1. The Sri Lanka hill Myna
The Sri Lanka hill myna, Ceylon myna or Sri Lanka myna, is a
myna, a member of the starling family. This bird is endemic to Sri Lanka. black
plumage has a more purple sheen. The sexes are alike except in iris colour.
Evidence seems to point that it is the male bird’s iris that is brown while
that of the female is white.
This is a bird of wet zone and wet hill forests, found up to
2000 metres elevation. It generally lives in pairs or small flocks though
sometimes larger gatherings are encountered close to fruiting trees.The bird
appears to move much in a day’s wanderings, but its presence is always
advertised by its loud calls. The bird is a fruit eater, wild fig and the fruit
of the ‘ Sapu’ Michelia champaca tree being favourites.
Nesting takes place in the early part of the year with a
possible second season in August- September. The bird nests in tree holes,
either natural or disused nests of woodpeckers. These are generally around
eight metres from ground level or higher, located within forest or on its outskirts.
Both adults have been observed to bring material to the nest hole. First twigs
are added followed by finer material which probably forms the lining. Both
adults feed the young as well. Therefore
it is possible that both incubate the eggs too. The eggs are two in number,
pale blue in ground colour blotched with purplish-brown.
2. White-Faced Starling
(Sturnornis albofrontatus)
The white-faced starling (Sturnornis albofrontatus) is a
member of the starling family of birds. It is an endemic resident breeder in
Sri Lanka.
The adults of these 22 cm-long birds have green-glossed dark
grey upperparts and whitish underparts. The head is paler than the underparts.
The sexes are similar, but juveniles are duller, with brown upperparts and
greyer underparts.
This passerine is typically found in tall forest, usually
high in the canopy. The white-faced starling builds its nest in a hole. The
normal clutch is two eggs.
Like most starlings, the white-faced starling is fairly
omnivorous, eating fruit, nectar and insects.
3. Ceylon Blue Magpie
(Uroc’ssa ornata)
The Sri Lanka Blue Magpie is an endangered and endemic bird
known as "Kehibella" in native Sinhala language and found in dense
wet evergreen temperate rainforests in Sri Lanka including Sinharaja World
Heritage Rainforest. Sri Lanka Blue Magpie is usually found in small groups. It
is largely carnivorous, eating small frogs, lizards, insects and other
invertebrates, but will also eat fruit.
The cup-shaped stick nest is in a tree or shrub and there
are usually 3-5 eggs laid. The eggs are white heavily spotted with brown. Both
sexes build the nest and feed the young with only the female incbating them.
The Sri Lanka Blue Magpie is about the same size as the
European Magpie at 42-47 cm. The adults are blue with chestnut head and wings,
and a long white-tipped tail. The legs and bill are red.
4. Ceylon Crested Drongo
(Dicrurus lophorhinus)
The Sri Lanka drongo (Dicrurus lophorinus) or Ceylon crested
drongo, is a species of bird in the family Dicruridae. It is endemic to Sri
Lanka.
Large, upright, blackish bird with a long, deeply-forked
tail and tuft of feathers on the forehead. Typically found in pairs, often in
mixed flocks, within the understory of humid forests in the lowlands and
foothills of Sri Lanka’s Wet Zone.
5. Ashy-Headed Laughing Thrush
(Argya cinereifrons)
The ashy-headed laughingthrush (Argya cinereifrons) is a
member of the family Leiothrichidae. These are birds of tropical areas, with
the greatest variety in southeast Asia.
Medium-sized, rufous babbler with a gray hood, beady pale
eye, buff throat patch, and blackish bill and legs. Gregarious, usually
encountered within small groups low in the understory, or on the ground, in wet
forests of the lowlands and foothills. Can join mixed species flocks. Mixture
of gray head, black bill and legs, and paler buff underside identify it from
all other babblers on Sri Lanka.
6. Ceylon White-Eye
(Zosterops ceylonensis)
The Sri Lanka white-eye (Zosterops ceylonensis) is a small
passerine bird in the white-eye family, which is endemic to Sri Lanka. It is a
resident breeder in forests, gardens and plantations, mainly in the highlands.
The upper parts of the body and sides of neck are dark
olive-green. The rump appears paler green while the crown and forehead appear
darker. The wings and tail are brown edged with green on the back. The typical
ring of tiny white feathers around the eye is present. The lores are dark and
there is a dark streak below the eye. The chin, throat and upper breast are
greenish-yellow as are the thighs and vent. The belly region is greyish white.
