Welcome to the most comprehensive bird species guide for Sri Lanka safaris! This guide covers every bird species you can see at Udawalawe National Park (200+ species) and Yala National Park (215+ species), including all 34 endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.
When you book a safari at Udawalawa.com, our expert naturalist guides will help you identify and photograph these incredible birds. Whether you're a serious birder building your life list or a casual nature enthusiast, this guide is your essential reference.
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Endemic Birds of Sri Lanka (34 Species)
These birds are found ONLY in Sri Lanka - nowhere else on Earth! When you book at Udawalawa.com, our guides prioritize endemic species. At Udawalawe and Yala, you can see approximately 15-20 endemic species.
| Species Name | Scientific Name | Status | Where to See |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka Junglefowl 🐓 | Gallus lafayettii | ENDEMIC | Common at both parks |
| Sri Lanka Spurfowl | Galloperdix bicalcarata | ENDEMIC | Forest floor, Yala |
| Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill | Ocyceros gingalensis | ENDEMIC | Common at both parks |
| Sri Lanka Green Pigeon | Treron pompadora | ENDEMIC | Fruiting trees, both parks |
| Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot | Loriculus beryllinus | ENDEMIC | Forest canopy, both parks |
| Crimson-fronted Barbet | Psilopogon rubricapillus | ENDEMIC | Wooded areas, both parks |
| Yellow-fronted Barbet | Psilopogon flavifrons | ENDEMIC | Forest edges |
| Brown-capped Babbler | Pellorneum fuscocapillus | ENDEMIC | Forest floor, both parks |
| Sri Lanka Woodshrike | Tephrodornis affinis | ENDEMIC | Dry zone forests, both parks |
| Sri Lanka Swallow | Cecropis hyperythra | ENDEMIC | Near water, Udawalawe |
| Black-capped Bulbul | Pycnonotus melanicterus | ENDEMIC | Forest edges, Yala |
| Yellow-eared Bulbul | Pycnonotus penicillatus | ENDEMIC | Hill country (not at safari parks) |
Eagles, Hawks & Raptors
Sri Lanka's national parks are excellent for raptor watching. Udawalawa.com guides know the territories where these magnificent birds hunt and nest.
| Species Name | Scientific Name | Best Season | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| White-bellied Sea Eagle | Haliaeetus leucogaster | Year-round | Reservoir & coast |
| Crested Serpent Eagle | Spilornis cheela | Year-round | Forest edges, both parks |
| Changeable Hawk-Eagle | Nisaetus cirrhatus | Year-round | Dense forest, Yala |
| Grey-headed Fish Eagle | Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus | Year-round | Water bodies, both parks |
| Brahminy Kite | Haliastur indus | Year-round | Common everywhere |
| Black Kite | Milvus migrans | Year-round | Open areas |
| Shikra | Accipiter badius | Year-round | Woodland, both parks |
| Pallid Harrier | Circus macrourus | MIGRANT Nov-Apr | Grasslands, Udawalawe |
| Montagu's Harrier | Circus pygargus | MIGRANT Nov-Apr | Open grasslands |
| Oriental Honey Buzzard | Pernis ptilorhynchus | MIGRANT Oct-Mar | Forest areas |
Waterbirds, Storks & Herons
Udawalawe Reservoir and Yala's lagoons attract spectacular concentrations of waterbirds. Udawalawa.com safari routes include prime waterbird viewing areas.
