Guess what I was up to in early June 2025? I flew all the way from Kolkata to Dibrugarh, Assam, to fulfill a dream: photographing the incredibly shy and stunning Austen’s Brown Hornbill in Dehing Patkai National Park! And let me tell you, it was an adventure!
I stayed at Kalpa’s Soraipung Retreat, and he was kind enough to arrange everything – even picking me up from the airport. The real journey, though, started the next day when we ventured into the heart of Dehing Patkai, a true rainforest!
Understanding the Magic of Hornbills !
Before I dive into my adventure, let’s talk about Hornbills! These birds are super cool, known for their massive beaks and often brightly colored casques (that thing on top of their beaks!). They’re found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia. In India, we have nine species, but the Brown Hornbill is a bit special – it’s shyer and less commonly seen than its more flamboyant cousins. Talking about the location, the population is mainly concentrated in Northeast of India.
My Rainy Rainforest Adventure!
Dehing Patkai is a rainforest, and it was raining in June! The ground was slippery, there was water everywhere, and the forest was DENSE. Navigating wasn’t easy, but the anticipation of seeing a kept me going! We hiked for a while, until we reached a spot where we could see a nest. I was holding my breath to see the beautiful .
And there she was! A female was inside the nest, patiently waiting. Soon, a group of four , including one female, arrived to feed her. It was magical! I quickly started snapping photos and even managed to record a few video clips for a reel.
The Feeding Frenzy!
I’m completely obsessed with Hornbills, especially the Brown Hornbills. This particular species is quite rare and incredibly shy, which made the experience even more special. Imagine this: a male carefully tossing a fruit, feeding his wife inside the nest, and then gracefully flying away. I have tried to capture that beautiful sequence.
Witnessing Cooperative Breeding among the Austen’s Brown Hornbills.
But the highlight of the trip was witnessing cooperative breeding! I’d only read about it before, but never seen it in person. What is it? Well, I went back to the same spot two days in a row – once for photos and once for videos. On the first day, while editing the pictures, I noticed something odd: two of the males looked slightly different. That’s when it hit me – they were different birds!
The next day, I realised that there was a flock of more than four , including a single female! The males were taking turns feeding the nesting mother. This is cooperative breeding! It means a group, instead of just a single male pair, often including older siblings, helps to feed and care for the new mother . How amazing is that?!
Male Brown Hornbill feeding the female at the nest, Dehing Patkai National Park, Assam, India
The Male Austen’s Brown Hornbill on a tree branch, Dehing Patkai National Park, Assam, India
Austen’s Brown Hornbill in flight, Dehing Patkai National Park, Assam, India
Final Thoughts: Dehing Patkai and my Trip.
My trip to Dehing Patkai was an unforgettable experience. Witnessing the in its natural habitat, especially the cooperative breeding behavior, was truly special. It reinforced my commitment to conservation and inspired me to share the beauty of these birds with you all. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and go chase some dreams in Dehing Patkai!
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