The wreathed hornbill is an Old World tropical bird of the hornbill family Bucerotidae, also called bar-pouched wreathed hornbill due to its distinctive blue-black band on its lower throat sac. It is named after its characteristic long, curved bill that develops ridges, or wreaths, on the casque of the upper mandible in adults. Males are black with a rufous crown, a white upper breast and face, and a yellow featherless throat. Females are uniformly black with a blue throat and are slightly smaller than males.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs from northeastern India and Bangladesh through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, south into Peninsular Malaysia and the Greater Sunda Islands such as Sumatra and Java. Prefers extensive lowland and hill evergreen forests, but also uses mature secondary forests and edges where large fruiting trees are present. Often commutes between communal roosts and seasonal fruiting sites, especially large fig trees. It is most frequently seen in the upper canopy but will descend to mid-story to feed.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This large hornbill is named for the ridged 'wreaths' on its casque and the dark bar across its inflatable throat pouch. Females seal themselves inside tree cavities with a mud-and-droppings wall during nesting, leaving a narrow slit through which the male passes food. Wreathed hornbills are key seed dispersers for large rainforest trees, especially figs, moving seeds over long distances.
Pair of adult wreathed hornbills in Pakke Tiger Reserve
A wreathed hornbill in flight
Wreathed hornbill at its nest
Wreathed hornbill emerges from its nest
Wreathed hornbill heads in Dibang Valley
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with deep wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups outside the breeding season, with larger flocks forming at fruiting trees and communal roosts. Pairs are long-term and nest in large tree cavities; the female seals herself inside while the male provisions her and the chick through a narrow slit. Territoriality centers on nest sites, while foraging can be wide-ranging.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include loud, far-carrying honks and barks, often given in flight or from high canopy perches. The heavy wingbeats produce a distinctive whooshing sound that can be heard before the bird is seen.
