Limosa - Birdwatching and Wildlife Hoildays Worldwide

Trip Diary

Our 2002 tour to Sri Lanka focussed on the southern half of the island, the lush forests of the 'wet zone' being home to the 26 endemic bird species of that country, and also support an exciting array of winter visitors. Sri Lankan ornithologist Deepal Warakagoda was our local leader and, thanks to his intimate knowledge of the region, we were able to visit a wide variety of great birding locations, from coastal wetlands to scrubby grasslands, jungle and montane forests. All 26 of the endemic bird species were seen, the majority very well indeed, although admittedly the Sri Lanka Spurfowl kept us on tender-hooks for quite a while until we had the briefest of views. The notoriously elusive Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush gave us a stunning showing at a range of only a few metres, soon after dawn in the magnificent forests flanking the Horton Plains. The views of Green-billed Coucal were quite outstanding and seemingly fitting since Limosa has helped to finance a conservation project with the species, in conjunction with the Oriental Bird Club. Our visit to Sinharaja Forest was truly memorable where Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, White-faced Starling, Red-faced Malkoha, Ashy-headed Laughingthrush and a confiding Slaty-legged Crake obliged; we were also able to marvel at masses of colourful butterflies here. Wader totals in the vicinity of Tissamaharama were impressive indeed, notable being parties of Broad-billed Sandpipers and Great Thick-knees, and especially large numbers of Marsh Sandpipers, but the star waders were a Red Knot (a rare migrant) and a remarkable Asian Dowitcher (only the 2nd record ever for Sri Lanka). Raptors were not numerous but included Changeable Hawk-eagle, Oriental Black Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle and White-bellied Sea-eagle. Other highlights included exceptionally good views of Sri Lanka Woodpigeon, Kashmir Flycatcher, Pacific Golden Plover, Dwarf Kingfisher, Small and Oriental Pratincoles, White-naped Woodpecker, Hill Swallow and Sri Lanka Frogmouth.

                Winter visitors were much in evidence, the warblers including Blyth's Reed, Green and Large-billed being somewhat eclipsed by Rosy Starling, Kashmir Flycatcher, Indian Blue Robin and the stunning Indian Pitta and Pied Ground Thrush. Mammals were particularly well represented with Purple-faced Langur and Toque Macaque, Water Buffalo, Wild Boar, Indian Elephant and Grizzled Giant Squirrel being the most conspicuous. Culture and leisure activities were not neglected, with an opportunity to see a working tea factory and an evening visit to the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy adding a religious slant. What with some splendid hotels and good food, Sri Lanka lived up to all our expectations and was undoubtedly a resounding success. It will certainly be difficult to match this year's total of 246 species in future years!

Day 1. Sat 16 November. Depart mid-morning on Sri Lankan Airlines flight from Heathrow, bound for Colombo.

Day 2. Sun 17 November. The flight arrives a little behind schedule at 04.00hrs. Airport formalities are quickly completed and soon the party made their way to the hotel for a rest and morning at leisure. Most of the group emerge for a late breakfast to bird in the hotel grounds admiring Indian and Little Cormorants, Spot-billed Pelicans, Indian Pond Herons and a Shikra. Deepal arrived after lunch to take us on a visit to Bellanwila Marsh - a wetland sanctuary situated to the south of the city - we depart in the bus at 14.30hrs. An array of interesting species await our arrival, notably Yellow Bitterns, Purple Swamphens, Asian Open-bill Stork, Black-headed Ibis and small flocks of Lesser Whistling Ducks. Rolls of thunder and some warm showers encouraged the breeding-plumaged Pheasant-tailed Jacanas to flit around the marshes and a sudden Black Bittern rose and dropped in again almost immediately. Black-hooded Oriole, Tickell's Flowerpecker, parties of Yellow-billed Babblers and an enormous Water Monitor distracted us when we returned to the bus. After dinner, we retire early and prepare for a full day in the morning. Night at the Trans Asia Hotel, Colombo. (61 species).

Day 3. Mon 18 November. An 05.00hrs departure with a picnic breakfast allowed us to visit Bodhinagala Forest at optimum birding time. Our journey took us through cultivated lowlands and rice paddies to reach the remnant forest area. As we began the trail we soon located Brown-headed and Yellow-fronted Barbets and Green Imperial and Pompadour Green Pigeons, and both Black-naped Monarch and Black-fronted Babbler, meanwhile Deepal picked up the call of a Green-billed Coucal. Our patience was rewarded not only with fine views of this elusive endemic but also scope views of Malabar Trogon and a singing Spot-winged Thrush. We returned to the village to investigate mid-morning tea, with birds popping up all round us, including White-rumped Munia, Chestnut-headed Bee-eater and Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot. As the temperature increased we made headway towards our next destination, arriving in time for lunch. Kitulgala Rest House, our base for the next two nights, is situated at the side of the River Kelani and just a few kilometres from the setting for the film 'Bridge over the River Kwai'. After a hearty lunch we relaxed until 16.00hrs, finding a Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill at the hotel car park as we assembled before crossing the river by a nearby pedestrian suspension bridge. Dodging thundery showers we finally tracked down a Chestnut-backed Owlet, had fabulous views of an Indian Pitta and waited until dusk for Sri Lanka Frogmouth to appear. As darkness descended we were not to be disappointed - Deepal produced the bird in prime viewing position right on cue; not only that but a hidden Slaty-legged Crake began calling nearby as the light failed. Night at Kitulgala Rest House. (73 species).

Day 4. Tues 19 November. An early breakfast followed by a "ferry" (dug-out canoe) transfer across the river; we soon began our trail up into the Kitulgala Forest. Greater Flamebacks gave their falsetto calls and Purple-rumped and Long-billed Sunbirds performed for us, but the presence of leeches on the trails kept us on our toes, indeed it was often difficult to concentrate whilst constantly inspecting shoes. A noisy party of Sri Lanka Blue Magpies were surprisingly difficult to see well, but Layard's Parakeets and a very noisy Rufous Woodpecker were more obliging. Not a peep was heard from the notoriously elusive Sri Lanka Spurfowl that are supposed to be there. We walked back down to recross the river for lunch at the guest house. Later in the afternoon we returned to the frogmouth site of the previous evening in the hope of finding the Slaty-legged Crake - this was not be, although it came close to us, it failed to show itself. Night at Kitulgala Rest House. (77 species).

Day 5. Wednesday, 20 November. Half of the group tried again for Sri Lanka Spurfowl, crossing the river by dug-out, watched by a Stork-billed Kingfisher. We quickly walked up the trail deep into the forest. Whilst waiting and taping we had wonderful views of Brown-capped Babbler singing right next to us. Eventually we heard the spurfowl calling, oblivious to leeches we headed towards the sound, wading thigh-deep through a rushing river en route. At times the birds were calling close to us but apart from wraith-like shadows moving between tree trunks we had hardly a glimpse, but luckily we were all looking in the same direction as the female flew back across the river. Leaving Kitulgala at 11.00hrs we set off for Ratnapura, arriving at 13.30hrs at the splendid Ratnaloka Hotel, where White-browed Bulbul and Paradise Flycatchers interrupted our meal. A walk outside the hotel grounds gave us the chestnut race of Red-rumped Swallow and our first Small Minivets; later in the afternoon we drove to a nearby roadside pull-in overlooking the River Kalu and watched the massive roost fly-past of egrets and at dusk, departing flying-foxes. Night at Ratnaloka Hotel, Ratnapura. (75 species).

