Indian Grey Hornbill

The Indian grey hornbill (Ocyceros birostris) presents itself as a medium-sized bird, approximately 61 cm in length. Its plumage is predominantly greyish brown, with a lighter grey or dull white underbelly. A distinctive feature is its black or dark grey horn, adorned with a casque that extends to the horn's curvature. This species is one of the few hornbills that have adapted to urban environments, utilizing large avenue trees for sustenance.

Identification Tips

Males are identified by a larger casque atop a dark bill, with a yellowish culmen and lower mandible. The skin around their eyes is typically dark. Females, on the other hand, display a more yellowish bill with black on the basal half and casque. Juveniles are casque-less, with dull orange skin surrounding the eye.

Habitat

The Indian grey hornbill is an arboreal creature, favoring the plains up to elevations of about 610 meters. It thrives in cities with old avenue trees, as well as in various natural habitats.

Distribution

This species is indigenous to the Indian subcontinent, ranging from the Himalayan foothills to the Ganges Delta, westward to the Indus system, and in urban areas with suitable tree cover.

Behaviour

The Indian grey hornbill is often seen in pairs or small groups, engaging in a heavy, flap-and-glide flight. It is known for its squealing call, reminiscent of a black kite. Nesting occurs in tree hollows, where the female seals herself inside, leaving only a slit for the male to deliver food.

Song & Calls

The call of the Indian grey hornbill is a distinctive squealing sound, similar to that of a black kite.

Breeding

Breeding season spans from April to June, with clutches ranging from one to five symmetrical white eggs. Remarkably, the female molts her flight feathers while sealed within the nest, emerging only when the chicks are mature and the nest is opened.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Indian grey hornbill is varied, including fruits from key trees such as Streblus asper and Ficus spp., as well as molluscs, scorpions, insects, and occasionally small birds and reptiles. They have also been observed consuming fruits of Thevetia peruviana, which are toxic to many vertebrates.

Conservation status

The Indian grey hornbill is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.