Oriental pied hornbill
The Oriental pied hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris) is a Southeast Asian hornbill with black-and-white plumage and a large casque-topped bill.
Hornbill: A bird in the family Bucerotidae, typically recognized by a large bill and casque. The Oriental pied hornbill is one of the smaller, widespread members of this bird family.
Hornbill nesting: A breeding strategy in which a female nests inside a tree cavity and is partly sealed in by the male. The female Oriental pied hornbill seals herself into a cavity, leaving a narrow opening for food delivery.
Sundaland: A biogeographic region of Southeast Asia encompassing the Malay Peninsula and western Indonesian islands. Sundaland’s forests support populations of the species, particularly in the southern part of its range.
Wreathed hornbill: A large Southeast Asian hornbill, Rhyticeros undulatus, with a prominent casque and mostly dark plumage. Its larger size and different genus contrast with the Oriental pied hornbill’s smaller build and black-and-white pattern.
Casque: A hollow or partly solid growth on the upper bill of some birds, especially hornbills. Its prominent casque distinguishes the hornbill’s bill, though it is less massive than in some relatives.
Tree cavity: A hollow space in a tree that can provide shelter or a nesting site for wildlife. Suitable cavities are scarce nesting sites that shape where hornbills can breed.
Indochina: A mainland Southeast Asian region comprising countries between India and China. The Oriental pied hornbill occurs across parts of this mainland region as well as nearby islands.
Rhinoceros hornbill: A large Southeast Asian hornbill, Buceros rhinoceros, known for its upturned casque and vivid coloration. Its dramatic curved casque contrasts with the Oriental pied hornbill’s simpler, less elaborate bill structure.
Zygodactyl foot: A bird foot with two toes pointing forward and two backward. This toe arrangement helps hornbills grip branches as they move through trees.
Seed dispersal: The movement of seeds away from the parent plant by animals, wind, water, or other agents. By eating fruit and depositing seeds elsewhere, the hornbill helps regenerate forest plants.