Asian Current

Bird Watching in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is home to over 400 species of birds, and this alone makes it a veritable paradise for every bird watching enthusiast. This rich abundance of avian variety in Sri Lanka can be attributed to the tropical climate and wide geographical diversity - from mountains to lowlands, and dry plains to lush forests. Of all the varieties seen here, there are about 25 endemic species, native to Sri Lanka only and largely confined to the rainforests of the hill zone.

When you plan to go on a bird watching spree in Sri Lanka, remember that the best time of year for sightings is between November and April, especially in the months of February and March. It is around this time that the migrants, of which there are a staggering 198 species, arrive after their flight from colder zones from the North. The best time of the day for observation, as most avid bird watchers would agree, is early morning, right after daybreak. The only exception to the rule would be for the people-friendly ‘Townies’, like the black house crows, common mynah, sunbirds, parakeets, etc.

With close to 421 bird species comprising endemic, resident and migrants, Sri Lanka remains a fascinating destination for close encounters with the avian kind within a relatively short period. Starting from wet zone jungles to the dry zone wetlands, bird watching tours arranged by local sightseeing groups provide an excellent opportunity of observing Sri Lankan avian fauna under the guidance of professional birdwatchers. Due to the small size of the avian territory, the bird-lover can conveniently visit nearly all the best sites in the country in under two weeks’ time. With a little planning and preparation, a visitor can judiciously combine the sites for endemics with sites of general wildlife interest for a satisfying experience in bird watching.

Sri Lanka’s abundant bird-life makes the island a true Ornithologist’s paradise. With such a variety of environments, ranging from wet to dry zone, forest to jungle, and hill country to low lands, there’s no dearth of fascinating locations to spot these beautiful birds at. Most of the endemic kind, such as the Sri Lankan Grackle, is restricted to the wet zone, while birds such as the Whistling Thrush and the Yellow-Eared Bulbul are to be found in the hill country. Others, like the brilliantly plumaged jungle fowl, the striking red-faced Malkoha and the shy brown-capped Babbler can be found in forests and sanctuaries throughout the island. Among the best areas for sighting these birds are the Sinharaja Rain Forest Reserve and the Adam’s Peak Wilderness Sanctuary.

The large lakes in the dry zone also attract numerous varieties of duck, while larger aquatic birds such as stork, heron, egret, spoonbill, pelican, and ibis can easily be seen in the wetlands, especially at Wirawila, Kalametiya and Bundala National Park (which is also famed for its large flocks of migrant flamingoes).

Come to the kingdom of birds in Sri Lanka. It’s a memory worth collecting. The feathered friends are waiting.