Day 6. Thursday, 21 November. We departed at 05.00hrs in order to arrive at Sinharaja Forest by 07.30hrs. It was quite a steep climb by jeeps to get us up onto the plateau of forest, which holds well over half of Sri Lanka's endemic birds and butterflies. A short walk before we actually arrived at the park entrance gives us more calling Sri Lanka Spurfowl, but again these were not seen and brief views of Black-throated Munias. The superb weather allowed us some wonderful views of all the specialities, especially Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Red-faced Malkoha, White-faced Starling and Ashy-headed Laughingthrush. Sri Lanka Junglefowl awaited our arrival for our picnic lunch (not literally!) at the nursery and these colourful birds were watched at close range. Flowering Bamboo Orchids and masses of colourful butterflies, especially Common Mormon, Glassy Tiger and Tree Nymph gave some distractions before the weather deteriorated, rolls of thunder and quite heavy rain set in later in the afternoon as we returned in jubilant mood after having 'cleaned-up'. One more surprise was to come at the park entrance when the forest guide took us to a small rubbish tip at the edge of the village, there foraging was a gorgeous Slaty-legged Crake! Night at Ratnaloka Hotel, Ratnapura. (71 species).

Day 7. Friday, 22 November. A hotel breakfast was much appreciated after a run of early starts. It was at 07.00hrs that we departed to spend the morning in a superb patch of lowland wet-zone forest at Gilimale Forest. The trail here descended towards the river and held some interesting birds, including a splendid Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher and a pair of Malabar Trogons, plus more wonderful Sri Lanka Junglefowl. Deepal tried in vain for the elusive spurfowl once more. We return to the hotel for a late lunch and took a well-earned break until 16.00hrs. A return visit to the nearby River Kalu viewpoint produced much the same as on our previous visit. Night at Ratnaloka Hotel, Ratnapura. (65 species).

Day 8. Saturday, 23 November. After breakfast we departed at 08.30hrs and drove to our lunch stop at the lovely lake-side hotel at Embilipitya. After lunch we move on to spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Udawalawe National Park by jeeps, superb views of elephants and Chital, a glimpse of a Jungle Cat, but more importantly our first Indian Peafowl, Barred Buttonquail (purring like two-stroke mopeds), an amazing selection of prinias (Plain, Jungle, Ashy and Grey--breasted), Blyth's Pipit, Pallid Harrier, Black-winged Kite, Black-headed Munia, Jerdon's Bushlark, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Thick-billed Flowerpecker and Yellow-eyed Babbler. We leave the park by 17.00hrs and reach our next hotel at Tissamaharama (generally abbreviated to 'Tissa') by 19.30hrs. Night at Priyankara Hotel, Tissamaharama. (83 species).

Day 9. Sunday, 24 November. A pre-dawn walk at the edge of marshes near Tissa produced an Indian Scops Owl which came in to tape, followed by a Brown Fish Owl. After a quick breakfast we set off to reach Bundala Reserve, a mosaic of jungle, pools and paddy fields beside a large lagoon, in the cool of the early morning. Taking two jeeps we commenced our drive amidst scrubby thickets, picking up a variety of dry country birds, including Hoopoe, Oriental Skylark, Plaintive Cuckoo and Blue-faced Malkoha. However it was the huge lagoon that gave us the most wonderful spectacle of thousands of waders and ducks, chiefly Pintail, Little Stints and Marsh Sandpipers, but also including quite a few Broad-billed Sandpipers and a smattering of Greater and Lesser Sand, Kentish and Pacific Golden Plovers, Pintail and Painted Snipe and Red-necked Phalaropes. The mega-find however was an Asian Dowitcher, only the second ever to be found in Sri Lanka! On our return journey we took the jeeps along the banks of the saltpans and added Small Pratincole, Common Ringed Plover and Yellow-wattled Lapwing to our swollen wader list. At 13.30hrs we returned to Tissa for lunch. Later in the afternoon we visited the area where we had seen the owls in the morning and found the Brown Fish Owl dozing in a palm plantation, a Blue-winged Leafbird appeared, Baya Weavers were nesting, and Black-rumped Flamebacks flashed through the trees. After dark we drove out of town and entered a dry, scrubby slope where we taped and spotlighted Jerdon's Nightjar. Night at Priyankara Hotel, Tissamaharama. (143 species)

Day 10. Monday, 25 November. Departing at 05.00hrs we set off to explore Yala National Park, we paused just before dawn to tape in Indian Nightjars and soon had several flying around and settling on the ground. At the park HQ a Green Sandpiper dropped into a small stream as a herd of Wild Boar trotted in the background. Shortly we are off in jeeps again and stop for Rosy and Brahminy Starlings, Orange-breasted Green Pigeon and Sirkeer and Blue-faced Malkohas as we drive between waterholes. We clocked up more mammals, including Wild Buffalo, Indian Hare, Ruddy and Brown Mongooses, and Golden Jackal. A massive Black-necked Stork dwarfed a party of Spoonbills, Lesser Whistling-ducks and Darter were also present. Superb views were also obtained of Paddyfield and the much bigger Richard's Pipits (the latter a rare migrant in Sri Lanka), as well as Indian Silverbill and Jerdon's Bushlark. We eventually came to a wonderful sandy beach, with Crested Terns fishing offshore, before turning back to the park entrance. Our return to Tissa was delayed by yet more saltpans and marshes seething with waders, including Oriental Pratincole and yet another rarity, Red Knot. We finally got back to the hotel for a 14.00hrs lunch. Out to the palm grove for a third try for White-naped Woodpecker, this time we had wonderful views of a female working a line of fence-posts. Moving on to the outskirts of Tissa we added Cotton Pygmy-goose to the list, and as the light faded 2 Watercocks flew about the marsh, one of which was scoped balanced at the top of a stand of reeds. Night at Priyankara Hotel, Tissamaharama (150 species).

Day 11. Tuesday, 26 November. This morning we left the coastal plains to return to the interior, as the highway crossed block 3 of Yala National Park, we stopped soon after dawn to eat our picnic breakfasts at the roadside; White-rumped Shama was taped out as we ate. As the road approached the foothills we paused at Buttala swamp for Streaked Weavers. Then began a magnificent climb high into the hill country again, heading for our destination of Nuwara Eliya at almost 2000 metres. Gaining altitude we made a short stop by the tea plantation at Surrey near Wellimada, Dull Blue Flycatcher, Grey-headed Canary Flycatcher, Black-naped Monarch and Indian Scimitar-babbler were all seen well. At 13.45hrs we reach our lovely hotel at Nuwara Eliya in time to enjoy lunch. A short walk in the nearby forests produced Kashmir Flycatcher (female) and Sri Lanka White-eyes. Later we headed into town to spend the last hour of light in Victoria Park, where after much searching we eventually had excellent views of Pied Thrush to round off a superb day. Night at Galway Forest Lodge, Nuwara Eliya (104 species).

Day 12. Wednesday, 27 November. An early departure (05.00hrs) with a picnic breakfast in order to reach the fabled Horton Plains at dawn. We were lucky with the weather, clear night skies and a slight glow became apparent as we negotiated the final series of remarkably sharp hairpin bends. As dawn broke (06.15hrs) we found ourselves in magnificent montane forest reminiscent of the Himalaya rather than one would expect from Sri Lanka - no wonder Large-billed Warblers and Kashmir Flycatchers feel at home here in winter! We had arrived early to attempt to see the island's most elusive endemic, the Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush. The bird is heard singing and soon appears at the roadside, giving wonderful views, a shy Southern Blackbird proves harder to see though! Soon Sri Lanka Bush Warblers were tacking close to us, a beautiful male Kashmir Flycatcher appears, and Sri Lanka Woodpigeon groan unseen from several distant canopies - this had now become the tricky one to see. We drove briefly onto the grasslands of the Horton Plains, Pied Stonechats appeared. We paused at Pattipola Station during our descent and found Hill Swallows about the buildings, plus an amazingly obliging Sri Lanka Woodpigeon on the wires! Considerably elated we drove on a few more kms to a small marsh where we had superb views of Black-throated Munias (our last endemic). Lunch was at the hotel but by the time that we set off for Hakgala Botanical Gardens the weather has deteriorated to fog and drizzle and little of note appeared. Night at Galway Forest Lodge, Nuwara Eliya (43 species).

