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SPECIALTIES

SRI LANKA BIRD CHECKLIST

ASIA
SRI LANKA

# Species:519
# Excl Vagrants:350
# Endemics:33
# Near Endemics:32

OTHER COUNTRIES
IN ASIA

BIRDING LOCALES

§ Includes Sarawak, Sabah, & Kalimantan
§§ Excludes Taiwan
§§§ Includes Wallacea but excludes Kalimantan (Borneo) and West Papua New Guinea & nearby islands
§§§§ Excludes Sarawak and Sabah on Borneo

PRESENCE CODES

CodeDescription##
//Boreal Visitor92
\\Austral Visitor0
||Transient3
##Non-breeding Dispersal9
<>Erratic/Irregular0
()Breeding Season Only0
{}Casual/Vagrant1
[]Accidental168

STATUS CODES

CodeDescription##
NTNear Threatened38
VVulnerable19
ENEndangered6
CRCritically Endangered3

Species counts in code tables depend on completeness of the data. For some countries or locales, data may not include all species or information on species presence may be incomplete.

List of all species known to occur in the country. Table indicates whether each species is globally threatened or endangered according to the IUCN and also whether it is migratory, very rare, or accidental in the country. See sidebar for meaning of location codes and symbols associated with common names.*

color codes

 
Ducks: Anatidae

1[Fulvous Whistling-Duck]Dendrocygna bicolor 
2/Lesser Whistling-Duck/Dendrocygna javanicaMany
3[Bar-headed Goose]Anser indicus 
4[Graylag Goose]Anser anser 
5/Knob-billed Duck/Sarkidiornis melanotosYNP
6[Ruddy Shelduck]Tadorna ferrugineaBNP
7Cotton Pygmy-GooseNettapus coromandelianusBNP,TL,YNP
8/Garganey/Spatula querquedulaBNP,TL,YNP
9/Northern Shoveler/Spatula clypeataBNP,YNP
10/Gadwall/Mareca strepera 
11/Eurasian Wigeon/Mareca penelopeBNP
12Indian Spot-billed DuckAnas poecilorhynchaBNP,YNP
13[Mallard]Anas platyrhynchosKDY
14/Northern Pintail/Anas acutaBNP,TL,YNP
15/Green-winged Teal/Anas creccaBNP,TL,YNP
16[Marbled Duck]Marmaronetta angustirostris 
17[Red-crested Pochard]Netta rufina 
18[Common Pochard]Aythya ferina 
19[Ferruginous Duck]Aythya nyroca 
20[Tufted Duck]Aythya fuligula 

 
Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies: Phasianidae

21Indian PeafowlPavo cristatusMany
22Sri Lanka SpurfowlGalloperdix bicalcarataMany
23Sri Lanka JunglefowlGallus lafayettiiMany
24Gray FrancolinOrtygornis pondicerianus 
25Painted FrancolinFrancolinus pictus 
26Blue-breasted QuailSynoicus chinensisBNP,UNP
27[Common Quail]Coturnix coturnix 
28[Rain Quail]Coturnix coromandelica 
29Jungle Bush-QuailPerdicula asiatica 

 
Flamingos: Phoenicopteridae

30/Greater Flamingo/Phoenicopterus roseusBNP,YNP
31[Lesser Flamingo]Phoenicoparrus minor 

 
Grebes: Podicipedidae

32Little GrebeTachybaptus ruficollisMany

 
Pigeons and Doves: Columbidae

33Rock PigeonColumba liviaMany
34Sri Lanka Wood-PigeonColumba torringtoniaeHP,KDY,KFR,NE,SFR
35[Pale-capped Pigeon]Columba punicea 
36Oriental Turtle-DoveStreptopelia orientalisBNP
37Eurasian Collared-DoveStreptopelia decaoctoMany
38[Red Collared-Dove]Streptopelia tranquebarica 
39Spotted DoveSpilopelia chinensisMany
40Asian Emerald DoveChalcophaps indicaBNP,KFR,SFR,TL
41Orange-breasted Green-PigeonTreron bicinctusMany
42Sri Lanka Green-PigeonTreron pompadoraMany
43Yellow-footed Green-PigeonTreron phoenicopterus 
44Green Imperial-PigeonDucula aeneaMany

 
Cuckoos: Cuculidae

45Indian CuckooCuculus micropterusMany
46/Common Cuckoo/Cuculus canorus 
47/Lesser Cuckoo/Cuculus poliocephalusBNP,HP,KFR,SFR,YNP
48Greater CoucalCentropus sinensisMany
49Green-billed CoucalCentropus chlororhynchosHP,KFR,NE,SFR
50[Lesser Coucal]Centropus bengalensis 
51Sirkeer MalkohaTaccocua leschenaultiiBNP,SFR,TL,UNP,YNP
52Blue-faced MalkohaPhaenicophaeus viridirostrisMany
53Red-faced MalkohaPhaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalusKFR,NE,SFR,YNP
54Pied CuckooClamator jacobinusMany
55Chestnut-winged CuckooClamator coromandusBNP,HP,SFR,UNP,YNP
56Asian KoelEudynamys scolopaceusMany
57[Asian Emerald Cuckoo]Chrysococcyx maculatus 
58Fork-tailed Drongo-CuckooSurniculus dicruroidesBNP,KDY,SFR,YNP
59Common Hawk-CuckooHierococcyx variusMany
60Banded Bay CuckooCacomantis sonneratiiKFR,NE,SFR,YNP
61Gray-bellied CuckooCacomantis passerinusMany

