The Helmeted Hornbill is a large hornbill of Sundaic rainforest. Its casque is solid, and it feeds heavily on fruit such as figs.
It has a large body and elongated tail feathers, with a solid bony casque above the bill. Males have a red throat; females have bluish bare skin.
Helmeted Hornbills have a solid, heavy casque and elongated central tail feathers. They move through Southeast Asian forests to fruiting trees, especially figs.
The male’s call begins with slow low notes, speeds up and ends in loud laughter-like sounds. Females may join at a higher pitch. Casque-butting is also observed.
Poaching for the casque and habitat loss are threats. The specialist group’s strategy prioritises reducing trade and demand and protecting birds and forest habitat on the ground.
IUCN Red List, reported by the Hornbill Specialist Group · Critically Endangered (CR) · Global
Poaching for casques and habitat loss are threats. The conservation strategy prioritises reducing trade and demand and involving communities in protecting birds and habitat.