Hornbills - The Call of the Rainforest

Borneo has a rich and varied bird fauna.  One bird species that is highly synonymous with Borneo is the Hornbills family - in Borneo there are eight indigenous Hornbills. The Hornbills large size, amazing bills and distinctive calls make then instantly recognizable.

When laden with fruit, giant fig trees act like magnets to Hornbills. They are able to precisely pluck and toss the fruit one at a time with their large bills. As they fly over large areas of the rainforest they play a crucial role in seed dispersal.

Hornbills have unique nesting antics. The clutch of eggs are laid in a large hole in a hollow tree. Just prior to laying, the Hornbill will plaster up the entrance with clay, droppings, saliva and twigs. The female is inside with the eggs and the entrance is reduced to a narrow slit - here she will remain imprisoned until the young are ready to fledge. The male Hornbill will feed her and the hatchlings through the slit during this whole period.

The largest, and the most spectacular Hornbill species in Borneo is the Rhinoceros Hornbill. Their call is one of the sounds associated with the Bornean rainforest and is generally performed as a duet. Hornbills have a hollow casque which is thought to contribute towards their noisy, distinctive call.

The Helmeted Hornbill is unusual in that their casque is solid and is the cause of so called 'hornbill ivory'. For centuries this was exported to China and it was more valuable than elephant ivory. This species was also targeted by indigenous tribes for their long tail feathers which were used as central features in ceremonial head dresses.

Hornbills can be found in the rainforests across Borneo. Spot them when visiting the Kinabatangan River on a river cruise and they often fly in for a visit during feeding time at Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary. At the Lower Kinabatangan River all eight indigenous species to Borneo can be seen.

If you fancy seeing, and hearing, Hornbills during your trip to Sabah, Borneo then contact the Borneo Dream team. We can recommend the best locations, and trips, for you for spotting them.