Hornbill is a very large, and attractive bird that is found in the city of Vadodara especially in the dense forests around the Palace. Dr. Rahul Bhagwat, a city-based wildlife photographer has clicked various species of birds. He has clicked a variety of hornbills found in India. Along with photography, he also observes the lifestyle and characteristics of birds.
The loyalty of males and females towards each other is unique among these birds and they are monogamous breeders. Another specialty is the incubation of eggs and the care of chicks. When the female lays her eggs, she closes her nest tightly on all sides, leaving only enough space for the male to put his beak.
For about three months after that, the female stays in the nest with the chicks. The male brings food daily and gives it to the female from the window. The female cannot break the nest from the inside so if the male becomes a victim during this period then the female and the chicks die in the nest.
After about three months, the male breaks the nest and releases the female. Then the window and the nest are closed with chicks that are safe inside. Eventually, they are brought out when they are matured and ready to fly.
This bird prefers to build nests in large hollows of dense shrubs so it mostly lives in dense forests with such trees. However, due to deforestation, they now live in giant trees in dense green areas. It can be seen in the dense bushes around the palace.
Dr. Rahul informed that Hornbills have prominent anatomy in the bird world. In the Indian subcontinent, there are a variety of species based on body color and size, such as Grey Hornbill, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Rufus Neck Hornbill, Malabar Hornbill, and Great Hornbill.
It eats a variety of wild fruits and insects.
These are arboreal birds that rarely land on the ground to eat. If there are more trees it is also found in the herd. Its voice is harsh and Grey Hornbill is a permanent resident of Gujarat and also found in South Gujarat.
