Why is it in the news?
→ Selected as ‘Bird of Tirupattur’ district in Tamil Nadu through public poll.
→ Highlights local biodiversity awareness initiatives.
Category: Environment
Important Points
- Common hornbill species found on the Indian subcontinent.
- Often sighted in pairs.
- Arboreal birds spend most time on trees.
- Habitat includes deciduous forests, open woodlands and urban gardens.
- Distribution from northeast Pakistan and Nepal to most of India except Assam.
- Grey feathers with light grey or dull white belly.
- Black or dark grey horn with casque.
- Male and female look similar.
- Diet mainly fruits, especially figs.
- Important seed disperser.
- IUCN conservation status: Least Concern.