26-3-2025 LEOPARD TRAILS LODGE, SRI LANKA - BENGAL MONITOR (Varanus bengalensis)

The Bengal monitor (Varanus bengalensis), also called the Indian monitor, is a species of monitor lizard distributed widely in the Indian subcontinent, as well as parts of Southeast Asia and West Asia.

Juveniles are patterned and more colourful

The Bengal monitor can reach 175 cm (69 in) with a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 75 cm (30 in) and a tail of 100 cm (39 in). Males are generally larger than females. Heavy individuals may weigh nearly 7.2 kg (16 lb).

The populations of monitors in India and Sri Lanka differ in the scalation from those of Myanmar; these populations were once considered subspecies of the Bengal monitor, but are now considered two species within the V. bengalensis species complex. What was once the nominate subspecies, V. bengalensis, is found west of Myanmar, while the clouded monitor (V. nebulosus) is found to the east. Clouded monitors can be differentiated by the presence of a series of enlarged scales in the supraocular region. The number of ventral scales varies, decreasing from 108 in the west to 75 in the east (Java).

Young monitor lizards are more colourful than adults. Young have a series of dark crossbars on the neck, throat and back. The belly is white, banded with dark crossbars and are spotted with grey or yellow (particularly in the eastern part of the range). On the dorsal surface of young monitors, there are a series of yellow spots with dark transverse bars connecting them. As they mature, the ground colour becomes light brown or grey, and dark spots give them a speckled appearance. Clouded monitor hatchlings by comparison tend to have a series of backward-pointing, V-shaped bands on their necks.

26-3-2025 LEOPARD TRAILS LODGE, SRI LANKA - INDIAN ROBIN (Copsychus fulicatus)

The Indian robin, Copsychus fulicatus, is a small passerine bird that is part of the Muscicapidae family. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, the males are distinguished by their striking black plumage with a white shoulder patch, while the females are more subdued in coloration, with brownish-grey feathers. The species is known for its long tail, which is characteristically held upright, revealing the chestnut undertail coverts.

Males of the Indian robin can be identified by their black bodies and the white shoulder patch, which can vary in visibility. The northern subspecies have brownish upper plumage, which becomes progressively blacker as one moves southward. Females lack the white shoulder stripe and are greyish below. Juveniles resemble females but have a mottled throat.

The Indian robin favors open scrub areas, often found in stony, grassy, and scrub forest habitats. It tends to avoid dense forests and regions with high rainfall.

This bird is widespread across the Indian subcontinent, with its range extending through Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It is a resident species, showing no migratory behavior.

26-3-2025 LEOPARD TRAILS LODGE, SRI LANKA - PURPLE RUMPED SUNBIRD (FEMALE) (Leptocoma zeylonica)

The purple-rumped sunbird (Leptocoma zeylonica) is a sunbird endemic to the Indian Subcontinent. Like other sunbirds, they are small in size, feeding mainly on nectar but sometimes take insects, particularly when feeding young. They can hover for short durations but usually perch to lap nectar from flowers. They build a hanging pouch nest made up of cobwebs, lichens and plant material. Males are contrastingly coloured but females are olive above and yellow to buff below. Males are easily distinguished from the purple sunbird by the light coloured underside while females can be told apart from purple sunbird counterparts by their whitish throats.

The Purple-rumped sunbird (Leptocoma zeylonica) is a small passerine birds found on the Indian Subcontinent. Like other sunbirds, they feed mainly on nectar but take insects when feeding young. They can hover for short durations but usually perch to lap nectar from flowers.

Purple-rumped sunbirds are tiny, at less than 10 centimetres (4 in) long. They have medium-length thin down-curved bills and brush-tipped tubular tongues, both adaptations for nectar feeding. Purple-rumped sunbirds are sexually dimorphic. The males have a dark maroon upperside with a blue-green crown that glistens at some angles, bright green shoulder patch and violet/purple rump patch which is generally hidden under the wings. The underparts are whitish, with a dark throat, maroon breast band, and purple/violet patch in the throat, which is visible from some angles. The iris is generally reddish in color. The female has a white throat followed by a yellowish breast. The upperside is olive or brownish. The uppertail coverts are black and a weak supercilium may be visible.

Purple-rumped sunbirds are active during the day, spending most of their time searching for food. They usually perch while foraging for nectar and do not hover much. It has been noted that they maintain special scratching posts, where they get rid of pollen and nectar sticking to their head. When the flowers are too deep to probe, they sometimes pierce the base of the flower and rob the nectar, an action termed as "nectar theft" since the flower's primary purpose of attracting pollinators is foiled. They sometimes visit open crop fields and take honeydew exuded by leafhoppers. Sunbirds may indulge in dew-bathing, or bathing by sliding over drops of rain collected on large leaves. The call of these birds is 'ptsiee ptsit, ptsiee ptsswit' or a sharp twittering 'tityou, titou, trrrtit, tityou....'.

26-3-2025 LEOPARD TRAILS LODGE, SRI LANKA - COMMON MYNA (Acridotheres tristis)

The common myna, also known as the Indian myna (Acridotheres tristis), is a member of the starling family Sturnidae. This bird is distinguished by its brown body, black hooded head, and the striking bare yellow patch behind its eye. The bill and legs are a vivid yellow, and there is a notable white patch on the outer primaries. The wing lining on the underside is white, and both sexes appear similar, often seen in pairs.

