Sri Lanka is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 450 species recorded including 34 endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. When you book a safari at Udawalawa.com, you'll discover incredible bird diversity at Udawalawe National Park (200+ species) and Yala National Park (215+ species).
Whether you're a serious ornithologist or casual nature lover, our bird watching safaris offer unforgettable experiences with expert naturalist guides who know exactly where to find Sri Lanka's most spectacular birds.
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Book at Udawalawa.com →Must-See Endemic Birds of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has 34 endemic bird species - birds found nowhere else in the world. When you book your safari at Udawalawa.com, our expert guides will help you spot these incredible species:
ENDEMIC
Sri Lanka Junglefowl
Gallus lafayettii
Sri Lanka's national bird! Males have stunning red-orange plumage with golden hackles. Common at forest edges in both Udawalawe and Yala. Guaranteed sightings on Udawalawa.com safaris.
ENDEMIC
Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill
Ocyceros gingalensis
Distinctive grey hornbill with pale bill. Commonly seen in dry zone forests at Yala and Udawalawe. Listen for their loud cackling calls in the morning.
ENDEMIC
Brown-capped Babbler
Pellorneum fuscocapillus
Small endemic bird often seen in groups on the forest floor. Our Udawalawa.com guides know their favorite feeding spots.
ENDEMIC
Crimson-fronted Barbet
Psilopogon rubricapillus
Colorful barbet with crimson forehead and green plumage. Listen for their distinctive "kutroo-kutroo" calls. Common in wooded areas.
ENDEMIC
Sri Lanka Woodshrike
Tephrodornis affinis
Endemic dry zone specialist found at Yala and Udawalawe. Often seen hunting insects from exposed perches.
ENDEMIC
Sri Lanka Swallow
Cecropis hyperythra
Beautiful swallow with chestnut underparts. Common around water bodies at Udawalawe Reservoir.
Best Birds at Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe's mix of grasslands, scrub forests, and reservoir creates perfect habitat for 200+ bird species. Book your Udawalawe birding safari to see:
Top 15 Birds at Udawalawe
- White-bellied Sea Eagle - Majestic raptor soaring over the reservoir
- Crested Serpent Eagle - Common on exposed branches, hunting snakes
- Painted Stork - Flocks at the reservoir edges
- Spot-billed Pelican - Fishing in shallow waters
- Indian Peafowl - Spectacular displays January-April
- Malabar Pied Hornbill - Large hornbill in forest areas
- Changeable Hawk-Eagle - Powerful forest raptor
- Grey-headed Fish Eagle - Near water bodies
- Black-headed Ibis - Wading in grasslands
- Lesser Adjutant - Endangered stork, rare sighting!
- Indian Roller - Stunning blue display in flight
- Stork-billed Kingfisher - Largest kingfisher species
- Chestnut-headed Bee-eater - Colorful flocks on wires
- Oriental Honey Buzzard - Migratory raptor in winter
- Brown Fish Owl - Night safari specialty!
The Udawalawe Reservoir is a birding hotspot where waterbirds gather in large numbers. Udawalawa.com safari routes always include prime reservoir viewpoints.
Best Birds at Yala National Park
Yala's diverse habitats - from lagoons to scrub jungle - support 215+ bird species. While famous for leopards, Yala offers exceptional birding. Book your Yala birding safari at Udawalawa.com!
Waterbirds
Greater Flamingo (seasonal), Painted Stork, Eurasian Spoonbill, various herons and egrets gather at Yala's lagoons.
Raptors
White-bellied Sea Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Crested Serpent Eagle, Grey-headed Fish Eagle, Shikra, and migratory harriers.
Kingfishers
6 species! Stork-billed, White-throated, Common, Pied, Blue-eared, and the tiny Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher.
Owls & Nightbirds
Brown Fish Owl, Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl, Indian Nightjar. Book afternoon safaris at Udawalawa.com for dusk sightings.
Migratory Birds (Best: November-April)
Over 200 migratory species visit Sri Lanka each winter, traveling from Europe, Central Asia, and India. Book your winter safari at Udawalawa.com for maximum bird diversity!
Top Migratory Species
- Greater Flamingo - Stunning pink flocks at lagoons (Nov-Mar)
- Eurasian Curlew - Large wader on mudflats
- Black-tailed Godwit - Common winter visitor
- Pallid Harrier - Graceful raptor hunting over grasslands
- Blue-tailed Bee-eater - Colorful flocks on wires
- Barn Swallow - Thousands arrive in October
- Various Warblers - Blyth's Reed, Greenish, Sykes's
- Ruff - Distinctive wader in winter plumage
Bird Photography Tips for Safari
Want stunning bird photos? Book at Udawalawa.com and follow these expert tips:
Camera Gear
Recommended: 400mm+ telephoto lens, fast autofocus, image stabilization. Our jeeps provide stable platforms.
Best Timing
6-9 AM: Most active bird behavior, soft morning light. Book early morning safari.
Settings
Shutter Priority: 1/1000s+ for flying birds. ISO Auto. Continuous autofocus for action shots.
Position
Udawalawa.com guides position jeeps for optimal angles with sun behind you. Request specific shots!
Ready to See Sri Lanka's Amazing Birds?
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Book Birding Safari Now →Udawalawe & Yala Bird Checklist
Print this checklist for your Udawalawa.com safari! Tick off species as you spot them:
- Sri Lanka Junglefowl
- Indian Peafowl
- Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill
- Malabar Pied Hornbill
- White-bellied Sea Eagle
- Crested Serpent Eagle
- Changeable Hawk-Eagle
- Grey-headed Fish Eagle
- Brahminy Kite
- Painted Stork
- Spot-billed Pelican
- Grey Heron
- Purple Heron
- Black-headed Ibis
- Stork-billed Kingfisher
- White-throated Kingfisher
- Common Kingfisher
- Blue-tailed Bee-eater
- Chestnut-headed Bee-eater
- Indian Roller
- Asian Paradise Flycatcher
- Brown Fish Owl
- Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl
- Crimson-fronted Barbet
Bird Watching Safari FAQs
Book Your Birding Adventure Now!
Private jeep • Expert ornithologist guides • 200+ species • Best price guarantee
Book at Udawalawa.com →WhatsApp: +94 77 083 3772 | info@udawalawa.com