Gajanan Wagh, Nikhil Borode, Pratik Chaudhari, Raju Kasambe and Jayant Wadatkar

The Indian Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros birostris) is a common resident species of hornbill in the Indian subcontinent and is well adapted to urban landscapes. In comparison to other hornbill species in the central Indian landscape, the Indian Grey Hornbill is frequently observed in urban areas. This study aimed to investigate the nest site selection, and dietary preferences of Indian Grey hornbills in urban environments. This study was conducted from 2014 to 2025 in wooded green spaces in Amravati City, Maharashtra, India. Observations were made opportunistically during the morning (06:00-10:00) and evening (04:00-6:00) hours. Six nests of Indian Grey Hornbills were recorded in the Wadali Old and New Garden and its surrounding areas, out of the 19 sampling sites in the city. Five of these nests were located in the cavities of indigenous tree species, whereas one was located in an exotic species. During the breeding season, hornbills preferred fruits from indigenous plantsand also preferred animal matter diet. Nesting was predominantly observed in indigenous species of trees such as Bombax ceiba, Albizia lebbeck, Millettia pinnata, Azadirachta indica, Erythrina variegata, Mangifera indica rather than in exotic species. The sightings of Indian Gray Hornbills were consistent throughout the year, with a preference for green spaces and safe areas for nesting and roosting, such as government office Campuses, public parks, university campus, and educational institutions Campus, likely because of reduced disturbances and the presence of old trees. This study highlights the importance of green spaces in urban area as suitable habitats for Indian gray hornbills, with indigenous tree species being preferred for successful nesting. Therefore, planting more trees belonging to indigenous species is recommended to conserve the Indian Grey Hornbills in urban habitats.

DOI: 10.22271/23940522.2025.v12.i4a.1112

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