Day 13. Thursday, 28 November. Soon after dawn two Sri Lanka Woodpigeons made a brief visit to the hotel vegetable garden. We departed at 08.00hrs, the road dropping down through endless tea plantations, stopping only to view a pair of Black Eagles. At Katukitula we broke our journey and had an instructive tour of the tea factory (Hill Swallows were nesting). By midday we arrived in Kandy to stay at an old colonial-style hotel, and enjoyed a wonderful lunch. At 14.30hrs we drove to the nearby Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, where we stayed until 18.00hrs - plenty of birds including fine views of both Indian Pitta and Forest Wagtail, Large Cuckoo-shrike, Crimson-fronted Barbet and a large gathering of Palm Swifts. In the evening we visited the fabled Temple of the Tooth which was a very colourful experience. Night at the Suisse Hotel, Kandy (58 species).

Day 14. Friday, 29 November. Our final birding session took us to Udawattekale Forest Reserve this morning. Near a large pool fine views were obtained of a Stork-billed Kingfisher and an Indian Blue Robin. The remainder of our forest walk allows us to recapture several species seen earlier in the tour, Tickell's Blue and Brown-breasted Flycatchers and Velvet-fronted Nuthatches, Greater and Black-rumped Flamebacks and Gold-fronted Leafbird. Later in the morning we have a bit of time for shopping in search of wood carvings, textiles, and the like as a lovely White-bellied Sea Eagle appears low overhead. Departing at 14.30hrs we drove back to Colombo, arriving at the fabled Browns Beach Hotel at Negombo (where we had day-rooms) in time for some fruitless seawatching. Saying goodbye to Deepal, we later reassembled for a memorable farewell dinner, followed by some interesting music. At 23.15hrs we proceed to the nearby Colombo Airport. (66 species).

Day 15. Saturday, 30 November. Our Sri Lanka Airlines overnight flight departed at 02.45hrs arriving at 07.45hrs at London Heathrow where the tour concluded. However we had to wait on the tarmac for over an hour to be allocated a docking bay.

Annotated Species List

(total of 246 species)

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis (=Dabchick)

A pair or two en route to Bellanwila Marsh on 17th and at Buttala swamp on 26th.

Spot-billed Pelican Pelecanus philippensis

Small numbers on lakes at Embilipitya on 23rd and in Yala NP on 25th. A feral population from Colombo zoo accounted for the parties of 'tame' birds on the lake by the Trans Asia Hotel, Colombo and presumably the singleton on the lake in the centre of Kandy. The Indian Handbook regarded this as a subspecies of Dalmatian Pelican P. crispus.

Indian Cormorant Phalacrocorax fuscicollis (=Indian Shag)

Widely recorded on deeper waters.

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo (=Cormorant or Large Cormorant)

At least 2 on the lake at Embilipitya on 23rd - scarce in Sri Lanka.

Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger

Widespread.

Darter Anhinga melanogaster (=Oriental Darter)

Two by waterholes in Yala NP on 25th. A. melanogaster is usually enlarged to include both African A. rufa and Australian Darters A. novaehollandiae.

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

A good sprinkling by wetlands in the 'dry' zone.

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea

Several in lowland marshes, ie Bellanwilla, about Tissa and at Yala NP.

Great Egret Egretta alba (=Great White or Large Egret)

Widely recorded.

Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia (=Yellow-billed or Medium Egret)

Widely recorded, the next commonest egret after Cattle.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

Widely recorded.

Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii (=Paddybird)

Widespread.

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

Widespread.

Striated Heron Butorides striatus (=Little Green, Green-backed or Mangrove Heron)

Two singles by banks of saltpans at Bundala on 24th. Now split from Green Heron B. virescens of N America.

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax

Several parties in bushy thickets by lowland marshes, especially about Tissa.

Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis

At least 10 in marshes at Bellanwilla on 17th, plus one at Tissa on 24th.

Black Bittern Ixobrychus flavicollis

Singles flushed at Bellanwilla Marsh (17th) and on marshes near Tissa on 24th and 25th; the latter much to Anne-Marie and Chris's delight!

Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala

Two overhead on 17th at Bellanwilla and several small parties by lowland wetlands in the dry zone.

Asian Openbill Anastomus oscitans (=Open-billed Stork)

Small numbers by lowland wetlands and paddyfields.

Black-necked Stork Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus

One majestic bird by a waterhole in Yala NP on 25th.

Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus

Despite its name - a huge thing: one soaring at Yala NP on 25th.

Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephala (=Oriental White Ibis)

Widely recorded by lowland wetlands.

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

Two on marshes at Bellanwilla on 17th.

Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia (=White Spoonbill)

Five at Bundala on 24th and some 15 at Yala on 25th.

Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber

A distant shimmering flock of well over a hundred on the far side of the big lagoon at Bundala on 24th.

Lesser Whistling-duck Dendrocygna javanica (=Lesser Whistling-teal)

Parties by many lowland wetlands, with max of 200 at Bundala on 24th.

Cotton Pygmy-goose Nettapus coromandelianus (= Cotton Teal)

A fine male on marshy pools near Tissa on 25th.

Northern Pintail Anas acuta

Recorded only at Bundala and Yala NPs, where it was by far the most abundant duck, with 5000+ at Bundala on 24th and 200 at Yala on 25th.

Garganey Anas querquedula

Relatively small numbers (totalling some 150) mixed with the masses of Pintail at Bundala on 24th, with 15 at Yala next day.

Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata

Four or five amongst the masses of Pintail at Bundala on 24th.

Oriental Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus (=Crested Honey Buzzard)

A widespread scattering - seen almost daily.

Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus (=Black-winged Kite)

Frequent in ones and twos by lowland wetlands in the dry zone. Again separated from White-tailed Kite E. leucurus of the Americas and E. axillaris, the Black-shouldered Kite of Australia.

Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus

Widely recorded - the commonest raptor.

White-bellied Sea-eagle Haliaeetus leucogaster

Five sightings: Embilipitya, Bundala (2), Yala and Kandy -the latter livening up our 'shopping' trip.

Crested Serpent Eagle Spilornis cheela

Widely recorded, a total of at least 12 birds.

Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus

A fine male at Udawalawe on 23rd and a ringtail at Yala on 25th.

Shikra Accipiter badius

A scatter of six singles.

Common Buzzard Buteo buteo

Two singles between the Horton Plains and Nuwara Eliya on 27th. The population wintering in S India and Sri Lanka has uncertain origins, but it seems likely that they are from the Himalayas.

Changeable Hawk-eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus (=Crested Hawk-eagle)

Two at Udawalawe on 23rd, with one at Bundala on 24th and 2 at Yala on 25th. Sri Lankan and S Indian birds were formerly split as Crested Hawk-eagle S. limnaeetus.

Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis (=Oriental Black Eagle)

Much to David's relief we finally picked up two working a forested slope between Nuwara Eliya and Kandy on 28th. Apparently the main food item in Sri Lanka is giant squirrels.

