The Kumana National Park
The Kumana National Park is
renowned for its birdlife, particularly waterfowl and wading birds. It is
adjacent to the Yala National Park and many of the mammals from Yala such as
the Sri Lankan Leopard and the Sri Lankan Elephant also can be observed at this
reserve.
Amazing bird-life in the Kumana National Park
The Kumana National Park is located in the southeast corner
of Sri Lanka. This 18,150 hectare Park is a well-known birding location, where
a multitude of birds come to breed and feed. One of the most significant
features of the Park is the 'Kumana Villu' - a 200 hectare natural swamp lake,
fed by the Kumbukkan Oya through a long narrow channel. It is in this mangrove
swamp that many water birds nest in May and June.
Wildlife in the Kumana National Park
A total of 255 species of birds have been recorded in Kumana. Regular sightings include species such as Pelicans, Painted Storks, Spoonbills, White Ibis and Cormorants. The very rare Black-necked Stork has also been spotted in the swamp.
Besides the prolific birdlife, Kumana is also
home to some of the mammals found in the neighbouring Yala National Park such
as elephants and leopards which can also be seen on safari. Other animals which
reside inside the Kumana National Park include the Golden Jackal and the
European Otter. It is also reported that approximately 30 to 40 Sri
Lankan Elephants reside in the Park, although they do crossover to neighbouring
Yala.
Bird-life in the Kumana National Park
Kumanais a very important national park for birdlife. An incredible 255 species of birds have been recorded here and from April to July tens of thousands of birds migrate to the Kumana swamp area. Rare species such as Black-necked Stork, Lesser Adjutant, Eurasian Spoonbill and the Great Thick-knee are breeding inhabitants while the waders and waterfowl visit too.
The Asian Openbill, Glossy Ibis, Purple Heron, Great Egret, Indian Pond
Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Intermediate Egret, Little Egret, Spot-billed
Pelican, Indian Cormorant, Little Cormorant, Common Moorhen, Watercock, Purple
Swamphen, White-breasted Waterhen, Pheasant-tailed Jacana, Black-winged Stilt,
Lesser Whistling Duck and Little Grebe migrate here in large flocks while the
Pintails fly 9,000 kilometres from far away Siberia. Rare migrant birds include
the Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Malabar Trogon,
Red-faced Malkoha and Sirkeer Malkoha.
Most commonly seen are the Pacific Golden Plover, Greater Sand Plover,
Lesser Sand Plover, Grey Plover, Ruddy Turnstone, Little Ringed Plover, Wood
Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Common Redshank, Common Sandpiper, Curlew
Sandpiper, Little Stint, Common Snipe and Pintail Snipe.
