Bird of the day
Luzon hornbill
Penelopides manillae
The Luzon hornbill (Penelopides manillae), sometimes called Luzon tarictic hornbill, is a species of hornbill in the family Bucerotidae. It is endemic to forests on Luzon and nearby islands in the northern Philippines. All five Philippine tarictics were once considered a single species. It is declining due to habitat destruction, hunting and the illegal wildlife trade.
It is illegal to hunt, capture or possess these birds under Philippine Law RA 9147.
EBird describes it as "A fairly large bird of lowland and foothill forest on Luzon and neighboring islands. Small for a hornbill. Bill fairly short with black bands. Has black wings and rump, a black tail with a pale band, and bare skin with a blue tinge around the eye and chin. Male has pale underparts and head with a black cheek, while female is entirely black. The only other hornbill in range is Rufous Hornbill, but Luzon lacks the red bill. Voice is a sharp, medium-pitched nasal honk, reminiscent of a squeaky toy."
Aliases
Penelopides manillae