Malabar pied hornbills sighted in Kannur

Four Malabar pied hornbills (Anthracoceros coronatus), a rare species usually found in forested habitats, were sighted along the Muyyam River near Taliparamba on July 15, 2026, marking what is believed to be the first documented record of the birds in the area.The birds were spotted by Ranjith I.P., a resident, who photographed them on his mobile phone out of curiosity. Sneha C., Assistant Professor in the Department of Forestry at Sir Syed College and a birdwatcher, later identified the birds as Malabar pied hornbills.The Malabar pied hornbill is distinguished by its large bill topped with a prominent casque, black-and-white plumage, white belly and sides of the neck, and a white tail with a black tip that is clearly visible in flight. The species inhabits evergreen and deciduous forests, forest edges and riverine forests, feeding mainly on fruits. It plays an important ecological role by dispersing seeds and aiding forest regeneration.Ms. Sneha said records of the species in Kannur district are extremely rare, making the Muyyam sighting significant for local bird diversity studies. She noted that 148 bird species have so far been documented in Kurumathur grama panchayat, which includes the Muyyam River and its surrounding paddy fields. The sighting also indicates that the riverine vegetation and large fruit-bearing trees in the area continue to provide a suitable habitat for wildlife.Ms. Sneha and her team also documented the Great Hornbill at Ezhimala last July. The Department of Forestry at Sir Syed College and its students are active participants in the second edition of the Kerala Bird Atlas, a citizen science initiative to document the State’s bird diversity. Published - July 18, 2026 12:19 am IST