The dark bill has a slaty base to the lower mandible. The legs are dark. The
iris is yellow to reddish-brown.
This species can be distinguished from the widespread Indian
white-eye, Zosterops palpebrosus, by its larger size, duller green back and
more extensive yellow on the breast. It has a darker patch between the eye and
the bill.
It is sociable, forming large flocks which only disperse
with the approach of the breeding season. It builds a tree nest and lays 3
unspotted pale blue eggs.
Though mainly insectivorous, the Sri Lankan white-eye will
also eat nectar and fruits of various kinds.
7. Ceylon Rufous Babbler
(Turdoides rufescens)
The orange-billed babbler (Argya rufescens) also known as
Ceylon rufous babbler or Sri Lankan rufous babbler is a member of the family
Leiothrichidae.
The orange-billed babbler is a resident breeding bird
endemic to Sri Lanka. In the past, it was considered to be a race of jungle
babbler, Argya striatus.
Its habitat is rainforest, and it is seldom seen away from
deep jungle. This species, like most babblers, is not migratory, and has short
rounded wings and a weak flight.
Although its habitat is under threat, it occurs in all the
forests of the wet zone, and is quite common at prime sites like Kitulgala and
Sinharaja. It builds its nest in a tree, concealed in dense masses of foliage.
The normal clutch is two or three deep greenish blue eggs.
These birds are plain orange brown below, and have a
slightly darker shade above. The crown and nape are grey, and the bill is
orange.
The orange-billed babbler lives in flocks of seven to ten or
more. It is a noisy bird, and the presence of a flock may generally be known at
some distance by the continual chattering, squeaking and chirping produced by
its members. It is usually the first sign that a mixed-species feeding flock,
so characteristic of Asian wet forests, is in the vicinity. It feeds mainly on
insects, but also eats jungle berries.
8. Brown-Capped Babbler
(Pellorneum fuscocapilius)
The brown-capped babbler (Pellorneum fuscocapillus) is a
member of the family Pellorneidae.
Small brown babbler, with intense cinnamon underparts and a
clear cut blackish brown cap. A terrestrial species occurring on or near the
ground in forests, forest edge and nearby scrub and thickets in wooded areas,
where typically encountered as pairs. Bold cap and underpart coloration make
this distinctive in limited range on Sri Lanka.
9. Ceylon Scimitar Babbler
(Pomatorhinus melanurus)
The Sri Lanka scimitar babbler or Ceylon scimitar babbler
(Pomatorhinus melanurus) is an Old World babbler. It is endemic to the island
of Sri Lanka, and was formerly treated as a subspecies of Indian scimitar
babbler.
A striking babbler, with a long, bright yellow-orange
downcurved bill, bold white eyebrow, deep chestnut upperparts, and clean white
underparts. Inhabits the understory of forested areas and nearby scrub in both
the lowlands and mountains, where typically encountered in pairs, and often
moving with mixed species flocks. The nominate form is found in the western
part of wet hill regions of Sri Lanka, while race holdsworthi is found in the
dry lowlands and eastern hills.
10. Legge’s Flowerpecker
(Dicaeurn vincens)
Legge's flowerpecker (Dicaeum vincens) or the white-throated
flowerpecker, is a small passerine bird. It is an endemic resident breeder in
Sri Lanka.
The Legge's flowerpecker is a common resident breeding bird
of forests and other well-wooded habitats including gardens. Two eggs are laid
in a purse-like nest suspended from a tree.
11. Dusky Blue Flycatcher
(Eumyias sordidus)
The dull-blue flycatcher (Eumyias sordidus) is a small
passerine bird in the flycatcher family, Muscicapidae.
This species is an endemic resident breeder in the hills of
central Sri Lanka.
The dull-blue flycatcher breeds in deciduous mountain
forest, invariably above 600m, although it is not common below 900m. The main
breeding season is in March and April, but a second brood is often reared later
in the year.
The cup-shaped nest is a lined compact mass of moss. The
normal clutch is two or three brown-spotted pink eggs are laid.
Adults are ashy blue, with a whitish belly. There is a black
patch between the broad black bill and the eye, bordered with brighter blue
above and below. Sexes are similar, but females are slightly duller.
