What Birds Can Be Seen in Minneriya National Park?

Over 170 bird species are known from Minneriya. Sightings include painted storks, spot-billed pelicans, lesser adjutants, Sri Lanka junglefowl, grey hornbills, green pigeons, hanging parrots, migratory waders, and several raptors.

What you spot will shift. It changes with habitat type, the water level, and the season.

Near the reservoir, focus on big waterbirds and waders. In the forest and scrub parts, you will see another set of birds, with more resident and endemic species.

Birds recorded in and around Minneriya include:

• Painted Stork;
• Spot-billed Pelican;
• Lesser Adjutant;
• Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill;
• Sri Lanka Green Pigeon;
• Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot;
• Sri Lanka Junglefowl;
• White-bellied Sea Eagle.

A pair of binoculars can add considerable value even on an elephant-focused safari.