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A Report from birdtours.co.uk

Systematic list of birds for Sri Lanka,

Jan Vermeulen

This list follows the taxonomy, names and sequence of James F. Clements (Birds of the World, A Check List, Fifth Edition, 2000, including updates May 2000 - December 2003).

This specific treatment follows Dr. Charles Sibley and Dr. Burt L. Monroe, Jr (1990, Distribution and Taxonomy of Birds of the World, Yale University Press).

Species in brackets are the English names in "A Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka" by John Harrison, but only mentioned when these differ substantially from the Clements Check List.

The Dutch names follow the translated "Complete Checklist of Birds of the World" (Complete Checklist van Vogels van de Wereld) of Michael Walters.

Numbers quoted are estimates of the minimum numbers seen.

The following abbreviations are used:

FR             =  Forest Reserve
NP             =  National Park
NR             =  Nature Reserve
*               =  endemic to Sri Lanka
100+          =  at least 100 birds


1.   Little Grebe, Tachybaptus ruficollis, Dodaars
Up to 5 a day at the Tissa Tanks and 3 at Nuwara Eliya.

2.   SPOT-BILLED PELICAN, Pelecanus philippensis, Grijze Pelikaan
10+ at Chandrika Lake, 20+ at Uda Walawe NP, small numbers at Yala NP and Bundala NP, 2 at Kandy and 15+ at Bellanwila-Attidiya Sanctuary.

3.   Indian Cormorant, Phalacrocorax fuscicollis, Indische Aalscholver
Fairly common in south-east around Yala NP and Tissamaharama, a few at Kandy.

4.   GREAT CORMORANT, Phalacrocorax carbo, Aalscholver
1 at Chandrika Lake. 4 at Uda Walawe NP, small numbers at Yala NP and Bundala NP.

5.   Little Cormorant, Phalacrocorax niger, Indische Dwergaalscholver
Very common throughout on rivers, paddies and tanks.

6.   DARTER, Anhinga melanogaster, Slangenhalsvogel
4 at Chandrika Lake, small numbers around Tissamaharama, Yala NP and Bundala NP.

7.   Grey Heron, Ardea cinerea, Blauwe Reiger
Seen in small numbers with up to 20 a day.

8.   Purple Heron, Ardea purpurea, Purperreiger
Seen in small numbers on most wetland sites.

9.   Great Egret, Ardea alba, Grote Zilverreiger
Regular but in small numbers on paddies and most wetlands.

10.   Intermediate Egret, Egretta intermedia, Middelste Zilverreiger
Seen in small numbers throughout, but not daily.

11.   Little Egret, Egretta garzetta, Kleine Zilverreiger
Common throughout.

12.   Indian Pond-Heron, Ardeola grayii, Indische Ralreiger
A very common and widespread species.

13.   Cattle Egret, Bubulcus ibis, Koereiger
Abundant throughout.

14.   Striated Heron, Butorides striatus, Mangrovereiger
Singles at Chandrika Lake, Uda Walawe NP and Bundala NP.

15.   Black-crowned Night-Heron, Nycticorax nycticorax, Kwak
2 at Chandrika Lake, 3 at Uda Walawe NP, 3 at Yala NP, 3 at Bundala NP and 15+ at the Tissa Tanks.

16.   YELLOW Bittern, Ixobrychus sinensis, Chinese Woudaap
10 at the Tissa Tanks and a single one at Bundala NP.
 

17.   BLACK BITTERN, Ixobrychus flavicollis, Zwarte Woudaap
5 at the Tissa Tanks and single ones at Bundala NP and at the Bellanwila-Attidiya Sanctuary.

18.   PAINTED STORK, Mycteria leucocephala, Indische Nimmerzat
25+ at Uda Walawe NP, 4 at the Tissa Tanks, fairly common at Yala NP and a few at Bundala NP.

19.   Asian Openbill, Anastomus oscitans, Indische Gaper
A few at Chandrika Lake, 3 at Uda Walawe NP, fairly common at Yala NP and Bundala NP and a few at Bellanwila‑Attidiya Sanctuary.

20.   Woolly-necked Stork, Ciconia episcopus, Bisschopsooievaar
2 at Uda Walawe NP and 2 at Bundala NP.

21.   BLACK-NECKED STORK, Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus, Zwarthalsooievaar
2 at Yala NP.

22.   Lesser Adjutant, Leptoptilos javanicus, Javaanse Maraboe
5 at Uda Walawe NP and a few at Yala NP.

23.   BLACK-HEADED IBIS, Threskiornis melanocephalus, Indische Witte Ibis
Small numbers at Chandrika Lake and Uda Walawe NP, common in the south-east (Yala, Bundula, and Tissa Tanks).

24.   EURASIAN SPOONBILL, Platalea leucorodia, Lepelaar
3 at Uda Walawe NP, 20+ at Yala NP, 10+ at Bundala NP and a few at the Tissa Tanks.

25.   Lesser Whistling-Duck, Dendrocygna javanica, Indische Fluiteend
500+ at Bundala NP, 25+ at Yala NP and parties of 20-30 birds at the Tissa Tanks and 2 at Bellanwila-Attidiya Sanctuary.

26.   EURASIAN Teal, Anas crecca, Wintertaling
4 en route Embilipitiya - Tissamaharama along the coast.

27.   Northern Pintail, Anas acuta, Pijlstaart
2000+ at Bundala NP.

28.   Garganey, Anas querquedula, Zomertaling
20+ at Yala NP, common at Bundala NP.

29.   Osprey, Pandion haliaetus, Visarend
A single bird at Chandrika Lake.

30.   Oriental Honey-buzzard, Pernis ptilorhynchus, Aziatische Wespendief
Up to 3 a day at Kelani River FR, 2 at Sinharaja FR, singles at Yala NP and Bundala NP.

