Austen's brown hornbill is a species of hornbill found in forests from northeastern India to Vietnam and northern Thailand. It is sometimes included as a subspecies of Tickell's brown hornbill.
Region
Northeast India to Indochina
Typical Environment
Found in evergreen and semi-evergreen broadleaf forests, including mature lowland and foothill forests with large old-growth trees. It uses subcanopy to canopy layers for foraging and frequently follows fruiting trees such as figs. Secondary forest and edges may be used where tall trees remain, but the species prefers intact forest with plentiful cavities. Riparian forest corridors can serve as movement routes between patches.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Austen's brown hornbill inhabits mature forests from northeastern India through northern Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam to northern Thailand. It relies on large cavity-bearing trees for nesting, with the female sealing herself inside while the male feeds her and the chicks. Family groups often include helpers, making it a notable cooperative breeder. It is sometimes treated as conspecific with Tickell's brown hornbill.
Austen's Brown Hornbill (male, showing white cheeks and throat)
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with deep wingbeats and short glides between trees
Social Behavior
Often travels in small family groups and can exhibit cooperative breeding, with helpers assisting a breeding pair. Nests in natural tree cavities; the female seals the entrance with a mixture of mud and organic matter, leaving a narrow slit for the male to pass food. Breeding relies on the presence of large, mature trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls include nasal cackles, chuckles, and grating notes that carry through the forest. Wingbeats can produce an audible whoosh during direct flights. Duets or group calling may occur around nesting or feeding sites.
Plumage
Mostly brown with darker wings and back, paler buffy underparts, and a contrasting white terminal band on the tail. Plumage appears slightly shaggy on the head and neck, with darker flight feathers. The bill bears a small casque.
Diet
Primarily eats fruit, especially figs and other drupes, and also takes insects, small reptiles, and other small animal prey. It forages in the canopy and subcanopy, moving between fruiting trees. By swallowing fruits whole and defecating seeds at distance, it acts as an important seed disperser. Opportunistic feeding on seasonal fruiting peaks is common.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly in mature forest canopies, at forest edges, and along rivers where fruiting trees are abundant. Will use secondary growth when large fruiting trees and cavity-bearing trees are nearby.
