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Black hornbill

Anthracoceros malayanus

PZ 01 03 21 Misc ONB LR 15
IUCN Conservation Status –
Least Concern
Extinct In The Wild
Class: Birds
Order: Bucerotiformes
Family: Bucerotidae

Black hornbills are native to evergreen and lowland forests in Asia – more specifically Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia.

Fruit makes up most of this species’ diet, but they will also eat small rodents and insects.

Interesting facts!

  • The most distinctive feature of hornbills is their large bill. This assists in fighting, preening, constructing the nest and catching prey.
  • Black hornbills are a major seed disperser of a species of durian fruit.

Conservation

This species is currently classed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Our breeding pair of hornbills are part of the European Studbook (ESB) for the species and successfully reared a chick in 2020.