The rhinoceros hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros) is a large species of forest hornbill (Bucerotidae). In captivity it can live for up to 35 years. It is found in lowland and montane, tropical and subtropical climates and in mountain rain forests up to 1,400 metres in Borneo, Sumatra, Java, the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, and southern Thailand. The name comes from Ancient Greek βοῦς (boûs), meaning "ox", and κέρας (kéras), meaning "horn". The specific name rhinoceros comes from how the species' bill resembles a rhinoceros' horn.

Three subspecies are recognised:

  • B. r. borneoensis Schlegel & Müller, S, 1845 – Borneo
  • B. r. rhinoceros Linnaeus, 1758 – south Malay Peninsula and Sumatra
  • B. r. silvestris Vieillot, 1816 – Java

Description

thumb|right|The skull of B. r. silvestris

The rhinoceros hornbill is a large arboreal hornbill, long. The weight varies by sex, with males weighing around and the females . The plumage is predominantly black, with white legs and vent and a white tail with a black band. The huge bill and casque are orange and red, the colour coming from preen oil rubbed on from the preen gland above the tail. The eyes of the male are red with black rims, and white with red rims in the female.

Behaviour

Diet and feeding

thumb|right|A female eating a peanut

The diet of the rhinoceros hornbill is dominated by fruit, but it will take any insect, small reptile, rodent, and smaller birds that it can catch. and the female stays inside with the eggs and then with the chicks, while the male brings them food. After the eggs are laid, the male collects mud, and the pair pack that mud, along with food and feces, to wall up the entrance to the tree cavity. They leave a very small hole, just large enough for the male to feed the female, and later the chicks, and for the female to defecate through the hole. Once the chicks are fully feathered and old enough to leave the nest, the parents chip away the dry mud to let the chicks out.

There has been recording interbreeding between the rhinoceros hornbill and the great hornbill, with successful raising of the chicks.

Status and conservation

The rhinoceros hornbill faces a number of threats, including loss of its rainforest habitat, as well as hunting for its meat, and its skull and feathers.

Cultural significance

The rhinoceros hornbill is the state bird of the Malaysian state of Sarawak and the country's national bird. It is featured on the reverse of the 5 Malaysian ringgit bill.

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Image: Rhinoceros_Hornbill.tif|Sepilok Nature Resort - Sabah, Borneo - Malaysia.

Image: Rhinoceros_Hornbill_2.tif|Borneo Rainforest Lodge - Danum Valley, Sabah, Borneo - Malaysia.

File:Rhinoceros_hornbill_national_aviary.jpg|Male at the National Aviary, Pittsburgh. Males have red irises.

File:Buceros rhinoceros -Chester Zoo-8a.jpg|Female at Chester Zoo, England

File:Buceros_rhinoceros_silvestris_(Rhinoceros_Hornbill_-_Rhinozeros-Hornvogel)_-_Weltvogelpark_Walsrode_2012-01.jpg|Buceros rhinoceros silvestris at Weltvogelpark Walsrode, Germany

File:Rhinoceros hornbill at Birdworld 01.jpg|Female at Birdworld, England

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References

  • Downloadable audio file of the sounds of the rhinoceros hornbill
  • BBC Radio Programme concerning Hornbills, featuring a section focusing on the Rhinoceros Hornbill, including calls