Currently there are 33 identified species of endemic birds in Sri Lanka, out of which most are found in the wet zone. The months of November to April are considered the best months of the year to spot most of these endemics. The Kithulgala and Sinharaja forest reserves in the low lands are among the top spots to view a majority of these endemics. Horton Plains National Park in the hills is the best place to catch the endemics that enjoy their life at altitude.
Crimson backed Flameback - Chrysocolaptes stricklandi
Almost the same size as the more widely spread black-rumped Flameback, this handsome woodpecker looks slightly bigger and can be distinguished from that species by its crimson back and wings, longer ivory color break and different call note. This is a forest loving species, distributed almost throughout the forested parts of the island but prefers the wet zone and mountains, where it which it ascends to the highest elevations. The female has a black crown with white spots.
Ceylon Spurfowl - Galloperdix bicalcarata
A rare ground - dwelling species it is present in the dense forests of the southern part of the island. Essentially a forest bird that can be found infrequently in the hills up to about 2000 metres, but mostly in the Wet zone. Very timid and secretive; more often heard rather than seen. The characteristic strident ‘ringing crackle’ revealing its presence can be heard from a distance. Lives mostly in pairs. Kitulgala and Sinharaja are two of the best locations for the elusive bird.
Ceylon Junglefowl - Gallus lafayetti
Another ground bird distributed in all climatic zones from the sea level up to the highest hills. Though it is shy and vary, in areas, adjoining forests it can be very tame and behaves like a domestic fowl. Never ventures far from cover. Though this bird is frequently seen in almost all forests, Sinharaja is the best place to see it in close quarters.
Serendib Scops Owl - Otus thilohoffmanni
This small rufescent scops owl with a short tail has a restricted distribution even within the wet zone where it is found. It has so far been located only in the rain forests of the south-west part of the island. It is entirely nocturnal and very rare. Kitulgala and Sinharaja are the prime sites for this species too.
Ceylon Small Barbet - Megalaima rubricapillus
This is the only barbet that ventures into city gardens. A small bird with bright green upper parts, unstreaked green belly flanks, bluish head with orange-yellow eye rings and throat patch, and very small scarlet breast spot. These features distinguish it from the copper smith in areas where both species occur. This is a common bird in cultivated or openly wooded country throughout the wet zone up to about 1000 metres and in scattered colonies in parts of the dry zone.
Yellow eared Bulbul - Pycnonotus penicillatus
This bulbul is a montane species occurring above 1300 metres in the up country. In the higher hills, however, it is one of the commonest birds. It frequents jungles, wooded ravines and well wooded gardens. Usually found in pairs, though small parties are not uncommon. This unmistakable bulbul has distinctive head markings with long yellow ear tufts. Hence the name yellow eared bulbul. Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains are the best locations to see it.
Ceylon Blue Magpie - Urocissa ornata
Indubitably one of the most colorful endemics of Sri Lanka. This large, beautiful bird cannot be mistaken for any other Sri Lankan species. Mainly bright blue with red bill, and eye ring and legs; chest nut head and neck; long graduated blue tail with black and then white tip. It inhabits the forests of the hills and the wet zone foot hills. A scarce bird, generally seen in small family parties of up to six or seven; but pairs and solitary individuals are sometimes observed.
Ceylon Whistling Thrush - Myophonus blighi
This crepuscular thrush with and overall black appearance (black beak and legs) is a very rare and shy bird and found only in elevations above 1200 metres. This is also called Arrenga, and the Arrenga Pool in Horton plains is one of the few places where it can be observed. In good light and close quarters, one can see the bright blue patch on the shoulder. It prefers habitats adjacent to streams and ponds.
Ceylon White eye - Zosterops ceylonensis
Another hill country endemic recorded only about 1000 metres altitude where it could be the commonest bird. Forms scattered flocks except in the breeding season, when it pairs up. Slightly larger than the similar oriental white eye and also is of a darker jungle green plumage. The white eye ring is more widely broken in front than in oriental white eye. Lower breast, belly and flanks are grayish white. Nuwara Eliya and Horton plains are two of the best sites for this species.
Ceylon Crested Drongo - Dicrurus lophorinus
Earlier regarded as a race of the greater Racker-tailed Drongo, which is found in the dry zone. The frontal crest, glossy black plumage and long, deeply forked tail without the rackets make it easy to identify. A very vocal mimic that imitates a variety of birds. It inhabits the tall forests of the wet zone ascending to at least to 1600 metres. It is one of the nucleus species of the feeding waves in the Sinharaja forest.
Ceylon Woodpigeon - Columba torringtonnii
This handsome large pigeon is confined to the wet zone. A scarce forest pigeon of hill forests and nearby well-wooded habitats, occasionally descending to the lower hills. Tends to spend much time in the canopy but never reluctant to come down to the ground to feed. Usually shy, lives in pairs or small groups. Horton Plains and Sinharaja are two very good places to see it.
Ceylon White eye - Zosterops ceylonensis
Another hill country endemic recorded only about 1000 metres altitude where it could be the commonest bird. Forms scattered flocks except in the breeding season, when it pairs up. Slightly larger than the similar oriental white eye and also is of a darker jungle green plumage. The white eye ring is more widely broken in front than in oriental white eye. Lower breast, belly and flanks are grayish white. Nuwara Eliya and Horton plains are two of the best sites for this species.
Ceylon Woodshrike - Tephrodornis affinis
A small grey bird with a dark eye stripe like that of the true shrikes. The female of this inconspicuous bird is duller and browner than the male. Can be seen all over the low country hills up to about 1000 metres but is commoner in the dry zone. Does not like dense forests. It is arboreal and lives in pairs.