31.   Black-shouldered Kite, Elanus caeruleus, Grijze Wouw
Fairly common at Uda Walawe NP, 1 at the Tissa Tanks, 2 at Yala NP and 2 at the Horton Plains NP.

32.   Black Kite, Milvus migrans, Zwarte Wouw
2 in Colombo.

33.   Brahminy Kite, Haliastur indus, Brahmaanse Wouw
Seen on a number of occasions en route, up to 3 a day at Kitulgala, Chandrika Lake, Uda Walawe NP, Yala NP, Bundala NP and Tissa Tanks.

34.   White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster, Witbuikzeearend
1 at Chandrika Lake, 2 at Uda Walawe NP, 1 at the Tissa tanks, 3 at Yala NP and 2 at the Royal Botanical Garden in Kandy.

35.   GREY-HEADED FISH-EAGLE, Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus, Grote Rivierarend
2 at Uda Walawe NP, 2 at Yala NP and 1 at Bundala NP.

36.   Crested Serpent-Eagle, Spilornis cheela, Indische Slangenarend
Seen almost daily across all locations.

37.   Pallid Harrier, Circus macrourus, Steppekiekendief
2 at Uda Walawe NP.

38.   Shikra, Accipiter badius, Shikra
1 at Uda Walawe NP, 1 at Bundala NP and 2 at Bellanwila-Attidiya Sanctuary.

39.   Besra, Accipiter virgatus, Besrasperwer
1 at Yala NP and 2 at Horton Plains NP.

40.   EURASIAN Buzzard (COMMON BUZZARD), Buteo buteo, Buizerd
4 at Horton Plains NP.

41.   Black Eagle, Ictinaetus malayensis, Indische Zwarte Arend
2 at Kelani River FR and 1 at Yala NP.

42.   Changable Hawk-Eagle, Spizaetus cirrhatus, Indische Kuifarend
8 at Uda Walawe NP, 1 at Yala NP, and 1 at the Tissa Tanks.

43.   MOUNTAIN HAWK-EAGLE, Spizaetus nipalensis, Aziatische Kuifarend
2 at Horton Plains NP.

44.   * CEYLON Spurfowl, Galloperdix bicalcarata, Ceylondwergfazant
By far the most difficult endemic bird to find. Flight view of a male and a 'running' view of a female at Sinharaja FR, heard and flight views of 2 birds at Kelani River FR.

45.   * CEYLON Junglefowl, Gallus lafayetii, Ceylonhoen
7 at Sinharaja FR, up to 5 a day at Yala NP, 3 at Bundala NP, 2 in the Nuwara Eliya area.

46.   Indian Peafowl, Pavo cristatus, Blauwe Pauw
Fairly common throughout the lowlands.

47.   BARRED BUTTONQUAIL, Turnix suscitator, Zwartkeelvechtkwartel
Singles at Sinharaja FR and Uda Walawe NP, 2 at Yala NP.

48.   SLATY-LEGGED CRAKE, Rallina eurizonoides, Zwartpootral
A splendid observation at the Lunugamwehera Reservoir near Tissamaharama.

49.   White-breasted Waterhen, Amaurornis phoenicurus, Witborstwaterhoen
A fairly common species in wet areas.

50.   PURPLE SWAMPHEN, Porphyrio porphyrio, Purperkoet
Seen in good numbers around Tissamaharama and at Yala and Bundala NP and also at Bellanwila-Attidiya Sanctuary.

51.   Common Moorhen, Gallinula chloropus, Waterhoen
2 at Chandrika Lake, 4 at the Tissa Tanks, 2 at Bundala NP and 1 at Bellanwila-Attidiya Sanctuary.

52.   Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Hydrophasianus chirurgus, Waterfazant
Seen regularly on tanks and all weedy ponds.

53.   Black-winged Stilt, Himantopus himantopus, Steltkluut
A few seen en route and at Uda Walawe NP, fairly common around Tissamaharama, Yala NP and Bundala NP.

54.   EURASIAN THICKNEE, Burhinus oedicnemus, Griel
4 en route Embilipitiya - Tissamaharama, 6 at Bundala NP and 25+ at Lunugamwehera Reservoir.

55.   GREAT THICKNEE, Burhinus recurvirostris, Grote Griel
Up to 5 a day at Bundala NP and Yala NP, 9 at the Lunugamwehera Reservoir,

56.   Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Vanellus malabaricus, Malabarenkievit
15+ at Yala NP.

57.   Red-wattled Lapwing, Vanellus indicus, Indische Kievit
A common and widespread species.

58.   Pacific Golden-Plover, Pluvialis fulva, Kleine Goudplevier
30+ at Yala NP, 20+ at Bundala NP and 4 at Lunugamwehera Reservoir.

59.   Black-bellied Plover (GREY PLOVER), Pluvialis squatarola, Zilverplevier
4 along the coast near Tissamaharama, 2 at Yala NP and 3 at Bundala NP.

60.   COMMON RINGED PLOVER, Charadrius hiaticula, Bontbekplevier
A single one along the coast near Tissamaharama.

61.   LONG-BILLED PLOVER, Charadrius placidus, Japanse Bontbekplevier
A splendid observation of this vagrant species near the Lunugamwehera Reservoir.

