The white-crowned hornbill, also known as the long-crested hornbill or white-crested hornbill, is a species of hornbill.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Thailand through Peninsular Malaysia and on Sumatra and Borneo. Prefers primary lowland and hill evergreen forests, especially mixed dipterocarp forest with large old trees for nesting. It frequents interior forest but may move along ridges and riverine corridors. The species avoids heavily logged and fragmented habitats and is rarely seen in open areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the long-crested or white-crested hornbill, it is a striking black-and-white hornbill of Sundaic rainforests. Females seal themselves inside a tree-cavity nest using mud and droppings, relying on the male (and sometimes helpers) to deliver all food until the chicks are ready. It is highly sensitive to forest loss and fragmentation, which is the main driver of its decline.
Berenicornis comatus. Close-up on the heads of male (right) and female (left)
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and short glides between tree canopies
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and may engage in cooperative breeding. Nests in large tree cavities; the female is sealed inside during incubation and early chick rearing, fed by the male and sometimes helpers. Pairs are monogamous and defend nesting territories within mature forest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include loud cackling yelps, rattling calls, and nasal notes that carry far through the forest. Pairs may duet, and groups give excited choruses when moving between fruiting trees.
Plumage
Striking contrast of glossy black upperparts and long, shaggy white crest with white underparts and tail. Feathers are smooth on the body but the crest is elongated and tousled, forming a distinctive ‘crown’.
Diet
Primarily frugivorous, taking figs and other soft fruits, supplemented by large insects, spiders, and small vertebrates such as lizards or nestling birds. Feeds opportunistically at fruiting trees and may glean or snatch animal prey from foliage and branches. Food items are often carried and swallowed whole, then later regurgitated for chicks during nesting.
Preferred Environment
Forages mostly in the mid- to upper canopy of mature evergreen forest. Often visits fruiting figs and intact riparian corridors, and occasionally edges adjacent to continuous forest.
