Ocyceros griseus
The Malabar Grey Hornbill (*Ocyceros griseus*) is a medium-sized hornbill, endemic to the Western Ghats of India, instantly recognizable by its predominantly dusky grey plumage and distinctive, yet relatively small, casque. Measuring approximately 45-58 cm (18-23 inches) in length, it exhibits a paler belly, blackish primary feathers, and a grey-brown tail tipped with white, which creates a prominent field mark during its characteristic undulating flight. Its yellowish bill is topped by a dar...
Inhabits moist deciduous and evergreen forests, often found in mixed deciduous-evergreen woodlands, and adapts well to plantations and areas near human cultivation. Primarily occurs from lowlands up to moderate elevations, typically not exceeding 1200 meters.
Primarily frugivorous, consuming a wide variety of wild fruits and figs, supplemented with insects, small lizards, tree frogs, and occasional rodents. Forages by gleaning and snatching items from branches and foliage.
Malabar Grey Hornbills are diurnal, spending their days actively foraging and often roosting communally in small groups outside the breeding season. Their foraging strategy involves gleaning fruits, insects, and small vertebrates directly from trees and foliage, demonstrating agile movements thro...
The Malabar Grey Hornbill is endemic to the Western Ghats and associated hill ranges of peninsular India, maintaining a resident distribution throughout its range. Its breeding range encompasses virtually its entire geographic distribution, with no significant migratory movements observed. The sp...
Least Concern
- The Malabar Grey Hornbill is the smallest hornbill species found within its native range in the Western Ghats of India. - During nesting, the female completely seals herself inside a tree cavity, using a mixture of mud, bark, and her own droppings. - The male tirelessly feeds the sealed-in fema...