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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 In Articles, Malsha Madhuhansi Tagged , , , , , , , , ,
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Whispers of the Rainforest: The Enigmatic Serendib Scops Owl of Sri Lanka – By Malsha – eLanka Image Source : endemicbirds.blogspot.com Nestled deep within the lush, mist-laden rainforests of Sri Lanka lives a rare and mysterious bird—the Serendib Scops Owl (Otus thilohoffmanni), a species that eluded science until the dawn of the 21st century. First discovered in 2001 by ornithologist Dr. Deepal Warakagoda, this small and elusive owl remains one of the most remarkable avian discoveries of recent decades, symbolizing both the island’s incredible biodiversity and the urgent need for rainforest conservation. A Unique Discovery The Serendib Scops Owl is the first new bird species to be discovered in Sri Lanka since 1868. What makes this owl particularly unique is that it lacks the prominent ear tufts seen in most other scops owls, giving it a more rounded appearance. Its plumage is rich brown with subtle markings, allowing it to blend ...

May 2, 2025 Posted by In Articles, Malsha Madhuhansi Tagged , , , , , , , , ,
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