Sri Lanka is a small island located in the tropical belt and in the South-Asia region with
a very rich diversity of eco systems.  Its land mass of approximately 64,550 sq km supports wet evergreen forests, sub-montane forests, montane forests, intermediate forests, dry forests as well as arid scrub lands and sand dunes. This diversity of eco systems along with the fact that Sri Lanka is an island has resulted in many forms of life to thrive in these various habitats and for some of these to evolve in to endemic forms over a period of time.

Furthermore, as Sri Lanka lies off the southern tip of the Indian sub continent, the island is favoured by many species of migrant birds to spend the colder months of the year flying down using the Central Asian Indian Flyway

Given below are some of the species and the number of endemic species so far recorded from the country.  Many new species of animals, especially, reptiles and amphibians are  continuing to be discovered regularly.

• Flowering Plants  - 4100 of which 960 are endemic
• Ferns  - 320 of which 57 are endemic
• Wild Orchids  - 188 of which 55 are endemic
• Ants  - 181 of which 2 genera are endemic
• Dragonflies – 117  of which 53 are endemic
• Butterflies – 244 of which 13 are endemic
• Amphibians – 111 of which 87 are endemic
• Fresh water Crabs - 52 of which 52 are endemic
• Fresh Water Fish - 82 of which 44 are endemic
• Geckos - 43 of which 15 are endemic
• Skinks – 31 of which 24 are endemic
• Agamid Lizards - 18 of which 15 are endemic
• Mammals – 119 ( with 28 sea mammals) of which 17 are endemic
• BIRDS – 439 of which 33 are endemic

There are 236 species of breeding resident birds in the country as well as another 203 species which are purely migrant. A few more species that have been positively recorded in the country by members of the Ceylon Bird Club is awaiting the ratification of the Ceylon Bird Club Records & Rarities Committee to be formally added to the country list.

 With the elimination of the LTTE (Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam) and the liberation of the Northern and Eastern parts of the country in particular after three decades of war, many National Parks, Sanctuaries and other important bird watching sites have become accessible for birders and others interested in nature.

Many species of birds can be commonly seen in Sri Lanka. Well over 30 species can be observed even within the most built up parts of the capital city, Colombo. However there are more elusive species found only  in deep wet zone forests or birds that are only found in dry arid areas or species which are confined to the hill forests. For those  interested in birding or studying the very interesting behaviour of these different species of our birds, knowledge of where these birds occur would be invaluable. Considering the rich diversity of fauna and flora of the country, a visit to these places will enable observation of many other species of plants and animals s as well.

If you are interested in observing birds and knowing more about the places in the country  or places close to where you live where different species of birds can be observed please read on.

This page contains information on how to reach different localities around the country where birds can be seen and what species of birds can be expected to be seen in such localities.
All  localities mentioned below are protected by the Forest Department or the Department of Wildlife Conservation and thus any destruction or damage to any flora or fauna in and around these localities, the removal of any forest material, throwing of any litter or performing any act that would disturb the fauna is illegal and is punishable by law.

Please do note that wearing sober colours such as greens, browns, greys etc as well as minimizing noise will increase the possibility of seeing many forest dwelling birds. Do not enter any forest on foot, especially where there are wild elephants, buffaloes etc unless accompanied by an experienced guide. Be mindful of trap guns. If new to the area please check with the villagers on the safety of walking on a forest path. Keep to well defined paths. When parking a vehicle in an isolated area always try to inform a local of your identity and the purpose of the visit to that locality. Carry a back pack with some drinking water and some first-aid material. Carry a fully charged mobile phone at all times. In some localities certain mobile networks may not function. Therefore, if in a group, please check for the presence of signals before wandering off in different directions. Loosing your way alone in a forest is not a very pleasant experience. If you do get lost,  do not stray further and use your mobile to call, or call out from where you are. Do not try to find your way back  unless very certain of the terrain since you may wander off even further.

