GREAT HORNBILL

1. Context

In a rare and remarkable sighting, the Malamuzhakki Vezhambal (Great Hornbill), Kerala’s State bird, was spotted in the coastal belt of Kakkampara, near Ezhimala, in Kannur, an area far from its usual forested habitats.

2. Malamuzhakki Vezhambal (Great Hornbill)

The Malamuzhakki Vezhambal, or the Great Hornbill (Buceros bicornis), is one of the most iconic and majestic birds found in the forests of the Western Ghats, including the lush landscapes of Kerala.
Its name in Malayalam, Malamuzhakki Vezhambal, translates to "the hornbill that echoes through the mountains," a poetic reference to the loud, resonant call it makes, which often carries far through the dense forest canopy.
This bird is easily recognizable by its large size, striking black and white plumage, and, most notably, its massive yellow and black casque—a hollow structure that sits atop its long, curved bill. The casque’s function is still debated among ornithologists, but it is believed to be used for amplification of calls and possibly as a display during mating rituals or territorial displays.
The Great Hornbill holds great ecological significance as well as cultural reverence. It plays a crucial role in seed dispersal, particularly of large fruiting trees like figs, thus helping maintain the health and regeneration of tropical forests. The bird is mainly frugivorous, feeding on a variety of fruits, although it occasionally supplements its diet with small mammals, reptiles, or insects.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Great Hornbill is its unique breeding behavior. During nesting, the female seals herself inside a tree cavity using a mixture of mud, fruit pulp, and droppings, leaving only a narrow slit through which the male passes food.
She remains inside for weeks—sometimes up to four months—while she incubates the eggs and raises the chicks. This nesting period highlights the deep partnership and dependency between the male and female during reproduction.
In traditional folklore and local culture, the Vezhambal is often seen as a symbol of grandeur, longevity, and mystery. Sadly, the species is facing increasing threats from habitat loss due to deforestation and fragmentation, along with hunting in some regions for its casque and feathers. It is currently listed as "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List

3. Great Indian Hornbill IUCN Status

The Great Indian Hornbill (Buceros bicornis), also known as the Great Hornbill, is currently classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

Reasons for Vulnerable Status:

Habitat Loss: Large-scale deforestation and fragmentation of tropical forests, especially in the Western Ghats and Northeast India, have significantly reduced its natural habitat.
Hunting and Poaching: In some regions, the bird is hunted for its casque (helmet-like structure on its bill) and feathers, which are used in traditional ornaments and rituals.
Low Reproductive Rate: Their unique nesting behavior—one breeding pair requiring a large tree cavity and a long incubation period—makes population recovery slow

4. India's Cultural Significance

The Indian Hornbill, especially the Great Indian Hornbill (Buceros bicornis), holds deep cultural and spiritual significance across many parts of India, particularly in tribal and forest-dwelling communities. Beyond its ecological importance, this majestic bird has long been woven into the folklore, rituals, and traditional beliefs of several Indigenous groups.
In the Northeastern states, such as Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur, the hornbill is revered as a symbol of valour, strength, and prosperity. Among the Naga tribes, the bird's feathers and casques are traditionally worn by warriors and chiefs during festivals and ceremonies to denote bravery and high status.
The Hornbill Festival, celebrated annually in Nagaland, is a vibrant cultural event named after the bird. The festival brings together various tribes to showcase their heritage through music, dance, crafts, and storytelling, with the hornbill serving as a symbolic unifier of diverse Naga cultures.
In Kerala, the Great Hornbill is known as "Malamuzhakki Vezhambal", which poetically means “the hornbill that echoes through the mountains.” In local folklore, the bird is often associated with the pristine, ancient forests of the Western Ghats.
It is admired not only for its grandeur and striking appearance but also for its mysterious presence deep within forest canopies. The hornbill’s booming call, which resonates through the hills, adds to its mythical aura.
The bird's devoted parenting behaviour—especially the female sealing herself inside a tree cavity during nesting and the male tirelessly feeding her and the chicks—has often been interpreted as a powerful symbol of loyalty, sacrifice, and protection. In some tribal myths, this act is seen as a lesson in family unity and trust.
Despite this admiration, the hornbill’s parts were once used in traditional ornaments, ceremonial headgear, or ritual objects, which unfortunately led to hunting in the past.
However, many communities have now moved towards symbolic representations, using wood, cloth, or painted replicas instead of real hornbill parts—reflecting a growing awareness about conservation and respect for wildlife.
In recent years, the hornbill has also become a flagship species in conservation campaigns. Its cultural importance is being leveraged to promote forest protection and environmental education.
By tapping into traditional reverence for the hornbill, conservationists are working hand in hand with local communities to ensure that this magnificent bird continues to thrive in both the forests and the folklore of India.
In essence, the Indian Hornbill is not just a bird—it is a cultural icon, a storyteller of the forest, and a bridge between tradition and conservation

5. Types of Hornbills Species in India

S. No.	Common Name	Scientific Name	Key Identifying Features (for quick visual ID)	Distribution in India	Conservation Status (IUCN)	Image
1.	Great Hornbill	Buceros bicornis	Very large, prominent yellow and black casque, white tail.	Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Himalayan foothills, NE India	Vulnerable
2.	Malabar Pied Hornbill	Anthracoceros coronatus	Medium-sized, black and white plumage, large yellow casque with black markings.	Western Ghats, parts of Central India (MP, Odisha)	Near Threatened
3.	Oriental Pied Hornbill	Anthracoceros albirostris	Medium-sized, black and white, smaller casque than Malabar Pied, mostly white underparts.	Northeast India, Andaman & Nicobar Islands	Least Concern
4.	Indian Grey Hornbill	Ocyceros birostris	Medium-sized, entirely grey plumage, small, dark casque.	Widespread across Indian subcontinent (except NE & high alt.)	Least Concern
5.	Malabar Grey Hornbill	Ocyceros griseus	Medium-sized, grey plumage, yellowish bill, no prominent casque, rufous vent.	Endemic to Western Ghats	Least Concern
6.	Narcondam Hornbill	Rhyticeros narcondami	Smallest Indian hornbill, dark plumage, casque with unique shape, found only on Narcondam Island.	Endemic to Narcondam Island (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)	Vulnerable
7.	Rufous-necked Hornbill	Aceros nipalensis	Large, male with rufous neck & head; female black; prominent, ridged casque.	Northeast India (Himalayan foothills)	Vulnerable
8.	Wreathed Hornbill	Rhyticeros undulatus	Large, male with yellow gular pouch, female blue; distinctive 'wreathed' casque.	Northeast India	Vulnerable
9.	Austen's Brown Hornbill	Anorrhinus austeni	Medium-sized, overall brown plumage, smaller casque, often seen in groups.	Northeast India	Near Threatened