Rufous-necked Hornbill, the Pride of Zhemgang

The Rufous-necked hornbill is a species of hornbill found in Indian subcontinent and southeast Asia. The number of this bird species has declined significantly due to habitat loss. However, Bhutan has some countable numbers of this bird species intact.

Although, Zhemgang is secluded from most modern touch however, the place is known for rich biodiversity. Thus, it homed to many critically endangered flora and fauna. One among them is Rufous-necked hornbill which is already under threatened list globally.

Perhaps, it was a wonderful experience to shoot this high–flying bird on my recent trips to Mithun farm. Occasionally, one can also find this bird feeding on the way to Buli, tingtibi, gonphu-pangbang highway and around Royal Manas Park in lower Kheng. 

It has been over a month now, but I still have that great feel of this giant bird flying over my head. This bird is very sensitive to human sound and settlement. Thus, it settles to an amazingly uncommon place for feeding and tall tree branch for nesting making it very difficult for a common people to see its young one.

Of the four different species of the Hornbill found in Bhutan, Rufous-necked hornbill is found at the highest elevation.

Rufous-necked hornbills are monogamous birds and a gender sensitive. Owing to its survival, male counterpart is brighter in color than its female partner. 

This bird has a large colorful body with large and sublime beak which they use for breaking fruit seeds and for defensive purpose. Like most of the birds, it also got some cultural significance or belief. It has very husky and peculiar call different from other bird species. 

The nesting season is in-between mid-March to mid-July with breeding cycle that last for approximately four months (120 days). 

Rufous-necked hornbill mainly faces threats from timber extraction, collection of wild fruits and seeds, road constructions, hydro power project, clearing of forests for power transmission line and natural threats such as competition for food. This bird is also found to be extremely vulnerable to serpent eagle attack.

The way forward to preserve this bird is by incorporating hornbill conservation activities in the community and by initiating environmental education outreach programmes to school children and local community. 

Over five years of bird watching and photographing experience, and having travelled to great length of forest, I have learned that there is nothing like enjoying with nature. It also helps one to manage stress and relief from unnecessary tension. It makes you feel happy and calm your mind. 

I would request all people to make mindful developmental activities for which there are larger share of wildlife in our ecosystem.