Field Report by Sri Sari | Published January 2007
Peering through my monocular, I can clearly see his red eyes — a sure sign that he is a male. On the branch above him sits his lifelong mate, the female, with her yellow eyes and more slender build. This is one of the few reliable ways to tell male and female Great Hornbills apart, and it makes all the difference when viewed through optics in the field.
If any bird on Langkawi deserves gasps of awe, it is the magnificent Great Hornbill. With lush rainforest covering more than 50% of the island, Langkawi is home to over 180 bird species, but among them all, the hornbills remain a personal favorite.
GUNUNG RAYA: THE PRIME OBSERVATION POINT
The best place to observe these giants is Gunung Raya, a protected forest reserve at the center of the island. To see them, one must drive slowly with windows down, listening for their unmistakable loud “Gok! Gok! Gok!” call or the powerful whooshing sound produced by their wingbeats in flight.
EXTRAORDINARY BIOLOGY & PARENTING
Measuring up to 1.2 meters from beak to tail, Great Hornbills are the largest birds on the island. They are monogamous and famous for their unique nesting habits:
- The Fortress: The female seals herself inside a tree hollow using a natural cement made of droppings, leaving only a tiny slit for her beak.
- The Provider: For 8 to 9 weeks, the male returns every few hours to feed his mate. Her diet of fruit is often supplemented with small lizards or snakes.
- The Breakout: Once the chick is strong enough, the female breaks out to help the male forage, before the chick finally joins them 4-5 weeks later.
These birds can live up to 30 years and remain under parental care for six months after fledging — a testament to their complex social structure and devotion as parents.
SEE THE HORNBILLS WITH US
The best time to witness these magnificent birds is between 07:30 – 10:00 or 17:00 – 19:00. Join our expert-led tours to experience the best of Langkawi’s avian life:
Daily Birding Tour (Half-Day):
A focused excursion to Gunung Raya and other hotspots to see Great Hornbills and other island specialists.
Book Now: Langkawi Birdwatching Half-Day Tour
Serious Birding Expeditions:
For multi-day trips targeting rare species and endemics across Malaysia.
Visit: Bird Malaysia