The Great Hornbill, The state bird of Kerala

The Great Hornbill – Majestic Guardian of Kerala's Forests

The Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis), also known as the Greater Indian Hornbill, holds the prestigious title of state bird of Kerala. Known for its striking appearance and majestic presence, it is the largest member of the hornbill family and a true symbol of Kerala’s rich natural heritage.

Habitat and Range

This magnificent bird is a resident of Kerala’s evergreen forests, particularly in the Western Ghats. Its distribution extends far beyond the state, ranging from Western India through Indochina, down to Malaysia and Sumatra. The Great Hornbill is typically found in dense forests from sea level up to 5000 feet (1524 meters) in elevation.

Physical Features

The Great Hornbill can grow up to 1.4 meters (4.5 feet) in length, making it an unmistakable presence in the treetops. Its black plumage, contrasted with white-tipped wings and a white tail banded in black, adds to its visual grandeur. A standout feature is the enormous yellow bill topped with a casque – a hollow, helmet-like structure that is often used during flight displays and courtship. The casque, although solid-looking, is mostly hollow and is believed to be a product of sexual selection.

The neck is encircled with a yellow ruff, and males have red eyes, while females display blue eyes. Their legs are short, but they possess broad feet suited for gripping large tree branches.

Diet and Behavior

Though primarily frugivores, Indian Hornbills are also omnivorous. They feast on a wide variety of fruits and berries, swallowing them whole and later regurgitating indigestible parts like seeds and bones. In addition to fruits, their diet includes insects, small reptiles like lizards and snakes, and even bird nestlings.

Great Hornbills are known for their strong pair bonds and elaborate nesting rituals. The female nests inside the hollow of a large tree, and the entrance is sealed using mud, feces, and bark, leaving only a small slit through which the male feeds her. She remains sealed in for weeks, during which she undergoes a complete moult, only emerging when the chicks are partially grown. A typical clutch contains one or two eggs, incubated over 38 to 40 days.

Conservation Status

Despite their powerful presence, Great Hornbills are under threat. They are currently listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List. In Kerala, their primary danger is habitat destruction due to deforestation and shrinking forest cover. In other parts of India and Southeast Asia, they are also hunted for their meat, medicinal use, and decorative casque.

Symbol of Conservation

Efforts are being made by forest departments and wildlife organizations in Kerala and across India to protect the Great Hornbill and its habitat. They are not just birds but important indicators of healthy forest ecosystems. Their survival is tied closely to the survival of the Western Ghats and its rich biodiversity.

The Great Hornbill, with its grandeur and ecological significance, is more than just a state bird — it is a living emblem of Kerala’s wild legacy. Protecting it means protecting the forests, the culture, and the natural spirit of the land.