Deep in the heart of Thekkady's Wildlife Sanctuary, where the Western Ghats cradle Kerala's wild treasures, the Great Indian Hornbill reigns as one of the forest's most majestic inhabitants. Known locally as 'Vezhambal,' these remarkable birds command attention with their massive yellow-and-black casques crowning their heads like natural coronets.
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| The great Indian hornbill |
As I rode on a boat through the expansive Periyar water reserve at dawn, the kok-kok wing sound of the great hornbill sounded almost like a small helicopter flying through Thekkady's dense canopy. Their wingspan sometimes stretches over five feet. Their black and white feathers create a striking contrast against the vivid green backdrop of the forest, while their long, curved beaks, painted in sunshine yellow, seem to glow in the light.
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| The great Indian hornbill |
These magnificent birds have become living symbols of Thekkady's conservation success, where ancient tribal wisdom meets modern protection efforts. The local people have long regarded the hornbill as a guardian of the forest, and their traditional respect for these birds has helped ensure their survival in this verdant sanctuary, where they continue to glide majestically through their rainforest kingdom, as they have done for countless generations.
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