Malabar Grey Hornbill
NameMalabar Grey Hornbill
Common NameMalabar Grey Hornbill
Scientific NameOcyceros griseus
FamilyBucerotidae
Wingspan (cm)42.5
Length (cm)52.5
Weight (g)275
Plumage DetailsPredominantly dull grey plumage, with a lighter grey head and neck, and darker grey on the back and wings. The large, curved bill is yellowish-orange with a reddish base, lacking a prominent casque. The eyes are reddish-orange.
Vocalization / CallKnown for a distinctive series of cackling, laughing, and whistling calls, often described as a 'laughing call' or 'cackling laughter'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Western Ghats and associated hill ranges of southern India.
Identifying FeaturesLarge, curved yellowish-orange bill with a reddish base, Lack of a prominent casque on the bill, Overall dull grey plumage, lighter on head and neck, Reddish-orange eyes, Long tail
Description
This medium-sized hornbill is characterized by its dull grey plumage and a large, curved bill without a prominent casque. It is primarily arboreal, foraging for fruits and insects in the canopy of moist deciduous and evergreen forests of the Western Ghats.