62.   Little Ringed Plover, Charadrius dubius, Kleine Plevier
1 along the coast near Tissamaharama, a few at Yala NP and 15+ at Lunugamwehera Reservoir.

63.   Snowy Plover (KENTISH PLOVER), Charadrius alexandrinus, Strandplevier
25+ along the coast near Tissamaharama, small numbers at Yala NP and 30+ at Bundala NP.

64.   Mongolian Plover, Charadrius mongolus, Mongoolse Plevier
Common on coastal wetlands at Tissamaharama, Yala NP and Bundala NP.

65.   Greater Sandplover, Charadrius leschenaultii, Woestijnplevier
4 at Bundala NP.

66.   Pintail Snipe, Gallinago stenura, Stekelstaartsnip
1 en route Colombo - Kitulgala and 2 at Yala NP.

67.   BLACK-TAILED GODWIT, Limosa limosa, Grutto
Singles along the coast near Tissamaharama and at Bundala NP.

68.   Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus, Regenwulp
Singles along the coast near Tissamaharama and at Bundala NP.

69.   Eurasian Curlew, Numenius arquata, Wulp
2 at Bundala NP.

70.   Spotted Redshank, Tringa erythropus, Zwarte Ruiter
4 at Yala NP and 3 at Bundala NP.

71.   Common Redshank, Tringa totanus, Tureluur
Fairly common around Tissamaharama, Yala NP and Bundala NP.

72.   Marsh Sandpiper, Tringa stagnatilis, Poelruiter
Common on coastal wetlands at Yala NP, Tissamaharama and Bundala NP (250+)

73.   Common Greenshank, Tringa nebularia, Groenpootruiter
A few seen around ponds in the south-east.

74.   Green Sandpiper, Tringa ochropus, Witgat
2 at Yala NP and 1 at the Tissa Tanks.

75.   Wood Sandpiper, Tringa glareola, Bosruiter
Singles near Embilipitiya and Uda Walawe NP and up to 5 a day seen around Tissamaharama, Yala NP and Bundala NP.

76.   Terek Sandpiper, Xenus cinereus, Terekruiter
A single one along the coast near Tissamaharama.

77.   Common Sandpiper, Actites hypoleucos, Oeverloper
Small numbers around Tissa, Bundala NP, Yala NP and Kelani River FR.

78.   RUDDY TURNSTONE, Arenaria interpres, Steenloper
3 along the coast near Tissamaharama, 15+ at Yala NP and 10+ at Bundala NP.

79.   SANDERLING, Calidris alba, Drieteenstrandloper
2 along the coast near Tissamaharama.

80.   Little Stint, Calidris minuta, Kleine Strandloper
Abundant along the coast near Tissamaharama, fairly common at Yala NP and Bundala NP.

81.   Temminck's Stint, Calidris temminckii, Temmincks Strandloper
3 at Yala NP.

82.   Curlew Sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea, Krombekstrandloper
A few along the coast near Tissamaharama, common at Yala NP and Bundala NP.

83.   Broad-billed Sandpiper, Limicola falcinellus, Breedbekstrandloper
Single ones along the coast near Tissamaharama and Bundala NP.

84.   RUFF, Philomachus pugnax, Kemphaan
2 along the coast near Tissamaharama.

85.   Brown-headed Gull, Larus brunnicephalus, Bruinkopmeeuw
1 along the coast near Tissamaharama, 2 at Yala NP and 4 at Bundala NP.

86.   Gull-billed Tern, Sterna nilotica, Lachstern
Common around Tissamaharama, Yala NP and Bundala NP.

87.   CASPIAN TERN, Sterna caspia, Reuzenstern
2 at Yala NP, a few at the Tissa Tanks and 75+ at Bundala NP.

88.   Lesser Crested-Tern, Sterna bengalensis, Bengaalse Stern
10+ along the coast near Tissamaharama and 20+ at Bundala NP.

89.   Great Crested-Tern, Sterna bergii, Grote Kuifstern
50+ along the coast near Tissamaharama and 20+ at Bundala NP.

90.   COMMON TERN, Sterna hirundo, Visdief
5 at Bundala NP and 1 at Lunugamwehera Reservoir.

91.   LITTLE TERN, Sterna albifrons, Dwergstern
Fairly common around Tissamaharama, Yala NP and Bundala NP. Could not differentiate from Saunders Tern.

92.   WHISKERED TERN, Chlidonias hybridus, Witwangstern
Common at wetlands throughout.

93.   WHITE-WINGED TERN, Chlidonias leucopterus, Witvleugelstern
Small numbers around Tissamaharama and at Bundala NP.

94.   Rock Dove, Columba livia, Rotsduif
Common in villages and towns.

95.   * CEYLON WOOD-PIGEON, Columba torringtoni, Ceylonhoutduif
8 at the Surrey Tea Estate and 6 at Horton Plains NP.

96.   ORIENTAL TURTLE-DOVE, Streptopelia orientalis, Oosterse Tortel
2 at Yala NP.

97.   Spotted Dove, Streptopelia chinensis, Parelhalstortel
A very common species throughout Sri Lanka.

98.   Emerald Dove, Chalcophaps indica, Smaragdduif
Up to 4 a day at Kelani River FR, up to 3 a day at Sinharaja FR, 1 at Yala NP and 1 at Uda Watakele NR.

