With their striking black plumage, long tails, and impressive curved casques, Sirius and Biru have arrived at Banham Zoo. These beautiful Black Hornbills are native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, where they spend much of their time high in the canopy, gliding between trees and foraging for fruit. If you look closely, you’ll notice Sirius is the male with a pale, ivory-white beak and casque, while Biru is the female, easily recognised by her entirely black beak and casque.

Black Hornbills play a vital role in their natural environment as seed dispersers. By eating fruit and carrying seeds across large distances, they help new plants grow and forests regenerate, making them an essential part of healthy ecosystems. Both birds are settling in wonderfully and showing plenty of personality, with Biru arriving with some impressive skills already under her wing thanks to recall training at Hertfordshire Zoo, which supports health checks, safe movements, and building trust with the bird team.

Meanwhile, Sirius has quickly earned a reputation as a bit of a foodie — especially when blueberries are on the menu! Our keepers have been carefully supporting the pair as they adjust to their new surroundings, introducing them to their habitat, daily routines, and enrichment activities designed to encourage natural behaviours such as foraging, flying, and exploration. We’re incredibly proud to care for this fascinating species, so be sure to stop by their habitat next to the Scarlet Ibis on your next visit and give a warm welcome to our newest feathered residents!