bee-eaters
One of the three bee-eaters found in the island (one a migrant) this resident bird is widly distributed both in the wet and drt zones. It feeds on insects, the favourite being the dragon files which it catches on the wing performing aerial acrobatics that will make the finest air ace blush. This super specimen was seen at Diganwala in the Yala National Park.
Text: Siri Ekanayake
Peacock
The peacock, largest of the pheasants, is native to Sri Lanka and India. It is often the male of the species that is shown in photographs, showing the beautiful plumage. Hence the simile "proud as a peacock". The female (pea hen) lacks the beautiful ornamental feathers or the bright coloring. Although native to Sri Lanka, the peacock population has gone down considerably, for, at one time it was considered a delicacy and peafowl were hunted down indiscriminately. Pea fowl are tamed quite readily, and sometimes can be seen in the lawns of some of the hotels, and bigger private residences. For Hindus in Sri Lanka, peacock holds a special place too, for Skanda the God of Katharagama sits with his wives astride a peacock. Lord Vishnu, one of the major Gods, also is often shown with a peacock in the background.
Text: Siri Ekanayake
Text: Siri Ekanayake
Deer
There are four species of deer in the plains and jungles of Sri Lanka. Spotted deer, barking deer, mouse deer and the Sambhur (elk). The Sambhur is somewhat darker than the others, and is the biggest, about five feet at the shoulders, and perhaps the most handsome. The "spotted deer" shown here is by far, the most common, and can be seen in large herds in some of the national parks and most of the open plains, specially in the northern dry sector.
Text: Siri Ekanayake
Text: Siri Ekanayake
Monkey
The gray langur, with the midnight-black face (shown here) and the macaque, or the red monkey are seen widespread in Sri Lanka's jungle areas and sometimes even in the small villages. The larger of the two species, the langur, lives in large groups among the trees and is usually not aggressive. Groups of these monkeys are a common sight at some of the Buddhist temples in the dry region, and most often seen begging for give-aways, or if un-successful, stealing, from the unsuspecting visitor.
The red monkey, with a brown colored coat and a pink face, is far more aggressive, and quick tempered. This species, if provoked, have known to attack humans occasionally. There are several other species of monkey in the Sri Lanka jungles, but they are confined to the hilly and mostly inaccessible areas and for this reason are not seen by the average visitor to the island.
Text: Siri Ekanayake
The red monkey, with a brown colored coat and a pink face, is far more aggressive, and quick tempered. This species, if provoked, have known to attack humans occasionally. There are several other species of monkey in the Sri Lanka jungles, but they are confined to the hilly and mostly inaccessible areas and for this reason are not seen by the average visitor to the island.
Text: Siri Ekanayake