Sri Lanka boasts an array of endemic birds that are unique to the island country. These birds are a precious part of Sri Lanka’s biodiversity and play a vital role in maintaining the natural balance.
With over 400 species of birds, this island paradise is a birder’s haven. In this article, we will explore some of the most remarkable endemic birds of Sri Lanka, including their physical characteristics, habitats, and conservation status.
With the many bird sanctuaries and nature reserves across the island, there has never been a better time to explore Sri Lanka’s avifauna.
1. Thrush
Thrushes are small to medium-sized birds belonging to the Turdidae family, and found all over the world. They live on or near the ground and feed on insects, other invertebrates and fruit.
Their feathers range from greyish browns to deep blues in colour with spotted wings that help them blend into their natural habitats such as forests, woodlands and shrubs.
Thrushes have distinctive songs which they sing during spring mating season; many species also perform complex flight displays for courtship rituals.
These birds may be solitary creatures but can often be seen foraging together in groups or pairs when searching for food sources like worms, snails or berries.
A healthy thrush population is an indication of a balanced environment since they require clean water sources as well as plenty of vegetation cover – making them important indicators of ecosystem health worldwide.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Suborder | Passeri |
| Family | Turdidae Rafinesque, 1815 |
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2. Crested Drongo
The Crested Drongo is a beautiful passerine bird belonging to the Dicruridae family. It has an impressive black body with a shimmering bluish-green sheen, as well as a distinctive crest on its forehead and forked tail.
There are two subspecies of this species; D. f. forficatus which can be found in Madagascar and D. f for potior which is larger and native to Comoro Islands.
This specie thrives in both dry and humid lowland forests as well as open savannah country, making it very adaptable to different environments .
They typically feed on insects but also hunt small birds or lizards if they have too. The crested drongo is truly remarkable creature that people admire all over the world.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Dicruridae |
| Genus | Dicrurus |
| Species | D. forficatus |
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3. Yellow-Fronted Barbet
The Yellow-fronted Barbet is a stunning and vibrant bird native to Sri Lanka. This species has distinctive green plumage, with yellow crowns and patches of blue below their eyes, on their throats and chins.
These birds are quite small in size, measuring only 8.3 – 8.7 inches in length from beak to tail feathers.
They inhabit subtropical or tropical moist forests, wetlands, plantations as well as rural gardens up to an altitude of 2 000 m (6 600 ft).
The diet of the Yellow-Fronted Barbet consists mostly of fruits like figs but they also eat insects such as beetles for protein.
These birds can often bee seen perched high among tree tops calling out its signature ‘pink’ sound which it uses for communication between mates or other barbet species nearbyScientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Megalaimidae |
| Genus | Psilopogon |
| Species | P. flavifrons |
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4. Sri Lankan Junglefowl
The Sri Lankan junglefowl is a beautiful bird that has been designated as the national bird of Sri Lanka. It belongs to the Galliformes order and is closely related to red junglefowl, from which chickens were domesticated.
This colorful species has orange-red plumage with black spots on its wings and tail feathers, while its head is adorned by blue and green colors. Males have longer spurs than females.
The birds’ diet consists mainly of insects supplemented by fruits such as centella, grass seeds and grains found in their natural habitat – jungles or forests near water sources like streams or rivers.
They are also attracted to agricultural fields where they feed on crops planted there by humans.
These ground dwelling birds form monogamous pairs during breeding season when males become aggressive towards other males for territorial rights over female mates.
With conservation efforts in place, these majestic creatures continue to thrive in their native environment today.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Gallus |
| Species | G. lafayettii |
5. Sri Lanka Blue Magpie
The Sri Lanka blue magpie is a strikingly coloured bird found only in the forests of Sri Lanka. It has brilliant blue wings and tail feathers, black head with white cheeks, yellow bill, legs and eye-ring making it easily recognisable.
This species is highly active within the dense canopy where it hunts for food using its nimble movements.
