Mindanao Hornbill
Penelopides affinis
A fairly large bird of lowland and foothill forest on Mindanao and neighboring islands. Small for a hornbill. Bill fairly short with black bands. Has a shaggy crest at the back of the head, black wings, a black base and tip to the tail with a buffy central part, and bluish bare skin around the face and chin. Male has pale underparts and head with a black cheek, while female is entirely black with deeper blue facial skin. Female is similar to female Writhed Hornbill, but smaller, and lacks the red bill. Voice is a short, medium-pitched honk, reminiscent of a squeaky toy.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Penelopides affinis
- Authority
- Tweeddale, 1877
- Order
- Bucerotiformes
- Family
- Bucerotidae
- Genus
- Penelopides
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
It is social and often seen in pairs or small groups. These birds are noisy, emitting an incessant ta-rik-tik call, hence the name. Despite their noise they are difficult to find, being well camouflaged by the dense foliage.<p>The principal food of Mindanao hornbill is fruit. It also eats insects, beetles, ants and earthworms (rarely).
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
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