Garden Ground Feeding

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Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis) Male - Found in gardens, cultivated areas and open woodland. Fiercely territorial in pairs. (1)

Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis) Female.

Black-backed Robin (Saxicoloides fulicata leucoptera) Male - Active hunter of insects on the ground. Common in gardens, cultivation and open ground of lowlands and hills. More common in dry zone than wet zone. (1)

Black-backed Robin (Saxicoloides fulicata leucoptera) Female - Feeds on the ground catching insects. Common in gardens, scrub and cultivated land. Endemic race. (1)

Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis melanosturnus) - When flying, you can see white circles on wings. Common in parks, gardens, pasture and cultivated areas. Feeds on cattle ticks and insects disturbed as they move around. It is also eats small berries and other fruit. Pairs for life. (1,2)

The White-browed Prinia (Prinia subflava insularis) - This Prinia can be identified by its dark eye stripe and white eyebrow. Commonly found in long grass up to 2150 m (7,000 feet). This bird is at 1920 m (6300 feet). Endemic Race. It is found throughout the country except the northern parts. It loves anywhere with long grass. They eat insects and build beautiful nests. The nest is a deep oval made from grass woven into a small bush, at a height of 3 feet above ground. It has an opening at the top, which is domed to protect the eggs and, later, the chicks. (1,2)

Ashy Prinia (Prinia socialis brevicauda) - Resting on a leek plant at 1920 m (6300 feet). This is an endemic race of Prinia, but it has relatives in the Himalayas of India and Pakistan. Lives wherever there is long grass. It feeds on small insects, spiders and other invertebrates. (1,2)

The White-browed Prinia (Prinia subflava insularis).

Yellow-billed Babbler (Turdoides affinis taprobanus) - Yellow-billed with pale blue eyes. Known as "The Seven Sisters" as they move around in small groups babbling to each other all the while. Can be seen anywhere except deep, dark forests. They eat insects, fruit and vegetables and are partial to rice and curry left outside houses. They bravely defend each other from predators, such as hawks and cats. (1,2)

Yellow-billed Babbler (Turdoides affinis taprobanus) - This picture clearly shows the yellow bill and the pale blue eyes.

Yellow-billed Babbler (Turdoides affinis taprobanus) - Taprobane was the Ancient Greeks name for Sri Lanka, It is part of the taxonomic name of this babbler.

Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis) Male - Surveying his territory.

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Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis) Male

Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis) Female.

Black-backed Robin (Saxicoloides fulicata leucoptera) Male

Black-backed Robin (Saxicoloides fulicata leucoptera) Female

Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis melanosturnus)

The White-browed Prinia (Prinia subflava insularis)

Ashy Prinia (Prinia socialis brevicauda)

The White-browed Prinia (Prinia subflava insularis).

Yellow-billed Babbler (Turdoides affinis taprobanus)

Yellow-billed Babbler (Turdoides affinis taprobanus)

Yellow-billed Babbler (Turdoides affinis taprobanus)

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus indicus) Female

Grey Tit (Parus cinereus mahrattarum)

Grey Tit (Parus cinereus mahrattarum)

Sri Lanka. So much more than you can see in a lifetime.

Bird References
1. Harrison J. A Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka, 2nd edn. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2011.
2. Henry G.M. A Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka, 3rd edn. Colombo: Oxford University Press; 1998.