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Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka Frogmouth Batrachostomus moniliger �Amila Salgado http://www.birdwingnature.com

Sri Lanka is a continental island of the Indian subcontinent, shaped like a teardrop falling from the southern end of India, situated between longitudes 79� 39E and 81� 53E and latitudes 5� 54N and 9� 52N. It's 437km long from north to south and only 225km at its widest. Its area of 66,000sq km is about the same size as Ireland. The south-central region is mountainous and has an elevation ranging from 900m to 2440m. This is surrounded by an upland belt of 300-900m elevation. The coastal plains hardly exceed 100m in elevation. This plain is most extensive in the north and east, and the continental shelf ends fairly close to the shoreline except in the northwest where it is continuous with that of India. Today Sri Lanka is considered one of the most bio-diverse areas in South Asia. Recent scientific evidence indicates that many of the plants species in the southwest of the country have a Deccan-Gondwana ancestry.

The drainage pattern of the country is almost entirely governed by the central highlands, with all the perennial water courses originating in the mountains and winding their way down to the plains below.

Climate
Sri Lanka's equatorial position gives its lowlands a tropical climate, with year round temperatures of 27-28�C and a relatively constant day length. It is always the right season somewhere on the island Rainfall is largely governed by monsoonal winds, which occur during two seasons of the year. From mid-May to September, the monsoon blows from the southwest direction and brings in a greater amount of moisture than during December to February when the wind blows from the northeast. The distinct inter-monsoonal periods receive convectional rains at times cyclones. During the southwest monsoon, the position and dramatic relief of the southwestern side of the central highlands forces the moisture-laden air upwards. The rapidly cooled air condenses, causing precipitation mostly on the windward slopes of the island�s southwest. During this time the northeastern and southeastern parts of the island hardly get any rain. On the other hand, the northeast monsoon winds rise over the central highlands more gradually, and the rain shadow effect is not nearly so distinct, allowing precipitation to fall on the entire island. This has resulted in the division of the country in to two major climatic zones; the wet zone, which receives rain from both monsoons, and the dry zone, which receives rain from only one. The gradual change from the wet zone to dry zone allows an intermediate zone to exist. In addition, two small areas at the extreme northwest and southeast of the country have a very dry climate and known as arid zones.

Vegetation types
Vegetation reflects the combined effect of topography, climate and soils. In Sri Lanka the natural vegetation is predominated by a diversity of forest types. Only a small fraction of land is under non-tree-dominated vegetation. This is mainly grassland, and coastal and fresh water wetlands.

The most extensive type of forest in the island is the dry mixed evergreen forest found in the dry zone (also called semi-evergreen forests). In the intermediate zone, the vegetation gradually changes to moist semi-evergreen forests. Although these forests have a fair proportion of deciduous species, they are essentially evergreen. In the wet zone vegetation has been largely categorised by elevation with wet-evergreen forests or rain forests in the lowlands and hills, lower montane forests on the lower slopes of mountains between 1,000m and 1,500m, and montane forests above 1500m. Also in the coastal areas mangroves and salt marshes colonise inundated bays while areas inundated by fresh water have swamp and floodplain forests.

Within each climatic zone, the presence and extent of specific habitat types determine the occurrence and prevalence of particular species of birds. Within dry zone, for example, habitats such as forests, marshes, grassland, man-made lakes, coastal mudflats etc. harbour certain species of birds, which are restricted to that specific habitat or are most often associated with it. While some species of birds occur in both zones at all elevations (e.g. Junglefowl) the distribution of many others is more limited. Many species and subspecies of birds are endemic to Sri Lanka and a significant number of these are more or less restricted to and characteristic of the rain forests of the wet zone. Some of this wet zone endemics are further restricted to the higher hills.

Avifauna of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has a total list of over 430 species of birds. Of these, 233 are resident and these include the most important 26 species that are recognised as endemic to the country. Most of the resident species are shared with the Asian mainland. A further 198 species have been recorded as migrants to the country. The majority of these migrate to Sri Lanka during the northern winter and are present from about August/September to April/May. In contrast, pelagic species of seabirds like Shearwaters, Petrels, Storm-Petrels etc migrate to Sri Lankan waters from southern oceanic islands during the southern hemisphere`s winter. Of the migrants, about 100 species regularly visit the country. The rest are occasional visitors and vagrants.

When to go
Any period between October to late April or early May is best for visiting birders. This period is best because all the winter visitors to the country are present and there is a very good chance of seeing a load of wintering waders and some spectacular migrants such as Indian Pitta, Pied Thrush, Kashmir Flycatcher, Orange-headed Thrush etc. If the visitor is not so much interested in the migrants, May, June and July are also good time to arrive in the island.

Birding sites
There are many good birding sites but Sinharaja World Heritage Wilderness area, Bundala Ramsar site, Yala and Uda Walawe National Parks; Horton Plains are imperative for any birder. These will give all the endemics plus some other spectacular species. A 12 to 14 day tour of the island will give about 225 species, if the visitor is with the right person who knows his birdcalls and the places.

