Itinerary
Saturday Jan 14th
It is with a great sense of relief that we step off the bus at Heathrow
and into a warm terminal building knowing that for the next two
weeks we will experience temperatures which are much more comfortable
than we have in our country at this time of year. Even any rain
is bearable. Our journey was without any problems and although our
flight was delayed by an hour, the trip was uneventful. We stopped
at Doha which gave the girls some time to purchase the gin required
for our stay in the forest. Alcohol is required for bites and the
tonic is just in case there is no medicinal need and we have to
drink it to save carrying it around.
Sunday Jan 15th
We eventually met up with Amila Salgado of Birdwing Nature Holidays,
our ground agent and tour leader for the duration of our trip. He
escorted us to our bus and we set off on the road to Kithulgala
and our first accommodation known as “Rafters Retreat”.
For the people who have never travelled with us before, this may
have come as a bit of a surprise. The Hilton it is not, but an 'eco
lodge' in the forest, which is a better name for a wooden hut with
no glass in the windows, next to a torrent of a river, the noise
of which does not even switch off at night, turned out to be very
comfortable. Yes it had only cold water straight out of the river,
but then it was refreshing. A quick bite to eat and a couple of
beers and it was time for bed.
Monday Jan 16th
A cup of tea at 6.30 before a walk in the forest about 1 km upstream
from our accommodation. Here we did some birding acclimatising those
who had never birded in the east. We spent a couple of hours enthralled
with the colourful plumages of different birds before having a tasty
breakfast of spicy masala omelettes and toast and of course the
compulsory cup of Ceylon tea. Further birding in this area and eventually
back to our accommodation for lunch. By now we had seen Brahminy
Kites, Oriental Honey Buzzard, the difficult to find endemic Green-billed
Coucal, Layard's Parakeet, three species of Barbet (two of them
endemic) and Indian Pitta. Not bad for one morning.
A short siesta and we were off to the Kelani Forest on the other
side of the river which we had to cross in very narrow canoes, so
narrow that one can not sit in them. One stands up for the whole
crossing. Taking off our boots and socks until we got to the other
side where we donned leech socks before our walk into the forest.
This is a lovely piece of rain forest and although it is harder
to find birds in this type of habitat, those you do find tend to
be good ones. Square-tailed Black Bulbul, a recent split, was added
to the list and Legge's Flowerpecker added to the already growing
list of endemics. We went out to try and find the Serendib's Scops
Owl and although we heard it, it was quite a distance from where
we were and heavy rain spoilt the party. We sheltered in an old
farmers hut which kept us reasonably dry. Already quite a good total
was achieved which was quite bewildering for our 'novices' as was
obvious from some of the names of the 'new species known to science'.
A wonderful dinner and a few bottles of Lion Beer and medicinal
spirits to celebrate Paul's birthday and it was time for bed.
Tuesday Jan 17th
Up again at 6.30 for tea and an early walk to look for Chestnut–backed
Owlet which we found and had great views of. The Pitta put in another
appearance and many other species provided a show as the sun warmed
the air. Orange Minivets, Sri Lanka Green Pigeons, Loten's and Purple-rumped
Sunbirds all glistened in the strong sunlight and we had not moved
more than a few hundred yards from the restaurant.
After breakfast we caught the 'ferry' again and wandered off into
the forest once more. A pair of Malabar Trogons gave a good display
and a Rufous Woodpecker was playing games with us but eventually
surrendered to everybody. Black-naped Monarchs gave good views and
many more species were added. The sun was out and the butterflies
were just fantastic. Although very humid, this was a lovely walk
and we all shed a pound or two in anticipation of putting them back
on later this evening.
An afternoon walk in the same place as yesterday gave stunning views
of two Green-billed Coucals, a male rufous form Paradise Flycatcher
and the usual parrots and parakeets. Some Dark-fronted Babblers
also popped out of the thickets for a while. More tea in yesterday's
guest house and Crested Serpent Eagles gave good displays.
Another great meal and more tonics and off to bed, a little later
I seem to remember. Arrack, the local spirit (out of a bottle that
is) was the order of the night, followed by a trek through the forest
in order to locate our cabins. Hmmmm!
Wednesday Jan 18th
Again up at 6.30 for our early cup of tea. A brief walk before breakfast
in the forest surrounding the camp produced much the same as yesterday.
We settled our bar bills, said our goodbyes and set off for the
long drive to Martin's Lodge at Sinharaja, another 'up-market' accommodation.
After a couple of stops en route, including a supermarket visit
to top up on tonics for the insect bites, we eventually arrived
at the Sinharaja Forest. We decamped from our bus into 4wheel drive
jeeps and drove the bone-jarring three kilometres to the lodge.
The accommodation had grown since our last visit there two years
ago with Martin having added two dormitories sleeping ten in each
and a lecture hall. These new facilities being aimed at student
groups. Our accommodation had changed little although some rooms
now have solar powered hot showers. However if you want to bird
Sinharaja, then this has to be the place to stay. The views from
the restaurant were still as wonderful as before.
After a delicious lunch we set off to explore the wonders that are
Sinharaja. A walk through the forest with our sharp-eyed guides
and the ever enthusiastic Amila was producing some stunning birds.
The white ghostly shape of an old male Paradise Flycatcher impressed
everybody present and the sight of a Sri Lanka Frogmouth on its
nest was pretty smart also. Sri Lanka Junglefowl impressed Peter
who has kept chickens in the past and the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie
was enjoyed by all.
Amila had sent our tracker off and after an hour or so we were told
to follow them into the forest. They took us on an incredibly difficult
and steep path through thick and slippery forest down to a stream
which we had to cross. It was more of a bog than a stream and some
people ended up with their boots filled with mud, others sought
a drier route. Eventually, all crowded together in a small spot,
we were shown a bird that was first discovered in 2001 and still
has only been seen by just a few people. A beautiful roosting Serendib's
Owl in a vine-covered bush. Fantastic views were had of this very
rare species. Only about 45 birds are currently known about in the
world. It was well worth the assault course we had to conquer in
order to see it. The most remarkable things is how the tracker found
it in the first place.
As if we needed an excuse, the whiskey flowed after dinner.
Thursday Jan 19th
Not quite such an early start this morning although I can not think
why!
The whole day was spent in the forest only interrupted by lunch.
A few good bird-flocks were found and new species added to the list,
notably Ashy-headed Laughingthrush, Red-faced Malkoha, more Spot-winged
Thrushes and two stunning Sri Lanka Scimitar Babblers. The butterflies
here too were magnificent and Purple-faced Leaf Monkeys and Giant
Squirrels were present to keep us all amused.
Some of the group went out for an evening walk but apart from two
Sambars this proved a little fruitless.
Friday Jan 20th
An early pre-breakfast walk for Sri Lanka Spurfowl gave just one
observer a brief glimpse of a shape in the dark. A little unsatisfactory
to say the least. We packed our bags and prepared to leave this
wonderful place allowing it to return back to its peaceful state
which it so richly deserves. Not that we were noisy or anything,
just busy!
We joined our jeeps and began our descent to our bus stopping in
one place known for the species mentioned above. No success, but
just a little further down the road there a pair walked across the
track affording good views to all. This is not by any means an easy
species and often missed by tour groups.
