Wreathed Hornbill

The call of a Wreathed Hornbill, a resonant 'kek-kek-kek', cuts through the humid air of Arunachal's broadleaf forests, a sound that has echoed across these landscapes for millennia. These magnificent birds, known locally as pho or pope in some indigenous dialects, are more than just avian spectacle; they are key indicators of forest health and vital to the regeneration of their habitat.

History & Context

The Wreathed Hornbill (Rhyticeros undulatus synonymously Aceros undulatus) belongs to the Bucerotidae family, a group of birds instantly recognisable by their large, often colourful beaks topped with a bony growth called a casque. Their ancestry traces back millions of years, evolving alongside the rich biodiversity of Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent's rainforests. In Arunachal Pradesh, and indeed across their range, hornbills hold significant cultural value for many indigenous communities, often featuring in folklore, traditional attire, and ceremonial practices. Their presence is historically linked to the undisturbed nature of these forests, as they require large, mature trees for nesting and prefer a diverse fruit diet, making them sensitive to deforestation and habitat fragmentation.

What Makes It Distinctive

What sets the Wreathed Hornbill apart is the intricate casque atop its bill. In males, this casque is a striking bright yellow, deeply corrugated or 'wreathed' – the source of its common name. The male also exhibits a vibrant blue patch of skin around its eyes and a yellow gular pouch. Females, while sharing the same deeply wreathed casque structure, have it in a duller, more reddish-brown hue and possess blue facial skin and a blue gular pouch. This sexual dimorphism is pronounced and aids in field identification. Their diet consists primarily of fruit, particularly figs, making them crucial seed dispersers. They are known for their unique nesting behaviour where the female seals herself into a tree cavity with mud and droppings, leaving only a narrow slit through which the male feeds her and the chicks for several months. This strategy offers protection from predators but also makes them highly dependent on old-growth forests with suitable large tree cavities.

Best Time to Visit

Viewing Wreathed Hornbills is most successful during the dry season, typically from October to April. During these months, the forest undergrowth is less dense, and the birds are more active in search of fruiting trees. January to March is often considered ideal, as this period might coincide with their nesting season, offering a chance to observe their feeding rituals, especially in protected areas. The monsoon, from May to September, brings heavy rainfall, making forest treks challenging and hornbill sightings less frequent.

How to Reach

To reach the areas in Arunachal Pradesh where Wreathed Hornbills are found, one typically flies into Dibrugarh Airport (DIB) in Assam. From Dibrugarh, various entry points into Arunachal Pradesh can be accessed. For instance, to reach areas like Namdapha National Park, a known hornbill habitat, the drive from Dibrugarh to Miao (the gateway to Namdapha) is approximately 170-190 km and takes about 5-6 hours by road. Taxis and shared vehicles are available from Dibrugarh. For other potential hornbill hotspots in central or western Arunachal, onward journeys from Dibrugarh or sometimes Guwahati (further away, but with more flight options) by road are necessary.

Permits & Entry

For Indian citizens, an Inner Line Permit (ILP) is mandatory to enter Arunachal Pradesh. These can be obtained online from the Arunachal Pradesh government website or from resident commissioner offices in major Indian cities. Foreign nationals require a Protected Area Permit (PAP), which can also be processed online through tour operators registered with the Arunachal Pradesh government. For specific protected areas like national parks or wildlife sanctuaries, an additional entry permit and fees will be required; information is not officially published or may change. Visitors are advised to confirm locally before travelling.

Nearby Attractions

• Namdapha National Park: One of India's largest protected areas, known for its rich biodiversity and tiger, leopard, and cloud leopard populations.
• Miao: A small town near Namdapha, serving as a base for park visits and home to a Tibetan refugee settlement.
• Pakhui Tiger Reserve: Another significant hornbill habitat located in the Papum Pare district, known for its conservation efforts.
• Ziro Valley: Famous for the Apatani tribe's unique agricultural practices and cultural landscape, approximately 10-12 hours drive from Dibrugarh.

Traveller Tips

1. Carry a good pair of binoculars and a camera with a powerful zoom lens; hornbills are often high in the canopy.
2. Engage a local guide; their knowledge of the forest and bird calls significantly increases sighting chances.
3. Dress in muted, earthy colours to blend in with the environment and bring insect repellent.
4. Respect local customs and traditions, particularly when interacting with indigenous communities.
5. Be prepared for basic accommodation if exploring remote areas; home-stays often offer the most immersive experience.
6. Connectivity can be sporadic; inform family of your itinerary and expected communication times.
7. Carry sufficient cash as ATMs are scarce outside major district towns.
8. Plastic waste is a significant concern; practice responsible tourism by carrying out all your waste.