Kokomo Papuan Hornbill
IUCN: Least Concern
The Papuan hornbill, or Blyth's hornbill (Rhyticeros plicatus), includes six subspecies which are part of the family of approximately 55 species of hornbills (Bucerotidae). Papuan hornbills are native to Melanesia and Wallacea—or more generally the area between the Orient to the north and Australia to the south. Kokomo is of the ruficollis subspecies, and his name comes from the local word for Papuan hornbill.
Mature Papuan hornbill males can reach three feet long, have white necks and plumage that is golden on their heads, white on their tails, and black throughout the rest of their bodies. Females resemble the males, but are slightly smaller and have black head plumage instead of the golden feathers.
Both males and females grow distinctive casques, which are reinforcing growths along the top of the upper mandibles. Kokomo is a young male who will be growing his casque in the years to come.
Papuan hornbills are large, forest-dwelling hornbills that nest in tree hollows up to 100 feet above ground. Pairs generally mate for life, and both parents play important roles in rearing the chicks. During incubation and nesting time, rotten wood and food pulp are used to plaster the female into the nesting cavity. During this time, she and the young chicks are entirely dependent on the male for nourishment. Through a small opening in the tree cavity, the male delivers food to the female and the young chicks.
Fun Fact: While holed up in her tree cavity every spring, the female eliminates by forcefully projecting out the small opening so as not to soil the nesting area. Until the young chicks learn to do the same, she cleans up after them by collecting and throwing out what they eliminate.
Mature Papuan hornbill males can reach three feet long, have white necks and plumage that is golden on their heads, white on their tails, and black throughout the rest of their bodies. Females resemble the males, but are slightly smaller and have black head plumage instead of the golden feathers.
Both males and females grow distinctive casques, which are reinforcing growths along the top of the upper mandibles. Kokomo is a young male who will be growing his casque in the years to come.
Papuan hornbills are large, forest-dwelling hornbills that nest in tree hollows up to 100 feet above ground. Pairs generally mate for life, and both parents play important roles in rearing the chicks. During incubation and nesting time, rotten wood and food pulp are used to plaster the female into the nesting cavity. During this time, she and the young chicks are entirely dependent on the male for nourishment. Through a small opening in the tree cavity, the male delivers food to the female and the young chicks.
Fun Fact: While holed up in her tree cavity every spring, the female eliminates by forcefully projecting out the small opening so as not to soil the nesting area. Until the young chicks learn to do the same, she cleans up after them by collecting and throwing out what they eliminate.