Malabar Grey Hornbill

The Malabar grey hornbill, a bird of considerable charm, is a large yet the smallest of the Asian hornbills, measuring 45 to 58 cm in length. Its tail spans about 23 cm, and it boasts a pale or yellowish to orange bill. The males are distinguished by their reddish bill with a yellow tip, while females feature a plain yellow bill with a black base on the lower mandible and a black stripe along the culmen. A broad whitish superciliary band graces above the eye, extending down to the neck. The wings are brown-grey with a white carpal patch, and the primary flight feathers are black with white tips. The back is grey, the vent cinnamon, and the long tail is blackish with a white tip. The underparts are grey with white streaks. Notably, the Malabar grey hornbill lacks the casque found in other hornbill species.

Identification Tips

In the field, look for the strong flap and glide flight pattern and the heavy hopping on the outer branches of large fruiting trees. The absence of a casque on the bill and the white tip on the tail are key identification features. Juveniles have browner upperparts and a yellow bill, with a dull white or yellow iris.

Habitat

This hornbill favors dense forests and is often found around rubber, arecanut, or coffee plantations, where tree cover is abundant.

Distribution

Endemic to the Western Ghats of India, the Malabar grey hornbill ranges from Nashik in the north to the southernmost hills, from sea level to about 1,500 meters in elevation.

Behaviour

The Malabar grey hornbill is a sociable bird, typically seen in pairs or small groups. It plays a crucial role in seed dispersal for many forest trees due to its frugivorous diet. Occasionally, it may also feed on small vertebrates.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of this species is quite memorable, including a variety of "hysterical cackling," "laughing," and "screeching" calls that resonate through their forested homes.

Breeding

The breeding season spans from January to May. These birds are secondary cavity nesters, relying on large trees with natural hollows for nesting. The female seals herself within the cavity, laying three to four white eggs and undergoing a complete moult. The male is responsible for providing food during this period.

Similar Species

The Indian grey hornbill, which inhabits the plains, can be distinguished by its prominent casque and the white trailing edge of the entire wing in flight.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet consists mainly of figs and other forest fruits, but they are also known to consume small vertebrates. In captivity, they readily accept meat.

Conservation status

The Malabar grey hornbill is currently classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it faces a high risk of extinction in the wild.