Great Hornbill (Malamuzhakki Vezhambal)

The Great Hornbill, also known as Malamuzhakki Vezhambal in Kerala, is one of the most iconic and majestic birds in India. Recently, this vulnerable species was spotted in the coastal belt of Kakkampara, near Ezhimala in Kannur, Kerala, a location quite far from its typical forested habitats.

Scientific Information

• Scientific Name: Buceros bicornis

• Common Names: Great Hornbill, Concave-casqued Hornbill, Great Indian Hornbill, Great Pied Hornbill

• Conservation Status: Vulnerable (IUCN Red List)

Distribution

• Indian Subcontinent: The Great Hornbill is predominantly found in the Western Ghats and Himalayan forests in India.

• Southeast Asia: It is also found in parts of Southeast Asia, such as parts of Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar.

• Habitat: The bird thrives in wet evergreen and deciduous forests, particularly at elevations of 600 to 2000 meters (1968.5 to 6561 feet). They prefer nesting in trees that rise above the canopy level, which provides them protection and seclusion.

Physical Features

• Size: The Great Hornbill is a large bird that measures from 95 to 120 cm in length, with a wingspan of 151 to 178 cm.

• Weight: It weighs about 3 kg on average.

• Coloration: The bird has striking features:

  • Black body, head, and wings

  • White abdomen and neck

  • White tail with a subterminal black band

  • Tinted oil: A preen gland near the tail secretes oil, which is spread over the feathers during grooming. This can cause the bird’s bill, neck, and feathers to display varying colors, from yellow to red.

• Casque: The most prominent feature of the Great Hornbill is the casque, a hollow, helmet-like structure located on top of its bill. This casque serves multiple purposes:

  • Combat and Display: Males use it to fight other males and attract females.

  • Distinctive Size: The males typically have a larger casque than females.

• Sexual Dimorphism: Males have red irises, while females have white irises.

Diet and Feeding Behavior

• Frugivorous: The Great Hornbill primarily feeds on fruit, making it an essential seed disperser in its ecosystem.

• Opportunistic Diet: While frugivory is their mainstay, they also feed on small mammals, reptiles, and even other birds when the opportunity arises.

Conservation and Threats

• IUCN Red List: The Great Hornbill is classified as Vulnerable, mainly due to habitat destruction, hunting, and the loss of its forested habitat.

• Main Threats:

  • Deforestation: The encroachment of agriculture and human settlements into their forest habitats is a significant concern.

  • Poaching: Hunting for the bird’s feathers and casque also poses a danger to its population.

  • Fragmentation: The destruction of large contiguous forests forces the birds to survive in smaller, isolated patches, impacting their breeding and feeding habits.

Significance of the Sightings in Kakkampara

• The Kakkampara sighting, far away from their typical forest habitats, signifies the adaptability of the species to new environments. The sighting of this magnificent bird on Kerala’s coast is both a rare event and an encouraging indicator of its persistence in non-typical regions.

Conclusion

The Great Hornbill is a majestic and vulnerable species that plays an important ecological role as a seed disperser in the forests of India and Southeast Asia.