Our next stop on our road east was to be Udawalawe National Park.
Our first stop was a wetland area not far from the park entrance
where waders, herons and egrets could be seen in the distance. But
some close pools attracted our attention as odd waders such as Temminck's
Stint and Little Ringed Plovers and the odd sandpiper were noted.
Two Blyth's Pipits were of great interest to those who are into
this sort of thing. However it was another small pool which excited
Amila the most as it held the unusual White Wagtail but also his
first ever Citrine Wagtail. This is a rare vagrant to Sri Lanka
and always a nice bird to see.
We moved on to the park entrance where we transferred to two jeeps
and set off to explore the dry savanna in search of dry zone birds
and Elephants. It was not long before we found a family group of
the latter including a baby heavily protected by the females in
the group. A rather grumpy bull, in musth, gave a couple of 'mock
charges' much to the amusement to others in the following jeep.
One has to be careful though as they can be very dangerous and it
is not wise to take unnecessary risks.
An opportunity for some stunning photographs though.
Black-winged Kites were fairly common, three Crested Hawk Eagles
gave excellent views and the beautiful Orange-breasted Green Pigeons
also vied for our attention. One interesting thing was an Alpine
Swift which was overflying a pool and coming down to drink as it
passed low over the water. We have never seen this species so low
affording fantastic views.
This is a great place and I always feel we could do more but you
could say that about most the places we visit.
It was dusk as we left the park and a few Night Herons took to the
air followed by Flying Foxes. We arrived at our hotel and after
showering and dinner (and the usual stuff your face with desserts
even by people who don't eat desserts!) we did our checklists. It
was a relatively early night for most as we still have had no opportunity
to get rid of the jet lag. I got the impression some were getting
a little tired, so a slightly later morning call was arranged. In
the event it was not necessary to rise too early tomorrow.
Saturday Jan 21st
Breakfast at a more social hour and we checked out of our hotel.
A brief check of the pools we visited yesterday where much the same
birds were present. No wagtails but excellent views of a Blue-faced
Malkoha made the stop worthwhile. Plenty of pipits and prinias were
present for those who like 'little brown jobs'
We decided to take the inland route to Tissamaharama rather than
the coastal road. This meant we could have lunch at a local restaurant
and do some birding around it, which proved so successful two years
ago. We arrived there in time for lunch and as the staff got everything
ready for us we spent an hour or so birding. It was not the best
time of day but good views of White-rumped Shama, Indian Cuckoo,
Indian Pygmy Woodpecker, the amazing Stork-billed Kingfisher and
Jungle Owlet confirmed that it was a good decision to come this
way.
Sandwiches and chips by the river and we were off again, this time
to the tanks of Tissamaharama. This is a large reservoir covered
for the most part in vegetation and birds. Yellow Bittern was seen,
but the target species was actually not on the lake but in a Palm
Grove. We had waited not long when our target, a pair of White-naped
Woodpeckers, appeared at a nest hole. Both the male and the female
just sat there posing for us to get a good scope full. A group of
local kids, the tour guides of the future, then took us into the
Palm Grove and showed us a Brown Fish Owl followed immediately by
an Indian Scops Owl. It just goes to show that you often need the
locals if you want to see the owls. We would never have known that
these birds were there.
As the Flying Foxes started appearing we knew it was time to depart.
Another night, another hotel.
Sunday Jan 22nd
A pre-breakfast look at the Heron and Egret roost on an island in
the lake just outside the back of our hotel was amazing. There were
thousands of egrets all setting off to their daytime feeding grounds
and four Night Herons were found amongst them. Cormorants were there
too in huge numbers. This was followed by a brief visit to some
tanks nearby in search of Black Bittern which had so far eluded
us. We managed a close flight view but that was all. A number of
waders were added to the list, mostly European species, but they
all count. Two Yellow-eyed Babblers and an Indian Reed Warbler by
the side of the road were oblivious to our presence in the bus so
we had good views of them.
After breakfast we set off to Yala and just before lunch we checked
in at the luxurious Yala Village Hotel which was going to be our
base for the next three nights.
The accommodation here comprises of semi-detached chalets in dry
scrubby woodland surrounding the main reception which included the
bar, a watch tower with a bar and an enormous but very smart restaurant.
A few years ago we might have felt a little out of place in our
walking boots and shorts. I think we are getting used to these wonderful
places and actually they are designed to take the likes of us! I
think we were impressed that the wildlife is able to just walk through
the hotel grounds including groups of cattle and wild elephants.
For this reason you are supposed to be escorted to your rooms at
night by the staff who are mostly no bigger than my ten year old
son. I am not quite sure what protection they provide from a fully
grown Elephant. Leopards also patrol the area but not when we were
looking.
An afternoon safari brought back many memories for some of us. Here
the targets are not so much birds as mammals and everything tends
to be geared up towards finding Leopard and Sloth Bear.
A brief view of the latter by just one of our group was hardly satisfactory,
but one can not expect the jackpot in just one drive. Birds however
were spectacular with Black-necked Stork probably taking pride of
place. Malabar Pied Hornbills were seen well, Painted and Openbill
Storks were present in good numbers. On our way back it was already
dark by the time we left the park and not far from the hotel at
a rocky outcrop a Brown Fish Owl was spotted in Amila’s powerful
torch allowing us all to get a good view. Unfortunately the Indian
Nightjar did not show quite as well but did find its way on our
list.
A wonderful meal and a few drinks ended a very exiting day and we
were already looking forward to our early morning safari.
Monday Jan 23rd
A pre-dawn start with packed breakfasts on board and for most donned
in fleeces and hats. Those who did not believe that it could be
cold in the very early morning at 30mph suffered.
We did two safaris today interspersed by lunch and a siesta and
a swim for some. Still no Leopard but wonderful views of a Sloth
Bear as it foraged firstly in the woods, then out in the open grassland
rolling over a couple of times and totally oblivious to our presence.
Birds were much as yesterday although two magnificent Grey-headed
Fish eagles were pulled out of the bag. A Leopard had been seen
from the watch tower just before dusk making me wonder if I am ever
going to see one.
Tuesday Jan 24th
An early morning walk along the beach to look for Small Pratincole
was unsuccessful but very emotional for those who were here two
years ago. The Yala Safari Lodge where we stayed and have such wonderful
memories of is no longer there, it having been destroyed by the
Tsunami taking with it several dozen people including most of the
Executive staff. The floors are still there but the walls and everything
else is piled up into heaps of rubble. I do hope the authorities
clear the site. Experiences like these do put things into context
and I am pleased that by returning we are able to put some money
back into the local economy.
Safaris are dusty and bumpy affairs and so it was decided that this
morning we would do the famous wader spot at Bundala. A pale phase
Booted Eagle en route was a good find and interrupted the journey
for a few minutes.
Again a jeep safari but without the dust and speed on bouncy roads.
The place was covered in waders including nice species like Greater
and Lesser Sandplovers, many Little Stints and Curlew Sandpipers
in winter plumage which is not the way we are used to seeing them
at home. A mixed flock of terns included Crested, Lesser Crested,
Caspian and Gull billed which enabled us to compare their different
features. Little, Whiskered and a single White-winged Black were
also present giving us a nice list of terns for the day. A grey-phase
Western Reef Egret was the only one found this year although views
were a little distant.