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Top Sites

Bundala National Park

Information
Satellite View
This NP is a Ramsar Site and is situated in the dry zone and borders the Indian Ocean. This comprises of dry semi-evergreen forest, scrub jungle and shallow water holes. The beaches in this are important sites for nesting Turtles.

Birds likely to be seen:
Little Grebe, Little Cormorant, Indian Shag, Great Cormorant, Indian Darter, Spot-billed Pelican, Night Heron, Little Green Heron, Indian Pond Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Median Egret, Large Egret, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Painted Stork, Openbill, White-necked Stork, White Ibis, Spoonbill, Greater Flamingo, Brahminy Kite, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Crested Hawk-Eagle, Little Pratincole, Little Ringed Plover, Ringed Plover, Kentish Plover, Lesser Sand Plover, Large Sand Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Red-wattled Lapwing, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff, Pintail Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Redshank, Marsh Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Turnstone, Brown-headed Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Caspian Tern , Large-Crested Tern, Lesser-Crested Tern, Little Tern, Saunders's Tern, Whiskered Tern, White-winged Black Tern

Horton Plains National Park

Information
Satellite View
A highland plateau comprising of montane forest and grassland. Famous among the birders for the highland endemics like the Dull-blue Flycatcher, SL Wood Pigeon, Bush Warbler, Yellow-eared Bulbul and the most elusive crepuscular Whistling Thrush also called Arrenga.. Other birds of interest are the Pied Bush Chat, Grey Tit, Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, Spot-winged Thrush.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Information
Satellite View
The Sinharaja Man and Biosphere Reserve, which was declared a World Heritage site in 1988, is arguably the best site in Sri Lanka for it harbours 21 out of the 26 endemics. This is one of the hot spots for biodiversity. This reserve contains some of the few remaining sizeable tracts of undisturbed lowland rain forest. Much of the bird watching is done in the area where once selective logging was carried out. Be prepared for leeches in this forest.

Birds likely to be seen:
Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Layard's Parakeet, Red-faced Malkoha, Green-billed Coucal, Chestnut-backed Owlet, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Crimson-fronted Barbet (Ceylon Small Barbet); Black-crested Bulbul (Black-capped Bulbul); Spot-winged Thrush, Brown-capped Babbler, Orange-billed Babbler (Ceylon Rufous Babbler); Ashy-headed Laughing-Thrush, Legge's Flowerpecker, Sri Lanka White-eye (Ceylon Hill White-eye); Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, White-faced Starling Sturnus senex, Sri Lanka Myna (Ceylon Hill-Myna); Black-throated Munia. (Ceylon Hill Munia); Malabar Trogon, Black Bulbul, Dark-fronted Babbler, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Greater Raquet-tailed Drongo, Green Imperial Pigeon, Ceylon Frogmouth, Crested Honey Buzzard, Crested Serpent Eagle, Crested Goshawk, Shikra, Black Eagle, Rufous-bellied Hawk-Eagle, Mountain Hawk-Eagle.

Uda Walawe National Park

Information
Satellite View
This is another dry zone area which is the catchment of a very large man made reservoir. A mixture of abandoned Teak plantation, grassland, scrub jungle and some riverine frests. This is also a very famous site for Elephants.

Birds likely to be seen:
Apart from seeing most of the waterbirds in the Bundala NP it is very likely that the following also be seen. Spot-billed Pelican, Lesser Adjutant, Black-winged Kite, Brahminy Kite, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Grey-headed Fishing Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Crested Hawk-Eagle,Orange-breasted Green Pigeon, Pompadour Green Pigeon, Green Imperial Pigeon, Orange-breasted Green Pigeon, Pompadour Green Pigeon, Green Imperial Pigeon, Blue-faced Malkoha, Red-faced Malkoha, Sirkeer, Little Green Bee-eater, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Indian Roller, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Crimson-breasted Barbet, Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker

Contributor

Upali Ekanayake
Nature Odyssey Guide
(Gunnepana, Sri Lanka)
ubekan@gmail.com

Number of Species

Number of bird species: 436

Endemics

Number of endemics: 33
Sri Lanka Spurfowl Galloperdix bicalcarata Sri Lanka Junglefowl Gallus lafayetii Crimson Flameback Chrysocolaptes stricklandi Yellow-fronted Barbet Megalaima flavifrons Crimson-fronted Barbet Megalaima rubricapilla Sri Lanka Grey-Hornbill Ocyceros gingalensis Red-faced Malkoha Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus Green-billed Coucal Centropus chlororhynchus Sri Lanka Hanging-Parrot Loriculus beryllinus Layard's Parakeet Psittacula calthropae Serendib Scops Owl Otus thilohoffmanni Chestnut-backed Owlet Glaucidium castanonotum Sri Lanka Wood-Pigeon Columba torringtoni Sri Lanka Green Pigeon Treron pompadora Sri Lanka Blue Magpie Urocissa ornata Sri Lanka Crested Drongo Dicrurus lophorinus Sri Lanka Woodshrike Tephrodornis affinis Sri Lanka Whistling-Thrush Myophonus blighi Spot-winged Thrush Zoothera spiloptera Sri Lanka Scaly Thrush Zoothera imbricate Dull-blue Flycatcher Eumyias sordida White-faced Starling Sturnus senex Sri Lanka Myna Gracula ptilogenys Sri Lanka Swallow Hirundo hyperythra Yellow-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus penicillatus Black-capped Yellow Bulbul Pycnontus melanicterus Sri Lanka White-eye Zosterops Sri Lankaensis Sri Lanka Bush-Warbler Bradypterus palliseri Ashy-headed Laughingthrush Garrulax cinereifrons Brown-capped Babbler Pellorneum fuscocapillum Sri Lanka Scimitar-Babbler Pomatorhinus [schisticeps] melanurus Orange-billed Babbler Turdoides rufescens Legge's Flowerpecker Dicaeum vincens

