Size & diagnostic markings:- 70 cm. A small Hornbill at 70 cm long. Pied as it is called the bird is white & black. White facial marking with white belly and vent. This undertail is black with white-tipped outer feathers. The bill and casque in uniform pale yellow but sometimes the yellow is fairly rich as well..

Distribution :-  This bird  is found in the northern and eastern part of Indian sub-continent, South and west of China then to the Greater Sundas. This bird is a common bird at the coast in southern Thailand and Malay Peninsula.

Habitats & preferences:- This is a lowland forest bird preferring coastal but not mangrove forest. Plantations and rural settlements. There is a tendency for the birds to gather in flocks but not flying around together.

There are 2 species of this bird in Peninsula Malaysia. The more common Oriental-pied Hornbill and the Southern-pied Hornbill. Both are near identical except the white at the under tail. Though this sub-species Southern-pied Hornbill should not be found in Peninsula Malaysia, I have those seen in the Langkawi island recorded as such. Not that much pictures now but would get more for future use.

This is the most common Hornbill in Peninsula. Found in all lowland forest with water ways and along the coast, easiest and closest for me would the Raja Mud a forest in Sekinchang or the Langat Dam area in Pangsoon. For those non-birders but loves Hornbill, put up a night in hotel operated by our badminton star Tan Yee Khan on Pangkor Island itself. He feeds them each morning, not a pair but the whole flock. Along that whole stretch of coastline in Pasir Bogak, the Hornbills would be visiting hawkers stores. If you are lucky enough  the Rhinoceros may be flying past as well.

With Will would Wander