99.   ORANGE-BREASTED (GREEN-) PIGEON, Treron bicincta, Oranjeborstpapegaaiduif
10+ at Yala NP and 4 at Bundala NP.

100.   Pompadour Green-Pigeon, Treron pompadora, Pompadourpapegaaiduif
Up to 8 a day at Sinharaja FR, common at Yala NP.

101.   YELLOW-FOOTED (GREEN) PIGEON, Treron phoenicoptera, Geelpootpapegaaiduif
A single bird at Uda Walawe NP.

102.   GREEN Imperial-Pigeon, Ducula aenea, Groene Muskaatduif
A fairly common and widespread species.

103.   ALEXANDRINE PARAKEET, Psittacula eupatria, Grote Alexanderparkiet
Small numbers at Kelani River FR, Chandrika Lake, Uda Walawe NP, Yala NP, Bundala NP and the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kandy.

104.   Rose-ringed Parakeet, Psittacula krameri, Halsbandparkiet
Fairly common with flocks seen most days.

105.   Plum-headed Parakeet, Psittacula cyanocephala, Pruimekopparkiet
2 at Kelani River FR and 10+ at Uda Watakele NR in Kandy.

106.   * laYARD'S Parakeet, Psittacula calthropae, Smaragdparkiet
Small numbers at Kelani River FR.

107.   * CEYLON HANGING-PARROT, Loriculus beryllinus, Ceylonese Vleermuisparkiet
Up to 10 a day at Kelani River FR and Sinharaja FR, a few at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy and at Uda Watakele NR in Kandy.

108.   PIED Cuckoo, Clamator jacobinus, Jacobijnkoekoek
Singles at Uda Walawe NP and Unugamwehera Reservoir near Tissa, up to 6 a day at Yala NP and 4 at Bundala NP.

109.   CHESTNUT-WINGED CUCKOO, Clamator coromandus, Coromandelkoekoek
A flight view of one at Yala NP.

110.   PLAINTIVE Cuckoo, Cacomantis merulinus, Piet-van-Vliet
1 en route Embilipitiya - Tissamaharama, up to 5 a day at Yala NP and 1 at Bundala NP.

111.   ASIAN DRONGO-CUCKOO, Surniculus lugubris, Drongokoekoek
Heard at Kelani River FR and 1 seen at Yala NP.

112.   Asian Koel, Eudynamys scolopacea, Indische Koël
Fairly common and widespread, up to 12 a day.

113.   Blue-faced Malkoha, Phaenicophaeus viridirostris, Kleine Groensnavelmalkoha
2 at Uda Walawe NP, 3 en route Embilipitiya - Tissamaharama, up to 3 a day at Yala NP and 2 at Bundala NP.

114.   SIRKEER MALKOHA, Phaenicophaeus leschenaultii, Indische Malkoha
5 around the Lunugamwehera Reservoir and 1 at Yala NP.

115.   * RED-FACED MALKOHA, Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus, Roodwangmalkoha
Up to 4 a day at Sinharaja FR.

116.   Greater Coucal, Centropus sinensis, Chinese Spoorkoekoek
Daily seen, up to 4 a day.

117.   * GREEN-BILLED COUCAL, Centropus chlororhynchus, Ceylonspoorkoekoek
Heard at Ingiriya FR, Sinharaja FR and at last good views of 2 birds at Kelani River FR.

118.   INDIAN SCOPS-OWL, Otus bakkamoena, Indische Dwergooruil
2 birds in a well known nesting site in a garden near Tissa.

119.   Brown Fish-Owl, Ketupa zeylonensis, Bruine Visuil
A splendid observation at Yala NP.

120.   Brown Wood-Owl, Strix leptogrammica, Bruine Bosuil
A pair at the Surrey Tea Estate and 1 heard at Horton Plains NP.

121.   Jungle Owlet, Glaucidium radiatum, Jungledwerguil
Heard at Yala NP.

122.   * CHESTNUT-BACKED OWLET, Glaucidium castanonotum, Kastanjerugdwerguil
1 seen and a few heard at Kelani River FR, heard and seen at Sinharaja FR.

123.   Ceylon Frogmouth, Batrachostomus moniliger, Ceylonkikkerbek
1 at Gilimale Forest, a few times heard at Kelani River FR and here also some flight views.

124.   Jerdon's Nightjar, Caprimulgus atripennis, Indische Nachtzwaluw
3 at Bundala NP and 1 at Yala NP.

125.   INDIAN NIGHTJAR, Caprimulgus asiaticus, Hindoenachtzwaluw
1 at Bundala NP and 4 at Yala NP.

126.   Indian Swiftlet, Aerodramus unicolor, Malabarensalangaan
A fairly common and widespread species.

127.   Asian Palm-Swift, Cypsiurus balasiensis, Aziatische Palmgierzwaluw
Small numbers en route in Sri Lanka, 10+ at Kelani River FR and 30+ at Uda Walawe NP.

128.   Little Swift, Apus affinis, Huisgierzwaluw
20+ at Kelani River FR, a few at Uda Walawe NP and fairly common around Tissamaharama and 50+ en route Nuwara Eliya - Kandy.

129.   Crested Treeswift, Hemiprocne coronata, Gekroonde Boomgierzwaluw
4 at Uda Walawe NP, 6 at Yala NP, 10+ at Bundala NP.

130.   Malabar Trogon, Harpactes fasciatus, Malabarentrogon
Up to 6 a day at Sinharaja FR.

131.   Common Kingfisher, Alcedo atthis, IJsvogel
1 en route Sinharaja FR - Embilipitiya, 2 at Uda Walawe NP, 2 en route Embilipitiya - Tissamaharama, up to 4 a day at Yala NP, 2 at Bundala NP, 2 at the Tissa Tanks, 2 at Uda Watakele NR, up to 3 a day at Kelani River FR.

