Sri Lanka is abundant with a rich and diverse range of wildlife. This tropical island, located on the Indian Ocean, is also a great place for bird watching enthusiasts. Known to be a paradise for Ornithologists, the island attracts hundreds of visitors each year to explore the thick jungles and lush rainforests.
Yala is one of the second largest and most popular national park in Sri Lanka and is home to a variety of mammals, birds and reptiles. The park which covers an expanse of 979 square kilometres was marked as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900. If you’re interested in exploring this park, a safari will have to be arranged through the assistance of any Yala hotels. There are a multiple variety of accommodation options to choose from such as Cinnamon Wild Yala.
As the park is most known for its variety of animals which includes elephants, leopards and crocodiles, those who come here for a bit of bird watching, will also be lucky enough to spot these lovely animals!
In Sri Lanka, there is said to be about 427 recorded species of birds, of which 250 are residents and about 23 are endemic to the island, such as the Red face Malkoha, Ceylon scaly thrush, yellow browed bulbul, Ceylon hangs-parrot, peacock, plum-headed parakeet and the jungle fowl to name a few. The Jungle fowl is also Sri Lanka’s national bird.
Some of the migrant birds include the great while pelican, lesser flamingo, purple heron, egrets, northern pintail, godwits, yellow wattled lapwing, black winged stilt, greater flamingo, Indian peafowl, rock pigeon and the orange breasted green pigeon are just a few of the birds you can spot here.
Start your bird watching excursion early morning for a good chance to spot the birds and the other animals at the park.