 
Frogmouths: Podargidae

62Sri Lanka FrogmouthBatrachostomus moniligerHP,KFR,SFR

 
Nightjars and Allies: Caprimulgidae

63[Great Eared-Nightjar]Lyncornis macrotis 
64Jungle NightjarCaprimulgus indicusBNP,KFR,TL,YNP
65Jerdon's NightjarCaprimulgus atripennisMany
66Indian NightjarCaprimulgus asiaticusMany

 
Swifts: Apodidae

67[White-throated Needletail]Hirundapus caudacutus 
68Brown-backed NeedletailHirundapus giganteusMany
69Indian SwiftletAerodramus unicolorMany
70[Himalayan Swiftlet]Aerodramus brevirostris 
71Alpine SwiftTachymarptis melbaMany
72[Common Swift]Apus apus 
73[Pallid Swift]Apus pallidus 
74[Blyth's Swift]Apus leuconyxYNP
75[Dark-rumped Swift]Apus acuticauda 
76Little SwiftApus affinisMany
77Asian Palm SwiftCypsiurus balasiensisMany

 
Treeswifts: Hemiprocnidae

78Crested TreeswiftHemiprocne coronataMany

 
Rails, Gallinules, and Coots: Rallidae

79[Water Rail]Rallus aquaticus 
80[Brown-cheeked Rail]Rallus indicus 
81[Corn Crake]Crex crex 
82Slaty-breasted RailLewinia striatusBNP,TL
83Eurasian MoorhenGallinula chloropusBNP,SFR,TL,UNP,YNP
84Eurasian CootFulica atraBNP,SFR,TL,YNP
85Gray-headed SwamphenPorphyrio poliocephalusMany
86WatercockGallicrex cinereaBNP,TL,YNP
87White-breasted WaterhenAmaurornis phoenicurusMany
88Slaty-legged CrakeRallina eurizonoidesMany
89Ruddy-breasted CrakeZapornia fuscaBNP,SFR,TL,UNP,YNP
90/Baillon's Crake/Zapornia pusillaBNP,YNP

 
Thick-knees: Burhinidae

91Great Thick-kneeEsacus recurvirostrisMany
92Indian Thick-kneeBurhinus indicusBNP,SFR,TL,UNP,YNP

 
Stilts and Avocets: Recurvirostridae

93Black-winged StiltHimantopus himantopusMany
94/Pied Avocet/Recurvirostra avosettaBNP,YNP

 
Ibisbill: Ibidorhynchidae

95[Ibisbill]Ibidorhyncha struthersii 

 
Oystercatchers: Haematopodidae

96/Eurasian Oystercatcher/Haematopus ostralegusBNP

 
Plovers and Lapwings: Charadriidae

97/Black-bellied Plover/Pluvialis squatarolaBNP,SFR,TL,UNP,YNP
98/Pacific Golden-Plover/Pluvialis fulvaBNP,SFR,TL,UNP,YNP
99/Common Ringed Plover/Charadrius hiaticulaBNP,SFR,TL,YNP
100Little Ringed PloverCharadrius dubiusBNP,TL,UNP,YNP
101[Long-billed Plover]Charadrius placidus 
102Yellow-wattled LapwingVanellus malabaricusBNP,SFR,TL,UNP,YNP
103[Gray-headed Lapwing]Vanellus cinereusYNP
104Red-wattled LapwingVanellus indicusMany
105[Sociable Lapwing]Vanellus gregarius 
106[Caspian Plover]Anarhynchus asiaticus 
107[Oriental Plover]Anarhynchus veredus 
108/Tibetan Sand-Plover/Anarhynchus atrifronsBNP,SFR,TL,UNP,YNP
109/Greater Sand-Plover/Anarhynchus leschenaultiiBNP,TL,UNP,YNP
110Kentish PloverAnarhynchus alexandrinusBNP,SFR,TL,UNP,YNP

