Palawan Hornbill
Anthracoceros marchei
A large bird of lowland and foothill forest on Palawan and neighbouring islands. Entirely black except for a white tail and a long, thick, pale cream-colored bill and casque. Whitish bare skin around the eyes and across the throat is tinged blue. Female has a smaller bill and casque. Unmistakable. The only hornbill in its range. Voice is a raucous cackling.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Anthracoceros marchei
- Authority
- Oustalet, 1885
- Order
- Bucerotiformes
- Family
- Bucerotidae
- Genus
- Anthracoceros
Range and habitat
It inhabits primary and secondary dipterocarp forest, mangrove swamps and forest edge up to 900 meters above sea level. It has also occasionally been recorded visiting farmland and cultivations. It requires large trees for nesting. While they can tolerate secondary forest, they have the highest population densities and health in primary (old-growth) forest<p>It is officially classified as vulnerable with the population estimated at 2,500 to 9,999 mature individuals remaining with its numbers have reduced by at least 20% in the last 10 years due to habitat destruction, hunting for food, and the live bird trade. It is threatened by habitat destruction through logging, conversion into agricultural land or urban development and mining.<p>Most visiting birdwatchers travel to St Paul's National Park, Palawan, to see this bird, but it is now uncommon. It acts as a bio-indicator due to its sensitivity to environmental changes.<p>The species is present in conservation areas - the entirety of Palawan has been designated a biosphere reserve but actual protection and enforcement against logging and hunting has been difficult. There are populations in several other protected areas such as Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, El Nido Marine Reserve and others. It is listed in CITES as Appendix II.<p>Conservation actions proposed include surveys in remaining lowland forests throughout its range. Seek greater control of the cage-bird trade and assess its impacts. Research its ecological requirements and conduct nest protection schemes. Support the proposed extension of Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and formally protect the forests at Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm. Carry out awareness campaigns regarding the protected status of the species. Allocate greater resources towards more effective control of hunting in Palawan forests and initiate conservation awareness campaigns amongst forest product collectors.
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Moluccan Dwarf-Kingfisher
Ceyx lepidus
A small kingfisher with a bright orange bill, peach underparts, a speckled blue head, and deep blue upperparts with an electric blue stripe running down them. Also note the white neck mark and the orange blotches above the bill. Juveniles darker above, with dark base to bill. Found singly or in pairs in forest understorey within the lowlands and foothills, sometimes beside forest streams. Differentiated from Common and Azure Kingfishers by its smaller size and orange bill. Gives a shrill, single drawn-out “tseeeeet” call.
Gray-capped Cuckoo
Coccyzus lansbergi
Brightly-colored cuckoo found mainly west of the Andes. Combination of rufous-tawny body and gray separates it from other cuckoos in range. Nests in deciduous forest, dense scrub, and savanna at lower elevations. Outside of the breeding season, it disperses widely and can be seen far from its breeding areas, including at high elevations on rare occasions. Furtive and rarely comes out into the open for long. Song is short series of soft, guttural notes; also gives a harsh churr.
Great-billed Heron
Ardea sumatrana
Large plain heron. Dark gray overall with a paler, more brownish neck. Lacks the black head and neck markings of the slightly smaller Gray Heron. Tends to be solitary, only rarely seen in small flocks. Typically restricted to the coast, where it inhabits mangroves, lagoons, and offshore islands, but infrequently seen inland. Rather vocal for a heron, often giving a deep, horrifically resonant roar when flushed or on the nest.
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