The Sulawesi hornbill, also known as the Sulawesi tarictic hornbill, Temminck's hornbill or Sulawesi dwarf hornbill, is a relatively small, approximately 45 cm (18 in) long, black hornbill. The male has a yellow face and throat, and yellowish horn bill with black markings. The female has all-black plumage and a darker bill.
Region
Wallacea
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout forested parts of Sulawesi and adjacent small islands, favoring lowland and hill rainforests. It uses primary forest, selectively logged forest, and mature secondary growth, often near fruiting trees. Birds are most often seen in the mid to upper canopy but will descend to forest edges and clearings to feed. They are generally tied to intact tree cover for nesting cavities and foraging.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the Sulawesi tarictic hornbill, Temminck's hornbill, or Sulawesi dwarf hornbill, it is a small hornbill endemic to Sulawesi, Indonesia. Males have a yellow face and throat with a pale, lightly barred bill, while females are almost entirely black with a darker bill. Like other hornbills, the female seals herself inside a tree cavity during nesting, relying on the male to deliver food. It is an important seed disperser for many forest trees, especially figs.
Female at San Diego Zoo
Male (left) and female
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with deep wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups that keep contact with loud calls. Monogamous pairs nest in tree cavities; the female is sealed inside with a mud-and-fruit wall, leaving a slit for the male to pass food. They often join mixed-species movements when trees are fruiting.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include nasal honks and yaps, often given in sequences that carry through the canopy. Wingbeats can produce an audible whoosh when birds pass overhead. Alarm calls are sharper and more repeated.
