Yellow Palm Dart (Cephrenes trichopepla)

Yellow Palm Dart is a butterfly restricted to the Australian region. It was first recorded in Sri Lanka by Dr. George (Michael) van der Poorten in July 2009. It is believed that it was accidentally introduced to the country by palms brought by horticulture trade. Yellow Palm Dart is now well established in western and Northwestern part of the island. In Sri Lanka its larva feeds on varies palms such as පොල්/Coconut(Cocos nucifera), ඉඳි (Phoenix pusilla) and Saribus rotundifolius. 

Blue crossandra (Pseuderanthemum variabile [Syn: Pseuderanthemum grandiflorum)

Native shrub of tropical Asia. Introduced and cultivated in home gardens as an ornamental.  Flowering probably all year round.

Red cestrum (Cestrum elegans)

An introduced straggling herb native to Mexico. Cultivated as an ornamental plant and also naturalized in the hills, usually along forest margins. 

Lesser Flamingo (Annotated checklist of vagrant Flamingos (Family: Phoenicopteridae) of Sri Lanka)

      Birds that appear outside their normal range are known as vagrants. This post listed up to date published sight records of a single *unconfirmed vagrant of the family Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos) in Sri Lanka.

* Species for which there are only one or two sight records exist categorized here as unconfirmed vagrants. Problematic records without sufficient details are also included.

     1) Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor)

Although definite evidence were lacking there were references to the possible presence of Lesser flamingos among Greater Flamingos in Hambantota area in September 1975 (Hoffmann, T. W., 1976). As per Kotagama & Ratnavira only record of Lesser Flamingo migrating to the Sri Lanka is the four birds recorded in a lagoon near Hambantota in 4^th January 1983 (Kotagama S. & Ratnavira G. 2010: 170 Quoting CBCN 1984, Dec: 43). However CBC has listed this sight record under Appendix 2 of its country list (http://www.ceylonbirdclub.org/Appendix-II.pdf)) under the criteria of the report ‘lacks sufficient diagnostic detail or, where necessary, sufficient comparison with ‘confusion’ species or subspecies; and there is therefore doubt as to the identification of the bird concerned’. However CBC web site posted a recent sight record on 19th February 2013 of two Lesser Flamingos from Jaffna on the Karainagar Causeway reported by Uditha Hettige, Lester Perera and Udaya Sirivardana (http://www.ceylonbirdclub.org/the_ceylon_bird_club_news.php).

References:

Hoffmann, T. W., 1976. Notes from the Bird Club 1975. Loris, 14(1), 35-36.
Kotagama, S., Ratnavira, G., 2010. An illustrated Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka. Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka, Colombo.

කුකුළු වැල්[Kukulu-Wel](Calamus digitatus)

An endemic liana occurs in forest understorey and forest gaps from southwestern wet lowlands to lower montane forests below 1500 m. Flowering and fruiting occurs sporadically throughout the year.

තාරා මල්[Thaara-mal]/Pelican flower(Aristolochia ringens)

An introduced twining climber native to the West Indies and tropical South America. Cultivated and also locally naturalized in the wet zone.

Sri Lankan Tiger/Monarch (Parantica taprobana)

Sri Lankan Tiger is an endemic butterfly Occurs above 1000 m elevation and common above 1200 m though occasionally found as low as 800 m elevation. It inhabits forests and well wooded hill country home gardens. Larva feeds on Ceropegia elegans, Cynanchum alatum and Vincetoxicum iphisia. Larva also fed on Vincetoxicum bracteatum when offered in the lab and egg laying was observed on Vincetoxicum cordifolium.

ගල් දෙමට[Gal-Demata](Impatiens repens)

An endemic prostrate herb occurs mainly on rocks, in moist and shaded places in wet zone up to about 1200 m elevations. Flowering most of the year.

Brazillian snapdragon (Achetaria azurea[Syn: Otacanthus caeruleus])

Native herb of Brazil, introduced and cultivated as an ornamental.

Greater Crested Tern (Sterna bergii velox)

A common breeding resident* inhabiting coastal waters, lagoons, estuaries, salt-pans, sand spits and tidal flats as small to large flocks. It feeds entirely on fish. Greater Crested Tern breeds colonially on remote off-shore rocky islets, Adam's bridge islands and sometime in remote coastal areas from May to July.  A single egg is laid on bare sand without any nest. 

*Race thalassina is considered as a vagrant to western coastal areas.

පුරුක්(Puruk)/Ganges primrose/Chinese violet (Asystasia gangetica)

An indigenous herb native to tropical Asia. Cultivated in home gardens and also grows along roadsides and secondary forest edges in dry lowlands and mid country. (J.&J. de Vlas, 2008 ).  Flowering from January to September.

