Fun Oriental Pied Hornbill Facts For Kids

The Oriental pied hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris) is an Old World species of hornbill, found in southeast Asia. This hornbill has two subspecies that have some differences in their geographic range. Like other hornbill birds, this species is also known for its distinctive beak and casque.Oriental pied hornbills are the most abundant species of hornbill in Asia. Unlike many other hornbills, these birds can adapt to a variety of habitats, besides the usual forest ecosystem, which helps in maintaining their population. They are quite loud in nature and their calls are more frequent during the breeding season. These birds nest in tree cavities after mating, which are sealed by females, with only a small opening. The nesting cycle is quite long among these birds as the female bird remains in their sealed nest for 66-100 days. Oriental pied hornbills have a stable population, but efforts should still be taken to maintain their habitats and reduce over-exploitation by humans.If you liked reading this article, then do check out these facts about the common blackbird and the Nicobar pigeon.‍

What do they prey on? Invertebrates, fish, small birds, rats, lizards

What do they eat? Omnivore

Average litter size? 1-3

How much do they weigh? Males: 1.5-2 lb (680-907 g) Females: 1.1-1.9 lb (500-879 g)

How long are they? 21.7-23.6 in (55-60 cm)

How tall are they? N/A

What do they look like? Black and white plumage with a yellow bill

Skin Type Feathers

What were their main threats? Humans

What is their conservation status? Least Concern

Where you’ll find them? Forests, Agricultural Fields, Plantations

Locations South-east Asia

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Anthracoceros

Class Aves

Family Bucerotidae

Oriental Pied Hornbill Interesting FactsWhat type of animal is an Oriental pied hornbill?Oriental pied hornbills are birds of the hornbill family. The range of these birds includes much of south-east Asia.What class of animal does an Oriental pied hornbill belong to?Oriental pied hornbills belong to the class Aves. They are a species under the genus Anthracoceros and have two subspecies named Anthracoceros albirostris albirostris and Anthracoceros albirostris convexus.How many Oriental pied hornbills are there in the world?Though the exact population of the Oriental pied hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris) is not known, their population trend has been marked Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This species is also the commonest kind of hornbill found in Asia with quite a large range. However, in Bangladesh, their numbers have been declining. Fortunately, in Singapore, the population of this bird has been increasing due to the formation of green corridors.Where does an Oriental pied hornbill live?Oriental pied hornbills have quite a wide range and are found quite commonly in south-east Asia. Some of the locations where they are found are northern and eastern India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Singapore, Peninsular Malaysia, and so on. Both subspecies have variations in their natural range. Some of the places where Anthracoceros albirostris albirostris birds can be found are southern Nepal, southwestern Cambodia, and south to north Peninsular Malaysia, while Anthracoceros albirostris convexus birds can be found in Sumatra, Java, and Borneo.What is an Oriental pied hornbill’s habitat?The habitat of Oriental pied hornbills primarily consists of forests, but they are not fully dependent on these primary forest ecosystems, even for breeding. This species inhabits tropical or subtropical forests too. Other kinds of ecosystems that are home to Oriental pied hornbills are closed evergreen or deciduous forests, secondary forests, forest edges, agricultural fields, and plantations. This bird carries out its nesting in the cavity of any tree it finds suitable. Who does an Oriental pied hornbill live with?Oriental pied hornbills are known to live in family groups or pairs. During the non-breeding season, these birds have been seen foraging in flocks. Flocks with as many as 170 birds have been noted.How long does an Oriental pied hornbill live?The life span of an Oriental pied hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris) is 35 years or more.How do they reproduce?The breeding season among Oriental pied hornbills lasts from February to April in mainland Asia and September to March or May in some islands of Indonesia and Malaysia. These birds form monogamous pairs and defend their territory together. The nest is made in a tree cavity, and once mating has been carried out, the female bird enters the nest and seals herself in using different materials like saliva, fruits, and tree bark. After this, the male is responsible for feeding the female, and the chicks after they hatch. Hornbills of this species lay between one and three eggs in a clutch, which are incubated for 25-27 days. The female Oriental pied hornbill emerges from the nest after 66-100 days. The entire nesting cycle is long and lasts for 70-107 days.What is their conservation status?The conservation status of the Oriental pied hornbill species has been marked as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. These birds are quite abundant but can be severely affected by habitat destruction and overexploitation by humans for their casques, meat, or feathers. Some of their population also falls prey to the pet trade. Fortunately, these hornbills are adaptable to lots of different kinds of habitats, including disturbed land, which reduces their chance of endangerment.Oriental Pied Hornbill Fun FactsWhat does an Oriental pied hornbill look like?The Oriental pied hornbill (Anthracoceros albirostris) has a black and white plumage. The head, neck, wing, back, and upper breast are black and have a green sheen. White feathers can be found in the abdomen, lower breast, thighs, and undertail. The tail is also black with black central feathers and white tips. Both sexes have a yellow bill and a casque with black markings at the anterior portion. However, males of this species have a larger bill and casque than females. The plumage in a juvenile bird is also black, but not as glossy. Their bill is shorter too.How cute are they?This hornbill species is quite cute and beautiful. Their shiny black body and prominent yellow-colored bill certainly add to their charm.How do they communicate?Oriental pied hornbills are quite loud, especially during the breeding season. Their calls often resemble the calls of crows and may sound like screeches or chuckles. The calls sound like ‘kek-kek-kek’ or a single ‘kek’.How big is an Oriental pied hornbill?This species of hornbills is medium-sized. Their length ranges from 21.7-23.6 in (55-60 cm). When compared to another Old World species called Malabar pied hornbills with a length of 26 in (66 cm), Oriental pied hornbills are slightly smaller. They are also quite short compared to the great hornbill, standing at a length of 37.4-47.2 in (95-120 cm).How fast can an Oriental pied hornbill fly?The exact flight speed of the Oriental pied hornbill is not known, but these birds have an impressive wingspan between 9-14 in (22.9-35.6 cm). In general, hornbills are known to be efficient fliers. This hornbill species can be found at elevations up to 2,296.5 ft (699.8 m).How much does an Oriental pied hornbill weigh?The average Oriental pied hornbill weight differs in males and females. The weight range of male hornbills is between 1.5-2 lb (680-907 g), while that of females is between 1.1-1.9 lb (500-879 g).What are their male and female names of the species?Male and female hornbills of this species are known as male Oriental pied hornbills and female Oriental pied hornbills, respectively.What would you call a baby Oriental pied hornbill?A baby Oriental pied hornbill is known as a chick.What do they eat?This bird species is omnivorous in nature. They feed on invertebrates like insects, scorpions, and spiders, fish, small birds, rats, and lizards. The plant material in their diet mainly includes fruits.Are they poisonous?No, Oriental pied hornbills are not poisonous. In fact in some regions, their meat is sold in markets.Would they make a good pet?There have been records of Oriental pied hornbills being kept as pets in some areas. However, the population of these birds is affected by the pet trade, and hence, it is best to let them be in their natural habitat. Additionally, hornbills can become aggressive towards humans if provoked.Did you know…Oriental pied hornbills are seed dispersers. These birds are capable of dispersing large seeds, which maintain and reshape forest ecosystems.What is the specialty of the hornbill?One of the most special features of the hornbill bird species is their bill, which appears quite large and heavy, along with their casque, which is hollow in nature and presents on their upper mandible. The casque in some species serves no purpose, while in some it helps in resonating their calls.Are they predators?Yes, Oriental pied hornbills are predators. They prey on smaller invertebrates, rats, lizards, and even small birds.Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these dove facts and Caspian tern facts for kids.You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable oriental pied hornbill coloring pages.

