Wreathed Hornbill

A species of hornbill, also commonly known as Bar-pouched Wreathed Hornbill, and with the scientific name Rhyticeros undulatus. It is found from India and Bhutan, through mainland Southeast Asia and the Greater Sunda Islands, except in Sulawesi. In Thailand, where this species is known as nok ngeuak krahm chang, it occurs in the vicinity of the border with Myanmar and Malaysia, and in areas near the Thai border to the North and West of Cambodia, as well as in Khao Yai National Park and around Krabi. With a length of up to 115 centimeters, males are slightly larger than females, who measure only up to 98 centimeters. Both sexes are predominantly black, with a white tail, which is often lightly stained yellowish; a pale yellowish bill, with a darker, corrugated base; and a gular pouch, which is blue with females and yellow with males (fig.), yet both with a black lateral streak on the underside (fig.). Both males and females have red eyes and reddish bare skin patches around the eyes. In addition to this, males have a shaggy, brown, mane-like crown, that runs to the back of the neck, and the throat and head-sides are brownish-white, whereas with females the head, neck and breast are entirely black. Besides perching on tree branches, they also regularly descend to the forest floor (fig.), where they search for fallen fruits. It is similar in appearance to the Plain-pouched Hornbill (fig.). 回