Welcome to the mesmerizing island of Sri Lanka, where a vibrant tapestry of bird species awaits your discovery. With 34 unique endemic birds, this tropical paradise is a haven for avian enthusiasts. From the lush rainforests to the majestic mountains, Sri Lanka offers an unparalleled birdwatching experience throughout the year.
Immersing Yourself in Sri Lanka’s Enchanting Endemic Birds
Sri Lanka has gained global recognition as one of the world’s premier regions for endemic birds, as acknowledged by BirdLife International. The lowlands, particularly Kithulgala and Sinharaja forest, are prime locations to witness a significant number of these captivating species. For those seeking mountain-dwelling endemics, the idyllic Horton Plains National Park is an ideal destination.
Over the years, the count of endemic bird species in Sri Lanka has fluctuated, owing to taxonomic revisions and changing classifications. The number of species has ranged from a minimum of 20 to a maximum of 47. However, since 1977, the count has stabilized at around 21 species.
Constant Exploration Unveils New Species and Taxonomic Insights
The fascination with endemic birds has spurred ornithologists to dive deeper into their study. In 1994, Wijesinghe published a list of birds found in Sri Lanka, introducing three new species. However, the inclusion of these species sparked some controversy due to variations in taxonomic guidelines.
Despite the debates, the attention directed towards endemic birds has yielded exciting discoveries. In 2001, Warakagoda and Rasmussen identified a hitherto unknown bird species, the Serendib Scops-owl (Otus Thilo Hofmann), adding to Sri Lanka’s rich avian diversity.
Unraveling the Magnificence of Sri Lanka’s Avian Wonders
Ever since the discovery of the Sri Lanka whistling-thrush (Myophonus blighi) in 1868, bird enthusiasts have been captivated by the island’s extraordinary avifauna. Indigenous species are often bestowed with names prefixed by “Sri Lanka.” However, the usage of “Ceylon” in common names is a subject of ongoing debate, reflecting the change in the country’s official English name.
Behold some of the endemic bird species that grace Sri Lanka’s skies:
- Sri Lanka spurfowl
- Sri Lanka junglefowl
- Sri Lanka wood pigeon
- Sri Lanka green pigeon
- Sri Lanka hanging parrot
- Layard’s parakeet
- Red-Faced Malkoha
- Green-billed Coucal
- Sri Lanka Serendib scops-owl
- Sri Lanka chestnut-backed owlet
- Sri Lanka grey hornbill
- Crimson-backed flameback
- Red-backed flameback
- Yellow-fronted Barbet
- Crimson-fronted barbet
- Black-capped bulbul
- Sri Lanka yellow-eared bulbul
- Sri Lanka drongo
- Sri Lanka bush-warbler
- Sri Lanka brown-capped babbler
- Sri Lanka scimitar-babbler
- Sri Lanka orange-billed babbler
- Sri Lanka ashy-headed laughingthrush
- Sri Lanka white-eye
- Sri Lanka myna
- Sri Lanka white-faced starling
- Sri Lanka whistling-thrush
- Sri Lanka spot-winged thrush
- Sri Lanka scaly thrush
- Sri Lanka dull-blue flycatcher
- Sri Lanka white-throated flowerpecker
- Sri Lanka woodshrike
- Sri Lanka Swallow
A Bird Lover’s Paradise Beckons
Sri Lanka’s abundant resident and migratory bird species have bestowed upon it the title of a bird lover’s paradise. The island’s natural beauty is elevated by the vibrant presence of its feathered inhabitants. Whether you are an avid birdwatcher or simply revel in the wonders of nature, immersing yourself in the endemic birds of Sri Lanka promises to be an enchanting journey.
So, pack your binoculars, grab your camera, and delve into the captivating realm of Sri Lanka’s avian treasures!
Image source: ebirds
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