Indian Grey hornbill

About Indian Grey hornbill:

 

• It is a common hornbill found on the Indian subcontinent.
• It is commonly sighted in pairs.
• These birds are known to be arboreal, i.e. spend most of their time on tall trees, but may descend for food and to collect mud pellets for nesting. 
• Appearance:
  • It has grey feathers all over the body with a light grey or dull white belly.
  • The horn is black or dark grey with a casque extending to the point of curvature of the horn.
  • Unlike a lot of other birds, the male and female look similar
• It is one of the few hornbill species found in urban areas in many cities where they are able to make use of large trees in avenues.
• They play an essential role in the ecosystem as prime dispersers of seeds. 
• Distribution: Indian subcontinent; found from north-east Pakistan and south Nepal east to north-west Bangladesh and south throughout most of India except in Assam.
• Conservation status
  • IUCN: Least Concern

 

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Q1) What is Hornbill Festival?

The Hornbill Festival is a cultural extravaganza held annually in Nagaland, a state in northeast India. It takes place from December 1st to 10th and is named after the hornbill bird, which holds significant cultural and traditional value in the Naga community.

Source: First recorded sighting of Indian Grey Hornbill in Puducherry