 
Painted-Snipes: Rostratulidae

111Greater Painted-SnipeRostratula benghalensisBNP,KDY,TL,YNP

 
Jacanas: Jacanidae

112Pheasant-tailed JacanaHydrophasianus chirurgusMany

 
Sandpipers and Allies: Scolopacidae

113/Whimbrel/Numenius phaeopusBNP,YNP
114[Little Curlew]Numenius minutus 
115[Slender-billed Curlew]Numenius tenuirostris 
116/Eurasian Curlew/Numenius arquataBNP,TL,YNP
117/Bar-tailed Godwit/Limosa lapponicaBNP,TL,YNP
118/Black-tailed Godwit/Limosa limosaBNP,SFR,TL,UNP,YNP
119[Asian Dowitcher]Limnodromus semipalmatusBNP
120[Jack Snipe]Lymnocryptes minimus 
121/Eurasian Woodcock/Scolopax rusticola 
122[Wood Snipe]Gallinago nemoricola 
123[Great Snipe]Gallinago media 
124[Swinhoe's Snipe]Gallinago megala 
125/Pin-tailed Snipe/Gallinago stenuraMany
126/Common Snipe/Gallinago gallinagoBNP,TL
127[Wilson's Phalarope]Phalaropus tricolor 
128[Red Phalarope]Phalaropus fulicarius 
129/Red-necked Phalarope/Phalaropus lobatusBNP,TL,YNP
130/Terek Sandpiper/Xenus cinereusBNP,YNP
131/Common Sandpiper/Actitis hypoleucosMany
132[Spotted Sandpiper]Actitis macularius 
133/Green Sandpiper/Tringa ochropusMany
134[Solitary Sandpiper]Tringa solitaria 
135/Marsh Sandpiper/Tringa stagnatilisBNP,SFR,TL,UNP,YNP
136/Wood Sandpiper/Tringa glareolaBNP,SFR,TL,UNP,YNP
137/Common Redshank/Tringa totanusBNP,SFR,TL,UNP,YNP
138[Nordmann's Greenshank]Tringa guttifer 
139[Spotted Redshank]Tringa erythropusBNP,YNP
140/Common Greenshank/Tringa nebulariaBNP,SFR,TL,UNP,YNP
141/Ruddy Turnstone/Arenaria interpresBNP,SFR,TL,UNP,YNP
142/Great Knot/Calidris tenuirostrisBNP,TL,YNP
143/Red Knot/Calidris canutusBNP
144/Ruff/Calidris pugnaxBNP,TL,YNP
145/Broad-billed Sandpiper/Calidris falcinellusBNP,TL,YNP
146[Sharp-tailed Sandpiper]Calidris acuminataBNP
147/Curlew Sandpiper/Calidris ferrugineaBNP,TL,YNP
148/Temminck's Stint/Calidris temminckiiBNP,YNP
149/Long-toed Stint/Calidris subminutaBNP,YNP
150[Red-necked Stint]Calidris ruficollisBNP
151[Spoon-billed Sandpiper]Calidris pygmaea 
152[Buff-breasted Sandpiper]Calidris subruficollis 
153/Sanderling/Calidris albaBNP,TL,YNP
154[Dunlin]Calidris alpina 
155/Little Stint/Calidris minutaBNP,SFR,TL,UNP,YNP
156[White-rumped Sandpiper]Calidris fuscicollis 
157[Pectoral Sandpiper]Calidris melanotos 

 
Buttonquail: Turnicidae

158Barred ButtonquailTurnix suscitatorMany
159[Small Buttonquail]Turnix sylvaticus 

 
Crab Plover: Dromadidae

160Crab-PloverDromas ardeolaBNP,YNP

 
Pratincoles and Coursers: Glareolidae

161{Indian Courser}Cursorius coromandelicus 
162Small PratincoleGlareola lacteaBNP,NE,TL,YNP
163Oriental PratincoleGlareola maldivarumBNP,TL,YNP
164Black-winged PratincoleGlareola nordmanni 
165/Collared Pratincole/Glareola pratincolaBNP

 
Skuas and Jaegers: Stercorariidae

166[Long-tailed Jaeger]Stercorarius longicaudus 
167[Parasitic Jaeger]Stercorarius parasiticus 
168|Pomarine Jaeger|Stercorarius pomarinus 
169[South Polar Skua]Stercorarius maccormicki 

 
Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers: Laridae

170[Slender-billed Gull]Chroicocephalus geneiBNP
171/Black-headed Gull/Chroicocephalus ridibundusBNP
172/Brown-headed Gull/Chroicocephalus brunnicephalusBNP,YNP
173/Pallas's Gull/Ichthyaetus ichthyaetusBNP,YNP
174[Sooty Gull]Ichthyaetus hemprichii 
175/Lesser Black-backed Gull/Larus fuscus 
176[White Tern]Gygis alba 
177#Brown Noddy#Anous stolidusBNP
178/Lesser Noddy/Anous tenuirostris 
179[Black Noddy]Anous minutus 
180|Sooty Tern|Onychoprion fuscatus 
181|Bridled Tern|Onychoprion anaethetusBNP,TL,YNP
182Little TernSternula albifronsBNP,SFR,TL,UNP,YNP
183Saunders's TernSternula saundersiBNP
184/Gull-billed Tern/Gelochelidon niloticaMany
185/Caspian Tern/Hydroprogne caspiaBNP,SFR,TL,UNP,YNP
186/Whiskered Tern/Chlidonias hybridaMany
187[Black Tern]Chlidonias nigerBNP
188/White-winged Tern/Chlidonias leucopterusBNP,SFR,TL,UNP,YNP
189Roseate TernSterna dougalliiBNP,YNP
190/Common Tern/Sterna hirundoBNP,TL,UNP,YNP
191[White-cheeked Tern]Sterna repressa 
192[Black-naped Tern]Sterna sumatrana 
193Lesser Crested TernThalasseus bengalensisBNP,TL,YNP
194Sandwich TernThalasseus sandvicensisBNP,YNP
195Great Crested TernThalasseus bergiiBNP,TL,UNP,YNP

