Malabar Grey Hornbill

The Hornbill is a large bird, about the size of a Pariah Kite. It is dark-grey in color, with a large bill well suited for picking up berries from banyan or peepul trees. 

There are two sub-species of the Grey Hornbill. The species found in the heavy rainfall regions of the Western Ghat regions is the Malabar Grey Hornbill, while that found in other lightly wooded regions is the Indian Grey Hornbill. The Indian Grey hornbill has a small projection over its bill, which is lacking in the Malabar species.

Habits

It is an arboreal bird found throughout the country, in lightly wooded regions. It moves by hopping over tree branches in search of berries and fruits, often stretching upside down while picking up fruits with its long bill. It also feeds on small lizards and mice. It nests in small tree hollows, with the female walled up with mud and bird droppings during incubation. The male provides for it until the young birds are hatched and the nest is broken open.

Sexes are alike.

Photograph location: Thekkady

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