Sri Lanka, known for its rich biodiversity, is a highly sensitive environment zone. Due to those reasons, Sri Lanka is home to several bird sanctuaries that are vital for the conservation of both resident and migratory birds. Sri Lanka is a birdwatcher’s paradise; there are over 390 recorded bird species, including around 30 endemic species. Sri Lanka's island situation globally helps with these recorded bird varieties.
Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary
Kalamatiya is the oldest bird sanctuary in Sri Lanka. It was
declared as a sanctuary in 1938. It is situated in the Hambantota district,
Southern Province. It is 22km from Tangalle. It is considered a dry zone
category bird sanctuary. It covers 2500 acres. The land is a rich wetland made
up of salty lagoons and mangrove swamps, providing shelter for a vast array of
both endemic and migratory bird species. The migratory species visit Kalametiya
between November and March. There are 150 bird species that can be sighted in
this bird sanctuary. Along the way, you have a chance to spot a number of
nationally threatened varieties, such as the Indian reef heron, glossy ibis,
and Sri Lankan jungle fowl.
Kumana Bird Sanctuary
Kumana Bird Sanctuary is another beautiful bird paradise. It
is situated 408 km from Colombo on the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. The
entrance to the park is at Panama through the Kudumbigala sanctuary and is
accessible via Beragala and Koslanda or through the Udawalawe – Tanamalvilla
route. This bird sanctuary was established in 1969. It is part of the Kumana
National Park and is one of the most important nesting and breeding grounds for
birds in Sri Lanka. The Kumana Bird Sanctuary is known to have recorded 255
species of birds. This park has a large 200-hectare “Kumana Villu” and plenty
of tanks and lagoons scattered around the park where thousands of birds nest
and breed. There are thousands of birds that migrate to the swamp every year
between the months of April and July.
Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary
Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary is a protected Ramsar Wetland
of International Importance located in the Puttalam District of Sri Lanka,
approximately 90km north of Colombo. It is about 1350 hectares. Anawilundawa is
renowned for its rich biodiversity and unique convergence of ecosystems, making
it a prime destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. These areas act
as crucial buffers against coastal erosion and provide habitats for various
aquatic and bird species. There are a lot of resident and migratory birds to
see in this wetland sanctuary area. Those are Grey Heron, Purple Heron,
Stork-Billed Kingfisher, Purple Swamphen, and Northern Pintail. Every October
to April is ideal for observing migratory species.