Its flight however isn’t strong enough to cover great distances so they rely on their agility instead.
They can also adapt well to human habitation which means that despite being classified as near threatened by IUCN there remains hope for this beautiful bird’s future survival in its native home of Sri LankaScientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Urocissa |
| Species | U. ornata |
6. Orange-Billed Babbler
The Orange-billed Babbler is a vibrant species endemic to Sri Lanka, belonging to the Leiothrichidae family. It was once thought of as a race of Jungle Babblers (Argya striatus), but has since been identified as its own distinct entity.
This bird prefers rainforest habitats and can usually only be seen in deep jungle areas. Its body colouring consists mainly of orange shades with some black markings around the face, wings and tail feathers – giving it an unmistakable appearance.
The babbler feeds on insects, fruit and nectar which it finds by foraging through vegetation or along tree branches in search of food.
An important part of their diet also includes snails which they crush using rocks found near water sources – making them one unique bird indeed.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Leiothrichidae |
| Genus | Argya |
| Species | A. rufescens |
7. Serendib Scops Owl
The Serendib scops owl is a newly discovered species of bird native to Sri Lanka. It was first heard in the Kitulgala rainforest by prominent Sri Lankan ornithologist Deepal Warakagoda, who would subsequently see it six years later on 23 January 2001 in Sinharaja.
The small nocturnal owl was formally described as new to science and given its scientific name Otus thilohoffmanni in 2004.
This unique avian can be found living primarily in forests with dense vegetation, where they roost during the day and hunt insects at night using their acute hearing abilities.
Unfortunately, due to deforestation, this rare owl’s population has been declining rapidly and conservation efforts are being made by various organisations around the world to ensure its survival for future generations.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Otus |
| Species | O. thilohoffmanni |
8. Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill
The Sri Lanka grey hornbill is a beautiful and majestic bird, native to the island of Sri Lanka. It belongs to the family of tropical near-passerine birds called Hornbills that are found in Old World.
The species can be identified by its large size measuring up to 45 cm (18 inches) long and its distinctive grayish plumage. In addition, it has an enormous bill with a casque on top giving them their name “Hornbill”.
This gregarious bird lives in forest habitats where it feeds mainly on fruits such as figs, along with other small animals like lizards or insects when available.
Despite being widespread throughout this region, deforestation remains one of the main threats for these magnificent creatures today which makes conservation efforts even more necessary than ever before.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Bucerotiformes |
| Family | Bucerotidae |
| Genus | Ocyceros |
| Species | O. gingalensis |
9. Green-Billed Coucal
The Green-billed coucal is a strikingly beautiful bird, with bright green bills and black heads. It is endemic to Sri Lanka’s wet zone and its population has been declining due to forest destruction and fragmentation.
The average length of the bird stands at 43 cm, making it medium to large in size. It inhabits tall rainforests where it builds nests in bushes or trees near water bodies . Breeding pairs typically lay 2-3 eggs per clutch.
This species feeds mainly on insects such as grasshoppers, caterpillars and moths but will also take lizards when available.
Its call consists of low whistles that can be heard from up close during early morning hours or late evenings within their habitat range .
Conservation measures are needed for this vulnerable species so we can continue appreciating its beauty for generations to come.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Centropus |
| Species | C. chlororhynchos |
10. Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon
The Sri Lanka wood pigeon is a species of endemic resident breeding bird found in the mountains of Sri Lanka. It builds its nest with sticks on trees, laying single white eggs.
Its flight pattern is fast and consists of regular beats and occasional sharp wing flicks – typical for pigeons in general.
The plumage displays shades of purple-blue along with lighter hues across the wings and tail feathers while having a darker hue near its head area.
They are usually seen alone or small groups as they feed mainly on fruits from tall shrubs or trees but also feeds on other items like insects when available.