To identify the common myna, look for the following characteristics:

Brown body with a black head

Yellow patch behind the eye

Bright yellow bill and legs

White patch on the outer primaries

White wing lining on the underside

The common myna is highly adaptable and thrives in a variety of habitats, including open woodland, cultivation, and urban environments. It has a strong preference for areas with tall structures and minimal ground cover, which are typical of city landscapes.

Originally from Asia, the common myna's range has expanded due to introductions across the globe. It is now found in many parts of the world, including North America, Australia, New Zealand, and various islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

26-3-2025 LEOPARD TRAILS LODGE, SRI LANKA - INDIAN POND HERON (Ardeola grayii)

The Indian Pond Heron, known colloquially as the paddybird, is a modestly sized heron with a penchant for concealment. Its plumage is a mélange of streaked olive and brown, which serves as excellent camouflage against the marshy landscapes it frequents. However, when this bird takes flight, it reveals a striking contrast with its bright white wings, a feature that is otherwise hidden when at rest.

This stocky bird possesses a short neck and a robust, thick bill. The back is buff-brown, and during the summer, adults boast elongated neck feathers. When in flight, the Indian Pond Heron is unmistakable due to the white of its wings. It bears a resemblance to the squacco herons but is distinguished by its darker back. Observers should note that individuals may occasionally exhibit red legs during the breeding season, though this is not a common trait.

The Indian Pond Heron is often found stalking prey at the edges of small water bodies or roosting near human habitations. It is adept at utilizing floating vegetation to access deeper waters and is known to frequent marshy wetlands.

This heron has its origins in the Old World, with a breeding range that extends from southern Iran across the Indian subcontinent to Burma and Sri Lanka. It is a widespread and common species, yet its cryptic coloration often renders it invisible until it is nearly underfoot.

Typically solitary in its foraging habits, the Indian Pond Heron may gather in numbers during the dry season when prey is concentrated in shrinking wetlands. It is a semi-colonial breeder and has been observed foraging in diverse environments, including garbage heaps and well-watered lawns. The bird's tendency to allow close approaches by humans is notable, and it may form communal roosts in urban areas.

The Indian Pond Heron is generally a silent bird, but it may emit a harsh croak when alarmed or near its nesting sites.

The onset of the monsoons marks the beginning of the breeding season for these herons. They nest in small colonies, often alongside other wading birds, constructing platforms of sticks in trees or shrubs. The nests are typically built at heights of 9 to 10 meters. The male collects materials while the female assembles the nest. Clutches usually consist of three to five eggs, which hatch asynchronously after 18 to 24 days. Both parents are involved in feeding the young, primarily with fish.

The diet of the Indian Pond Heron is varied, including crustaceans, aquatic insects, fishes, tadpoles, and occasionally leeches. Outside of wetlands, these herons will also consume terrestrial insects, fish, and amphibians. They have been observed using innovative techniques such as bait-fishing with bread crumbs to attract fish.

The Indian Pond Heron's habit of remaining motionless until the last possible moment has given rise to several folk beliefs about its vision. In Sri Lanka, it is referred to as the "half-blind heron," and in Hindustani, the phrase "bagla bhagat" likens the bird to a wolf in sheep's clothing. The bird has also featured in Indian folklore and literature, often noted for its surprising transformation from dull to bright colors upon taking flight.

25-3-2025 LEOPARD TRAILS YALA, SRI LANKA - BLUE RIVER DAMSELFLY (Pseudagrion microcephalum)

The blue riverdamsel, Pseudagrion microcephalum is a common species of damselfly in the family Coenagrionidae. It is also known as the blue sprite[6] and blue grass dart.

This species can be found in the Australian states of New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. It can also be found in Africa: southern Nigeria and Asia: Bangladesh, China, Guangxi, Hong Kong, Hainan, Indonesia, India, Japan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and Viet Nam.

It is a medium-sized damselfly with pale blue eyes, dark on top. They grow to 38mm in length. Its thorax is azure blue with black, broad dorsal stripes and narrow humeral stripes. h orange, marked as in the male; but black is replaced by orange. Color of the abdomen is similar to the male; but paler. Segments 8 and 9 are also black with fine apical blue rings. Segment 10 is pale blue.

This species can easily be found near running water or still water. They usually rest on the plants either in the middle of ponds or at the water edges. It breeds in ponds, lakes and streams. It is entirely a species of the plains, being replaced by Pseudagrion malabaricum in the neighboring hills of Western Ghats of India and Sri Lanka, and by Pseudagrion australasiae to the north-east of India and Burma.

25-3-2025 LEOPARD TRAILS YALA, SRI LANKA - RED VENTED BULBUL (Pycnonotus cafer)

The Red-vented Bulbul, Pycnonotus cafer, is a passerine bird from the bulbul family. It is characterized by a short crest that gives its head a distinctive squarish profile. The plumage is primarily dark brown with a scaly appearance, and the head is often darker or black. A notable feature is the white rump contrasting sharply with the red vent, from which it derives its name. The bird measures approximately 20 cm in length and sports a long black tail with a white tip.

Adult Red-vented Bulbuls have a black head, a prominent crest, and a dark brown body with a scaly pattern. The rump is white, and the vent is a vivid red. The Himalayan subspecies exhibit a more pronounced crest and streaking on the underside. The sexes are similar in plumage, but juveniles are generally duller.

This species is typically found in dry scrub, open forest, plains, and cultivated lands. It is not commonly seen in mature forests within its native range.

The Red-vented Bulbul is a resident breeder across the Indian subcontinent, including Sri Lanka, extending east to Burma, and parts of Bhutan and Nepal. It has established populations in New Zealand, Argentina, Tonga, Fiji, parts of Samoa, Australia, the USA, and the Cook Islands due to introductions.

