Great Hornbill
Buceros bicornis
About the Great Hornbill
One of the largest and most impressive birds in Wilpattu. Wingspan 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 — 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.
Best Months to Visit
Year-round. Most visible during fruiting season (December-March) when figs are abundant.
Wilpattu Significance
Great hornbills live in Wilpattu's mature forests but are not commonly seen — they prefer tall, undisturbed canopy. Their presence signals healthy, intact forest. You will most often see them flying overhead — their wingbeats produce a distinctive 'whooshing' sound 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 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.