It’s considered to be one among many diverse wildlife native to this beautiful country.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. torringtoniae |
11. Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot
The Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot is a small, vibrant bird endemic to the island of Sri Lanka. At only 13 cm long and with a short tail, these birds are an eye-catching sight.
The adult has a red crown and rump while its nape and back have an orange tint that contrasts nicely against its pale blue chin and throat. Its beak is bright red in coloration which compliments white irises perfectly.
Immature birds lack the orange tinge on their backs but still retain the beautiful colors seen in adults; making them quite distinguishable from other species of parrots across Asia.
This particular species continues to thrive throughout Sri Lanka thanks to conservation efforts put forth by local communities who appreciate this unique avian resident for what it brings – beauty, wonderment, joy…and maybe even luck.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittaculidae |
| Genus | Loriculus |
| Species | L. beryllinus |
12. Sri Lanka White-Eye
The Sri Lanka White-eye (Zosterops ceylonensis) is a small passerine bird in the white-eye family and it is endemic to Sri Lanka. It lives mainly in highland forests, gardens, and plantations where it nests and breeds year round as a resident species.
The Indian White-Eye (Zosterops palpebrosus) has been found to not be related directly to this species which suggests that the former may have evolved from Zosterops ceylonensis.
These birds are usually greenish olive above with yellowish underparts while their head coloration differs between males & females; males having grey heads while females tend towards brown or black shades on theirs.
They measure 10 cm long from bill tip to tail end making them easily recognizable among other avian populations of similar size range within their habitat range.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Zosteropidae |
| Genus | Zosterops |
| Species | Z. ceylonensis |
13. Yellow-Eared Bulbul
The Yellow-eared Bulbul is a species of songbird found in the highlands of Sri Lanka. It has striking yellow markings on its ear tufts and throat, which give it its name.
The bird was formerly classified under the monotypic genus Kelaartia, named after Dr E.F Kelaart. It feeds mainly on fruits and insects, but can also eat nectar and small vertebrates like lizards or frogs from time to time.
Its large repertoire of vocalizations make it an important part of any forest habitat where they live; their melodic songs are often heard during early morning hours when birdsong fills up the air with musical notes.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Pycnonotidae |
| Genus | Pycnonotus |
| Species | P. penicillatus |
14. Sri Lanka Green Pigeon
The Sri Lanka green pigeon is a beautiful bird native to the forests of Sri Lanka. It is part of the Treron genus, and its scientific name is Treron pompadora.
This species has been split from other members of the pompadour green pigeon complex by many authorities due to its distinct features.
The appearance of this bird can be described as bright green with a white throat patch, yellowish bill and pink legs.
Its diet consists mainly on fruits such as figs which it forages for in woodlands or gardens near forest areas.
Additionally, this species produces an interesting call that sounds like “coo-cooo”.
Due to deforestation and destruction of habitats these birds are critically endangered according to IUCN Red List status criteria so conservation efforts must be made in order protect them from extinction.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Treron |
| Species | T. pompadora |
15. Crimson-Backed Flameback
Crimson-backed Flameback is a species of bird belonging to the woodpecker family Picidae, which is endemic to Sri Lanka. It has an iridescent green and red colored plumage on its back with white breast spots.
The head has black bands at the sides while there are small white patches around eyes and bill base. Its long pointed beak helps it in extracting insects from tree barks or other crevices for food.
This bird can usually be found in lowland rainforest areas as well as evergreen forests up to 2200m elevation but also may occur near home gardens and coconut plantations alongside rivers or streams.
Their call sounds like “sik sik” repeated two times followed by a pause before starting again thus making them easily identifiable even when not visible.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Chrysocolaptes |
| Species | C. stricklandi |
16. White-Faced Starling
The White-faced Starling is a beautiful bird belonging to the starling family, found only in Sri Lanka. It typically measures 22 cm long and has greenish-dark grey upperparts with whitish underparts.
Its distinguishing feature is its white face which gives it an elegant look. The male and female birds have similar plumages eliminating any gender differences between them.
