The 13 species of hornbills occurring in Indonesia have been studied to varying degrees, but a comprehensive identification of knowledge gaps is still lacking. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to identify the species and topics that require further investigation. We searched the literature using ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Neliti, ResearchGate, and the Google search engine for all publications from 1970 to 2023. Publications were grouped under 15 conservation and ecological topics related to hornbills. Our review included 183 publications, comprising journal articles (56.3%), theses/dissertations (23.5%), conference papers (18.6%), and small portions of books and book sections (1.6%). Almost all the literature (72%) had been published after 2013, while the remaining (28%) was published before this period. The need for further studies across all research topics was identified for several species, including the Sumba Hornbill Rhyticeros everetti, Sulawesi Hornbill Rhabdotorrhinus exharratus, and Papuan Hornbill Rhyticeros plicatus. We also underscore the need for investigation into seed dispersal, ecotourism, and research methods across all hornbill species. Enhancing research and drawing public attention to Indonesia’s hornbills should increase their popularity and may serve to increase financial resources. This is the first systematic review of hornbill research for Indonesia and provides important information to determine future hornbill studies in the country.

The “Critically Endangered” Cherry-throated Tanager Nemosia rourei is endemic to the Atlantic Forest of south-eastern Brazil, and extremely rare for reasons that are not yet fully understood. We monitored reproductive activities of the only known individuals of the species, at two sites, between October 2018 and November 2023. The birds foraged in social groups of 5–8 individuals. Ten nests, built in trees at heights of 12–26 m, were monitored through continuous direct observation. Most reproductive activity occurred between October and end of November, with one further nest found in March. Clutch size was 3–4 eggs, the incubation and nestling periods were 16 days, and the chicks were fed mainly on invertebrates. Up to six nest helpers, likely young from previous seasons, assisted with the collection of nest material, feeding the chicks, and defending the nest. Reproductive success was 50%, with losses due to climatic conditions (rain and cold) and predation, but may have been enhanced by the efforts of the researchers in scaring away potential predators including Spot-billed Toucanet Selenidera maculirostris and Black Capuchin Sapajus nigritus. These findings reinforce the value of detailed observation of social groups and their nests, and continuing efforts to deter predators. Further research could address how parental care and nest helpers affect reproductive success. The availability of large trees with abundant lichens may be a limiting factor for the reproductive success of species in the long term, and so protecting and restoring habitat with such features is crucial for the long-term conservation of this species.

Mountainous regions host globally unique biodiversity, but face growing threats from climate and land-use change. The Alps stand out as a key mountain range in Europe, where the ski industry is extensive and impacts ecosystems and their associated biodiversity. However, climate change is projected to reduce natural snow precipitation, thus understanding snow dynamics and the ski industry’s role is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies. Ski-piste creation generally has detrimental consequences for mountain biodiversity, yet pistes often retain substantial snow throughout spring that, when melting, may create favourable foraging conditions for mountain birds. This study investigates whether ski-pistes provide suitable foraging habitat and explores their broader importance for mountain avifauna. Field surveys in spring 2023 in the western Italian Alps recorded 17 bird species using the melting snow on ski-pistes as a foraging habitat. Snow presence was a significant factor influencing bird presence. Birds systematically selected areas with intermediate snow cover interspersed with muddy patches, a microhabitat that likely has a high availability of invertebrate prey emerging from the soil. Given that snow is retained on ski-pistes for longer than on the surrounding habitat, the pistes may represent a useful source of food for mountain birds in spring. However, this needs to be considered in relation to the negative impacts of skiing on alpine biodiversity, which may include a likely increased reliance on artificial snow in response to the projected decline in natural snow precipitation under climate change. Understanding these effects is essential to ensure that future conservation strategies support mountain bird communities without exacerbating the environmental costs associated with artificial snow production.