Bird · GBIF taxon 2475988
Malabar Pied Hornbill
Anthracoceros coronatusAlso known as Lesser Pied Hornbill, Malabar Hornbill
Malabar pied hornbills navigate tropical forest canopies in noisy pairs or small family groups, searching out fruiting fig trees. During the breeding season, the female seals herself inside a tree hollow with mud and feces, relying entirely on her mate to feed her and the chicks through a narrow slit. Their striking black and white plumage is topped by a large yellow casque, which acts as a resonance chamber for loud, cackling calls.
FrugivorousCanopyVocal
Licensed reference(c) Meghaa, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Figs
- Insects
- Small Lizards
Predators
- Crested Serpent Eagle
- Monitor Lizards
- Reticulated Python
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, loss of mature nesting trees, logging, poaching
HabitatsTropical evergreen and moist deciduous forests, riverine woods
Life span20–35 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyBucerotidae
- SpeciesAnthracoceros coronatus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Has a powerful bill capable of delivering a severe bite if cornered; observe quietly from a distance.
- What to notice
- Recognized by its large black-and-white body, white-tipped tail feathers, and yellow casque with a black front edge.
- Support conservation
- Keep a respectful distance from nest trees during breeding season to avoid disrupting the nesting female.
Responsible observation
- Listen for Calls: Locate roosting or feeding groups by their distinct cackling calls echoing through the canopy.
- Scan Fruiting Figs: Focus observation efforts on large fig trees where hornbills assemble to feed.
- Respect Nest Sites: Keep a wide distance from hollow trees during nesting periods to prevent nest disturbance.
Larger Co-occurring Hornbill Shantanu Kuveskar / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Food Source Plant (c) jess n, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Rushen, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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