The Great Hornbill, also known as Greater Indian Hornbill or Buceros bicornis, holds the prestigious title of the State Bird of Kerala. This majestic bird, known for its enormous size and impressive casque, is the largest member of the hornbill family and symbolizes Kerala’s rich biodiversity and forest heritage.
📍 Where is the Great Hornbill Found?
In Kerala, these birds thrive in the evergreen forests of the Western Ghats. However, their range extends much beyond the state – they are also found in parts of Western India, Indochina, Sumatra, and the Malayan peninsula. They occupy altitudes from sea level up to 5000 feet (1524m).
📏 Physical Characteristics
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Length: Up to 4.5 feet (1.4 meters)
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Tail: Can reach 3 feet (76 cm), white with black bands
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Feathers: Predominantly black with white bands on the wings and tail
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Bill: Curved yellow with a prominent casque (a hollow, helmet-like structure)
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Eyes: Blue for females, red for males
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Legs: Short but with strong, broad feet for perching
The casque is a unique characteristic of hornbills and serves no specific function, although it’s thought to aid in sexual selection. Males sometimes engage in aerial casque butting, possibly to impress potential mates.
🍓 What Do Great Hornbills Eat?
Great Hornbills are primarily frugivorous, meaning they eat fruits – particularly figs and berries. However, they are also omnivores and may hunt:
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Lizards
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Insects
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Small snakes
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Nestlings of other birds
They are known to swallow food whole and later regurgitate indigestible parts like pits and bones.
🪺 Nesting and Reproduction
Female hornbills choose large tree trunks with natural hollows to build nests. Once inside, the entrance is sealed with a mix of:
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Mud
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Bark
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Droppings
The female remains sealed inside until the chicks are half-grown, relying entirely on the male to feed her. She undergoes a complete moult during this time.
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Clutch size: 1–2 eggs
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Incubation period: 38–40 days
⚠️ Conservation Status: Why Are They Threatened?
The Great Hornbill is classified as “Near Threatened” on the IUCN Red List. The major threats include:
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Habitat Destruction: Deforestation in Kerala’s Western Ghats
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Hunting: For meat and supposed medicinal properties
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Loss of Nesting Trees: Due to logging and human encroachment
These birds are now rarely seen outside protected forests, and conservation efforts are crucial to prevent them from slipping into endangered status.
📸 Wildlife Tourism & Hornbill Sightings in Kerala
Tourists and birdwatchers can spot the Great Hornbill in protected areas like:
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Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary
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Silent Valley National Park
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Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary
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Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
Eco-tourism and wildlife tours in these areas offer a great opportunity to witness this iconic bird in the wild.
❓ Top FAQs About the Great Hornbill – Kerala’s State Bird
Q1: What is the state bird of Kerala?
A: The Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis) is the official state bird of Kerala.
Q2: Where can I see the Great Hornbill in Kerala?
A: They can be spotted in forested areas like Periyar, Silent Valley, and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries.
Q3: Why is the Great Hornbill endangered?
A: Due to habitat loss, deforestation, and illegal hunting for meat and medicine.
Q4: What does the casque of the hornbill do?
A: While its exact function is unclear, it is believed to play a role in mating displays and possibly amplifying calls.
Q5: What do hornbills eat?
A: Primarily fruits like berries and figs, but they also eat insects, lizards, and small animals.
Q6: How do hornbills nest?
A: The female seals herself inside a tree hollow with mud and feces, depending on the male to feed her and the chicks.
Q7: Are Great Hornbills found outside India?
A: Yes, they are also found in Southeast Asia including Thailand, Malaysia, and Sumatra.
Q8: How can tourists help in hornbill conservation?
A: By supporting eco-tourism and spreading awareness about habitat protection.
Q9: What is the average lifespan of a Great Hornbill?
A: In the wild, they can live up to 35–50 years.
Q10: Do male and female hornbills look different?
A: Yes, females are smaller and have blue eyes, while males have red eyes.
🏁 Conclusion
The Great Hornbill is not just a bird—it is a symbol of Kerala's ecological richness and cultural pride. Unfortunately, this magnificent bird is under threat. As responsible travelers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts, we must support conservation initiatives that protect Kerala’s forests and the unique species that inhabit them.
Plan a visit to Kerala's wildlife sanctuaries and try to spot this majestic aerial giant. Every sighting becomes a memory, and every memory helps build awareness for a species fighting for survival.
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