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

Two at Udawalawe on 23rd, with singles at Bundala and Yala on 24th and 25th.

Sri Lanka Spurfowl Galloperdix bicalcarata (=Ceylon Spurfowl) ENDEMIC
Heard and seen briefly at Kitulgala Forest on 20th. Also heard at Sinharaja Forest Reserve the following day.

Sri Lanka Junglefowl Gallus lafayetti (=Ceylon Junglefowl) ENDEMIC
Quite widely recorded, with best views at Yala NP - a very handsome bird.

Indian Peafowl Pavo cristata (=Blue Peafowl)

Common in dry wooded grasslands, ie Udawalawe, Bundala and Yala NPs - an extremely beautiful bird, frequently seen in full display.

Barred Buttonquail Turnix suscitator (=Common Bustard-quail)

Two-stroke motor impersonator! Several heard (and 3 or 4 pairs seen) at Udawalawe, Bundala and Yala NPs.

Slaty-legged Crake Rallina eurizonoides (=Banded Crake)

One called well at dusk at Kitulgala on 18th and 19th; a very confiding bird foraging about the village of the Sinharaja Forest offices on 21st was a total surprise!

White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus

Widespread and common.

Watercock Gallicrex cinerea

At least two appeared on cue towards dusk in marshland near Tissa on 25th; one of which was 'scoped as it balanced on top of reeds for some time.

Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio (=Purple Coot, Purple Gallinule)

Widely recorded by lowland wetlands. The various populations of this bird are accorded species status by some, the form concerned is Grey-headed Swamphen P. poliocephalus.

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

Two at Bellanwilla Marsh on 17th.

Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus

Plentiful in marshlands at Bellanwilla and in the Tissa-Yala area; many of which had the full long tails of breeding plumage.

Greater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis

A lovely pair stood in full view for several minutes by a small grassy pool at Bundala on 24th. As in the phalaropes and buttonquails, the female is the most brightly coloured of the pair and takes the lead in courtship and territorial defence.

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus

Numerous on saltpans and lagoons in the Bundala and Yala areas.

Great Thick-knee Burhinus recurvirostris (=Great Stone-plover)

10 at Bundala on 24th and at least 20 in the Yala area next day. Superb bird. Now separated from Beach Thick-knee E. magnirostris = neglectus of Australia and S.E. Asia.

Small Pratincole Glareola lactea

Two at Bundala salt pans on 24th and five on wet grassland near Yala next day.

Oriental Pratincole Glareola maldivarum (=Large Indian Pratincole)

Two on wet grassland near Yala on 25th - a surprise find.

Yellow-wattled Lapwing Vanellus malabaricus

Four at Bundala salt pans on 24th and 15 on wet grassland near Yala next day.

Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus

Common and widespread throughout lowland fields and marshes.

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva (=Lesser Golden Plover)

12 at Bundala salt pans on 24th and 50 on wet grassland near Yala next day. The first well spotted by Ernie.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola (=Black-bellied Plover)

10 at Bundala salt pans on 24th and 2 on saltpans near Yala next day.

Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula (=Greater Ringed Plover)

Two at Bundala saltpans on 24th - distinctly uncommon in Sri Lanka.

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

At least three at Bundala on 24th and one on wet grassland near Yala next day.

Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus (=Snowy Plover)

30 at Bundala on 24th and a similar number in the Yala area next day.

Lesser Sandplover Charadrius mongolus (=Mongolian Sand Plover)

At lest 40 at Bundala on 24th and 100 on saltpans and wet grassland near Yala next day.

Greater Sandplover Charadrius leschenaultii

At lest three at Bundala salt pans on 24th and two on wet grassland near Yala next day. Another one that David had long anticipated seeing!

Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura

One squatted in grass at Bundala on 24th, plus about eight in paddyfields near Tissa on 25th.

Asian Dowitcher Limnodromus semipalmatus

A first-winter bird gave excellent telescope views for us all at Bundala lagoon on 24th. It proved to be not only a new bird for Deepal, but only the second ever for Sri Lanka, the previous having been in 1982. This is a poorly known and globally threatened species.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

Three flew overhead at Bellanwilla Marsh on 17th, and 5 likewise near Tissa on 5th. At the Bundala lagoon some 300 were estimated on 24th.

Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata

Four at Bundala lagoon on 24th, and two near Yala on 25th.

Common Redshank Tringa totanus

30 or so at Bundala lagoon on 24th, and 40+ near Yala on 25th.

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis

Fantastic numbers, well over 150 at Bundala lagoon on 24th, plus about 1000 on saltpans near Yala on 25th.

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia

Six at Bundala lagoon on 24th, and five near Yala on 25th.

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus

One deftly dropped into a small stream near the park HQ at Yala on 25th.

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola

A good scattering at lowland sites.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

A good scattering by riversides, including three in Victoria Park in the centre of Nuwara Eliya.

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres

30+ scattered at Bundala lagoon on 24th, and 12 on saltpans near Yala on 25th.

Red Knot Calidris canutus

An excellent find from Nigel - a Sri Lankan rarity. One at the edge of the saltpans near Yala on 25th.

Sanderling Calidris alba

Ernie picked up one on the saltpans near Yala on 25th, but it flew as the rest of us were trying to get onto it.

Little Stint Calidris minuta

1500+ at Bundala on 24th and 1000 at Yala salt pans on 25th.

Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii

Two singles near the entrance gates to Bundala NP on 24th.

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea

100+ at Bundala on 24th and 200 at Yala salt pans on 25th.

Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus

Excellent numbers of this primarily scarce wader, with at least 30 by the lagoon and nine on the saltpans at Bundala on 24th, and two on saltpans near Yala on 25th.

Ruff Philomachus pugnax

10 at Bundala on 24th and three at Yala salt pans on 25th.

Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus (=Northern Phalarope)

Some 14 on the lagoon and one on the saltpans at Bundala on 24th.

Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica

12 about Bundala on 24th and 30 in the Yala region on 25th.

Caspian Tern Sterna caspia

30+ about Bundala on 24th and 12 in the Yala region on 25th.

Lesser Crested Tern Sterna benghalensis

One standing with a party of Caspian Terns at Bundala lagoon on 24th.

Crested Tern Sterna bergii (=Swift Tern)

About 15 along shore and on rocks of Yala NP and a handful on the saltpans, on 25th. In addition to these the majority of the masses of distant terns following fishing boats off Negombo on our last evening were also thought to be this species but viewing conditions were not too good!

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

Five or six standing with other terns at Bundala lagoon on 24th and a similar number on wet grassland near Yala next day.

Little Tern Sterna albifrons

About 25-30 standing with other terns at Bundala lagoon on 24th and about 15 on islands in wet grassland near Yala next day.

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus

Widely recorded.

White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus (=White-winged Tern)

Two flew out of the Bundala lagoon on 24th and about 30 on islands with a similar number of Whiskered amidst wet grassland near Yala next day.

Feral Rock Dove Columba livia

Widely noted in towns and villages.

Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon Columba torringtoni (=Ceylon Wood Pigeon) ENDEMIC
Heard groaning mournfully, and one seen in flight, in forest above the Horton Plains on 27th; later we had unprecedented views of one perched on wires by Pattipola station. Early next morning two birds paid a brief visit to the hotel vegetable garden in Nuwara Eliya.

Spotted Dove Streptopelia chinensis

Common and widespread.

Emerald Dove Chalcophaps indica

Widely heard in damp forests. Despite being tricky to see, we had some super views of several birds.

Orange-breasted Green Pigeon Treron bicincta

Frequent in forests of the dry zone ie Udawalawe, Yala and Bundala.

