Berenicornis comatus (Raffles, 1822)

Size

Berenicornis comatus is a large hornbill species, with a total length ranging from 83 to 102 cm (33 to 40 in) and a body weight between 1.3 and 1.5 kg (2.9 to 3.3 lb). Females of this species are smaller than males.

Plumage Pattern

Their plumage is patterned in black and white: the head, neck, breast, and tail are white, while all other plumage is black. They have erect white crown feathers that form a crest, which is the source of their common name.

Bare Skin Features

Bare dark blue skin is present between the eye and bill, and also on the throat.

Bill Characteristics

The bill is mostly black, with a yellowish base. Like most hornbills, Berenicornis comatus has a blackish casque on the top of its bill.

Sexual Dimorphism

Females differ in plumage, having black neck and underparts.

Distribution Range

This species occurs in the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo.

Habitat

It lives in low and medium altitude rainforests, generally staying at elevations below 900 meters, and can also be found in fruit, oil-palm, and rubber plantations.

Threats

It faces threats from habitat destruction.