The
abundance of Sri Lanka’s bird
life makes it an ornithologist’s
paradise. Of the 435 recorded species,
230 are resident, and no less that 23
are endemic to the island. Most of the
endemic birds, like the Sri Lanka Myna
or the Yellow-eared Bulbul, are restricted
to the wet zone. Others, such as the
striking Red-faced Malkoha and the Sri
Lanka Spot-winged Thrush, can be found
throughout the island, although confined
to small areas of humid forests.
Among the best areas for bird-life are
the Sinharaja Forest Reserve which is a World heritage Site ( Nature) and Sri Lanka's most beautiful and largest rain forest.It is situated close to Ratnapura and is between the villages of Rakwana, Deniyaya and Matugama. Amongst 21 native bird species in the Island 17 species have made Siharaja their home.The Peak
Wilderness Sanctuary is by far the third largest natural reserve in Sri Lanka which is situated around the Sri Pada ( Adama's Peak) mountain in the central zone. It is inhabited by numouros species of birds which are a sight to behold.The Polonnaruwa
Archaeological Reserve Area is also home to many birds. Around
mid-August, the first flock of the species
that live through winter in Sri Lanka begin to arrive
with large numbers of waders from northern
temperate countries – sandpipers,
stilts, plovers and terns – finding
refuge in the unique lagoons along the
costal belt.
In the forested areas, migratory tree
warblers, thrushes and cuckoos can be
found. Reservoirs in the dry zone attract
numerous types of ducks, whilst large
water birds – including storks,
herons and egrets – can be easily
spotted in areas such as Bundala which is situated in the deep south and the Bundala Bird Sanctuary is Sri Lanka's frist recognized Ramsar Site ( a wetland of international importance)Around 167 species have been sighted and the park is also the refuge of the Grater Flamingo. The lagoons constitute one of the most popular wintering areas of migratory shore birds,accomodating up to 20,000 shore birds at anytime including the Black Necked Stork. Kalametiya
and Wirawila in the extreme south-eastern
coast. The eastern lagoons in the island,
particularly Bundala, are especially
famous for migrating flocks of flamingos.