Pompadour Green Pigeon Treron pompadora (=Grey-fronted Green Pigeon)

Numerous in forests, especially in the wet zone.

Green Imperial Pigeon Ducula aenea

Widely recorded in wooded areas.

Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria (=Large Indian Parakeet)

A thin scatter, usually seen in flight.

Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri (=Ring-necked Parakeet)

Common and widespread.

Plum-headed Parakeet Psittacula cyanocephala (=Indian Blossom-headed Parakeet)

A thin scatter, mostly seen in flight. Now separated from the Blossom-headed P. roseata, of N.E. India and S.E. Asia.

Layard's Parakeet Psittacula calthropae (=Emerald-collared Parakeet) ENDEMIC
Small parties frequent in forests, especially in the wet zone. Generally rather flighty.

Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot Loriculus beryllinus (=Ceylon Lorikeet) ENDEMIC
Quite common in wooded areas and parks, but basically in wet zone..

Pied Crested Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus (=Jacobin Cuckoo)

One on roadside wires at Bellanwilla Marsh on 17th.

Banded Bay Cuckoo Cacomantis sonneratii

One heard in Kitulgala Forest on 19th and 20th.

Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis passerinus (=Grey-bellied Cuckoo)

One at Bundala NP on 24th, two at Yala NP on 25th, with another 26th. All were in flight. Now usually separated from the rufous-bellied C. merulinus of S.E. Asia.

Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea

Heard most days, with eight sightings (a pretty good average).

Blue-faced Malkoha Phaenicophaeus viridirostris

Two at Tissa and two in Bundala NP on 24th and two at Yala on 25th.

Sirkeer Malkoha Phaenicophaeus leschenaultii

Two at Udawalawe on 23rd and superb views of two in Yala NP on 25th.

Red-faced Malkoha Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus ENDEMIC
Four at Sinharaja Forest on 21st, in mixed feeding flocks.

Greater Coucal Centropus sinensis

Widespread in small numbers (seen daily).

Green-billed Coucal Centropus chlororhynchus ENDEMIC
A surprisingly shy and wary bird. After much patience we got good views of a pair in Bodhinagala Forest on 18th, brief views of one at edge of Kitulgala Forest on 19th and good views of one in Sinharaja Forest on 21st.

Indian Scops Owl Otus bakkamoena (=Collared Scops Owl)

One taped in just before dawn near Tissa on 24th gave an excellent showing. The Indian form has recently been separated as Indian Scops Owl, retaining the name O. bakkamoena; East Asian populations then become O. lempiji but retain the name Collared Scops Owl!

Brown Fish Owl Ketupa zeylonensis

One taped in just before dawn near Tissa on 24th gave a brief fly-past; a visit to the site later in day revealed the bird roosting in full view in a palm grove.

Chestnut-backed Owlet Glaucidium castanonotum ENDEMIC
One watched in daytime near Kitulgala on 21st. Has been variously treated as a form of either Jungle Owlet G.radiatum or Barred Owlet G. cuculoides.

Sri Lanka Frogmouth Batrachostomus moniliger (=Ceylon Frogmouth)

Fabulous views of one at dusk near Kitulgala on 18th, with two there on following evening.

Jerdon's Nightjar Caprimulgus atripennis

A good bit of taping and spotting by Deepal allowed us to get good views of one just after dark near Tissa on 24th. Formerly considered a subspecies group of Long/Large-tailed Nightjar C. macrurus.

Indian Nightjar Caprimulgus asiaticus (=Small Indian Nightjar)

Five or six singles on the road at dawn by sandy river crossing en route to Yala NP on 25th.

Indian Swiftlet Collocalia unicolor (=Indian Edible-nest Swift)

Common and widespread. A complex genus, has been treated as a form of Edible-nest Swiftlet C.fuciphaga

Brown-backed Needletail Hirundapus giganteus (=Brown-throated Spinetail Swift)

A party of some 15-20 moved rapidly through at Udawalawe NP during afternoon thundery conditions on 23rd.

Asian Palm Swift Cypsiurus balasiensis

A thin scattering in lowlands, plus a remarkable gathering of ca1000 swirling about palms in the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Kandy on 28th. Formerly lumped with African Palm Swift C. parvus.

Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba

Small numbers (3-5) over Kitulgala Forest, Udawalawe NP, Horton Plains and Kandy.

Little Swift Apus affinis

Very few seen, but 1-5 noted Ratnapura, near Tissa, and en route from Kandy to Colombo. Some authorities separate birds from N.E. India and S.E. Asia as A. nipalensis (House Swift); Sri Lankan birds singalensis are considered to remain with African and Indian races as part of A. affinis but in truth show features of A.nipalensis in having blacker plumage and more developed tail fork !

Crested Treeswift Hemiprocne coronata

Small numbers about woodland edge and scattered trees, noted at Udawalawe, Tissa, Yala and Bundala.

Malabar Trogon Harpactes fasciatus

Ones and twos at Bodhinagala, Kitulgala, Sinharaja and Gilimale Forests.

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis (=Small Blue or River Kingfisher)

A good scattering of singles.

Black-backed Kingfisher Ceyx erithacus (=Oriental Dwarf or Three-toed Kingfisher)

Wonderful views of two by a stream in Gilimale Forest on 22nd.

Stork-billed Kingfisher Pelargopsis capensis

Singles by river at Kitulgala on 20th, near Tissa on 24th, at Yala NP on 25th and finally a really good showing of one at Udawattekale Forest, Kandy on 29th.

White-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis (=White-throated or Smyrna Kingfisher)

Widespread; one of the few birds seen every day of the tour..

Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis (=Lesser Pied Kingfisher)

Scarce. One near Bellanwilla Marsh on 17th and four at Bundala on 24th.

Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis

Common in the dry lowland parts of the tour.

Blue-tailed Bee-eater Merops philippinus

Common in the lowland parts of the tour. Formerly included with Blue-cheeked M. persicus and Madagascar Bee-eaters under M. superciliosus

Chestnut-headed Bee-eater Merops leschenaultii

Scarce; up to three birds noted at Bodhinagala, Ratnapura, Sinharaja and Gilimale Forest.

Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis

Very few, total of 15 noted scattered throughout tour.

Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops

Scarce. Two birds at Bundala NP on 24th and one in flight near Tissa next day.

Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill Ocyceros gingalensis (=Ceylon Grey Hornbill) ENDEMIC
Widely recorded in ones and twos. Recently separated from Malabar Grey Hornbill O. griseus.

Malabar Pied Hornbill Anthracoceros coronatus

Eight at Udawalawe NP on 23rd, and two at Yala NP on 26th.

Brown-headed Barbet Megalaima zeylanica (=Green Barbet)

Widely recorded in ones and twos. Formerly lumped with Lineated Barbet M. lineata.

Yellow-fronted Barbet Megalaima flavifrons ENDEMIC
Widely recorded in ones and twos, but avoided the dry part of the tour.

Crimson-fronted Barbet Megalaima rubricapilla (=Ceylon Small Barbet) ENDEMIC
Singles noted en route to Bellanwilla Marsh, at Ratnapura Hotel and heard at Kitulgala Forest. However it wasn't until we visited Kandy Botanical Gardens on 28th that we obtained good views of at least six in fruiting trees - Ernie heaved a big sigh of relief! Recently separated from Crimson-throated Barbet of S India, which now becomes M. malabarica.

Coppersmith Barbet Megalaima haemacephala (=Crimson-breasted Barbet)

Frequent at Udawalawe, Yala, Bundala and Tissa where it seemed to replace both Yellow-fronted and Crimson-fronted.

