Birds · Bucerotiformes · Bucerotidae

Indian Grey Hornbill

Ocyceros birostris

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

The Indian grey hornbill is the commonest and most urban hornbill of the Indian subcontinent: it is frequently seen along tree-lined avenues and in the parks and gardens of cities such as Delhi and Mumbai. It is brownish grey with an elongated casque above the bill and very conspicuous long black eyelashes. It eats mainly fruit, especially figs, along with insects and small reptiles. As in the rest of the hornbills, the female seals herself into the nest hole while raising the young.

Weight

350 g – 500 g

Size

50 cm – 60 cm

Lifespan

20 years

Diet

Omnivore

Combines animal and plant food depending on availability.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

In pairs

Usually lives in pairs, sometimes for life.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

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Fun facts

It has eyelashes: long, stiff modified feathers that shield its eyes, a striking feature and an uncommon one among birds.
It is one of the few hornbills in the world to have thrived in large cities: the old trees of India's avenues provide the nest holes it has lost in the forest.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (bird)
Habitat & environment: Open woodland, urban avenues, gardens and wooded farmland of the Indian subcontinent
Sexual maturity: 2 years
Gestation / incubation: 27 days of incubation
Litter / clutch size: 3 eggs

Sources consulted: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocyceros_birostris