eLanka

Friday, 3 Oct 2025
  • Home
  • Read History
  • Articles
    • eLanka Journalists
  • Events
  • Useful links
    • Obituaries
    • Seeking to Contact
    • eLanka Newsletters
    • eLanka Testimonials
    • Sri Lanka Newspapers
    • Sri Lanka TV LIVE
    • Sri Lanka Radio
    • eLanka Recepies
  • Gallery
  • Contact
Newsletter
  • eLanka Weddings
  • Property
  • eLanka Shop
  • Business Directory
eLankaeLanka
Font ResizerAa
Search
  • Home
  • Read History
  • Articles
    • eLanka Journalists
  • Events
  • Useful links
    • Obituaries
    • Seeking to Contact
    • eLanka Newsletters
    • eLanka Testimonials
    • Sri Lanka Newspapers
    • Sri Lanka TV LIVE
    • Sri Lanka Radio
    • eLanka Recepies
  • Gallery
  • Contact
Follow US
© 2005 – 2025 eLanka Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Home » Blog » Articles » Big Beak, Gentle Giant: Meet the Sri Lanka Grey Hornbil – By Malsha – eLanka
ArticlesMalsha Madhuhansi

Big Beak, Gentle Giant: Meet the Sri Lanka Grey Hornbil – By Malsha – eLanka

eLanka admin
Last updated: May 5, 2025 2:04 pm
By
eLanka admin
ByeLanka admin
Follow:
Share
5 Min Read
SHARE

Big Beak, Gentle Giant: Meet the Sri Lanka Grey Hornbil – By Malsha – eLanka

Grey Hornbil

Meet the Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill
The Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros gingalensis) is a striking bird found only in Sri Lanka. With its soft grey feathers, impressively long tail, and oversized curved beak that almost looks like a permanent smile, this bird is full of character. Despite its bold appearance, it’s surprisingly quiet—gliding gracefully through the treetops, often hopping from branch to branch in search of food.

What’s on the Menu?
This hornbill is a fruit lover at heart—feasting on juicy treats like figs and berries. But it’s not fussy! It also snacks on insects, small lizards, and even tiny frogs when the opportunity arises. That large, curved beak? It’s like a built-in tool for grabbing food from tricky spots.

A Hidden Home Life
Here’s where it gets fascinating. When it’s time to lay eggs, the female hornbill finds a hole in a tree—usually one already made by another animal or a broken branch. She climbs in, and then the male seals the entrance with a mixture of mud, fruit pulp, and droppings, leaving just a narrow slit. She stays safely inside for several weeks, laying her eggs and caring for the chicks, while the male brings food to her through the small opening.

More Read

LCC MEDIA RELEASE – Liverpool’s Starry Sari Night – where cultures shine together
LCC MEDIA RELEASE: Dear Belly: you need an appetite for the arts at Liverpool
Potential Reactions of Benjamin Netanyahu to the Establishment of a Palestinian State – Dr Harold Gunatillake

When the chicks are strong enough, the female breaks out of the sealed nest and joins the male in feeding their hungry little ones.

Grey Hornbil

Image Source : wikipedia

Where Can You Find Them?
If you’re exploring Sri Lanka’s rainforests—especially in the island’s wet zones—keep your eyes peeled. These birds can often be spotted flying between tall trees or heard calling out with a laugh-like cackle or a honking sound. Some of the best places to catch a glimpse include:

  • Sinharaja Forest Reserve

  • Kanneliya

  • Meethrigala Forest Reserve

  • Kitulgala

  • Bodhinagala Forest Reserve

  • Morapitiya Forest Reserve

  • Hiyare Forest Reserve

  • Sigiriya

Why They Need Our Help
While the Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill isn’t considered endangered just yet, its forest habitat is shrinking every year. Protecting these forests, planting trees, and keeping nature clean are all essential steps to ensure this gentle bird continues to thrive in the wild.

Fun Facts!

  • Hornbills don’t make their own nests—they rely on natural holes in trees, often ones left behind by woodpeckers.

  • That giant beak? It’s surprisingly light because it’s made of hollow, honeycomb-like bone.

  • Their call sounds like a cackling laugh—if you hear it deep in the forest, it might feel like the bird is giggling with you.

What’s on the menu?

Fruit is this hornbill’s favorite treat—especially figs and berries. But it’s no stranger to variety. It will also snack on insects, small lizards, and even tiny frogs. That impressive beak isn’t just for show—it acts like a built-in fruit picker, perfect for grabbing meals from trees.