What type of animal is an Oriental pied hornbill?

Oriental pied hornbills are birds of the hornbill family. The range of these birds includes much of south-east Asia.

Fun Oriental Pied Hornbill Facts For Kids

What do they prey on? Invertebrates, fish, small birds, rats, lizards

What do they eat? Omnivore

Average litter size? 1-3

How much do they weigh? Males: 1.5-2 lb (680-907 g) Females: 1.1-1.9 lb (500-879 g)

How long are they? 21.7-23.6 in (55-60 cm)

How tall are they? N/A

What do they look like? Black and white plumage with a yellow bill

Skin Type Feathers

What were their main threats? Humans

What is their conservation status? Least Concern

Where you’ll find them? Forests, Agricultural Fields, Plantations

Locations South-east Asia

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Anthracoceros

Class Aves

Family Bucerotidae

Fun Oriental Pied Hornbill Facts For Kids

What do they prey on? Invertebrates, fish, small birds, rats, lizards

What do they eat? Omnivore

Average litter size? 1-3

How much do they weigh? Males: 1.5-2 lb (680-907 g) Females: 1.1-1.9 lb (500-879 g)

How long are they? 21.7-23.6 in (55-60 cm)

How tall are they? N/A

What do they look like? Black and white plumage with a yellow bill

Skin Type Feathers

What were their main threats? Humans

What is their conservation status? Least Concern

Where you’ll find them? Forests, Agricultural Fields, Plantations

Locations South-east Asia

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Anthracoceros

Class Aves

Family Bucerotidae

Fun Oriental Pied Hornbill Facts For Kids

What do they prey on? Invertebrates, fish, small birds, rats, lizards

What do they eat? Omnivore

Average litter size? 1-3

How much do they weigh? Males: 1.5-2 lb (680-907 g) Females: 1.1-1.9 lb (500-879 g)

How long are they? 21.7-23.6 in (55-60 cm)

How tall are they? N/A

What do they look like? Black and white plumage with a yellow bill

Skin Type Feathers

What were their main threats? Humans

What is their conservation status? Least Concern

Where you’ll find them? Forests, Agricultural Fields, Plantations

Locations South-east Asia

Kingdom Animalia

Genus Anthracoceros

Class Aves

Family Bucerotidae