Sri Lanka
January 22nd - February 4th 2004
Systematic
List
By John van der Dol
For the sake of consistency with previous reports on Goa and Nepal the nomenclature in the following list is mostly that used by Grimmett, Inskipp and Inskipp in Birds of the Indian Subcontinent, Helm 1999. The taxonomy is in a state of flux with so many endemic species and sub-species, and various species lists are therefore in existence. I have generally followed the one by Priyantha Wijesinghe in his "Checklist of the Birds of Sri Lanka" (Ceylon Bird Club, 1994) in terms of species but not necessarily in terms of English names.
There are about 80 endemic sub-species, many of which could eventually be elevated to full species level, but currently only three are under serious consideration and their elevation is imminent and therefore included as full species. These are Crimson-fronted Barbet (Ceylon Small Barbet), Black-capped Bulbul and Black-throated Munia (Ceylon Hill Munia). Others will be due for consideration in the near future and I will deal with these in the list itself.
The annotation (E) in the list denotes endemic status.
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
Up to ten on many of the tanks (reservoirs). Seen on five dates.
Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger
Seen in small numbers in most wetland areas.
Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis
Very common throughout in much larger numbers than the previous species.
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
About a dozen at the lake by the Culture Club Resort near Dambulla and about 15 en route to Negombo on our last birding day.
Asian Darter Anhinga melanogaster
Between one and ten on five dates and 20 between Yala and Bundala.
Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis
A flock of 52 just along the road from our hotel Galadari in Colombo was the biggest count. Up to 20 on six other dates.
Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis
An excellent series of records with seven on our first afternoon at Talangama Tank and then two singles and two twos on a further four dates. Superb views of a generally shy bird were obtained.
Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
An uncommon resident and a new bird for our guide. Two were flushed in the paddies at Sinharaja.
Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis
Superb views were had of four at Talangama Tank, a single at Yala and a further three together on our journey back from Mannar.
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Three at Talangama Tank, one at Bundala and 18 at Kandalama Tank (Culture Club Resort).
Little Heron Butorides striatus
Five singles and three at Yala.
Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii
Common resident.
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Seen in very large numbers and never counted.
Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis
Just one single of the white morph at Mannar Island.
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Commonly encountered in all suitable areas.
Intermediate Egret Mesophoyx intermedia
A single at Giantes Tank was followed by three on our last day en route to Negombo.
Great Egret Casmerodius albus
Again commonly found throughout with perhaps as many as a hundred at Kandalama Tank.
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Also good numbers throughout and perhaps 150 at Giantes Tank.
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Small numbers in most wetland areas but never more than five in any one day.
Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala
This beautifully coloured stork is a common resident in Sri Lanka and good numbers were seen. Up to 20 on five dates in the south-east of the country while there were 75 were seen at Giantes Tank and 250 en route to Negombo.
Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans
This very common resident was seen in small numbers throughout but there were about 100 at Weerawila Tank in the south and perhaps a 1000 at Giantes Tank, while there were several thousand on a tank on the way back to the coast on our last day.
Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus
Two adults with a chick on the nest at Yala were seen on two consecutive days while there was another single en route to Mannar.
Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
A highly scarce resident in Sri Lanka and only one was seen on two dates at Yala.
Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus
Commonly seen in all suitable areas.
Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia
Up to 30 on three dates.
Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber
The flock which in the last couple of years has been seen at Bundala had not returned this winter, but a small flock of 16 was seen from the causeway at Mannar.
Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica
Seen in small numbers throughout with a maximum of 50 at Talangama Tank.
Cotton Pygmy Goose Nettapus coromandelianus
About a dozen at Talangama Tank were followed by four at Pannegamuwa Tank en route to Yala.
Wigeon Anas penelope
A raft of many hundreds was seen from the causeway on the way to Mannar.
Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha
Classed as a highly scarce migrant but recently, due to lack of disturbance because of the political trouble in the north-west, they have started to breed in very small numbers. Two broods and a number of adults totalling about 20 birds were seen on a small tank near the causeway to Mannar. Still from the army's point of view a highly sensitive area where binoculars, scopes and cameras are not very welcome. It is not advised to visit this area without a local Sinhala-speaking guide, as the young armed soldiers look very nervous indeed.
Northern Pintail Anas acuta
Thirteen birds from the Mannar causeway was the sole record.
Garganey Anas querquedula
Small numbers in most suitable areas with 200+ at Weerawila Tank.
Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata
A scarce migrant; just one drake was seen at Weerawila.
Jerdon's Baza Aviceda jerdoni
A scarce resident. A pair was watched mating and the male was noted passing sticks for nesting material to the female in the Eucalyptus plantation at Pattipola Railway Station near Horton Plains. Fantastic views were had of both birds.
Oriental Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus
Between one and four on five dates ranging from quite dark to almost white morphs.
Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus
Between one and six on four dates.
Black Kite Milvus migrans
Just one single bird at Mannar.
Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus
Probably the commonest raptor on the island and seen virtually daily with counts up to 20.
White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster
Also very common with up to four on most dates.
Grey-headed Fish Eagle Icthyophaga icthyaetus
Two singles, at Bundala and Yala.
Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela
Between one and three on nine dates.
Eurasian Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
Just one male of this uncommon migrant was seen at one of the tanks en route to Yala.
Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus
A ringtail was seen in Udawalawe National Park and an adult male was noted on the way back from Mannar.
Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus
An uncommon resident; we saw one in the jungle opposite Rafters Retreat near Kitulgala.
Shikra Accipiter badius
One or two on five dates.
Besra Accipiter virgatus
Two singles of this scarce resident were seen, at TASKS jungle camp near Udawalawe and near Bodhinagala, en route to Sinharaja.
Steppe Buzzard Buteo (buteo) vulpinus
A rufous form of this race/species of Buzzard was seen well at Horton Plains. If accepted by the Sri Lanka authorities this would be the first record of this race of Buzzard on the island. This was a typical Steppe of the plumage with which we are familiar from Eilat and South Africa where they winter, very similar to the classic fox-red morph depicted in plate 342 of Dick Forsman's Raptors of Europe and the Middle East.
Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis
Two at Martin's Lodge at Sinharaja were followed by a single on the road between there and Udawalawe and another two at Hunas Falls and Simpson'sForest.
Changeable Hawk Eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus
An amazing seven birds, all perched, at Udawalawe NP gave stunningly close views, one of them just a few metres above our heads. Two more singles and a two were seen over the next three days.
Mountain Hawk Eagle Spizaetus nipalensis
Two individuals of this magnificent eagle were seen at Simpson's Forest.
Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Just four singles were seen.
Shaheen Peregrine Falco peregrinus perigrinator
A single circling over Victoria Park, Nuwara Eliya, took us by surprise, especially as we had not found any in the mountains where they are supposed to be. This beautiful race with its orange underparts is an uncommon resident in Sri Lanka but occurs throughout the Indian Subcontinent.
Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus
Fifteen were seen during the late afternoon, when they come out into the open, on the way back from Mannar. On our bus drive into the City of Abu Dhabi, also in the late afternoon, about 30 were noted on the grass verges of the main road.
Sri Lanka Spurfowl Galloperdix bicalcarata (E)
Heard on a couple of occasions and just one female was seen flashing across the road at Sinharaja. Not very satisfactory but it a very shy and elusive species.
Sri Lanka Junglefowl Gallus lafayetii (E)
Perhaps more often heard than seen particularly in forest situations. Most commonly seen at Yala with maximum counts of 15. A pair with two chicks was seen at Sinharaja.
Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus
Very commonly encountered, especially at Udawalawe NP and Yala where they are out in the open.
Barred Buttonquail Turnix suscitator
A single at Udawalawe, four and two further singles, all at Yala.
Rain Quail Coturnix coromandelica
Two were seen by just a few people at Yala.
White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus
Seen in single figures on most days while on a tank near Nuwara Eliya there was a count of 14.
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Quite a few at Talangama Tank and two further singles.
Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio
Commonly found on all lily-covered tanks with up to about 30 in any one place.
Watercock Gallicrex cinerea
Two at Pannegamuwa Tank were followed by two singles at Yala; probably the same bird.
Common Coot Fulica atra
Two on a small tank near the Mannar causeway was the only record.
Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus
Found in small numbers on lily-covered tanks but an estimate of 200 at Pannegamuwa was quite spectacular. Interestingly most birds were in breeding plumage whilst in Goa at this time of year we have never seen one in this plumage.
Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus
Just one single from the Mannar causeway.
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
Commonly found in all suitable habitats.
Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta
A scarce migrant. A flock of 14 was seen from the causeway leading to Mannar.
Crab Plover Dromas ardeola
The main reason for going to Mannar was for this species, and it did not disappoint. A total of five birds gave good views and were extensively photographed.
Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus
Six were found on the way to our first hotel after arrival in Sri Lanka, after which ones and twos were seen on seven dates.
Greater Thick-knee Esacus recurvirostris
Between three and ten at Yala, six at Kandalama Tank and another ten at Giantes Tank.
Small Pratincole Glareola lactea
Three on the beach just past Yala Safari Lodge were part of a small breeding
population of about three pairs. An empty scrape/nest was found.
Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
Two at Bundala was a good record for this scarce winter visitor.
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
Ones and twos at Yala and two en route to Dambulla.
Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus
Fairly commonly and found in all suitable areas.
Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus
Common in all suitable areas but never really counted as this and the next species were always present and intermingling.
Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii
As with the previous species, present but never really counted.
Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva
Three at Talangama Tank, up to six at Yala and uncounted numbers in the North-west region.
Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola
Up to half a dozen at Yala and uncounted but much bigger numbers at Mannar.
Yellow-wattled Lapwing Vanellus malabaricus
Seen in small numbers in all suitable areas.
Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus
Also small numbers seen in all areas but more widespread than the previous species.
Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris
About 20 were seen from the causeway at Mannar, some in total winter plumage testing our identification skills for a few moments.
Sanderling Calidris alba
An uncommon winter visitor; one was seen at Mannar while 53 were counted at Chilaw Sandspit, a site visited specifically for this species.
Little Stint Calidris minuta
One of the commonest waders, seen in all suitable areas.
Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii
Two at Mannar were the only birds seen.
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea
Also very common. Seen in hundreds, particularly at Palatupana saltpans and Mannar.
Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus
A loose flock of 18 was counted amongst many other waders at Puttalam saltpans on our last day.
Ruff Philomachus pugnax
Ten at Palatupana saltpans was the only record.
Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago
A single at Talangama Tank was the only one specifically identified.
Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura
One to four on five dates, all in the second week.
Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
A common wader in large water areas with numbers of up to 300 seen.
Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica
In contrast to the last species just three were seen at Mannar.
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Three at Mannar and two at Puttalam Salt pans were the only birds seen
Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata
Five were seen at Mannar, one of which with an extraordinary long bill proved to be of the eastern race "orientalis".
Common Redshank Tringa totanus
Commonly encountered.
Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis
A common enough wader but at Palatupana Salt pans en route to Nuwara Eliya from Yala there must have been thousands.
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
Up to three in all suitable habitat.
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
One or two on five dates.
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Seen on most days in suitable habitat with a maximum of eight at Talangama Tank.
Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus
Three at Mannar were followed by two at Puttalam Salt pans on our last day.
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Between one and six on most days.
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Between one and six on five dates and ten at Mannar.
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus
A single at Bundala was unfortunately only seen by a few people.
Brown-headed Gull Larus brunnicephalus
Six at Yala, common at Mannar and a single at Negombo were surprisingly the only records.
Heuglin's Gull Larus (fuscus) heuglini
Considered by some to be a separate species and by others a subspecies of Lesser Black-backed Gull. Either way, there were many at Mannar but no attempt was made to count them. All plumages were encountered.
Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica
Seen in small numbers on most tanks.
Caspian Tern Sterna caspia
Up to 25 at Yala, odd ones elsewhere and 300 at Mannar.
Large Crested Tern Sterna bergii
Twenty at Bundala, at least 200 at Palatupana saltpans and another 15 at Kandalama Tank.
Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis
Two at Bundala and 30 at Palatupana saltpans.
Common Tern Sterna hirundo
Three at Palatupana Salt pans were the sole record.
Little Tern Sterna albifrons
Apart from about 100 at Palatupana saltpans there were small numbers on many of the tanks visited and a few at Mannar.
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus
Probably the commonest and most widespread tern of the region, seen both out at sea and on many of the tanks and wetlands visited.
White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
Two at Bundala, 30 at Palatupana saltpans and six at Kandalama Tank presented a good exercise in winter plumage identification skills.
Rock Dove Columba livia
Apart from the ever-present street pigeons there are some "real" Rock Doves breeding on a rock in the lagoon at Yala Safari Lodge and about 20 were seen there. Interestingly they don't have white rumps.
Sri Lanka Woodpigeon Columba torringtoni (E)
Six were seen at Horton plains. One was perched low down by the Arrenga Pool
for a long period, affording tremendous views.
Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
About 25 were seen en route to Mannar.
Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis
Common throughout.
Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica
Between one and four on four dates but a dozen were counted in paddyfields in the middle of the jungle opposite Rafters Retreat giving fantastic views for a normally quite shy bird.
Orange-breasted Green Pigeon Treron bicincta
Seen in small numbers in all forest situations and 14 were counted on our morning walk at Palm Garden Village Hotel at Anuradhapura.
Pompadour Green Pigeon Treron pompadora
Up to ten most days in forested situations.
Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea
This handsome giant was seen in good numbers throughout.
Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot Loriculus beryllinus (E)
Up to 20 in forested areas on at least six days.
Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria
A single at Talangama Tank, another Hunas Falls and about ten at Simpson's Forest.
Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri
Very common throughout.
Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala
One at Udawalawe NP, another at Hunas Falls and six the next morning at Simpson's Forest.
Layard's Parakeet Psittacula calthropae (E)
Twelve at Sinharaja were followed by half a dozen there next day, seven at Rafters retreat, five at Hunas Falls and about 20 at Simpson's Forest.
Pied Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus Between one and five on six dates.
Chestnut-winged Cuckoo Clamator coromandus
Excellent views were had by just two or three people of a single bird at Horton Plains early in the morning.
Common Hawk Cuckoo Hierococcyx varius
A single at Simpson's Forest above Hunas Falls afforded the usual rubbish views.
Grey-bellied Cuckoo Cacomantis passerinus
Up to four a day at Udawalawe and Yala and a single at Palm Garden Village. Hepatic females were also seen on a couple of occasions. A winter visitor.
Drongo Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris
An uncommon resident; just the one was seen at Yala.
Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea
As usual more often heard than seen but nevertheless up to four were noted on most days.
Blue-faced Malkoha Rhopdytes viridirostris
Singles on three dates and three were seen together at Yala giving fantastic views as they sat out in the open, which they are not supposed to do.
Red-faced Malkoha Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus (E)
Considering their size, they were surprisingly hard to find. However we had fantastic views of seven birds in Sinharaja on just one day.
Sirkeer Malkoha Taccocua leschenaultii
A single at Yala was seen by just a few of the group.
Green-billed Coucal Centropus chlororhynchus (E)
This one is really difficult to see as it inhabits undergrowth we are not supposed to look into. Although two were heard on two days, just one was seen briefly by just three or four people. Wholly unsatisfactory really and an excuse for a return visit.
Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis
Between one and five every day.
Collared Scops Owl Otus bakkamoena
A single seen in torchlight somewhere near the Culture Club Resort at Dambulla was a very welcome addition to the author's world list of owls.
Brown Fish Owl Ketupa zeylonensis
Two singles at Hunas Falls gave the usual stunning views.
Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum
Two at Tasks Camp near Udawalawe were the only record, but excellent views were obtained.
Chestnut-backed Owlet Glaucidium castanonotum (E)
One was heard at Bodhinagala Forest after which one was seen at Rafters Retreat and another two in the evening at Hunas Falls.
Brown Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica
Heard on three occasions at three different locations and one was glimpsed as it flew at Surrey Estate. All rather unsatisfactory compared with those at Saligao in Goa.
Sri Lanka Frogmouth Batrachostomus moniliger
A male sitting on a nest with one chick at Sinharaja was seen two days running allowing photographers infinite time to get some superb images.
Indian Nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus
Four on the nightcrawl at Udawalawe, one or two of which gave fantastic views as they sat on the sandy tracks in front of the vehicles. A further two were seen on three more evenings.
Jerdon's Nightjar Caprimulgus atripennis
One at Yala was followed by another on our night drive from Culture Club Resort at Dambulla.
Crested Treeswift Hemiprocne coronata
Up to about a dozen seen on seven dates. Both male and female were seen sitting on a nest precariously perched on a bare branch in Yala.
Indian Swiftlet Collocalia unicolor
Commonly seen throughout.
Brown-backed Needletail Hirundapus gigantea
Up to four were seen on three days at Sinharaja.
Alpine Swift Apus melba
Three at Sinharaja and ten at Victoria Park at Nuwara Eliya.
House Swift Apus affinis
Small numbers throughout.
Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis
Common in all areas.
Malabar Trogon Harpactes fasciatus
Two males and three females were seen associating with bird flocks in Sinharaja on our first full day there while on the following day another three were seen. Fortunately excellent views were obtained.
Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis
One or two on four dates, all affording excellent views.
White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis
Very common in open country; seen daily with an actual count of 80 birds, mostly on wires on the way to Mannar.
Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
Between one and three on seven dates.
Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher Ceyx erithacus
A single at Bodhinagala Forest was probably only seen by our guide but this was made up for the cracker seen at Sinharaja the next day. Another as
heard at Rafters Retreat.
Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis
One or two on six dates.
Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis
This little beauty was seen in numbers of up to 40 in one day.
Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus
Very common with over 100 recorded in one day at Yala.
European Bee-eater Merops apiaster
A scarce winter visitor but nevertheless a party of 31 was seen at Yala.
Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti
Between two and six on six dates.
Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis
One or two on three dates were followed by a count of 60 on wires en route to Mannar.
Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops
Up to five on six dates.
Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill Ocyceros gingalensis (E)
Up to six on six dates in forested areas.
Malabar Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros coronatus
Most records refer to Yala where 40 were seen one evening, but they were also noted in Sinharaja and Udawalawe NP.
Brown-headed Barbet Megalaima zeylanica
Up to six most days probably making this the commonest barbet of the island.
Yellow-fronted Barbet Megalaima flavifrons (E)
One of the endemic species of Sri Lanka. A bird of open forest seen in good numbers, particularly at Sinharaja and Hunas Falls with counts of ten and 15 respectively.
Crimson-fronted Barbet (Ceylon Small Barbet) Megalaima rubricapilla rubricapilla (E)
Likely to be elevated to full species status in the near future. Singles only at the escarpment en route from Yala to Nuwara Eliya and in the jungle at Rafters Retreat.
Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala
One to three on six dates, sometimes only heard, as is usually the case with this species.
Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopus nanus
Singles in Bodhinagala Forest and Surrey Estate near Nuwara Eliya.
Yellow-crowned Woodpecker Dendrocopus mahrattensis
Two at Yala and another single there two days later.
Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus
One or two on five dates.
Black-rumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense
This is an interesting species. There are two endemic subspecies in Sri Lanka, both of which may well be split from the species on mainland India. In the north of the island there occurs the Golden-backed version D.b.jaffense, an uncommon resident of which we saw two at Palm Garden Village Hotel at Anuradhapura, while another two were seen en route to Mannar. The Red-backed version D.b.psarodes, which occurs in Southern Sri Lanka, was seen on four dates with counts of up to three.
Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes lucidus
A pair was seen briefly and only in silhouette in the jungle at Rafter's Retreat.
White-naped Woodpecker Chrysocolaptes festivus
A single at the Palm Grove at Tissamaharama gave stunning views.
Indian Pitta Pitta brachyura
One to three on five days and an astonishing ten birds between TASKS Camp near Udawalawe and Yala. A winter visitor to Sri Lanka but obviously much more common here than in the Western Ghats.
Rufous-winged Bushlark Mirafra assamica
Seen in small numbers in open country with a maximum of 20 at Udawalawe NP.
Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark Eremopterix grisea
Four at Yala and a single at Mannar were the only records.
Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula
Three at Weerawila Tank and another three at Mannar.
Sand Martin Riparia riparia
A scarce winter visitor; up to five were seen at Yala followed by a single at Weerawila Tank.
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Commonly seen in all areas.
Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica
The same two birds were seen on the two days we were at Hunas Falls. There are eight sub-species; the one in Southern India and Sri Lanka is known as H.t.domicola and is classed as an uncommon resident. It breeds on cliffs high in the wet zone and after breeding disperses down to the foothills of the wet zone. The fact we only saw one pair in the high hills suggests that they were possibly breeding at this time. Its world distribution extends eastwards through south-east Asia, Indonesia, and New Guinea to the islands of the South Pacific. (Swallows and Martins of the World by Turner and Rose- Helm1989).
Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica hyperythra
One of eleven sub-species and endemic to Sri Lanka. Easily identified by itsbrick-red underparts and rump. A beautiful bird, seen in small numbers in most areas. The race H.d.nipalensis, which breeds from the central Himalayas to Yunnan, is a possible irregular winter visitor to the lowlands and low hills, according to Harrison in his "Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka". It is therefore extremely satisfying that we saw seven birds at close range in flight and perched on wires at the Palatupana Salt pans. A good record indeed.
Richard's Pipit Anthus richardi
A scarce migrant, but three were found at the end of the Mannar sandspit.
Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus
Seen commonly in all suitable areas.
Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus
Up to six on eight days were seen. It is nice to see these in the middle of the forest where they belong.
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
A dozen at Talangama Tank and half a dozen and two singles at Yala were considered to be of the Grey-headed race M.f thunbergi.
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
Up to four on six dates.
Common Woodshrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus
Between one and three on four dates.
Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei
A single at Hunas Falls and another at Palm Garden Village Hotel at Anuradhapura.
Black-headed Cuckooshrike Coracina melanoptera
A male at Udawalawe was followed by four and two singles at Yala on three consecutive days.
Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus
This beauty was seen in numbers of up to a dozen on five dates.
Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus
Up to four on five dates and eleven at the Palm Garden Village Hotel at Anuradhapura.
Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus
Just one bird in Sinharaja.
Black-crested Bulbul (Black-capped Bulbul) Pycnonotus melanicterus (E)
Classed as an uncommon endemic. Between six and 20 were seen at Bodhinagala Forest, Sinharaja and TASKS Camp. This has to be a favourite for species status; it has no crest like those found in northern India and the Himalayas and lacks the orange throat of the birds of the Western Ghats.
Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer
Present.
Yellow-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus penicillatus (E)
Sixteen at Horton Plains and the grounds of St Andrews Hotel in Nuwara Eliya followed another four at the latter location the next morning. This is a
stunning bulbul and worthy of a good look.
White-browed Bulbul Pycnonotus luteolus
Up to six on five days.
Yellow-browed Bulbul Iole indica
Most common in Sinharaja where up to six a day were seen while there were another two in the jungle opposite Rafters Retreat.
Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus humii
The endemic race of Sri Lanka is darker than the races of northern areas. Common and noisy in the forests of Sinharaja and the upland areas round Hunas Falls. About ten were seen in the jungle opposite Rafters Retreat.
Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis cochinchinensis
Up to three on six days.
Common Iora Aegithinia tiphia
Up to six on eight days.
Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis
Commonly found throughout, often near human habitation.
White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus
Eight birds were recorded from TASKS Camp and Yala combined, after which only two more were seen, also at Yala. A further single was heard at Surrey Estate near Nuwara Eliya.
Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata
One from the bus followed six in the grasslands of Horton Plains en route to Kitulgala.
Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicata
Commonly seen in open country particularly at Yala where one day 30 were estimated.
Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush Myiophoneus blighi (E)
Three were briefly glimpsed as they flew across the road soon after dawn at Arrenga Pool on the Horton Plains while another was heard at the back of St Andrews Hotel at Nuwara Eliya the following morning.
Pied Thrush Zoothera wardii
Three males and a female gave stunning views in Victoria Park at Nuwara Eliya and a further female was found in the hills above Hunas Falls.
Orange-headed Thrush Zoothera citrina citrina
One at TASKS Camp gave stunning views and was interesting in that it is a different race to the one found in the Subcontinent which is Z.c.cyanotus
and which has black and white vertical face stripes. It is a scarce winter visitor from the Himalayas and northeast India.
Spot-winged Thrush Zoothera spiloptera (E)
Four were seen in Sinharaja, where a single was seen the next day, then another two in the jungle opposite Rafters Retreat. A truly spectacular thrush, which inhabits the darkest areas of the forest floor.
Scaly Thrush Zoothera dauma
This race Z.d.imbricata must be due for full species status. It has a really long bill looking more like the south east Asian Long-billed Thrush Z.monticola and the underparts are far more rufous than its northern compatriots. Two in Sinharaja were the only ones seen, but they were seen well on the forest floor.
Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula kinnisii
This race is uniformly bluish-grey with a dull orange bill and very attractive indeed. It is very different from T.m.nigropileus, which occurs in Goa, or T.m.maximus, which we have encountered in the Himalayas. A single in Surrey Estate near Nuwara Eliya was followed by three the next day up on Horton Plains.
Sri Lanka Bush Warbler Bradypterus palliseri (E)
Surprisingly one gave excellent and, for this family, prolonged views at Arrenga Pool at Horton Plains. Another was heard behind St Andrews Hotel the next morning but this one was in no mood to show itself.
Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis
Managed to find its way down here as well! Up to four on four dates in all in suitable grassland areas. Perhaps the most surprising site was high up on Horton Plains where four were present.
Grey-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsonii
Was it really discovered by one of our crew? Six at the lunch-stop before Udawalawe gave excellent views and another was seen en route to Nuwara Eliya.
Plain Prinia Prinia inornata
Small numbers throughout.
Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis
Up to half a dozen on six dates was a nice set of records of this lovely bird.
Jungle Prinia Prinia sylvatica
Although two at Udawalawe and another two at Yala were the only records, it was probably overlooked.
Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius
Commonly found throughout. There are two endemic races in Sri Lanka, O.s. sutorius, which inhabits gardens and scrub in the lowlands and hills up to 1500 m, while O.s.fernandonis ('Mountain Tailorbird', not to be confused with O.cuculatus) frequents the higher elevations. Both were seen and at least ten were noted up at Horton Plains where they had noticeably darker green upperparts and grey throat patches and flanks.
Blyth's Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum
Found in small numbers with a maximum of ten on Horton Plains.
Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides
Between one and six on a few days but 15 were noted at Sinharaja on one of our days there.
Large-billed Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus magnirostris
A single and three on two days at Sinharaja and another two at Horton Plains.
Tickell's Blue Flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae
One or two on five dates.
Dull-blue Flycatcher Eumyias sordida (E)
Three of this lovely little endemic flycatcher were seen at Horton Plains followed by one that was heard behind St. Andrews Hotel at Nuwara Eliya the next morning.
Brown-breasted Flycatcher Muscicapa muttui
Between one and six at Sinharaja and TASKS Camp were followed by one at Rafters Retreat.
Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica
One or two on four days at Sinharaja and a single at the Palm Garden Village Hotel.
Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis
One heard on Horton Plains was followed by three seen well behind the St Andrews Hotel at Nuwara Eliya the next morning.
White-browed Fantail Rhipidura aureola
Up to seven on seven dates.
Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea
Between two and four on three dates at Sinharaja and Bodhinagala.
Asian Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi
Up to about half a dozen were seen on most days including a stunning adult male of the white form at Talangama Tank.
Brown-capped Babbler Pellorneum fuscocapillum (E)
Just a single at Surrey Estate near Nuwara Eliya, which gave excellent views.
Indian Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus horsfieldii
Two were seen and another two heard at Sinharaja while on the Horton Plains another four were seen. Excellent views of this lovely species were had.
Tawny-bellied Babbler Dumetia hyperythra
Six at Udawalawe were followed by eight and two at Yala on consecutive days.
Dark-fronted Babbler Rhopocicla atriceps
Small parties of up to ten were seen in thick undergrowth in forested locations on six dates but one of the days at Sinharaja about 20 were noted.
Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense
This is an uncommon resident. A single at Udawalawe was followed by six at Yala and another four on our last morning there.
Orange-billed Babbler Turdoides rufescens (E)
An uncommon endemic. Up to 30 were seen on three days at Sinharaja and another ten in the jungle at Rafters Retreat. This is known as the "steering wheel" of the bird flocks which means that it is around these that the flocks begin to form.
Yellow-billed Babbler Turdoides affinis
A bird of open country and gardens and commonly encountered all over.
Ashy-headed Laughingthrush Garrulax cinereifrons (E)
Although about a dozen were seen in Sinharaja not many people managed to connect with them. They move through very dense undergrowth and it can be difficult to even get a glimpse.
Great Tit Parus major
Up to six on seven dates.
Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis
Not many records of a species that elsewhere is quite common. Two in Bodhinagala and four on Horton Plains and above Hunas Falls.
Purple-rumped Sunbird Nectarinia zeylonica
Commonly found throughout. A nest with adults feeding young was found outside one of our chalets at Culture Club Resort, Dambulla.
Loten's Sunbird Nectarinia lotenia
One and twos in most areas.
Purple Sunbird Nectarinia asiatica
We encountered twos and threes in low country dry zones, with six at Palm Garden Village Resort at Anuradhapura.
Thick-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum agile
A single in TASKS camp and another two just above Hunas Falls.
Legge's Flowerpecker Dicaeum vincens (E)
A male at Sinharaja was followed by seven and two there over the next two
days.
Pale-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum erythrorhynchos
The commonest flowerpecker on the island; seen in all areas with numbers of up to ten a day.
Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosa
Just two on four days in the lowlands but there were ten at Hunas Falls on two days.
Sri Lanka White-eye Zosterops ceylonensis (E)
A dozen at Horton Plains, 20 behind St Andrews Hotel at Nuwara Eliya and Rafters Retreat combined and another ten above Hunas Falls where they were directly comparable with the previous species. Good views allow easy separation.
Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus
Between one and five most days.
Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus
Common throughout in open country.
Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach
A scarce resident. Four were seen en route to Mannar.
Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus
Very common in the north west of the island but nowhere else, apart from two at Palm Garden Village Resort at Anuradhapura.
Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus
An uncommon winter visitor. A single at Yala was followed by another two there a couple of days later.
White-bellied Drongo Dicrurus caerulescens
Up to six were seen on seven days of this common resident.
Crested Drongo (Greater Racket-tailed Drongo) Dicrurus paradiseus lophorhinus
This race of the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo is visibly very different from D.p. paradiseus and is likely to be split in the near future. This in turn may well be split into two itself with D.p.ceylonicus making up the Sri Lankan counterpart. There could therefore be two new species in Sri Lanka leaving D.p. paradiseus in the rest of the Subcontinent. Unfortunately we never saw any birds with "rackets", but Crested Drongo was seen in Sinharaja and Rafters Retreat with five or six birds on three days. These are considered to be the second species involved in bird flocks after the Orange-billed Babblers and they are noisy, attracting other species and acting as good look-outs.
Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus
Three at Hunas Falls were followed by 15 en route to Mannar and another single at Palm Garden Village Resort at Anuradhapura.
Sri Lanka Blue Magpie Cissa ornata (E)
Nine were seen in Sinharaja on our first full day there and one on the next day. A bird was also seen sitting on a nest.
House Crow Corvus splendens
Ubiquitous.
Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos
Also common and widespread.
White-faced Starling Sturnus albofrontatus (E)
This highly scarce endemic was found in Sinharaja only with three on the first day and two on the second. They were feeding very high up in the canopy.
Brahminy Starling Sturnus pagodarum
Ten at Yala were followed by four and two over the next two days at the same site. It is a winter visitor.
Rosy Starling Sturnus roseus
Another winter visitor but in much larger numbers. Flocks combining up to 300 maximum were seen at Yala on four days and another 100 at Kandalama Tank.
Common Myna Acridotheres tristis
A common resident seen daily.
Sri Lanka Myna Gracula ptilogenys (E)
An uncommon endemic. Nine were seen in Sinharaja and six there the next day while another was heard only at Rafters Retreat.
Southern Hill Myna Gracula indica
Two at a nest hole at Surrey Estate near Nuwara Eliya and ten at Hunas Falls on two days.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
One has to go further east to stand a chance of avoiding these.
Streaked Weaver Ploceus manyar
Five on the edge of a paddyfield on the way back from Mannar only just made the list.
Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus
Six at Yala were the sole record.
Indian Silverbill Lonchura malabarica
Six at Yala and another two en route to Anuradhapura with a load of other munias.
White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata
Six at Udawalawe, two at Yala and ten at rafters Retreat.
Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata
The most widespread but not necessarily the most numerous of the family. Seen virtually daily in small numbers up to 25.
Black-throated Munia (Ceylon Hill Munia) Lonchura kelaarti (E)
An uncommon endemic and awaiting to be split from L.k.jerdoni which occurs in South west and Eastern India, although here it is being considered a full species already. About 30 were found in a mixed munia flock en route to Anuradhapura from Dambulla.
Black-headed Munia Lonchura malacca
Seen on five dates with maxima of 60 at the paddies at Sinharaja and 150 in the mixed flock mentioned above.
Mammals
Toque Macaque Macaca sinica (E)
Seen commonly on seven dates with a maximum of 50 at Yala.
Black-faced Langur Presbytis entellus
Small numbers in Yala on three days.
Purple-faced Leaf Monkey Presbytis senex (E)
Small numbers in Bodhinagala and Sinharaja. Both these areas have different sub-species, the ones at Sinharaja have grey patches on the rumps but apart from that are mostly black as opposed to the grey colouration of the ones inthe lowlands. A third subspecies, colloquially known as " Bear Monkey", is a heftier and much hairier animal and three of these were seen at close range at Horton Plains. We did not see the fourth subspecies.
Jackal Canis aures
A single and a family party of three at Yala gave fantastic daytime views, the latter on two occasions.
Common Palm Civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus
One briefly visited the bar at Yala, but did not stay long enough for a drink!
Small Civet Viverricula indica
One was seen in the evening at Yala.
Indian Grey Mongoose Herpestes edwardsi
Common at Yala.
Indian Brown Mongoose Herpestes fuscus
Four different ones were seen.
Ruddy Mongoose Herpestes smithii
Two singles on the last two days.
Stripe-necked Mongoose Herpestes vitticollis
A single at Yala.
Leopard Pantera pardus
One of our jeeps was fortunate to have close and prolonged views of this beautiful looking cat. The rest of us will have to make a return visit.
Asian Elephant Elephas maximus
Two at Udawalawe NP were followed by four more at Yala, then a tusker the next day, followed by two more males and then a dozen on our last day there including a family party with two very young animals.
Asian Wild Ass Equus hemionus
About 50 near the causeway to Mannar by the side of the road.
Wild Pig Sus scrofa
Common at Yala.
Water Buffalo Bubalus bubalus
Common at Yala.
Spotted Deer Cervus axis
Commonly seen at Yala.
Sambar Deer Cervus unicolor
One and four at Yala and another on the road before dawn at Horton Plains.
Layard's Striped Squirrel Funambulus layardi
One at Sinharaja and about 15 at Horton Plains.
Palm Squirrel Funambulus palmarium
Commonly encountered throughout.
Grizzled Indian Squirrel (Giant Squirrel) Ratufa macroura
One or two most days in the forest and at Yala.
Black-naped Hare Lepus nigricollis singala
Seen mostly at Yala with up to ten a day, mostly in the early evening. One was seen on Horton Plains.
Flying Fox Pteropus giganteus
Seen on several occasions in all areas. One colony had some thousands but the colony just outside of Kandy has no less than 100,000 individuals. Many were seen flying here in full sunlight.
Butterflies
Ceylon Tiger Parantica taprobana
This large black and white butterfly was seen on Horton Plains.
Blue Glassy Tiger Idiopsis similis
Recorded at Sinharaja, Yala, Kitulgala and Anuradhapura, this large blue-flushed butterfly was undoubtedly one of the most widespread and familiar of those seen on the trip.
Dark Blue Tiger Tirumala septentrionis
Similar to the previous species, we recorded it only at Yala.
Common Tiger Danaus genutia
Recorded only at Yala, but probably overlooked, although Plain Tiger was evidently more numerous and widespread.
Plain Tiger Danaus chrysippus
Only recorded from Weerawila and Yala, but undoubtedly more widespread and more numerous than the previous, rather similar species.
Great Crow Euploea Phaenareta
One or two of this large brown butterfly with small white dots on the underwing were seen in Sinharaja.
Common Indian Crow Euploea core
Superficially similar to the previous species, but with a broad white band on the under hind wing, it was seen in the forests at Bhodinagala and Sinharaja.
Ceylon Tree Nymph Idea iasonia
A large, flimsy, paper-like black and white butterfly that sailed about at treetop level in the forests at Bhodinagala and Sinharaja.
Glad-eye Bushbrown Nissanga patnia
Seen perched by the minnow-pool on the track at Sinharaja.
Nigger Orsotriaena medus
This species was quite numerous along the river at Kitulgala, with at least one at the paddies in the forest.
Common Leopard Phalanta phalantha
At least one of these fritillary-like butterflies was seen by the swimming pool at Anuradhapura.
Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta
We saw at least two at Kitulgala.
Peacock Pansy Junonia almana
A medium-sized pale orange butterfly with eyes on its fore and hind upper wings; at least one was seen at Kitulgala.
Grey Pansy Junonia atlites
A greyish-brown butterfly with eye spots around the edges of the upper hind wings. One was seen en route to Kandy, at the Black-throated Munia stop.
Great Eggfly Hypolimnas bolina
A large brown butterfly with pale spots along the upper hind wing and a subterminal purple suffusion near the tips of the upper wings; one was seen at the gap in the escarpment as we headed to Nuwara Eliya from the lowlands.
Common Sailor Neptis hylas
In the same family as the 'gliders' of Eastern Europe and Asia, several were seen by the river at Kitulgala.
Clipper Parthenos sylvia
Recorded in the forests at Bhodinagala and Sinharaja, though undoubtedly more widespread.
Common Jezebel Delias eucharis
A large white, black-lined butterfly with yellow suffusion and red 'teardrops' around the edges of the under hind wings, we saw several at Yala, Kandalama and Anuradhapura.
Psyche Leptosia nina
There were several of these rather delicate white butterflies at the track edges at Kitulgala.
Small Salmon Arab Colotis amata
We saw one of these Clouded Yellow-like butterflies, but I failed to record the locality.
Grass Yellow sp. Eurema sp.
There are, apparently, numerous variations on the theme of deep bright yellow butterfly with black spots. We saw such insects almost everywhere we went, usually flitting along verges in open situations in forests and woodland edges.
Common Bluebottle Graphium sarpedon
This large brown and emerald butterfly with distinctive sickle-shaped wings was seen on a few occasions in the forest at Sinharaja.
Spot Swordtail Pathysa nomius
One was seen nectaring on flowers in the garden of our tea stop at the gap in the escarpment as we headed to Nuwara Eliya from the lowlands. A medium-sized swallowtail-like butterfly.
Blue Mormon Papilio polymnestor
This fabulous, large dark brown butterfly with pale blue patches on its wings was seen at several places, including Sinharaja, Udawalawe and Kitulgala.
Common Rose Pachliopta aristolochiae
Crimson Rose Pachliopta hector
Fairly widespread, these dark brown to black butterflies both exhibit crimson patches at the rear edge of the upper hind wings and motor furiously through open garden-type situations, making specific identification tricky. Nevertheless, we saw each at several localities throughout the trip.
Common Birdwing Troides darsius
This spectacular birdwing, the largest butterfly seen on the trip, was seen gliding about the treetops at Sinharaja and also at Kitulgala.
