Sri Lanka Wood-Pigeon

Columba torringtoniae

Large, plain gray pigeon with conspicuous black-and-white stripes on the nape. Underparts flushed mauve. Inhabits upper levels of forests and densely wooded areas in the hills and mountains, where occurs in pairs or small flocks. Combination of black-and-white neck markings and plain, unmarked, dark gray upperparts identifies this species from all other pigeons on Sri Lanka. Vocalizations include a single, deep “wooo”, and also an owl-like, double note “woo-oo”.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Columba torringtoniae
Authority
(Kelaart, 1853)
Order
Columbiformes
Family
Columbidae
Genus
Columba

Range and habitat

Migration
Nomadic movement

Conservation

Population trend
declining

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Gray Goshawk

Gray Goshawk

Tachyspiza novaehollandiae

Heavily built and powerful forest raptor occurring in two color morphs: all white; or gray and white. Both morphs have yellow legs, red eyes. Note broader wings than Brown Goshawk. Typically occurs in wet forested areas, including dense rainforest.

Ursula's Sunbird

Ursula's Sunbird

Cinnyris ursulae

A small, inconspicuous, and easily overlooked sunbird of mountain forests. At a distance, appears fairly uniform in color, but in good light the greenish back contrasts with the gray face, olive throat, pale belly, and reddish tufts on the sides of the body that are sometimes concealed by the wings. Bill is not overly long, but is distinctly curved. Within its range, most likely to be confused with Little Green Sunbird, but Ursula’s Sunbird has a plain face and more decurved, all black bill. Song varies, but always consists of sharp, high-pitched notes that are sometimes delivered as a jumble and sometimes as a single note followed by a descending pattern of quick, high pitched notes: “tsee-TSEE-TSI-tsi-tsi.” 

Island Leaf Warbler

Island Leaf Warbler

Phylloscopus poliocephalus

A small warbler with a pale eyebrow, a dull greenish upperside, a white throat, and yellowish underparts. Sometimes shows a faint central crown stripe, and sometimes an indistinct wingbar. Widespread with small variations, perhaps indicating multiple cryptic species. Singles, pairs, or groups inhabit lowland and hill forest, often accompanying mixed-species flocks. Differs from Arctic, Japanese, and Kamchatka Leaf Warblers in being smaller, yellower underneath, and darker above, and in sometimes showing a central crown stripe. Sings a very variable high-pitched warble mixed with twittering phrases.

Start Your Bird Watching Journey

Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.