Great Hornbill – The Majestic Bird of the Rainforest Canopy

The Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) is one of the largest and most striking members of the hornbill family

Known for its enormous yellow and black casque on top of its beak, this iconic bird is found in the dense forests of India and Southeast Asia.

Its powerful flight, resonant calls, and vibrant appearance make it a treasured species in tropical ecosystems.

Where Do Great Hornbills Live?

Great Hornbills inhabit the evergreen and moist deciduous forests of the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, including:

• Western Ghats and Northeastern India
• Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh
• Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia

These birds prefer tall, dense forests where they can nest in tree cavities high above the ground.

What Do Great Hornbills Eat?

Great Hornbills are primarily frugivores, meaning they mainly eat fruit.

Their favorite is figs, but they also consume:

• Small mammals
• Birds and eggs
• Reptiles and insects

By feeding on a wide variety of fruits and dispersing seeds, they play a vital role in maintaining forest biodiversity.

Unique Features of the Great Hornbill

• Massive curved yellow beak with a prominent casque
• Wingspan up to 1.5 meters (5 feet)
• Loud whooshing sound in flight
• Mates for life and exhibits unique nesting behavior
• Females seal themselves in tree cavities during nesting

Conservation Status – Are Great Hornbills Endangered?

The Great Hornbill is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Their population is threatened due to:

• Habitat loss from deforestation
• Hunting for their casque and feathers
• Loss of nesting trees and food sources

Conservation programs in India and Southeast Asia are working to protect this keystone species through awareness, eco-tourism, and forest preservation.

Interesting Facts About Great Hornbills

• Their casque amplifies their calls and is used in mating displays
• They can live up to 50 years in captivity
• Known as the “forest farmer” for its seed-spreading behavior
• In some tribal cultures, they are considered symbols of honor and courage

Best Places to Spot Great Hornbills

• Periyar Tiger Reserve (Kerala, India)
• Kaziranga National Park (Assam, India)
• Pakke Tiger Reserve (Arunachal Pradesh, India)
• Valparai ,part of Anamalai Tiger Reserve (Tamilnadu, India)
• Khao Yai National Park (Thailand)

These biodiverse forests offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching and eco-tourism.

Why Protect the Great Hornbill?

Great Hornbills are more than just beautiful birds—they are essential to forest regeneration.

Protecting them means preserving ancient trees, safeguarding biodiversity, and maintaining the ecological integrity of tropical forests.