WET ZONE FORESTS

Most of the endemic bird species can be seen in the wet zone forests of the country.  In a wet zone forest,  bird watching will probably have to be done on foot. A good  binocular, walking shoes and leech protection (leech socks or any other insect repellant) will come in very handy to make the most of this type of habitat. These forests are often referred to as “rain forests” and true to their name rain is always a possibility. A small umbrella in your back pack will  come in very handy  as protection to yourself as well as your camera, binocular etc in times of unexpected rain.

 

SINHARAJA WORLD HERITAGE SITE

From Colombo, Sinharaja can be reached via  the following route.

Colombo – Kalutara – Agalawatta Matugama – Kalavana – Veddagala – Sinharaja (4    hours)

Sinharaja is a wet evergreen forest managed by the Forest Department. A person entering the forest needs to obtain a permit and  will be accompanied by a guide inside the forest. Even though  the ticket office can be reached by car, a four wheel drive vehicle  with high clearance is needed to reach the forest entrance from which point  bird watching will have to be done on foot. There are well defined paths which could be leech infested,  especially during the rainy season. Sinharaja is famous for its mixed feeding flocks and a high density of endemic birds which can be encountered during bird walks. For staying overnight, basic accommodation provided by the Forest Department .is available. This has to be arranged prior to your visit from the head office at Jayanthipura, Battaramulla. There are a few private guest houses as well which provide meals and accommodation.

Birds to look for

Green-billed Coucal, Red-faced Malkoha, Ceylon Blue Magpie, Rufous Babbler, Ceylon Hill Myna, Ashy Headed Laughing Thrush, White Headed Starling, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Spotted-winged Thrush, Scaly Thrush, Ceylon Junglefowl, Ceylon Spurfowl, Crimson Backed Woodpecker, Ceylon Crested Drongo, Layard’s Parakeet, Ceylon Green Pigeon, Ceylon Lorikeet, Serendib Scops Owl, Ceylon Bay Owl, Ceylon Grey Hornbill, Chestnut Backed Owlet, Ceylon Frogmouth, Legge’s Flowerpecker, Scimitar Babbler, Ceylon Trogon, Black Eagle, Crested Serpent & Hawk Eagles, Crested Honey Buzzard and many  other species.

 

KITULGALA – KELANI VALLEY FOREST RESERVE

From Colombo this forest can be reached on the following route

Colombo – Awissawella – Ruwanwella – Kitulgala.  (2 hours)

The forest is across the river opposite the Kitugala Rest House. The river has to be crossed with the help of a “paruwa”. Once across the river the foot path through the village has to be followed to enter the forest. This forest reserve too comes under the purview of the Forest Department. Even though there are plans to have a ticket office, currently entrance is free. There are many places to stay overnight including the Rest House.  These have to be arranged prior to the visit.

Birds to look for
Green–billed Coucal, Ceylon lorikeet, Layard’s Parakeet, Ceylon Grey Hornbill, Chestnut – backed Owlet, Red-faced Malkoha, Ceylon Blue Magpie, Ceylon Frogmouth, Ceylon Crested Drongo, Ceylon Jungle & Spur Fowl,  Broad-billed Roller, Spotted- winged Thrush, Yellow–fronted Barbet, Black- naped  Flycatcher, Common Hill Mynah, Crested Serpent & Hawk Eagles, Black Eagle , Mountain Hawk Eagle, etc

 

 

KANNELIYA FOREST RESERVE

From Colombo this forest can be reached on the following route.

Colombo – Galle – turn left on to the Udugama road – go along this road to Udugama – Kanneliya. (4 hours)

This is a large rain forest with much of the area being covered by secondary forest. It comes under the purview of the Forest Department. Inside the forest there are broad paths   for more than two km to walk and observe birds. Basic accommodation is available for overnight stay inside the forest but prior bookings have to be made at the head office of the Forest Department at Jayanthipura, Battaramulla.

Birds to look for
Ceylon Grey Hornbill, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Green–billed Coucal, Ceylon Jungle & Spur Fowl, Ceylon Bay Owl, Chestnut-backed Owlet, Ceylon Blue Magpie, Scimitar Babbler, Black–capped, Yellow Browed & Black Bulbuls. Spotted-winged Thrush, Crimson-backed, LesserYellow-naped & Brown-Capped Pygmy Woodpeckers. Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Black Eagle, Crested  Hawk Eagle.

