RHINOCEROS HORNBILL

BURUNG ENGGANG BADAK

Rhinoceros Hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros)

June 2024

The Rhinoceros Hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros) is one of the largest and most magnificent hornbill species, native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and Borneo. It's an emblematic bird, often considered a symbol of the rainforest.

This bird measures about 90–120 cm in length, with a striking appearance. Its most distinguishing feature is its large, orange-yellow casque (a hollow, horn-like structure above its bill), resembling a rhinoceros horn—hence the name. The casque is thought to amplify its calls and plays a role in mating displays. The bird has black feathers with white tail feathers, and its eyes are surrounded by vibrant red skin.

Rhinoceros Hornbills are frugivores, primarily feeding on fruits like figs, though they also eat small animals like insects and lizards. They are monogamous and have fascinating nesting behavior: the female seals herself inside a tree cavity using mud and droppings, leaving only a small hole through which the male feeds her and their chicks.

Sadly, these hornbills are threatened by deforestation and hunting, and conservation efforts are vital to their survival. Several significant threats, primarily due to human activities include: 

Deforestation: The destruction of tropical rainforests for agriculture, logging, and urban development is reducing their natural habitat.

Poaching: Their casques, which are highly prized for decorative items and traditional carvings, make them targets for illegal wildlife trade. 

Hunting: In some regions, they are hunted for food or cultural practices. 

Climate Change: Alterations in weather patterns and forest ecosystems can impact their food sources and nesting sites

Conservation efforts, such as habitat protection and anti-poaching measures, are crucial to ensure their survival. 

IUCN Redlist 2020 - Threatened , Vulnerable (VU)

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WRINKLE HORNBILL

Flying high with a small flocks 

BURUNG ENGGANG BERKEDUT

Wrinkle Hornbill (Rhabdotorrhinus corrugatus)

The wrinkled hornbill (Rhabdotorrhinus corrugatus), also known as the Sunda wrinkled hornbill, is a fascinating bird species native to the dense forests of Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo. This hornbill is medium-sized, with a length of about 70–80 cm, and is known for its striking appearance and unique features.

The male has a predominantly black body with white tail feathers and a bright yellow throat pouch, while the female's throat pouch is blue. Both genders have a prominent, wrinkled casque (the structure on top of their large, curved beak) that is orange or red in color. The casque’s wrinkled appearance is what gives this species its name.

These birds are frugivorous, primarily feeding on fruits, but they also occasionally consume small animals like insects or lizards. They play a crucial ecological role by dispersing seeds throughout their habitat, contributing to forest regeneration.

Wrinkled hornbills are monogamous and known for their unique nesting behavior. The female seals herself inside a tree cavity using mud, leaving only a small slit through which the male provides food until the chicks are ready to emerge.

IUCN Redlist - Endangered (EN) / Decreasing

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BLUE BANDED KINGFISHER

BURUNG PEKAKA BUKIT

Malaysian Blue Banded Kingfisher ( Alcedo euryzona )

The Blue-banded Kingfisher is a dazzling bird species found in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. It thrives near streams and rivers in dense, tropical rainforests but is elusive, making it a rare sight for birdwatchers.

This small kingfisher measures about 16 cm in length. It is recognized for its brilliant blue bands across its upper body and wings, contrasted by orange underparts. Males typically have a bright blue breast band, while females display a lighter, white or pale orange breast band. Its bill is long and sharp, perfect for catching its prey.

The Blue-banded Kingfisher primarily feeds on small fish and aquatic insects, expertly diving into water to snatch them. It's often spotted perched quietly on low branches near streams, scanning for food.

Unfortunately, this stunning bird is under threat due to deforestation and habitat degradation, leading to its classification as "Endangered" on the IUCN Red List. 

IUCN Redlist 2022 Near Threatened (NT)

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SILVER BREASTED BROADBILL

BURUNG TAKAU TANDA HUJAN

Silver Breasted Broadbill (Serilophus lunatus)

The Silver-breasted Broadbill is a colorful and charming bird found primarily in Southeast Asia. Its natural habitats include subtropical and tropical moist forests, where it enjoys a mix of dense vegetation and open areas. These birds are notable for their striking appearance, featuring a silver-gray breast that contrasts beautifully with their warm chestnut belly and wings. Their faces have a black mask-like pattern around the eyes, giving them a mysterious and delightful look.

Silver-breasted Broadbills are often spotted in pairs or small groups, foraging for insects and small invertebrates among the trees. Their soft, musical calls add a melodic touch to their surroundings. They're also known for their peculiar nest-building techniques, creating hanging, elongated nests out of grasses and other plant fibers.

Silver-breasted Broadbills play an important role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystem. 

1. Insect Control: As insectivores, Silver-breasted Broadbills feed on a variety of insects and small invertebrates. By doing so, they help control insect populations, which can prevent outbreaks that might damage plants and crops.

2. Seed Dispersal: While insects make up the majority of their diet, they may also consume small fruits or berries on occasion. In doing so, they aid in seed dispersal, contributing to the regeneration of plant life.

3. Indicator Species: Healthy populations of Silver-breasted Broadbills can signal a well-functioning ecosystem. Their presence often indicates that a habitat is rich in biodiversity and has adequate vegetation and food sources.

4. Nesting and Habitat Use: By building their unique hanging nests in trees, these birds demonstrate the importance of certain plant species and forest structures, indirectly supporting conservation efforts aimed at protecting these habitats.

IUCN REDLIST 2024 - Least Concern (LC)

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RUFOUS BACKED KINGFISHER V24

BURUNG PEKAKA API 

Rufous Backed Kingfisher (Ceyx rufidorsa)

The Rufous-backed Kingfisher  is a dazzling, small bird native to Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It is a gem of tropical rainforests, often near small streams and mangroves.

This kingfisher measures about 13–15 cm in length, making it one of the smallest species of kingfishers. Its plumage is a vibrant blend of colors: an orange-red back, wings with hints of purple, a bright yellow-orange belly, and a striking red bill. The combination of these hues gives it a fiery, glowing appearance.

Rufous-backed Kingfishers are skillful hunters, preying on small fish, insects, and amphibians. They dive quickly into water or vegetation to catch their prey, showcasing their precision and agility.

IUCN Redlist 2023 - Least Concern (LC)

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