 
Tropicbirds: Phaethontidae

196#White-tailed Tropicbird#Phaethon lepturusBNP
197#Red-billed Tropicbird#Phaethon aethereus 

 
Southern Storm-Petrels: Oceanitidae

198#Wilson's Storm-Petrel#Oceanites oceanicusBNP
199[Black-bellied Storm-Petrel]Fregetta tropica 

 
Northern Storm-Petrels: Hydrobatidae

200[Swinhoe's Storm-Petrel]Hydrobates monorhis 

 
Shearwaters and Petrels: Procellariidae

201[Cape Petrel]Daption capense 
202[Soft-plumaged Petrel]Pterodroma mollis 
203[Barau's Petrel]Pterodroma baraui 
204[White-headed Petrel]Pterodroma lessonii 
205[Bulwer's Petrel]Bulweria bulwerii 
206#Jouanin's Petrel#Bulweria fallax 
207[Streaked Shearwater]Calonectris leucomelas 
208Flesh-footed ShearwaterArdenna carneipesBNP
209Wedge-tailed ShearwaterArdenna pacificus 
210[Sooty Shearwater]Ardenna griseus 
211[Short-tailed Shearwater]Ardenna tenuirostris 
212[Tropical Shearwater]Puffinus bailloni 
213#Persian Shearwater#Puffinus persicusBNP

 
Storks: Ciconiidae

214Asian OpenbillAnastomus oscitansMany
215[Black Stork]Ciconia nigra 
216Asian Woolly-necked StorkCiconia episcopusMany
217/White Stork/Ciconia ciconia 
218Black-necked StorkEphippiorhynchus asiaticusBNP,TL,YNP
219/Lesser Adjutant/Leptoptilos javanicusBNP,KFR,TL,UNP,YNP
220Painted StorkMycteria leucocephalaMany

 
Frigatebirds: Fregatidae

221[Lesser Frigatebird]Fregata ariel 
222[Great Frigatebird]Fregata minor 
223[Christmas Island Frigatebird]Fregata andrewsi 

 
Boobies and Gannets: Sulidae

224#Red-footed Booby#Sula sula 
225#Brown Booby#Sula leucogaster 
226#Masked Booby#Sula dactylatra 

 
Anhingas: Anhingidae

227Oriental DarterAnhinga melanogasterMany

 
Cormorants and Shags: Phalacrocoracidae

228Little CormorantMicrocarbo nigerMany
229Great CormorantPhalacrocorax carboMany
230Indian CormorantPhalacrocorax fuscicollisMany

 
Pelicans: Pelecanidae

231[Great White Pelican]Pelecanus onocrotalus 
232Spot-billed PelicanPelecanus philippensisMany
233[Dalmatian Pelican]Pelecanus crispus 

 
Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns: Ardeidae

234[Great Bittern]Botaurus stellaris 
235Black BitternIxobrychus flavicollisMany
236Cinnamon BitternIxobrychus cinnamomeusBNP,KDY,SFR,TL,YNP
237[Schrenck's Bittern]Ixobrychus eurhythmus 
238Yellow BitternIxobrychus sinensisBNP,KDY,TL,UNP,YNP
239Black-crowned Night HeronNycticorax nycticoraxMany
240Malayan Night HeronGorsachius melanolophusSFR,TL
241Little EgretEgretta garzettaMany
242Western Reef-HeronEgretta gularisBNP,TL,YNP
243Striated HeronButorides striataMany
244Indian Pond-HeronArdeola grayiiMany
245[Chinese Pond-Heron]Ardeola bacchus 
246Eastern Cattle EgretBubulcus coromandusMany
247Great EgretArdea albaMany
248Medium EgretArdea intermediaMany
249Gray HeronArdea cinereaMany
250Purple HeronArdea purpureaMany
251[Goliath Heron]Ardea goliath 

 
Ibises and Spoonbills: Threskiornithidae

252/Glossy Ibis/Plegadis falcinellusBNP,TL,UNP,YNP
253Black-headed IbisThreskiornis melanocephalusMany
254[Red-naped Ibis]Pseudibis papillosa 
255Eurasian SpoonbillPlatalea leucorodiaBNP,SFR,TL,UNP,YNP

