Birds of Sri Lanka

Tucked away on Sri Lanka's northwestern coast, Wilpattu National Park is a hidden gem that offers a raw and untamed glimpse into the island’s wild heart. Wilpattu is renowned for its unique landscape and incredible variety of wildlife. The Park holds a special place among Sri Lanka’s protected areas, captivating both birdwatchers and big game enthusiasts alike. This is my attempt to capture the magic I experienced.

In one of the most abused ecosystems in Sri Lanka, among mounds of garbage, the beauty of nature still shines. The story of Kerawalapitiya.

A photo journal on birdlife around Thalangama Lake in the outskirts of Colombo.

Sri Lanka’s central highlands are a region of remarkable natural beauty, home to a diverse range of ecosystems. In my view, the crown jewel of this highland landscape is Horton Plains National Park—a stunning plateau encircled by some of the highest peaks in the country. This is a capture of my experience during the excursions into the great Horton Plains.

As the second most populous district in Sri Lanka, Gampaha is not typically regarded as a hotspot for birdwatching. Remarkably, some specialist species continue to survive—and even thrive—in these altered landscapes. Nestled amidst waterways, paddy fields, and an abundance of fruit-bearing trees, the place I worked closer to Gampaha city turned out to be a surprising little oasis for birds. This article is a collection of photographs captured during my off-hours.

Having grown up with over two decades of news filled with war and unrest in the North, Jaffna has always been an enigma to me—a distant land wrapped in mystery, history, and a sense of the unknown. When I finally had the time and means to visit, that quiet fascination only deepened. Jaffna revealed itself as a place of profound beauty and singular character, truly a unique gem within the borders of my small island.

For someone serious about birds in Sri Lanka, Mannar is a destination you will visit again and again. The road from Mannar to Jaffna through Pooneryn is a must-visit as it goes through flat, arid but rich birding sites. It's a beautiful drive. This blog post is about that super adventure.

Sinharaja Rain Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve, is one of the last untouched rainforests in Sri Lanka. This lush sanctuary is a surviving fragment of the vast forest that once blanketed the island’s southwest wet zone. Teeming with life, Sinharaja is home to an incredible array of endemic species—from vibrant birds to unique reptiles, insects, and plant life. For any true nature enthusiast, a visit here is an absolute must.

Tucked away in the deep south of Sri Lanka lies a narrow strip of jungle and wetland that holds immense ecological significance. This remarkable area serves as a vital wintering ground for migratory waterbirds arriving from across the globe. It proudly holds the distinction of being Sri Lanka’s very first RAMSAR site and has also been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve—a testament to its unique biodiversity and global environmental value.

A novice’s log of a journey to beautiful Mannar. Its unique landscapes and amazing birdlife make Mannar a must-visit hotspot for any birding enthusiast.