132.   Stork-billed Kingfisher, Pelargopsis capensis, Ooievaarsbekijsvogel
2 at Kelani River FR, 1 at Uda Walawe NP, 1 at Lunugamwehera Reservoir and 2 at Uda Watakele NR.

133.   White-throated Kingfisher, Halcyon smyrnensis, Smyrnaijsvogel
A very common and widespread species.

134.   Pied Kingfisher, Ceryle rudis, Bonte IJsvogel
2 at Lake Chandrika, 1 at Yala NP and 2 at Bundala NP.

135.   (LITTLE) Green Bee-eater, Merops orientalis, Kleine Groene Bijeneter
10+ at Uda Walawe NP, common around Tissamaharama, Yala NP and Bundala NP.

136.   Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Merops philippinus, Blauwstaartbijeneter
Common throughout the visited areas.

137.   Chestnut-headed Bee-eater, Merops leschenaulti, Bruikopbijeneter
20+ around Ratnapura, 2 at Uda Walawe NP, 6 at Bundala NP and 2 at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy.

138.   Indian Roller, Coracias benghalensis, Indische Scharrelaar
1 at Uda Walawe NP, 3 en route Embilipitiya - Tissamaharama, up to 4 a day around Tissamaharama.

139.   Eurasian Hoopoe, Upupa epops, Hop
1 at Kelani River FR, 2 at Uda Walawe NP and 4 at Yala NP.

140.   * CEYLON Grey Hornbill, Ocyceros gingalensis, Ceylonwigstaarttok
Up to 6 a day at Kelani River FR, heard at Sinharaja FR and 15+ at Yala NP.

141.   Malabar Pied-Hornbill, Anthracoceros coronatus, Langkuifneushoornvogel
7 at Uda Walawe NP and 5 at Yala NP.

142.   Brown-headed Barbet, Megalaima zeylanica, Bruinkopbaardvogel
Fairly common at the lower elevations.

143.   * YELLOW-FRONTED Barbet, Megalaima flavifrons, Ceylonese Baardvogel
Up to 3 a day at Kelani River FR and Sinharaja FR, 2 at Uda Watakele NR.

144.   Crimson-fronted Barbet, Megalaima rubricapilla, Roodkeelbaardvogel
1 at Ratnapura, 1 at Uda Walawe NP, 2 at Uda Watakele NR and 3 at Kelani River FR.

145.   Coppersmith Barbet, Megalaima haemacephala, Kopersmid
6 at Uda Walawe NP and 3 at Yala NP.

146.   Brown-capped Woodpecker, Dendrocopos nanus, Bruinkapspecht
A single bird at Uda Walawe NP.

147.   Yellow-crowned Woodpecker, Dendrocopos mahrattensis, Indische Bonte Specht
6 at Yala NP.

148.   Lesser Yellownape, Picus chlorolophus, Kleine Geelkuifspecht
Small numbers at Ingiriya FR, Kelani River FR and Sinharaja FR.

149.   Black-rumped Flameback, Dinopium benghalense, Kleine Goudrugspecht
2 at Kelani River FR, 1 at Yala NP, 1 at the Surrey Tea Estate and 1 at Nuwara Eliya (all of the Red‑backed form).

150.   White-naped Woodpecker, Chrysocolaptes festivus, Witnekspecht
A single observation at the Tissa Tanks.

151.   Greater Flameback, Chrysocolaptes lucides, Grote Goudrugspecht
Singles (crimson-backed form) at Uda Walawe NP and Uda Watakele NR, 2 at Yala NP.

152.   Indian Pitta, Pitta brachyura, Negenkleurige Pitta
Heard and seen almost daily, especially good views at Yala NP on the road in front of our jeep.

153.   RUFOUS-WINGED BUSHLARK, Mirafra assamica, Bengaalse Leeuwerik
Fairly common at Uda Walawe NP and around Tissamaharama, Yala NP and Bundala NP.

154.   Ashy-crowned Sparrow-Lark, Eremopterix grisea, Grijskruinvinkleeuwerik
10+ at Uda Walawe NP, a few at Yala NP, 50+ at Bundala NP and 60+ at Lunugamwehera Reservoir.

155.   BANK SWALLOW (PALE MARTIN), Riparia riparia, Oeverzwaluw
A single bird en route from Colombo - Ingiriya FR.

156.   BARN SWALLOW, Hirundo rustica, Boerenzwaluw
A very common species.

157.   HILL SWALLOW, Hirundo domicola, Hutzwaluw
5 at the station in Pattipola en route to Horton Plains NP.

158.   Red-rumped Swallow, Hirundo daurica, Roodstuitzwaluw
Seen in small numbers throughout the visited areas.

159.   Forest Wagtail, Dendronanthus indicus, Boomkwikstaart
2 at Uda Walawe NP, 250+ at Yala NP, small numbers in the Nuwara Eliya area and the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy.

160.   Yellow Wagtail, Motacilla flava, Gele Kwikstaart
1 at Uda Walawe NP, 5 at Yala NP and 10+ at Bundala NP.

161.   Grey Wagtail, Motacilla cinerea, Grote Gele Kwikstaart
Seen almost daily throughout.

162.   Oriental Pipit (paddyfield pipit), Anthus rufulus, Oosterse Pieper
Fairly common at Uda Walawe NP and around Tissamaharama, Yala NP and Bundala NP, a few
at Horton Plains NP.

