The Kodagu Valley resort is a veritable birdwatchers’ paradise. Almost all balconies overlook dense tree-covered ravines, the avian fancier need do no more than sit on the balcony and keep his eyes open. I saw an Indian or a Malabar Grey Hornbill on the tall tree next to our balcony. The bird was quite large with curved beak and black and white tail.
Indian Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros birostris) Common Grey Hornbill R Kite- overall greyish brown plumage; with an enormous black and white beak that is curved downward, surmounted by the casque; long graduate tail, with a black and white tip. In the female, casque is smaller.Seen in the dry deciduous forest, along with other frugivorous birds in the fruiting season. Flight, graceful and undulating from one tree to the other, in the typical follow-the-leader pattern Voice: Noisy, made of shrill squeaking notes and some screams plus a loud cackling ke.ke.kke.kkae…Nesting March-June.Eggs:2-3 dull white.
Malabar Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros griseus) R Kite- similar to 146; yellow-orange bill; casque on the beak missing; white streaks on head, throat and breast; white tipped black tail except central feather. Voice: distinct, loud, puerile ayein.And loud cackling ke.ke.kke.kkae. Calls. Habits,Nesting ,Eggs similar to 146.
Courtesy: Feathered Jewels of Coorg Dr. S V Narasimhan
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