Here’s some great news for bird lovers: The Malabar Pied Hornbill is the “exhibit of the fortnight” at the government museum, Egmore.
The display, on till November 3, comprises two stuffed models of the Pied Hornbill. Visitors will not be charged.
According to museum employee Babu, the exhibit has garnered favourable reviews from students and teachers alike. “We usually have visitors in the morning. Many school students come to see the bird”, he said.
This exhibition is in line with the museum’s efforts to create awareness about flora and fauna.
In India, the bird is found across the Western Ghats and in various states, including Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
The bird, known as Iruvaachi and Iruvayan in tamil Nadu, is identified by its large horn-like bill and a casque on the upper mandible.
The Great Horn bill is the state bird of Arunachal Pradesh and Kerala and is believed to have superstitious significance in Central India.
Hornbills have a unique monogamous breeding pattern, are omnivorous and reside in natural cavities formed in trees. Habitat loss in the country has raised concern about these birds.
