Birds of Sri Lanka with Ornithvacations

Sri Lanka located in tropical Indian Ocean, as a teardrop of India, yet isolated from the Indian mainland holds a high diversity of Bird Life. Caused by the said location in the end of the central Asian migratory flyway supplemented by the high variety of habitats, this small island of 65610 sq.km harbours a fascinating Birdlife of approx.500 bird species as per latest studies. Out of them 34 are endemic to the island !

Sri Lanka ranks high in the list of the countries with the number of one- country endemics by holding the 19th place in the world !.

Among these vibrant endemics from Lesser Sri Lanka Flameback to elusive and highly restricted Sri Lanka Whistling-thrush; Red- faced Malkoha, Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Green-billed Coucal and tiny Sri Lanka Hanging- parrot are noteworthy highlights. Amazingly camouflaged Serendib Scops-owl is definitely a thrill to see at its typical day roost. Although the elegant Sri Lanka Spurfowl is widespread, it is an extremely shy species. Diurnal Chestnut- backed Owlet is not to forget !. trogon

Along with White- faced Starling that shows a very restricted marshall

distribution, elusive Sri Lanka Thrush is of special note. Most of the endemics are found in lowland wet zone forests, while the rest are found in montane zone. In addition to these species, there are almost 70 taxa that are considered to be endemic subspecies.

Besides the country endemics, there are over 50 species of subcontinent endemics that are found in the island. Glowingly coloured Malabar Trogon, massive Malabar Pied Hornbill and bizarre looking Sri Lanka Frogmouth with it’s camouflage at it’s best are among these resident subcontinent specialities. Marshall's’ Iora is a noteworthy and watch-worthy species as populations were only recently discovered in Sri Lanka.

Apart from all sort of endemics, there is another set of highlights falls among our birdlife as they are rather easily seen than in Indian mainland- their breeding grounds.

Among these winter visitors, Indian Pitta, Kashmir Flycatcher, Pied Thrush, Orange- headed Thrush and Indian Blue Robin show up well during their stay in Sri Lanka, which is one of the best places in the world to see them !.

Sri Lanka attracts a large number of other northern winter migrants including loads of waders, influenced by its large number of wetlands, those of which provide winter quarters for them. kashmir

To see all these fascinating avifauna you have to be at the correct place at correct time, and of course with right Experts !

Guide to the Endemic Birds of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka recognized 34 endemic bird species at present. But Sri Lanka Thrush is recognized as a subspecies of White's Thrush by sone recent authors. The last addition to the endemics list is Lesser Sri Lanka Flameback as it is now treated as a separate full species. Following are the all endemics depicted in illustrations done by our co- founder & tour leader Tharanga Herath. Most of these paintings appeared in 'Endemic Birds of Sri Lanka' poster published by Wildlife Trust Sri Lanka.


Sri Lanka Spurfowl - male	Sri Lanka Spurfowl - female	Sri Lanka Junglefowl - male

Sri Lanka Junglefowl - female	Sri Lanka Woodpigeon	Sri Lanka Green-pigeon

Sri Lanka Hanging-parrot	Emarald- coloured Parakeet	Red- faced Malkoha

Green- billed Coucal	Sri Lanka Barbet	Sri Lanka Woodshrike

Yellow- fronted Barbet	Serendib Scops-owl	Chestnut- backed Owlet

Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill	Lesser Sri Lanka Flameback	Greater Sri Lanka Flameback

Sri Lanka Swallow	Sri Lanka Warbler	Brown- capped Babbler

Orange- billed Babbler	Ashy- headed Laughing-thrush	Sri Lanka Scimitar-babbler

Sri Lanka Drongo	Yellow- eared Bulbul	Black- capped Bulbul

Sri Lanka Hill Myna	White- faced Starling	White-throated Flowerpecker - male

White- throated Flowerpecker - female	Sri Lanka Thrush	Sri Lanka Whistling-thrush - male

Ceylon Whistling-thrush - female	Spot- winged Thrush	Dull- blue Flycatcher

Sri Lanka White-eye	Sri Lanka Blue Magpie