What fruit do hornbills eat?

Hornbills, those magnificent birds with their large beaks and vibrant colors, have quite the appetite when it comes to fruit. And from my personal experiences studying them, I can tell you that they have a particular preference for certain types of fruits.

One of the most common fruits in the diet of hornbills belongs to the family Annonaceae. These fruits are typically large and dehiscent, meaning they split open when ripe. The hornbills seem to have a knack for finding these fruits, which often grow on tall trees or lianas. The ripe colors of black or purple seem to be particularly enticing to them.

Another family of fruits that hornbills seem to relish is Lauraceae. These fruits also tend to be large and dehiscent, and they come in a range of colors. The hornbills have been known to go after these fruits with great enthusiasm, plucking them from the trees and devouring them with gusto.

In addition to Annonaceae and Lauraceae, hornbills also have a fondness for fruits from the Moraceae family. These fruits can be either dehiscent or indehiscent, with a thin husk. The hornbills seem to prefer the latter, as they can easily crack open the husk and access the juicy flesh inside. These fruits often grow on tall trees or lianas, just like their favorite Annonaceae and Lauraceae fruits.

Lastly, the Meliaceae family is another favorite among hornbills. These fruits, like the others, are typically large and dehiscent. They can be found in a variety of colors, but the hornbills seem to be particularly drawn to fruits that are ripe and red. Perhaps it’s the vibrant color that catches their eye, or maybe there’s something about the taste that they find irresistible.