<<<< Birds >>>>

Birds lovers

The miraculous great quantity of over 482 varieties of birds in Sri Lanka is attributable to the tropical climate and wide range of natural habitats, from mountains to lowlands to dry plains and lush forests. On a point of intellectual argument, there are either 26 endemic birds in Sri Lanka, largely confined to the rainforests of the hill zone.

The winter migrants come from distant Siberia and Western Europe. The reservoirs attract vast number of water birds. The forests attract many other species. There are many birds’ sanctuaries across the little island 270 km by 140 km in size.

Kumana is situated in east Coast, Bundala, Kalamatiya are is in the southern coast, Sinharaja Rain Forest, Udawatta Kale, Bellanwila, Muthurajawela, Minneriya, Kitulgala and Minipe are other important Bird watching locations. In additions you can see birds through out the country in pockets of forests, lakes, lagoons and river sides during your travel.

The best time of year for sightings is November-April, mostly February and March, after the migrants (198 species) have arrived.

Best time of day for observation is early morning, except for the people-friendly “Townies”, like the black house crows, common mynah, sunbirds, parakeets, etc.
For the ‘birder’ the choice sites are the forests of Sinharaja and Horton Plains. For family pleasure the National Parks of Yala, Bundala and Uda Walawe are more easily accessible.