Bird · GBIF taxon 2476001
Yellow-casqued Hornbill
Ceratogymna elataAlso known as Yellow-casqued Wattled Hornbill
Yellow-casqued hornbills sweep through upper rainforest canopies in pairs or small family groups, producing heavy, echoing wing-beats that travel great distances across the forest. These massive frugivores rely on ancient, large-fruiting trees for nourishment and hollow snags for nesting, playing a crucial role as forest seed dispersers. Males display a high, cream-yellow casque atop their massive bill, while females sport reddish-brown head feathers and a smaller structure.
FrugivoreCanopy Dweller
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VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Wild Figs
- Oil Palm Fruits
- Insects
Predators
- African Crowned Eagle
- Leopard
ThreatsDeforestation, logging of large nest-bearing trees, and hunting.
HabitatsPrimary and mature secondary tropical lowland rainforests.
Life span15 to 30 years in the wild.
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyBucerotidae
- SpeciesCeratogymna elata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of a powerful peck if cornered or handled; observe quietly from a distance.
- What to notice
- Recognizable by its huge body, dark plumage, cream-yellow head casque, and loud, heavy wing-flaps.
- Support conservation
- Maintain a respectful distance and avoid loud noises or disturbance around potential nest cavities.
Responsible observation
- Canopy Scanning: Scan high emergent trees early in the morning when birds gather to feed on wild figs.
- Acoustic Identification: Listen for deep, rhythmic wing-whooshing that sounds like an approaching engine.
Forest Co-inhabitant Predator Close Relative
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