By John van der Dol
For the sake of consistency with previous reports on Goa and Nepal the nomenclature in the following list is mostly that used by Grimmett, Inskipp and Inskipp in Birds of the Indian Subcontinent, Helm 1999. The taxonomy is in a state of flux with so many endemic species and sub-species, and various species lists are therefore in existence. I have generally followed the one by Priyantha Wijesinghe in his "Checklist of the Birds of Sri Lanka" (Ceylon Bird Club, 1994) in terms of species but not necessarily in terms of English names.
There are about 80 endemic sub-species, many of which could eventually be elevated to full species level, but currently only three are under serious consideration and their elevation is imminent and therefore included as full species. These are Crimson-fronted Barbet (Ceylon Small Barbet), Black-capped Bulbul and Black-throated Munia (Ceylon Hill Munia). Others will be due for consideration in the near future and I will deal with these in the list itself.
The annotation (E) in the list denotes endemic status.
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
Up to ten on many of the tanks (reservoirs). Seen on five dates.
Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger
Seen in small numbers in most wetland areas.
Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis
Very common throughout in much larger numbers than the previous species.
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
About a dozen at the lake by the Culture Club Resort near Dambulla and about 15 en route to Negombo on our last birding day.
Asian Darter Anhinga melanogaster
Between one and ten on five dates and 20 between Yala and Bundala.
Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis
A flock of 52 just along the road from our hotel Galadari in Colombo was the biggest count. Up to 20 on six other dates.
Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis
An excellent series of records with seven on our first afternoon at Talangama Tank and then two singles and two twos on a further four dates. Superb views of a generally shy bird were obtained.
Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
An uncommon resident and a new bird for our guide. Two were flushed in the paddies at Sinharaja.
Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis
Superb views were had of four at Talangama Tank, a single at Yala and a further three together on our journey back from Mannar.
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Three at Talangama Tank, one at Bundala and 18 at Kandalama Tank (Culture Club Resort).
Little Heron Butorides striatus
Five singles and three at Yala.
Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii
Common resident.
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Seen in very large numbers and never counted.
Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis
Just one single of the white morph at Mannar Island.
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Commonly encountered in all suitable areas.
Intermediate Egret Mesophoyx intermedia
A single at Giantes Tank was followed by three on our last day en route to Negombo.
Great Egret Casmerodius albus
Again commonly found throughout with perhaps as many as a hundred at Kandalama Tank.
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Also good numbers throughout and perhaps 150 at Giantes Tank.
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Small numbers in most wetland areas but never more than five in any one day.
Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala
This beautifully coloured stork is a common resident in Sri Lanka and good numbers were seen. Up to 20 on five dates in the south-east of the country while there were 75 were seen at Giantes Tank and 250 en route to Negombo.
Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans
This very common resident was seen in small numbers throughout but there were about 100 at Weerawila Tank in the south and perhaps a 1000 at Giantes Tank, while there were several thousand on a tank on the way back to the coast on our last day.
Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus
Two adults with a chick on the nest at Yala were seen on two consecutive days while there was another single en route to Mannar.
Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
A highly scarce resident in Sri Lanka and only one was seen on two dates at Yala.
Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus
Commonly seen in all suitable areas.
Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia
Up to 30 on three dates.
Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber
The flock which in the last couple of years has been seen at Bundala had not returned this winter, but a small flock of 16 was seen from the causeway at Mannar.
Lesser Whistling Duck Dendrocygna javanica
Seen in small numbers throughout with a maximum of 50 at Talangama Tank.
Cotton Pygmy Goose Nettapus coromandelianus
About a dozen at Talangama Tank were followed by four at Pannegamuwa Tank en route to Yala.
Wigeon Anas penelope
A raft of many hundreds was seen from the causeway on the way to Mannar.
Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha
Classed as a highly scarce migrant but recently, due to lack of disturbance because of the political trouble in the north-west, they have started to breed in very small numbers. Two broods and a number of adults totalling about 20 birds were seen on a small tank near the causeway to Mannar. Still from the army's point of view a highly sensitive area where binoculars, scopes and cameras are not very welcome. It is not advised to visit this area without a local Sinhala-speaking guide, as the young armed soldiers look very nervous indeed.
Northern Pintail Anas acuta
Thirteen birds from the Mannar causeway was the sole record.
Garganey Anas querquedula
Small numbers in most suitable areas with 200+ at Weerawila Tank.
Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata
A scarce migrant; just one drake was seen at Weerawila.
Jerdon's Baza Aviceda jerdoni
A scarce resident. A pair was watched mating and the male was noted passing sticks for nesting material to the female in the Eucalyptus plantation at Pattipola Railway Station near Horton Plains. Fantastic views were had of both birds.
Oriental Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus
Between one and four on five dates ranging from quite dark to almost white morphs.
Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus
Between one and six on four dates.
Black Kite Milvus migrans
Just one single bird at Mannar.
Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus
Probably the commonest raptor on the island and seen virtually daily with counts up to 20.
White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster
Also very common with up to four on most dates.
Grey-headed Fish Eagle Icthyophaga icthyaetus
Two singles, at Bundala and Yala.
Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela
Between one and three on nine dates.
Eurasian Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
Just one male of this uncommon migrant was seen at one of the tanks en route to Yala.
Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus
A ringtail was seen in Udawalawe National Park and an adult male was noted on the way back from Mannar.
Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus
An uncommon resident; we saw one in the jungle opposite Rafters Retreat near Kitulgala.
Shikra Accipiter badius
One or two on five dates.
Besra Accipiter virgatus
Two singles of this scarce resident were seen, at TASKS jungle camp near Udawalawe and near Bodhinagala, en route to Sinharaja.
Steppe Buzzard Buteo (buteo) vulpinus
A rufous form of this race/species of Buzzard was seen well at Horton Plains. If accepted by the Sri Lanka authorities this would be the first record of this race of Buzzard on the island. This was a typical Steppe of the plumage with which we are familiar from Eilat and South Africa where they winter, very similar to the classic fox-red morph depicted in plate 342 of Dick Forsman's Raptors of Europe and the Middle East.
Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis
Two at Martin's Lodge at Sinharaja were followed by a single on the road between there and Udawalawe and another two at Hunas Falls and Simpson'sForest.
Changeable Hawk Eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus
An amazing seven birds, all perched, at Udawalawe NP gave stunningly close views, one of them just a few metres above our heads. Two more singles and a two were seen over the next three days.
Mountain Hawk Eagle Spizaetus nipalensis
Two individuals of this magnificent eagle were seen at Simpson's Forest.
Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Just four singles were seen.
Shaheen Peregrine Falco peregrinus perigrinator
A single circling over Victoria Park, Nuwara Eliya, took us by surprise, especially as we had not found any in the mountains where they are supposed to be. This beautiful race with its orange underparts is an uncommon resident in Sri Lanka but occurs throughout the Indian Subcontinent.
Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus
Fifteen were seen during the late afternoon, when they come out into the open, on the way back from Mannar. On our bus drive into the City of Abu Dhabi, also in the late afternoon, about 30 were noted on the grass verges of the main road.
Sri Lanka Spurfowl Galloperdix bicalcarata (E)
Heard on a couple of occasions and just one female was seen flashing across the road at Sinharaja. Not very satisfactory but it a very shy and elusive species.
Sri Lanka Junglefowl Gallus lafayetii (E)
Perhaps more often heard than seen particularly in forest situations. Most commonly seen at Yala with maximum counts of 15. A pair with two chicks was seen at Sinharaja.
Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus
Very commonly encountered, especially at Udawalawe NP and Yala where they are out in the open.
Barred Buttonquail Turnix suscitator
A single at Udawalawe, four and two further singles, all at Yala.
Rain Quail Coturnix coromandelica
Two were seen by just a few people at Yala.
White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus
Seen in single figures on most days while on a tank near Nuwara Eliya there was a count of 14.
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Quite a few at Talangama Tank and two further singles.
Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio
Commonly found on all lily-covered tanks with up to about 30 in any one place.
Watercock Gallicrex cinerea
Two at Pannegamuwa Tank were followed by two singles at Yala; probably the same bird.
Common Coot Fulica atra
Two on a small tank near the Mannar causeway was the only record.
Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus
Found in small numbers on lily-covered tanks but an estimate of 200 at Pannegamuwa was quite spectacular. Interestingly most birds were in breeding plumage whilst in Goa at this time of year we have never seen one in this plumage.
Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus
Just one single from the Mannar causeway.
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
Commonly found in all suitable habitats.
Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta
A scarce migrant. A flock of 14 was seen from the causeway leading to Mannar.
Crab Plover Dromas ardeola
The main reason for going to Mannar was for this species, and it did not disappoint. A total of five birds gave good views and were extensively photographed.
Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus
Six were found on the way to our first hotel after arrival in Sri Lanka, after which ones and twos were seen on seven dates.
Greater Thick-knee Esacus recurvirostris
Between three and ten at Yala, six at Kandalama Tank and another ten at Giantes Tank.
Small Pratincole Glareola lactea
Three on the beach just past Yala Safari Lodge were part of a small breeding
population of about three pairs. An empty scrape/nest was found.
Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
Two at Bundala was a good record for this scarce winter visitor.
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
Ones and twos at Yala and two en route to Dambulla.
Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus
Fairly commonly and found in all suitable areas.
Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus
Common in all suitable areas but never really counted as this and the next species were always present and intermingling.
Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii
As with the previous species, present but never really counted.
Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva
Three at Talangama Tank, up to six at Yala and uncounted numbers in the North-west region.
Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola
Up to half a dozen at Yala and uncounted but much bigger numbers at Mannar.
Yellow-wattled Lapwing Vanellus malabaricus
Seen in small numbers in all suitable areas.
Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus
Also small numbers seen in all areas but more widespread than the previous species.
Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris
About 20 were seen from the causeway at Mannar, some in total winter plumage testing our identification skills for a few moments.
Sanderling Calidris alba
An uncommon winter visitor; one was seen at Mannar while 53 were counted at Chilaw Sandspit, a site visited specifically for this species.
Little Stint Calidris minuta
One of the commonest waders, seen in all suitable areas.
Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii
Two at Mannar were the only birds seen.
