Oriental Pied Hornbill

Scientific Name: Anthracoceros albirostris

Malay Name: Kelingking Biasa

Chinese Name: 冠斑犀鸟

Range: Throughout Southeast Asia southwards to the islands of Sumatra, Borneo and Java.

Taxonomy: Polytypic. Subspecies are: albirostris, convexus.

Local Subspecies: convexus (introduced), albirostris (native)

Size: 68-70 cm

Identification: A medium-sized hornbill with white belly and trailing edge to wings. Upperparts and wings dark. Pale yellow bill with black tipped casque. Female has smaller casque than male with black on bill tip. Juvenile less glossy plumage, smaller casque and all yellow bill.

Similar looking species: Black Hornbill

Habitat: Wooded areas, forest edges, gardens and parks.

Behaviour/Ecology: Large, conspicuous hornbill. Found in most open vegetation on the island, often found in urban areas bordering green spaces.

Local Status: Common resident and common introduced resident

Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2020)

Location: Wooded habitats. Pasir Ris Park, Bishan Ang Mo Kio Park, Pulau Ubin. Likely to occur in most parkland, especially attracted to fruiting trees.

References:

BirdLife International. (2020). Anthracoceros albirostris. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T22682437A184925767.en. Accessed on 1 January 2023

Robson, C. (2014). Field guide to the birds of South-East Asia (Second Edition). Bloomsbury Publishing, London.

To top