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A Malabar Pied Hornbill flying to a fig tree

One of the 9 species of Hornbills in India and an endemic bird of South Asia (India and Sri Lanka). This is a large bird, around 65 cms - bigger than many raptors we have here. This was a chance sighting when we went to sight the Green Avadavat, but couldn't. On a wrong turn, we sighted 9 of them on a fig tree that is full of ripe of figs and several species of birds were enjoying them.

 

There was a fallen fig tree next to a stream that is still growing and now is fruiting. 9 of these Hornbills, over a dozen hill mynas, several Jungle and Common Mynas and other birds were enjoying the fruit. Adding to the drama was a murder of crows that chased away all these birds, but the hornbills came back soon and chased the crows away. The haze was bad - but nevertheless it was a fun evening for us!

 

Thank you very much in advance for all your lovely feedback, views and faves.

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Uploaded on February 1, 2024
Taken on January 25, 2024