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Sri Lanka is a world-class destination for birding, often described as an "ornithologist's paradise." Despite its small size, it boasts an incredible variety of avifauna due to its diverse climate zones (wet, dry, and intermediate) and its position as the final destination for many migratory birds on the Central Asian Flyway.

1. Species Richness and Endemism
The island is home to over 450–500 bird species. What makes Sri Lanka truly special is its high level of endemism (species found nowhere else on Earth):
• Endemic Species: Currently, between 33 and 35 species are recognized as endemic.
• Famous Endemics: These include the vibrant Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, the Sri Lanka Junglefowl (the national bird), and the elusive Serendib Scops Owl (only discovered in 2001).
• Biodiversity Hotspot: Together with the Western Ghats of India, Sri Lanka is recognized as one of the world's 36 global biodiversity hotspots.

2. A Hub for Migratory Birds
Every year, starting around September/October and lasting until April, Sri Lanka becomes a wintering ground for over 200 species of migratory birds.
• The "Flyway": It is the southern terminus of the Central Asian Flyway.
• Key Visitors: You can spot the Greater Flamingo, various species of sandpipers, plovers, and terns.
• The Paradise Flycatcher Connection: While some Asian Paradise Flycatchers are resident, a large number of the "white morph" males migrate from India to Sri Lanka during this season, making it a prime time to see them.

3. Key Bird-Watching Hotspots
Sri Lanka’s geography allows you to see a vast range of species within a few hours of travel:
• Sinharaja Forest Reserve (Wet Zone): A UNESCO World Heritage site and the best place to see nearly all of the island's endemics. It is famous for "mixed-species feeding flocks."
• Bundala & Kumana National Parks (Dry Zone): Premier coastal wetlands for waterbirds and migrants. Bundala was the first Ramsar wetland site in the country.
• Horton Plains (Hill Country): High-altitude plains where you can find "montane" specialists like the Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush and the Yellow-eared Bulbul.
• Anawilundawa Sanctuary: A unique ecosystem of man-made tanks and mangroves, perfect for observing herons, storks, and egrets.

4. Conservation Status
While bird life is abundant, many endemic species are restricted to the remaining rainforests of the wet zone. Habitat loss due to agriculture and urbanization is a primary concern, with about 20 endemic species currently listed as threatened on the national Red List.