Bird Watching in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is truly a paradise for birds and a fascinating birding destination for viewing a great variety within a relatively short period with more than 450 bird species comprising of endemic, resident and migrants especially around the bird sanctuaries and wetland reserves in the south east of the island.

Bundala National Park situated in the southeast part of the country in the semi arid zone in southern Sri Lanka is an internationally important wintering ground in for migratory water birds provide an excellent chance of observing a wonderful diversity of Sri Lankan avian fauna. Bundala harbors 197 species, the highlight being the Greater Flamingo, which migrates in large flocks. Bundala was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and redesigned to a national park in 1993.

The main attraction of the Bundala is the birdlife, especially waders. There are both resident and migratory species. Greater Flamingo, Spot-billed Pelican, Lesser Adjutant and Black-necked Stork are among the large birds. Large flocks of terns, gulls, sand-pipers, snipes, teals, cormorants, egrets and many more water birds are commonly seen.

Greater Flamingo which visits in large flocks of over 1,000 individuals, from Rann of Kutch of India is being the highlight in the past. Other water birds which are present in large numbers include Lesser Whistling Duck, Garganey, Little Cormorant, Indian Cormorant, Grey Heron, Black-headed Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill Asian Openbill, Painted Stork, medium sized waders, Tringa subspecies, and small waders, Charadrius subspecies. Black-necked Stork, Lesser Adjutant and Eurasian Coot are rare birds inhabit in the national park.

Other than bird watching, ways you can enjoy at Bundala National park includes luxury camping, wild life safari, photography and filming and many more…