Birdwatching Walk on Mannar Island | Best Birding in Sri Lanka

Birdwatching from Mannar

Mannar Island is considered one of the best places for birdwatching, especially when it comes to migratory birds. The island consists of massive tanks, making it ideal for nesting for both migratory and endemic birds. Mannar is mainly dry land and consists of mud flats and saltwater lakes between the island and the mainland. This dry and hot climate attracts many wintering birds. The Vankalai Sanctuary is one of the best places to spot water birds. Some of the birds you can spot here include the Black-tailed Godwits, Pintail Ducks, and Greater Flamingos, and you can be sure to spot them in flocks.

Spending your time at Mannar Island will let you enjoy and observe aquatic birds that inhabit the turquoise water area in the surroundings.

What to Expect

Amongst the best places to spot birds in Sri Lanka, we cannot forget Mannar Island. Mannar Island is one of the best spots in Sri Lanka for spotting migratory birds and other animals. There are giant tanks made about 1500 years ago that serve as the best nesting places for both endemic and migratory birds. In Mannar, you will see birds such as Greater Flamingos, Black-tailed Godwits, Garganey, Pintail Ducks, Gulls, Plovers, and Terns, all in flocks of several hundred. So many raptors: White-bellied Sea Eagles, Brahmin Kites, Black Kites, and Common Kestrels. In addition, you can see Crab Plovers and Pied Avocets. Spending your time at Mannar Island will let you enjoy and observe aquatic birds which inhabit the turquoise water area in the surroundings.

Additional Note

Comfortable clothing. Hardy hiking shoes are appropriate for trudging in mud. A wide-brimmed hat or a billed cap to keep off the sun.