Knobbed Hornbill
NameKnobbed Hornbill
Common NameKnobbed Hornbill
Scientific NameRhyticeros cassidix
FamilyBucerotidae
Wingspan (cm)110
Length (cm)75
Weight (g)2500
Plumage DetailsMales have a glossy black body with a white tail. The head and neck are pale yellow to creamy white. The large bill is yellow with a reddish-brown base, topped by a prominent, reddish-brown casque. Bare facial skin around the eye is blue. Females are smaller with an entirely black head and neck, a smaller yellow bill, and a less prominent casque.
Vocalization / CallKnown for deep, resonant, booming calls, often described as 'hoo-hoo-hoo' or 'ka-ka-ka', which can be heard over long distances in the forest.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusvulnerable
Geographic RangeEndemic to Sulawesi, Buton, Lembeh, and other nearby islands in Indonesia.
Identifying FeaturesLarge size, Prominent reddish casque (male), Yellow bill, Pale yellow head and neck (male), Dark body, White tail, Blue facial skin (male)
Description
The Knobbed Hornbill is a large, striking hornbill species characterized by its dark body, white tail, and a prominent, often brightly colored casque. Males display a distinctive red casque and yellow bill, while females have a black head and neck. These arboreal birds primarily feed on fruits in tropical rainforests.