It was earlier classified as S. senex but later identified as a junior synonym of Red-billed Starling by Mees (1997).
This species feeds mainly on insects, berries, fruits and nectar from flowers that are available throughout the year in Sri Lanka’s tropical climate zone making this species quite adaptable for survival here.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Sturnornis Legge, 1879 |
| Species | S. albofrontatus |
17. Chestnut-Backed Owlet
The Chestnut-backed Owlet is a small and stocky bird found only in Sri Lanka. It belongs to the family of typical owls known as Strigidae, which includes most of the smaller owl species.
This species was formerly classified as a subspecies of Jungle Owlet. It has a distinctive chestnut brown back, with light cream-colored stripes on its upper body and head.
Its face is white with black eyes that are surrounded by facial feathers for protection against predators during hunting or nesting activities.
The Chestnut-backed Owlet feeds mainly on insects such as crickets, grasshoppers and moths at night using its sharp talons to catch prey from tree branches or nearby shrubs.
It can also be seen perched atop low trees in search of food during daylight hours where it’s usually silent but will occasionally make soft hooting calls while advertising itself within its territory boundaries.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Glaucidium |
| Species | G. castanotum |
18. Layard’s Parakeet
Layard’s parakeet is a beautiful green bird native to Sri Lanka. It grows up to 29 cm long, with its tail extending another 13 cm.
The adult has a bluish-grey head and neck, while the wings are bright green in color with some yellowish feathers on the underside of the flight feathers.
Its underparts are mostly yellow, except for some dark blue patches around its abdomen area.
Layard’s parakeets can be seen singly or in small flocks near rainforest edges, often flying high above trees searching for food such as flowers, fruits and seeds from tall trees or shrubs. They sometimes feed on insects too.
These birds mate during October-November and they build their nest inside tree hollows which usually contain two white eggs that hatch after 22 days of incubation period by female alone while male gives her protection against potential predatorsScientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittaculidae |
| Genus | Psittacula |
| Species | P. calthrapae |
19. Legge’s Flowerpecker
Legge’s flowerpecker is a small passerine bird endemic to Sri Lanka, named after the Australian ornithologist William Vincent Legge. It lives in forests as well as other wooded habitats such as gardens and breeds throughout the year.
The birds build their nests from hanging purses that are suspended from branches of trees or shrubs, where they lay two eggs at a time. They feed on nectar and insects which they catch with its short but sharp beak.
These birds have white throats along with an olive-green upper body and yellowish underparts which make them easy to identify in greenery surroundings.
Although these beautiful little creatures can sometimes become victims of predators like cats or snakes, most people enjoy seeing them around because of their colourful appearance.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Dicaeidae |
| Genus | Dicaeum |
| Species | D. vincens |
20. Ashy-Headed Laughingthrush
The Ashy-headed Laughingthrush is a species of Old World passerine bird belonging to the family Leiothrichidae. It has soft, fluffy plumage and can be found in tropical areas mainly located in Southeast Asia.
The laughingthrushes are large birds with a distinct trill that gives them their name – “laughing thurst”.
They have grey heads, upperparts, wings and tail feathers and white underparts accompanied by brown streaks on its back.
This species feeds primarily on insects as well as fruits such as figs or berries depending on availability throughout the year.
Despite being quite common across much of its range it faces threats from habitat destruction due to logging activities which could cause population decline if not managed correctly over time.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Leiothrichidae |
| Genus | Argya |
| Species | A. cinereifrons |
21. Brown-Capped Babbler
The Brown-capped Babbler is a small, endemic bird found in the forests of Sri Lanka. It has a brown cap and its habitat consists of forest undergrowth and thick scrub.
Unlike most other babblers, it does not migrate; instead, it builds its nest either on the ground or inside holes hidden among dense vegetation.
This species typically forages alone but may form small groups when searching for food together.
