Indian Grey Hornbill

The Indian grey hornbill is a large, arboreal bird and is quite common all over the country. It has dark grey plumage, with upper part of the body of a slightly darker shade and whitish belly parts.

It has a large curved beak with clearly discernible dark-red colored eyes. In overall appearance, it can be mistaken for the Malabar grey hornbill (see post Malabar Grey Hornbill). Both species are similar in size and appearance, food habits and their inclination for dwelling in tall trees. The Indian grey however is mainly found on the plains, while the Malabar grey is a native of the Western Ghats. The key feature that distinguishes Indian grey hornbill from its namesake from the ghats is a pointed outgrowth (casque) on its beak. Females have a slightly smaller casque.

Hornbills mainly feed on fruits and berries, dexterously moving through thick branches to get them with their large beaks. They also prey on small insects like grass-hoppers and lizards.

How to spot them?

Hornbills are arboreal in nature and are partial to a variety of tall fruit and berry bearing trees, such as banyan and peepul. They move about in small groups and are rarely seen singly. Their presence in the upper reaches of branches is revealed by the high pitched calls, kee-kee…, and noisy movement through the branches.

The birds can be seen in parts of Kalwa and near the hills surrounding Mumbra, although such sightings are becoming fewer and far between. One can also spot these birds at SGNP, Yeoor hills, Karnala and parts of Vikhroli.

 

Causes for decreased numbers

Increasing urbanization and loss of habitat in the form of large trees, in which they nest, are the chief causes for decreased numbers in recent years. It is upto the local and state authorities to aggressively pursue urban afforestation programs and create large spaces for forests and wooded parks to preserve the wildlife. Pressure on natural resources will continue unless the human population stabilizes at sustainable levels. Until that happens, wildlife will persistently cede ground to our ever expanding numbers.

Till then, we must be more environment conscious in our daily lives; save water, reduce plastics, reduce unnecessary retail consumption, stop food wastage and do our best.

Let us all do our bit to save planet Earth.

The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.

Robert Charles Swan, OBE, FRGS, the first person to walk to both Poles.