Walden's hornbill

The Walden's hornbill, also known as the Visayan wrinkled hornbill, rufous-headed hornbill, and writhed-billed hornbill, is a critically endangered bird native to the rainforests of Negros and Panay islands in the Philippines. Although closely related to the writhed hornbill, it can be distinguished by unique physical characteristics present in both males and females.

These hornbills inhabit rainforests rich with fruit-bearing trees, typically forming small groups and nesting in natural or excavated tree hollows. Unfortunately, their slow reproductive rate, coupled with threats from deforestation and hunting, has led to a severe reduction in suitable nesting sites and poses a significant threat to their survival.

The Walden's hornbill is currently classified as critically endangered, presumed extinct on Guimaras, and primarily found on Negros and Panay islands. The overall population is estimated at fewer than 160 individuals. However, recent studies in the Central Panay Mountain Range suggest there might be 600-700 pairs remaining in that area. The lack of recent data for Negros raises concerns that the bird might be functionally extinct there. The Zoological Society of London classifies the Walden's hornbill as an EDGE species, underscoring its high conservation priority.