In Singapore the Oriental Pied Hornbill is so widespread, that it is hard to believe they only recolonised this tiny island city state recently. The popular hornbill is well adapted to the urban environment. Yet, the increasing reports of their nest predation behavior are shifting the public perception of this urban icon.

The urban predator paradox suggests that nesting closer to human habitation reduces the risk of nest predation. However, two birds’ nests were mysteriously preyed on from the balcony of wildlife photographer and filmmaker, Tim Plowden.

When an oriole nested in a tree at the back of his apartment, he set up a hide in his store room to document their breeding cycle. He was also hoping to unravel the mystery behind the nest predation.