Its diet mainly consists of insects such as beetles and caterpillars as well as some fruits that can be found in the wilds of Sri Lanka’s forests.
The Brown-capped Babbler makes an excellent addition to any collection due to its beautifully patterned feathers and unique call which contributes to making this bird one of nature’s wonders.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Pellorneidae |
| Genus | Pellorneum |
| Species | P. fuscocapillus |
22. Dull-Blue Flycatcher
The Dull-blue Flycatcher is a beautiful small passerine bird belonging to the Muscicapidae family.
It is an endemic resident breeder found in the hills of central Sri Lanka, typically above 600m altitude but not commonly seen below 900m.
During its main breeding season which occurs during May and June, it prefers staying in deciduous mountain forests where there are plenty of trees for nesting purposes as well as food sources such as insects that make up most of their diet.
These birds have dull blue upperparts with white underparts and wings, dark eyes and long legs helping them move around quickly looking for food or evading predators.
They also possess a sharp bill used to catch prey from the air or take off into flight when threatened by danger.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Eumyias |
| Species | E. sordidus |
23. Crimson-Fronted Barbet
The Crimson-fronted Barbet is an endemic bird species found in the tropical forests of Sri Lanka. It has a mainly green plumage and wings, with a blue band down the side of its head and neck, as well as a black crescent behind its eye.
The barbet stands at 15 cm long with short neck and large head giving it quite unique look among other birds from this region.
This small but colorful bird feeds on fruits, insects and nectar which makes them frequent visitors to gardens where they often make their presence felt through their loud chirps during mating season.
They build nests by making burrows inside branches or tree trunks using twigs sticks that are lined up with feathers from its own body for insulation purposes.
These features coupled together make crimson fronted barbet one of most fascinating species amongst all birds found in Sri Lanka’s rainforest regionsScientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Megalaimidae |
| Genus | Psilopogon |
| Species | P. rubricapillus |
24. Spot-Winged Thrush
The Spot-winged Thrush is a beautiful bird native to Sri Lanka. It has an unmistakable plumage, with brown spotted wings and head feathers that are white on the top of its crown.
This species breeds in hilly rainforests as well as drier woodlands, from 500m up to 2000m above sea level. During winter months it can be seen in similar habitats but at altitudes between 750 – 1500 m.
Its diet consists mainly of fruit and insects found near riverbeds or other water sources.
The Spot-winged Thrush is listed as vulnerable due to habitat destruction caused by deforestation and agricultural expansion which reduces their natural food sources drastically leading them into extinctionScientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Geokichla |
| Species | G. spiloptera |
25. Sri Lanka Hill Myna
The Sri Lanka Hill Myna, also known as the Ceylon Myna or the Sri Lankan Myna, is a member of the starling family native to Sri Lanka.
It has glossy black plumage with purple tinges on its head and neck, measuring about 25 cm in length.
Its natural habitat consists of forests and cultivated areas where it builds nests inside holes for laying two eggs per clutch.
This species can be identified by its yellow bill base, red eye-surroundings and white tips on tail feathers which create an impressive contrast against their dark body coloration when viewed from afar.
The bird emits loud vocalizations that are unique to each individual making them great pets if taken proper care of from young age onwards.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Gracula |
| Species | G. ptilogenys |
26. Indian Swiftlet
The Indian swiftlet is a small swift that is found in the hills of Sri Lanka and south west India. It builds its nest, which consists of thick saliva on vertical surfaces such as cliffs or cave walls, often forming colonies for breeding purposes.
The nests are white and shiny with two eggs being laid inside. This species’ edible-nest variety has become highly sought after as it can be harvested to make bird’s nest soup – deemed an expensive delicacy due to its rarity.
