Spot-winged Thrush
Geokichla spiloptera
Brown thrush with bold dark spots on the underparts, white spots in the wings, and black facial stripes below the eye. Occurs in pairs or singly, on or near the ground, in forest, forest edge, and gardens, mostly in the Wet Zone, but also locally in the Dry Zone. No other thrush on Sri Lanka shows distinct rows of white spots on the wings, and bold spotting below. Gives very high-pitched “sweeeee” call; song is a highly variable collection of rich, rising and falling, melodious whistles and warbles.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Geokichla spiloptera
- Authority
- (Blyth, 1847)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Turdidae
- Genus
- Geokichla
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Conservation
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Red-billed Blue-Magpie
Urocissa erythroryncha
Raucous, vividly-colored magpie of lowland and foothill forests, gardens, and parks. Bright blue with black head, white belly, and long tail which trails loosely behind it in flight. Bright scarlet bill and extensive white crown serve to distinguish this species from the otherwise similar Yellow-billed Blue-Magpie. Travels in groups, communicating with constant, raucous, hoarse calls. Aggressive, often driving away other birds.
Swamp Harrier
Circus approximans
Long-legged medium-sized raptor with long narrow wings. Adult has varied plumage, but note diagnostic prominent white rump. Juvenile is darker below. Flies slowly and low over open habitats with wings held in shallow V shape. Breeds in reed-beds, and occurs mainly in swamps and wetlands.
Hume's Boobook
Ninox obscura
A medium-sized, dark brown owl with distinctive yellow eyes. Note the small white spot between the eyes. Lower belly may often be paler and show some barring. Only active outside of daylight hours. Quite common throughout its range in plantations, forest edges, and groves. Call is a fluty, double-noted “whoo-up.”
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.