Rhinoceros hornbill

The rhinoceros hornbill is an impressive forest bird native to regions such as Borneo, Sumatra, Java, the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, and southern Thailand. In captivity, these birds can live up to 35 years. It holds a special significance in Malaysia, being the state bird of Sarawak and the national bird of the country. For some indigenous communities, the rhinoceros hornbill is deeply ingrained in their culture. You can even find this majestic bird depicted on the back of the 5 Malaysian ringgit bill.

Renowned for its striking appearance, the rhinoceros hornbill features a large bill topped with a prominent casque. Its diet mainly consists of fruit, but it also eats insects, reptiles, rodents, and smaller birds. During breeding season, these birds nest inside tree trunks, with the male providing food to the female and their chicks.

Unfortunately, the rhinoceros hornbill faces several threats. Habitat loss, hunting for their meat and body parts, and being mistaken for the helmeted hornbill have all contributed to its vulnerable status on the IUCN Red List since 2018.