Life-history theory maintains that long-lived species such as hornbills (Bucerotiformes) maximize lifetime fecundity by ensuring adult survival, rather than investing in current reproductive output. Unusually, female Tockus hornbills are sealed into the nest cavity during breeding, placing a large burden on the male who feeds her and the nestlings for up to 9 weeks. Early departure to help feed young may improve nestling survival, but could reduce female survival if moult is incomplete. We investigated whether departure time of the female Monteiro's Hornbill Tockus monteiri is more strongly related to measures of female fitness or juvenile condition. Departure was independent of nestling development and growth, instead depending on female state. At departure, variability in condition between females was smaller than at any other stage, implying a strong stabilizing selection on optimal female departure condition. Similarly, moult showed signs of being completed, and variability in the state of moult between females was lowest at departure. Both predictions were met in favour of the hypothesis that Monteiro's Hornbills would base the timing of their departure from the nest on maximizing their own survival. Thus, as predicted, future reproductive potential takes precedence over current reproductive output in a trade-off decision in this species.