Endemic Birds of Sri Lanka

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