We returned to the hotel for lunch only to find that there had been
several Leopard sightings this morning. Well, I am afraid that means
another safari late this afternoon. Some of the group stayed behind
as the backs and rear ends were suffering from the jeeps and the
dust was getting up their noses. They decided to do some local exploration.
So the rest set off yet again to tear around the reserve. I am told
that continually driving round and listening for alarm calls from
monkeys and deer is the way to see Leopard. Well we sat in a spot
where Leopard had been seen twice this morning. After 15 minutes
of staring into some bushes I thought I saw a patch of spots moving
right. It can only have been a Leopard or perhaps just wishful thinking.
I alerted the rest of our party and we all concentrated on that
area. After another five minutes or so a female Leopard walked out
into the open and just as quickly as it had arrived melted back
into the thickets. We had seen the whole animal in one shot which
I gather is more than some observations. But it had lasted only
seconds. I was bemused and did not really know what to think. Was
that good or what?
Nevertheless Leopard is now on the list!
We returned to the hotel and told our tales perhaps more than once.
Tomorrow we leave but perhaps there is still time to get a short
two hour game drive in first thing. Are the others up for it?
Wednesday Jan 25th
Yes another early start, breakfast packed and back on the jeeps
but again not for the whole group. Our last chance to get a longer
view.
We drove around for nearly two hours without any sign when another
jeep stopped us and told us there was a Leopard sitting on a rocky
outcrop just round the corner. Why had they left it, was it still
there, no it can't be. These were questions that were going through
my mind. One must have faith. We turned a corner and there sitting
high on the rocks was a large male Leopard. It stayed there while
we took video footage and Amila got a good digiscoped shot (photograph
on the title page). It was a little too far for most of our cameras
but through the scope and binoculars views were stunning. After
about five minutes it got up, stretched to show us its huge size
and just casually walked off the rock and into the forest. What
an experience and why had some of the others stayed behind? I have
learned from this and Tigers in Northern India that you must have
patience and a lot of luck and must be prepared to put the time
in. Very often after much trying ones success can literally be right
at the last minute. I remember Kiwi in New Zealand and Tiger in
Corbett National Park, both seen within minutes of leaving to go
home. Let it be a lesson learned!
After lunch we set off to Bibile for a local guest-house, which
is the only accommodation in the area and perfectly adequate but
certainly not luxurious and one night is quite sufficient. So after
checking in and lunch with more chips than the local chippie, we
set off in our bus to Nilgala Forest. A lovely walk at the wrong
time of day made us realise that this is a bird-rich area and good
views were had of Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, brief views of Jungle
Bush Quail and plenty of the brightly coloured Orange and Small
Minivets. A nice area which could do with more exploration.
Great dinner, lists done and a few beers and off to bed.
Thursday Jan 26th
An early morning visit to the Nilgala Forest again produced excellent
perched views of Yellow-footed Green Pigeon yet another Uva-avifaunal
zone specialty according to Amila, Thick-billed Flwerpecker, Yellow-crowned
Woodpecker and some more Jungle Bush Quails. Breakfast was followed
by saying our goodbyes and off again, this time to the central highlands
and the lovely town of Nuwara Eliya. En route we stopped at a little
stream for Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush which we duly saw although
the light was failing fast. This meant we did not have to get up
in the middle of the night to go to Horton Plains before dawn to
freeze our bits off.
We arrived at the luxurious Galway Forest Lodge, checked in, had
a shower and a beer and did our lists. This was followed by dinner
and more desserts that some never eat and yet another few beers.
Friday Jan 27th
An early morning start driving through the mist and up on to the
Horton Plains. As the Whistling Thrush was already under our belts
we were able to start later than was originally planned. As the
sun rose and warmed the air birds starting appearing. The endemic
Yellow-eared Bulbul was as lovely as ever, the Sri Lanka White-eyes
gave close views, and the species of the trip for some was a party
of three noisy Crimson-backed Flamebacks which flew round and round
and perched right out in the open for all to see. They were truly
spectacular. Sri Lanka Scimitar Babblers enthralled everybody whilst
the Dull-blue Flycatcher had everybody wondering why it is so called.
Indian Blue Robin sat out in the open but apart from flight views
was only seen properly by one of us. Brief views of the Sri Lanka
Bush Warbler and two Indian Blackbirds were added to the list. Sheila
pulled her magic again at the Arrenga pool in finding a rarity in
the form of Booted Warbler – she found a sunning Chestnut-winged
Crested Cuckoo at this very place in 2004!
We spent the whole morning up here and although a little misty and
not as warm as our previous visit, it was nevertheless a great experience.
Back for lunch and an early afternoon walk around the forest of
the local area. The latter had to be abandoned as the rain set in.
However it did not stop our late afternoon visit to Victoria Park
and although the rain was unpleasant at times we achieved what we
came for. Three target species, Pied Thrush, two males, a beautiful
Kashmir Flycatcher and the skulky Slaty-legged Crake of which two
were also seen. Fantastic views were had of all. A celebratory beer
or two and peanuts in a local pub were just the job before dinner.
Yet another wonderful dinner and a few gins and it was again time
to retire. Some later than others!
Saturday Jan 28th
Early morning rain again stopped play. A leisurely breakfast followed
by checking out and back on the bus. Driving through the hills of
the Central Highlands and the perfectly manicured tea plantations
on the slow road to Kandy. En route we had a stop at a tea factory
where we learnt how they turn a green leaf and bud into a lovely
cup of tea. The fact that the Hill Swallow had a nest inside the
factory had nothing to do with our visit there.
We arrived in Kandy in time for lunch at the same place we had visited
two years ago. We had a lovely lunch again, all apart from Don who
was still feeling under the weather. The rain had not ceased so
we decided to visit a batik factory close to the restaurant. Amila
set up his scope inside the shop's back entrance to look at a party
of 13 Lesser Hill Mynas and some Layard’s Parakeets much to
the bemusement of the staff. I can't see us getting away with that
in Marks and Spencers.
Back on the bus and onwards to the our next accommodation. The Amaya
Resorts in the hills just outside Kandy. An up-market hotel up a
narrow track through the outskirts of Kandy, so narrow that our
bus had difficulty navigating it at times. Once settled in we went
for an evening walk with the intention of finding some owls, but
no luck. We did not give it long and returned to the hotel for a
shower and a wonderful dinner, with yet again lots of desserts for
those who never eat desserts.
Yeah right!
Sunday Jan 29th
A brief walk in the hills behind the hotel produced some fleeting
and frustrating flight views of Indian Blue Robin and a Crested
Goshawk was the cause of much discussion. Another Scimitar Babbler
gave reasonably good views. A nice walk with some nice leeches for
Graham to admire (he does attract the little beasts). Four Sri Lanka
Wood Pigeons gave better views than we had up on Horton Plains and
we improved on our views of Alexandrine Parakeets.
A nice walk followed by a stunning breakfast and we were off again.
