Hornbills of Malaysia

Hornbills are an important species of birds in Malaysia. When you visit the country, you have to try and catch a glimpse of these fabulous birds. The Hornbills of Malaysia can have varied plumage and casques. When you visit the various parts of the Peninsula, you will see many endangered species of hornbills. As rainforests are disappearing, habitat loss has become a significant reason for the extinction of many hornbill species in the country like the Great Hornbill, Helmeted Hornbill, or Plain-Pouched Hornbill. 

Different Types of Hornbills in Malaysia 

Malaysia has nine different species of hornbills, and you can see all of them, from the large helmeted hornbill to the rare plain-pouched hornbill here. Many valleys, state parks, and nature spots preserve the natural habitat of these hornbills in Malaysia. You can go on a tour of these locations to see the beautiful and majestic birds. 

The different types of Hornbills found in Malaysia are –  

• Rhinoceros Hornbill 

The Rhinoceros Hornbill is one of the largest forest hornbills in the world and the national bird of Malaysia. Its distinct feature is a golden-yellow casque or horn that protrudes above the black beak. Rhinoceros Hornbills are found in rainforests and tropical or subtropical lowlands.

In Malaysia, you can find the Rhinoceros Hornbill in many nature spots. The artificial lake of Tasik Kenyir in Terengganu is home to almost all species. You can reach the place by bus from any bus station at Terengganu. 

Terengganu and Tasik Kenyir are also connected by bus to Kuala Lumpur and major cities. Another spot where you can spot Rhinoceros Hornbills is the Hornbill Valley, Taman Negara, Pahang. You can take a bus from Central Pahang. Buses from Kuala Lumpur, Raub, and Bentong arrive at Central Pahang. 

• Helmeted Hornbill 

The Helmeted Hornbill is a giant hornbill that thrives in old-growth rainforests. They prefer such a habitat because their nests are massive. Only the vast, old trees found in such rainforests can provide the space. Interestingly, the casque of a Helmeted Hornbill is almost fully solid and accounts for 11% of the bird’s body weight.

If you want to see a Helmeted Hornbill in the wild, you can take a bus to Tasik Kenyir, Hornbill Valley, or the Royal Belum State Park in Perak. Since the helmeted hornbill is endangered, a few places still preserve its habitat. 

• Oriental Pied Hornbill 

While the Rhinoceros Hornbill is more popular in Sarawak, you can’t miss the Oriental Pied Hornbill when you visit the state. It is a hornbill in Sarawak that dwells in canopies and is one of the smallest found today. 

Oriental Pied Hornbills are not endangered, and you can spot many of them when you visit the northern part of the country. 

• Black Hornbill 

The Black Hornbill is one of the fascinating bird species in Malaysia. It has jet black plumes and a white beak with a white casque and is very selective towards its breeding environments. If they have an adequate supply of fruits growing in large trees, only then will these birds breed and start nesting.

To see the Black Hornbill in Malaysia, you will have to visit the Hornbill Valley or the Royal Belum State Park. The Royal Belum State Bank in Perak is connected by bus to several places, including Ipoh, Betong, and the Cameron Highlands. You can get down at a bus station near the Perak transit and take another bus or cab to the park. 

• White-Crowned Hornbill 

The White-Crowned Hornbill or the White-Crested Hornbill is a truly majestic creature. It is large, with black and white plumage. As its name suggests, the white-crowned hornbill has beautiful white feathers on its crown, neck, breast, and tail. The casque is usually blackish, and so is the bill. 

Tasik Kenyir, Hornbill Valley, and the Royal Belum State Park are great places for sighting the White-Crowned Hornbill. You can catch a bus from the nearest bus stations and plan a day trip. 

• Bushy-Crested Hornbill 

The Bushy-Crested Hornbill enjoys the moist atmosphere of tropical and subtropical rainforests. It is not an endangered species. So when you visit Malaysia or other parts of southeast Asia, you will be able to see plenty of these beautiful birds. The Bushy-Crested Hornbill has black, bushy plumage, with a black bill and casque. It does have some white plumage around the eyes. 

The Hornbill Valley is home to many Bushy-Crested Hornbills, and you can see them at the Royal Belum State Park as well. If you wish to take a bus to either of these locations, you can easily book bus tickets online from redBus.  

• Plain-Pouched Hornbill

The Plain-Pouched Hornbill is a rare and vulnerable species. It has a unique plumage, primarily black but yellow and white feathers near the neck and tail.

In the forests of northern Malaysia, you will still find several Plain-Pouched Hornbills. However, the population is decreasing, and now, the rainforest around Tasik Kenyir no longer has any left. So, to see them, you will have to take a bus from any of the big cities to Hornbill Valley in Taman Negara or to Royal Belum State Park in Perak.

Conclusion

Apart from the above mentioned, there are three more hornbill species in Malaysia, including the Great Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, and the Wrinkled Hornbill. You can spot all of these in the lush rainforests of Hornbill Valley and Tasik Kenyir. You can also spot Wreathed Hornbills in Sarawak. 

All the best locations for bird watching in Malaysia are accessible by bus. You can purchase your online bus tickets from redBus and plan a comfortable journey. 

To know about bus booking in Malay, please visit – Tiket Online Bas

You may be interested in reading – How to Find the Best Bus Companies in Malaysia