![]() The entrance hole is usually an elongated slit through which the male provides food to female and young. The female enters the tree cavity, and both mates seal the entrance with a paste including fruit, mud and faeces prior to the laying. ![]() The nesting ritual is typical of these birds. It nests in natural cavity, a hole in tall tree between 9 and 15 metres above the ground. The Rhinoceros Hornbill lays the eggs in January, March/June, September and November. The eyes are red surrounded by black eyering, and protected by long lashes. The bird rubs both bill and casque against the uropygial gland placed at the base of the tail, gradually involving the red-yellow-orange colour of the adult’s bill. The ivory bill and the casque are coloured orange, yellow and red with black base. It probably plays a role when the bird is calling by serving as a resonator for the sounds. The conspicuous casque is made of keratin and is hollow inside. The white tail is crossed by broad, black band. The Rhinoceros Hornbill has mainly black plumage overall, except the white vent and thighs. ![]() The species is currently considered Near Threatened. The Rhinoceros Hornbill is threatened by forest destruction and hunting for food but also for its feathers. They are monogamous with long-term pair bonds, usually for life. It lives in treetops and feeds on fruit, insects and small vertebrates. The Rhinoceros Hornbill is one of the largest hornbills, and it can live for up to 90 years in captivity. It frequents the primary evergreen forest, but it can be seen in more open habitats. It can be found in Borneo, Sumatra, Java, the Malay Peninsula, Singapore and S Thailand. The Rhinoceros Hornbill is the Malaysia’s National Bird. Bucerotiformes Order – Bucerotidae Family
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |