Malabar Grey Hornbill is a common and resident species found in the Western Ghats. Its calls are very loud and distinctive, making it easy to identify even from a distance. These photos were taken from my home yard itself. First time getting it from here. Earlier I had got it from Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary.
Male Malabar Grey Hornbill, from Cheruvally, Date: 19.12.2013
Female, from Cheruvally, Date: 19.12.2013
Male, another look
Male, a portrait
The pictures were taken at mid-day, when the lighting was very harsh, and these two birds were on the top branch of a tree. That is why the sky is blown – out in the first and third pictures. These birds generally don’t come open, and mainly perch atop of trees.
As you can see from the pictures, the male and the female are different in looks. The male has dark orange colored bills whereas the female has pale yellow bills. This is the notable difference.
It belongs to the family Bucerotidae and the scientific name is Ocyceros griseus. Apart from this, the other main Hornbill species found in Kerala are Indian Grey Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, and the Great Indian Hornbill, which according to the IUCN Red List, is Near Threatened. It is also the State Bird of Kerala.
These photos are also added to Portfolio – Birds and Album – Cheruvally. You can see the photos there also.
