Dhanu Paran's Image

Dhanu had discovered where the great hornbills congregated and trekked the 22 kilometres to get there as often as possible. One day, a Nilgiri langur sat down opposite this bird as it was preening. As the hornbill flapped its annoyance and the langur retreated, Dhanu quickly framed the bird in striking profile, its magnificent wings outstretched.

Great hornbills prefer areas with large trees, like the Anaimalai Hills, and are often found nesting in tree cavities. Eye-catching hollow horns, or casques, top their large curved beaks. Sometimes used by male hornbills to clash with rivals in spectacular aerial ‘casque-butting’ displays, they are prized by hunters.