 
Osprey: Pandionidae

256/Osprey/Pandion haliaetusBNP,HP,TL,UNP,YNP

 
Hawks, Eagles, and Kites: Accipitridae

257Black-winged KiteElanus caeruleusMany
258[Egyptian Vulture]Neophron percnopterus 
259European Honey-buzzardPernis apivorusMany
260Jerdon's BazaAviceda jerdoniHP,NE,SFR
261Crested Serpent-EagleSpilornis cheelaMany
262Legge's Hawk-EagleNisaetus kelaartiMany
263Changeable Hawk-EagleNisaetus cirrhatusMany
264Rufous-bellied EagleLophotriorchis kieneriiHP,KFR,NE,SFR,YNP
265Black EagleIctinaetus malaiensisMany
266[Greater Spotted Eagle]Clanga clanga 
267/Booted Eagle/Hieraaetus pennatusMany
268[Bonelli's Eagle]Aquila fasciata 
269/Western Marsh Harrier/Circus aeruginosusBNP,HP,TL,UNP,YNP
270[Eastern Marsh Harrier]Circus spilonotus 
271/Pallid Harrier/Circus macrourusBNP,HP,YNP
272[Pied Harrier]Circus melanoleucosBNP
273/Montagu's Harrier/Circus pygargusBNP,HP,YNP
274Crested GoshawkAccipiter trivirgatusMany
275ShikraAccipiter badiusMany
276BesraAccipiter virgatusMany
277[Eurasian Sparrowhawk]Accipiter nisus 
278Black KiteMilvus migransBNP,SFR,YNP
279Brahminy KiteHaliastur indusMany
280White-bellied Sea-EagleIcthyophaga leucogasterMany
281Gray-headed Fish-EagleIcthyophaga ichthyaetusBNP,KDY,TL,UNP,YNP
282/Common Buzzard/Buteo buteoMany
283[Long-legged Buzzard]Buteo rufinusHP

 
Barn-Owls: Tytonidae

284Barn OwlTyto albaTL,YNP
285Sri Lanka Bay-OwlPhodilus assimilisKFR,SFR

 
Owls: Strigidae

286Serendib Scops-OwlOtus thilohoffmanniHP,KFR,SFR
287Indian Scops-OwlOtus bakkamoenaMany
288Oriental Scops-OwlOtus suniaBNP,KDY,SFR,TL,YNP
289Brown Fish-OwlKetupa zeylonensisMany
290Spot-bellied Eagle-OwlKetupa nipalensisKFR,SFR,TL
291Jungle OwletGlaucidium radiatumBNP,SFR,TL,YNP
292Chestnut-backed OwletGlaucidium castanotumHP,KDY,KFR,NE,SFR
293Brown Wood-OwlStrix leptogrammicaMany
294Short-eared OwlAsio flammeus 
295Brown BoobookNinox scutulataKFR,SFR,YNP

 
Trogons: Trogonidae

296Malabar TrogonHarpactes fasciatusMany

 
Hoopoes: Upupidae

297Eurasian HoopoeUpupa epopsBNP,SFR,TL,UNP,YNP

 
Hornbills: Bucerotidae

298Sri Lanka Gray HornbillOcyceros gingalensisMany
299Malabar Pied-HornbillAnthracoceros coronatusMany

 
Kingfishers: Alcedinidae

300Common KingfisherAlcedo atthisMany
301Black-backed Dwarf-KingfisherCeyx erithacaMany
302Stork-billed KingfisherPelargopsis capensisMany
303White-throated KingfisherHalcyon smyrnensisMany
304Black-capped KingfisherHalcyon pileataBNP,TL,YNP
305Pied KingfisherCeryle rudisMany

 
Bee-eaters: Meropidae

306Asian Green Bee-eaterMerops orientalisMany
307/Blue-tailed Bee-eater/Merops philippinusMany
308/European Bee-eater/Merops apiasterTL,YNP
309Chestnut-headed Bee-eaterMerops leschenaultiMany

 
Rollers: Coraciidae

310[European Roller]Coracias garrulus 
311Indian RollerCoracias benghalensisMany
312Oriental DollarbirdEurystomus orientalisKFR,SFR

 
Asian Barbets: Megalaimidae

313Crimson-fronted BarbetPsilopogon rubricapillusMany
314Coppersmith BarbetPsilopogon haemacephalusMany
315Brown-headed BarbetPsilopogon zeylanicusMany
316Yellow-fronted BarbetPsilopogon flavifronsMany

 
Woodpeckers: Picidae

317[Eurasian Wryneck]Jynx torquillaYNP
318Brown-capped Pygmy WoodpeckerYungipicus nanusMany
319Yellow-crowned WoodpeckerLeiopicus mahrattensisMany
320Rufous WoodpeckerMicropternus brachyurusBNP,KDY,KFR,SFR
YNP
321Black-rumped FlamebackDinopium benghalenseMany
322Red-backed FlamebackDinopium psarodesMany
323Lesser YellownapePicus chlorolophusMany
324Streak-throated WoodpeckerPicus xanthopygaeusBNP,HP,KDY,NE,SFR
325Crimson-backed FlamebackChrysocolaptes stricklandiMany
326White-naped WoodpeckerChrysocolaptes festivusBNP,SFR,TL,YNP

 
Falcons and Caracaras: Falconidae

327[Black-thighed Falconet]Microhierax fringillarius 
328[Lesser Kestrel]Falco naumanni 
329Eurasian KestrelFalco tinnunculusMany
330[Red-necked Falcon]Falco chicquera 
331[Amur Falcon]Falco amurensisBNP,HP,SFR,YNP
332[Eurasian Hobby]Falco subbuteo 
333[Oriental Hobby]Falco severus 
334Peregrine FalconFalco peregrinusMany

