National Bird of Sri Lanka

The National Bird of Sri Lanka is Sri Lankan junglefowl (Gallus lafayetii). This vibrant and colorful bird is native to Sri Lanka and can be found in various national parks, jungles, and dense scrublands across the island. It is particularly common at elevations ranging from sea level to 2,000 meters.

Physical Characteristics

The male Sri Lankan junglefowl is a strikingly beautiful bird, easily recognizable by its bright orange-red body plumage. Its wings and tail are dark purple to black, and it boasts a golden mane of feathers that runs from the head down to the base of the spine. The male’s face features bare red skin with large wattles, and it has a bright red comb with a yellow center. Males are significantly larger than females, with a length of 66–72 cm (26–28 inches) and a weight of 790–1140 grams.

The female, on the other hand, is much smaller and has dull brown feathers, with white patterning on her belly and breast. She measures around 35 cm (14 inches) in length and weighs between 510–645 grams. While the male is much more colorful, the female’s muted tones help her blend into the surroundings, providing camouflage.

Habitat, Behavior, Reproduction and Nesting

The Sri Lankan junglefowl is primarily a terrestrial bird, spending most of its time on the ground foraging for food. It scratches the earth to find seeds, fallen fruit, and insects. This species is found throughout Sri Lanka in a variety of habitats, including dense jungles, forests, and hills.

Sri Lankan junglefowl are also known for their adaptability to different altitudes, from the coastal lowlands to the higher elevations up to 2,000 meters.

The female lays between two to four eggs, which are often laid in a nest built on the forest floor or in abandoned nests from other birds. The nests are usually found in the steep hill country, adding an extra layer of protection against predators.

Conservation and Legal Protection

Although the Sri Lankan junglefowl has been hunted in the past for food, this practice is illegal today, as the bird is a protected species. Conservation efforts ensure that the species continues to thrive across Sri Lanka, where it plays an important ecological role.

Significance in Sri Lankan Culture

The colors of the male Sri Lankan junglefowl are said to resemble the hues found in the Sri Lankan national flag, which features vibrant reds (maroons), oranges, and yellows. This connection adds to the bird’s cultural significance as a national symbol of the country.

Interesting Facts

• The Sri Lankan junglefowl is endemic to Sri Lanka, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world.
• It is closely related to the domestic chicken, with the junglefowl considered the ancestor of modern-day poultry.
• Despite its vibrant plumage, the bird is an excellent ground dweller, using its sharp vision to detect predators.