Malabar Pied Hornbill

Description:

Large black and white birds with huge yellow beaks. It is amazing to see how delicately the bird preens using the big beak.

Habitat:

The lawns of the Hotel we stayed in...at Habanara, Sri Lanka. This was early in the morning and I also spotted them flying back in the evening.The grounds were extensive and adjoining a lake with swampy vegetation at the edges. However, even after stalking them over decent distances I often failed to click. They "knew" I was following them and pointing things (camera) and often would fly away just as I had focussed right. It was very frustrating. However this couple did not care and sat for a few moments.