Bird watching in Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Birdwatching in Sinharaja Forest reserve is a one of the famous destinations for birdwatchers. It is home to 186 bird species and out of the 34 endemic bird species, 31 have recorded from Sri Lanka.

Sinharaja Bird Wave – Largest bird wave in the world

Tropical rain forests are well recognized for the evolution of mixed-species feeding flocks with comprehensible and steady social dynamics. Good examples of these are the mixed species flocks in Sinharaja. It is also the highlight of the bird watching in Sinharaja forest reserve. These flocks give life to the forest which under normal conditions is calm and uneventful.

The constant data collected over two decades in Sinharaja have shown them to be the largest bird waves in the world. Flock averaged around 42 individuals and 11 species. In total, 59 bird species have been observed to participate in feeding flocks including 18 endemic species. Collected data shows that 21 species are regular, in the sense that they have found in more than 25% of the flocks.

Some of the endemic birds that you can spot,

Sri Lanka Spurfowl

Sri Lanka Junglefowl

Sri Lanka Wood-pigeon

Sri Lanka Green-pigeon

Sri Lanka Red-faced Malkoha

Sri Lanka Green-billed Coucal

Sri Lanka Chestnut-backed Owlet

Sri Lanka Serendib Scops-owl

Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill

Sri Lanka Yellow-fronted Barbet

Sri Lanka Hanging-parrot

Sri Lanka Blue-Magpie

Sri Lanka Orange-billed Babbler

Sri Lanka Myna

Sri Lanka White-faced Starling

Sri Lanka Drongo

Sri Lanka Black-capped Bulbul

Sri Lanka White-throated Flowerpecker

Best time to visit and best entrance for birding

• August to March is the best time to visit
• Kudawa entrance is the best for bird watching

IMPORTANT FACTORS

• Personal effects for Warm/Windy/Rainy conditions should be carried by clients
• Insect repellent, Sunburn lotion etc. are recommended
• Special dietary requirements should be notified in advance.
• Clients must have good pair of Shoes/boots, leech socks, long sleeve t-shirts and pants…
• The experienced and well-trained guide would take every precaution to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all guests on tour as your safety is our prime concern. However, Paradise Island Safari or its employees do not accept any liability for death, injury or illness of guest while on tour caused by any animal, reptile, insect, and events of nature or any type of accident.