Some authorities consider the Sri Lanka Stilt Himantopus ceylonensis to be an endemic too - but most do not. As for the Black-throated Munia Lonchura kelaarti the jury is still out until vocalisation can be fully studied.

Useful Reading

* Field Guides & Bird Song

For a comprehensive list of recommended titles covering Asia as a whole - please see the Asia page of Fatbirder

A Field Guide to Birds of the Indian Subcontinent

Krys Kazmierczak, Ber van Perlo (Illustrator) Hardcover - 336 pages (30 May, 2000) The Pica Press
ISBN: 1873403798
Buy this book from NHBS.com

A Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka

John Harrison Paperback - 234 pages (March 1999) Oxford University Press
See Fatbirder Review
ISBN: 0198549601
Buy this book from NHBS.com

A Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka

G.M. Henry, Thilo W. Hoffmann (Editor); Deepal Warakagoda (Editor); Upali Ekanayake (Editor) Hardcover - 534 pages (May 1998) OUP India
ISBN: 0195638131
Buy this book from NHBS.com

A Photographic Guide to Birds of India

[Including Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Pakistan, Bangladesh & Bhutan] Bikram Grewal, Bill Harvey and Otto Pfister 512 pages, 850 col photos, 800 maps. Christopher Helm
ISBN: 0713664037
Buy this book from NHBS.com

A Photographic Guide to Birds of India and Nepal

Vikram Grewal Paperback - 144 pages (November 1995) New Holland Publishers (UK)
ISBN: 1843300451
Buy this book from NHBS.com

A Photographic Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka

Silva Wijeyeratne, Deepal Warakagoda and TSU De Zylva. Describes, in detail, 252 species (New Holland NaturalHistory). 144 pages, 300 col photos, col map.
ISBN: 1859745113
Buy this book from NHBS.com

A Selection of the Birds of Sri Lanka

J Banks and J Banks 34 pages, 15 col plates, 1 map. Lake House Investments 1980
ISBN: 9555520542
Buy this book from NHBS.com

Bird Sounds of Sri Lanka

D Warakagoda - Drongo 2000
ISBN: 156502
Buy this book from NHBS.com

Birding in Sri Lanka Video

Barbets, Babblers and Bulbuls - Malcolm Rymer Running time: 60 minutes. Malcolm Rymer 1999
ISBN: 105746
Buy this book from NHBS.com

Birds of the Indian Subcontinent

Checklist of the Birds of Sri Lanka

Wijeyeratne, Gehan de Silva\Warakagoda, Deepal\Perera, Lester - Sri Lanka Natural History Soc 2001
ISBN: 126091
Buy this book from NHBS.com

Useful Information

Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka

Sarath Kotagama, Dept of Zoology, University of Colombo, Colombo 03. + 94 1 75342609fogsl@slt.lk

Proact

Coordinator: Malaka Rodrigo
Members: 13
Join us at http://www.proact-campaigns.net/team
Contact your coordinator via mailto:info@proact-campaigns.net

Organisations

Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka

Website

The Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka was established in 1976 with six founder members. Currently FOGSL has over 800 active members. The FOGSL is a non-profit organization working primarily for conservation-through birds. The Organization conducts and promotes programmes such as research projects on birds, awareness and education programmes, special for school environmental programme, exhibitions, lecturers, field excursions to increase the commitment for bird conservation in Sri Lanka...

Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society

Website

Twenty-five centuries ago Mahinda, a Buddhist monk and son of Emperor Asoka of India told the King of Ceylon: O Great King, the birds of the air and the beasts have an equal right to live and move about in any part of the island as thou. The land belongs to the people and all other beings; thou art only the guardian of it. Acting on these words, King Devanampiyatissa established the world's first wildlife sanctuary.

Wildlife Heritage Trust

Website

Sri Lanka's leading biodiversity exploration and research institution and natural history publisher...

Reserves

National Parks & Sanctuaries

Website
The sanctuaries at Kumana 312 km. from Colombo, Wirawila 261 km. Bundala 259 km. and Kalametiya 224 km. are all lagoon locations in Sri Lanka's extreme south eastern coast. The Giant's Tank in the north western corner of the island is a huge ancient irrigation reservoir of 3,800 hectares. The coastal sanctuaries are exotically picturesque with combinations of lagoon, swamp, river, jungle, lake and plain. Large flocks can be found here of both resident and migrant aquatic birds. The highland sanctuaries at Udawattakele 118km. from Colombo and the Peak Wilderness 141km. are quieter but equally picturesque with wooded hills and secluded streams and have the added bonus of rare flora such as our unique Wesak Orchid as well as numerous species of rare butterflies. The Udawattakele Sanctuary is in the suburbs of Kandy, our picturesque and fascinating hill capital. The Peak Wilderness is situated on the slopes of Adam's Peak (Sri Pada); Sri Lanka's sacred mountain.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Information
Satellite View
Endemism is high, particularly for birds with 19 (95%) of 20 species endemic to Sri Lanka present...

