Wreathed Hornbill:: Beautiful Birds of Manas

                                                                                                                                  Photo-Hoko

Wreathed Hornbill(Rhyticeros undulatus) is one species of hornbill found in deep inside forest of Manas. As compare to great hornbill they are not common sighted bird in Manas but sometimes sighted in Doimari road, Gabharukhunda and India-Bhutan International Border areas. This species is also known as the bar pouched wreathed hornbill. It is 75-100 cm long. Males weigh from 1.8kg to 3.6kg and female weigh from 1.36 kg to 2.7kg. Both sexes similar to the respective sexes of closely related plain-pouched hornbill. But wreathed hornbill can be recognized by the dark bar on the lower throat. This is a monogamous species. Before laying eggs, female hornbills seal themselves in a natural cavity using mud, dropping and fruit plap. During this period male hornbill feeds the female and chicks through a narrow silt for up to eight months.

                                               

                                                                                                                  Photo-Hoko

 They are least concern species as recognized by IUCN.  According to IUCN, this population suspected to be decline owing to ongoing habitat destruction, fragmentation and locally hunting for food. Manas is one of the best habitats for this species. Many mythologies, local folklore prevail in this locality based on this species. Hope Wreathed Hornbill has secure future in midst of Manas.

                                                                                                                            Photo-Hoko



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