Sigiriya Sanctuary

Sigiriya is celebrated among travel enthusiast as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an ancient rock fortress with awe inspiring architecture. It is however seldom known as home to a significant number of bird species. The forest at the foot of the Sigiriya rock is a preferred habitat of over 65 endemic, resident and migratory bird species. As a result, an area of 5,099 hectares constituting of forests, water bodies and roads surrounding Sigiriya and leading towards Pidurangala was recently declared as a Bird Sanctuary. A number of raptors such as the Shaheen Falcon, White Bellied Sea Eagles, Grey Headed Fish Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle and Crested Hawk Eagle can be seen gliding over the area. In addition, a variety of both common and rare species including the Little Scops Owl, Indian Long-tailed Night-Jar, Forest Eagle Owl, Open bill, Orange-breasted Green Pigeon, Green Imperial Pigeon, Emerald Dove, Ceylon Jungle Fowl, Orange-headed Ground Thrush, Indian Blue Chat, Brown-capped Babbler, White-Rumped Shama, Black-capped Bulbul, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, Brown Flycatcher, Layard’s Flycatcher, Orange Minivet, Small Minivet, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Ceylon Grey Hornbill and the Blue-faced Malkoha is frequently sighted in the area. Our experienced naturalist will be able to assist those who are interested in learning more about the different species, their unique habitats and behaviors.