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Great Hornbill manipulating a fig

on 24th April 2009

Ingo Waschkies’ studies of a Great Hornbill (Buceros bicronis) handling a small fig were documented in March 2009 in Khao Yai, Thailand.

The hornbill has a massive bill that ends in a sharp pointed tip. The slightly serrated bill helps the bird to properly grip fruits, especially small figs. Once effectively gripped at the tip (above), a slight flick of the head helps send the fig into the mouth (below).

Figs are an important staple for hornbills, more so during the breeding period as they provide the necessary calcium for the females in the production of eggshells. Calcium is also necessary for the chicks to grow their bones, tissues and feathers.

This post is a cooperative effort between NaturePixels.org and BESG to bring the study of bird behaviour through photography to a wider audience.

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

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