature is the large, solid casque, which is yellow or orange, often with red coloration on the sides. The tail is white with a broad black subterminal band, and the two central tail feathers are significantly elongated.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its distinctive, loud, and far-carrying call that begins as a series of slow hoots and accelerates into a maniacal, cackling 'laugh' or 'whooping' sound.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatstropical rainforest, lowland forest
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeFound in the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, Borneo, and some smaller islands in Southeast Asia.
Identifying Featuressolid casque, elongated central tail feathers, bare red or blue facial skin, large size, loud laughing call
Description
The Helmeted Hornbill is a very large hornbill characterized by its massive, solid casque, which is unique among hornbills. It possesses greatly elongated central tail feathers, giving it an impressive overall length. This species is primarily frugivorous, foraging in the canopy of tropical rainforests.