Brown-capped Woodpecker Dendrocopos nanus (Brown-crowned Pygmy Woodpecker)

Heard at Gilimale Forest on 22nd, with two seen very well at Bundala on 24th and in Yala NP on 25th. Sometimes included within Malaysian or Lesser Pygmy W D. moluccensis of S.E. Asia.

Yellow-crowned Woodpecker Dendrocopos mahrattensis (=Mahratta or Yellow-fronted W)

One at Udawalawe NP on 23rd and four in Yala NP on 25th.

Rufous Woodpecker Celeus brachyurus

A very noisy bird, heard and one seen well in Kitulgala Forest on 19th.

Lesser Yellownape Picus chlorolophus

Single birds at Kitulgala on 19th and at Surrey on 26th, with two at Sinharaja on 21st.

Black-rumped Flameback Dinopium benghalense (=Lesser Golden-backed Woodpecker)

Relatively widespread in ones and twos.

White-naped Woodpecker Chrysocolaptes festivus (=Black-backed Yellow Woodpecker)

A female gave outstanding views as it worked a line of fence posts near Tissa on 25th.

Greater Flameback Chrysocolaptes lucidus (=Greater Golden-backed or Crimson-backed W)

Pairs seen at Kitulgala Forest on 19th, forest above Horton Plains on 21st and best at Udawattekale Forest, Kandy on 29th

Indian Pitta Pitta brachyura

Superb views of single birds near Kitulgala on 18th and at Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Kandy on 28th. Sometimes included in Fairy Pitta P. nympha of S.E. Asia.

Jerdon's Bushlark Mirafra affinis

Seen very well by roadsides through grassland at Udawalawe NP on 23rd, in Yala NP on 25th and 26th. A recent revision separated this from the Rufous-winged or Bengal Bushlark M. assamica..

Ashy-crowned Sparrow-lark Eremopterix grisea (=Ashy-crowned Finch-lark)

Numerous small flocks at Bundala and Yala NPs on 24th-25th.

Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula (=Little or Small Skylark)

Several pairs and singing birds at Bundala saltpans and in Yala NP on 24th-25th.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica (=Common Swallow)

Widely recorded.

Hill Swallow Hirundo domicola

Superb views of three birds at Pattipola Station on 27th and six more at Katukitula Tea Factory on 28th. Formerly included in Pacific Swallow H. tahitica.

Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica

A pair at Ratnapura hotel on 20th-22nd were of the resident deep rufous ENDEMIC race hyperythra (which could be split in the future as Sri Lanka Swallow). Two birds of one of the paler migrant races were noted at Yala NP on 25th. Several others seen in transit but were not racially separable.

Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus

Superb views of one Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Kandy on 28th, with a second bird flushed nearby. Earlier there had been three or four flying-over calling at Yala NP on 26th.

Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava

One of the Grey-headed thunbergi flushed by Deepal and heard by Steve amidst buffalo near Yala on 25th.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

Widely recorded.

Oriental Pipit Anthus rufulus (=Paddyfield Pipit)

Common along coastal lowlands at Bundala and Yala NPs (ssp malayanus); a few pairs of much paler, sandy birds of unknown subspecies in highlands at Pattipola Station and in hotel garden at Nuwara Eliya on 27th-28th. The tropical races of the complex formerly included in A. novaeseelandiae.

Richard's Pipit Anthus richardi

One seen well (and heard calling) by a waterhole in Yala NP on 25th. A rare migrant to Sri Lanka. The Palearctic races of the complex formerly included in A. novaeseelandiae.

Blyth's Pipit Anthus godlewskii

Some 10 birds at Udawalawe NP on 23rd.

Large Cuckooshrike Coracina macei

Extremely good views of a bird in Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Kandy on 28th was welcome after having heard one heard by the highway through Yala NP on 26th. Sometimes included in a big complex of forms as part of C. novaehollandiae.

Black-headed Cuckooshrike Coracina melanoptera

A total of 10 scattered through the tour.

Small Minivet Pericrocotus cinnamomeus

Five outside Ratnapura hotel on 20th and commonly encountered in dry forests in the Udawalawe, Bundala, Tissa and Yala areas.

Scarlet Minivet Pericrocotus flammeus (=Flame or Orange Minivet)

Small numbers throughout tour in wetter forest areas.

Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrike Hemipus picatus (=Pied Flycatcher-shrike)

Seen at various forest locations, usually in pairs associated with mixed feeding parties.

Black-crested Bulbul Pycnonotus melanicterus (=Black-capped Bulbul)

Three in Bodhinagala Forest on 18th, with up to 15 birds in Sinharaja Forest on 21st and 10 in Gilimale Forest on 22nd. A difficult complex over its wide Oriental range. If the Sri Lankan form melanicterus (Black-capped Bulbul) is split from Black-headed Yellow or Black-crested Bulbul of mainland Asia, the latter becomes known as P. flaviventris.

Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer

Common and widespread throughout the tour.

Yellow-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus penicillatus ENDEMIC
Three at Victoria Park, Nuwara Eliya on 26th, six in forest above Horton Plains on 27th

White-browed Bulbul Pycnonotus luteolus

Two at Ratnapura Hotel on 20th and 22nd, with another two near Wellimada on 26th.

Yellow-browed Bulbul Iole indica

Frequent in lusher forests, absent in dry forest and upland forests.

Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus (=Grey Bulbul)

Two at Bodhinagala Forest on 18th, heard at Kitulgala and at Kandy, plus 15 birds in Hakgala Botanical Gardens on 27th. Formerly included with Madagascar Bulbul H. madagascariensis as Black Bulbul.

Blue-winged Leafbird Chloropsis cochinchinensis.. (=Jerdon's Leafbird)

Two near Tissa on 24th, with another by highway through Yala NP on 26th.

Gold-fronted Leafbird Chloropsis aurifrons

Two at Ratnapura Hotel on 20th, 3 at Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Kandy on 28th followed by two at Udawattekale Forest, Kandy on 29th.

Common Iora Aegithina tiphia

Widely scattered through tour in ones and twos..

Sri Lanka Whistling-thrush Myophonus blighi..(=Arrenga) ENDEMIC
Notoriously elusive but our luck was in with spectacular views of a male in forest above the Horton Plains on 27th with a second male flitting across the road nearby.

Pied Thrush Zoothera wardii (=Pied Ground Thrush)

Two, a pair, came in to roost in the late afternoon at Victoria Park, Nuwara Eliya on 26th.

Spot-winged Thrush Zoothera spiloptera ENDEMIC
Superb views of a singing bird at Bodhinagala Forest on 18th, others heard singing at Kitulgala Forest, Sinharaja Forest and Gilimale Forest.

Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula (=Southern Blackbird)

Four in forest above Horton Plains on 27th. South Indian and Sri Lankan races most likely constitute a separate species Southern Blackbird T. simillimus

Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis (=Fan-tailed Warbler)

Relatively common in damp lowland grasslands.

Grey-breasted Prinia Prinia hodgsonii (Franklin's Wren-warbler)

Four in song Udawalawe NP on 23rd and four at Yala NP on 25th.

Jungle Prinia Prinia sylvatica (=Large Wren-warbler)

Frequent at the edges of dry wooded areas; recorded at Udawalawe NP, Yala NP and Bundala.

Ashy Prinia Prinia socialis (=Ashy Wren-warbler)

Relatively frequent in areas of bushy thickets.

Plain Prinia Prinia inornata (White-browed Prinia)

Relatively common in scrubby grasslands. Sometimes included in Tawny-flanked Prinia P. subflava of Africa.

