Joanna James
Sri Lanka is a paradise for those who love bird watching. Many endemic birds can be spotted on the island, and there are also migratory birds who visit the country during special seasons in the year. Hunnasgiriya Hills is a popular place for bird watching and here are some facts about this experience.
The reason why most travellers love taking bird-watching adventures in Sri Lanka is due to the fact that there are more than 30 endemic birds in the country. Bird watchers are free to enjoy their bird observations leisurely and they simply love this experience whilst here. Although Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Kumana National Park, and Kalametiyawa are among the top places visited by the bird lovers, Hunnasgiriya Mountain has also won fame as a great bird-watching spot.
Hunnasgiriya Hills located very close to Hunas Falls, a popular and great resort in Kandy is home to many birds that are worth exploring. Make a special note of Shaheen Peak as well which is known by the locals as the Vehigala Kanda because this dry rocky surface is the home to the 'Shaheen Falcon' which can be only spotted here.
It's a very easily identifiable small falcon who is more often a solitary bird (sometimes they can be seen in pairs as well). Their upper bodies are all black and a white coloured part can be seen on its throat. Experts say that it's not an easy task to distinguish between the males and the females of this falcon breed specifically due to their similar markings and plumage.
An extremely elegant bird species, the white-bellied sea eagle (also known as the white-breasted sea eagle) is another bird that can be spotted in this area. Their lower bellies are all white and the wings take a blackish grey colour. If you observe this bird for quite a significant amount of time, you will be able to identify that they do have an interesting feeding behaviour where they go after a wide variety of animal prey from fish to worms for their food. Due to their large size and their beauty (especially when looked from below), nature photographers love capturing the sharp movements of the white-bellied sea eagle.
Yes, it's the bird that appears in the 500 LKR note, and even on one of the postal stamps in Sri Lanka. 'Alu girawa' is how locals used to call this bird and it's a resident endemic breeder in Sri Lanka. Layard's Parakeet is a green parrot that has a long tail (which is about 13 cm long). Although the juvenile birds are mostly green, the adults have a grey head and a back which is separated by a green collar.
With short rounded wings, a long tail, and strong legs, the jungle Prinia is another common species of birds that live here. Like most of the warblers, this bird species also depend on insects when it comes to their feeding behaviours.
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A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
