Ocyceros Explained

Ocyceros is a genus of birds in the family Bucerotidae. Established by Allan Octavian Hume in 1873, it contains several species that are limited to the Indian subcontinent.

Description

Hornbills in the genus Ocyceros are small Asian birds with curved triangular bills and grey plumage. As such, they are often called "grey hornbills". They have black and grey eye rings and their eyes are usually dark with black irises. All of the species have different coloured bills: the Indian grey hornbill has a dark greyish bill, the Sri Lanka grey hornbill has a pale yellowish bill, and the Malabar grey hornbill has a more yellowish orange bill.

Species

The genus contains three species:[1]

Image Scientific name Common name Distribution
Ocyceros griseusMalabar grey hornbillWestern Ghats and associated hills of southern India
Ocyceros gingalensisSri Lanka grey hornbillSri Lanka
Ocyceros birostrisIndian grey hornbillIndia

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Gill . Frank . Frank Gill (ornithologist) . Donsker . David . 2019 . Mousebirds, Cuckoo Roller, trogons, hoopoes, hornbills . World Bird List Version 9.2 . International Ornithologists' Union . 23 July 2019 .