Sri Lanka Bush Warbler Bradypterus palliseri (=Ceylon Warbler) ENDEMIC
Six or so at forest edges above Horton Plains on 27th. Excellent views of this inquisitive tacker as we waited for the whistling thrush to show.

Blyth's Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum

A thin scatter in the dry areas visited, favouring waterside trees and thickets.

Common Tailorbird Orthotomus sutorius

Widely recorded.

Green Warbler Phylloscopus nitidus (=Bright Green Leaf Warbler)

Widespread throoughout in woodland areas but absent in dry areas visited. Often treated as a race of Greenish Warbler P. trochiloides

Large-billed Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus magnirostris

Widely recorded in woodland but absent from dry areas visited.

Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica

Singles at Kitulgala on 18th, Kitulgala Forest on 19th and Gilimale Forest on 22nd.

Brown-breasted Flycatcher Muscicapa muttui

Frequent in lush forests, but not recorded in dry lowlands or highland areas.

Kashmir Flycatcher Ficedula subrubra (=Kashmir Red-breasted Flycatcher)

Two or three females or first-year males in woodland by hotel at Nuwara Eliya during 26th-28th; but these were eclipsed by Basil's find of a fabulous adult male in full colour in forest above Horton Plains on 27th. Has been considered a subspecies of Red-breasted Flycatcher F. parva.

Dull-blue Flycatcher Eumyias sordida (=Dusky-blue Flycatcher) ENDEMIC
One at Surrey on 26th, three in forest above Horton Plains and 2 at Hakgala Botanical Gardens on 27th.

Tickell's Blue Flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae

Frequent in lush forests, but not recorded in dry lowlands or highland areas.

Grey-headed Canary-flycatcher Culicicapa ceylonensis (=Grey-headed Flycatcher)

A total of five singles at Surrey, Horton Plains, Hakgala Botanical Gardens and Nuwara Eliya during 26th-27th. Especially enjoyed by Anne-Marie and Chris.

Indian Blue Robin Luscinia brunnea (=Indian Bluechat)

Widely heard in forested areas, but a terrible skulker However males were seen well at Kitulgala Forest, Sinharaja, Forest, Gilimale Forest, Victoria Park (Nuwara Eliya) and finally at Udawattekale Forest (Kandy).

Oriental Magpie-robin Copsychus saularis (=Robin Dayal)

Widespread.

White-rumped Shama Copsychus malabaricus

Superb views of a singing male at our breakfast stop by road through Yala NP on 26th, plus two more males taped-in at Udawattekale Forest (Kandy) on 29th. Others had been heard in the Tissa and Bundala areas.

Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicata (=Black-backed Robin)

Frequent in dry areas visited, also a pair at our Ratnapura Hotel.

Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata (=Pied Stonechat)

Frequent about Nuwara Eliya and on the Horton Plains during 26th-28th.

White-browed Fantail Rhipidura aureola (=White-breasted Fantail)

A total of eight in dryer woodlands.

Black-naped Monarch Hypothymis azurea

A total of 10 in lusher forests.

Asian Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi

Widely recorded (totalling 30 birds); several superb white morph birds noted.

Ashy-headed Laughingthrush Garrulax cinereifrons ENDEMIC
A total of five in mixed bird parties at Sinharaja Forest on 21st. Superb views.

Brown-capped Babbler Pellorneum fuscocapillum ENDEMIC
Four in Bodhinagala Forest on 18th, heard in Kitulgala Forest on 19th and on following day the spurfowl party had one singing in the open almost at their feet in the same forest.

Indian Scimitar-babbler Pomatorhinus horsfieldii

Widely heard in all forested areas, but a devil to see; however superb views of one feeding a large youngster at Surrey on 26th will be difficult to forget.

Tawny-bellied Babbler Dumetia hyperythra (=Rufous-bellied Babbler)

Another very shy babbler, which allowed glimpses at Bundala, near Tissa and in Yala NP.

Dark-fronted Babbler Rhopocichla atriceps (=Black-fronted Babbler)

A little more showy than most small babblers, parties being encountered in all forests visited in the wet zone.

Yellow-eyed Babbler Chrysomma sinense

The one that looked like an overgrown prinia; several small parties in grassy areas at Udawalawe, Bundala and Yala NPs.

Orange-billed Babbler Turdoides rufescens (=Ceylon Rufous Babbler) ENDEMIC

Numerous in wet zone forests. Formerly considered a form of Jungle Babbler T. striatus of India.

Yellow-billed Babbler Turdoides affinis

Widely recorded throughout the tour.

Great Tit Parus major (=Grey Tit)

Frequent in upland forests, about Nuwara Eliya and at Kandy. Occasionally separated as Cinereous or Asian Grey Tit P. cinereus.

Velvet-fronted Nuthatch Sitta frontalis

Ones and twos at Ratnapura hotel, Sinharaja Forest, Horton Plains forest, Hakgala Botanical Gardens and at Udawattekale Forest (Kandy),

Purple-rumped Sunbird Leptocoma zeylonica

Widely recorded in small numbers throughout the tour.

Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiatica

Chiefly in the dry zone, where widely recorded.

Long-billed Sunbird Cinnyris lotenia (=Loten's Sunbird)

Frequently encountered throughout the tour.

Thick-billed Flowerpecker Dicaeum agile

Four at Udawalawe NP, with singles at Bundala and Yala NPs.

Legge's Flowerpecker Dicaeum vincens (=White-throated Flowerpecker) ENDEMIC
Ones and twos at Kitulgala Forest, Sinharaja Forest and Gilimale Forrest.

Tickell's Flowerpecker Dicaeum erythrorhynchos (=Pale-billed Flowerpecker)

Widely recorded but not in dry areas visited.

Sri Lanka White-eye Zosterops ceylonensis (=Ceylon Hill White-eye) ENDEMIC
Common in forests of Horton Plains and about Nuwara Eliya; also two at Sinharaja Forest on 21st.

Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosa

Widely recorded but not in hill forests of dry zone

Black-hooded Oriole Oriolus xanthornus (=Black-headed Oriole)

Widely recorded throughout tour..

Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus

Widely recorded throughout tour; several very grey birds about Nuwara Eliya were showing features of the subspecies lucionensis (Philippine Shrike). Some authors expand L. cristatus to include Red-backed L. collurio and Isabelline Shrikes L. isabellinus .

Common Woodshrike Tephrodornis pondicerianus (=Lesser Woodshrike)

Three singles made brief appearances at Udawalawe, Bundala and Yala NPs.

Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus

Two singles in Yala National Park on 25th and 26th.

White-bellied Drongo Dicrurus caerulescens

Widespread in forests.

Greater Racket-tailed Drongo Dicrurus paradiseus (=Crested Drongo)

Numerous in wet zone forests. All birds seen were of the 'plain-tailed' form lophorinus which lacks 'rackets' and is usually termed 'Crested Drongo' and might be specifically distinct but intermediates are said to be rife where the two forms overlap.

Ashy Woodswallow Artamus fuscus

Widely recorded in small numbers.

Sri Lanka Blue Magpie Urocissa ornata (=Ceylon Magpie) ENDEMIC
Four at Kitulgala Forest on 19th and 3 at Sinharaja Forest on 21st. A stunningly lovely bird but surprisingly hard to spot when flitting in the canopy, its extremely noisy behaviour suggests much larger numbers than are actually present.

House Crow Corvus splendens

Widespread and very common.

Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos (=Jungle Crow)

Widespread. Sri Lankan and peninsular Indian birds are perhaps separable from Large-billed Crow of E. Asia and the Himalayas as C. levaillanti (Jungle Crow).