25-3-2025 YALA NAT PARK, SRI LANKA - BENGAL MONITOR (Varanus bengalensis)

The Bengal monitor (Varanus bengalensis) is a large terrestrial monitor lizard. Young monitors, however, may be more arboreal, but adults mainly hunt on the ground. Although large Bengal monitors have few predators apart from humans who hunt them for meat, younger individuals are hunted by many predators.

Young Bengal monitors are more colorful than adults. Young have a series of dark crossbars on the neck, throat, and back. The belly is white, banded with dark crossbars, and is spotted with grey or yellow (particularly in the eastern part of the range). On the dorsal surface of young monitors, there are a series of yellow spots with dark transverse bars connecting them. As they mature, the ground color becomes light brown or grey, and dark spots give them a speckled appearance. Bengal monitors have external nostril openings (nares) that are slit-like and oriented near horizontally and positioned between the eye and the tip of the snout. The nares can be closed at will, especially to keep away debris or water. The scales of the skin are rougher in patches and on the sides, they have minute pits, especially well distributed in males. 

These scales with micropores have glandular structures in the underlying dermal tissue and produce a secretion that may be a pheromone-like substance. Like other monitors, Bengal monitors have a forked tongue similar to snakes. The function is mainly sensory and is not very involved in the transport of food down the throat. Bengal monitors have fat deposits in the tail and body that serve them in conditions when prey are not easily available. The lungs have spongy tissue, unlike the sacs of other saurians. This allows for a greater rate of gas exchange and allows a faster metabolic rate and higher activity levels. Like all monitors, they have subpleurodont teeth, meaning the teeth are fused to the inside of the jaw bones. While monitor lizards are venomous, there are no reports of the effects of venom in Bengal monitors other than a very controversial case report of fatal renal failure as a result of envenomation from this species.

25-3-2025 YALA NAT PARK, SRI LANKA - CHITAL (JUVENILE) (Axis axis)

The Axis deer (Axis axis) is a deer species native to the Indian subcontinent. It was first described and given a binomial name by German naturalist Johann Christian Polycarp Erxleben in 1777.

The Axis deer is a beautiful mammal with a spotted body and short tail. Both males and females have markings on their bodies; the markings are white, running in rows along the length of their bodies. The body of Axis deer is bright golden brown in color while the head is a bit lighter shade of the same color. Around their eyes, they have stripes of fur that are paler in color. Males have black spots on their faces and three tines on each of their magnificent antlers. These deer have a dark stripe, running along the length of their back and bordered by a row of spots. The outer parts of their legs are light brown in color while the underparts can be both white and creamy. The Axis deer has a white spot on its throat, which is more noticeable in males. In addition, the tail of the Axis deer has a white underpart.

Most of the Axis deer population is concentrated in the forests of India. The major area of their distribution is Sri Lanka and India, though they are introduced to USA and Australia as well. They live in dense forests, forested valleys and also prefer open grasslands, savannas, and plantations.

25-3-2025 GAL OYA LODGE, SRI LANKA - COMMON TAILORBIRD (Orthotomus sutorius)

The common tailorbird, Orthotomus sutorius, is a diminutive yet vibrant songbird, cloaked in bright green upperparts contrasted with creamy underparts. With a size ranging from 10 to 14 centimeters and a weight between 6 to 10 grams, it is a small bird with a wren-like appearance, characterized by short rounded wings, a long and often upright tail, and a sharp, curved bill. The crown is a distinctive rust color, and both sexes are similar, though males may sport elongated central tail feathers during the breeding season.

To identify the common tailorbird, look for its rust-colored forehead and crown, and listen for its loud and distinctive cheeup-cheeup-cheeup call. The bird's long tail is typically held upright and can be quite animated. During vocalization, dark patches on the sides of the neck, caused by pigmented and bare skin, become visible. Juveniles are duller in color compared to adults.

This species thrives in a variety of environments, including open farmland, scrub, forest edges, and urban gardens. It is adept at navigating the dense undergrowth where it often remains concealed.

The common tailorbird is widely distributed across tropical Asia, with several recognized subspecies inhabiting South Asia and Southeast Asia. These range from the lowlands and highlands of Sri Lanka, across the Indian peninsula, to the Terai of Nepal, the hills of Northeast India, and further east to Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, China, and Java.

25-3-2025 GAL OYA LODGE, SRI LANKA - WHITE RUMPED MUNIA (Lonchura striata)

The White-rumped Munia, known scientifically as Lonchura striata, is a diminutive passerine bird belonging to the waxbill "finches" family, Estrildidae. This species is not closely related to the true finches or sparrows. It is characterized by its small size, approximately 10 to 11 cm in length, with a stout grey bill and a sharply pointed black tail. The plumage is generally brown above and on the breast, with a paler underside and a distinctive white rump.

Adult White-rumped Munias exhibit brown upperparts and breast, with lighter underparts. The white rump is a key distinguishing feature. While there is some variation among subspecies, males and females are nearly indistinguishable, though males may possess a slightly more robust head and bill.

This species thrives in open woodlands, grasslands, and scrub areas. It is also quite adept at adapting to agricultural landscapes. The White-rumped Munia is often found near water and is known to feed on algae, particularly in paddy fields.

The White-rumped Munia is a common resident breeder across the Indian subcontinent, extending to southern China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia down to Sumatra.