 
Parrots: Psittaculidae

335Alexandrine ParakeetPsittacula eupatriaMany
336Rose-ringed ParakeetPsittacula krameriMany
337Plum-headed ParakeetPsittacula cyanocephalaMany
338Layard's ParakeetPsittacula calthrapaeMany
339Sri Lanka Hanging-ParrotLoriculus beryllinusMany

 
Pittas: Pittidae

340Indian PittaPitta brachyuraMany

 
Cuckooshrikes: Campephagidae

341Small MinivetPericrocotus cinnamomeusMany
342Orange MinivetPericrocotus flammeusMany
343Large CuckooshrikeCoracina maceiMany
344Black-headed CuckooshrikeLalage melanopteraMany
345[Indochinese Cuckooshrike]Lalage polioptera 

 
Old World Orioles: Oriolidae

346[Eurasian Golden Oriole]Oriolus oriolus 
347/Indian Golden Oriole/Oriolus kundooBNP,UNP,YNP
348[Black-naped Oriole]Oriolus chinensisSFR,YNP
349[Slender-billed Oriole]Oriolus tenuirostris 
350Black-hooded OrioleOriolus xanthornusMany

 
Woodswallows, Bellmagpies, and Allies: Artamidae

351Ashy WoodswallowArtamus fuscusMany

 
Vangas, Helmetshrikes and Allies: Vangidae

352Sri Lanka WoodshrikeTephrodornis affinisMany
353Bar-winged Flycatcher-shrikeHemipus picatusMany

 
Ioras: Aegithinidae

354Common IoraAegithina tiphiaMany
355White-tailed IoraAegithina nigroluteaBNP,UNP,YNP

 
Fantails: Rhipiduridae

356White-browed FantailRhipidura aureolaMany

 
Drongos: Dicruridae

357Black DrongoDicrurus macrocercusYNP
358/Ashy Drongo/Dicrurus leucophaeusMany
359White-bellied DrongoDicrurus caerulescensMany
360Greater Racket-tailed DrongoDicrurus paradiseusSFR,YNP
361Sri Lanka DrongoDicrurus lophorinusKDY,KFR,SFR,YNP

 
Monarch Flycatchers: Monarchidae

362Black-naped MonarchHypothymis azureaMany
363Indian Paradise-FlycatcherTerpsiphone paradisiMany

 
Shrikes: Laniidae

364[Red-backed Shrike]Lanius collurio 
365/Brown Shrike/Lanius cristatusMany
366[Bay-backed Shrike]Lanius vittatusBNP,YNP
367Long-tailed ShrikeLanius schachBNP,SFR,TL,YNP
368[Great Gray Shrike]Lanius excubitor 

 
Crows, Jays, and Magpies: Corvidae

369Sri Lanka MagpieUrocissa ornataHP,KFR,NE,SFR
370House CrowCorvus splendensMany
371Large-billed CrowCorvus macrorhynchosMany

 
Fairy Flycatchers: Stenostiridae

372Gray-headed Canary-FlycatcherCulicicapa ceylonensisMany

 
Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice: Paridae

373Cinereous TitParus cinereusMany

 
Larks: Alaudidae

374Ashy-crowned Sparrow-LarkEremopterix griseusMany
375Jerdon's BushlarkMirafra affinisMany
376[Greater Short-toed Lark]Calandrella brachydactyla 
377[Mongolian Short-toed Lark]Calandrella dukhunensis 
378Oriental SkylarkAlauda gulgulaMany

 
Cisticolas and Allies: Cisticolidae

379Common TailorbirdOrthotomus sutoriusMany
380[Rufescent Prinia]Prinia rufescens 
381Gray-breasted PriniaPrinia hodgsoniiMany
382Jungle PriniaPrinia sylvaticaMany
383Ashy PriniaPrinia socialisMany
384Plain PriniaPrinia inornataMany
385Zitting CisticolaCisticola juncidisMany

 
Reed Warblers and Allies: Acrocephalidae

386[Booted Warbler]Iduna caligata 
387[Sykes's Warbler]Iduna rama 
388[Black-browed Reed Warbler]Acrocephalus bistrigicepsBNP
389/Blyth's Reed Warbler/Acrocephalus dumetorumMany
390/Clamorous Reed Warbler/Acrocephalus stentoreusBNP,TL,YNP

 
Grassbirds and Allies: Locustellidae

391/Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler/Helopsaltes certhiolaBNP,HP,NE,TL
392[Lanceolated Warbler]Locustella lanceolata 
393[Common Grasshopper Warbler]Locustella naevia 
394Sri Lanka Bush WarblerElaphrornis palliseriHP,NE,SFR
395[Broad-tailed Grassbird]Schoenicola platyurus 