රෂ්ණී[Rasni] (Lobelia nicotianifolia)

Giant unbranched herb common in open grassy slopes at altitude between 650-1400 m. Flowering from December to April.

Quaker (Neopithicops zalmora)

Quaker is a common butterfly occurs in forested areas from low lands to hills (Up to about 500ft) all the year round. It takes part in migrations and often settles on damp earth, sometime in swarms. Quaker's dry seasonal form is larger than wet seasonal form. Larva feeds on leaves of  Glycosmis pentaphylla (දොඩම්පාන),  Glycosmis angustifolia (බොල් පනා) and  Atalantia ceylanica (වල් දෙහි/යකිනාරන්/‍යක් දෙහි) 

Purple firespike (Odontonema callistachyum)

An introduced shrub native to Central America. Cultivated as an ornamental plant.

කුමුඳු/මහ-ඇඹල/ඕලු[Kumudhu/Maha-Ambala/Olu]/Water-snowflake (Nymphoides indica)

Common indigenous aquatic herb occurs in ponds, tanks and shallow streams in the low country up to about 450 m a.s.l. Flowering throughout the year.

Lesser Black-backed Gull/Heuglin's Gull(Larus fuscus)

A common winter migrant to northern and north-western coastal waters, lagoons, tidal-flats and salt-pans as small to large flocks. It can be seen sometime scavenging in harbours and following fishing boats. Lesser Black-backed Gull feeds mainly on fish and other small marine animals. But also eats carrion and other garbage thrown overboard while following ships and fishing vessels. It breeds in Siberia and North Europe.

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ගැට-කහ[Geta-kaha](Combretum latifolium)

An indigenous liana occurs in forest margins and secondary forests from sea level to about 500m a.s.l.

Championia reticulata

An endemic perennial herb occurs from moist low country to southwestern lower hills and western hill country forests up to about 1000m a.s.l. Flowering February - March  and July-August (Probably also in other months)

ලංකා ගල්පර දිය මැඩියා [Lanka Galpara Madiya]/Sri Lankan Rock Frog (Nannophrys ceylonensis )

Sri Lankan Rock Frog occurs from lowlands to mid hills in the wet zone between 60-1070m elevations. It inhabits wet rock surfaces with narrow cracks and under boulders along shaded streams and cascades. Found on rocks during the night and usually hide under boulders and crevices during the day. 

Moonia heterophylla

An indigenous herb occurs along forest margins, usually in shady situations from 1800 to 2400m elevations. Flowering from October to June and probably throughout the year.

Alternanthera paronychioides

Creeping herb native to tropical America. Introduced and naturalized in dry sandy places with sparse grass cover, Often in the places where periodical inundation occurs. 

Indian Skipper (Spialia galba)

Common butterfly found in all climatic zones of the country throughout the year while becoming rarer in higher elevations. It is very fond of the sun and can be found on hottest places such as pathways during the hottest times of the day. Larva feeds on කොටි-කන් බැවිල[Kotikan-bevila] (Sida rhombifolia), ගස් බැවිල/Gas-bevila (Sida acuta) and Waltheria indica

එළ-නිතුල්[Ela-nitul]/Ceylon leadwort/White plumbago (Plumbago zeylanica)

Common indigenous straggling shrub occurs in lowlands, especially in the dry areas. Also cultivated as an ornamental plant in wet zone home gardens. Flowering throughout the year with a peak from December to March. Roots use in medicine. 

Great Eared-nightjar (Vagrant Nightjars (Family: Caprimulgidae) recorded in Sri Lanka)

      Birds that appear outside their normal range are known as vagrants. This post summarizes up to date published sight records of vagrants of the family Caprimulgidae (Nightjars) in Sri Lanka.

      Great Eared-nightjar (Eurostopodus macrotis)

First and only record of the occurrence of Great eared-nightjar in Sri Lanka is based on an exhausted and injured bird captured in a house near the coast at Kaluthara on 12^th March 2006 by W.C. Chamila soysa (Soysa W.C.C. et. al., 2007).  Identification was confirmed by Deepal Warakagoda and Uditha Hettige (Siriwardana, U., 2007). Bird subsequently died and specimen was deposited at the national museum.

References:

Siriwardana, U., 2007. Report of the Ceylon Bird Club 2006 Loris, 24(5 & 6), 50-56

Soysa W.C.C.,  Amarasinghe A.A.T and Karunarathna D.M.S.S. 2007.  A record of the Great Eared Nightjar Eurostopodus macrotis Vigors, 1831 (Aves: Caprimulgidae) from Sri Lanka Siyoth 2(1) 40-42

සෙම්බු-නෙරෙන්චි/ගොකටු[Sembu-Nerinchi/Gokatu](Tribulus terrestris)

A common native herb with prostrate branches occurs in sandy places in the dry lowlands. Flowering all the year round. fruits, roots and seed used in medicine.  

