Kerala – The Great Hornbill
Common Name: Great Hornbill
Local Name:
Scientific Name: Buceros bicornis
Description
The Great Hornbill is a huge, magnificent bird that is well-known for both its remarkable beauty and its deep cultural significance in many indigenous groups. It has a remarkable black-and-white wing pattern, a mostly black body with a white neck and lower abdomen, and a bright yellow and black casque on its huge beak. Male birds have red eyes with black eyelids, while female birds have white eyes with red eyelids. The Great Hornbill is distinguished by its characteristic loud, resonant notes and nesting tree location.
Threats include habitat destruction, large-scale deforestation, hunting, and trapping for the pet trade.