Sigiriya Sanctuary | Bird Watching
Sigiriya Sanctuary | Bird Watching
Tropical Birdwatching trekking in Sigiriya Sanctuary
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| Source: habaranaadventures |
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(Photo credits goes to original authors)
Directions (Google Maps)
Description
Surrounding of Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a designated forest reserve and is a very good birding destination. Sigiriya sanctuary is a well protected area as it is a UNECO World Heritage Site, waterways and thick canopied forests make it a heaven for birds. Make the 45 minute journey to the historically significant Sigiriya sanctuary and lake to do Bird watching during your stay in Sigiriya and greet the diverse avian life present in the area as you explore in search of rare birds. Catch glimpses of bright plumage amongst the greenery and try to identify them. Also get a chance to see some of the other wildlife. The Sigiriya forest is ancient and has high biodiversity despite nearby human populations. Water tanks created by King Kasyappa for his kingdom have assisted in keeping the ecosystem balanced, with lush greenery and good watering holes for the wildlife. Much of the wildlife in the sanctuary are birds, both endemic and migratory, but it's also possible to spot elephants, reptiles, and other creatures.Overview:
The area is widely considered to be a hotspot for bird watching in Sri Lanka as sightings of around 120 bird species have occurred during birdwatching in Sigiriya. Prominent sightings include the viewing of the Sri Lankan Grey Hornbill, Sri Lankan Green Pigeon, Coppersmith Barbet, Red Vented Bulbul, Indian Cormorant, Little Cormorant, Oriental Darter, Spotted Dove, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Comon Iora, Pheasant Tailed Jacana, Brahminy Kite, Small Minivet, Black Hooded Oriole, Grey Breasted Prinia, Crested Tree Swift and many more.
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| Bird Watching with guide |
You will be passing through thick vegetation that can be difficult to navigate, but it's the perfect way to find nests and spot birds. Throughout the hike, the nature guide will help identify and locate birds based on their calls. Partway through the hike, you'll pause in a clearing for a breakfast of traditional Sri Lankan food with tea or coffee.
Here is a list of the noteworthy bird species that you may see:
| Shaheen (a species of Peregrine)
Grey-bellied Cuckoo ‘Square- tailed’ Drongo-cuckoo Indian Cuckoo Crested Treeswift Stork-billed Kingfisher Coppersmith Barbet Indian Pitta Ceylon Woodshrike Large Cuckooshrike Black-headed Cuckooshrike Greater Racket-tailed Drongo |
Asian Paradise Flycatcher
Ceylon Grey Hornbill Malabar Pied Hornbill Ceylon Small Barbet White- browed Fantail Tawny-bellied Babbler Orange-headed Thrush Jungle Prinia White-rumped Shama Purple Sunbird Thick-billed Flowerpecker |
Top sights in Sigiriya Sanctuary
Sigiriya rockSigiriya water garden
Sigiriya Lake
Things to remember in Sigiriya Sanctuary
Bring water bottle with appropriate clothing for tropical trekking.• Clothing - Loose cotton or breathable fabric clothes.
• Shoes - Good trainers/runners/ sneakers.
• Hat - Broad brimmed hat to keep the sun away.
• Sunscreen - Definitely a good idea in the tropic
Places nearby
Pidurangala RockSigiriya Lion Rock
Dambulla Cave Temple (Golden Temple)
Minneriya National Park (Habarana)
Kaudulla National Park(Habarana)
Kandalama Reservoir
Hotels nearby
| Heritance Kandalama Amaya Lake Lake Lodge Boutique Hotel Habarana Lodge Hotel Sigiriya |
Kalundewa Retreat Popham's Arboretum Jetwing Lake Amaya Signature Diyabubula, the Barberyn Art & Jungle Hideaway |
References:
http://bestoflanka.com/bird_watching_in_sigiriya_habarana.php?lId=01
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/sri-lanka/sigiriya/activities/private-day-tour-sigiriya-birdwatching-hike/a/pa-act/v-16052P240/357459
https://srilankanexpeditions.lk/select_one.php?tours-in-sri-lanka=Bird-Watching-in-Sigiriya-Sanctuary-and-Habarana-Jungle
http://habaranaadventures.com/bird_watching_in_sigiriya_habarana.php?lId=04
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