The Sri Lanka grey hornbill is a bird in the hornbill family and a widespread and common endemic resident breeder in Sri Lanka. Hornbills are a family of tropical near-passerine birds found in the Old World.
Region
Sri Lanka
Typical Environment
Found across Sri Lanka’s lowland and foothill zones, occupying evergreen and moist deciduous forest, forest edges, gardens, and mixed plantations. It frequents fruiting fig trees and other canopy fruit sources and readily uses secondary growth. The species adapts well to human-modified landscapes so long as large trees remain for nesting. Breeding occurs in tree cavities, typically in mature forest or large wooded estates.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1300 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This hornbill is endemic to Sri Lanka and is a common resident in forests and wooded farmlands. Like other hornbills, the female seals herself into a tree cavity for nesting, leaving only a narrow slit through which the male passes food. Its casque is relatively modest compared to larger Asian hornbills, and pairs are often seen commuting to fruiting trees. They play an important role in seed dispersal for many native trees.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
strong flier with steady wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, especially around fruiting trees. Monogamous; the female seals the nest cavity with a wall of mud and droppings, leaving a slit for food delivery by the male. Outside breeding, small groups may join mixed-species frugivore aggregations.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are loud cackles and nasal, clattering calls that carry far through the forest. Wingbeats can produce an audible whoosh when flying between canopy trees.
Plumage
Smooth grey-brown upperparts with paler grey to whitish underparts and a clean white throat; long tail with white tips and darker central feathers.
Diet
Primarily frugivorous, taking figs and a variety of other forest fruits and berries. It also supplements its diet with insects, small lizards, and occasionally nestling birds, making it an opportunistic omnivore. Plays a key role as a seed disperser for many native trees.
Preferred Environment
Feeds mostly in the mid- to upper canopy, visiting fruiting trees along forest edges, riverine strips, and in wooded gardens. Will descend to lower strata to glean insects and small vertebrates.
