Habitat:
humid tropical and gallery forests

Activity period :
Primarily active during the day, with peak activity in the morning and late afternoon.

Identification and description:
The great hornbill (Buceros bicornis) is a large forest bird (95–120 cm long, weighing 2–3.4 kg) known for its massive yellow bill topped by a hollow casque. It inhabits humid tropical and gallery forests from India to Vietnam, at elevations from sea level to 1500 m. Primarily frugivorous, it feeds on figs and various fruits, supplementing its diet with small vertebrates and insects. Monogamous and territorial, pairs remain together year-round. During the breeding season (01.01–31.05), the male and female engage in loud duets and casque-butting displays. After pairing, the female seals herself within a tree cavity and incubates 1–2 eggs for 38–40 days, receiving food through a narrow slit provided by the male.

Recommended lens:
400 mm – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.

Photography tips:
To photograph the great hornbill, position yourself in a concealed ground hide at forest edges during dawn or dusk for low-angle light. Use a telephoto lens of ≥400 mm on a monopod or gimbal to reduce shake. Set shutter-priority to 1/2000 s and aperture to f/8 to freeze casque-butting displays while maintaining depth of field. Enable continuous autofocus (AF-C) tracking and shoot in RAW to capture maximum detail and color fidelity.