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Information
Satellite View
The Sinharaja Reserve is rich in bird life with an impressive 147 species recorded to date. It is also the only locality where 18 out of 20 birds species endemic to Sri Lanka may be viewed...

Wetlands

Website
Sri Lanka presently has 2 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance, with a surface area of 7,607 hectares...

Trip Reports

This section sponsored by:

2000 [December] - Clive Harris

Report

I recently spent just over 2 weeks in Sri Lanka. Most of this was work-related, running a conference at the Kandalama Hotel (near Dambulla) which is an excellent birding location (it was someone else's choice of venue!). I also managed a weekend away to go to the highlands and make a half day visit to Sinharaja Forest Reserve.

2000 [February] - Scott Kennedy - Sri Lanka & Maldives

Report

Having already booked the trip to Sri Lanka and the Maldives with a stopover in Dubai for two days on the return journey, commencing on the 26th January 2000 and returning on the 14th February 2000. Then a bit of a nudge from my now wife and we decided to get married while in Sri Lanka...

2000 [January] - Lim Kim Seng

Report

...At one place, we got a good look at the newly split Crested Hawk-eagle perched on a tower. Nearby, we saw our first Sri Lankan endemic, a Ceylon Small Barbet, perched on a distant tree. At another spot with two flowering Red Cotton Trees in a rubber plantation, we saw a bunch of new birds. Gold-fronted Leafbirds mingled with Purple-rumped and Purple Sunbirds, Pale-billed and Thick-billed Flowerpeckers, Oriental White-eyes and our second endemic, Ceylon Hanging Parrots...

2000 [October] - Jeff Blincow

Report

There are several species that occur with a restricted range to South-west/Southern India and Sri Lanka (e.g. Sri Lanka Frogmouth). Sri Lanka also has a very high number of sub-species, and we made an effort to see these as well (we saw 45 out of 58). With the current volatile state of systematics it is prudent to insure against future splits. Only a few years ago there were 22 accepted endemics to Sri Lanka, and now there are 26. Sri Lanka Stilt is already split by Howard and Moore and so was viewed as number 27 by me.

2001 [April] - Ron Hoff

Report

My wife, Dollyann, and I decided to try a trip to Sri Lanka after reading a trip report by Jim Hackett. Jim had recommended using Upali Ekanayake (ubeka@kandyan.net) as a guide and we're glad he did. Upali was simply outstanding. His knowledge of the birds, their calls, and their habitats was incredible. He is one of Sri Lanka's top birders and is very personable, friendly, and has a great sense of humor...

2001 [February] - Andrew Senior

Report

My wife Isabel, and myself, decided in May 2000 to arrange a tour of Sri Lanka. We've some experience of bird tours elsewhere, and were attracted to Sri Lanka for a number of reasons. Not least among these, was the list of Sri Lanka's endemic birds. Initial enquiries revealed a wide range of available tours, at a wide range of prices.

2001 [January] - Jim Hackett

Report

In the Christmas-New Year interval 2000-2001 my wife and I went to Sri Lanka for 14 full days. The bird book is Harrison and Worfolk (A Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka, ISBN 0 19 854960 paperback). We did extremely well birdwise, thanks largely to the help of Upali Ekanayake, who is both a delightful guy and a Sri Lankan birder with 30 years field experience.

2001 [January] - Peter Collaerts

Report

The target of this birding trip was to see all the 26 endemic bird species of Sri Lanka. We thought that we reached our target but a few weeks after our return, we heard the news of the discovery of a new owl species in Sri Lanka, just one day after we left the island...

2001 [November] - Moira & Graeme Wallace

Report

Sri Lanka (SL) is a well trodden birding destination. Numerous detailed trip reports exist on the Internet or there is one excellent report available from the Oriental Bird Club (OBC). Accordingly, this report is restricted to a record of the species seen on our trip together with brief notes on sites and accommodation...

2002 [August] - Richard Allen

Report

Although this was a holiday, (honeymoon in fact); rather than a specific birding trip, Sri Lanka has a wealth of easily seen birds to keep a birder happy. Being mainly a Buddhist country there is no hunting, (it's a years imprisonment for killing a water monitor!); making the birds and wildlife tame and approachable...

2002 [Fenruary] - Ian Hodgson

Report

...Though the similarity to Goa was striking, the abundance of Cotton Pygmy-geese and Yellow and Black Bitterns, with full-tailed Pheasant-tailed Jacanas, Spot-billed Pelicans and Forest Wagtails flying to roost underlined that we were somewhere very different...

