The Indian Grey Hornbill
If there are no hornbills
there will be no cedars,
And so many-other-trees,
And may be no man!
For, it is for them that it rains
still in the forests, in spite of man
Who keeps cutting trees
and hunting all that he fancies!
I may be denigrated as a bird that possess the strongest vocal cords and yet possibly the most shrill and strident voice. I may not be fancied as one of those birds that bring great delight to the beholder. And yet I offer a sight of unique beauty, grace and grandeur. As a large arboreal bird, a common sight in many households, I never fail to attract attention as my short desultory flights from one part of the garden to another present a captivating and unmistakable spectacle.
Admittedly I do not possess the sweet and magical voice of a Koel or a Hill Mynah, the spectacular brightness of the Oriole, parrot or peacock, the agility of the Drongo or the Robin, and the cultural salience of a Paradise Bird or Eagle. Yet, I possess a rare synthesis of many of the qualities that these best loved birds claim to possess. My call may belie a legitimate expectation of a sweet soothing strain. Yet, the compensations that I offer instead, are many and meritorious.
No other bird known to humans, play the critical role of seed dissemination, germination, and regeneration of trees as well, as I do. This is because I am mainly frugivores (fruit consuming) and can break up/swallow large fruits, and regurgitate the seeds without damaging, making me the perfect dispersers. And I travel long distances in search of fruits and move these seeds to distant locations. My contribution, thus, to the continuation of life on earth can be better appreciated only by discerning and thoughtful minds.
It will be impossible to fail to notice that trees such as Premna tomentosa (a teak like tree), Putranjiva, Fern trees, Cedars, and even Sandalwood trees, some of the most significant medicinal and commercial trees, owe their regeneration to me. These iconic trees, who generate very few seeds and whose seeds are difficult to break out of their rather hard shells, depend almost entirely on me for their future propagation and survival.
The Disseminator and The Destroyer
I am often criticised and berated for being a great destroyer, for, I break, and pluck and bite much more than I eat. A fair criticism and I must tender a sincere apology to all those who genuinely feel offended, even sad, to find this destructive trait within me. But I also have an explanation, which though does not justify this aberrant behaviour, brings out the utter helplessness that possesses me as I sit on trees and try to nibble at their tender leaves, shoots or fruits and flowers. The nature has for some inexplicable reason designed my bill in a mould that cannot bite selectively. My sharp and long and rather big bill compels me to bite much more than I need to consume. So, the tender shoots and leaves fall prey to my appetite and while I take only a small part of what I bite, much more falls on the ground giving untold sorrow to those who understand the value of conservation. But hold! do not write off the gratitude of the many smaller birds, insects and ants who look forward to these unintended gifts to their great relief and delight.
And yet, there is a design behind this apparently irrational and wasteful habit, which nature has compulsively imposed on me. The pruning that the trees receive in the process helps them to grow better. I wonder if any of the trees and shrubs that I inhabit were ever asked whether they find my act obnoxious and disgraceful? or whether they derive a definite advantage out of it? If the herbs, shrubs, and trees were able to respond to their tending by a caring gardener, that could perhaps be a fair assessment of my so-called destructive conduct. Not to forget that it also helps propagation and germination of some of the finest trees on earth.
Something about Me
Birds are not known to be modest. Look at the peacock, how it struts its colourful bright feathers; and who can ignore parrots who never tire of talking only because they have a scarlet and crimson beak, very shapely and sharp. But I adhere to modesty, despite possessing an uncommon beauty of both body and heart. I am tall, measuring up to 24 inches or almost two feet, from beak to tail. My upper parts are greyish brown and there is a slight trace of a pale supercilium. My ear coverts are darker. The flight feathers of my wings are dark brown with a whitish tip. My tail has a white tip and a dark subterminal band. And which other bird has such remarkably red iris and the eyelids with curved eyelashes? My beak is adorned by a crown, short and pointed. They call it the casque. Such embellished and elaborate countenance is my privilege and pride.
I am almost completely arboreal, and very rarely descend to the ground to pick up fallen fruits. Occasionally in summer months, I do descend to enjoy a dust bath along with my companion.
(To Be Contnd….)
scribo ad LX 