This is the most widespread hornbill in our area and indeed throughout India. The Grey Hornbill requires large trees in which to feed and nest but generally avoids thick woodland and forest. It favours large gardens, open woodland, parks and road and canal side trees. Thus it probably occurs throughout our area wherever there are such trees and the gaps in the map merely reflect lack of observer coverage. It is not a common bird, The Indian Grey Hornbill is most often seen either sweeping from tree to tree or perched high on bare branches. It can be very vociferous with a strange high-pitched squealing call but when it is not calling it is readily overlooked in the foliage.

It feeds mainly on fruit, particularly figs, but also eats large insects, small reptiles and rodents. Grey Hornbills start breeding in March and continue until June. They utilise a large tree hole in which the female remains throughout incubation. Once inside the entrance hole is covered with mud, leaving a small gap through which the male feeds the female. The female moults while she is on the nest and breaks out when the eggs hatch. The hole is then mostly closed again and the young fed by both birds   through the small opening.