Saturday, August 20, 2011

Black-rumped Flameback

Common Name: Black-rumped Flameback or Red-backed Woodpecker
Scientific Name : Dinopium benghalense psarode
Identification: Golden yellow back, Paler wings, Black rump and tail, White underparts with dark chevron markings, Black throat, Whitish head, Black nape and throat, Grayish eye patch
Habitat: Open forest and cultivation
Feeding: includes insects
Location: Piliyandala
Reference: http://www.birdforum.net/opus/Black-rumped_Flameback



Friday, August 19, 2011

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)

Common Name: Little Egret
Scientific Name: Egretta garzetta
Identification: Dark gape which extends well behind the eye. Long dagger-like bill is yellow in non breading and black in breading birds.
Habitat: Single and group are wide speed and common in a wide range of wetlands.
Feeding: Mainly aquatic insects
Location: Bundala National Park
Reference: http://www.oiseaux-birds.com/card-little-egret.html



Thursday, August 11, 2011

Red-wattled Lapwing

Common Name: Red-wattled Lapwing
Scientific Name: Vanellus indicus
Identification: The wings and back are light brown with a purple sheen, but head and chest and front part of neck are black. Prominently white patch runs between these two colours, from belly and tail, flanking the neck to the sides of crown. Short tail is tipped black. A red fleshy wattle in front of each eye, black-tipped red bill, and the long legs are yellow.
Habitat: Usually seen in pairs or small groups not far from water but may form large flocks in the non-breeding season.
Feeding: Range of insects, snails and other invertebrates
Location: Bundala National Park and Padduka
Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red-wattled_Lapwing





Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Changeable Hawk Eagle / Creasted Hawk Eagle / Ceylon Hawk Eagle (Nisaetus cirrhatus)

Common Name: Changeable Hawk Eagle / Creasted Hawk Eagle / Ceylon Hawk Eagle
Scientific Name: Nisaetus cirrhatus
Identification: Whitish breast, flanks are streaked with dark brow. Both sexes are similar, but female slightly larger than male.
Habitat: Occurring in woodland, although island forms prefer a higher tree density.
Feeding: large birds, reptiles (snakes and lizards) and frogs
Location: Bundala National Park
Reference: http://www.oiseaux-birds.com/card-changeable-hawk-eagle.html

Little Cormorant (Microcarbo niger)

Common Name: Little Cormorant
Scientific Name: Microcarbo niger
Identification: About 55 cm in length. Rectangular head profile and short bill are distinctions from the somewhat larger Indian Cormorant. Little Cormorant is mainly glossy black in the breeding season, with white head plumes and a whitish throat. The wing coverts are silvery, and it has a longish tail.
Habitat: Freshwater wetlands and on coasts.
Feeding: Feed on a wide variety of aquatic animals, from insects to fish.
Location: Bundala National park, Sri Lank

Monday, August 1, 2011

White-bellied Drongo (Dicrurus caerulescens)

Common Name: White-bellied Drongo
Scientific Name : Dicrurus caerulescens 
Identification: Black upperparts, Slaty grey throat and breast, White belly and vent:
Habitat: Open forest and well-wooded habitats.
Feeding: Mostly on insects, takes sometimes small birds
Location: Piliyandala
Reference: http://www.birdforum.net/opus/White-bellied_Drongo