This morning, Amila took us on an unscheduled visit to the Royal
Botanical Gardens in Kandy to give us our first and the only views
the potential split Common Hawk Cuckoo and the recently split endemic
Sri Lanka Small Barbet. We paused briefly for Paul to purchase a
ring for a special someone followed by a visit to local Spice Garden'
which was very interesting and a complimentary head and shoulder
and back massage was nice but made your shirt stick to your back.
We birders have to put up with much discomfort!
The Taj Airport Hotel just five minutes from the airport was luxurious
to say the least. We checked in, showered and had our farewell dinner
in the 'in house' Chinese Restaurant. A few short speeches, a few
drinks and off to bed to prepare for an early flight home tomorrow
morning.
Monday Jan 30th
Sadly we had to say our final farewells to Amila and our driver
and assistant who had all looked after us so well over the past
two weeks. We entered the airport, checked in and our journey back
to the disgustingly cold weather of Kent went smoothly.
|
Systematic List
by John van der
Dol & Amila Salgado |
|
Since our last trip two years ago, the taxonomy of bird species
in this region has undergone considerable change. Mainly responsible
for this is the recently published’ Birds of South
Asia, The Ripley Guide’. Vols. 1 and 2. published
by Smithsonian Institution and Lynx Edicions, Washington, D.C. and
Barcelona by Rasmussen, P.C. & Anderton, J.C. (2005). According
to this long awaited publication, several sub-species have been
elevated to full species level. Recent discovery of Serendib Scops
Owl an endemic bird species new to science (Warakogoda and Rasmussen
2004) and elevation of several subspecies to full species level
have pushed the number of endemics to 33 making this island nation
a top global birding hotspot. This number is likely to see further
increase following publication of several pending work.
Where vernacular and scientific names have been changed following
taxonomic revisions in Rasmussen and Anderton (2005), we have accepted
it and adopted these changes. Thus we have adopted Eastern Cattle
Egret Bubulcus coromandus for Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis in our
recent literature. Where country name appears in bird names we have
used Sri Lanka, which is the present geo-political name (since 1972)
which is also followed in the widely accepted ‘An Annotated
Checklist of the Birds of the Oriental Region’ by Inskipp,
T., Lindsey, N., and Duckworth, W. (1996) published by Oriental
Bird Club (OBC), Sandy, UK. Thus we have retained Sri Lanka Spurfowl
in place of Ceylon Spurfowl.
Where scientific name has been subjected to change in Rasmussen
and Anderton (2005) due to various valid reasons, which do not result
in the elevation of species to a new one, we have used the revised
scientific name but retained the vernacular name as per Inskipp
et al (1996). Thus we have adopted Eumyias sordidus for Eumyias
sordida but retained Dull Blue Flycatcher as per Inskipp et al (1996)
instead of Dusky Blue Flycatcher. In all other cases where vernacular
names have been changed in Rasmussen and Anderton (2005), we have
retained the established names of Inskipp et al (1996). Thus we
have retained Pied Cuckoo in place of Jacobin Cuckoo.
(E) denotes endemic
to Sri Lanka. Species that have been heard only have been listed
within brackets.
1. Little Grebe Trachybaptus ruficollis
Eight at Debarawewa tank at Tissamaharama and a single between Yala
and Bibile
2. Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger
Commonly found in all suitable wetland areas
3. Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis
Also commonly found in all suitable areas and an estimate of 200
or more at Udawalawe
4. Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
A count of 15 at Udawalawe followed by one or two en route to Yala
5. Darter Anhinga melanogaster
Up to six on five dates and an estimated total of 100 between the
tanks at Tissa and Yala
6. Spot-billed Pelican Pelicanus philippensis
Only seen at Udawalawe and Yala with counts of up to 30 and a maximum
of 100 at Yala and Bundala combined. There was a single from the
bus on the way to Kandy
7. Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis
Singles on two occasions near Tissa
8. Black Bittern Dupetor flavicollis
Just one in flight only at a tank near Tissa
9. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Eight near Udawalawe, four in the Heron roost in front of Tissamaharama
Resthouse and a single at Yala
10. Little Heron Butorides striata
Two at Yala was the only record
11. Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii
Commonly found throughout
12. Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus
(Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis)
Seen in good numbers on a daily basis
13. Western Reef Egret Egretta gularis
A single dark morph was seen at Bundala
14. Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Seen in small numbers most days
15. Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia
Small numbers throughout
16. Great Egret Egretta alba
Smaller numbers than the previous few species but still seen in
all suitable areas
17. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Only seen in Udawalawe and Yala with a maximum count of 25 on the
day we visited Tissa tanks and Yala
18. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Up to ten on five dates
19. Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala
Up to 20 in the wetland areas on five dates. Excellent views were
had of birds in a pool by the side of the road at Yala
20. Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans
Up to 50 on six dates in the lowland areas
21. Wooly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus
Singles at Yala on two occasions
22. Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus
An adult female was seen on three occasions at Yala
23. Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus
A single fly-over in Yala
24. Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus
Commonly found in the wetland areas
25. Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia
Up to 30 on four dates in Yala
26. Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus
A flock of 11 was encountered at Bundala
27. Lesser Whistling-duck Dendrocygna javanica
Eight at Udawalawe, 30 at Tissa and up to 50 at Yala on four dates
28. Garganey Anas querquedula
A count of 162 at Yala was followed by up to 44 there on the next
three days
29. Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata
A flock of about 20 at Tissa was the sole record
30. Oriental Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus
Between one and three seen virtually daily and six were counted
on the road from Kithulgala and Sinharaja
31. Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus
About 15 birds at Udawalawe, two at Tissa and two singles in the
Central Highlands
32. Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus
Up to eight on nine dates in lowland areas
33. White-bellied Sea Eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster
Up to three between Tissa and Yala on four dates and a single in
the Amaya Hills on the last biding day
34. Grey-headed Fish Eagle Icthyophaga ichthyaetus
Excellent views were had of two birds at Yala
35. Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela
Up to four on most days
36. Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivigatus
Certainly one, may be two Accipiters could have been attributed
to this species in the Amaya Hills
37. Shikra Accipiter badius
Singles on most days and three in the Nilgala area
38. Besra Accipiter virgatus
Singles in the Kelani Forest and Yala were unfortunately only seen
by a few people
39. Himalayan Buzzard Buteo burmanicus
Two on Horton Plains was the only record
40. Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis
A single on the road to Sinharaja, two in Sinharaja itself and another
single on the road to Kandy
41. Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus
A single pale phase bird on the way to Bundala from Yala was the
only record of this rare species for Sri Lanka
42. Crested Hawk Eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus
(Formally Changeable Hawk Eagle which is now
Slimnaeetus)
Between one and three on six dates
43. Amur Falcon Falco amurensis
A bad view of a single flying over our jeep at Yala was most unsatisfactory
for a potential new bird for the whole group
44. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus peregrinator
(Shaheen)
Singles at Yala on two days
45. Jungle Bush Quail Perdicula asiatica ceylonensis
Four on both days at Nilgala
46. Sri Lanka Junglefowl Gallus lafayetii
(E)
Up to seven seen on most days
47. Sri Lanka Spurfowl Galloperdix bicalcarata
(E)
One heard in Sinharaja was followed by three seen on our last day
there
48. Indian Peafowl Pavo cristatus
Only seen in open areas in the lowlands, particularly Yala where
they are very common. Counts of up to 30 a day
49. Barred Buttonquail Turnix suscitator leggei
Four at Udawalawe, five three and two at Yala represents a good
series of records.