 

PEAK WILLDERNESS

From Colombo reaching this forest is possible on the following routes

• Colombo – Avissawella – Kitulgala – Norton bridge – Nallathaniya – Peak Wilderness  ( 4 hours)
• Colombo – Avissawella – Kuruwita – Eratna – Peak Wilderness ( 3 ½ hours)

 

These foot paths lead to the Adams Peak through the forest and many species of birds can be seen during the season as well as off season.  This mountain walk  goes through a wet evergreen forest leading all the way up to a montane cloud forest. Even though this involves a strenuous climb many species of birds that are found at different altitudes can be seen  as the path climbs up. Even though accommodation is available in and around Nallathaniya for overnight staying there are only a very few such places available around Eratna.

Birds to look for

Lower Elevations
Ceylon Blue Magpie, Ceylon Rufous Babbler, Ashy Headed Laughing-Thrush, Layard’s Parakeet, Ceylon Green Pigeon, Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle, Ceylon Grey Hornbill, Ceylon Crested Drongo, Ceylon Trogon

Higher Elevations
Ceylon Whistling Thrush, Yellow-eared Bulbul, Ceylon Blackbird, Dusky Blue Flycatcher,  Ceylon Wood Pigeon, Scaly Thrush, Mountain Hawk Eagle.

 

HORTON PLAINS NATIONAL PARK

From Colombo  this park can be reached on the following route.

Colombo – Avissawella – Hatton – Nanuoya – Ambewela – Horton Plains N.P.

This is one of the largest protected areas of the country which is approximately 6000 feet above sea level and is covered by vast plains as well as true cloud forest. The park comes under the purview of the Department of Wildlife Conservation and  a ticket is required to  enter the park. There are motorable roads as well as foot paths to different locations in the park such as the second highest mountain the country, “Kirigalpotta” and the picturesque Bakers falls. Most of the hill species of birds can be easily seen here during any walk in the park through forested areas and streams. A walk to the “worlds end” too will  lead through pristine hill bird habitat.

Birds to look for

Ceylon Warbler, Ceylon Whistling Thrush, Ceylon Wood Pigeon, Dusky Blue Flycatcher, Scaly Thrush, Spotted-winged Thrush, Ceylon Rufous Babbler, Ceylon Blue Magpie, Ceylon Hill White Eye, Pied Bush Chat, Common Buzzard, Brown Baza, Yellow-eared Bulbul, Black-winged Kite, Black Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle etc. 

 

BODINAGALA ( DOMBAGASKANDA )

Reaching the forest from Colombo can be done on the following route.

Colombo – Nugegoda – Piliyandala – Horana. About 4 km from Horana  look out for a board to the right stating “Dombagaskanda forest Hermitage ( Aranyaya)” From thence follow the sign boards to the forest. (1 ½ hours)

This is a forest within which a Buddhist place of worship is located where  priests engage in meditation. Observing silence & respecting the requirments of the temple is of paramount importance. This forest is threatened by human encroachments all round. However one is able to walk for about 1 ½ km inside the forest and also ascend a small hillock from where  it is possible to see the surroundings. There are well defined paths to walk as well as cement steps to climb the hillock. Even though not as rich as the former forest reserves in terms of the diversity of birds this location is popular with the Colombo birders due to its proximity to the city.

Birds to look for
Green-billed Coucal, Ceylon Trogon, Ceylon Crested Drongo, Indian Three-toed Kingfisher, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Black Capped, Yellow Browed & Black Bulbuls, Legge’s Flowerpecker, Black-naped Flycatcher, Ceylon & Green Imperial Pigeons, Green Leaf & Large-billed Leaf Warblers, Brown capped & Black Fronted Babblers etc

 

SALGALA

From Colombo this forest can be reached on the following routes.

1. Colombo – Kaduwela – Veliveriya – Attanagalle – Galapitamada – Salgala (1/2 hours)

2. Colombo – Peliyagoda – Warakapola turn right from the junction to - Galapitamada

This again is a forest where a Buddhist place of worship is located similar to Bodinagala. The foot path inside the forest is not very long and would be around ½ km. But the site is rich in bird life.

