Endemic Birds of Sri Lanka
For an island of its size, Sri Lanka has a high density of species of birds. A total of 444 birds have been recorded including migrants. No less than 33 species of birds are endemic, found nowhere else in the world. The mixed species feeding flocks in Sinharaja (dubbed the 'Rainforest Rainbow') are the largest in the world. The birds are also relatively tame and easy to watch.
DAY 01 Arrive in Sri Lanka and transfer to Villa Talangama, Colombo for one night. Afternoon walk along Talangama Lake for Black and Yellow Bitterns, Watercock & other common sub-continental species.
DAY 02 Morning drive to Bodhinagala Forest Reserve, which is a lowland rainforest closer to Colombo. We look for Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot and if lucky the scarce endemic Green-billed Coucal. Thereafter proceed to Martins Simple Lodge, Sinharaja for three nights.
DAY 03 Full days visit to Sinharaja Rainforest (A UNESCO World Heritage Site) for lowland endemics and mixed species bird flocks. According a study of the mixed species bird on average 42 individual birds occur in the flocks, which makes this the world's largest mixed species bird flock. The mixed species Bird flock study of Sinharaja forest has been continuing since 1981 and is considered as the World's longest studied bird flock study. Birding highlights include Red-faced Malkoha, Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, White-faced Starling and Scaly Thrush.
DAY 04 Full days visit to Sinharaja Rainforest.
DAY 05 After breakfast leave for Rafters Retreat, Kithulgala for two nights.Afternoon Cross the Kelani River in a dugout canoe and reach the Kelani Valley Forest Reserve, which is a lowland tropical rainforest rich in endemic fauna and flora. The Kelani Valley Forest Reserve is ideal for any missed lowland endemics such as Sri Lanka Myna, Green-billed Coucal, Spot-winged Thrush, Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Sri Lanka Spurfowl, Brown-capped Babbler and Red-faced Malkoha.
DAY 06 Morning and afternoon endemic birding at Kelani Valley Forest Reserve.
DAY 07 After breakfast leave for Jetwing St Andrew's Hotel, Nuwara Eliya for two nights. Afternoon visit Victoria Park for Himalayan migrants Kashmir Flycatcher, Pied Thrush Indian Pitta and Indian Blue Robin. Other highlights include Yellow-eared Bulbul, Sri Lanka Hill White-eye and Dull blue Flycatcher.
DAY 08 Pre dawn start for Horton Plains National Park for the endangered Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush. Other highlights include Sri Lanka Bush Warbler, Wood Pigeon. Afternoon birding at the hotel nature trails.
DAY 09 After breakfast leave for Jetwing Seashells Hotel, Negombo for one night
DAY 10 Transfer to International Airport.
To book this tour please contact Paramie or Ganga on our generic email, eco @ jetwing.lk. We will reply on our individual emails.
(Please remove the blank spaces between the @ symbol when emailing us. The spaces have been introduced to reduce spamming by 'spiders').
Bird Watching in Sri Lanka