24-3-2025 GAL OYA LODGE, SRI LANKA - LOTEN'S SUNBIRD (FEMALE) (Cinnyris lotenius)

The Loten's sunbird, also known as the long-billed sunbird or maroon-breasted sunbird, is a diminutive yet vibrant avian species endemic to the Indian subcontinent. Males are particularly striking with their glossy purple plumage and a distinctive maroon band across the breast, while females are more subdued with yellow-grey upperparts and yellowish underparts.

To identify the Loten's sunbird, look for the male's long bill and maroon breast band, which can be seen under good lighting. The wings are a telltale brownish hue. Females lack the supercilium found in similar species and are generally less colorful. The male's pectoral tufts, a blend of yellow and crimson, are a spectacle during displays.

These sunbirds favor the lush forests and cultivated areas of peninsular India and Sri Lanka. They are also quite at home in urban gardens, where they are a common sight, flitting from flower to flower.

The Loten's sunbird is found exclusively in peninsular India and Sri Lanka, with a particular prevalence along the Western Ghats and into the southern peninsula. Their presence extends to central India and the northern Eastern Ghats up to Orissa.

The Loten's sunbird is a resident species, showing no known seasonal migration. It exhibits a preference for hovering at flowers when foraging for nectar, a behavior that sets it apart from the purple sunbird. They also consume insects and spiders, supplementing their nectar diet.

The male Loten's sunbird serenades with a long, repetitive "wue-wue-wue…" that accelerates towards the end, reminiscent of the call of the cinereous tit. Their call is a distinctive buzzy "zwick zwick."

Breeding season spans from November to March in India and February to May in Sri Lanka. The female is solely responsible for incubating the eggs, which she does for about 15 days. The nest, a remarkable bag-like structure woven from webs and bark, is often situated within the nests of social spiders.

The Loten's sunbird can be confused with the purple sunbird, but the former can be distinguished by its longer bill and the maroon breast band in males.

These birds have a penchant for nectar, which they extract from a variety of flowers using their specialized down-curved bills and brush-tipped tongues. They also partake in small insects and spiders for sustenance.

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Loten's sunbird as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats to its survival at present.

24-3-2025 GAL OYA LODGE, SRI LANKA - STICK INSECT (order phasmida)

The Phasmatodea (also known as Phasmida or Phasmatoptera) are an order of insects whose members are variously known as stick insects, stick bugs, walkingsticks, stick animals, or bug sticks. They are also occasionally referred to as Devil's darning needles, although this name is shared by both dragonflies and crane flies. They can be generally referred to as phasmatodeans, phasmids, or ghost insects, with phasmids in the family Phylliidae called leaf insects, leaf-bugs, walking leaves, or bug leaves. The group's name is derived from the Ancient Greek φάσμα phasma, meaning an apparition or phantom, referring to their resemblance to vegetation while in fact being animals. Their natural camouflage makes them difficult for predators to detect; still, many species have one of several secondary lines of defense in the form of startle displays, spines or toxic secretions. Stick insects from the genera Phryganistria, Ctenomorpha, and Phobaeticus include the world's longest insects.

Members of the order are found on all continents except Antarctica, but they are most abundant in the tropics and subtropics. They are herbivorous, with many species living unobtrusively in the tree canopy. They have an incomplete metamorphosis life cycle with three stages: egg, nymph and adult. Many phasmids are parthenogenic or androgenetic, and do not require fertilized eggs for female offspring to be produced. In hotter climates, they may breed all year round; in more temperate regions, the females lay eggs in the autumn before dying, and the new generation hatches in the spring. Some species have wings and can disperse by flying, while others are more restricted.

21-4-2025 POTRIES, VALENCIA - WOODCHAT SHRIKE (Lanius senator)

The Woodchat Shrike, Lanius senator, is a captivating bird, slightly larger than its cousin, the Red-backed Shrike. The male boasts a distinctive appearance with black and white upper parts and a rich chestnut crown, while the female and juveniles display a more subdued brown and white vermiculated plumage with buff underparts.

To identify the Woodchat Shrike, look for the male's striking black and white upper parts and chestnut crown. The female and young birds are less conspicuous with their vermiculated brown and white upper parts and buff underparts. The western Mediterranean race, L. s. badius, lacks the prominent white wing patches seen in other subspecies.

This species has a preference for open wooded areas with scattered trees, such as orchards, especially where the ground is bare or sandy. 

The Woodchat Shrike breeds across southern Europe, the Middle East, and northwest Africa, and migrates to winter in tropical Africa. Its range spans from Portugal to Greece and from Mauritania to Libya, with occasional sightings as far north as Great Britain.

The Woodchat Shrike is known for its perching behaviour, often seen on exposed lookouts from where it swoops down or glides to capture its prey. It is also known to occasionally impale its prey on thorns, a behaviour typical of shrikes.

Breeding occurs from early May to mid-July. Both sexes contribute to nest building, which is typically situated in a tree. The clutch consists of 5-6 eggs, incubated mainly by the female, with fledglings cared for by both parents.

The diet of the Woodchat Shrike is primarily insectivorous, with beetles being a favoured choice. It employs a sit-and-wait hunting strategy from elevated perches and is known to dismember larger insects.

The Woodchat Shrike is currently classified as Near Threatened due to long-term population declines attributed to habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, hunting during migration, and other factors. Despite this, it has a large estimated population of 5.9-10 million individuals.