2002 [March] - Joseph Thompson

Report

Sri Lanka has been a well-recognized birdwatcher's paradise for many years, as evidenced by the many quality trip reports that are available. In my report, I would like to emphasize the advantages of including Bibile, a site not included on larger tours, and relate the extremely high quality of the local Sri Lankan guides whose services are available...

2003 [February] - Eduard Sangster

Report

In 8-10 days you can usually see all the endemics as well as other interesting birds. Best time to go is december-march, then you have the least rain. I saw all endemics in 7 days of birding without a tape. I guess I was very lucky. The first week my girlfriend and I were relaxing at the beach in Beruwela and we also enjoyed some culture. The second week we have been birdwatching on the island. To see all the birds you only need to go to the southern part of the island. Problems with the Tamil Tigers were mostly in the north in the past...

2003 [February] - Martin Tribe

Report

...Birding en-route gave us our first few common birds including Little Cormorant, Indian Pond-heron, Cattle, Great, Little and Intermediate Egrets, Asian Openbill, Black-headed Ibis, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Red-wattled Lapwing, Spotted Dove, Rose-ringed Parakeet, White-throated Kingfisher and Common Myna...

2003 [March] - Simon Plat & Maaike Poppinga

Report

Sri Lanka proved to be a top birding destination. All different types of birdwatchers will be able to find their likings here. The island has 27 endemic species, 15 of these with an endangered status. Over 15 species are shared only with the southern parts of India. For the specialist, over 60 subspecies are endemic, of which several might be split in the near future...

2004 [December] - Robert & Anne Jarvis

Report

...Thandula took my wife and I into the forest and produced C-B Owlet, Scaly Thrush and Ashy-headed Laughing Thrush. Managed to get a brief glimpse of Red-faced Malkoha, Black-capped Bulbul, Spotted Winged Thrush, Orange-billed Babbler, Legge�s Flowerpecker and my wife managed Grey Hornbill and Indian Scimitar Babbler unfortunately I did not...

2004 [February] - Ian Hodgson

Report

14 hours after leaving London, we touched down in Colombo...

2005 [April] - Alf King

Report

...After some lunch we went to the Talangama wetland area to see our first Sri Lankan birds. This is a typical mixture of tank and paddy and a very pleasant place for our introduction to the Sri Lankan countryside. It which yielded a good number of interesting species, notably Purple Heron, Yellow Bittern, Little Egret, Intermediate Egret, Great Egret, Indian Pond Heron, Cattle Egret, Black-crowned Night Heron, Painted Stork, Asian Openbill, Black-headed Ibis, Garganey, Lesser Whistling Duck...

2005 [December] - Keith Valentine & David Shackelford

Report

This tropical island lying just to the south of the Indian subcontinent was the focus during our ten-day adventure in quest of great Sri Lanka endemics and other geographically localised bird species. The trip was highly successful and saw us locating every single endemic of the island including the newly discovered Serendib Scops-Owl...

2005 [February] - Steve Dark

Report

...Sri Lanka as a birding destination primarily for its large list of endemics and its exotic eastern atmosphere, have been very high on my places to visit list for a long time. Its predominantly Buddhist people have a great respect for all animals and as such the nature watcher has a wealth of opportunities open to him. It�s a special place for bird watchers...

2005 [January] - Simon Woolley

Report

Why Sri Lanka? Two reasons - an excellent and quite easy South Asian destination in the dead of a European winter (a friend of mine described it as India-lite! He was right�) and absolutely stacks of great birds and photographic opportunities, including a newly boosted total of 34 (yes! count them!) endemic species. We saw 29 of them...

2006 [January] - Birdwing

Report

...an early walk to look for Chestnut�backed Owlet which we found and had great views of. The Pitta put in another appearance and many other species provided a show as the sun warmed the air. Orange Minivets, Sri Lanka Green Pigeons, Loten's and Purple-rumped Sunbirds all glistened in the strong sunlight and we had not moved more than a few hundred yards from the restaurant...

2006 [January] - Rosemary Royle

Report

These notes are intended to help anyone planning a birding holiday to Sri Lanka by discussing various practical aspects of the trip. The bird species and where to see them are well covered in many other trip reports (many thanks to the authors � we used these extensively as planning aids) so these notes concentrate on topics which have not been addressed extensively elsewhere...

2006 [November] - David Shackelford

Report

Arriving from the Southern Indian city of Kochi, we began our explorations of Sri Lanka on the outskirts of the capital city of Colombo, overall a very organized metropolis with tidy infrastructure, efficient transportation, and friendly local people. Travelling on windy roads through rubber tree and teak plantations, we eventually found ourselves inside dense montane forest at the edge of the Kelani River. Getting an early start the following morning, we boarded the local ferry service, comprising of an admittedly older man and his dugout canoe who took us across the white-water rapids. The forest was alive with activity and in a short amount of time we had begun knocking out the endemics of the island, including the reticent Green-billed Coucal, beautiful Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Sri Lanka Hanging-Parrot, Loten�s Sunbird, and phenomenal views of the tiny Chestnut-backed Owlet...

