Serendib Scops Owl
First heard in Kitulgala in 1995, first seen in Sinharaja in 2001, and described as new to science in 2004. It was there all along.
Green-billed Coucal
A deep two-note call comes out of a bamboo thicket. The bird stays hidden, and the pale bill is often all you will see.
Red-faced Malkoha
It climbs through the canopy like a squirrel, and it depends on tall, undisturbed forest. Few birds say more about the health of a forest.
Layard’s Parakeet
Most parakeets shout their way across the sky. Follow the softer call and find the grey head.
Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot
It sleeps hanging upside down like a bat. Look up into the flowering trees, and then look again at what you took for a leaf.
Sri Lanka Green Pigeon
In a fruiting fig the whole flock vanishes against the leaves. Watch for what moves, not for what is green.
Sri Lanka Junglefowl
The national bird of Sri Lanka. Everyone thinks they know a chicken, until the light finds that comb.
Sri Lanka Spurfowl
The Latin name means two-spurred. You will usually hear this bird long before a shadow moves on the forest floor.