Sri Lanka is heaven on earth for anyone who has even the slightest interest in birds. The island boasts of over 400 different species of these winged creatures, including endemic birds.
The warm climate is ideal for the sustenance of these lives, which is why birds even migrate from across the Indian ocean during the colder months in order to survive. These birds come from India, Scandinavia, Siberia, and Western Europe. This makes the end of the year the best time for this activity.
Kumana National Park
There are many bird sanctuaries throughout the island, the most popular of which is the Kumana National Park. It is located in the Southeastern part of the country, and has many water bodies which are ideal for birds.
During the months of April to July, thousands of birds like the purple and Indian pond herons, great and little egrets, Indian cormorants, spoonbills, painted storks, and more migrate to a swamp called “Kumana Villu”, which is the place where they nest during May and June. The yellow footed green pigeon, greater racket tailed drongo, red faced malkoha, black necked stork and more are some of the rarer birds than can be found in this swamp.
Sinharaja Forest
This is situated in the Southern province. The rainforest is a UNESCO world heritage sight and biosphere reserve, and is home to species of fauna and flora which are endemic both to the country, and to the rainforest itself. Once permitted to enter the forest, you will be able to travel on foot and observe all of the birds.
20 of the endemic species in the island can be found here; such as the red faced malkoha, green billed coucal, Sri Lankan blue magpie, and the jungle fowl; which happens to be the national bird of the country. Besides that, you will also be able to see the white headed starling, chestnut backed owlet, crimson backed woodpecker, serpent eagles, hawk eagles, yellow fronted barbets, and more.
Horton Plains
This is located in the central province within the district of Nuwara Eliya, and is another UNESCO world heritage sight. This is the catchment area for most of the major rivers, and is also the highest plateau in the island.
Once again, the area is known to be the home to species that are not only endemic to the country, but to Horton Plains too. All 6 highland endemic birds are found here; such as the dull-blue flycatcher, Sri Lankan white eye, Sri Lanka wood pigeon, and Sri Lanka bush warbler.
Other birds that you can find in the area include the Ceylon warbler, whistling thrush, dusky blue flycatcher, scaly Thrush, spotted-winged thrush, rufus babbler, sri lankan blue magpie, Ceylon hill white eye, Yellow-Eared Bulbul, Black-Winged Kite, Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, and more.
Udawatte Kele Bird Sanctuary
This is situated in the Central Province in Kandy. Vehicles aren’t allowed inside, but you can walk in once permitted. The lake inside holds fish which many of the birds in the area feed from.
Here you will see layard’s parakeet, Tickell’s blue flycatcher, the Sri Lankan hanging parrot, yellow-fronted barbet, Indian three-toed kingfisher, stork-billed kingfisher, forest eagle owl, wood owl, Layard’s and paradise flycatchers, crimson-backed woodpecker, black-hooded oriole, blossom- Headed Parakeets, Indian pitta, emerald dove, chestnut-headed bee eaters, and more.
Habarana
Habarana is in the Anuradhapura district, and is in close proximity to 2 national parks; The Minneriya National Park, and the Kaudulla National park. While these two areas are known for their abundance of elephants; their large bodies of water also attract many birds.
There are around 120 different species of birds here; such as the Sri Lankan grey hornbills, green pigeons, wood shrikes and swallows, coppersmith barbet, common iora, and much more.
Besides these places; there are others which are also well known for their diversity in birds. Some of the other places that you should consider visiting for this activity are Udawalawe, Wilpattu, Kalametiya, Kitulgala, Yala, Wasgamuwa, and Gal Oya.
As small as it may be, the island holds more life than you would ever expect. This is the perfect place for any bird enthusiasts who long to see the tropical, endemic, and migratory birds that soar through the exotic lands of Sri Lanka.
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