2007 [December] - Ashley Banwell

Report

This trip was from 16th - 28th December and the aim was to see Serindib Scops Owl and to try and see some new and future splits as well as some winter visitors to the region. We were successful with seeing Serindib Scops Owl at its day roost. Other good birds were Ceylon Wood Pigeon, Indian Pitta, Pied Ground Thrush, Slaty-legged Crake, Ceylon Scaly Thrush, Ceylon Spurfowl, White-naped woodpecker, Kashmir Flycatcher and Ceylon Frogmouth. Despite 4 nights looking we managed to dip Ceylon Bay Owl! Another rare winter visitor we saw was Isabelline Wheatear at Bundala...

2007 [December] - David Shackelford

Report

...Birds were no less impressive and we were bombarded by a plethora of endemics such as the retiring Spot-winged Thrush, eye-level scope views of the scarce White-faced Starling, Sri Lanka Myna, secretive Sri Lanka Spurfowl calling at less than twenty meters, amazing views of Layard�s Parakeet, and of course we all enjoyed multiple views of the exquisitely colorful Sri Lanka Blue-Magpie, perhaps Sri Lanka�s most vibrant endemic...

2007 [December] - Mark Finn

Report

...The first sector of river gave us views of White-throated Kingfishers, Common Sandpipers, Lesser Sandplovers and recently arrived Blue-tailed Bee-eaters. At the river-end a single Sri Lanka Stilt our first endemic of the tour. After turning round we headed upriver observing Purple and Purple-rumped Sunbirds, Red-vented Bulbul and White-bellied Drongos perched in dead tree tops....

2007 [January] - Keith Valentine

Report

A brilliant and unforgettable trip in so many ways! From the everlasting beauty of the Taj Mahal to the majestic Tigers of Khana National Park not to mention the many other wonders to be found in this enthralling land, India has very few rivals. Travelling and experiencing a country for close to a month is something really amazing and this unique exploration combining some of the most precious cultural sites and mind blowing nature reserves was very special indeed...

2007 [January] - Ron Johns

Report

The view of long sandy beaches and coconut palms greeted us as we made our approach to the capital Colombo. We touched down at 1340 local time and were soon in the queue for Immigration. After collecting our luggage we entered the Arrivals Hall where Deepal, our local specialist birding guide, was waiting for us � without doubt, we had the best birder in Sri Lanka accompanying the tour...

2007 [October] - Bo & Maggie Crombet-Beolens

Report

This was the first trip that Maggie and I had taken by ourselves for some years, ever since I began to organise trips for the disabled birders association. We were looking forward to being able to please ourselves, go at our own pace and not make any of the numerous small compromises we all make when we travel as a group...

2008 [February] - Birdwing

Report

Four birders from England undertook a 15-day birding holiday in Sri Lanka from 31 Jan � 14 February, 2008, of which ground arrangements and bird guiding were done by me. We bagged a whopping 252 species of birds including all 33 endemics currently recognised, additional 42 endemic to South Asia and 9 of the 15 resident nocturnal birds of which 7 were Owls. Special birding highlight was seeing a pair of the newly rediscovered breeding resident; Marshall�s Iora at Lunugamwehera...

2008 [January] - Doreen Ang

Report

Am just back from a 10-day Endemic Tour to Sri Lanka. Mr Deepal Warakagoda (aka Mr Serendib) was kind enough to lead me and together with Lim Kim Seng, we had great birding. This was my 14th overseas birding trip in the past 2 years across 8 countries and so far hands down, has got to be the best in terms of guide, results, accommodation and synergy. For birders who have been to Sri Lanka, imagine what it's like to enjoy good, long views of the Serendib Scops-owl, Indian Scops-owl, Spot-bellied Eagle-owl, Brown Fish-owl, Chestnut-backed Owlet and a Sri Lanka Frogmouth in BROAD DAYLIGHT...

2008 [March] - Craig Robson & Upali Wkanayake

Report

...his year we fared much better with Ceylon Spurfowl, with most of us getting onto at least one bird of a pair that were following a large bird-wave at Sinharaja. Unfortunately however, Ceylon Whistling-thrush was a leader only this time, and Ceylon Scaly Thrush a no-show...

2009 [December] - Stephen Lowe

Report

I arranged this trip with Amila Salgado of Birdwing Nature Holidays, whose blog; Gallicissa had impressed me greatly when trawling the internet for suitable guides. The idea was for the family to experience something completely different from our usual Christmas in Florida, given the opportunity to meet our eldest daughter somewhere in Asia. She had been travelling in Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam over the previous fortnight, following the end of her Spring term in Auckland NZ, during her third university year exchange with Edinburgh University...

2009 [January] - Glen Valentine

Report

...We bumped into Yellow-fronted Barbet, Ashy Woodswallow and a magnificent Rufous-bellied Eagle on the way, which set us in good spirits. The forest edge bordering our hotel on the banks of the beautiful Kelani River was alive with birds and we found mouth-watering species such as Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Legge�s Flowerpecker, Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, immaculate Loten�s Sunbird, Dark-fronted Babbler, noisy Orange-billed Babbler and Black-crested (capped) Bulbul within minutes of arrival...

2009 [January] - Keith Valentine

Report

...We wasted no time at all and began our explorations into the heart of the country; our first destination being Sri Lanka�s most famous of all forest reserves, the jewel in the crown, Sinharaja National Park...