| Species Name | Scientific Name | Status | Best Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Painted Stork | Mycteria leucocephala | Resident | Reservoir, lagoons |
| Asian Openbill | Anastomus oscitans | Resident | Wetlands, both parks |
| Woolly-necked Stork | Ciconia episcopus | Resident | Grasslands, wetlands |
| Lesser Adjutant | Leptoptilos javanicus | Rare - Endangered | Yala (special sighting!) |
| Spot-billed Pelican | Pelecanus philippensis | Resident | Udawalawe Reservoir |
| Grey Heron | Ardea cinerea | Resident | All water bodies |
| Purple Heron | Ardea purpurea | Resident | Reed beds, lagoons |
| Black-crowned Night Heron | Nycticorax nycticorax | Resident | Trees near water |
| Indian Pond Heron | Ardeola grayii | Resident | Common everywhere |
| Cattle Egret | Bubulcus ibis | Resident | With elephants! |
| Little Egret | Egretta garzetta | Resident | All water bodies |
| Intermediate Egret | Ardea intermedia | Resident | Wetlands |
| Great Egret | Ardea alba | Resident | Large water bodies |
| Eurasian Spoonbill | Platalea leucorodia | MIGRANT | Yala lagoons |
| Black-headed Ibis | Threskiornis melanocephalus | Resident | Grasslands, wetlands |
| Greater Flamingo | Phoenicopterus roseus | MIGRANT Nov-Mar | Bundala (near Yala) |
Kingfishers (6 Species)
Sri Lanka has 6 stunning kingfisher species, and you can see all of them at Udawalawe and Yala! Book at Udawalawa.com for the best kingfisher photography opportunities.
Stork-billed Kingfisher
Pelargopsis capensis
The LARGEST kingfisher in Sri Lanka (35cm). Massive red bill, blue-green back, buff underparts.
- Look near large water bodies and rivers
- Often perches on exposed branches over water
- Loud cackling call
White-throated Kingfisher
Halcyon smyrnensis
Most common kingfisher (27cm). Bright blue back, chestnut head, white throat and breast.
- Often far from water - hunts insects, lizards
- Loud trilling call heard throughout safari
- Commonly seen on wires and posts
Common Kingfisher
Alcedo atthis
Small (17cm) but stunning. Electric blue back, orange underparts. The classic kingfisher.
- Always near water - streams, ponds, canals
- Flies low and fast over water
- Listen for sharp "chee" flight call
Pied Kingfisher
Ceryle rudis
Black and white kingfisher (25cm). Hovers over water before diving - spectacular to watch!
- Only kingfisher that hovers
- Often in pairs or small groups
- Udawalawe Reservoir is perfect habitat
🐦 Ready to See All These Species?
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Book Birding Safari Now →Owls & Nightbirds
For owl enthusiasts, book an afternoon safari at Udawalawa.com extending to dusk. Our guides know roosting sites and can help you spot these elusive species.
| Species Name | Scientific Name | Best Time | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown Fish Owl | Ketupa zeylonensis | Dusk, dawn | Near water, large trees |
| Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl | Bubo nipalensis | Night | Deep forest, rare |
| Indian Scops Owl | Otus bakkamoena | Night | Listen for "whuk" call |
| Jungle Owlet | Glaucidium radiatum | Dawn, dusk (also day) | Dry zone forests |
| Indian Nightjar | Caprimulgus asiaticus | Dusk | Open areas, roads |
| Jerdon's Nightjar | Caprimulgus atripennis | Dusk | Forest clearings |
Migratory Birds (November - April)
Over 200 migratory species visit Sri Lanka each winter! Book your winter safari at Udawalawa.com for maximum bird diversity.
🌍 Key Migratory Species at Safari Parks
- Greater Flamingo - Pink flocks at coastal lagoons (Bundala)
- Northern Pintail - Elegant duck in large flocks
- Garganey - Small duck with distinctive eyestripe
- Eurasian Wigeon - Grazing flocks on grasslands
- Pallid Harrier - Graceful raptor over grasslands
- Blue-tailed Bee-eater - Colorful flocks on wires
- Barn Swallow - Thousands arrive October
- Various Warblers - Blyth's Reed, Greenish, Sykes's
- Forest Wagtail - Distinctive tail-wagging walk
- Indian Pitta - Stunning but elusive
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📚 Start Your Sri Lanka Bird List Today!
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