The Oriental Pied

Malaysia is known to be home to 10 species of hornbills. The only hornbill so far sighted at Sebana Cove, is the Oriental Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris). The range of this hornbill extends from north western India, covering most of mainland southeast Asia, to Sumatra, Java and Kalimantan(Singapore is included in this long list as well). 2 subspecies of this bird have been identified- the Anthracoceros albitrostris albitrostris and the Anthracoceros albitrostris convexus. Both subspecies of birds are known, as are other Hornbills, to produce a variety of loud, distinctive sounds.

They are highly gregarious birds, commonly occuring in pairs, or relatively small family groups of between 4 and 6 individuals, though they are known to congregate in much larger flocks of up to 50 individuals when feeding or after breeding. However, these large groupings are often loose ones. These birds may roost in even larger numbers of more than 100 individuals. In addition, as if to make it difficult for those who wish to study these birds, their roosts tend to change repeatedly. However, they generally roost on the forest edge.

The Oriental Pied Hornbill is mostly monogamous as separate pairs. "Mostly" because even supposedly monogamous birds are known to "cheat" on their partners when the opportunity presents itself. This includes, of course, thy favourite symbols of eternal, faithful love and chastity, the Swan :) Both sexes of hornbills are known to present food to each other, or preen each other throughout the year. Mutual preening and courtship-feeding also occurs prior to copulation. In Peninsular Malaysia, these birds lay their eggs around January to March each year. While nesting, the female undergoes a complete flight-feather moult.


Reference
Kemp, A. (1995). The Hornbills. United States: Oxford University Press Inc., New York.