24-3-2025 GAL OYA LAKE, SRI LANKA - PAINTED STORK (Mycteria leucocephala)

The Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala) is a large wader belonging to the stork family. It is easily recognized by its heavy yellow beak with a down-curved tip, reminiscent of an ibis. The adult's head is bare and exhibits a vibrant orange or reddish hue. Notably, the long tertials are tipped in bright pink, which gracefully extend over the back and rump when the bird is at rest. A distinctive black breast band adorned with white scaly markings is present, continuing into the under-wing coverts. The white tips of the black coverts create the illusion of white stripes running across the under-wing lining. The rest of the body is predominantly whitish in adults, with black primaries and secondaries that have a greenish gloss. The legs range from yellowish to red, often appearing white due to the habit of urohidrosis. The short tail is black with a green gloss. This medium-sized stork stands about 93–102 cm tall, spans 150–160 cm across the wings, and weighs 2–3.5 kg. Males and females are similar in appearance, though males are typically larger.

When identifying the Painted Stork, look for the pink tertial feathers, the black breast band with white scaly markings, and the heavy yellow beak with a down-curved tip. In flight, they are distinguished by their outstretched neck and the white stripes across the under-wing. Juveniles are brownish with grey bills and lack the vibrant adult coloration.

Painted Storks favor freshwater wetlands, but they also frequent irrigation canals and agricultural fields, particularly during the monsoon when rice fields are flooded.

These birds are found across the plains of tropical Asia, from the Indian Subcontinent extending into Southeast Asia, south of the Himalayas. They are absent from arid regions, dense forests, and higher hill areas.

Painted Storks are sociable birds, often seen foraging in flocks in shallow waters. They employ a tactile method of feeding, sweeping their half-open beaks side to side in the water to catch small fish. They are known to stir the water with their feet to flush out hiding fish. These storks are not migratory but may move short distances in response to weather or food availability, or for breeding purposes. At the nest, they communicate with weak moans or bill clattering.

The Painted Stork is mostly silent, but at the nest, it may produce weak moans or engage in bill clattering.

They nest colonially in trees, often alongside other waterbirds. The breeding season varies by region, with nest initiation ranging from mid-August in northern India to October in southern India. Clutch size can vary from one to five eggs, with incubation lasting about a month and fledging taking nearly two months.

The Painted Stork can be confused with other storks, but its distinctive pink tertials and black breast band with white scaly markings help differentiate it.

Their diet consists mainly of small fish, which they sense by touch. They may also consume frogs and occasionally snakes. They forage primarily during the day but can also feed at night under certain conditions.

24-3-2025 GAL OYA LAKE, SRI LANKA - WHITE BELLIED SEA EAGLE (Haliaeetus leucogaster)

The White-bellied Sea Eagle (Icthyophaga leucogaster), also known as the White-breasted Sea Eagle, is a majestic and large diurnal bird of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae. It is characterized by its striking white head, breast, under-wing coverts, and tail, contrasting with its grey upper parts and black under-wing flight feathers. The tail is notably short and wedge-shaped, a common feature among Haliaeetinae species. Females are typically larger than males, reaching up to 90 cm in length, with a wingspan of up to 2.2 meters, and can weigh as much as 4.5 kg. Immature birds are cloaked in brown plumage, which gradually transitions to white over several years.

Adult White-bellied Sea Eagles are unmistakable with their white and grey plumage. The black flight feathers are prominent when viewed from below. The bill is a leaden blue-grey with a darker tip, and the eyes are dark brown. The legs and feet are yellow or grey with long black talons. Juveniles are predominantly brown with pale cream streaks on their head and neck, and their plumage slowly whitens with age.

This sea eagle is often found in coastal regions but can also be seen inland near large bodies of water. It prefers areas with tall trees or pylons for nesting, with a clear view of the surrounding landscape.

The species is widespread, ranging from India and Sri Lanka through Southeast Asia to Australia. It is a common sight along coastlines and major waterways, and although generally sedentary, it can travel considerable distances.

The White-bellied Sea Eagle is territorial and monogamous, with pairs often remaining together for life. They are known for their impressive aerial displays during courtship. These birds are most often seen perched high or soaring over waterways, and they are generally encountered singly or in pairs.

The call of the White-bellied Sea Eagle is a loud, goose-like honking, which is particularly prominent during the breeding season. Pairs may call in unison, with the male's call being higher-pitched and more rapid than the female's.

Breeding season varies by location, with courtship involving intricate aerial displays. Nests are large structures made of sticks and branches, often located in tall trees overlooking water. Typically, two eggs are laid, but it is common for only one chick to fledge successfully.

An opportunistic carnivore, the White-bellied Sea Eagle has a diverse diet that includes fish, turtles, snakes, birds, and mammals. It is a skilled hunter, often catching fish by flying low over the water and grasping them with its talons.

24-3-2025 GAL OYA LAKE, SRI LANKA - WHITE THROATED KINGFISHER (Halcyon smyrnensis)

The White-throated Kingfisher, Halcyon smyrnensis, also known as the White-breasted Kingfisher, is a vibrant tree kingfisher. It boasts a striking blue back, wings, and tail, while its head, shoulders, flanks, and lower belly are a rich chestnut. The throat and breast are a contrasting white, and the large bill and legs are a vivid red. This robust bird measures 27–28 cm in length and exhibits a rapid and direct flight, revealing large white patches on its blue and black wings during flight. Both sexes appear similar, though juveniles present a more subdued version of the adult's plumage.

When identifying the White-throated Kingfisher, look for its bright blue upperparts and chestnut head and body. The white throat and breast are distinctive, as is the red bill and legs. In flight, the white wing patches are a key identification feature. Juveniles may be less colorful but retain the same general pattern.

This kingfisher is adaptable and can be found in a variety of open habitats, from plains with trees and wires to urban areas. It is also seen at elevations up to 7500 feet in the Himalayas.

