Birds & Wetlands of Sri Lanka – Jonathan Forgham
18 to 31 January 2023

Sri Lanka has a rich and varied ornithological list of both resident and migratory birds. Between the months of November to early March the number of species is augmented by arrivals from India and the north. In total, Sri Lanka boasts 216 species of resident birds whilst another 220 species arrive to over winter. Many of these species are relatively easy to find and can be fairly common in the correct habitat. The itinerary of our tour has been planned carefully to permit visits to a variety of habitats: coastal, brackish lagoons, rain forests, rural and urban so enthusiastic birders will be in a position to maximise the species list for the tour. 34 species are endemic to Sri Lanka (ie, not found anywhere else) and whilst some are rare and elusive, many remain common and easy to find. In the correct habitat, the numbers of birds can be quite staggering.

Mammals and reptiles are also relatively easy to observe, especially at sites such as Udawalawe Reserve, some 3 hours from Galle in the south west. 

Jonathan Forgham :

The trip leader, offers a wealth of knowledge and experience about this superb island, In the UK he has been a life long birder and all round naturalist and has visited most of Europe for bird trips. He has spent 10 years recording all aspects of natural history in the rural parish where he lives, publishing a book on the area in 2010.

He has made numerous visits to many parts of Sri Lanka over the last 7 years where he has studied and photographed the birds and wildlife both in the National Reserves as well as by just walking around the village lanes and local wetlands. He has a long list of over 220 bird species seen in Sri Lanka and is regularly booked by ornithological societies, bird clubs, RSPB local groups and Rotarians to give presentations on the wildlife of the island. He will be offering these illustrated presentations on several evenings during the tour, to help with identification of some of the more common species, as well as prepare all for specific visits to the reserves found on the tour itinerary. He is a keen photographer and will be happy to advise all on any optical and photographic equipment as well as specific clothing for visits to rain forests etc. He is also an authority on the reptiles, butterflies and mammals of the island and will be able to point these out on our regular walks and visits. He will be using camera during the tour and will be happy to share his resulting bird and mammal photos with all soon after a return to the UK.

Anoma Alagiyawadu :

Anoma is the resident Naturalist and Jetwing’s Cetacean expert has committed his life to the study and preservation of nature. His interest in nature goes back to his childhood, growing up in Kottawa in the Galle region. The lush forest surroundings close to his home provided him much entertainment, and many hours were spent absorbing the wonders around him. “I used to lie on the cool shade of old forest trees and watch the birds, listening to their songs” – this dreamy appreciation grew into a passion, and on to become his career choice and vocation in life.

Anoma is currently applying innovative conservations methods to preserve and improve the propagation of Southern region Marine life. He has participated as a field assistant and organised infrastructural studies in research campaigns conducted by eminent British academics and marine biologists, referenced in Wild Heritage Trust adding rare insights to the country’s wild habitats. Anoma’s studies have been published in the Journal of South Asian Natural History offering his unique contribution at global standards. He has also worked in conjunction with the National Maritime Museum Galle and is a proactive member of the Galle Wildlife Society as well as of BEES – Biodiversity Exploration and Education Society.