A secret nesting ritual

One of the hornbill’s most incredible behaviors happens during nesting season. The female finds a hollow tree trunk, climbs inside, and then the male seals the entrance using mud, fruit pulp, and droppings, leaving just a small slit. She stays safely inside for several weeks, laying eggs and caring for the chicks, while the male brings her food through the narrow opening.

When the chicks are ready to face the world, the mother breaks out, and both parents work together to feed their growing young.

Why protection matters

Though not currently endangered, the Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill’s habitat is under threat from deforestation. Protecting rainforests, planting more trees, and keeping natural spaces clean are essential to ensuring this iconic bird thrives for future generations.

More Read

Kaleidoscope 282 , Child Protection, Maja’s Story, Record Tea, Market Update, High Bridge & more Shorter
Kaleidoscope 282 on Child Protection, Maja’s Story, Record Tea, Market Update, High Bridge & more
Sri Lankan Association NSW Launches Strategic Renewal to Empower Community – By Don Ravi Iddamalgoda
Don Ravi Iddamalgoda: A Journey from Victoria to NSW and Building Community Connections – From Red Lentil Exports to Community Leadership
Click here to receive your free copy of the eLanka Newsletter twice a week delivered directly to your inbox!

TAGGED:Grey Hornbill nesting behaviorGrey Hornbill Sri LankaHornbill bird call soundsHornbills of Sri LankaOcyceros gingalensisRainforest birds of Sri LankaSri Lanka birdwatchingSri Lanka Grey HornbillSri Lankan endemic birdsSri Lankan rainforest birds
Share This Article
Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Dowa Temple – A Hidden Sanctuary of History and Serenity - By Malsha - eLanka Dowa Temple – A Hidden Sanctuary of History and Serenity – By Malsha – eLanka
Next Article mothers day An Inspirational Message for May 2025 Mother’s Day – By Charles Schokman
FacebookLike
YoutubeSubscribe
LinkedInFollow
Most Read
10 Pictures With Fascinating Stories Behind Them!

“A PICTURE SPEAKS A 1000 WORDS” – By Des Kelly

Look past your thoughts so you may drink the pure nectar of this moment

A Life Hack for when we’re Burnt Out & Broken Down – By Uma Panch

Narration of the History of our Proud Ancestral (Orang Jawa) Heritage. by Noor R. Rahim

eLanka Weddings

eLanka Marriage Proposals

Noel News

Noel News

Noel News

Noel News- By Noel Whittaker

EILEEN MARY SIBELLE DE SILVA (nee DISSANAYAKE) – 29 September 1922 – 6 April 2018 – A Woman of Value an Appreciation written by Mohini Gunasekera

K.K.S. Cement Factory

Dr.Harold Gunatillake’s 90th Birthday party

Sri Lanka's women's cricket squad in Melbourne

Cricket: Sri Lanka’s women’s squad in Melbourne

- Advertisement -
Ad image
Related News
For more photos, please visit eLanka Facebook page – click here
Articles Photo Gallery

Holy Family Convent PPA Sydney hosts an incredible Gala Dinner Dance – ILLUSION 2025

Alston Koch Appointed as Commonwealth Union Envoy to Australia and the Pacific Region
Articles

Alston Koch Appointed as Commonwealth Union Envoy to Australia and the Pacific Region

Articles

Gayani de Alwis at the helm of Women’s Chamber of Industry & Commerce (WCIC) for the 2nd year

Sri Lanka Library
Articles Victor Melder

LIBRARY ACQUISITONS – SEPTEMBER 2025

Sri Lanka flag waving on the flagpole on a sky background
Articles

SRI LANKA NEWS – SEPTEMBER 2025

  • Quick Links:
  • Articles
  • DESMOND KELLY
  • Dr Harold Gunatillake
  • English Videos
  • Sri Lanka
  • Sinhala Videos
  • eLanka Newsletters
  • Obituaries
  • Tamil Videos
  • Dr. Harold Gunatillake
  • Sunil Thenabadu
  • Sinhala Movies
  • Trevine Rodrigo
  • Michael Roberts
  • Photos

eLanka

Your Trusted Source for News & Community Stories: Stay connected with reliable updates, inspiring features, and breaking news. From politics and technology to culture, lifestyle, and events, eLanka brings you stories that matter — keeping you informed, engaged, and connected 24/7.
Kerrie road, Oatlands , NSW 2117 , Australia.
Email : info@eLanka.com.au / rasangivjes@gmail.com.
WhatsApp : +61402905275 / +94775882546

(c) 2005 – 2025 eLanka Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.