Identification
Adult Male: Possesses a large, horny beak with a wavy ridge on the culmen (upper ridge) and at the base. The crown of the head is a purplish-brown. The sides of the head and neck are white. The throat has a vibrant orange-yellow inflatable pouch with black horizontal stripes. The remainder of the plumage is black, except for a white tail. The male’s beak is ivory-white with a red base. Eyes are orange or red, and the skin around the eyes is pink or reddish-yellow with blue or green stripes.
Adult Female: The crown of the head is black. The eyes are brown, and the skin around the eyes is deep pink.
Both Sexes: Legs are dark gray.
Juveniles: The beak lacks the ridge and is smaller in size.
Biology and Ecology
Little is known. Research in Thailand indicates that this species breeds from February to May, with a breeding period lasting up to 120 days. Incubation lasts 40-45 days, and typically only one chick is observed. The primary food source is fruits (fleshy fruits) found in the forest, with insects comprising approximately 5% of their diet.
The species lives and nests in primary, secondary, evergreen humid forests, often those with little exploitation, in valleys and mountainous regions at elevations of 100-1500 meters, and also in mangrove forests. In Thailand, they forage and nest in the forest canopy, 20-28 meters high, and their breeding territory covers approximately 12 km². Outside the breeding season, their foraging territory is smaller, with a radius of 10 km², and flocks of hundreds of individuals can be encountered. Some areas in Central and South Vietnam typically have small flocks of 3-5 individuals. However, larger flocks of up to twenty individuals can sometimes be observed.
Distribution
In Vietnam: Central and South Vietnam.
Globally: India, Bhutan, China, and Southeast Asia.
Value
This species is considered valuable for its rarity, scientific importance, aesthetic appeal, potential for ornamental purposes, commercial value, and as a food source.
Conservation Status
The population is small due to habitat loss, a shrinking distribution range, and hunting. It is currently rare.
Classification
VU A1c,d D1 (Vulnerable)
Conservation Measures
Listed in the Vietnam Red Book (1992-2000). Although present in several nature reserves and National Parks in the Northwest, Central, and South Vietnam, conservation efforts are not highly effective, and population recovery is slow. Hunting must be strictly prohibited. Concurrently, there needs to be strengthened protection of remaining populations, along with their habitats and foraging areas.