Explore the Wondrous World of Birds in Sri Lanka: A Paradise for Ornithologists

Sri Lanka is a birder’s paradise. A tropical island in the Indian Ocean situated 10 degrees north of the equator, boasting of diverse and favourable climatic conditions and natural habitats such as forests, scrublands, grasslands, wetlands, seas and agricultural lands. The country is home to 439 species of birds of which 236 are breeding residents, 203 migrants and the rest vagrants.

For a country as small as Sri Lanka, having 33 endemic species and 68 endemic subspecies of birds with a species endemism of 11% goes to demonstrate why Sri Lanka is one of the FINEST Bird Watching Tour destinations in the world.

This includes endemics such as Fowls, Pigeons, Parrots, Parakeets, Malkoha, Coucal, Owl, Owlet, Hornbill, Barbet, Magpie, Bulbul, Warbler, Babbler, Thrush, White-eye, Mynah, Starling, Flycatcher, Flowerpecker, Pigeon, Barbet, Flameback, Woodshrike, Drongo and Swallow. In addition, there are close to 200 seasonal migratory birds both terrestrial and aquatic, moving away from the Northern winter travelling from as far as Siberia, Scandinavia and Western Europe, arriving around August/ September and leaving around April/May.

Since Sri Lanka is situated at the FARTHEST southern point away from the south of India with no other landmass until the South Pole, the migrating birds end their long journey in Sri Lanka, making it a regular wintering ground.

Sri Lanka birdwatching tours

Bird Migrations, which makes Sri Lanka Bird Watching Tours – Further Interesting

Some of the migrants include the Openbill, Ibis, Heron, Egrets, Pelicans, Cormorant, Water-cock, SWamphen, Waterhen, Stilts, Duck and Grebe. So take a look at the recommended Bird Watching Tours in Sri Lanka we have for you designed by local Bird Watching Guides in Sri Lanka. Connect with us today, to find out more.  

The main bird sanctuary in Sri Lanka is the KUMANA National Park which is considered one of the most important nesting and breeding grounds in Sri Lanka. The Bundala national Park situated in the southern-most tip of the bird migratory route is a favourite birding ground where flocks of flamingos, herons and storks are a regular sight. The other places are the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, Sinharaja Rain Forest, Bodinagala Forest Reserve, Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, Kitulgala Forest Reserve, Yala, Wilpattu, Udawalawe, Wagamuwa, Minneriya and Horton Plains National Parks in addition to numerous tanks, reservoirs, lagoons, marshes, lakes and rivers.

If our suggested Sri Lanka bird watching itineraries don’t quite fit your needs, we invite you to CONTACT US to craft a customized bird watching adventure in Sri Lanka that suits your preferences. Explore the Wondrous World of Birds in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka, a tropical paradise nestled in the Indian Ocean, is a haven for bird enthusiasts. With its diverse climatic conditions and natural habitats, including forests, scrublands, grasslands, wetlands, seas, and agricultural lands, the island is home to an array of colorful birds. Our passionate birding guides invite you to join us on an UNFORGETTABLE bird watching adventure in Sri Lanka. Let us help and create lasting memories along the way. With our expert guidance, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the extraordinary world of birds, along with tjhe bonus of fascinating flora and fauna, on our bird watching tours Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka: A Paradise for Ornithologists, Home to a Diverse Array of Bird Species Sri Lanka is a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting a staggering 427 documented species, whith 250 being permanent residents and 33 found nowhere else on earth (although this figure may be subject to change pending a recent taxonomic reassessment).

Sri Lanka birdwatching tours

Well, There is a Herd of Uniqueness to Sri Lankan Birds Compared to Other Nations

Many of these unique species, including thge vibrant Red-faced malkoha and Green-billed coucal, can be spotted in the lush wet zone, while the hill-country provides a habitat for the Sri Lanka whistling thrush, Yellow-eared bulbul, Sri Lanka wood pigeon, and the majestic Sri Lanka blue magpie. The island’s diverse wildlife is home to a stunning array of avian species, including the resplendent Sri Lankan junglefowl, the elusive Brown-capped babbler, the majestic Hawk eagle, and the distinctive Sri Lanka hill myna, as well as the Sri Lanka grey hornbill, the vibrant Crimson-fronted barbet, the Yellow-fronted barbet, the Black-capped bulbul, the rare Serendib scops owl, the Sri Lanka bay owl, and numerous other fascinating birds, all of which can be spotted in the island’s lush forests and protected sanctuaries. 

During bird watching excursions in SRi Lanka, a diverse array of migratory species enhance the scenic beauty, including the Forest wagtail, Grey wagtail, Asian brown flycatcher, and many others. 

The first wave of migratory birds typically arrives in mid-August, with massive flocks of sandpipers, stints, plovers, terns, and harriers making their way from Northern India, Siberia, Scandinavia, and Western Europe to settle along the coastal lagoons and salterns of eastern, north-western, and south-eastern Sri Lanka. In addition to the abundant species of birds that can be spotted in the forested areas, such as tree warblers, thrushes, and cuckoos, the dry zone of ducks and other aquatic birds. The large lakes in thsi region attract a variety of feathered visitors, including storks, herons, egrets, and ibises. These birds can be easily observed on bird watching tours in Sri Lanka, providing a unique and exciting experience for nature enthusiasts. 

The tropical climate and exotic landscape of Sri Lanka makes bird watching in Sri Lanka a true paradise for birders, researchers, and Ornithologists arriving from all over the world. Bird Watching In Sri Lanka: Birding Parks in Sri Lanka – The country boasts an exceptionally high number of endemic species, outnumbering massive birding nations like Costa Rica. Its diverse landscape, which includes wet and dry zones, forests, jungles, and hills, offers a wide range of habitats for these birds to thrive. As a result, there are countless fascinating locations to spot these beautiful birds, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Country’s main forest, Sinharaja Rainforest will offer you sightings of 29 out of the country’s 33 unique birds.

Sri Lanka birdwatching tours

Why Wait? Connect with us for an AMAZING Bird Watching Tour

The Sinharaja Bird Wave is renowned as the largest, most exceptional for birdwatching, and the most extensively researched bird wave globally, visible from November to March within the rainforest. HOrton Plains National Park and the Kitulgala Forests are essential destinations for bird watching tours in Sri Lanka, where visitors can spot all of the country’s unique bird species. Mannar adn Bundala National Parks: The best time to visit these National Parks is from October to April because that’s when hundreds of winter migrant birds arrive for feeding. Mannar is also a great location to photograph Flamingos. Kumana, Yala, Wilpattu and Uda Walawe National Parks and Sigiriya Sanctuary: On a trip bird watching in Sri Lanka, endemic adn migrant birds alike can be spotted at these locations.

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