2010 [December] - Justin J.F.J. Jansen

Report

This was a short holiday (7 nights) squeaked in just a month prior to departure. We (Danitsja Stapel and I) booked in advance a tour with Amilo Salgado (Birdwing Nature Tours) for two days. The rest was spent relaxing at the hotel, and we took a day tour booked via ARKE upon arrival...

2010 [January] - Brian & Isabel Eady

Report

If you are a dawn to dusk birder wanting a high count of species, then this report is not for you, however if you want to get away from the atrocious weather at home, need to find some sunshine with a bit of birding included, see 27 of the 33 endemics in two days birding, then please read on...

2010 [March] - Derek & Gillian Marsh

Report

This was a return trip to Sri Lanka for us to catch up on the six endemics we missed in 2006. Back then we only did an eight-day tour, but this time we went for fourteen days. We managed to see all the six endemics we missed before: Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Serendib Scops-Owl, Chestnut-backed Owlet, Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush, Sri Lanka Scaly Thrush and Sri Lanka Scimitar Babbler...

2010 [March] -John van der Woude

Report

On this well-guided private trip we saw all 27 endemics of the Western Ghats of South India and all 33 endemics of Sri Lanka. In South India we were guided by Jijo Mathew of Kalypso (www.birdskerala.com, contact mr. Thomas Zacharias) with Prasad as driver, and in Sri Lanka we were guided and driven by Sunil de Awis of Baur's...

2010 [November] - David Bryant

Report

The itinerary followed a well-trodden path with Amila and Camillus (driver) dealing with all the practicalities. Amila specialises in the mainly forest-dwelling endemics and 'night birds' and this was reflected in us seeing all 33 endemics plus 10 �night-birds�. The accommodation ranged across eco-lodges at the forest boundary to hotels on the edge of town, from clean-basic to very spruce, with mostly excellent Sri Lankan food. Western-type food was available if required. It was pretty well what we would have chosen ourselves as independent travellers, but was better located, and invariably set within good birding gardens or with birding views during meals (hard to track down from Lonely Planet!)...

2011 [April] - Paul A Brown - Wet Zone

Report

it was about time that we visit Sri Lanka ourselves to see where our relatives had served. As always with our world trips, we look for cheap deals and we found a two week package through Mercury Direct to Hotel Serendib, Bentota on the south west coast, south of Colombo for �889...

2011 [July] - Michael Grunwell

Report

...After lunch and a rest Ranjith found a big flock just outside the park gate, this flock provided the elusive brown-capped babbler plus lots of laughing thrush. We then had superb views of spot-winged thrush followed by my only sighting of spurfowl...

Guides & Tour Operators

This section sponsored by:

A Baur & Co

Tour Operator

A. Baur & Co. Ltd. founded in 1897 has more than 100 years of expertise in Sri Lanka. Baurs bird-watching tours are guided by professional Ornithological Guides. In addition, all other aspects of travel such as accommodation, transport services and tours are arranged in the most professional manner to satisfy the needs of each individual...

Anytime Tours

Tour Operator

This wonderful lush island has excellent birding with all the endemics possible in a short trip along with plenty of other species to swell your life list!

Bird & Wildlife Team

Tour Operator

Our expert team comprises four professional tour leaders and several talented part-time tour leaders, who have years of experience in observing and studying the birdlife and other wildlife of Sri Lanka, and have also been actively involved in wildlife conservation...

Birding Pal

Information

Local birders willing to show visiting birders around their area...

Birding Sri Lanka

Guide

Chaminda Jayaweera has had extensive experience of more than twenty years as a tour guide. His specialty is birdwatching tours. He is also well versed in mammals, dragonflies and butterflies and an enthusiastic wildlife photographer too.

Birdwing Nature Holidays

Tour Operator

Best value Birding and Natural History Holidays in Sri Lanka with Amila Salgado...

Don Voyages

Tour Operator

Birding Tours

High Elms Travel

Tour Operator

Birdwatching or Ornithological Tours - 425 species of birds found in Sri Lanka of which 26 are endemics. You can record at least 18 endemic on our 15 day programme. Also visit The Sinharaja Forest Reserve, a World Heritage Site, Bundala National Park, a Ramsar Wetland and many more important bird sites...

Jetwing Eco Holidays

Tour Operator

Jetwing Eco Holidays tours combine a heady mix of fun filled and exciting experiences of nature, people and culture. The itineraries are selected to offer the most attractive and fascinating attractions of the country. The tours cover a broad spectrum of special interest requirements ranging from Bird watching...

Jude Ranjan Fernando � Independent Guide

mailto:Tour Operator

0094312255943 - I am driver guide authorized by Sri Lanka tourist board

Lanka Expedition - Birding With Senarath

Tour Operator

Senarath was the assistance director in finance of the Mahawali authority of ministry of agriculture in Sri Lanka. His lifelong passion into bird watching made him retire prematurely from the administrative post in which capacity he would able to travel the length and breadth of Sri Lanka. He got himself trained into tourist guiding at the Tourism Training center of Sri Lanka Tourist Board and now shares his passion taking private tours to the island's hot spots...

