Rufous-necked Hornbills

Eons ago, life was simpler. It was rooted in instinct, governed by survival, finding food, and ensuring the continuity of the species. Nothing more, nothing less.

And then we evolved and proclaimed ourselves the smartest species on the planet.

Spending time in the wild offers a glimpse into raw and ancient way of living.

How species navigate their lives with quite determination — their relentless fight for survival, the fierce competition even for the smallest scraps of food, and the timeless instincts and strategies they have developed over generations to protect their young and sustain their kind.

Hornbills are one such charismatic species, and their behaviour during the nesting period is particularly fascinating. One subspecies, the Rufous-necked Hornbill, is classified as vulnerable, making sightings of them a rare and special experience. I had the privilege of observing their nesting behaviour in a quaint little town nestled in the state of West Bengal, Latpanchar.

These birds are monogamous, meaning they mate for life. Year after year, they share the responsibility of nesting and feeding.

During nesting time female lock herself in a tree cavity for 8 – 10 weeks, sealing the entrance with mud and leaving just a narrow slit through which the male passes food. 

The male shows unwavering devotion towards his family, tirelessly providing for the female. He ensures her well-being to the extent that he brings a power-packed, balanced diet. A mix of fruits, nuts, and protein-rich sources like crabs and other small creatures. 

It’s a demanding task, still they carry it out instinctively because that’s what their biological wiring compels them to do.

And if, by some unfortunate turn of events, the male doesn’t return, the female waits for him endlessly sealed inside the tree cavity until she succumbs. Such is the fragility of life in the wild.

I was also thoroughly entertained by my guide, who shared amusing stories about their delightful eccentric behaviour. If the male takes longer than usual or makes an overly delayed delivery, the female shows her disapproval by tossing away the offering. Only after some gentle coaxing she would eat. And if a prized delicacy like crabs and others are missing from the menu, she would certainly show her discontentment :)).

Have you ever heard of a double bonanza? That’s exactly what we got. 

While we were quietly waiting for the male to return with a beakful of delicacies, a sudden commotion broke the silence. At first, we thought it was a raptor, but to our sheer surprise, another pair of hornbills appeared!

It was hard to say whether they were making a territorial announcement or scouting for a potential nesting site. But whatever it was, it prompted the nesting pair into action. The female quickly went inside the cavity, while the male remained close by, hidden in the dense foliage, watching closely until the other pair finally left.

Another beautiful day spent in the forest, where reality is blurred and dreams feel real.