 
Swallows: Hirundinidae

396/Bank Swallow/Riparia ripariaBNP,TL,UNP,YNP
397[Pale Martin]Riparia dilutaBNP
398[Rock Martin]Ptyonoprogne fuligula 
399[Dusky Crag-Martin]Ptyonoprogne concolor 
400Hill SwallowHirundo domicolaMany
401/Barn Swallow/Hirundo rusticaMany
402[Wire-tailed Swallow]Hirundo smithiiHP
403[Western House-Martin]Delichon urbicum 
404[Asian House-Martin]Delichon dasypus 
405Red-rumped SwallowCecropis dauricaMany
406Sri Lanka SwallowCecropis hyperythraMany
407[Streak-throated Swallow]Petrochelidon fluvicolaBNP

 
Bulbuls: Pycnonotidae

408Yellow-browed BulbulAcritillas indicaMany
409Square-tailed BulbulHypsipetes ganeesaMany
410Black-capped BulbulRubigula melanicteraMany
411White-browed BulbulPycnonotus luteolusMany
412Yellow-eared BulbulPycnonotus penicillatusMany
413Red-vented BulbulPycnonotus caferMany

 
Leaf Warblers: Phylloscopidae

414[Dusky Warbler]Phylloscopus fuscatus 
415[Green-crowned Warbler]Phylloscopus burkii 
416/Green Warbler/Phylloscopus nitidusMany
417[Greenish Warbler]Phylloscopus trochiloidesHP
418/Large-billed Leaf Warbler/Phylloscopus magnirostrisMany
419[Western Crowned Warbler]Phylloscopus occipitalisKFR

 
Bush Warblers and Allies: Scotocercidae

420[Pale-footed Bush Warbler]Hemitesia pallidipes 

 
Sylviid Warblers, Parrotbills, and Allies: Sylviidae

421/Lesser Whitethroat/Curruca currucaBNP,SFR,UNP,YNP
422Yellow-eyed BabblerChrysomma sinenseMany

 
White-eyes, Yuhinas, and Allies: Zosteropidae

423Sri Lanka White-eyeZosterops ceylonensisHP,KDY,KFR,NE,SFR
424Indian White-eyeZosterops palpebrosusMany

 
Tree-Babblers, Scimitar-Babblers, and Allies: Timaliidae

425Tawny-bellied BabblerDumetia hyperythraMany
426Dark-fronted BabblerDumetia atricepsMany
427Sri Lanka Scimitar-BabblerPomatorhinus melanurusMany

 
Fulvetta and Ground Babblers: Pellorneidae

428Brown-capped BabblerPellorneum fuscocapillusMany

 
Laughingthrushes and Allies: Leiothrichidae

429Ashy-headed LaughingthrushArgya cinereifronsSFR
430Orange-billed BabblerArgya rufescensMany
431Yellow-billed BabblerArgya affinisMany
432White-crested LaughingthrushGarrulax leucolophus 

 
Nuthatches: Sittidae

433Velvet-fronted NuthatchSitta frontalisMany

 
Starlings: Sturnidae

434Sri Lanka MynaGracula ptilogenysMany
435Southern Hill MynaGracula indicaMany
436[European Starling]Sturnus vulgaris 
437/Rosy Starling/Pastor roseusMany
438[Daurian Starling]Agropsar sturninaUNP
439[Indian Pied Starling]Gracupica contra 
440White-faced StarlingSturnornis albofrontatusHP,KFR,SFR
441Brahminy StarlingSturnia pagodarumBNP,SFR,TL,UNP,YNP
442[Chestnut-tailed Starling]Sturnia malabaricaBNP,UNP,YNP
443Common MynaAcridotheres tristisMany

 
Thrushes and Allies: Turdidae

444Pied ThrushGeokichla wardiiHP,KDY,KFR,NE,SFR
445Spot-winged ThrushGeokichla spilopteraMany
446/Orange-headed Thrush/Geokichla citrinaKDY,SFR,YNP
447Sri Lanka ThrushZoothera imbricataHP,NE,SFR
448Indian BlackbirdTurdus simillimusMany
449[Eyebrowed Thrush]Turdus obscurus 

