Visitors since 01/09/06

With its huge size, colourful plumage and a conservation status of vulnerable, it is no wonder that Rufous-necked Hornbill is amongst the top ten most wanted species in Thailand. The campsite at Chong Yen, Mae Wong National Park has become the favourite place for observing this species, but it is by no means guaranteed here. For those wishing to see Rufous-necked Hornbill at Mae Wong, it appears that sightings are more frequent towards the end of the dry season, through the wet until October and early November.

Within Thailand Rufous-necked Hornbill has also been recorded in recent years at a number of other wildlife areas along the western border with Myanmar: Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Thung Yai Naresaun Wildlife Sanctuary and Khao Laem National Park. Although there are historical records from other national parks, including Doi Suthep-Pui and Doi Inthanon, it is believed to have been extirpated in these.

The population in the western forests of Thailand is believed to be a healthy and sizeable one, although in many other parts of its range, Rufous-necked Hornbill has suffered dramatic declines. However, it is described as widespread and fairly common in Bhutan, whilst healthy populations also exist in Namdapha National Park, India and Nakai-Nam Theun National Biodiversity Conservation Area in central Laos.

Like many other hornbills, Rufous-necked depends greatly on mature, large trees for feeding and nesting, as well as large expanses of forest. Consequently, logging has had a huge impact upon the species' abundance, and these pressures are further exaccerbated by hunting.

More information on Rufous-necked Hornbill:

Birdlife International, Species factsheet: Aceros nipalensis

Conservation of Rufous-necked Hornbill (includes video clip)

Red Data Book, Threatened Birds of Asia: Rufous-necked Hornbill

More photos of Rufous-necked Hornbill:

Oriental Bird Images: Rufous-necked Hornbill