Malabar Pied Hornbill

Category: Environment | Biodiversity | Indian Wildlife

UPSC Notes

The Malabar pied hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus) is a large forest bird found in parts of the Indian subcontinent. It is associated with forested landscapes and is recognised by its black-and-white plumage and prominent casque above the bill.

Hornbills play an important role in forest regeneration because they consume fruits and disperse seeds across their habitats.

Key Pointers

  • Scientific name: Anthracoceros coronatus.

  • Family: Bucerotidae.

  • Distribution: Parts of India and Sri Lanka.

  • Indian habitat: Forests of the Western Ghats and other suitable wooded landscapes.

  • Diet: Mainly fruits, along with animal prey.

  • Ecological role: Seed dispersal and forest regeneration.

  • Threats: Deforestation, habitat fragmentation, loss of large nesting trees and hunting in some areas.

  • Conservation: Protection of mature forests, nesting sites and habitat connectivity.

UPSC focus: Indian bird species, forest ecology, seed dispersal and biodiversity conservation.