Juvenile dull-blue flycatchers are brown, heavily spotted on
the head, back, wing-coverts and breast with pale buff; their flight feathers
are broadly edged with blue-grey.
This is relatively easy bird to see, despite its forest
habitat. It feeds mainly on flying insects, beetles, caterpillars and other
insects, but also eats berries.
12. Sri Lanka Bush Warbler
(Elaphrornis paljiseri)
The Sri Lanka bush warbler (Elaphrornis palliseri), also
known as Ceylon bush warbler or Palliser's warbler. is an Old World warbler
which is an endemic bird in Sri Lanka
The Sri Lanka bush warbler is a bird of dense forest
undergrowth, often close to water. It is found in the highlands of central Sri
Lanka, usually above 1200 m. The nest is built in a shrub, and two eggs are
laid.
This is a medium-large warbler at 14 cm. The adult has a
plain brown back, pale grey underparts, a broad tail and short wings. There is
a weak supercilium, and the throat is tinged orange. The sexes are identical,
as with most warblers, but young birds lack the throat colouration.
The Sri Lanka bush warbler is a skulking species which can
be very difficult to see. Perhaps the best site is Horton Plains National Park.
It keeps low in vegetation and, like most warblers, it is insectivorous.
Males are often only detected by the loud song, which has an
explosive queet.
13. Ceylon Scaly Thrush
(Zoothera imbricata)
The Sri Lanka thrush or Sri Lanka scaly thrush (Zoothera
imbricata) is a member of the thrush family Turdidae. This bird is a
non-migratory resident breeder found in south western rainforests of the island
of Sri Lanka.
Large, long-billed brown thrush with extensive black scales
all over the body, and rich buff underparts. A very secretive, terrestrial
species that frequents the understory of wet forests of lowlands and mountains.
Most often encountered in the foothills, foraging along forest tracks. Told
from female Pied and Spot-winged Thrushes by presence of extensive black
markings on the upperparts, and rich buff coloration to the underparts. Heard
mainly at dawn and dusk
14. Spot-Winged Thrush
(Zoothera spiloptera)
The spot-winged thrush, (Geokichla spiloptera), is an Asian
thrush, a group within the large thrush family Turdidae.
It is an endemic resident breeder in Sri Lanka. This
uncommon species breeds in hill rainforests, and to a lesser extent in drier
woodlands, at altitudes between 500 and 2000 m.
The wintering areas are similar but include less well-wooded
areas, and are generally at 750 to 1500 m altitude. The spot-winged thrush is
generally solitary and can be quite secretive, especially in the dense
undergrowth and bamboo clumps it favours.
Spot-winged thrushes are omnivorous, but eat far more
insects than fruit. They feed on the ground.
Adults of this medium-sized thrush, which measures 21 to 27
cm (8.3 to 10.6 in) in total length and weighs 70 g (2.5 oz) are light brown
above with a double wing bar of white spots. The pale face has two dark bars.
The underparts are white with heavy spotting. The bill is black and legs are
yellow. The song is a rich and varied whistling.
Young birds have buff streaking on the upperparts, and the
face and the underparts are light brown with heavy streaking.
The loose cup nests are lined with vegetation and placed in
a tree fork. 2-3 buff or bluish-green eggs are laid. This species raises two
broods each year.
15. Ceylon Whistling-Thrush
(Myophonus blighi)
The Sri Lanka whistling thrush (Myophonus blighi) is a
whistling thrush in the family Muscicapidae. It is a resident endemic bird in
Sri Lanka.
It is found in the highlands of Sri Lanka in jungle or other
dense forest near water. It is omnivorous, eating a wide range of insects,
frogs, earthworms and berries. It lays one or two eggs in a neat cup-shaped
nest in a bush or on a ledge near water.
It does not form flocks, although several birds may be
loosely associated in suitable habitat.
This is a small whistling thrush, at only 20 cm. Adult males
are dark blue with a darker head and back. There are bright blue patches on the
shoulders, supercilia and forehead. The female is brown above and chestnut
below, but has a bright blue shoulder patch like the male.
The male sings its simple whistling song from trees, usually
in deep cover.
