Hornbills are big birds, with males larger than females. When they fly through the forest, they sound like a small airplane. Hornbills nest inside “cavities” of tall trees. They cannot make their own cavity like woodpeckers. Once they find a good cavity, the mother hornbill enters, and seals herself in so that she and her chicks can be safe. She leaves a small gap through which the father hornbill brings her food.

Four species are found in Pakke Tiger Reserve—Oriental Pied Hornbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill and Great Hornbill.