They are also known for their great flying skills; they can reach speeds up to 35 miles per hour while diving through narrow gaps between trees or buildings at amazing speed.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Apodidae |
| Genus | Aerodramus |
| Species | A. unicolor |
27. White-Spectacled Bulbul
The White-spectacled Bulbul is a bird of the bulbul family. It can be found in fruit plantations, gardens and cities across Israel, Lebanon and Turkey – especially along coastal Mediterranean areas.
At 20-25cm long with a wingspan to match it has white spectacles around its eyes which gives this species their distinctive name.
The most common member within its family in Israel and Lebanon they are also very adaptable birds who have even been spotted living among urban environments such as towns or cities.
These social creatures love being part of noisy flocks where they eat fruit, insects or small lizards while singing their beautiful melodies all day long.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Pycnonotidae |
| Genus | Pycnonotus |
| Species | P. xanthopygos |
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28. Green Pigeon
Green pigeons are a unique species of bird found in Asia and Africa. They get their name due to the vibrant green coloration that appears on their feathers, which is caused by carotenoid pigments in their diet.
Green pigeons mainly feed on different fruits, nuts, and/or seeds found around trees where they roost.
These birds can often be seen perched high up in trees or flying between them while making soft cooing sounds as they search for food sources.
Their wingspan ranges from medium-sized to large and allows them great maneuverability when navigating through dense forests with impressive agility.
With beautiful plumage and graceful flight patterns, these elegant creatures make a stunning addition to any outdoor scenery.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Subfamily | Treroninae |
| Genus | Treron Vieillot, 1816 |
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29. Old World Babbler
The Old World babbler bird is a passerine bird characterized by soft and fluffy plumage, with diverse size and coloration.
They are commonly found in tropical regions, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
The Old World babblers are one of two groups known as babblers, with the other being the Australasian babblers.
These birds have a unique appearance and create a charming atmosphere with their soft, mellow sound.
They live in a wide range of environments from forests to gardens and thrive on insects and fruits.
Old World babblers are typically social birds that often travel in groups, with some even engaging in communal living.
Despite their somewhat small size, these birds are beloved among birdwatchers, and many people enjoy observing them in their natural habitats.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Sylvioidea |
| Family | Timaliidae Vigors & Horsfield, 1827 |
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30. Whistling Thrush
Whistling thrushes are medium-sized birds that belong to the Old World flycatcher family. They are mostly insectivorous or omnivorous and are brightly coloured.
These birds can be found in India and southeast Asia. The males are usually blue, while the females can either be similar to the male or brown in colour.
They have brightly coloured patches on their shoulders and sometimes on their belly.
The song of the Whistling thrush is loud and melodious and can be heard from a considerable distance.
These birds are an important part of the ecosystem, and their diet mostly comprises insects, which helps in controlling the pest population.
They are also known for their playful behaviour and can be seen hopping around rocks and pebbles near streams and rivers.
The Whistling thrush is a beautiful bird that is revered all over the world for its striking appearance and sweet songs.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Subfamily | Saxicolinae |
| Genus | Myophonus Temminck, 1822 |
31. Greater Racket-Tailed Drongo
The Greater racket-tailed drongo is a medium-sized bird that inhabits forests in Asia. This bird is easily recognized by its elongated outer tail feathers which have webbing only at the tips.
The Greater racket-tailed drongo is part of the Dicruridae family, which also includes other types of drongos.
They are known for their conspicuous nature, often perching out in the open and using a variety of loud calls that include perfect mimicry of other birds and animals.
They are skilled at attracting attention, and can be seen flashing their long tails to intimidate predators or attract mates.
The Greater racket-tailed drongo is an important member of its ecosystem, helping to control insect populations and acting as a key prey species for predators.
Overall, this bird is a fascinating and important species of the Asian forests it inhabits.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Dicruridae |
| Genus | Dicrurus |
| Species | D. paradiseus |
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32. White-Bellied Drongo
The white-bellied drongo bird is native to the Indian Subcontinent and belongs to a family of insect-eating birds called Dicruridae.
It is mostly black in color with a white belly and vent, but its young ones are completely black and can be easily confused with the black drongo, which is smaller in size.