50. Slaty-legged Crake Rallina eurizonoides
Two in Victoria Park, Nuwara Eliya gave stunning views and was a
new bird for all concerned
51. White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus
Found throughout in small numbers
52. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus indica
Three at Tissa and one at Yala were the only records
53. Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio
Single figure counts at Tissa and Yala
54. Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus
chirurgus
Seen in small numbers on most lilly-covered tanks
55. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
Five at Udawalawe were followed by larger numbers at Yala and 400
at Bundala
56. Indian Stone Curlew Burhinus indicus (formerly
considered conspecific with Eurasian Thick-knee
B. oedicemus)
One at Yala was the sole record
57. Great Thick-knee Esacus recurvirostris
A count of 19 at Yala was followed by four and a single there
58. Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
Up to six in wetland areas on six dates
59. Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus
A count of 18 at Yala was followed by eight there the next day
60. Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus
Small numbers at Yala on three dates
61. Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii
About 30 at Bundala
62. Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva
Ten at Tissa were followed by three at Bundala
63. Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola
A single at Yala and three at Bundala were the only sightings
64. Yellow-wattled Lapwing Vanellus malabaricus
Two at Udawalawe, four at Tissa and between ten and 20 at Yala on
four dates
65. Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus
Commonly found in all suitable areas
66. Little Stint Calidris minuta
Found in large numbers at Yala and Bundala
67. Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii
Two at Udawalawe and two singles at Tissa and Yala
68. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea
Found in large numbers at Tissa, Yala and Bundala
69. Ruff Philomachus pugnax
A single at Yala was the sole record
70. Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
A flock of 40 at Tissa were followed by uncounted numbers at Yala
and Bundala
71. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Two on the rocks on the beach at Yala
72. Common Redshank Tringa totanus
Small numbers at Tissa, Yala and Bundala
73. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis
Good numbers at Tissa, Yala and Bundala
74. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
Up to ten in the wetland areas
75. Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
Three at Tissa and two at Yala
76. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Small numbers at Tissa and Yala
77. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Up to four most days
78. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
A flock of 14 at Bundala and five the next day on the beach at Yala
79. Brown-headed Gull Larus brunnicephalus
Two and six at Yala and about 20 at Bundala
80. Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica
Small numbers in the wetland areas of Tissa and Yala
81. Caspian Tern Sterna caspia
Four at Yala were followed by groups of 20 and five there on subsequent
days
82. Large Crested Tern Sterna bergii
Forty at Bundala and 11 at Yala gave good views
83. Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis
Six at Bundala mixed in with other terns gave a good opportunity
for comparison
84. Little Tern Sterna albifrons
Singles at Tissa and Yala were followed by 40 at Bundala
85. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus
The commonest tern of the wetland areas and seen on most tanks and
at Yala with no serious counts being attempted
86. White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
A single in winter plumage was difficult to pick up at Bundala
87. Rock Pigeon Columba livia
As ever present including some wild flocks
88. Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon Columba torringtonii (E)
Two at Sinharaja, three on Horton Plains and another four in the
Amaya Hills represents a good series of records
89. Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis
Ubiquitous
90. Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica
Between one and four seen on six dates all in forested areas
91. Orange-breasted Green Pigeon Treron bicincta
Three at Udawalawe were followed by up to 30 at Yala and six at
Nilg ala
92. Sri Lanka Green Pigeon Treron pompadora (E) (formerly Pompadour
Green Pigeon)
Up to ten at Kithulgala and Sinharaja and three at Nilgala
93. Yellow-footed Green Pigeon Treron phoenicopterus phillipsi
An endemic sub species, two of which were seen at Nilgala
94. Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea
Seen virtually daily with a maximum count of 40 in the Kelani forest
95. Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot Loriculus beryllinus (E)
Up to a dozen a day at Kithulgala and Sinharaja and one or two in
the Amaya Hills
96. Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria
Singles in the Kelani Forest and Udawalawe and five and 15 in the
Amaya Hills
97. Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri
Commonly found throughout
98. Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala
Four at Udawalawe and a single at Nilgala
99. Layard's Parakeet Psittacula calthropae (E)
Up to ten at Kithulgala and Sinharaja on a daily basis and a male
just outside the City of Kandy
100. Pied Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus
Singles at Tissa and Yala
101. Common Hawk Cuckoo Hierococcyx varius ciciliae
One heard at Horton Plains and excellent views of one in the Botanical
Gardens at Kandy. A potential split
102. Indian Cuckoo Cuculus micropterus
Excellent views of a bird at Tasks Camp were followed by two single
females at Yala
103. Grey-bellied Cuckoo Cacomantis passerinus
Two at Udawalawe included a hepatic female and then between one
and four on four dates at Yala
(Drongo Cuckoo Surniculus lugubris)
Unfortunately just one heard at Nilgala
104. Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea
Singles on seven dates and two on one day
105. Blue-faced Malkoha Phaenicophaeus viridirostris
A single gave stunning views at Tasks Camp, another at Yala and
two more at Nilgala
106. Red-faced Malkoha Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus (E)
Although only two were seen at Sinharaja in a mixed bird flock,
we did get excellent views of this enigmatic species
107. Green-billed Coucal Centropus chlororynchus (E)
A single at Kithulgala was followed by two there the next day and
another was seen at Sinharaja. Good views were obtained of a sometimes
difficult to see species
108. Southern Coucal Centropus (sinensis) parroti (Formally Greater
Coucal)
Two were seen at Kithulgala after which singles were seen almost
daily
109. Indian Scops Owl Otus bakkamoena (formerly known as Collared
Scops Owl, which is now O.lettia)
A recent split from Collared Scops and occurring throughout the
Indian Subcontinent. A single was seen during the day in the palm
grove at Tissamaharama
110. Serendib Scops Owl Otus thilohoffmanii (E)
A single heard in the Kelani Forest was followed by one seen at
a day time roost at Sinharaja two days later. Fantastic views were
had of a bird not many people have ever seen, let alone during daylight
hours. Likely to be one of the rarest Owls in the world discovered
in 2001.. We were very lucky to get such amazing views
111. Brown Fish Owl Ketupa zeylonensis
Singles in the Palm grove at Tissa and in the spot light and in
flight on our return from a jeep safari at Yala. Excellent views
of the latter bird
112. Jungle Owlet Glaucidium radiatum
One heard at Sinharaja was followed by excellent views of a bird
at Tasks Camp
113. Chestnut-backed Owlet Glaucidium castanonotum (E)
One seen at a nest hole at Rafters Retreat, Kithulgala gave fantastic
views. Two further ones were heard there and Sinharaja
