Malabar pied hornbill pairs (5 images)

[stuny]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

In Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka we came across two pairs of malibar pied hornbill birds, a large bird about 65 cm in length. Genders look very much alike, but the female has a white eye ring, and though the male does not it has a white patch below the eye. The female lays its eggs in a hole in a tree, and with the help of her mate, walls herself in with the egss to incubate them. They leave a small hole for the male to use to bring food to the female, and later to the female and hatchlings. Once it gets too crowded in the tree the female breaks out, and both parents largely wall up the hole, leaving enough of an opening to allow them both to feed the chicks.

Edited March 18, 2011 by stuny

[pauledell]

Stuart,

 

A wonderful series and great narrative. This is the first time I've seen these incredible birds. Fine composition, colors and clarity.

 

Paul

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[turner]

Stuart,

 

Looking at these hornbills it is very believable

to see that birds have evolved from dinosaurs.

 

A fine collection of captures.

 

Turner

[k-hawinkler]

Stuart,

 

Great images of loving pairs.

I assume they bond for life?

 

Thanks, K-H.

[George James]

Stuart,

 

Excellent series of images, especially #1.

[Clifton D-LUX 5]

Beautiful capture of photos of those amazing creatures!

I never knew such a bird existed. Thanks for sharing.

[geaibleu]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Did they inspire Hitchcock?

[allamande]

Wow! Stuart, these are absolutely fascinating. Your images make a superb set and introduce these wonders to me so vividly, so beautifully that I now have the urge to learn more about them.

 

Ece

[stuny]

Paul, Clifton, Ece - Thank you.

 

Turner - Thank you, and I see what you mean.

 

K-H - thank you, and the answer is yes.

 

Geaibleu - Thank you, and very funny.

[michali]

Stuart a great series and narrative, thanks for showing. They're not too dissimilar to the African Trumpeter Hornbill.

[stuny]

Mike -

 

Thank you.

[albert]

Stuart,

 

Your photographs tell me that: "I need to get out more."......awe-inspiring

[stuny]

Al -

 

Thank you. When considering travel, go to our site to read Barbara's detailed trip notes to give you ideas and save you research.