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea
Also very common. Seen in hundreds, particularly at Palatupana saltpans and Mannar.
Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus
A loose flock of 18 was counted amongst many other waders at Puttalam saltpans on our last day.
Ruff Philomachus pugnax
Ten at Palatupana saltpans was the only record.
Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago
A single at Talangama Tank was the only one specifically identified.
Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura
One to four on five dates, all in the second week.
Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
A common wader in large water areas with numbers of up to 300 seen.
Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica
In contrast to the last species just three were seen at Mannar.
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Three at Mannar and two at Puttalam Salt pans were the only birds seen
Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata
Five were seen at Mannar, one of which with an extraordinary long bill proved to be of the eastern race "orientalis".
Common Redshank Tringa totanus
Commonly encountered.
Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis
A common enough wader but at Palatupana Salt pans en route to Nuwara Eliya from Yala there must have been thousands.
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
Up to three in all suitable habitat.
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
One or two on five dates.
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Seen on most days in suitable habitat with a maximum of eight at Talangama Tank.
Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus
Three at Mannar were followed by two at Puttalam Salt pans on our last day.
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Between one and six on most days.
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Between one and six on five dates and ten at Mannar.
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus
A single at Bundala was unfortunately only seen by a few people.
Brown-headed Gull Larus brunnicephalus
Six at Yala, common at Mannar and a single at Negombo were surprisingly the only records.
Heuglin's Gull Larus (fuscus) heuglini
Considered by some to be a separate species and by others a subspecies of Lesser Black-backed Gull. Either way, there were many at Mannar but no attempt was made to count them. All plumages were encountered.
Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica
Seen in small numbers on most tanks.
Caspian Tern Sterna caspia
Up to 25 at Yala, odd ones elsewhere and 300 at Mannar.
Large Crested Tern Sterna bergii
Twenty at Bundala, at least 200 at Palatupana saltpans and another 15 at Kandalama Tank.
Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis
Two at Bundala and 30 at Palatupana saltpans.
Common Tern Sterna hirundo
Three at Palatupana Salt pans were the sole record.
Little Tern Sterna albifrons
Apart from about 100 at Palatupana saltpans there were small numbers on many of the tanks visited and a few at Mannar.
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus
Probably the commonest and most widespread tern of the region, seen both out at sea and on many of the tanks and wetlands visited.
White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
Two at Bundala, 30 at Palatupana saltpans and six at Kandalama Tank presented a good exercise in winter plumage identification skills.
Rock Dove Columba livia
Apart from the ever-present street pigeons there are some "real" Rock Doves breeding on a rock in the lagoon at Yala Safari Lodge and about 20 were seen there. Interestingly they don't have white rumps.
Sri Lanka Woodpigeon Columba torringtoni (E)
Six were seen at Horton plains. One was perched low down by the Arrenga Pool
for a long period, affording tremendous views.
Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
About 25 were seen en route to Mannar.
Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis
Common throughout.
Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica
Between one and four on four dates but a dozen were counted in paddyfields in the middle of the jungle opposite Rafters Retreat giving fantastic views for a normally quite shy bird.
Orange-breasted Green Pigeon Treron bicincta
Seen in small numbers in all forest situations and 14 were counted on our morning walk at Palm Garden Village Hotel at Anuradhapura.
Pompadour Green Pigeon Treron pompadora
Up to ten most days in forested situations.
Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea
This handsome giant was seen in good numbers throughout.
Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot Loriculus beryllinus (E)
Up to 20 in forested areas on at least six days.
Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria
A single at Talangama Tank, another Hunas Falls and about ten at Simpson's Forest.
Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri
Very common throughout.
Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala
One at Udawalawe NP, another at Hunas Falls and six the next morning at Simpson's Forest.
Layard's Parakeet Psittacula calthropae (E)
Twelve at Sinharaja were followed by half a dozen there next day, seven at Rafters retreat, five at Hunas Falls and about 20 at Simpson's Forest.
Pied Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus Between one and five on six dates.
Chestnut-winged Cuckoo Clamator coromandus
Excellent views were had by just two or three people of a single bird at Horton Plains early in the morning.
Common Hawk Cuckoo Hierococcyx varius
A single at Simpson's Forest above Hunas Falls afforded the usual rubbish views.
Grey-bellied Cuckoo Cacomantis passerinus
Up to four a day at Udawalawe and Yala and a single at Palm Garden Village. Hepatic females were also seen on a couple of occasions. A winter visitor.
Drongo Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris
An uncommon resident; just the one was seen at Yala.
Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea
As usual more often heard than seen but nevertheless up to four were noted on most days.
Blue-faced Malkoha Rhopdytes viridirostris
Singles on three dates and three were seen together at Yala giving fantastic views as they sat out in the open, which they are not supposed to do.
Red-faced Malkoha Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus (E)
Considering their size, they were surprisingly hard to find. However we had fantastic views of seven birds in Sinharaja on just one day.
Sirkeer Malkoha Taccocua leschenaultii
A single at Yala was seen by just a few of the group.
Green-billed Coucal Centropus chlororhynchus (E)
This one is really difficult to see as it inhabits undergrowth we are not supposed to look into. Although two were heard on two days, just one was seen briefly by just three or four people. Wholly unsatisfactory really and an excuse for a return visit.
Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis
Between one and five every day.
Collared Scops Owl Otus bakkamoena
A single seen in torchlight somewhere near the Culture Club Resort at Dambulla was a very welcome addition to the author's world list of owls.
Brown Fish Owl Ketupa zeylonensis
Two singles at Hunas Falls gave the usual stunning views.
Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum
Two at Tasks Camp near Udawalawe were the only record, but excellent views were obtained.
Chestnut-backed Owlet Glaucidium castanonotum (E)
One was heard at Bodhinagala Forest after which one was seen at Rafters Retreat and another two in the evening at Hunas Falls.
Brown Wood Owl Strix leptogrammica
Heard on three occasions at three different locations and one was glimpsed as it flew at Surrey Estate. All rather unsatisfactory compared with those at Saligao in Goa.
Sri Lanka Frogmouth Batrachostomus moniliger
A male sitting on a nest with one chick at Sinharaja was seen two days running allowing photographers infinite time to get some superb images.
Indian Nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus
Four on the nightcrawl at Udawalawe, one or two of which gave fantastic views as they sat on the sandy tracks in front of the vehicles. A further two were seen on three more evenings.
Jerdon's Nightjar Caprimulgus atripennis
One at Yala was followed by another on our night drive from Culture Club Resort at Dambulla.
Crested Treeswift Hemiprocne coronata
Up to about a dozen seen on seven dates. Both male and female were seen sitting on a nest precariously perched on a bare branch in Yala.
Indian Swiftlet Collocalia unicolor
Commonly seen throughout.
Brown-backed Needletail Hirundapus gigantea
Up to four were seen on three days at Sinharaja.
Alpine Swift Apus melba
Three at Sinharaja and ten at Victoria Park at Nuwara Eliya.
House Swift Apus affinis
Small numbers throughout.
Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis
Common in all areas.
Malabar Trogon Harpactes fasciatus
Two males and three females were seen associating with bird flocks in Sinharaja on our first full day there while on the following day another three were seen. Fortunately excellent views were obtained.
Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis
One or two on four dates, all affording excellent views.
White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis
Very common in open country; seen daily with an actual count of 80 birds, mostly on wires on the way to Mannar.
Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
Between one and three on seven dates.
Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher Ceyx erithacus
A single at Bodhinagala Forest was probably only seen by our guide but this was made up for the cracker seen at Sinharaja the next day. Another as
heard at Rafters Retreat.
Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis
One or two on six dates.
Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis
This little beauty was seen in numbers of up to 40 in one day.
Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus
Very common with over 100 recorded in one day at Yala.
European Bee-eater Merops apiaster
A scarce winter visitor but nevertheless a party of 31 was seen at Yala.
Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti
Between two and six on six dates.
Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis
One or two on three dates were followed by a count of 60 on wires en route to Mannar.
Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops
Up to five on six dates.
Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill Ocyceros gingalensis (E)
Up to six on six dates in forested areas.
Malabar Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros coronatus
Most records refer to Yala where 40 were seen one evening, but they were also noted in Sinharaja and Udawalawe NP.
Brown-headed Barbet Megalaima zeylanica
Up to six most days probably making this the commonest barbet of the island.
Yellow-fronted Barbet Megalaima flavifrons (E)
One of the endemic species of Sri Lanka. A bird of open forest seen in good numbers, particularly at Sinharaja and Hunas Falls with counts of ten and 15 respectively.
Crimson-fronted Barbet (Ceylon Small Barbet) Megalaima rubricapilla rubricapilla (E)
Likely to be elevated to full species status in the near future. Singles only at the escarpment en route from Yala to Nuwara Eliya and in the jungle at Rafters Retreat.
Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala
One to three on six dates, sometimes only heard, as is usually the case with this species.
Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopus nanus
Singles in Bodhinagala Forest and Surrey Estate near Nuwara Eliya.
Yellow-crowned Woodpecker Dendrocopus mahrattensis
Two at Yala and another single there two days later.
Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus
One or two on five dates.
Black-rumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense
This is an interesting species. There are two endemic subspecies in Sri Lanka, both of which may well be split from the species on mainland India. In the north of the island there occurs the Golden-backed version D.b.jaffense, an uncommon resident of which we saw two at Palm Garden Village Hotel at Anuradhapura, while another two were seen en route to Mannar. The Red-backed version D.b.psarodes, which occurs in Southern Sri Lanka, was seen on four dates with counts of up to three.
Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes lucidus
A pair was seen briefly and only in silhouette in the jungle at Rafter's Retreat.
White-naped Woodpecker Chrysocolaptes festivus
A single at the Palm Grove at Tissamaharama gave stunning views.
Indian Pitta Pitta brachyura
One to three on five days and an astonishing ten birds between TASKS Camp near Udawalawe and Yala. A winter visitor to Sri Lanka but obviously much more common here than in the Western Ghats.
Rufous-winged Bushlark Mirafra assamica
Seen in small numbers in open country with a maximum of 20 at Udawalawe NP.
