The Malabar pied hornbill, also known as the lesser pied hornbill, is a bird in the hornbill family, a family of tropical near-passerine birds found in the Old World.
Region
Western Ghats and Sri Lanka
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill evergreen and moist deciduous forests, riverine woodland, and forest edges. Frequently visits fruiting fig trees and can use shade-grown plantations and large wooded groves near villages. It roosts and nests in tall, mature trees with large cavities. Tolerant of some disturbance where big fruiting trees persist, but dependent on intact canopy for breeding.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The Malabar pied hornbill, also called the lesser pied hornbill, is a large fruit-eating hornbill of southwestern India and Sri Lanka. Females seal themselves inside a tree cavity during nesting, leaving only a narrow slit, while the male delivers food. They are major dispersers of fig and other large-seeded trees, shaping forest dynamics. Their loud wingbeats are often heard before the bird is seen.
Temperament
social and noisy
Flight Pattern
strong flier with heavy wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small groups, gathering at fruiting trees and communal roosts. Monogamous pairs nest in natural tree cavities; the female seals the entrance with a wall of mud and droppings and is fed by the male until fledging. Post-breeding, family groups may join mixed-species frugivore flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are loud cackles, clucks, and grating croaks, often delivered in short series. Wingbeats produce a characteristic whooshing sound in flight that can carry over long distances.