163.   Black-headed Cuckoo-shrike, Coracina melanoptera, Zwartkoprupsvogel
2 at Ratnapura, 1 at Sinharaja FR and 2 at Yala NP.

164.   Small Minivet, Pericrocotus cinnamomeus, Kleine Menievogel
3 at Uda Walawe NP, up to 8 a day at Yala NP.

165.   Scarlet Minivet, Pericrocotus flammeus, Scharlaken Menievogel
Small numbers daily at Kelani River FR and Sinharaja FR, Nuwara Eliya and the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy.

166.   Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike, Hemipus picatus, Bonte Dwergtriller
6 at Kelani River FR, 1 at Sinharaja FR, 1 at Yala NP, 1 at the Surrey Tea Estate and 4 at Nuwara Eliya.

167.   Black-crested (BLACK-HEADED YELLOW) Bulbul, Pycnonotus melanicterus, Goudborstbuulbuul
Small numbers at Kelani River FR and Sinharaja FR. The resident race melanicterus (Black-headed Yellow Bulbul) may well warrant full specific status.

168.   Red-vented Bulbul, Pycnonotus cafer, Roodbuikbuulbuul
A very common and widespread species.

169.   * YELLOW-EARED BULBUL, Pycnonotus penicillatus, Geelpluimbuulbuul
1 at the Surrey Tea Estate, small numbers at Horton Plains NP and at Nuwara Eliya.

170.   White-browed Bulbul, Pycnonotus luteolus, Witbrauwbuulbuul
7 at Yala NP and 5 at Bundala NP.

171.   Yellow-browed Bulbul, Iole indica, Goudbrauwbuulbuul
Fairly common at Kelani River FR and Sinharaja FR.

172.   BLACK BULBUL, Hypsipetes leucocephalus, Zwarte Buulbuul
Fairly common at Kelani River FR and Sinharaja FR.

173.   Blue-winged (JERDON'S) Leafbird, Chloropsis cochinchinensis, Blauwvleugelbladvogel
Singles at Kelani River FR and Sinharaja FR.

174.   Golden-fronted Leafbird, Chloropsis aurifrons, Goudvoorhoofdbladvogel
4 at Sinharaja FR, 2 at Yala NP and 1 near Nuwara Eliya.

175.   Common Iora, Aegithina tiphia, Gewone Iora
Quite common and present at most sites visited.

176.   * CEYLON WHISTLING-THRUSH, Myiophonus blighi, Ceylonfluitlijster
A single one at Horton Plains NP.

177.   PIED THRUSH, Zoothera wardii, Eksterlijster
2 at Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya.

178.   Orange-headed Thrush, Zoothera citrina, Damalijster
A single observation at Yala NP.

179.   SPOT-WINGED THRUSH, Zoothera spiloptera, eksterlijster
Singles at Ingiriya FR, Kelani River FR and Yala NP, 7 at Sinharaja FR.

180.   ZITTING CISTICOLA, Cisticola juncidis, Graszanger
1 at Kelani River FR, 25+ at Uda Walawe NP, small numbers around Tissa, at Yala NP and Bundala NP.

181.   Grey-breasted Prinia, Prinia hodgsonii, Grijsborstprinia
1 at Kelani River FR and 2 at Uda Walawe NP.

182.   JUNGLE PRINIA, Prinia sylvatica, Jungleprinia
A single observation at Bundala NP.

183.   Ashy Prinia, Prinia socialis, Grijze Prinia
3 at Kelani River FR, 20+ at Uda Walawe NP and several at Lunugamwehera Reservoir.

184.   Plain Prinia, Prinia inornata, Witteugelprinia
Heard at Kelani River FR, 20+ at Uda Walawe NP, 1 at Sinharaja FR, small numbers at Yala NP and Bundala NP.

185.   * ceylon bush-warbler, Bradypterus palliseri, Ceylonese Struikzanger
2 at Horton Plains NP.

186.   Blyth's Reed-Warbler, Acrocephalus dumetorum, Struikrietzanger
Single ones at Uda Walawe NP, Yala NP, Bundala NP and Horton Plains NP.

187.   Clamorous Reed-Warbler, Acrocephalus stentoreus, Indische Karekiet
A single bird at Bundala NP.

188.   Booted Warbler, Hippolais caligata, Kleine Spotvogel
A single bird at Horton Plains NP.

189.   Common Tailorbird, Orthotomus sutorius, Langstaartsnijdervogel
Fairly common throughout.

190.   Greenish Warbler, Phylloscopus trochiloides, Grauwe Fitis
Small numbers at Yala NP, Horton Plains NP and at Nuwara Eliya.

191.    Large-billed Leaf-Warbler, Phylloscopus magnirostris, Diksnavelfitis
Small Numbers at Kelani River FR and Sinharaja FR and 2 at Horton Plains NP.

192.   Asian Brown Flycatcher, Muscicapa dauurica, Bruine Vliegenvanger
3 at Kelani River FR and 6 at Sinharaja FR.

193.   Brown-breasted Flycatcher, Muscicapa muttui, Bamboevliegenvanger
2 at Ingiriya FR, a few at Kelani River FR, up to 3 a day at Sinharaja FR, 1 at Uda Walawe NP, 1 at Bundala NP, 2 at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy.

194.   KASHMIR FLYCATCHER, Ficedula subrubra, Kashmirvliegenvanger
A female at Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya.

195.   * DULL-BLUE FLYCATCHER, Eumyias sordida, Ceylonvliegenvanger
2 at Horton Plains NP.