Ashy-crowned Sparrow Lark Eremopterix grisea
Four at Yala and a single at Mannar were the only records.
Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula
Three at Weerawila Tank and another three at Mannar.
Sand Martin Riparia riparia
A scarce winter visitor; up to five were seen at Yala followed by a single at Weerawila Tank.
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Commonly seen in all areas.
Pacific Swallow Hirundo tahitica
The same two birds were seen on the two days we were at Hunas Falls. There are eight sub-species; the one in Southern India and Sri Lanka is known as H.t.domicola and is classed as an uncommon resident. It breeds on cliffs high in the wet zone and after breeding disperses down to the foothills of the wet zone. The fact we only saw one pair in the high hills suggests that they were possibly breeding at this time. Its world distribution extends eastwards through south-east Asia, Indonesia, and New Guinea to the islands of the South Pacific. (Swallows and Martins of the World by Turner and Rose- Helm1989).
Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica hyperythra
One of eleven sub-species and endemic to Sri Lanka. Easily identified by itsbrick-red underparts and rump. A beautiful bird, seen in small numbers in most areas. The race H.d.nipalensis, which breeds from the central Himalayas to Yunnan, is a possible irregular winter visitor to the lowlands and low hills, according to Harrison in his "Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka". It is therefore extremely satisfying that we saw seven birds at close range in flight and perched on wires at the Palatupana Salt pans. A good record indeed.
Richard's Pipit Anthus richardi
A scarce migrant, but three were found at the end of the Mannar sandspit.
Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus
Seen commonly in all suitable areas.
Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus
Up to six on eight days were seen. It is nice to see these in the middle of the forest where they belong.
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
A dozen at Talangama Tank and half a dozen and two singles at Yala were considered to be of the Grey-headed race M.f thunbergi.
Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
Up to four on six dates.
Common Woodshrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus
Between one and three on four dates.
Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei
A single at Hunas Falls and another at Palm Garden Village Hotel at Anuradhapura.
Black-headed Cuckooshrike Coracina melanoptera
A male at Udawalawe was followed by four and two singles at Yala on three consecutive days.
Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus
This beauty was seen in numbers of up to a dozen on five dates.
Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus
Up to four on five dates and eleven at the Palm Garden Village Hotel at Anuradhapura.
Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus
Just one bird in Sinharaja.
Black-crested Bulbul (Black-capped Bulbul) Pycnonotus melanicterus (E)
Classed as an uncommon endemic. Between six and 20 were seen at Bodhinagala Forest, Sinharaja and TASKS Camp. This has to be a favourite for species status; it has no crest like those found in northern India and the Himalayas and lacks the orange throat of the birds of the Western Ghats.
Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer
Present.
Yellow-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus penicillatus (E)
Sixteen at Horton Plains and the grounds of St Andrews Hotel in Nuwara Eliya followed another four at the latter location the next morning. This is a
stunning bulbul and worthy of a good look.
White-browed Bulbul Pycnonotus luteolus
Up to six on five days.
Yellow-browed Bulbul Iole indica
Most common in Sinharaja where up to six a day were seen while there were another two in the jungle opposite Rafters Retreat.
Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus humii
The endemic race of Sri Lanka is darker than the races of northern areas. Common and noisy in the forests of Sinharaja and the upland areas round Hunas Falls. About ten were seen in the jungle opposite Rafters Retreat.
Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis cochinchinensis
Up to three on six days.
Common Iora Aegithinia tiphia
Up to six on eight days.
Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis
Commonly found throughout, often near human habitation.
White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus
Eight birds were recorded from TASKS Camp and Yala combined, after which only two more were seen, also at Yala. A further single was heard at Surrey Estate near Nuwara Eliya.
Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata
One from the bus followed six in the grasslands of Horton Plains en route to Kitulgala.
Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicata
Commonly seen in open country particularly at Yala where one day 30 were estimated.
Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush Myiophoneus blighi (E)
Three were briefly glimpsed as they flew across the road soon after dawn at Arrenga Pool on the Horton Plains while another was heard at the back of St Andrews Hotel at Nuwara Eliya the following morning.
Pied Thrush Zoothera wardii
Three males and a female gave stunning views in Victoria Park at Nuwara Eliya and a further female was found in the hills above Hunas Falls.
Orange-headed Thrush Zoothera citrina citrina
One at TASKS Camp gave stunning views and was interesting in that it is a different race to the one found in the Subcontinent which is Z.c.cyanotus
and which has black and white vertical face stripes. It is a scarce winter visitor from the Himalayas and northeast India.
Spot-winged Thrush Zoothera spiloptera (E)
Four were seen in Sinharaja, where a single was seen the next day, then another two in the jungle opposite Rafters Retreat. A truly spectacular thrush, which inhabits the darkest areas of the forest floor.
Scaly Thrush Zoothera dauma
This race Z.d.imbricata must be due for full species status. It has a really long bill looking more like the south east Asian Long-billed Thrush Z.monticola and the underparts are far more rufous than its northern compatriots. Two in Sinharaja were the only ones seen, but they were seen well on the forest floor.
Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula kinnisii
This race is uniformly bluish-grey with a dull orange bill and very attractive indeed. It is very different from T.m.nigropileus, which occurs in Goa, or T.m.maximus, which we have encountered in the Himalayas. A single in Surrey Estate near Nuwara Eliya was followed by three the next day up on Horton Plains.
Sri Lanka Bush Warbler Bradypterus palliseri (E)
Surprisingly one gave excellent and, for this family, prolonged views at Arrenga Pool at Horton Plains. Another was heard behind St Andrews Hotel the next morning but this one was in no mood to show itself.
Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis
Managed to find its way down here as well! Up to four on four dates in all in suitable grassland areas. Perhaps the most surprising site was high up on Horton Plains where four were present.
Grey-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsonii
Was it really discovered by one of our crew? Six at the lunch-stop before Udawalawe gave excellent views and another was seen en route to Nuwara Eliya.
Plain Prinia Prinia inornata
Small numbers throughout.
Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis
Up to half a dozen on six dates was a nice set of records of this lovely bird.
Jungle Prinia Prinia sylvatica
Although two at Udawalawe and another two at Yala were the only records, it was probably overlooked.
Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius
Commonly found throughout. There are two endemic races in Sri Lanka, O.s. sutorius, which inhabits gardens and scrub in the lowlands and hills up to 1500 m, while O.s.fernandonis ('Mountain Tailorbird', not to be confused with O.cuculatus) frequents the higher elevations. Both were seen and at least ten were noted up at Horton Plains where they had noticeably darker green upperparts and grey throat patches and flanks.
Blyth's Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum
Found in small numbers with a maximum of ten on Horton Plains.
Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides
Between one and six on a few days but 15 were noted at Sinharaja on one of our days there.
Large-billed Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus magnirostris
A single and three on two days at Sinharaja and another two at Horton Plains.
Tickell's Blue Flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae
One or two on five dates.
Dull-blue Flycatcher Eumyias sordida (E)
Three of this lovely little endemic flycatcher were seen at Horton Plains followed by one that was heard behind St. Andrews Hotel at Nuwara Eliya the next morning.
Brown-breasted Flycatcher Muscicapa muttui
Between one and six at Sinharaja and TASKS Camp were followed by one at Rafters Retreat.
Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica
One or two on four days at Sinharaja and a single at the Palm Garden Village Hotel.
Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis
One heard on Horton Plains was followed by three seen well behind the St Andrews Hotel at Nuwara Eliya the next morning.
White-browed Fantail Rhipidura aureola
Up to seven on seven dates.
Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea
Between two and four on three dates at Sinharaja and Bodhinagala.
Asian Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi
Up to about half a dozen were seen on most days including a stunning adult male of the white form at Talangama Tank.
Brown-capped Babbler Pellorneum fuscocapillum (E)
Just a single at Surrey Estate near Nuwara Eliya, which gave excellent views.
Indian Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus horsfieldii
Two were seen and another two heard at Sinharaja while on the Horton Plains another four were seen. Excellent views of this lovely species were had.
Tawny-bellied Babbler Dumetia hyperythra
Six at Udawalawe were followed by eight and two at Yala on consecutive days.
Dark-fronted Babbler Rhopocicla atriceps
Small parties of up to ten were seen in thick undergrowth in forested locations on six dates but one of the days at Sinharaja about 20 were noted.
Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense
This is an uncommon resident. A single at Udawalawe was followed by six at Yala and another four on our last morning there.
Orange-billed Babbler Turdoides rufescens (E)
An uncommon endemic. Up to 30 were seen on three days at Sinharaja and another ten in the jungle at Rafters Retreat. This is known as the "steering wheel" of the bird flocks which means that it is around these that the flocks begin to form.
Yellow-billed Babbler Turdoides affinis
A bird of open country and gardens and commonly encountered all over.
Ashy-headed Laughingthrush Garrulax cinereifrons (E)
Although about a dozen were seen in Sinharaja not many people managed to connect with them. They move through very dense undergrowth and it can be difficult to even get a glimpse.
Great Tit Parus major
Up to six on seven dates.
Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis
Not many records of a species that elsewhere is quite common. Two in Bodhinagala and four on Horton Plains and above Hunas Falls.
Purple-rumped Sunbird Nectarinia zeylonica
Commonly found throughout. A nest with adults feeding young was found outside one of our chalets at Culture Club Resort, Dambulla.
Loten's Sunbird Nectarinia lotenia
One and twos in most areas.
Purple Sunbird Nectarinia asiatica
We encountered twos and threes in low country dry zones, with six at Palm Garden Village Resort at Anuradhapura.
Thick-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum agile
A single in TASKS camp and another two just above Hunas Falls.
Legge's Flowerpecker Dicaeum vincens (E)
A male at Sinharaja was followed by seven and two there over the next two
days.
Pale-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum erythrorhynchos
The commonest flowerpecker on the island; seen in all areas with numbers of up to ten a day.
Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosa
Just two on four days in the lowlands but there were ten at Hunas Falls on two days.
