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Big Beak, Gentle Giant: Meet the Sri Lanka Grey Hornbil – By Malsha – eLanka Meet the Sri Lanka Grey HornbillThe 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 LifeHere’s where it gets fascinating. When it’s time to lay eggs, the female ...

May 5, 2025 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Malsha Madhuhansi Tagged Grey Hornbill nesting behavior, Grey Hornbill Sri Lanka, Hornbill bird call sounds, Hornbills of Sri Lanka, Ocyceros gingalensis, Rainforest birds of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka birdwatching, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Sri Lankan endemic birds, Sri Lankan rainforest birds

The Sri Lankan Blue Magpie: A Jewel of the Rainforest – By Malsha – eLanka The Sri Lankan Blue Magpie (Urocissa ornata) is one of the most striking and colorful birds native to Sri Lanka. With its vibrant blue plumage, chestnut-red head, and long, elegant tail, this rare and endemic bird is a true gem of the island’s dense rainforests. Habitat and Distribution The Sri Lankan Blue Magpie is primarily found in the wet zone forests of Sri Lanka, particularly in protected areas such as Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Horton Plains, and the Knuckles Mountain Range. These evergreen rainforests provide the ideal environment for the bird, offering abundant food and nesting sites. Physical Appearance This bird is easily recognizable due to its dazzling cobalt-blue feathers, deep chestnut-red head and wings, and striking white-tipped tail. It also has a distinctive red beak, legs, and eye-rings, adding to its vivid appearance. Males and ...

Mar 16, 2025 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Malsha Madhuhansi Tagged Endangered birds of Sri Lanka, Endemic birds of Sri Lanka, Exotic birds of Asia, Rainforest birds, Sinharaja Forest birds, Sri Lanka - Wildlife, Sri Lanka birdwatching, Sri Lankan Biodiversity, Sri Lankan Blue Magpie, Urocissa ornata