NewXplorer

Tour Operator

Let us guide you through the island exploring 234 breeding bird species, of which 33 are recognized as endemics. In addition, another 200+ bird species have been recorded purely as migrants to the country. In total, 82 families are represented in the island�s avifauna....

Red Dot Tours

Tour Operator

...Ritigala is a refuge area for many threatened species. You could see spot-winged thrush, jungle fowl, grey hornbill, and mammals including sloth bears, elephant and lizards. Ritigala is a wet-zone forest found in the dry zone and 110 documented trees are found here. Also visit Namal Uyana and Pink Quartz Mountain. Leave for Kandy in late afternoon and your base in the cool of the hills, 3,200 feet above sea level, Hunas Falls Hotel...

Rockjumper Birding Tours

Tour Operator

This small, friendly island nation provides one of the most enjoyable and rewarding birding tours imaginable. With plenty of endemics, most of which are extremely easy to locate, comfortable lodges and abundant wildlife, it makes perfect sense that Sri Lanka has become such a popular destination. Our tour also targets the countries� big game, including Leopard and Sloth Bear.

Sri Lanka Trekking Nature Holidays

Tour Operator

Trekking Sri Lanka Is a small, family managed Tour organization run by experienced trekking guide Deen. We are in the hill country of Sri Lanka; Our holidays are adventure and nature where you see wild life and birds and real srilanka�

Upali Ekanayake - Guide

Gunnepana, Sri Lanka - no website so email: ubeka@sltnet.lk

Walk with Jith

Tour Operator

Walk With Jith specializes in Bird watching and nature tours in Sri Lanka.You will have the rare opportunity to share birding experiences with local village people, visit their homes,and immerse yourself in their lives and culture...

Walkers Tours

Tour Operator

Wildlife Safari Tours - You will come back to them, searching, again & again - and in time will grow within you an intimacy, a love for the jungle which offers sanctuary to fast dwindling and very precious wildlife...

Places To Stay

Hotel Sigiriya - Sigiriya

Accommodation

The Sigiriya rock, which is amongst the ten wonders of the world, is home to Hotel Sigiriya. Hotel Sigiriya has a serene rustic and inviting charm in a setting of ancient glory. Its cool woodland gardens echoes of birds-songs. A stunning view of the fifth century A.D Sigiriya Rock / Fortress, the World heritage site Citadel in the sky famed for its entrancing frescoes, lion stairway, Mirror wall and water gardens dominates the hotel...

Priyankara Hotel - Tissamaharama

Accommodation

After a five and half hours drive from Colombo to Tissamaharama the best stop is at Priyankara Hotel. Situated in the Tissa - Kataragama road just passing the picturesque Tissa tank Priyankara Hotel has much to offer than you can wish for on your holiday. All 26 rooms are specious and tastefully decorated. They have phones, hot and cold water, are air-conditioned and the private balconies overlooking the vast acres of paddy fields which are a host to an assortment of birds and wild animals...

Forums & Mailing Lists

Bird Nest Wildlife Forum

Mailing List
The Bird Nest Wildlife forum is accommodating room to naturalist to share their knowledge, skills and Experience with others forum members. The forum represents Sri Lankan & Indian subcontinent region birding & nature interest community that specifically caters to recreational naturalist in the regent, further encourage welfare & conservators of wildlife through our web site.

FOGSL

Mailing List
To post to list:FOGsrilanka@yahoogroups.com
List contact:FOGsrilanka-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
To subscribe to list:FOGsrilanka-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
This egroup is managed by the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (fogsl). All birders are welcome to join. The main purpose is to promote Birdwatching and Bird Conservation in Sri Lanka and announce fogsl activities. Subscribers are free to post messages pertaining to news, activities, bird sighting reports, issues and announcements particularly concerning the birds of Sri Lanka. The fogsl also uses this facility to discuss and to disseminate current issues and activites, in return as feedback and data collecting channel within its membership.

Blogs

Bird & Wildlife Team

Blog

BLOGS from the leaders of this tour company including trip reports...

Explore Sri Lanka by Nishantha Ganeshapriya

Blog

Sri Lanka a land like no other is a pearl in the Indian Ocean. Blend of beautiful nature creations like sunny beaches, misty hills, rain forests, valleys etc. It is a Paradise for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts because of rich bio diversity. Number of endemic bird species can be observing in Sri Lanka. Sigiriya rock fortress, which is regards as the eighth wonder of the world, is a mirror to the ancient architecture.

Gallicissa - Amila Salgado

Blog

I am a bird watching and nature Tour Guide in Sri Lanka. My blog is about my birding and natural history travel notes and other commentary...

Wild Sri Lanka

Blog

A wildlife BLOG from Sri Lanka...

Endemic Birds in Sri Lanka

Website

Just what is says - pictures and species accounts...

Watching seabirds on the West Coast of Sri Lanka

Website

Although the majority of birders visiting Sri Lanka concentrate on searching for the endemic species, they overlook the fact that the west coast provides an opportunity for observing some truly exciting seabirds...

Photographers & Artists