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Birdwatching Safari

For the Keen-Eyed Explorer

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Sri Lanka is a birder's paradise, with over 500 recorded species — including 34 endemics and hundreds of migratory visitors. Our birdwatching safaris are specially designed for both beginner birders and expert ornithologists seeking rare sightings and tranquil experiences in Sri Lanka's rich bird habitats.​

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What to Expect

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Guided Birding Experiences

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Our expert-led birdwatching safaris combine patience, knowledge, and passion to bring you close to Sri Lanka's incredible avian diversity through:

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Guided birding walks and slow-paced jeep drives through key ecosystems like:

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  • Wilpattu National Park - Dry zone specialists and raptors

  • Kala Wewa & village tanks - Waterbirds and wetland species

  • Sinharaja Rainforest - Endemic rainforest species

  • Bundala wetlands & salt pans - Migratory waterbirds and flamingos

  • Horton Plains - Highland endemics and montane species

  • Muthurajawela Wetlands - Urban birding and mangrove species

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Endemic Species Focus

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Focused searches for Sri Lanka's 34 endemic species, including:

Forest Endemics

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  • Sri Lanka Junglefowl (Gallus lafayettii) - National bird

  • Brown-capped Babbler (Pellorneum fuscocapillus)

  • Red-faced Malkoha (Phaenicophaeus pyrrhocephalus)

  • Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros gingalensis)

  • Spot-winged Thrush (Geokichla spiloptera)

  • Layard's Parakeet (Psittacula calthrapae)

  • Ceylon Swallow (Hirundo hyperythra)

  • Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon (Columba torringtoniae)

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Wetland & Grassland Endemics

  • Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush (Myophonus blighi)

  • Yellow-eared Bulbul (Pycnonotus penicillatus)

  • Sri Lanka Bush Warbler (Elaphrornis palliseri)

  • Crimson-fronted Barbet (Megalaima rubricapillus)

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Highland Specialists

  • Sri Lanka White-eye (Zosterops ceylonensis)

  • Dull-blue Flycatcher (Eumyias sordidus)

  • Ceylon Small Barbet (Megalaima pusilla)

  • Orange-billed Babbler (Turdoides rufescens)

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Seasonal Migratory Species

October - April Migration Season:

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  • Indian Pitta (Pitta brachyura) - Jewel of the forest floor

  • Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) - Spectacular flocks

  • Blue-tailed Bee-eater (Merops philippinus) - Aerial acrobats

  • Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) - Wetland giants

  • Forest Wagtail (Dendronanthus indicus) - Rare passage migrant

  • Rosy Starling (Pastor roseus) - Pink-washed flocks

  • Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) - Thousands on migration

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May - September Breeding Season:

  • Asian Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi) - Breeding plumage

  • Indian Golden Oriole (Oriolus kundoo) - Monsoon arrival

  • Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) - Active fishing displays

  • Watercock (Gallicrex cinerea) - Secretive marsh dweller

What's Included:

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Expert Guidance

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  • Local expert birder/naturalist with 15+ years experience

  • Specialist guides for different ecosystems (forest, wetland, highland)

  • Photography mentors for bird photography enthusiasts

  • Cultural interpreters connecting birds to local folklore

  • Research assistants for data collection opportunities

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Customized Experiences

  • Custom itineraries tailored to your target species

  • Sunrise walks during peak bird activity (5:30-8:30 AM)

  • Evening hide sessions at water sources and roosting sites

  • Night birding for owls and nightjars

  • Boat birding on reservoirs and lagoons

  • Canopy observation platforms in forest areas

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Photography & Documentation Support

  • Photography support for bird-in-flight and low-light moments

  • Camera settings guidance for different lighting conditions

  • Blind and hide construction for close-up photography

  • Call recording equipment for sound documentation

  • Digital logbooks for sighting records and GPS coordinates

  • Species identification apps and online databases

🎯 Ideal For

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📷 Wildlife Photographers

  • Specialized photography hides for close encounters

  • Flight photography workshops - capturing birds in motion

  • Behavior documentation - storytelling through images

  • Technical guidance - camera settings and techniques

  • Portfolio development - building professional collections

  • Print quality results - high-resolution opportunities

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🔬 Ornithologists & Serious Birders

  • Scientific observation - detailed behavior studies

  • Data collection - contributing to research databases

  • Call recording - sound documentation projects

  • Habitat assessment - ecological understanding

  • Conservation insights - protection challenges and solutions

  • Research networking - connecting with local scientists

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🧘 Nature Lovers Seeking Tranquility

  • Meditative pace - slow, contemplative experiences

  • Peaceful environments - away from crowds

  • Mindful observation - present-moment awareness

  • Stress relief - therapeutic nature connection

  • Spiritual experiences - finding peace in nature

  • Personal growth - developing patience and observation skills

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🌱 Eco-Travelers

  • Conservation education - understanding protection efforts

  • Community involvement - supporting local conservation

  • Sustainable tourism - minimal impact experiences

  • Cultural connections - birds in local traditions

  • Environmental awareness - ecosystem relationships

  • Responsible travel - supporting conservation through tourism

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