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Kumana National Park – A Birdwatcher’s Paradise in Sri Lanka-by Kalani-eLanka Kumana National Park, located on the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka in the Ampara District, is one of the island’s premier destinations for birdwatching and wildlife experiences. Covering an area of approximately 35,665 hectares, the park is part of the larger Yala East National Park and is renowned for its tranquil beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance. History and Location Kumana National Park was originally declared a bird sanctuary in 1938 and was later designated as a national park in 1970. It borders the more famous Yala National Park, but unlike Yala, Kumana offers a quieter, more serene safari experience. The park lies about 391 kilometers from Colombo, making it accessible by road for both local and international travelers. Wildlife and Birdlife Kumana is especially famous for its wetlands and mangrove swamps, which provide an ideal habitat for a ...

May 5, 2025 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Kalani Prabodha Tagged Arugam Bay, Birdwatching in Sri Lanka, Kumana National Park, Kumana Villu, Panama Village, Sri Lankan Leopard, Yala East National Park

Whispers of the Rainforest: The Enigmatic Serendib Scops Owl of Sri Lanka – By Malsha – eLanka Image Source : endemicbirds.blogspot.com Nestled deep within the lush, mist-laden rainforests of Sri Lanka lives a rare and mysterious bird—the Serendib Scops Owl (Otus thilohoffmanni), a species that eluded science until the dawn of the 21st century. First discovered in 2001 by ornithologist Dr. Deepal Warakagoda, this small and elusive owl remains one of the most remarkable avian discoveries of recent decades, symbolizing both the island’s incredible biodiversity and the urgent need for rainforest conservation. A Unique Discovery The Serendib Scops Owl is the first new bird species to be discovered in Sri Lanka since 1868. What makes this owl particularly unique is that it lacks the prominent ear tufts seen in most other scops owls, giving it a more rounded appearance. Its plumage is rich brown with subtle markings, allowing it to blend ...

May 2, 2025 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Malsha Madhuhansi Tagged Birds of Sinharaja Forest, Birdwatching in Sri Lanka, Endangered owls in Asia, Exotic owls of the world, Otus thilohoffmanni, Rare owls of Sri Lanka, Serendib Scops Owl, Sri Lankan endemic birds, Wet zone forest birds Sri Lanka, wildlife of Sri Lanka

Indian Paradise Flycatcher: The Enchanting Sudu Redi Hora – By Nadeeka – eLanka The Indian Paradise Flycatcher, scientifically known as Terpsiphone paradisi, is one of the most elegant and mesmerizing birds found across the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka. Locally referred to as “Sudu Redi Hora,” which translates to “the thief of white cloth,” this bird has captured the imagination of many for its remarkable beauty and graceful flight. The name derives from the bird’s flowing, ribbon-like tail feathers, which resemble delicate strips of white silk fluttering through the air, evoking an image of stolen cloth carried away by the wind. The male Indian Paradise Flycatcher is especially striking during the breeding season, with its glossy black head, shimmering white or rufous plumage, and extraordinarily long tail feathers, which can extend up to thirty centimeters. These ribbon-like tail streamers trail behind them as they dart through the air, creating an ...

Nov 23, 2024 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Nadeeka Kumari Tagged bird with long tail feathers, Birds of Sri Lanka, birds of the Indian subcontinent, Birdwatching in Sri Lanka, conservation of Indian Paradise Flycatcher, elegant birds in Sri Lanka, forest birds, graceful birds, Indian Paradise Flycatcher, Indian Paradise Flycatcher diet, Indian Paradise Flycatcher habitat, Indian Paradise Flycatcher in Sri Lanka, Indian Paradise Flycatcher song, long-tailed birds, rare birds in Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan wildlife, stunning birds., Sudu Redi Hora, Terpsiphone paradisi, tropical forest birds

Centropus chlororhynchos (Ati Kukula): The Unique Sri Lankan Coucal – By Bhanuka – eLanka Centropus chlororhynchos, commonly known as the Sri Lankan Green-billed Coucal or locally as Ati Kukula, is an extraordinary bird endemic to the wet zone forests of Sri Lanka. This elusive and striking bird, with its distinctive green bill and unique call, holds a special place in the island’s rich biodiversity. Often heard before it is seen, the Ati Kukula is a symbol of Sri Lanka’s tropical rainforests and an important part of the country’s avifaunal heritage. Physical Description The Sri Lankan Green-billed Coucal is a medium-sized bird characterized by its striking green bill, which sets it apart from other coucals. It has a robust, glossy black body, a chestnut-brown back, and a long, broad tail. The bird’s iridescent blue-black plumage glistens in sunlight, making it a beautiful sight against the lush green backdrop of Sri Lanka’s ...

Sep 24, 2024 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Bhanuka Nuwan Tagged Ati Kukula bird, Birds of the Knuckles Mountain Range, Birdwatching in Sri Lanka, Centropus chlororhynchos, Conservation of Coucal species, Coucal species in Sri Lanka, Ecological importance of coucals, Endemic birds of Sri Lanka, Green-billed Coucal habitat, Rare birds of Sri Lanka, Sinharaja Forest birds, Sri Lanka bird conservation, Sri Lankan Green-billed Coucal, Sri Lankan rainforest birds, Wildlife in Sri Lanka’s rainforests

Sri Lanka Junglefowl: A Vibrant Symbol of Natural Heritage – By Nadeeka – eLanka Sri Lanka, an island nation nestled in the Indian Ocean, is not only renowned for its rich cultural tapestry but also for its diverse and unique wildlife. Among the fascinating species that call this tropical paradise home, the Sri Lanka Junglefowl stands out as a vibrant symbol of the island’s natural heritage. Let’s delve into the intriguing world of this colorful bird, exploring its characteristics, significance, and the role it plays in the island’s ecosystems. Introduction to the Sri Lanka Junglefowl: The Sri Lanka Junglefowl (Gallus lafayettii) is a species of bird endemic to the island, making it a true representative of the country’s biodiversity. Belonging to the family Phasianidae, this bird is closely related to the common domestic chicken but possesses distinct features that set it apart. Distinctive Features: The male Sri Lanka Junglefowl is ...

Jan 23, 2024 Posted by eLanka admin In Articles, Nadeeka Kumari Tagged Birds of Sri Lanka, Birdwatching in Sri Lanka, Conservation of junglefowl, Courtship displays of junglefowl, Diurnal bird species, Endemic bird species, Gallus lafayettii, Junglefowl behavior, Junglefowl habitat, National bird of Sri Lanka, National symbols of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka - Wildlife, Sri Lanka biodiversity, Sri Lanka bird conservation, Sri Lanka bird identification, Sri Lanka birdwatching tours, Sri Lanka cultural symbol, Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Sri Lanka wildlife reserves