The White-throated Kingfisher has a wide distribution across Asia, from the Sinai in the west, through the Indian subcontinent, to China and Indonesia. It is a resident species over much of its range, with some populations making short-distance movements.

This kingfisher is known for its conspicuous perching on wires or other exposed perches within its territory. It is a common sight in South Asia and is known to be attracted to lights at night during the monsoon season, suggesting partial migratory behavior.

During the breeding season, the White-throated Kingfisher is vocal, with loud calls in the mornings from prominent perches. The male's courtship display includes stiffly flicking open wings to expose the white wing mirrors, while the female invites with a rapid kit-kit-kit call.

Breeding coincides with the onset of the Monsoons. The nest is a tunnel in an earth bank, and a clutch typically consists of 4-7 round white eggs. Incubation takes 20-22 days, and fledging occurs in 19 days.

The diet is varied, including large crustaceans, insects, earthworms, rodents, lizards, snakes, fish, frogs, and occasionally small birds. It is noted for rarely drinking water but regularly bathing.

24-3-2025 GAL OYA NAT PARK, SRI LANKA - RED BACKED FLAMEBACK WOODPECKER

The Red-backed flameback, also known as the Lesser Sri Lanka flameback or Ceylon red-backed woodpecker, is a striking bird endemic to the island of Sri Lanka. It is a medium-sized woodpecker, approximately 28 centimeters in length, with a predominantly crimson plumage and black trailing edges on its wings. The underparts are white, adorned with untidy black markings.

Males boast a resplendent red crown, while females display a black-speckled forecrown and forehead with white spots. Both sexes have a black eyestripe that extends to the back of the neck, merging into the nape and upper back with white streaks. Their grey bill is of moderate size, ending in a blunt point. Juveniles appear duller with less pronounced markings. Hybrids with the Black-rumped flameback may exhibit a blend of red, orange, or yellow plumage.

The Red-backed flameback thrives in a variety of habitats, including subtropical or tropical dry forests, moist lowland forests, and mangrove forests. It is also a common sight in manmade environments such as home gardens and can be observed up to elevations of 1,500 meters.

This woodpecker species is found throughout Sri Lanka, with the exception of the far-north regions. It is most prevalent in the dry zone but has a preference for humid environments.

The Red-backed flameback is known to forage alone, in pairs, or as family groups. It often joins multi-species foraging flocks and exhibits a flap-and-glide bounding flight pattern. When climbing trees, it uses its tail as a prop for support.

24-3-2025 GAL OYA LAKE, SRI LANKA - CRESTED SERPENT EAGLE SRI LANKAN (Spilornis cheela ssp. spilogaster)

The crested serpent eagle, Spilornis cheela, is a medium-sized raptor with a robust build, characterized by its dark brown plumage, rounded wings, and short tail. Its most distinctive feature is the short black and white fan-shaped nuchal crest, which imparts a thick-necked appearance. The face is bare, with striking yellow skin that extends to the ceres, and the powerful feet are unfeathered, displaying heavy scaling. The underside is adorned with white and yellowish-brown spots, and when perched, the wingtips fall short of the tail tip. In flight, the broad wings form a shallow 'V', and the tail and underside of the flight feathers exhibit bold black and white bars.

The crested serpent eagle is a reptile specialist, hunting snakes and lizards over forested habitats and wet grasslands. It also preys on various other animals, including birds and mammals. This species is mostly sedentary, with some populations being migratory. They spend much of their time perched, calling frequently with a loud, piercing three or two-note call. Males in Taiwan have been observed to have larger home ranges than females. The species uses a sit-and-wait hunting strategy and is known to roost in densely foliaged trees.

The call of the crested serpent eagle is a distinctive and rising "Kluee-wip-wip," often heard in the late mornings.

23-3-2025 GAL OYA, SRI LANKA - LOTEN'S SUNBIRD (FEMALE) (Cinnyris lotenius)

The Loten's sunbird, also known as the long-billed sunbird or maroon-breasted sunbird, is a diminutive yet vibrant avian species endemic to the Indian subcontinent. Males are particularly striking with their glossy purple plumage and a distinctive maroon band across the breast, while females are more subdued with yellow-grey upperparts and yellowish underparts.

To identify the Loten's sunbird, look for the male's long bill and maroon breast band, which can be seen under good lighting. The wings are a telltale brownish hue. Females lack the supercilium found in similar species and are generally less colorful. The male's pectoral tufts, a blend of yellow and crimson, are a spectacle during displays.

These sunbirds favor the lush forests and cultivated areas of peninsular India and Sri Lanka. They are also quite at home in urban gardens, where they are a common sight, flitting from flower to flower.

The Loten's sunbird is found exclusively in peninsular India and Sri Lanka, with a particular prevalence along the Western Ghats and into the southern peninsula. Their presence extends to central India and the northern Eastern Ghats up to Orissa.

The Loten's sunbird is a resident species, showing no known seasonal migration. It exhibits a preference for hovering at flowers when foraging for nectar, a behavior that sets it apart from the purple sunbird. They also consume insects and spiders, supplementing their nectar diet.

The male Loten's sunbird serenades with a long, repetitive "wue-wue-wue…" that accelerates towards the end, reminiscent of the call of the cinereous tit. Their call is a distinctive buzzy "zwick zwick."

Breeding season spans from November to March in India and February to May in Sri Lanka. The female is solely responsible for incubating the eggs, which she does for about 15 days. The nest, a remarkable bag-like structure woven from webs and bark, is often situated within the nests of social spiders.