 
Old World Flycatchers: Muscicapidae

450/Asian Brown Flycatcher/Muscicapa dauuricaMany
451/Brown-breasted Flycatcher/Muscicapa muttuiMany
452[Spotted Flycatcher]Muscicapa striata 
453[Rufous-tailed Scrub-Robin]Cercotrichas galactotes 
454/Indian Robin/Copsychus fulicatusMany
455Oriental Magpie-RobinCopsychus saularisMany
456White-rumped ShamaCopsychus malabaricusMany
457[Blue-and-white Flycatcher]Cyanoptila cyanomelanaSFR
458Dull-blue FlycatcherEumyias sordidusHP,KDY,KFR,NE,SFR
459[White-bellied Blue Flycatcher]Cyornis pallidipes 
460[Hill Blue Flycatcher]Cyornis whitei 
461Tickell's Blue FlycatcherCyornis tickelliaeMany
462/Indian Blue Robin/Larvivora brunneaMany
463[Bluethroat]Luscinia svecica 
464Sri Lanka Whistling-ThrushMyophonus blighiHP,KDY,KFR,NE,SFR
465[Yellow-rumped Flycatcher]Ficedula zanthopygia 
466[Black-and-orange Flycatcher]Ficedula nigrorufa 
467[Slaty-blue Flycatcher]Ficedula tricolor 
468/Kashmir Flycatcher/Ficedula subrubraHP,KDY,KFR,NE,SFR
469[Red-breasted Flycatcher]Ficedula parva 
470[Rufous-tailed Rock-Thrush]Monticola saxatilisUNP
471/Blue Rock-Thrush/Monticola solitariusNE
472[Whinchat]Saxicola rubetra 
473[Siberian Stonechat]Saxicola maurusBNP
474Pied BushchatSaxicola caprataMany
475[Northern Wheatear]Oenanthe oenanthe 
476[Isabelline Wheatear]Oenanthe isabellinaBNP,TL,YNP
477[Desert Wheatear]Oenanthe deserti 
478[Pied Wheatear]Oenanthe pleschanka 

 
Flowerpeckers: Dicaeidae

479Thick-billed FlowerpeckerDicaeum agileMany
480White-throated FlowerpeckerDicaeum vincensBNP,KFR,SFR,YNP
481Pale-billed FlowerpeckerDicaeum erythrorhynchosMany

 
Sunbirds and Spiderhunters: Nectariniidae

482Purple-rumped SunbirdLeptocoma zeylonicaMany
483[Crimson-backed Sunbird]Leptocoma minima 
484Purple SunbirdCinnyris asiaticusMany
485Loten's SunbirdCinnyris loteniusMany

 
Fairy-bluebirds: Irenidae

486[Asian Fairy-bluebird]Irena puella 

 
Leafbirds: Chloropseidae

487Jerdon's LeafbirdChloropsis jerdoniMany
488Golden-fronted LeafbirdChloropsis aurifronsMany

 
Weavers and Allies: Ploceidae

489Streaked WeaverPloceus manyarBNP,SFR,TL,UNP,YNP
490Baya WeaverPloceus philippinusBNP,SFR,TL,UNP,YNP

 
Waxbills and Allies: Estrildidae

491Indian SilverbillEuodice malabaricaMany
492White-rumped MuniaLonchura striataMany
493Black-throated MuniaLonchura kelaartiMany
494Scaly-breasted MuniaLonchura punctulataMany
495Tricolored MuniaLonchura malaccaMany
496[Chestnut Munia]Lonchura atricapilla 
497[Red Avadavat]Amandava amandava 

 
Old World Sparrows: Passeridae

498House SparrowPasser domesticusMany
499[Eurasian Tree Sparrow]Passer montanus 
500[Yellow-throated Sparrow]Gymnornis xanthocollis 

 
Wagtails and Pipits: Motacillidae

501/Forest Wagtail/Dendronanthus indicusMany
502/Gray Wagtail/Motacilla cinereaMany
503/Western Yellow Wagtail/Motacilla flavaMany
504[Eastern Yellow Wagtail]Motacilla tschutschensisBNP,YNP
505[Citrine Wagtail]Motacilla citreolaBNP,UNP
506[White-browed Wagtail]Motacilla maderaspatensis 
507/White Wagtail/Motacilla albaMany
508/Richard's Pipit/Anthus richardiMany
509Paddyfield PipitAnthus rufulusMany
510/Blyth's Pipit/Anthus godlewskiiBNP,HP,TL,UNP,YNP
511[Tawny Pipit]Anthus campestris 
512/Tree Pipit/Anthus trivialis 
513[Olive-backed Pipit]Anthus hodgsoni 
514[Red-throated Pipit]Anthus cervinus 

 
Finches, Euphonias, and Allies: Fringillidae

515[Common Rosefinch]Carpodacus erythrinus 

 
Old World Buntings: Emberizidae

516[Gray-necked Bunting]Emberiza buchananiBNP,YNP
517[Ortolan Bunting]Emberiza hortulana 
518[Black-headed Bunting]Emberiza melanocephalaYNP
519[Red-headed Bunting]Emberiza bruniceps 

 

 *Nomenclature and taxonomic affinities are based on Clements 6th Edition published 2007 with updates through 2021 maintained by the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, which relies largely on the AOU and SACC nomenclature committees. IUCN status may reflect splits not currently recognized by Clements.
**Species not accepted by Clements, AOU, or SACC that we recognize based on the IOC, field observations along with geographical separation, consensus opinions of field guide authors, and other sources. These species are potential splits in future Clements updates.

 # SPECIES BY LOCALE

Locale# Species
Bundala National Park310
Horton Plains National Park189
Kandy176
Kitulgala-Kelani Valley Forest Reserve182
Nuwara Eliva172
Sinharaja Forest Reserve254
Tissa Lake236
Udawalawe National Park205
Yala National Park298
Total Species519

Number of species in each locale may be based on incomplete data. Also, some locales are important for specific target species rather than overall bird diversity. Hence, it does not provide an indication of which locales are the best birding sites.