Monday, February 23, 2026

Gray-headed Lapwing (Vanellus cinereus)

A very rare vagrant, with only a few records from the north-western and south-eastern regions of the country. It frequents still-water and short-grass habitats, including dry paddy fields and pasture lands, where it often associates with other waders. Although generally gregarious and known to form flocks of up to 40–50 individuals elsewhere, all Sri Lankan records have involved solitary birds. The species breeds in North-East Asia and winters in South-East Asia. This individual was observed on 4th January 2025 at the Kerawalapitiya waste disposal site near Muturajawela in the Gampaha District.