🦜 HAPPY NATIONAL HORNBILL DAY! 🌿

Did you know Sarawak is home to some of the most fascinating hornbills in the world? ❤️

In conjunction with National Hornbill Day tomorrow, let's take a closer look at two of Sarawak's iconic feathered residents – the majestic Rhinoceros Hornbill (Kenyalang) and the lively Oriental Pied Hornbill (Bruie / Alau Pedada)!

👑 1. Rhinoceros Hornbill (Kenyalang) – Sarawak's State Bird

The Rhinoceros Hornbill is more than just a beautiful bird – it's an important symbol of Sarawak's identity and pride!

🟠 Where They Live: Mostly found in primary rainforests and mature secondary forests. They can also occasionally be spotted flying over plantations while searching for food.

🟠 Distinctive Appearance: Their most striking feature is the large, upward-curving orange and yellow casque above their bill. Males have a red iris, while females have a bluish-white iris.

🟠 What They Eat: Fruits, especially figs, make up most of their diet. They also feed on small reptiles, insects and even small birds.

🟠 Social Life: Usually spotted in pairs or small family groups, but younger hornbills may sometimes gather in larger flocks!

🌳 2. Oriental Pied Hornbill (Bruie / Alau Pedada)

Another fascinating hornbill species found in Sarawak! Locally, it is known as "Bruie" in Iban and "Alau Pedada" in Malay.

🟢 Where They Live: Commonly found around coastal areas, offshore islands, forest edges and lowland forests.

🟢 Distinctive Appearance: Recognisable by their black feathers, white belly and black tail with a white tip. Males and females can be distinguished by the markings on their casque and bill.

🟢 What They Eat: These birds enjoy fruits but are also active hunters, feeding on rats, small birds, lizards, snails and insects.

🟢 Quite Vocal: Unlike some quieter forest birds, Oriental Pied Hornbills are known for being particularly lively and vocal!

💚 Let's Protect Our Hornbills!

These magnificent birds are an important part of Sarawak's natural heritage. Protecting our forests and preserving their natural habitats will help ensure future generations can continue to enjoy seeing these beautiful creatures in the wild.

Let's appreciate and protect our feathered treasures!

🦜 Happy National Hornbill Day, Sarawak!

📷Sarawak Forestry Corporation