The Sulu hornbill, or Montano's hornbill, is a species of hornbill in the family Bucerotidae. It is endemic to the Sulu archipelago in the Philippines, with the remaining populations in Tawi-Tawi with it believed to be hunted to extinction on Jolo. Its natural habitat is tropical moist forests. It is threatened by habitat loss as well as potential harvesting for food. Its diet includes fruit, insects, and small lizards.
Region
Sulu Archipelago, southern Philippines
Typical Environment
Now largely restricted to remnant lowland evergreen forest on Tawi-Tawi, with historical occurrence on Jolo where it is likely extirpated. It favors primary forest but may persist in mature secondary forest where large cavity-bearing trees remain. The species is strongly tied to intact canopy for foraging and nesting. Habitat loss, fragmentation, and hunting have reduced its range to small, isolated patches.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called Montano's hornbill, this species is confined to the Sulu Archipelago in the southern Philippines and is among the rarest hornbills in the world. Like other hornbills, the female seals herself inside a tree cavity during nesting, leaving a narrow slit through which the male passes food. Males typically show more white in the tail than females, which tend to be darker overall. It plays an important role as a seed disperser for native fruiting trees.
Sulu hornbill featured in a 1992 Philippine stamp of endangered species
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
strong flier with deliberate wingbeats and short glides between trees
Social Behavior
Usually encountered in pairs or small family groups. Monogamous pairs nest in natural tree cavities; the female is sealed inside during incubation and early chick rearing while the male provisions her through a narrow slit. Outside breeding, small groups may gather at fruiting trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud nasal honks and cackling notes, often given from high perches. Wingbeats produce a characteristic whooshing sound during flight.
