White Crowned Hornbill

📷: White-crowned hornbill in flight at Chek Jawa (Zhang Shubo, Bird Society of Singapore)

A solitary white-crowned hornbill 🐦‍⬛ was spotted at the mangrove forests of Chek Jawa, nestled on the eastern tip of Pulau Ubin, on 16 April 2023. This marked the first sighting of this species in Singapore in nearly 40 years, with the last recorded instance in the 1980s at the Botanic Gardens. With mostly black upperparts, a spiky white crest and whitetail and a relatively small yellowish casque, the bird is one of Southeast Asia’s most distinct-looking hornbill species.

Distinct as it may be, the feathered royalty is a rare sight — it is classified as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List since 2018. Originating primarily from the lowland forests of Sundaland, the white-crowned hornbill faces the looming threat of extinction due to habitat loss and the pet trade. To prevent its extinction, the preservation of its habitat, crucial for sustenance and nesting, becomes paramount.

Chek Jawa, renowned for its diverse ecosystem, serves as a haven for rare species, including the white-crowned hornbill. During the sighting, the white-crowned hornbill indulged in the lipid-rich fruits of Seashore Nutmeg trees that line the forest. Additionally, it was spotted preying on a keel-bellied whip snake, engaging in strategic sorties in and out of the forest cover. The bird's elusive nature became evident during intervals as it remained concealed from view.

With three native hornbill species, #YouShouldKnow that there have been conservation projects for hornbills in Singapore. Efforts included close monitoring of hornbill movement, breeding behaviour and food requirements. Artificial nests were even installed in Pulau Ubin and the Istana to encourage hornbill breeding and survival.

While encounters with rare, endangered visitors captivate us, they also remind us of the impact of deforestation and the pressing need for conservation efforts. This emphasises the vulnerability of white-crowned hornbills and reinforces the significance of Singapore's conservation initiatives in providing a habitat conducive to the survival and flourishing of endangered species.

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