196.   Tickell's Blue-Flycatcher, Cyornis tickelliae, Tickells Niltava
A single bird at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy.

197.   GREY-HEADED CANARY-FLYCATCHER, Culicicapa ceylonensis, Grijskopvliegenvanger
5 at the Surrey Tea Estate, small numbers at Horton Plains NP and near Nuwara Eliya.

198.   INDIAN BLUE ROBIN, Luscinia brunnea, Oranje Nachtegaal
Singles at Sinharaja FR, Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains NP.

199.   Oriental Magpie-Robin, Copsychus saularis, Dayallijster
A common bird seen daily in scrubby habitats.

200.   White-rumped Shama, Copsychus malabaricus, Shamalijster
2 at Yala NP and 1 at Uda Watakele NR.

201.   Indian Robin (BLACK-BACKED ROBIN), Saxicoloides fulicata, Indisch Paapje
Relatively common and seen at most locations.

202.   Pied Bushchat, Saxicola caprata, Zwarte Roodborsttapuit
15+ at Horton Plains NP.

203.   WHITE-BROWED Fantail, Rhipidura aureola, Indische Waaierstaart
Small numbers at Kelani River FR, Sinharaja FR, around Tissa and Yala NP.

204.   Black-naped Monarch, Hypothymis azurea, Zwartnekmonarch
2 at Ingiriya FR, a few at Kelani River FR and Sinharaja FR and 1 at Yala NP.

205.   Asian Paradise-Flycatcher, Terpsiphone paradisi, Aziatische Paradijsmonarch
A fairly common and widespread species. Both races regularly encountered, race ceylonensis is endemic and race paradisi (male white morph) is winter visitor from India.

206.   * ASHY-HEADED LAUGHINGTHRUSH, Garrulax cinereifrons, Grijskoplijstergaai
Up to 12 a day at Sinharaja FR.

207.   * BROWN-CAPPED BABBLER, Pellorneum fuscocapillum, Bruinkapjungletimalia
Up to 4 a day at Kelani River FR, 3 at Yala NP and 4 at Uda Watakele NR.

208.   Indian Scimitar-Babbler, Pomatorhinus horsfieldii, Travancorekruiplijster
Up to 5 a day at Kelani River FR and Sinharaja FR, small numbers at Horton Plains NP and Nuwara Eliya.

209.   Tawny-bellied Babbler, Dumetia hyperythra, Roodbuiktimalia
7 at Yala NP and 1 at Bundala NP.

210.   Dark-fronted Babbler, Rhopocichla atriceps, Zwartvoorhoofdbabbelaar
4 at Ingiriya FR, up to 4 a day at Kelani River FR, 2 at Sinharaja FR and 1 at Horton Plains NP.

211.   YELLOW-EYED BABBLER, Chrysomma sinense, Goudoogtimalia
5 at Uda Walawe NP, 1 at Bundala NP, 3 at Yala NP and 2 at Lunugamwehera Reservoir.

212.   * ORANGE-BILLED BABBLER, Turdoides rufescens, Ceylonese Babbelaar
Fairly common at Kelani River FR and Sinharaja FR.

213.   YELLOW-BILLED BABBLER, Turdoides affinis, Geelsnavelbabbelaar
A fairly common and widespread species.

214.   GREAT TIT, Parus major, Koolmees
1 at Uda Walawe NP, 6 at the Surrey Tea Estate, a few at Horton Plains NP and near Uwara Eliya.

215.   Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Sitta frontalis, Pluchekapboomklever
2 at Sinharaja FR, 1 at Yala NP and 4 near Nuwara Eliya.

216.   Purple-rumped Sunbird, Leptocoma zeylonica, Purperstuithoningzuiger
A fairly common and widespread species.

217.   Purple Sunbird, Cinnyris asiaticus, Purperhoningzuiger
5 at Yala NP and 2 at Bundala NP.

218.   Long-billed Sunbird (loten's sunbird), Cinnyris lotenius, Lotushoningzuiger
Seen in small numbers at Kelani River FR, near Chandrika Lake, Uda Walawe NP, Yala NP, Bundala NP and at Victoria Park in Nuwara Eliya.

219.   * WHITE-THROATED FLOWERPECKER, Dicaeum vincens, Ceylonese Honingvogel
Up to 3 a day at Sinharaja FR.

220.   Pale-billed Flowerpecker, Dicaeum erythrorhynchos, Geelsnavelhoningvogel
Seen in small numbers at Kelani River FR, Sinharaja FR, Yala NP and Bundala NP.

221.   * CEYLON WHITE-EYE, Zosterops ceylonensis, Ceylonese Brilvogel
10+ at Horton Plains NP and 15+ at Nuwara Eliya.

222.   ORIENTAL WHITE-EYE, Zosterops palpebrosus, Indische Brilvogel
Small numbers at Kelani River FR, Yala NP, the Surrey Tea Estate and the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kandy.

223.   Black-hooded Oriole, Oriolus xanthornus, Zwartkopwielewaal
Seen almost daily with up to 3 a day.

224.   Brown Shrike, Lanius cristatus, Bruine Klauwier
A fairly common and widespread species.

225.   Long-tailed SHRIKE (RUFOUS-BACKED Shrike), Lanius schach, Langstaartklauwier
A single observation of this rare bird in Sri Lanka at Uda Walawe NP.