114. Sri Lanka Frogmouth Batrachostomus moniliger
A male on the nest at Sinharaja was seen on two consecutive days
115. Indian Nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus
Although one or two were seen after dark on four occasions at Yala,
we never had a decent view
116. Crested Treeswift Hemiprocne coronata
This very impressive Swift was seen in good numbers on eight days
with maximum counts of 20 on three dates at Yala where one was also
seen on a nest precariously perched on a branch
117. Indian Swiftlet Aerodramus unicolor
Numbers up to 50 throughout
118. Brown-backed Needletail Hirundapus giganteus
Ten at Sinharaja were followed by singles at Tissa and Yala
119. Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba
A single drinking water from a pool at Udawalawe gave amazing views
of a species that is mostly seen high in the sky
120. Little Swift Apus affinis
Small numbers up to 15 on six dates
121. Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis
Up to 30 seen virtually daily
122. Malabar Trogon Harpactes fasciatus
A pair at Kelani Forest and three during mixed bird flocks at Sinharaja
all gave excellent views
123. Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis
Singles at Kithulgala on two consecutive days and two at Tasks Camp
were the only records of this amazing bird
124. White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis
Commonly found throughout, often in double figures
125. Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
One or two on many days
126. Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher Ceyx erithaca
A single bird was heard on a number of occasions at Rafters Retreat
and at one time it flew right through the restaurant but was still
only seen by a couple of people
127. Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis
One at Tissa and three at Bundala
128. Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis
Very common at Yala. A count of 60 was made along the road to Tissamaharama
129. Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops phillipinus
A common bird of open country with counts of up to 40 on most days
130. Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaulti
One to three on six dates
131. Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis
Up to four on seven dates
132. Common Hoopoe Upupa epops ceylonensis
One to four on four dates and a count of about 15 at Yala one particular
afternoon
133. Malabar Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros coronatus
Two at Udawalawe were followed by up to eight at Yala on four consecutive
days. Excellent views of this amazing bird were had as they perched
in dead trees
134. Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill Ocyceros gingalensis (E)
Up to three a day at Kithulaga and Sinharaja
135. Brown-headed Barbet Megalaima zeylanica
Up to three on seven dates seen but many more heard in all areas
136. Yellow-fronted Barbet Megalaima flavifrons (E)
Up to ten a day in Kithulgala and Sinharaja and a further six in
the Amaya Hills
137. Sri Lanka Small Barbet Megalaima rubricapillus (E)
Four in the Botanical Gardens in Kandy were surprisingly the only
records
138. Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala
Two or three at Udawalawe, Yala and the Surrey Estate
139. Indian Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopus nanus
A female at Tasks Camp was followed by another at Nilgala
140. Yellow-fronted Pied Woodpecker Dendrocopus mahrattensis
Singles at Tissa, Yala and two at Nilgala
141. Rufous Woodpecker Micropternus brachyurus
A single of this uncommon resident gave excellent views in the Kelani
Forest
142. Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus wellsi
One or two on three dates in the Kelani Forest and in mixed flocks
in Sinharaja
143. Black-rumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense psarodes
This “red-backed” form is endemic to southern Sri Lanka
whereas in the north of the island this species has an olive-golden
back as in the the birds of the Western Ghats (D.b. Jaffnense).
As our travels did not reach the north of the island we did not
see this latter form. However one or two of the red variety were
seen on seven dates in all areas
144. Crimson-backed Flameback Chrysocolaptes stricklandi (E)
Recently split from Greater Flameback (C.lucidus). This amazing
very vociferous bird was first heard in the Kelani Forest and three
were subsequently seen very well on top of the Horton Plains. A
stunning bird and for some, one of the birds of the trip
145. White-naped Woodpecker Chrysocolaptes festivus
A pair was watched at a nesthole for some considerable time in the
Palm Grove at Tissamaharama affording superb view
146. Indian Pitta Pitta brachyura
This enigmatic species was well watched on three consecutive mornings
at Rafters Retreat where it was also well photographed as it sat
on a branch out in the open and remained very approachable. All
this not typical of the species. Further singles were seen twice
at Yala and Victoria Park
147. Jerdon's Bushlark Mirafra affinis (Formally considered Conspecific
with Rufous-winged Bushlark M. assamica)
Four at Udawalawe and then between two and eight on four days at
Yala
148. Ashy-crowned Finch-lark Eremopterix griseus (also Ashy-crowned
Sparrow-lark)
A bird of dry areas and 25 were seen at Udawalawe, 26 at Yala and
between two and eight on another four dates at Tissa and Yala
149. Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula
Two were seen briefly at Yala
150. Sand Martin Riparia riparia
A single and a two at Yala and another single at Bundala
151. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Small numbers throughout
152. Hill Swallow Hirundo domicola
Ten birds including a nest were found at the tea factory we visited
in the Central Highlands. Good views were therefore possible as
they sat on ledges inside the building
153. Sri Lanka Swallow Hirundo hyperythra (Formally considered
conspecific with Red-rumped Swallow H.daurica) (E)
This beautiful “brick-coloured” red-rumped-type swallow
was seen in small numbers in the lowlands on a daily basis
154. Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica nipalensis
Five at Udawalawe, four at Tissa and a single at Yala were the only
records
155. Richard's Pipit Anthus richardi
A single at Udawalawe and three there the next day
156. Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus
Between six and ten at Tissa and Yala on a daily basis and another
ten at Horton Plains
157. Blyth's Pipit Anthus godlewskii
Two at Udawalawe were closely scrutinised
158. Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus
One or two in most forested areas on most days while 50 were seen
going to roost at Udawalawe
159. Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava thunbergi (sub-species colloquially
known as Grey-headed’ Yellow Wagtail)
A single at Udawalawe was followed by three there the next morning
160. White Wagtail Motacilla alba dukhunensis
A single at Udawalawe was an unusual find and in the same spot at
the previous and following species
161. Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola
A vagrant to Sri Lanka and a new bird for our guide! A single was
seen at Udawalawe
162. Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
Up to three on a daily basis at Kithulgala and Sinharaja and five
between Victoria Park and Horton Plains
163. Sri Lanka Woodshrike Tephrodornis affinis (recently split
from Common Woodshrike T. pondicerianus) (E)
A single at Yala was followed by three there two days later, two
at Nilgala and another there the next morning
164. Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei
Singles at Tasks Camp, Nilgala and Amaya Hills
165. Black-headed Cuckooshrike Coracina melanoptera
Between one and three on five dates in Yala and the Highlands
166. Orange Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus (usually considered Conspecific
with Scarlet Minivet P.speciosus)
Only found in forested areas in single figures up to eight.
167. Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus
Three at Tissa, two at Yala and four at Nilgala on both visits
168. Bar-winged Flycatcher-Shrike Hemipus picatus
A party of eight in Kithulgala after which just one to three were
seen on seven dates in all areas
169. Black-capped Bulbul Pycnonotus melanicterus (E)
Two in the Kelani Forest, three and four on consecutive days at
Sinharaja and ten in Nilgala Forest
170. Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer
Ubiquitous
171. Yellow-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus penicillatus (E)
Fifteen on Horton Plains gave excellent views
172. White-browed Bulbul Pycnonotus luteolus
Four at Sinharaja, two and eight at Yala and a dozen between Yala
and Nilgala combined
173. Yellow-browed Bulbul Iole indica
Up to a dozen a day at Kithulgala and Sinharaja and four at Amaya
Hills
174. Square-tailed Black Bulbul Hypsipetes ganeesa (Usually considered
conspecific with Black Bulbul H.madagascariensis/leucocephalus)
Up to 20 a day at Kithulgala and Sinharaja
175. Jerdon's Leafbird Chloropsis jerdoni (Formerly Conspecific
with Blue-winged Leafbird C. cochinchinensis)
One and two at Kithulgala, four at Yala and two at Nilgala
176. Gold-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons
One at Sinharaja was the only record
177. Common Iora Aegithina tiphia
Up to six on eight days
178. Indian Blue Robin Luscinia brunnea
Two at Horton Plains proved difficult to see although one observer
had one sitting out in the open for a while but not long enough
to get others on it. Two were heard plus flight views of another
in the Amaya Hills on the last day also proved unsatisfactory
179. White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus
Singles at Tasks and Yala
180. Oriental Magpie Robin Copychus saularis
Up to ten seen daily
181. Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata atratus
This race only occurs in the highlands of Sri Lanka where five were
seen on the Horton Plains
182. Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicatus
Five at Udawalawe were followed by up to ten on another seven days
in the lowlands
183. Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush Myiophoneus blighi (E)
A female was seen in poor light but at very close to Nuwara Eliya
therefore avoiding a very early start the next morning to Horton
Plains where in fact another was heard
184. Spot-winged Thrush Zootera spiloptera
Three, four and a single in Sinharaja
185. Pied Thrush Zoothera wardii
Two males in Victoria Park, Nuwara Eliya, gave close views
186. Indian Blackbird Turdus simillimus
Two at Horton Plains and 1 at Victoria Park
187. Sri Lanka Bush Warbler Elaphrornis palliseri (E)
Two on Horton Plains were only seen by a few
188. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidus
Between one and six on four dates in the lowlands and a single on
the Horton Plains
189. Grey-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgonsii
Six at Udawalawe, a single at Tissa, two at Yala and four at Nilgala
190. Plain Prinia Prinia inornata insularis
Only seen in the lowlands on three days with a maximum of seven
at Udawalawe
191. Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis brevicauda
The same applies as for the previous species with a maximum of four
192. Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius
Up to four a day on most days
193. Blyth's Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum
Two at Udawalawe and three in Victoria Park
194. Indian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus meridionalis (Clamorous
Reed Warbler)
Two at Tissa were the only record
195. Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata
Only seen at Horton Plains at the Arrenga pool feeding low in the
thickets.
196. Bight Green Warbler Phylloscopus nitidus (Often considered
race of Greenish Warbler P. trochiloides)
Only seen in the forested areas of the South-west in ones and two
on a daily basis.
197. Large-billed Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus magnirostris
Between one and six on a daily basis in the SW forested areas and
singles at Nilgala and Horton Plains
198. Tickell's Blue Flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae jerdoni
Two a day at Kithulgala and singles at Nilgala on both dates
199. Dull Blue Flycatcher Eumyias sordidus (E)
Two up at Horton Plains gave stunning views
200. Brown-breasted Flycatcher Muscicapa muttui
Between two and five at Kithulgala and two at Sinharaja
201. Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica
A single at Kithulgala on two dates, two at Sinharaja and a single
at Tasks
202. Kashmir Flycatcher Ficedula subruba
A single male in Victoria Park gave close and prolonged views even
if it was on the side of a rubbish tip
203. Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher Culcicapa ceylonensis
Three on at Surrey Estate and Nilgala followed by three at the latter
site the next day
204. White-browed Fantail Rhipidura aureola
A single at Tasks was followed by up to three on four dates at Yala,
Nilgala and Horton Plains
205. Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea
Up to six in the Kelani and Sinharaja Forests, a single at Yala
and up to three at Nilgala and Horton Plains
206. Asian Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi
Singles on six dates, two on one day and four one day in Sinharaja
including long-tailed males in both white and orange phases, some
of which gave just stunning views and as always are one of the birds
of the trip
207. Brown-capped Babbler Pellorneum fuscocapillus (E)
Two at Sinharaja gave good views for such a difficult species
208. Sri Lanka Scimitar Babbler Pomatorhinus (schisticeps) melanurus (E) (Formally regarded as conspecific with Indian Scimitar Babbler
P.s.horsfieldii )
Twice heard before two were seen at Sinharaja, four seen on Horton
Plains and one heard and another seen in the Amaya Hills
209. Dark-fronted Babbler Rhopocichla atriceps
Four at Kithulgala, ten at Sinharaja and a dozen or more at Horton
Plains
210. Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense
A single at Udawalawe was followed by tow and a single at Yala
211. Orange-billed Babbler Turdoides rufescens (E)
Only seen in Kelani Forest and Sinharaja with a maximum of 60 in
one day at the latter site. Said to be the “steering wheel”
of bird-flocks and it was then when the biggest numbers were noted.
There were another four dates with between ten and 30
212. Yellow-billed Babbler Turdoides affinis
Much more common than the previous species and found in all habitats
and generally not counted
213. Ashy-headed Laughingthrush Garrulax cinereifrons (E)
Difficult species to get a good view of as they feed in the thickest
undergrowth available and also are often associated with the bird-flocks
when one is distracted. However a couple turned out on to the path
where everybody was able to get excellent views. Six were seen on
just one of the days in Sinharaja
214. Great Tit Parus major
Three at the Surrey Estate were followed by eight at Nilgala and
two in the Amaya Hills
215. Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis
Three at Sinharaja were followed by up to six at Nilgala and Horton
Plains
216. Purple-rumped Sunbird Leptocoma zeylonica
Anything up to dozen a day in all areas
217. Loten's Sunbird Cinnyris lotenius
One or two on seven dates
218. Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus
Up to four a day in the lowlands
219. Thick-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum agile
One at Nilgala was followed by two there the next day
220. Legge's Flowerpecker Dicaeum vincens (E)
Two at Kithulgala were followed by three and six at Sinharaja
221. Pale-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum erythrorhynchos
One or two on many days and eight on one day in Sinharaja
222.Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpabrosus
Between one and four on five dates
223. Sri Lanka White-eye Zosterops ceylonensis (E)
Thirty on Horton Plains
224. Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus
