The Ceylon Grey
Hornbill (Ocyceros gingalensis) is an endemic resident bird of the Island.
In Sinhalese it is called අළු කෑඳැත්තා (Alu Kendetta). It is a large bird
with grey wings, grey back and brown crown. Underpart of this bird is white and
its long tail is blackish with white sides. It mostly feeds on figs but
occasionally eats insects. Sexes are similar. Bill of the male is yellowish
cream and female’s is black with cream stripes.
The long curved bill has no casque. Bird can be seen in
forest habitats.
Above is a female bird seen at Kurunegala Lake and below is a male bird seen at Sober Island, Trincomalee.
