Clock of The Mountain
Didn’t you know that a kind of bird is called the “Clock of the Mountain”?
The forest is essential as a watershed. It gives people the benefit of climate control, pollution control, and wild life conservation which the latter becomes one of the major forestry tribulations.
As an ecosystem, the forest is a community of plants and animals interacting with one another and with the physical environment. Residence of a place where there is still dense growth of trees, together with other plants, experience the exquisite resonance of animal creature that live in this area. One of which is the farmer’s friend called kalaw [ka-la-w] or the hornbill.
Hornbills are omnivorous birds; meaning, a kind of species that eat both plants and animals as their primary food source. Those forest living species of hornbills are considered to be important seed dispersers. Most hornbills live in forests, and nest in holes in trees, while the species of open habitats nest in cavities in hollow trees or in holes in cliffs.
Hornbills are rather conspicuous birds, because they make a wide range of loud noises. In the Philippines, farmers noted that hornbills or the kalaw makes loud noise during the 12 high noon and 12 midnight. That is why farmers call this bird the “clock of the mountain”.
Aside from over hunting, hornbills are now diminishing and are getting endangered following the conversion of their tropical forest habitats to agriculture or other purposes. Many hunters are getting interested of hornbills and kept them in captivity as interesting pets and for its valuable hornbill ivory.
image credit silvery-cheeked hornbill
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16 Responses to “Clock of The Mountain”
On August 24, 2009 at 3:35 am
I didn’t even realize that we have hornbills in RP; didn’t know that kalaws are hornbills. There’ so much to learn and so much to write about and share.
On August 24, 2009 at 3:37 am
WoW! this was very informative and educational article. I’ve learned a lot from you, Anne, Well Done and thanks for sharing this wonderful stuff.
On August 24, 2009 at 5:12 am
Interesting piece. What an extraordinary looking bird! Let’s hope that they stop cutting down the trees before it is to late.
On August 24, 2009 at 7:44 am
I have seen a kalaw during one of our climbs at the Iglit-Baco National Park. It is the endemic tarictic hornbill. very rare indeed. But i do not know that it has an ivory. many people in our place trap hornbill for food.
On August 24, 2009 at 10:17 am
alam ko Kalaw yan, ang di ko lang alam Seiko watch din pala sila. LOL
On August 24, 2009 at 2:25 pm
Hey, Very nice post. Interesting and informative.
On August 24, 2009 at 4:06 pm
I’ve seen hornbills but never knew they were called “Clock of the Mountain”!
On August 24, 2009 at 4:10 pm
I think they’re odd, though beautiful too! Great article.
On August 24, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Ahh I didn’t know about this beautiful bird it seems big!
On August 24, 2009 at 8:37 pm
Incredible birds,did not know them.
On August 24, 2009 at 9:55 pm
So sad that this interesting bird should be endangered.
On August 25, 2009 at 5:42 am
This reminds me of my boyhood in our farm. Nice article kabayan.
On August 27, 2009 at 3:55 am
One never knows about these interesting creatures. Excellent piece.
On September 1, 2009 at 9:00 am
informative.. interesante.. haha.. d q alam un ah..=)
On September 10, 2009 at 1:43 pm
nice article, never heard of that! well said, papaleng!
On October 14, 2009 at 11:07 am
What a beautiful bird, very informative article.
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