This is a notoriously difficult species to see, even when
the males are singing in the breeding season, which starts in February. It is
very shy, scarce, localised and declining due to habitat loss. Perhaps the best
chance is at dawn at Horton Plains National Park 2000m up in the highlands of
Sri Lanka and at a site near the Haggala Botanical Gardens close to Nuwara
Eliya town.
16. Yellow-Eared Bulbul
(Pycnonotus penicillatus)
The yellow-eared bulbul (Pycnonotus penicillatus) is a
species of songbird in the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is an endemic
resident breeder in the highlands of Sri Lanka. The common name is also used as
an alternate name for the yellow-throated bulbul.
Medium-sized, plump green bulbul with a yellow belly and
distinctive head pattern with yellow tufts behind each eye, white tufts above
each eye, and white horns sticking up from the base of the bill. Found in small
parties in the canopy of hill forests and adjacent woods and gardens.
Conspicuous head pattern of Yellow-eared Bulbul differentiates it from
Black-headed Bulbul, which has an unmarked, dark head. Frequently given call is
a harsh trill.
17. Black-Capped Bulbul
(Pycnonotus melanicterus)
The black-capped bulbul (Rubigula melanictera), or
black-headed yellow bulbul, is a member of the bulbul family of passerine
birds.It is endemic to Sri Lanka.
The black-capped bulbul is virtually crestless and has a
yellow throat and brownish eyes. It is yellowish green above and yellow below.
The tail is brownish and ends in a white tip. The male has red irides and the
female has brown irides. Calls include a broad repertoire of sweet, mellow,
minor-key piping whistles and sharper calls. Breeding records are from March to
September.
18. Ceylon Wood-Shrike
(Tephrodornis affinis)
The Ceylon Woodshrike is a nondescript, sparrow sized bird
of mostly grey plumage. The male has a dark mask across the eye. A prominent
feature which stands out in this drab plumage is a white rump bordered below
with black upper tail coverts. The female is browner with a less prominent
mask. The Wood Shrike is a common bird in the low country dry zone and ascends
the hills to about 1200 metres especially on the dryer, eastern side. It is
scarce and local in the wet zone.
It usually moves about in pairs frequenting scrub as well as
large trees flitting about looking for the insects on which it feeds. The Wood
Shrike generally avoids heavy forest. The bird would hardly be noticed if not
for its distinctive, pleasant call which sounds like ‘
twee-twee-twee-twee, twy, twy, twy, twy
’ uttered rapidly on a descending scale.
The Ceylon Wood Shrike breeds during the early part of the
year building a well camouflaged small cup like nest stuck to the top of a
horizontal branch or in a fork between two smaller branches. The nest is very
difficult to spot unless the sitting bird is seen as it is well covered on the
outside with cobweb and flakes. The young too are obliteratingly coloured to
resemble a lichen covered excrescence of a branch and are very difficult to
spot. The nest is generally placed about 3 to 5 metres from ground level. The
two to three eggs are buff or greenish white in ground colour blotched all over.
19. Ceylon Swallow
(Hirundo hyperythra)
The Sri Lanka swallow (Cecropis hyperythra) is a resident
breeder endemic to Sri Lanka. It is closely related to the red-rumped swallow,
and was formerly considered a subspecies.
It is a large swallow with a tail which forks deeply, and
the combination of deep rufous underside and navy blue rump without any marks
is a unique feature of this species. Its rufous underside can be used to tell
it apart from the red-rumped swallow. It is a passerine, which means it has
three toes pointing forward and one pointing backward, allowing it to perch.
Swallow with deeply forked tail, and unstreaked chestnut
underparts and rump. Found in a variety of open country habitats in both the
lowlands and foothills, including farm fields and lightly wooded areas, where
usually occurs in pairs or small groups. Combination of unmarked, deep rufous
underside and rufous rump separate this species from all other swallows on the
island.
20. Crimson-Backed
(Chrysocolaptes stricklandi)
The crimson-backed flameback or greater Sri Lanka flameback
(Chrysocolaptes stricklandi) is a species of bird in the woodpecker family
Picidae that is endemic to Sri Lanka.
Large, spectacular woodpecker with crimson upperparts,
black-scaled pale underparts, and a crested head. Males have a red crest,
females a black crest with fine white markings. Endemic to Sri Lanka. Typically
in pairs, in the understory of forests and woodlands, where it regularly joins
mixed species flocks; can also occasionally be found in disturbed areas or home
gardens. Note the pale ivory colored bill, and lack of a prominent white
eyebrow, unlike the similar Red-backed Flameback. Also note a distinctive
elliptical marking on the face below the eye, which distinguishes this
flameback from all other flamebacks on Sri Lanka.
