Size & diagnostic markings:- 127 cm. This Hornbill is even longer then the Rhinoceros Hornbill and could also be longer as the central feather at the tail could extend further. This point itself is diagnostic. Dark red skin on the sides of the head, throat and neck reminds us of that Turkey looks. This Hornbill is black with a white rump and hind underpart. The tail is also whitish with a central band. Like most Hornbill, it has a short casque, rounded in red color with a yellow tip. The bill is unlike that of other Hornbill, short -  yellow in color ending with red at the end near the head.

Distribution :-  This bird  is found in Sumatra and Borneo. Could be seen fairly often in peninsula Malaysia too.

Habitats & preferences:- This is a lowland forest bird preferring preferring low hills. The bird usually seen in pairs.

The call of this Hornbill though sounded different from that of the Great Hornbill has the same style and it is also this call that attracted us to the birds' where about. But the huge bird well perched on the canopy and very high up could not be spotted. Nicest point is that when the series of calls ended, that signal the bird's changed in perching spot and we should be on a look out for the birds flying past in the direction where the call was last heard.

This is a graceful bird and I had no opportunity to be near a spot where the bird was perched for better pictures.

Helmeted Hornbill 1

Helmeted Hornbill 2

Helmeted Hornbill' 3

Helmeted Hornbill 4

Helmeted Hornbill' 5

Helmeted Hornbill 6

Helmeted Hornbill 7

This is an extremely difficult to meet up Hornbill. Most frequently seen in the valley near to the meandering road up to Frasers Hills station. A big crowd had gathered there for almost a month to catch a glmpse of this bird from a farway perch. This round I was never there but had pictures of the bird at the same point from earlier visit. Long time ago it is nesting in the Old Pump House in Genting Highlands. I have very few pictures of this bird, all taken in Congkak, Ulu Langat. Yes, you catch this bird there quite often. But, caution! Only hearing its calls.

With Will would Wander