Malabar Grey Hornbill

Malabar Grey Hornbill is a hornbill endemic to the Western Ghats and are found mainly in both dense forests and semi-urban areas. They move around in groups, and diet comprises on figs, forest fruits, large insects and lizards. What’s so different about the Malabar Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros griseos) compared with the other three Hornbills found in the Western Ghats? The casque, of course. Rather, the absence of it.  Although the attention-grabbing casque-the horn in hornbill-is not present in this southern species, the bright orange bill (in males) makes up for it and you realize the true meaning of the word “Hornbill”. The bill is shaped exactly like a cow’s horn, which is the literal meaning of its family name. These hornbills loud cackling and laughing call makes them familiar to people living in the region. Clicked at Eldhose Birding Lodge and Resorts.

Last updated: May 7, 2023