Hornbills at Pangkor Island

[ateng]

Got photo opportunity at these rare hornbills during my trip to Pangkor Island (Malaysia). Not the best pictures with my 55-250 and no skills at shooting telephoto but I just would like to share.

[FlyingKiwiGirl]

I liked Hornbills until I saw the last shot I didn't know they were canivores. I wonder if they have been raiding a nest or they catch them on the wing.
They are strange birds aren't they? That bill is something else. Lovely to see them in the wild though even if it's around buildings. TFS.

[mosgood]

Originally Posted by FlyingKiwiGirl

I liked Hornbills until I saw the last shot I didn't know they were canivores. I wonder if they have been raiding a nest or they catch them on the wing.
They are strange birds aren't they? That bill is something else. Lovely to see them in the wild though even if it's around buildings. TFS.

I was thinking the same thing...odd looking bird, but very photogenic. I didn't know that they went after other birds, until I scrolled down to the last shot.

[KurtM]

Surprised me too. But isn't that what makes photographs really become importantly big time cool? I think ateng should win a pony for this capture.

[ateng]

FlyingKiwiGirl, Marla, Kurt,
Thanks guys for your kind comments.

When my mother informed me earlier that hornbills are carnivores I (almost) didn't believe her until I shot this picture. Actually I didn't even realise it until I saw it in the monitor. I guess hornbills usually eat fruits but they will occasionally prey on chicks when they have the opportunity.

[mosgood]

ateng, if you hadn't have posted that last picture, I would have never believed it. I always thought they were strictly herbivores.

[Shutteraddict]

Originally Posted by KurtM

Surprised me too. But isn't that what makes photographs really become importantly big time cool? :

+1 A powerful moment in nature captured

[ateng]

Marla,
According to Wikipedia, my species of hornbills are of 'open country' which are more carnivorous than those strictly in the jungle.

Shutteraddict,
Thank you for your kind comment. I learned something here.