Sumba hornbill

The Sumba hornbill is a visually captivating bird from the hornbill family, named in honor of Alfred Hart Everett. This medium-sized species features predominantly black plumage, a yellowish bill accented with a maroon patch, a serrated casque atop its head, and an inflatable blue throat. Males are easily identifiable by their dark reddish-brown crown and nape, while females are entirely black.

Endemic to Indonesia, the Sumba hornbill resides in the semi-evergreen forests of Sumba in the Lesser Sunda Islands, typically inhabiting lowland areas up to 950 meters above sea level. Unfortunately, this majestic bird faces significant threats from habitat destruction, a confined range, a small population, and overhunting. Consequently, it is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is protected under Appendix II of CITES.

Fortunately, portions of its habitat are preserved within Laiwangi Wanggameti National Park and Manupeu Tanah Daru National Park, providing hope for its continued survival.