Buceros

Buceros is a small genus of hornbills in the family Bucerotidae. It currently comprises two and only two species: Buceros rhinoceros, the rhinoceros hornbill, and Buceros bicornis, the great hornbill. Members of this genus are among the larger hornbills and are distinguished by a prominent casque on the upper mandible. Their plumage is predominantly dark, with various white or pale markings on the throat and belly that differ between species.

Distribution and habitat

The rhinoceros hornbill is found in forests across the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia, from the foothills of the Himalayas to parts of Indonesia. The great hornbill has a wide range across South and Southeast Asia, including the Indian subcontinent and tropical forests eastward to Sumatra and Borneo. Both species favor large, continuous forest habitat and are commonly found in primary and well-developed secondary forests, up to elevations of about a thousand meters or more in suitable areas.

Ecology and behavior

Buceros hornbills are omnivorous, feeding mainly on fruit but also consuming small animals and insects. They are pair-bonded birds of the forest canopy and are often seen flying in pairs or small family groups. Both species are known for their large, hollow casques, which are more prominent in the great hornbill.

Reproduction

During nesting, the female enters a hollow tree cavity and the male seals the entrance with a mud plaster to protect and incubate her and the eggs. The male then provides food to the nesting pair. Eggs are laid in a single clutch, with parental care shared between the pair outside the nest.

Conservation

Habitat destruction and fragmentation are major threats. Protected areas and forest conservation efforts help maintain populations, though both species remain vulnerable to ongoing deforestation in parts of their ranges.