The bird is often seen hopping around in trees and bushes, hunting for insects to feed on. It has a distinct, chattering call that can be heard from a distance.
The white-bellied drongo is relatively common and enjoys a wide range of habitats, from forests to open fields.
It is an important part of the ecosystem, controlling insect populations and participating in seed dispersal.
Despite being a commonly found species, it is still a beautiful and intriguing bird to spot in the wild.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Dicruridae |
| Genus | Dicrurus |
| Species | D. caerulescens |
Also Featured In: Gujarati Birds, Common Birds that Live in Odisha
33. Common Woodshrike
The Common woodshrike bird is a small, ashy brown species found across Asia. It has a distinctive dark cheek patch and broad white brow.
Normally found in thin forests and scrub habitats, they are known to hunt insects as their primary diet, occasionally joining other insectivorous birds.
Native to Sri Lanka, they were previously classified under the family Vangidae. Despite their small size, they have striking features that make them stand out.
The Common woodshrike bird is a unique and intriguing species that deserves our attention and appreciation.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Vangidae |
| Genus | Tephrodornis |
| Species | T. pondicerianus |
Also Featured In: Birds that Live in Rajasthan, Birds that Live in Tamil Nadu
34. Yellow-Billed Babbler
The Yellow-billed babbler is a resident breeding bird found in southern India and Sri Lanka. This bird species is commonly found in scrub, gardens, and cultivated land.
They have short rounded wings and weak flight and are frequently spotted calling. These birds are not migratory and are part of the Leiothrichidae family.
The Yellow-billed babbler has distinct yellow beaks, which help them in feeding on insects, fruits, and berries.
They are sociable birds and preferred to live in groups. Their plumage is mostly brown with black streaks on their feathers.
These birds are known for their melodious calls consisting of a range of notes and whistles. Yellow-billed babblers are observed in pairs or small groups where they forage or sing at dawn and dusk.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Leiothrichidae |
| Genus | Argya |
| Species | A. affinis |
35. Kashmir Flycatcher
The Kashmir flycatcher is a small bird that belongs to the Muscicapidae family. It is an insectivorous species that breeds in the north-west Himalayas. They are migratory birds and spend their winters in the hills of central Sri Lanka.
Formerly considered as a subspecies of the red-breasted flycatcher, Ficedula subrubra is now recognized as a distinct species.
These birds have a distinctive appearance with a bright orange throat and a white belly. They are also known for their melodious songs that they use to attract their mates.
The Kashmir flycatcher is an important part of the ecosystem as it helps in controlling the insect population.
However, like many other species of birds, they are also threatened by habitat loss and climate change.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Ficedula |
| Species | F. subrubra |
Also Featured In: Birds of Taiga,
36. Dusky-Blue Flycatcher
The dusky-blue flycatcher, a member of the Muscicapidae family, can be found in African tropical rainforests. It has a broad distribution and lives in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
This species is a bird with a unique appearance that distinguishes it from other flycatchers. Its color is dusky-blue, which is a rare hue in the bird world.
The dusky-blue flycatcher’s natural habitat is found in areas with adequate moisture, which is essential for its survival.
In this habitat, the bird can hunt for insects that live in the undergrowth.
Overall, this bird is a magnificent creature with a unique color and essential ecological role.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Muscicapa |
| Species | M. comitata |
37. Marshall’s Iora
Marshall’s iora is a bird found in India and Sri Lanka. It is also known as the white-tailed iora. Its species status was debated for a long time, but it has recently been given full species status.
It was earlier believed to be a variant of the common iora. Some of the diagnostic features of this bird include its white tail and yellow belly. It is a songbird and belongs to the genus Aegithina.
The Marshall’s iora is unique in its appearance and behavior, making it a fascinating bird to study.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Aegithinidae |
| Genus | Aegithina |
| Species | A. nigrolutea |