Birds in Sri Lanka
Bird Distribution
Bird distribution in Sri Lanka is largely determined by its climatic zones. The dry zone is largest of the three, covering more than half of the island, with a prolonged dry and hot period and only one monsoon (the north east monsoon from Oct to Jan)
Birds Life
Sri Lanka is a tropical island situated close to the southern tip of India. The bird life of sri Lanka is very rich for its size and 505 species have been recorded
Endemic Birds
26 species are confirmed as endemic. The other resident species are also found in the nearby Indian mainland, but over 80 have developed distinct Sri Lankan races.
Endemic birds of Sri Lanka
Endemic Bird Species
Sri Lanka is home to 34 endemic bird species. The total number of bird species recorded in the island is 492 of which 219 are breeding residents. BirdLife International recognize Sri Lanka as one of the world’s Endemic Bird Areas (EBAs).
Endemic Bird Spots
The Kithulgala & Sinharaja forest reserves in the low lands are among the top spots to view a majority of these endemics. Horton Plains National Park in the hills is the best place to catch the endemics that enjoy their life at altitude.
Endemic Bird Figures
The number of endemic species has changed many times over the years. This is largely due to “close taxonomic revisions”. The number of endemic species has fluctuated from a minimum 20 to a maximum 47.
Protecting Birds
Getting Involved
it”s difficult to conduct further studies into a species due to the birds’ elusive nature, or an overall lack of awareness of and interest in birds. We spoke to environmentalist and bird enthusiast, to learn more about the ten species of birds who may soon cease to exist on the island.
Habitat Loss
It is little surprise, then, that habitat loss is the greatest threat to birds. There are few habitats on Earth that have not been affected by humans. As we modify and reshape the land around us, we damage or destroy natural habitat for birds.
