Hornbill Nesting in Singapore: A Rare Backyard Visitor
Unexpected Wildlife in the Heartlands
A Singaporean Redditor recently shared an exciting wildlife sighting—a hornbill nesting right behind their house. In a post on r/SingaporeRaw, u/False_Will8399 uploaded a short video of the hornbill near their home, mentioning that there could even be a baby inside the nest.
"That hole was used by a parakeet family last year and the year before. Now they land on another tree 20m away due to the hornbill. It’s just outside my 2nd-floor bedroom window." – u/False_Will8399
The post quickly gained traction, with many users marveling at the lucky find.
Reactions: Fascination, Warnings, and a Bit of Concern
Many Redditors expressed awe and admiration for the sighting, acknowledging how rare it is to see these birds up close.
"Wow lucky find!" – u/androidud
"Oriental Pied Hornbill, one of the smaller and most common in the region. Great that you spotted them!" – u/Party-Ring445
But others warned OP not to disclose the location for fear of attracting crowds, referencing a similar incident last year involving a rare Sunda Scops Owl.
"Better not give away the location, or your estate will become a nightmare just like what happened to the residents of the Sunda Scops Owl last year." – u/Historical_Drama_525
"Don't disclose your location, else every photographer will rush there. LOL!" – u/Grass_Practical
Some users also pointed out the hornbill’s dominance in the local ecosystem, mentioning that these birds can scare away other species and even eat smaller animals.
"Hornbills have such a tank build... they scare other birds away." – u/0bxcura
"They will eat other birds." – u/False_Will8399 (OP)
One Redditor even asked if their pet cat was at risk, showing just how unfamiliar many Singaporeans are with hornbill behavior.
"My 7kg cat was hanging out 1m away from a hornbill bird, should I stop letting my cat out?" – u/diapersarenotedible
Hornbills in Singapore: A Conservation Success Story
Once considered rare in Singapore, Oriental Pied Hornbills have made a strong comeback thanks to conservation efforts and increasing tree coverage in urban areas. These birds, recognizable by their large beaks and distinctive casque, are not shy about coexisting with humans—as seen in this case.
The nesting behavior observed by OP is particularly significant because hornbills have a unique way of raising their young. The female seals herself inside the tree cavity, leaving only a small opening through which the male feeds her and the chicks.
Such sightings highlight Singapore’s efforts to maintain urban biodiversity and how wildlife continues to adapt to city life.
Final Thought: A Rare Treat, But Let’s Keep It Lowkey
It’s always exciting to see wildlife thriving in urban Singapore, but OP’s experience also serves as a reminder to be mindful about sharing locations. Overenthusiastic nature lovers and photographers could inadvertently disrupt the nesting process.
For now, let’s just appreciate this rare backyard guest from afar. If you’ve spotted hornbills in your area, have you noticed any changes in local bird activity?
