Great Hornbill
Buceros bicornis
About the Great Hornbill
The great hornbill is one of the largest and most impressive birds in Wilpattu. It has a wingspan of up to 5 feet, a black-and-white body, and a striking yellow-and-black casque (the hollow structure on top of its bill). The casque amplifies the hornbill's loud calls, which sound like a deep, resonant 'gok-gok' that carries through the forest. Great hornbills are frugivores — they feed primarily on figs and other forest fruits, playing a crucial role in seed dispersal.
Wilpattu Significance
Great hornbills are residents of Wilpattu's mature forests but are not commonly seen due to their preference for tall, undisturbed canopy. Their presence is an indicator of healthy, intact forest. They are most often seen flying overhead — their wingbeats produce a distinctive 'whooshing' sound that is audible from a distance. Seeing a great hornbill in Wilpattu is a special moment.
Conservation Status
Vulnerable (IUCN). Habitat loss is the primary threat. Hornbills require large, contiguous forest areas with mature trees for nesting.
Best Season to See
Year-round. Most visible during fruiting season (December-March) when figs are abundant.
Best Locations in Wilpattu
- Mature forest near Mahaweva
- Manikwila area
- tall canopy forest
Viewing Tips
- 1Look for them flying overhead — listen for the distinctive 'whoosh' of wingbeats
- 2During fruiting season (Dec-March), focus on fig trees in the forest
- 3They are most active in early morning when they move between feeding trees
- 4Your naturalist can identify active fruit trees where hornbills feed
Photography Tips
- A hornbill emerging from the canopy with fruit in its bill is a prized shot
- In-flight shots show the massive wingspan and black-and-white pattern
- Use a fast shutter speed (1/2000s) for in-flight photography
- Profile shots capture the distinctive casque and long bill
Did You Know?
During nesting, the female seals herself inside a tree cavity with mud, leaving only a small slit for the male to pass food through. She stays sealed inside for up to 4 months, incubating eggs and raising chicks, entirely dependent on her mate for food.
Ready to see the Great Hornbill in the wild? Book a Wilpattu safari with expert naturalists who know exactly where and when to find them.