21. Ceylon Small Barbet
(Megalaima rubricapillus)
The crimson-fronted barbet (Psilopogon rubricapillus), also
called Sri Lanka barbet, is an Asian barbet endemic to Sri Lanka where it
inhabits tropical moist lowland forests up to 1,300 m (4,300 ft) elevation.
It has a mainly green plumage and wings, a blue band down
the side of the head and neck, and a black crescent behind the eye. It is 15 cm
(5.9 in) long with a short neck, large head and short tail. Its forages for
fruit and insects, and nests in tree holes, laying 2-4 eggs.
22. Yellow-Fronted Barbet
(Megalaima flavifrons)
The yellow-fronted barbet (Psilopogon flavifrons) is an
Asian barbet, which is an endemic resident breeder in Sri Lanka, where it
inhabits subtropical and tropical moist forests, wetlands, plantations and
rural gardens up to an altitude of 2,000 m (6,600 ft) It has green plumage with
a yellow crown and blue patches below the eyes, on the throat and the chin. It
is 21–22 cm (8.3–8.7 in) long and weighs 57–60 g (2.0–2.1 oz). It feeds on
berries, fruits and occasionally insects. It nests in a tree hole, where it
lays 2-3 eggs.
23. Ceylon Grey Hornbill
(Ocyceros gingalensis)
The Sri Lanka grey hornbill (Ocyceros gingalensis) is a bird
in the hornbill family and a widespread and common endemic resident breeder in
Sri Lanka. Hornbills are a family of tropical near-passerine birds found in the
Old World.
The Sri Lanka grey hornbill is a large bird at 45
centimetres (18 in) in length. It has grey wings with black primary flight
feathers, a grey back, and a brown crown. Its long tail is blackish with white
sides, and the underparts are white. The long, curved bill has no casque. Sexes
are similar, although the male has a cream-coloured bill, whereas the female's
is black with a cream stripe. Immature birds have dark grey upperparts, a cream
bill, and a tail with a white tip. Its flight is slow and powerful.
The female lays up to four white eggs in a tree hole blocked
off during incubation with a cement made of mud, droppings and fruit pulp.
There is only one narrow aperture, barely wide enough for the male to transfer
food to the mother and chicks. These birds usually live in pairs or small
flocks consisting up to five birds (2 adults and 2-3 juveniles).
24. Chestnut-Backed Owlet
(Glaucidium Castanonotum)
The chestnut-backed owlet , is an owl which is endemic to
Sri Lanka. This species is a part of the larger grouping of owls known as
typical owls, Strigidae, which contains most of the smaller owl species. This
species was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the jungle owlet.
The chestnut-backed owlet is small and stocky, measuring 19
cm (7.5 in) in length. It resembles the jungle owlet in shape, size and
appearance but the upperparts, scapulars and wing coverts are mainly chestnut
brown, with darker barring. The underparts are white with blackish
shaft-streaks.The facial disc is mainly brown and the eyes are yellow. There is
a white neckband.
The chestnut-backed owlet is a common resident bird in the
wet zone forests of Sri Lanka, and can be seen easily at sites such as
Kitulgala and Sinharaja. Historical reports of its distribution by Legge
include many parts of the southern half of Sri Lanka, especially the hills and
the wet-zone low country extending to the outskirts of Colombo. In recent
times, its range has shrunk greatly, and it is now found sparingly in the
remaining forests of the wet zone and the adjoining hills at altitudes of up to
6,500 ft (2,000 m) above sea level.
25. Serendib Scops-Owl
(Otus hoffmanni)
The Serendib scops owl (Otus thilohoffmanni) is the most
recently discovered bird of Sri Lanka.
Apart from Sinharaja and Kitulgala, it has also been found at Runakanda
Reserve in Morapitiya and Eratna Gilimale. It is known as 'Panduwan Bassa' in
Sinhala.
The habitat of the Serendib scops owl is in the southern
rainforests of Sri Lanka. There is an altitudinal range from 30 to 50 metres.