Sri Lanka White-eye Zosterops ceylonensis (E)
A dozen at Horton Plains, 20 behind St Andrews Hotel at Nuwara Eliya and Rafters Retreat combined and another ten above Hunas Falls where they were directly comparable with the previous species. Good views allow easy separation.
Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus
Between one and five most days.
Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus
Common throughout in open country.
Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach
A scarce resident. Four were seen en route to Mannar.
Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus
Very common in the north west of the island but nowhere else, apart from two at Palm Garden Village Resort at Anuradhapura.
Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus
An uncommon winter visitor. A single at Yala was followed by another two there a couple of days later.
White-bellied Drongo Dicrurus caerulescens
Up to six were seen on seven days of this common resident.
Crested Drongo (Greater Racket-tailed Drongo) Dicrurus paradiseus lophorhinus
This race of the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo is visibly very different from D.p. paradiseus and is likely to be split in the near future. This in turn may well be split into two itself with D.p.ceylonicus making up the Sri Lankan counterpart. There could therefore be two new species in Sri Lanka leaving D.p. paradiseus in the rest of the Subcontinent. Unfortunately we never saw any birds with "rackets", but Crested Drongo was seen in Sinharaja and Rafters Retreat with five or six birds on three days. These are considered to be the second species involved in bird flocks after the Orange-billed Babblers and they are noisy, attracting other species and acting as good look-outs.
Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus
Three at Hunas Falls were followed by 15 en route to Mannar and another single at Palm Garden Village Resort at Anuradhapura.
Sri Lanka Blue Magpie Cissa ornata (E)
Nine were seen in Sinharaja on our first full day there and one on the next day. A bird was also seen sitting on a nest.
House Crow Corvus splendens
Ubiquitous.
Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos
Also common and widespread.
White-faced Starling Sturnus albofrontatus (E)
This highly scarce endemic was found in Sinharaja only with three on the first day and two on the second. They were feeding very high up in the canopy.
Brahminy Starling Sturnus pagodarum
Ten at Yala were followed by four and two over the next two days at the same site. It is a winter visitor.
Rosy Starling Sturnus roseus
Another winter visitor but in much larger numbers. Flocks combining up to 300 maximum were seen at Yala on four days and another 100 at Kandalama Tank.
Common Myna Acridotheres tristis
A common resident seen daily.
Sri Lanka Myna Gracula ptilogenys (E)
An uncommon endemic. Nine were seen in Sinharaja and six there the next day while another was heard only at Rafters Retreat.
Southern Hill Myna Gracula indica
Two at a nest hole at Surrey Estate near Nuwara Eliya and ten at Hunas Falls on two days.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
One has to go further east to stand a chance of avoiding these.
Streaked Weaver Ploceus manyar
Five on the edge of a paddyfield on the way back from Mannar only just made the list.
Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus
Six at Yala were the sole record.
Indian Silverbill Lonchura malabarica
Six at Yala and another two en route to Anuradhapura with a load of other munias.
White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata
Six at Udawalawe, two at Yala and ten at rafters Retreat.
Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata
The most widespread but not necessarily the most numerous of the family. Seen virtually daily in small numbers up to 25.
Black-throated Munia (Ceylon Hill Munia) Lonchura kelaarti (E)
An uncommon endemic and awaiting to be split from L.k.jerdoni which occurs in South west and Eastern India, although here it is being considered a full species already. About 30 were found in a mixed munia flock en route to Anuradhapura from Dambulla.
Black-headed Munia Lonchura malacca
Seen on five dates with maxima of 60 at the paddies at Sinharaja and 150 in the mixed flock mentioned above.
Mammals
Toque Macaque Macaca sinica (E)
Seen commonly on seven dates with a maximum of 50 at Yala.
Black-faced Langur Presbytis entellus
Small numbers in Yala on three days.
Purple-faced Leaf Monkey Presbytis senex (E)
Small numbers in Bodhinagala and Sinharaja. Both these areas have different sub-species, the ones at Sinharaja have grey patches on the rumps but apart from that are mostly black as opposed to the grey colouration of the ones inthe lowlands. A third subspecies, colloquially known as " Bear Monkey", is a heftier and much hairier animal and three of these were seen at close range at Horton Plains. We did not see the fourth subspecies.
Jackal Canis aures
A single and a family party of three at Yala gave fantastic daytime views, the latter on two occasions.
Common Palm Civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus
One briefly visited the bar at Yala, but did not stay long enough for a drink!
Small Civet Viverricula indica
One was seen in the evening at Yala.
Indian Grey Mongoose Herpestes edwardsi
Common at Yala.
Indian Brown Mongoose Herpestes fuscus
Four different ones were seen.
Ruddy Mongoose Herpestes smithii
Two singles on the last two days.
Stripe-necked Mongoose Herpestes vitticollis
A single at Yala.
Leopard Pantera pardus
One of our jeeps was fortunate to have close and prolonged views of this beautiful looking cat. The rest of us will have to make a return visit.
Asian Elephant Elephas maximus
Two at Udawalawe NP were followed by four more at Yala, then a tusker the next day, followed by two more males and then a dozen on our last day there including a family party with two very young animals.
Asian Wild Ass Equus hemionus
About 50 near the causeway to Mannar by the side of the road.
Wild Pig Sus scrofa
Common at Yala.
Water Buffalo Bubalus bubalus
Common at Yala.
Spotted Deer Cervus axis
Commonly seen at Yala.
Sambar Deer Cervus unicolor
One and four at Yala and another on the road before dawn at Horton Plains.
Layard's Striped Squirrel Funambulus layardi
One at Sinharaja and about 15 at Horton Plains.
Palm Squirrel Funambulus palmarium
Commonly encountered throughout.
Grizzled Indian Squirrel (Giant Squirrel) Ratufa macroura
One or two most days in the forest and at Yala.
Black-naped Hare Lepus nigricollis singala
Seen mostly at Yala with up to ten a day, mostly in the early evening. One was seen on Horton Plains.
Flying Fox Pteropus giganteus
Seen on several occasions in all areas. One colony had some thousands but the colony just outside of Kandy has no less than 100,000 individuals. Many were seen flying here in full sunlight.
Butterflies
Ceylon Tiger Parantica taprobana
This large black and white butterfly was seen on Horton Plains.
Blue Glassy Tiger Idiopsis similis
Recorded at Sinharaja, Yala, Kitulgala and Anuradhapura, this large blue-flushed butterfly was undoubtedly one of the most widespread and familiar of those seen on the trip.
Dark Blue Tiger Tirumala septentrionis
Similar to the previous species, we recorded it only at Yala.
Common Tiger Danaus genutia
Recorded only at Yala, but probably overlooked, although Plain Tiger was evidently more numerous and widespread.
Plain Tiger Danaus chrysippus
Only recorded from Weerawila and Yala, but undoubtedly more widespread and more numerous than the previous, rather similar species.
Great Crow Euploea Phaenareta
One or two of this large brown butterfly with small white dots on the underwing were seen in Sinharaja.
Common Indian Crow Euploea core
Superficially similar to the previous species, but with a broad white band on the under hind wing, it was seen in the forests at Bhodinagala and Sinharaja.
Ceylon Tree Nymph Idea iasonia
A large, flimsy, paper-like black and white butterfly that sailed about at treetop level in the forests at Bhodinagala and Sinharaja.
Glad-eye Bushbrown Nissanga patnia
Seen perched by the minnow-pool on the track at Sinharaja.
Nigger Orsotriaena medus
This species was quite numerous along the river at Kitulgala, with at least one at the paddies in the forest.
Common Leopard Phalanta phalantha
At least one of these fritillary-like butterflies was seen by the swimming pool at Anuradhapura.
Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta
We saw at least two at Kitulgala.
Peacock Pansy Junonia almana
A medium-sized pale orange butterfly with eyes on its fore and hind upper wings; at least one was seen at Kitulgala.
Grey Pansy Junonia atlites
A greyish-brown butterfly with eye spots around the edges of the upper hind wings. One was seen en route to Kandy, at the Black-throated Munia stop.
Great Eggfly Hypolimnas bolina
A large brown butterfly with pale spots along the upper hind wing and a subterminal purple suffusion near the tips of the upper wings; one was seen at the gap in the escarpment as we headed to Nuwara Eliya from the lowlands.
Common Sailor Neptis hylas
In the same family as the 'gliders' of Eastern Europe and Asia, several were seen by the river at Kitulgala.
Clipper Parthenos sylvia
Recorded in the forests at Bhodinagala and Sinharaja, though undoubtedly more widespread.
Common Jezebel Delias eucharis
A large white, black-lined butterfly with yellow suffusion and red 'teardrops' around the edges of the under hind wings, we saw several at Yala, Kandalama and Anuradhapura.
Psyche Leptosia nina
There were several of these rather delicate white butterflies at the track edges at Kitulgala.
Small Salmon Arab Colotis amata
We saw one of these Clouded Yellow-like butterflies, but I failed to record the locality.
Grass Yellow sp. Eurema sp.
There are, apparently, numerous variations on the theme of deep bright yellow butterfly with black spots. We saw such insects almost everywhere we went, usually flitting along verges in open situations in forests and woodland edges.
Common Bluebottle Graphium sarpedon
This large brown and emerald butterfly with distinctive sickle-shaped wings was seen on a few occasions in the forest at Sinharaja.
Spot Swordtail Pathysa nomius
One was seen nectaring on flowers in the garden of our tea stop at the gap in the escarpment as we headed to Nuwara Eliya from the lowlands. A medium-sized swallowtail-like butterfly.
Blue Mormon Papilio polymnestor
This fabulous, large dark brown butterfly with pale blue patches on its wings was seen at several places, including Sinharaja, Udawalawe and Kitulgala.
Common Rose Pachliopta aristolochiae
Crimson Rose Pachliopta hector
Fairly widespread, these dark brown to black butterflies both exhibit crimson patches at the rear edge of the upper hind wings and motor furiously through open garden-type situations, making specific identification tricky. Nevertheless, we saw each at several localities throughout the trip.
Common Birdwing Troides darsius
This spectacular birdwing, the largest butterfly seen on the trip, was seen gliding about the treetops at Sinharaja and also at Kitulgala.