One or two on seven dates
225. Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus
Seen daily with a maximum of eight one day in Yala
226. Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus
Singles at Yala on two dates
227. White-bellied Drongo Dicrurus caerulescens
Between one and ten on ten dates
228. Sri Lanka Crested Drongo Dicrurus lophorinus (E) (formerly
considered conspecific with Greater Racket-tailed Drongo D.paradiseus)
Between one and three on four dates in Kithulgala and Sinharaja
229. Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus ceylonensis
A single of this stunning bird with a full tail with rackets was
seen at Nilgala
230. Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus
Two at Yala were followed by two on the last day on the road back
to the coast
231. Sri Lanka Blue Magpie Urocissa ornata (E)
Five in Sinharaja were followed by a single there the next day
232. House Crow Corvus splendens
Present in large numbers near all habitation
234. Indian Jungle Crow Corvus (macrorynchos) culminatus (Formally
Large-billed Crow)
Present in all areas
235. White-faced Starling Sturnia albofrontata (E)
This highly scarce endemic was encountered on three consecutive
days at Sinharaja with counts of between one and nine. Good views
were had on the last morning there
236. Brahminy Myna Temenuchus pagodarum (Brahminy Starling)
Six at Yala were followed by four there the next day
237. Rosy Starling Sturnus roseus (Rose-coloured Starling/Pastor)
A flock probably totalling 1000 was noted at Udawalawe after which
just two flocks of 25 and eight were seen at Yala
238. Common Myna Acrdotheres tristis
Commonly encountered particularly near human habitation and in agricultural
fields
239. Sri Lanka Myna Gracula ptilogenys (E)
Five birds were seen on two consecutive days in Sinharaja
240. Lesser Hill Myna Gracula indica (formerly Conspecific with
Hill Myna G.religiosa)
Endemic to Sri Lanka and the Western Ghats. Two and three at Kihulgala
on two dates, two at Nilgala, 13 in Kandy and another four in the
Amaya Hills
241. House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Present
242. Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus
Six at Udawalawe and four at Yala were the only records
243. Indian Silverbill Euodice malabarica
Two only at Udawalawe
244. White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata
A single at Kithulgala, two at Yala and 13 at Nilgala
245. Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata
Up to 30 on seven dates
246. Black-headed Munia Lonchura malacca (Tricoloured Munia in
Rasmussen)
Fifty at Udawalawe, two on two days at Yala, 25 and a single at
Nilgala
1. Palm Squirrel Funambulus palmarum
Common throughout
2. Giant Squirrel Ratufa macroura
Seen regularly with counts of up to six a day
3. Layard's Squirrel Funambulus layardi (E)
One or two on three days
4. Black-naped Hare Lepus nigricollis
Between two and five a day in Yala
5. Toque Macaque Macaca sinica (E)
Small numbers often in urban areas
6. Grey Langur Semnopithecus priam
Seen commonly in Yala
7. Purple-faced Leaf Monkey Trachypithecus vetulus
Four seen in Kithulgala are of a different sub species than those
seen in Sinharaja, the latter of which are black with grey rumps
as opposed to the grey animals of the lowlands. Four, of the highland
race moticola known as “Bear Monkey” were seen on the
Horton Plains. These are a much heftier and hairier animal and more
able to cope with the cold temperatures
8. Leopard Panthera pardus kotiya
A single female was seen briefly but well at Yala one late afternoon
whilst the following morning an adult male sat out of a rocky outcrop
for about five minutes before giving a full stretch and wandering
off into the jungle. The highlight of the whole trip for some. See
front cover of this report
9. Brown Mongoose Herpestes brachurus
A single at Kithulgala
10. Ruddy Mongoose Herpestes smithii
Commonly encountered
11. Golden Jackal Canis aureus
Only seen in small numbers at Bundala and Yala
12. Sloth Bear Melursus ursinus
One was seen badly by one observer one afternoon in Yala whilst
the next evening excellent and fairly prolonged views of a single
foraging and rolling over in the grass were enjoyed by all
13. Asian Elephant Elephas maximus maximus
Particularly common at Udawalawe where we were charged by a grumpy
bull and several, including a couple of Tuskers, were seen at Yala.
14. Wild Water Buffalo Bubalus arnee
Seen at Yala
15. Spotted Deer Axis axis
One at Udawalawe and common at Yala
16. Sambar Cervus unicolor
Two at Sinharaja, one and three at Yala and a single “tame”
individual on Horton Plains
17. Wild Boar Sus scrofa
Common in Yala
18. Giant Fruit Bat Pteropus giganteus
Seen in good numbers at several places but many thousands in the
Botanical gardens in Kandy takes some beating
1. Blue Mormon Papilio polmnestor parinda |
18. Nigger Orsotriaena medus |
2. Common Mormon Papilio polytes romulus |
19. Glade-eye Bushbrown Nissanga patnia |
3. Lime Butterfly Papilio demoleus |
20. Common Palmfly Elymnia hypermnestra |
4. Common Rose Pachliopta aristolochiae |
21. Ceylon Tree Nymph Idea iasonia |
5. Crimson Rose Pachliopta hector |
22. Common Indian Crow Euploea core |
6. Common Birdwing Troides darsius |
23. Great Crow Euploea phaenareta |
7. Tailed Jay Graphium agamemnon |
24. Plain Tiger Danius chrysippus |
8. Psyche Leptosia nina |
25. Common Tiger Danaus
genutia |
9. Lemon Emigrant Catopsilia pmona |
26. Dark Blue Tiger Tirumala
septentrionis |
10. Three-spot Grass Yellow Eurema blanda |
27. Glassy Tiger Parantica aglea |
11. Common Jezebel Delias eucharis |
28. Plum Judy Abisara echerius |
12. Clipper Parthenos sylvia cyaneus |
29. Red-spot Duke Dophla evelina |
13. Common Sailor Neptis hylas |
30. Great Orange-Tip Hebomoia
glaucippe |
14. Danaid Eggfly Hypolimna misippus |
31. Leopard Phalanta phalantha |
15. Grey Pansy Junonia atlites |
32. Banded Peacock Papilio crino |
16. Chocolate Soldier Junonia iphita |
33. Great Eggfly Hypolimnas bolina |
17. White Four-ring Ypthima ceylonica |
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1. Marsh Crocodile (Mugger) Crocodylus palustris
2. Land Monitor Varanus bengalensis
3. Water Monitor Varanus salvator
4. Common Garden Lizard Calotes versicolor
5. Green Garden Lizard Calotes calotes
6. Sri Lanka Kangaroo Lizard Otocryptis wiegmanni
7. Fan-throated Lizard Sitana ponticeriana
8. Four-clawed Gecko Gehyra mutilata
9. Asian House Gecko Hemidactylus frenatus
10. Kandyan Day Gecko Knemaspis kandianus
11. Flapshell Terrapin Lissemys punctata
12. Common Skink Mabuya carinata
13. Green Vine Snake Ahaetulla nasuta
14. Common Bronzeback Tree Snake Dendrelaphis tristis
15. Common Rat Snake Ptyas mucosa
Acknowledgments
This, our eleventh tour, was our second visit to Sri Lanka. As
two years ago the holiday was put together with the help of Amila
Salgado who has now formed his own company Birdwing Nature Holidays.
As usual he did a splendid job paying great attention to detail
in relation to our accommodation, transport and food requirements
etc.
As our guide for the two weeks his enthusiasm and great humour
made for a 'fun-filled' tour as well as achieving a long list of
birds and other fauna. His knowledge of the flora and fauna of the
island is unlikely to be surpassed and we all benefited from it.
I would like to thank him again for a wonderful trip and also to
wish him luck with his new company which I know will grow from strength
to strength.
My thanks also go to the participants of the trip for as usual
there would be no holiday without you. I also would like to express
special thanks for our repeaters from Sri Lanka Trip 2004, Fran
Boreham, Graham Crick & Sheila Seed & for their great company
and contributing to the success of the holiday. It was a great pleasure
to travel with you all.
Finally my thanks to Amila for his help with the systematic list
and the Leopard photo on the front cover and to Fran for her help
with the diary part of the report.
John
March 2006
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