Sri Lanka is a birder’s paradise. Boasting different climatic conditions, terrains and natural habitats, such as forests, scrublands, grasslands, wetlands, seas and agricultural lands, this small island in the Indian Ocean packs an exciting itinerary for the twitchers and ornithologists.
As of 2020, Sri Lanka has 501 species of birds, 25 of whom are endemics. Another 25 are recorded as being globally endangered, with the threat of extinction. These bids include both resident and migrant species. No matter where you go, you are guaranteed to spot winged beauties, but we made a list to make it easier for you, so don’t “dip” on the opportunity to have your mindblown!
Kumana National Park:
Renowned for its avifauna, Kumana National Park is one of the finest places in Sri Lanka to explore birdlife at its best. Located in Ampara, 391km away from Colombo, this park provides excellent feeding and resting habitats for birds. The “Kumana Villu” which gets inundated with sea water on occasions is a popular hub among birds, as they nest in the swamp. Other favourite water pools at Kumana include Kudawila wewa, Thummulla wewa and Kotalinda wewa.
During April–July, many birds migrate to the park, recording up to 255 species annually. Regular sightings of birds include pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, white ibis, herons, egrets and cormorants. The very rare black-necked stork has also been spotted at the swamp. Asian Open bill, White-breasted Water hen, Lesser Whistling Glossy Ibis, Purple Heron, Great Egret, Indian Pond Heron, Weathercock, Purple Swamp hen, and Duck Black-crowned Night Heron are among the migrant species who stop at Kumana, as they journey around the world.
Bundala National Park:
A RAMSAR site and an internationally important wintering ground for exotic migratory birds, Bundala National Park is a dry area, which consists of thorny scrublands marshes, lagoons, waterways and dunes, making it the perfect sanctuary for many species. It is located in Hambanthota, 251km away from the city of Colombo.
The Bundala National Park boasts of around 200 species of birds, of which approximately 150 are endemic, others being migratory. Amongst the migratory birds are the Petite Blue Tailed bee-eaters, flocks of Flamingos, Brown Flycatcher, Sandpipers, Barn Swallow, Water Fowl, Common Redshank, the Lesser Sand Plover and Forest Wagtail. There are number of migratory aquatic birds such as Greater flamingo, Ibis, Painted storks, Terns, Gulls and Ducks and the resident water birds such as Pelicans, Herons, Egrets, Cormorants, Stilts and Storks, who can be sighted at Bundala.
Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary:
Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary is an extraordinary area, as it contains three vastly different ecosystems in close proximity; the coast, the mangroves and the fresh water tanks making it one of the six RAMSAR Wetlands in Sri Lanka. This unique ecological setting has made it a favourable nesting and breeding ground for hundreds of species of birds. It is located in Puttalam district. The area acts as a refuge for over 150 species of birds, including Herons, the Open-bill, Great cormorant, White ibis, Egret, Stalk, Pheasant tailed jacna and the Purple swamp hen.
Sinharaja Rainforest:
The “Lion Kingdom” of Sri Lanka, the Sinharaja Rainforest is an extremely important biodiversity hotspot, which has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The forest reserve is situated 160km away from Colombo. The hustle and bustle of the urban city feels a world away, the second you enter this paradise.
Over 154 species of birds are recorded from Sinharaja Rainforest, most of them being “mixed species feeding flocks”. 19 out of 20 species of endemic Sri Lankan birds can be found in Sinharaja, such as the Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, Green-Billed Coucal, Sri Lankan white-headed starling, Red-faced Malkoha, Green-billed Caucal, Sri Lanka Spur fowl Sri Lankan Blue Magpie, and Ashy-headed Babbler.
Other Places that are Amazing for Birdwatching:
Sri Lanka is teaming with flocks of colourful feathered friends, that you could see them anywhere. Sigiriya Sanctuary, Wilpattu National Park, Yala National Park, Chundikulam Bird Sanctuary, Udawattakele Sanctuary, Knuckles Forest Reserve, Horton Plains and Gal Oya are some of the other famous spots among the bird enthusiasts who visit Sri Lanka.
Photos sourced from Thimindu Goonatillake.