Southern Hill Myna Gracula indica

Six at Kitulgala Forest on 19th, heard at Gilimale Forest on 22nd and seen best at Kandy where there were at least four in the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens on 28th and 2-3 at Udawattekale Forest Reserve on 29th.

Sri Lanka Myna Gracula ptilogenys (=Ceylon Grackle) ENDEMIC
Six at Sinharaja Forest on 21st.

Common Myna Acridotheres tristis

Widespread and abundant.

White-faced Starling Sturnia senex (=White-headed Myna) ENDEMIC
Six at Sinharaja Forest on 21st.

Brahminy Starling Temenuchus pagodarum (=Brahminy Myna, Black-capped Starling)

Two at Yala National Park on 25th.

Rosy Starling Pastor roseus (=Rose-coloured Starling)

A few flocks noted, mostly flying rapidly through. Some 75 at Bundala on 24th, 40 at Yala NP on 25th (watched feeding on berry-bearing shrubs here) and five at Yala NP on 26th.

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Widespread and common.

Streaked Weaver Ploceus manyar

Party of 10 building nests at a roadside marsh in Yala NP on 26th.

Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus

10 birds in attendance at nests near Tissa on 24th and 25th and about six nest-building at same marsh that held Streaked Weavers in Yala NP on 26th.

White-throated Munia Lonchura malabarica (=Indian Silverbill)

Four at Yala NP on 25th.

White-rumped Munia Lonchura striata (=Striated or Sharp-tailed Munia)

25 at tea-stop near Bodhinagala Forest on 18th, plus singles in garden of hotel at Ratnapura on 20th-21st.

Black-throated Munia Lonchura kelaarti (=Sri Lanka/Ceylon Hill Munia) ENDEMIC
Poor views of about four near Sinharaja Forest HQ on 21st, and superb views of some 20 birds by a marsh between Nuwara Eliya and Pattipola on 27th. Recently separated from Black-throated or Rufous-bellied Munia of the mainland, the latter then becomes L. jerdoni.

Nutmeg Mannikin Lonchura punctulata (=Spotted or Scaly-breasted Munia)

Widely recorded in small numbers, with an exceptional roost gathering of 300 plus at Udawalawe NP on 23rd.

Black-headed Munia Lonchura malacca (=Chestnut Munia)

After some 20 at Udawalawe NP on 23rd, seen in small numbers at Bundala, Tissa and Yala.

;

Indian Flying Fox Pteropus giganteus

Several colonies found, impressive in flight !

Toque Macaque Macaca sinica

Often encountered in forests, particularly memorable at Kandy when about 100 filed past as if inspecting us.

Hanuman or Common Langur Presbytis entellus

Common in dry forest at Bundala and Yala NPs.

Purple-faced Langur (Leaf Monkey) Presbytis vetulus vetulus

Several at Bodhinagala Forest on 18th, also heard or seen briefly at Kitulgala Forest, Sinharaja Forest and Gilimale Forest.

Bear Monkey Presbytis vetulus senex

The shaggier-coated highland subspecies of the previous, seen in misty conditions at Hakgala Botanical Gardens on 27th.

Common Jackal Canis aureus

Two in Yala NP on 25th..

Small Indian Civet Viverricula indica

One crossed road just before dawn near Ratnapura on 21st.

Indian Brown Mongoose Herpestes fuscus

Several scattered animals seen.

Ruddy Mongoose Herpestes smithii

Two seen by one jeep in Yala NP on 25th; a dead one in road at Yala next day.

Jungle Cat Felis chaus

One seen briefly by the lead jeep at Udawalawe NP on 23rd.

Leopard Panthera pardus

Fresh footprints on track in Sinharaja Forest was the nearest we got to one!

Indian Elephant Elephas maximus

About 40 at Udawalawe NP on 23rd, one at Bundala on 24th and one at Yala NP on 25th.

Indian Chevrotain (Mouse-deer) Moschiola meminna

One seen by Nigel and Deepal as it quickly crossed the track at Bundala on 24th.

Wild Boar Sus scrofa

30 at Yala NP on 25th.

Chital (Spotted Deer) Cervus axis

10 at Udawalawe NP on 23rd and ca50 at Yala NP on 25th.

Sambar Cervus unicolor

A hand-reared but full-size doe at Yala NP on 25th.

Wild Water Buffalo Bubalus arnee

Several at waterholes in Yala NP on 25th.

Grizzled Giant Squirrel Rafula macroura

Frequent in forests of wet zone.

Indian Palm Squirrel Funambulus palmarum

Widespread.

Dusky Striped Squirrel Funambulus sublineatus

Recorded at Kitulgala Forest and Sinharaja Forest.

Indian Hare Lepus nigricollis

Four at Yala NP on 25th and two en route to Horton Plains from Nuwara Eliya on 27th..

;

Mugger Crocodile Crocodylus palustris

Mud or Flap-shell Terrapin Lisssemys punctata

Starred Tortoise Geochelone elegans

Southern House Gecko Hemidactylus frenatus

Kangaroo Lizard Ctocryptis wiegmanni

Common Garden Lizard Calotes versicolor

Southern Green Calotes Calotes calotes

Common Skink Mabuya carinata

Common Indian Monitor Varanus bengalensis

Water Monitor Varanus salvator

Common Rat Snake Ptyas mucosus

Common Krait Bungarus caeruleus

(based on list supplied by participants Anne-Marie and Chris Smout)

Common Birdwing Troides helena Tree Nymph Idea lynceus

Crimson Rose Pachliopta hector Common Hedge Blue Actolepis puspa

Tailed Jay Graphium agamemnon Quaker Neopithecops zalmora

Lime Butterfly Papilio demoleus Lesser Grass Blue Zizina otis

Red Helen Papilio helenus Dark Grass Blue Zizeeria karsandra

Blue Mormon Papilio polymnestor Tiny Grass Blue Zizula gaika

Common Mormon Papilio polytes Long-tailed Blue Lampides boeticus

Common Emigrant Catospsilia crocale Plains Cupid Euchrysops pandava

Lemon Emigrant Catospsilia (crocale) pomona Forget-me-not Catochrysops strabo

Common Grass Yellow Eurema hecabe Angled Pierrot Caleta caleta

Small Grass Yellow Eurema brigitta Pale Ceylon 6-line Blue Nacaduba sinhala

Three-spot Grass Yellow Eurema blanda Indian Dart Potanthus pseudomaesa

Common Jezebel Delias eucharis

Psyche Leptosia nina

Common Gull Cepora nerissa

Pioneer Anaphaeis aurota

Common Albatross Appias albina

Ceylon Lesser Albatross Appias paulina

Yellow Orange-tip Ixias pyrene

White Orange-tip Ixias marianne

Small Salmon Arab Colotis amata

Common Evening Brown Melanitis leda

Dark Evening Brown Melanitis phedima

White Four-ring Ypthima ceylonica

Common Leopard Phalanta phalantha

Common Sailer Neptis hylas

Commander Limenitis procris

Clipper Parthenos sylvia

Lemon Pansy Junonia lemonias

Grey Pansy Junonia atlites

Chocolate Soldier/Pansy Junonia iphita

Danaid Eggfly Hypolimnas misippus

Blue Tiger Tirumala limniace

Dark Blue Tiger Tirumala septentrionis

Glassy Tiger Parantica aglea

Blue Glassy Tiger Danaus similis

Plain Tiger Danaus chrysippus

Common Palmfly Elymnias hypermnestra

Brown King Crow Euploea klugii

Common Indian Crow Euploea core