The Loten's sunbird can be confused with the purple sunbird, but the former can be distinguished by its longer bill and the maroon breast band in males.

These birds have a penchant for nectar, which they extract from a variety of flowers using their specialized down-curved bills and brush-tipped tongues. They also partake in small insects and spiders for sustenance.

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Loten's sunbird as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats to its survival at present.

20-4-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - LAVENDER SCALLOPS (Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi)

Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi, formerly known as Bryophyllum fedtschenkoi, is a species of flowering plant in the family Crassulaceae. It is native to Madagascar. It is widely sold as a house or garden plant that has established itself in the wild in some southern parts of the United States of America. The specific epithet fedtschenkoi honors botanist Boris Fedtschenko (1873-1947). Its genome has been sequenced as a model to study CAM metabolism.

Kalanchoe fedtschenkoi is a low-growing, frost-tender perennial succulent which prefers dry, open ground. It grows to 10–12 inches (25–30 cm) tall as an untidy, low, rounded herb. The stems are round, smooth and lax with visible leaf scars, often bending and touching the ground where they produce roots and new plants.

Leaves are fleshy, alternate, blue-green and oval or obovate with fine scalloped edges, the edges may turn pink or red under strong sunlight or drought conditions. Commonly called ‘Lavender Scallops’ from the shape and color of its leaves. It has few pests but may harbor mealy bugs or occasionally scale insects.

The tubular flowers are in corymbs, often multi-layered in good conditions. Each flower has a short calyx edged with delta-shaped segments, which is shorter than its tubular corolla. The corolla is an orange/coral/apricot color. The flowers are pendant.

20-4-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - WAVE MOTH (Idaea cervantaria)

Idaea, sometimes called Hyriogona (among other synonyms), is a large genus of geometer moths. It was erected by Georg Friedrich Treitschke in 1825. They are found nearly worldwide, with many native to the Mediterranean, the African savannas, and the deserts of western Asia.

As of 2013, there were about 680 species in the genus.

19-4-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - COMMON GREEN LACEWING (Genus Chrysoperla)

Chrysoperla carnea, one of the species of common green lacewing,[1][2] is an insect in the Chrysopidae family. Although the adults feed on nectar, pollen and aphid honeydew, the larvae are active predators and feed on aphids and other small insects. It has been used in the biological control of insect pests on crops.

Chrysoperla carnea was originally considered to be a single species with a holarctic distribution but it has now been shown to be a complex of many cryptic, sibling subspecies. These are indistinguishable from each other morphologically but can be recognised by variations in the vibrational songs the insects use to communicate with each other, which they especially do during courtship.

The green lacewing eggs are oval and secured to the plant by long slender stalks. They are pale green when first laid but become gray later. The larvae are about one millimetre long when they first hatch. They are brown and resemble small alligators, crawling actively around in search of prey. They have a pair of pincer-like mandibles on their head with which they grasp their prey, sometimes lifting the victim off the leaf surface to prevent its escape. The larvae inject enzymes into the bodies of their victims which digest the internal organs, after which they suck out the liquidated body fluids.[citation needed] The larvae grow to about eight millimetres long before they spin circular cocoons and pupate.

Adult green lacewings are a pale green colour with long, threadlike antennae and glossy, golden, compound eyes. They have a delicate appearance and are from twelve to twenty millimetres long with large, membranous, pale green wings which they fold tent-wise above their abdomens. They are weak fliers and have a fluttery form of flight. They are often seen during the evenings and at night when they are attracted by lights. The high green sensitivity of the superposition eyes allows the green lacewings to recognize fresh green leaves that they use to find honey dew produced by aphids, a site for egglaying and a resting place.

17-4-2025 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - CURVED HORN MOTH (Symmoca signatella)

Symmoca signatella is a moth of the family Autostichidae. It is known from most of western Europe, but also Lithuania, Croatia, Greece and southern Russia. It has also been recorded from California in North America.

The wingspan is 12–15 mm. Adults are on wing in late summer and autumn.

The larvae feed on dried vegetable matter. They have been recorded feeding on dry leaves and plant debris on the stem and branches of Rosmarinus officinalis. The accumulation of debris was connected by light webbing.

23-3-2025 GAL OYA, SRI LANKA - PADDYFIELD PIPIT (Anthus rufulus)

The Paddyfield Pipit, or Oriental Pipit, is a rather large member of the pipit family, measuring around 15 cm in length. It is predominantly streaked grey-brown on its upper parts and pale on its underparts, with some breast streaking. Both sexes appear similar, with long legs, a lengthy tail, and a dark bill. The plumage does not vary significantly between seasons, but juveniles can be distinguished by their richer coloration below and more pronounced spotting on the breast.

Distinguishing the Paddyfield Pipit in winter can be challenging due to the presence of migratory pipit species. However, it is generally smaller and more compact than its relatives, with a shorter tail and a less powerful flight. Its call, a repetitive "chip-chip-chip," is distinct from the explosive "shreep" of Richard's Pipit and the nasal "pschreen" of Blyth's Pipit. The Paddyfield Pipit can be confused with the Tawny Pipit but has more streaking on the mantle and lacks the Tawny's black loreal stripe.

This species thrives in open environments, particularly in short grasslands and cultivated areas that offer patches of bare ground.

The Paddyfield Pipit is a resident breeder across the Indian Subcontinent, extending east to southern China, southern Thailand, and Indochina. Its range also includes the Philippines and parts of Indonesia.