This owl has no competition from other nocturnal birds, as the territories are
completely different. This species has a very small population: at the end of
January 2006 only 80 of them were known to exist.The places that it is expected
to be found are in five protected areas, like the Forest Reserve or the
Proposed Reserve of Sri Lanka. They seem to be declining because of the loss of
habitat and the degradation. The first two hours of darkness are when the owl
hunts for its food.
This rare species inhabits the rainforests in the
southwestern part of Sri Lanka. Like most owls, it is strictly nocturnal and
hunts insects (e.g. beetles and moths) close to the ground. It begins calling
at dusk, then its frequency rises again some two hours before dawn.
Unlike the other two species of scops owl in Sri Lanka,
Indian scops owl (Otus bakkamoena) and oriental scops owl (Otus sunia), it does
not have ear-tufts and its facial disc is only weakly defined. The general
colour of this 16.5 cm (6.5 in) long, short-tailed owl is reddish-brown with
paler underparts, spotted all over with fine black markings. The irides are
tawny yellow (more orangish in male) and the feet are a pale fleshy colour.
Tarsi are feathered for less than half their length. The claws and bill are a
pale ivory colour.
26. Green-Billed Coucal
(Centropus chlororhynchos)
The green-billed coucal (Centropus chlororhynchos) is a
member of the cuckoos. It is endemic to Sri Lanka's wet zone and listed as
Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, as the small population declined due to forest
destruction and fragmentation. It inhabits the tall rainforests of southwest
Sri Lanka and nests in bushes. Its typical clutch is 2–3 eggs.
It is a medium to large bird at 43 cm. Its head and body is
purple-black, the wings are maroon above and black below, and the long tail is
dark green. The bill is a distinctive light green. Sexes are similar, but
juveniles are duller and streaked. It is somewhat smaller and less contrasted
than the more widespread greater coucal. Despite its size and distinctive call,
this is a difficult species to see because of the dense habitat in which it
lives and its retiring nature. It feeds on a wide range of insects,
caterpillars and small vertebrates, but snails are a favourite
27. Red-Faced Malkoha
(Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus)
The red-faced malkoha (Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus) is a
member of the cuckoo order of birds, the Cuculiformes. This malkoha species is
endemic to Sri Lanka
The presence of red-faced malkoha in the island is largely
confined to the Sinharaja Forest Reserve and the surrounding vegetation, which
is one of the biodiversity hotspots in the world.
The red-faced malkoha is a bird of dense forests, where it
can be difficult to see despite its size and colour.
It nests in a tree, the typical clutch being 2-3 eggs.
28. Layard’s Parakeet
(Psittacufa calthropae)
Layard's parakeet (Psittacula calthrapae) is a parrot which
is a resident endemic breeder in Sri Lanka.
Layard's parakeet is a green parrot, 29 cm long including a
tail up to 13 cm. The adult has a bluish-grey head and back, separated by a
green collar. There is a broad black chin stripe and the tail is blue tipped
yellow. The upper mandible of the male's bill is red and the lower mandible is
brown.
The female is similar, but has an all black beak and less
green on the face than the male. Immature birds are mainly green, with an
orange bill.
Layard's parakeet is a bird of forests, particularly at the
edges and in clearings, and also gardens. It is locally common. It undergoes
local movements, driven mainly by the availability of the fruit, seeds, buds
and blossoms that make up its diet. It is less gregarious than some of its
relatives, and is usually in small groups outside the breeding season, when it
often feeds with brahminy starlings. Its flight is swift and direct, and the
call is a raucous chattering. It nests in holes in large trees, laying 3–4
white eggs.
29. Ceylon Hanging Parrot
(Loriculus beryllinus)
The Sri Lanka hanging parrot (Loriculus beryllinus) is a
small parrot which is a resident endemic breeder in Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lanka hanging parrot is a small hanging parrot that
is 13 cm long with a short tail. The adult has a red crown and rump. The nape
and back have on orange tint. The chin and throat are pale blue. The beak is
red and the irises are white.
Immature birds lack the orange hue to the back, have a
duller rump, and have only a hint of orange on the crown. They have a faint
blue throat. They have orange beaks and brown irises.
Sri Lanka hanging parrot is less gregarious than some of its
relatives, and is usually alone or in small groups outside the breeding
season. It undergoes local movements,
driven mainly by the availability of the fruit, seeds, buds and blossoms that
make up its diet.
