Birds ‹‹ Go Back

This is a common breeding resident throughout the country. Very common in the lowlands including the city of Colombo. These birds are a common site in all the reservoirs, tanks, rivers and along the coast. Thy congregate in large numbers where there are rubbish dumps and where the fishing boats come ashore. These opportunistic and adaptable birds of prey are native to the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia and Australia.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as “Least Concerned” (National Red List 2012).

Brahminy Kite is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

Four subspecies have been recognized and the nominate race H.i.indus inhabits the island. This is commonest bird of prey in the skies above the city of Colombo. I have seen them nesting on the tall trees at the Colombo Golf club and the general cemetery. Like most other birds of prey, they are also able to catch their prey which include any small creature they can overpower. One interesting behaviour that I have observed is their ability to feed on what they hold in their talons while flying. I have seen this bird at most locations in the lowlands and in the offshore islands in the north including Analathivu, Delft and the Palaithivu island off Devils point at Ponnaveli. They are less common in the higher hills but can be regularly seen at the lake Gregory at Nuwaeliya.

This is a very common species in Wilpattu and can be seen throughout the park.