by Abha Batra (98114 17012)
Floss silk tree (Ceiba speciosa) is a medium- sized deciduous tree, native to the dry forests of South America. Is commonly seen in parks as it is an ornamental tree that is laden with beautiful pink, orchid-like blooms on a leafless tree in the months of October- November. It is still in bloom. A diagnostic characteristic is the bark which is green and full of conical grey spines in young trees. The spines are shed as the tree matures and the bark turns grey. The leaves are palmately compound with a long stalk. The flowers have 5 long pink petals with an ivory throat. The fruit is a large green capsule that gradually turns brown. The pod bursts open to release silk fibers hence the name floss silk tree. Maalis usually call it “Kurayjia”. Doesn’t have much use but is a sight to behold when in bloom.
The Indian grey hornbill can be heard before it can be seen. Its raucous call is similar to that of a black kite’s. I have mostly seen them in pairs in our parks. It has a long, curved beak and a prominent horn that is characteristic of a hornbill. It has a very long and dangly tail. You see them and they are gone the next minute.
Fun Fact: It nests in tree holes. While incubating the eggs, the female imprisons herself in the hole by plastering the entrance leaving only a slit through which the male feeds her.
The call is a long chee -ooww. It mainly feeds on fruits, insects, lizards, and mice. Do look out for this unusual bird as it calls out in the mornings on tree tops!
