Shruti Suman
On Valentine’s Day, the internet was captivated by the touching love story of a male hornbill and his life partner. Amidst the flood of romantic declarations on social media, one tale stood out: the heartwarming journey of this hornbill couple, beautifully captured by Indian Forest Service officer Parveen Kaswan in a series of tweets.
The bond between the hornbill pair is truly extraordinary. These birds are renowned for their lifelong commitment to each other and their shared dedication to raising their offspring. Kaswan’s pictures and videos illustrate the male hornbill tenderly passing food to his female partner, who has secluded herself inside their nest to care for their young. According to Kaswan, this nurturing behavior will continue for several months.
In one tweet, Kaswan also shared an image of another hornbill couple, emphasizing that there are nine species of hornbills found in India, each displaying similar monogamous behavior and enduring partnerships. He explained how these hornbill pairs meticulously select and prepare their nest, with the female sealing herself inside for months while the male tirelessly forages for food to sustain the family.
As the female remains inside the nest, waiting for her mate to bring food, the male hornbill must diligently search for nourishment and protect their nest from potential threats. He must also ensure the survival of their offspring by providing enough food, particularly as the chicks grow and require more sustenance.
Kaswan highlighted the hornbills’ role in dispersing seeds through their feeding habits, noting that while some fruits are consumed, others are dropped on the forest floor, contributing to the ecosystem’s diversity.
The touching video, shared on Valentine’s Day, garnered nearly 959 likes and numerous comments, sparking fascination and admiration for the hornbill couple’s enduring love and devotion.
