Great Hornbill

birds · Southeast Asia · fruit-eaters · endangered

Gigantic forest bird. The great hornbill is one of the largest hornbills in the world, with a dramatic black and white body and a huge yellow casque (a helmet-like bump) on its head that makes it impossible to miss in the forest canopy.

Fruit lover. Great hornbills eat mostly fruit, especially figs, but they also hunt small mammals, reptiles, and birds to get protein for their diet.

Cultural superstar. In India, the great hornbill is so important to tribal cultures and rituals that two states named it their official bird: Kerala and Arunachal Pradesh.

Long-lived bird. In captivity, great hornbills can live nearly 50 years, which is a very long life for a wild bird.

Vulnerable status. Since 2018, the great hornbill has been listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, meaning its population is declining and it needs protection.