# Blyth's Hornbill

> Blyth's Hornbill (Rhyticeros plicatus). Blyth's hornbill is a large canopy hornbill of Wallacea and Melanesia; ground observations may reveal only its silhouette or calls.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/rhyticeros-plicatus/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/rhyticeros-plicatus/
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**Review status:** This guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

## Quick answer

Blyth's Hornbill (*Rhyticeros plicatus*) is a bird in the family Bucerotidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from Papua, Maluku, West Papua. Diet: mainly fruit (frugivore); occasionally small animals; a herbivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Rhyticeros plicatus* |
| Indonesian name | Julang Irian |
| Group | Birds |
| Family | Bucerotidae |
| Observation records | Papua, Maluku, West Papua |
| Taxonomic group | Bucerotiformes |
| GBIF records | 7,143 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2475908) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · [Regulation P.106/2018](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) · annex no. 251 |
| Diet type | Herbivore (plant-eater) — mainly fruit (frugivore); occasionally small animals · [IUCN SSC Hornbill Specialist Group](https://iucnhornbills.org/papuan-hornbill/) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt) |

## What is the Blyth's Hornbill?

Blyth's Hornbill refers to Rhyticeros plicatus, in the genus Rhyticeros, family Bucerotidae, and order Bucerotiformes. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/2475908)

## What is known about the Blyth's Hornbill?

Blyth's hornbill is a large canopy hornbill of Wallacea and Melanesia; ground observations may reveal only its silhouette or calls.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blyth's_hornbill)

## How many Indonesian records name the Blyth's Hornbill?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 7,143 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2475908&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include Papua, Maluku, West Papua. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2475908&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## How can you observe the Blyth's Hornbill?

Record the date, broad location, voice and visible plumage without approaching nests or young. A clear, distant photograph is more useful than disturbing a bird for a closer view. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

## Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Blyth's Hornbill with White-nest Swiftlet, Helmeted Friarbird, Pink-necked Green-Pigeon. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

## Scientific classification of the Blyth's Hornbill

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Bucerotiformes |
| Family | Bucerotidae |
| Genus | *Rhyticeros* |
| Species | *Rhyticeros plicatus* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about Blyth's Hornbill

### What is the scientific name of Blyth's Hornbill?

The scientific name of Blyth's Hornbill is *Rhyticeros plicatus*, in the family Bucerotidae and the order Bucerotiformes. In Indonesian it is called Julang Irian.

### What kind of animal is Blyth's Hornbill?

Blyth's Hornbill is a bird in the family Bucerotidae. By diet it is a herbivore (plant-eater): a mainly fruit (frugivore); occasionally small animals.

### Where does Blyth's Hornbill live in Indonesia?

Observation records of Blyth's Hornbill summarised in this guide mainly come from Papua, Maluku, West Papua. That list is not a complete range map.

### What does Blyth's Hornbill eat?

Blyth's Hornbill is a mainly fruit (frugivore); occasionally small animals. That makes it a herbivore (plant-eater). Source: [IUCN SSC Hornbill Specialist Group](https://iucnhornbills.org/papuan-hornbill/).

### How does Blyth's Hornbill reproduce?

Blyth's Hornbill reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352).

### Is Blyth's Hornbill nocturnal?

The cited source records Blyth's Hornbill as diurnal (active by day). Source: [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What is the scientific classification of Blyth's Hornbill?

Scientific classification of Blyth's Hornbill: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Aves, order Bucerotiformes, family Bucerotidae, genus *Rhyticeros*, species *Rhyticeros plicatus*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is Blyth's Hornbill endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, Blyth's Hornbill is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2475908), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from national legal protection. [Is Blyth's Hornbill protected in Indonesia?](#protected)

### Is Blyth's Hornbill protected in Indonesia?

Yes. Blyth's Hornbill (*Rhyticeros plicatus*) is a protected species in Indonesia under [Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf) (annex, entry 251).

Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.

If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/).

### Can Blyth's Hornbill be kept as a pet?

No. Because Blyth's Hornbill is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.

If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the [local BKSDA office](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/).

## Sources & references

1. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/2475908)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2475908&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)
3. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/514337)
4. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blyth's_hornbill)
5. [Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi](https://jdih.kehutanan.go.id/new2/uploads/files/P_106_2018_JENIS_TSL_menlhk_07252019152513.pdf)
6. [IUCN SSC Hornbill Specialist Group](https://iucnhornbills.org/papuan-hornbill/)
7. [Vigie-Nature École (MNHN)](https://www.vigienature-ecole.fr/en/node/352)
8. [EltonTraits 1.0 (Wilman et al. 2014, Ecology 95:2027), BirdFuncDat.txt](https://esapubs.org/archive/ecol/E095/178/BirdFuncDat.txt)
9. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Further reading

[Hornbill: facts, threats and conservation](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/wildlife-guides/hornbill/) — World Animal Rescue Network. A broader overview that covers this animal.

_Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network._

## Keep exploring

- [White-nest Swiftlet](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/aerodramus-fuciphagus/)
- [Helmeted Friarbird](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/philemon-buceroides/)
- [Pink-necked Green-Pigeon](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/treron-vernans/)
- [White-breasted Waterhen](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/amaurornis-phoenicurus/)
- [Knobbed hornbill](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/knobbed-hornbill/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Blyth's Hornbill. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/rhyticeros-plicatus/