Indian Grey Hornbill

Description:

This brownish-grey bird is the most common of the Indian Hornbills. It is among the smallest of the Indian species, similar in size to the Malabar Grey Hornbill. Its blackish beak has a pointed casque. The long grey tail is tipped black-and-white, which is conspicuous when the bird is landing. The male has red-brown eyes with black orbital skin, female has smaller casque, dark brown eyes and dull red orbital skin.

Habitat:

It is found in most parts of India, from the Himalayan foothills, southwards through the Indian peninsula, absent in the very dry areas of western India, and in wet forests of the Western Ghats and north-eastern India. Also found in parts of Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. In deciduous forests, woodlands, thorn forest, can be also seen in city gardens, plantations and parks. Usually seen in the plains up to 600 m, but reported up to 1400 m in the Himalayan foothills.