Birds to look for
White-rumped Shama, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Paradise Flycatcher, Yellow fronted Barbet, Ceylon Grey Hornbill, Ceylon Small Barbet, Black-naped (Monarch) Flycatcher, Crimson-backed Woodpecker etc

 

MEETHIRIGALA

From Colombo this forest is reached on the following route.

Colombo – Kaduwela- Hanwella – Pugoda – After 3 km look for a road to the right with a board “Meethirigala Aranyaya”.
(one hour)

This too is a forest reserve where a Buddhist place of worship is located. The foot path  bordering the forest which led to a village few years ago has now become a tarred road. During early morning, a walk on this road can be very rewarding. Having walked for about 1 ½ km,  a foot path to the left  leads to an open glade. For bird watching inside the forest hermitage itself it is prudent to inform the caretaker  of your presence.

Birds to look for include
White-rumped Shama, Ceylon Swallow, Ashy Swallow Shrike, Ceylon Lorikeet, Black Capped, Yellow Browed & Black Bulbuls, Ceylon & Green Imperial Pigeons, Alexandrine Parakeets, Brown Capped & Black-fronted Babblers, Black-headed Cuckoo Shrikes, Indian Three-toed Kingfisher, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Paradise Flycatcher.

 

THALANGAMA TANK & MARSHES

From Colombo  this site can be reached on the following route.

Colombo – Rajagiriya – Pelawatta -  turn right and drive towards Hokandara Junction  - turn left about 150m before the junction on to the ITN TV station road. Go pass the ITN TV station – Turn right on to the tank road which will take you to the tank.

(30 minutes)

This is a marshy area around a tank and paddy fields with motorable roads. You can explore the area on foot as well as in a vehicle. Many migrant waders can be seen here, particularly, during the beginning and end of the migrant season.

Birds to look for

Stork-billed, Common, Pied & White-breasted Kingfishers, White Ibis, Lesser Whistling Teal, Common Moorhen, Brahminy Kite, Brown Shrike, Ceylon Swallow, Black Winged Stilt, Watercock, Purple Heron,  Garganey, Common, Marsh & Wood Sandpipers, Yellow Wagtail, Indian Black Robin, Lesser Sand Plover, Red-wattled Lapwing, Green Imperial Pigeon & Crested Honey Buzzard etc.

 

KOTTE MARSHES

From Colombo  this site can be reached on the following route

Colombo – Rajagiriya –  100m before the turn off to the parliament turn right on to the “Japan Friendship Mawatha”  -  A drive for about one km  will lead to some marshy areas to the left. (20 minutes)

 A walk along the foot paths by the marshes during early mornings, particularly in the migrant season, at this location is worth a visit for those interested in observing some local as well as migrant species close to the city.

Birds to look for
Lesser Whistling Teal, Black Winged Stilt, Eurasian Golden Plover, Lesser sand Plover, Yellow Wagtail, Asian Openbill, Common Kingfisher, Spotted Dove, White-bellied sea eagle, Brahminy Kite,  Black -  headed Oriole, Ashy & White Browed Prinia, White Breasted Waterhen, Purple Coot, Wood & Common Sandpipers ect

 

ATTIDIYA MARSHES

From Colombo you can reach this site on the following route.

Colombo – Nugegoda – Papiliyana – drive towards Bellanwila Temple,  pass the temple, turn left and after 30 meters turn  right. This road goes through the marsh. Travelling  past the temple for about 200m and turning right towards the “Pump House” of the Water Resources Board, there is a foot path of about 1/2 km in to the marsh along the stream.

Even though effluence from various industrial operations are released to the waterways this, once very rich wet land, yet holds some interesting species of birds.

Birds to look for
Lesser Whistling Teal, (Asian) Openbill, Purple Heron, Blyth’s Reed Warbler, Pallas Grass hopper Warbler, Ashy & White - browed Prinia, White Ibis, Black -headed Oriole, Purple Coot,   Water Cock, Common, Pied, White-breasted & Strok-billed Kingfishers, Black winged stilt, Spot Billed Pelican, White-breasted Waterhen, Ruddy Crake etc.