Bird Watching in Sri Lankla
Bird Watching in Sri Lankla
Sri Lanka is one of the best destinations for the bird lovers which can get incredible experience within relatively short period. This small island has been recognized as one of most bio- diverse area in South Asia. On a global scale, Sri Lanka has been declared as one of the world’s 25 hotspots in biodiversity.
About more than 450 bird species has been observed in Sri Lanka including migrant, resident and 33 endemic. Between October and April, many migrants visit the island, travelling as far away as Siberia.
Kithul Gala
A rainforest across the Kelani River from Kitulgala Resthouse, east of Colombo, at the western foothills of the central mountains. This forest is very rich in endemic bird and other fauna, and flora. This is a unique forest in the wet zone of the Island.
Sinharaja Forest
A large unique rain forest south of Ratnapura, one of the best remaining in the Island. This forest is very rich in endemic bird and other fauna, and flora. An unique feature here is the presence of a high number of mixed species bird feeding flocks.
Udawalawe National Park
A mix of habitats consisting of grassland, scrubland, tall forest and wetlands, in the dry zone. South of the central hills, near Embilipitiya. Very good for dry zone birds of the above habitats, and also very good for certain other fauna, e.g. Asian Elephant.
Bundala National Park
Scrubland and a bit of tall forest mixed with many wetland habitats including salt pans, near Hambantota on the south-east coast. Very good for shorebirds, some seabirds and other scrubland birds. Also good for some other fauna.
Yala National Park
A large Park in the dry zone comprising scrubland, grass flats, monsoon forest and rock outcrops with waterholes; it includes much of the south-east coast of the Island. Very good for bird and other fauna of the dry zone. One of the best places to see a leopard in the world
Nilgala
A large area in the dry zone consisting of savannah type grassland. Very good for birds, including few species restricted to the area, and some of the other fauna of the dry zone.
Horton Plains National Park
Grasslands interspersed with montane forest on a 2300 m high plateau above Nuwara Eliya. Very good for highland endemic birds and other highland fauna of Sri Lanka.
Udawattakele Forest
A patch of tall forest very close to the city centre of Kandy in the lower hills. Good for wet zone birds and some other fauna.
Sigiriya Sanctuary
The ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya is in the sanctuary, situated north of Kandy in the dry zone. The rock fortress is a famous and picturesque archaeological site of the Island. Surrounding the rock are scrubland, tall forest, small tanks (reservoirs) and home gardens. These provide ideal habitats for many dry zone species of birds and other fauna.
Wilpattu National Park
This is the largest National Park in the country, and is situated in the north- west of the country. It consists of a large number of shallow lakes, scrubland and tall forest areas. It is good for certain waterbirds, and many other dry zone birds. It also good for other wildlife, and is another good place to see the leopard.
Mannar
Situated in the north-western tip of the country, in the semi-arid zone. The area consists of a number of large wetlands and scrubland. Beyond the tip of Mannar is a chain of sand islands. Very good for shorebirds, seabirds, other dry zone birds and other wildlife.
