The Malabar grey hornbill (Ocyceros griseus) is a species of hornbill native to the Western Ghats of southern India. It belongs to the family Bucerotidae and is one of three species in the genus Ocyceros, the others being the Indian yellow‑breasted hornbill (O. rubescens) and the Sri Lankan grey hornbill (O. mangoli). The common name “Malabar grey hornbill” references the historical Malabar Coast region where the bird is commonly found.
Taxonomy and systematics
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Bucerotiformes
- Family: Bucerotidae
- Genus: Ocyceros
- Species: O. griseus
The species was first described by Temminck in 1825. It is sometimes referred to as the Indian grey hornbill.
Physical description
The Malabar grey hornbill measures approximately 45–48 cm (18–19 in) in length. Adults have a predominantly grey plumage with a contrasting white facial skin and a black cap extending over the crown. The beak is long, slightly curved, and yellowish, terminating in a modest casque that is less pronounced than in larger hornbill species. The bird’s legs and feet are dark, and the iris is brown. Sexual dimorphism is minimal; both sexes appear similar.
Distribution and habitat
The species is endemic to the Western Ghats, ranging from the state of Gujarat in the north, through Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, to the southern tip of the Indian peninsula. It inhabits tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, including evergreen and semi‑evergreen forests, as well as adjacent plantations and garden areas where large trees are present. The bird prefers habitats with mature trees suitable for nesting cavities.
Behaviour and ecology
Diet: The Malabar grey hornbill is omnivorous, feeding on a variety of fruits (notably figs), berries, insects, small reptiles, and occasionally carrion. Fruit constitutes the bulk of its diet, especially during the breeding season, providing essential nutrients for chick development.
Breeding: Breeding occurs primarily between February and July, coinciding with the monsoon period. The species nests in natural cavities of large trees, often excavating or enlarging the entrance. The female seals herself inside the nest cavity using a mixture of mud, droppings, and fruit pulp, leaving only a narrow slit through which the male passes food. Both parents participate in feeding the chicks. Clutch size typically ranges from two to three eggs, which are incubated for about 18 days. Fledging occurs after approximately 30 days.
Social behavior: Outside the breeding season, the Malabar grey hornbill is often observed in small groups or pairs. It is a vocal species, producing a series of low, resonant calls used for territorial advertisement and mate communication.
Conservation status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the Malabar grey hornbill as Least Concern (LC) due to its relatively wide distribution and stable population trends. Nevertheless, habitat loss from deforestation, fragmentation, and conversion of forest land to agriculture poses localized threats. Conservation measures focus on preserving mature forest tracts and maintaining nesting tree availability.
References
- BirdLife International. (2022). Ocyceros griseus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022.
- Grimmett, R., Inskipp, C., & Inskipp, T. (2011). Birds of the Indian Subcontinent. 2nd ed. Oxford University Press.
- Rasmussen, P. C., & Anderton, J. C. (2005). Birds of South Asia: The Ripley Guide. Lynx Edicions.