Sri Lanka hanging parrot is a bird of open forest. It is
strictly arboreal, never descending to the ground. It nests in holes in trees,
laying 2–3 eggs.Females are involved in building the nest while males mostly
remain close, observing the females.Breeding season includes the first part of
the year and sometimes July-september.
30. Ceylon Green Pigeon
(Treron pompadora)
The Sri Lanka green pigeon or Ceylon green pigeon (Treron
pompadora) is a pigeon in the genus Treron. In Sri Lanka, this bird and several
other green pigeon are known as bata goya in the Sinhala language.
Medium-sized green pigeon with yellow face and yellowish
line on the wing. Male has a maroon back that is green on the female. Found
singly to small groups at upper levels of forest in lowlands and hills. Maroon
back of male rules out similar species. Female has pale, green-marked
undertail, unlike plainer, rufous undertail of Orange-breasted Green Pigeon, or
rufous markings of Yellow-footed Green Pigeon. Legs and feet of Sri Lanka Green
Pigeon are reddish.
It eats the seeds and fruits of a wide variety of plants. It
builds a stick nest in a tree and lays two white eggs.
31. Ceylon Wood Pigeon
(Columba torringtoniae)
The Sri Lanka wood pigeon (Columba torringtoniae) is a
pigeon which is an endemic resident breeding bird in the mountains of Sri
Lanka.
This species nests in damp evergreen woodlands in the
central highlands, building a stick nest in a tree and laying a single white
egg. Its flight is quick, with the regular beats and an occasional sharp flick
of the wings which are characteristic of pigeons in general. Most of its food
is vegetable.
The Sri Lanka wood pigeon is 36 cm in length. Its upperparts
and tail are dark grey, and the head and underparts are lilac, becoming paler
on the belly. There is a black-and-white chessboard pattern on the nape.
This pigeon can be quite easily seen in the woods of the
Horton Plains National Park.
32. Ceylon Jungle Fowl
(Gallus lafayetii)
Ceylon Jungle Fowl, the Sri Lankan Jungle Fowl is endemic to
the island and is also the national bird of Sri Lanka. It is closely related to
the red junglefowl , the wild junglefowl from which the chicken was
domesticated. However, a whole-genome molecular study rather show that Sri
Lankan junglefowl and grey junglefowl are genetically sister species than with
the red junglefowl. Sri Lankan junglefowl and red junglefowl diverged about 2.8
million years ago, whereas time of divergence between the Sri Lankan junglefowl
and grey junglefowl was 1.8 million years ago.
As with other junglefowl, the Sri Lankan junglefowl is
strongly sexually dimorphic; the male is much larger than the female, with more
vivid plumage and a highly exaggerated wattle and comb.
33. Ceylon Spurfowl
(Galloperdix bicalcarata)
The Sri Lanka spurfowl (Galloperdix bicalcarata) is a member
of the pheasant family which is endemic to the dense rainforests of Sri Lanka.
In Sri Lanka, this bird is known as haban kukula in Sinhala.
It is a very secretive bird, and despite its size is
difficult to see as it slips through dense undergrowth. Often the only
indication of its presence is its distinctive ringing call, consisting of
series of three-syllabled whistles. Kitulgala and Sinharaja are sites where
there is a chance of seeing this bird.
This spurfowl is one of three species of bird in the genus
Galloperdix. It is a ground nesting bird, which lays 2-5 eggs in a scrape.
Sri Lanka spurfowl is 37 cm long bird. Both sexes have brown
upperparts, wings and tail.
The males exhibit vivid crimson red legs and bare facial
skin and striking black and white dorsal plumage that extends to its head.
There is also extensive white ocellation on the sepia wings and upperback.
The legs of both sexes have multiple metatarsal spurs, which
give rise to the specific name. The female has chestnut underparts and a plain
brown back and wings. She is more prominently crested than the male.
Sri Lanka spurfowl is a seasonally terrestrial species, like
most of its near relatives. It scratches vigorously amongst the leaf litter of
the forest floor for invertebrates, especially mollusks and insects. It will
also take various seeds, fallen fruit and spiders.
Note : Photos - Owned by original owner
Information's : Wikipedia, ebird, ceylonbirdclub
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpeg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpeg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
%202.jpg)
%202.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
%20copy.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