The Paddyfield Pipit is known for its rapid movements on the ground. When disturbed, it takes flight briefly before settling back down. It breeds mainly during the dry season, possibly raising multiple broods. Its breeding behavior includes a fluttery flight display accompanied by a repeated note.

The bird's vocalizations are characterized by a "chip-chip-chip" call, which is notably different from the calls of similar pipit species in the region.

Nesting occurs on the ground, often under grass tufts or bushes. The nest is typically cup-shaped, though exposed nests may be domed. Clutches usually consist of three to four eggs with a greenish hue and brown specks.

The Paddyfield Pipit primarily feeds on small insects, but it will also consume larger beetles, tiny snails, and worms. It forages on the ground and may also catch insects in flight.

The Paddyfield Pipit is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it is not currently at significant risk of extinction.

23-3-2025 GAL OYA, SRI LANKA - ORIENTAL GARDEN LIZARD (Calotes versicolor)

The oriental garden lizard (Calotes versicolor), also called the eastern garden lizard, Indian garden lizard, common garden lizard, bloodsucker or changeable lizard, is an agamid lizard found widely distributed in Indo-Malaya. It has also been introduced in many other parts of the world.

Calotes versicolor is an insectivore, and the male gets a bright red throat in the breeding season. It measures over 10 cm (3.9 in) in length snout-to-vent. Total length including the tail is up to 37 cm (14.5 in). Two small groups of spines, perfectly separated from each other, above each tympanum. Dorsal crest moderately elevated on the neck and anterior part of the trunk, extending on to the root of the tail in large individuals, and gradually disappearing on the middle of the trunk in younger ones. No fold in front of the shoulder, but the scales behind the lower jaw are much smaller than the others; gular sac not developed. From thirty-nine to forty-three series of scales round the middle of the trunk. The hind foot (measured from the heel to the extremity of the fourth toe) is not much longer than the head in the adult, whilst it is considerably longer in the young. The coloration is very variable, sometimes uniform brownish or greyish-olive or yellowish. Generally broad brown bands across the back, interrupted by a yellowish lateral band. Black streaks radiate from the eye, and some of them are continued over the throat, running obliquely backwards, belly frequently with greyish longitudinal stripes, one along the median line being the most distinct; young and half-grown specimens have a dark, black-edged band across the inter-orbital region.

The ground-colour is generally a light brownish olive, but the lizard can change it to bright red, to black, and to a mixture of both. This change is sometimes confined to the head, at other times diffused over the whole body and tail. A common state in which it may be seen (as stated by T. C. Jerdon) is, seated on a hedge or bush, with the tail and limbs black, head and neck yellow picked out with red, and the rest of the body red. Jerdon and Blyth agree that these bright, changeable colours are peculiar to the male during the breeding-season, which falls in the months of May to early October.

Albert Guenther mentioned that Alexandre Henri Mouhot had collected in Siam one of those fine variations of colours, which, however, appear to be infinite. It has the usual cross streaks between the eyes and the radiating lines continent of India to China; it is very common in Ceylon, not extending into the temperate zone of the Himalayas. Ceylonese specimens are generally somewhat larger; one of them measured 16 inches, the tail taking 11 inches. It is found in hedges and trees; it is known in Ceylon under the name of "Bloodsucker", a designation the origin of which cannot be satisfactorily traced; in the opinion of Kelaart, the name was given to it from the occasional reddish hue of the throat and neck. "Roktochosha (রক্তচোষা)" is also a local name in the Bengali language, which also translates to "bloodsucker".

The female lays from five to sixteen soft oval eggs, about 5/8 of an inch long, in hollows of trees, or in holes in the soil which they have burrowed, afterward covering them up. The young appear in about eight or nine weeks. In a hot sunny day a solitary bloodsucker may be seen on a twig or on a wall, basking in the sun, with mouth wide open. After a shower of rain numbers of them are seen to come down on the ground and pick up the larva and small insects which fall from the trees during the showers. Changeable lizards escape danger by darting to the nearest tree. If the predator comes even closer, they will scale to the side of the tree facing away from the predator and very swiftly dart up the tree. The predator looks behind the tree only to see that the lizard is up in the branches.

23-3-2025 GAL OYA, SRI LANKA - ORANGE MIGRANT BUTTERFLY (Catopsilia scylla)

Catopsilia scylla, the orange migrant or orange emigrant, is a species of butterfly that lives in South East Asia and Australasia. Its larvae feed predominantly on plants of the genera Cassia and Senna.

Adults are approximately 60–65 millimetres (2.4–2.6 in) long. The males have white forewings edged in black, and cadmium-yellow hindwings, usually with black spots on the margins. Females are similar, but have an additional group of black spots on the forewing, which often merge to form a dark ring.

Catopsilia scylla has a wide distribution in South East Asia and Australasia. Its range stretches from Myanmar, Cambodia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, along the Malay Peninsula, across Java and Sumatra, and over northern Australia. It was recently discovered in Sri Lanka.

In Australia, C. scylla has been recorded on various species of Senna, including S. didymobotrya, S. leptoclada and S. surattensis. In Singapore, host plants include Senna obtusifolia, Cassia fistula, and especially Senna pallida.

The eggs are milky white and spindle shaped, and are usually laid singly on a leaf of the host plant. The eggs hatch after 1.5–2 days, and the caterpillars grow through five instars over 11–13 days, to reach a final length of 40 millimetres (1.6 in). The caterpillars are green and smooth, with a rounded head, and develops a series of black dots and a white lateral line on top of the plain green ground colour. Pupae are 26 mm (1.0 in) long, and are attached to the host plant in an upright position. After seven days, the adult emerges.