Repose

Featured animal:  Great Indian hornbill (Buceros bicornis)

Photo credit: Harishvara Venkat

Location:  Valparai, India

The Great Indian hornbill is a very large bird of India.  Because of its size, feeding and nesting habits, it needs old and extensive forests with large, aged trees to nest in. The most prominent feature of the hornbill is the bright yellow and black casque on top of its massive bill.  Roost sites are used regularly and birds arrive punctually at sunset from long distances, following the same routes each day. Several tall trees in the vicinity may be used, the birds choosing the highest branches with little foliage. They jockey for position until late at dusk. When sleeping they draw their neck back and the bill is held upwards at an angle.