Writhe-billed Hornbill
NameWrithe-billed Hornbill
Common NameWrithe-billed Hornbill
Scientific NameRhabdotorrhinus waldeni
FamilyBucerotidae
Wingspan (cm)95
Length (cm)62.5
Weight (g)1350
Plumage DetailsMales have a dark brown to black body, bright yellow head and neck, and reddish-orange bare facial skin. The large bill and casque are pale yellow to reddish-orange with prominent ridges. The tail is dark with a broad, pale yellowish-white central band. Females are entirely black with blue bare facial skin and a smaller, darker casque and bill.
Vocalization / CallKnown for loud, raucous calls, often described as cackles or barks.
Primary Dietfrugivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Western Visayas islands of the Philippines, primarily Panay and Negros, with possible extinction on Guimaras and Masbate.
Identifying Featuresprominent ridged casque, yellow head and neck (male), reddish facial skin (male), pale yellowish-white tail band, large, pale bill
Description
This medium-sized hornbill is characterized by its dark plumage, a prominent, ridged casque, and a long, pale-banded tail. Males display a striking yellow head and neck with reddish facial skin, while females are entirely black with blue facial skin. It is an arboreal species found in tropical forests, primarily feeding on fruits.
