White-thighed Hornbill vs Piping Hornbill

In short

The White-thighed Hornbill and Piping Hornbill are both medium-sized pied hornbills, but they can be distinguished by their plumage and bill characteristics. The White-thighed Hornbill has distinctive white thighs, while the Piping Hornbill shows variable amounts of white in the wings and tail depending on the subspecies.

Identification tips

• Look for the white thighs on the White-thighed Hornbill as a key distinguishing feature.
• Check the amount of white in the wings and tail for the Piping Hornbill, noting that it varies by subspecies.
• Observe the overall bill and casque size, which also varies in the Piping Hornbill.

Plumage

The White-thighed Hornbill is noted for its white thighs, which contrast with its otherwise dark plumage. In contrast, the Piping Hornbill has a white belly and rump, with variable white markings on the wings and tail that change with subspecies.