226.   Common Woodshrike, Tephrodornis pondicerianus, Kleine Rupsklauwier
5 at Yala NP.

227.   Fork-tailed Drongo (BLACK dRONGO), Dicrurus macrocercus, Fluweeldrongo
A single observation at Yala NP.

228.   White-bellied Drongo, Dicrurus caerulescens, Witbuikdrongo
Fairly common at forest edge and scrubland.

229.   Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Dicrurus paradiseus, Vlaggendrongo
Up to 6 a day at Sinharaja FR and 2 at Kelani River FR (all of the lophorhinus race, Crested Drongo).

230.   Ashy Woodswallow, Artamus fuscus, Grijze Spitsvogel
A single bird in the garden of the Ratnaloka Tours Inn in Ratnapura.

231.   * CEYLON MAGPIE, Urocissa ornata, Blauwe Kitta
14 at Sinharaja FR.

232.   House Crow, Corvus splendens, Huiskraai
An abundant species.

233.   Large-billed Crow, Corvus macrorhynchos, Dikbekkraai
A fairly common and widespread species.

234.   SOUTHERN HILL MYNA, Gracula indica, Zuidelijke Grote Beo
Up to 10 a day at Kelani River FR, 7 at Yala NP and 4 at the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kandy.

235.   * CEYLON MYNA, Gracula ptilogenys, Ceylonbeo
2 at Sinharaja FR.

236.   Common Myna, Acridotheres tristis, Treurmaina
A very common and widespread species.

237.   * WHITE-FACED STARLING, Sturnia albofrontata, Maskerspreeuw
4 at Sinharaja FR.

238.   Brahminy Starling, Temenuchus pagodarum, Pagodespreeuw
6 at Yala NP.

239.   Rosy Starling, Pastors roseus, Roze Spreeuw
10+ en route Embilipitiya - Tissamaharama, 500+ at Bundala NP.

240.   House Sparrow, Passer domesticus, Huismus
Fairly common in villages and towns.

241.   Baya Weaver, Ploceus philippinus, Bayawever
10+ at Uda Walawe NP, small numbers at Yala NP and Bundala NP.

242.   WHITE-THROATED MUNIA (WHITE-THROATED SILVERBILL), Lonchura malabarica, Loodbekje
6 at Uda Walawe NP.

243.   White-rumped Munia, Lonchura striata, Spitsstaartbronzemannetje
Small numbers at Kelani River FR, Sinharaja FR and Yala NP.

244.   BLACK-THROATED MUNIA, Lonchura kelaarti, Zwartkeelbronzemannetje
A pair at the nest in Sinharaja FR.

245.   Nutmeg Mannikin (SCALY-BREASTED MUNIA), Lonchura punctulata, Muskaatvink
Rather common throughout,

246.   BLACK-HEADED MUNIA, Lonchura malacca, Driekleurennon
Common at Uda Walawe NP, small numbers around Tissa, at Yala NP and Bundala NP.

SYSTEMATIC   LIST OF MAMMALS

This list follows the taxonomy, names and sequence of the Mammal Data by BirdBase & BirdArea by Andrew Duff and Ann Lawson. Numbers quoted are estimates of the minimum numbers seen.


1.   INDIAN HARE, Lepus nigricollis
4 at Yala NP, 3 en route Nuwara Eliya - Horton Plains NP.

2.   SRI LANKAN GIANT SQUIRREL, Ratufa macroura
Small numbers at Kelani River FR, Sinharaja FR, Yala NP and at Nuwara Eliya.

3.   LAYARD'S PALM SQUIRREL,Funambulus layardi
1 at Sinharaja FR and 4 near Nuwara Eliya.

4.   INDIAN PALM SQUIRREL, Funambulus palmarum
Ubiquitous and seen throughout the visited areas.

5.   JUNGLE CAT, Felis chaus
A single one at Uda Walawe NP.

6.   ASIAN PALM CIVET, Paradoxurus hermaphrodites
Single ones near Ratnapura and at Horton Plains NP.

7.   RUDDY MONGOOSE, Herpestes smithii
1 at Sinharaja FR and 5 at Yala NP.

8.   INDIAN BROWN MONGOOSE, Herpestes fuscus
3 at the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kandy.

9.   GOLDEN JACKAL, Canis aureus
A single one en route Ratnapura - Gilimale FR.

10.   INDIAN FLYING FOX, Pteropus giganteus
Large numbers near Embilipitiya, around Tissa and in Kandy.

11.   HANUMAN LANGUR, Presbytis entellus
Common at Uda Walawe NP, Yala NP and Bundala NP.

12.   PURPLE-FACED LEAF-MONKEY, Presbytis vetulus
Heard at Ingiriya FR, common at Sinharaja FR and Horton Plains NP.

13.   TOQUE MACAQUE, Macaca sinica
A few at Ingiriya FR, small numbers at Uda Walawe NP, Yala NP, Bundala NP, near Nuwara Eliya and at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy.

14.   WILD BOAR, Sus scrofa
5 at Yala NP.

15.   INDIAN MUNTJAC (BARKING DEER), Muntiacus muntjak
A single one at Kelani FR.

16.   SAMBAR,Cervus unicolor
3 at Yala NP and 50+ at Horton Plains NP.

17.   CHITAL (SPOTTED DEER), Axis axis
10+ at Uda Walawe NP, common at Yala NP.

18.   WATER BUFFALO, Bubalus bubalis
Apparently wild animals were seen in small numbers at Uda Walawe NP and Yala NP.

19.   ASIATIC ELEPHANT, Elephas maximus
30+ at Uda Walawe NP, small numbers at Yala NP and Bundala NP.

 

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