Description:
Adult males have a pale white head, neck, chest, upper abdomen, wing tips, and tail. The remaining plumage is black, with a thick crest of feathers on the nape. The beak is strong and attractive, pale black in color, with a small, narrow upper bill. Adult females resemble males but have black feathers on the neck and underparts. Juveniles are similar to females but have black tails with white feather tips. Eyes are pale reddish-yellow. The facial skin is dull green. Legs are black.
Biology:
No data available.
Habitat and Ecology:
Resident and nests primarily in forests and around low hills below approximately 900m. Can be identified by its loud calls while foraging.
Distribution:
- Vietnam: Only observed in Quảng Trị (Cam Lộ, 1923).
- World: Indochina, southwestern Thailand, Malaysia, Borneo, and Sumatra.
Value:
A valuable genetic resource. Significant scientific and aesthetic value.
Threat Status:
Habitat loss due to severe forest destruction during the prolonged war in our country; furthermore, it may have been over-hunted in the past at known locations.
Threat Level: E.
Proposed Conservation Measures:
Similar to the Brown Hornbill, research should be conducted, and restoration efforts considered if it has truly disappeared from our country.