Common Red Eye (Matapa aria)

An uncommon butterfly confine to the wet zone of the country up to mid-hills. It is more frequently seen from August to October (Woodhouse L.G.O. , 1950). Common Red-eye is active mostly at dusk and dawn except on a dull day. Its larval host plants are Bambusa vulgaris (උණ), Dendrocalamus giganteus, Bambusa multiplex, Schizostachyum brachycladum and Ochlandra stridula (බට) 

හකරිල්ලා[Hakarilla] (Solanum mauritianum)

A native plant of Argentina. Introduced and naturalized along roadsides and streams in the montane zone. Flowering throughout the year. 

අලු හැලපෙන්දා/Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerera)

Common migrant bird found mainly in the hill country though not uncommon in all other zones. It can be seen feeding along streams and rivers as well as paddy fields, tea estates, open country and forest glades as solitary birds or as scattered small flocks. In the evening large flocks assemble for roosting in a usual place, often a large tree overhanging water or a thicket in a marshy area. Each bird occupy its chosen territory on the roosting tree. Grey Wagtail feeds on small insects and often seen searching insects in damp areas especially fast flowing rocky streams. It breeds in Central Asia. 

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Torenia crustacea [Syn: Lindernia crustacea]

An indigenous prostrate herb in wet grassy places, paddy fields after harvest and along tanks in wet and dry lowlands. Very common and flowering throughout the year. 

Common Rose (Pachliopta aristolochiae ceylonica)

Common butterfly occurs most parts of the island, throughout the year. It takes part in migrations and males sometimes seen mud-puddling. Its larval host plants are Aristolochia indica[සප්සඳ], A.bracteolata, Thottea siliquosa [තපසර බුලත්] and Aristolochia ringens (තාරාමල්) of the family Aristolochiaceae

Slipperwort (Calceolaria chelidonioides)

Native plant of Ecuador. Naturalized in the hill country above 1650m in roadsides, damp grounds, grassy embankments, close to watercourse and ditches. Flowering from December to August. 

Asian Fairy Bluebird (Vagrants of the family Irenidae (Fairy Blubirds))

     Birds that appear outside their normal range are known as vagrants. This post summarizes up to date published sight records of vagrants of the family Irenidae (Fairy Blubirds) in Sri Lanka.

Asian fairy bluebird

Layard obtained a specimen near Kandy and Kelaart procured the second specimen also from Kandy during 18^th century. Taxidermist of Colombo museum Hart reported a small flock in Rakvana in 1868 and again 3-4 birds in November 1877 at the same location and procured single specimen (Legge 1880:603). As per Phillips it has not been recorded since 1877 (Phillips 1978:70). In 1977 there is a sight record of a flock of 6 birds, drinking at a waterhole north of Trincomalee (Anon. 1977) and another rather doubtful sighting in February 1987 from Gilimale (Hoffmann, T. W., 1988)

References:

Anon. 1977. Fairy Blue Birds. Loris. 14(4):243

Hoffmann, T. W., 1988. Notes from the Ceylon Bird Club 1987, A brief avifaunal survey. Loris, 18(1), 23-25

Legge V., 1880. A History of the birds of Ceylon  1983 second edition.
Phillips W.W.A., 1978. Annotated checklist of the Birds of Ceylon (Sri Lanka) 1978 revised edition.

අඩහඳ-ඇස්ස[Ada-handa-essa]/Shield-leaved sundew (Drosera lunata [As Drosera peltata])

An indigenous herb found in wet grassy patches on hill slopes and banks of bordering waterways in the upper montane zone. This plant get additional nutrition by digesting small insects trapped by bending sticky tentacles.  

Giant Red Eye (Gangara thyrsis)

An uncommon butterfly occurs locally from lowlands to mid-hills. It flew very late in the evening. Larva feeds on  Calamus pseudotenuis (හීන් වේවැල්),  Calamus ovoideus (සුදු වේවැල්/තුඩරෑන)  Calamus rotang (හීං වේවැල් / පොළොන්නරු වේවැල්) and  Calamus thwaitesii(මා වේවැල්/වඳුරු වැල්/පුවක් වැල්/කත් වැල්) 

එළ මිදෙල්ල [Ela Midella] (Barringtonia acutangula)

An indigenous tree occurs mainly near tanks, irrigation channels and flood plains of the dry lowlands. Occasionally found also near paddy fields and streams of the wet lowlands.  

Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola)

An uncommon winter migrant to lagoons, mud-flats, shores, creeks and estuaries in dry zone coastal areas. Rare in wet zone coastal areas. It occurs as solitary birds or as scattered small groups usually with other waders. Grey Plover feeds mainly on small marine animals such as worms, molluscs and crustaceans. It breeds in Tundras within the Arctic circle. 

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කැකිරි-වරා [Kekiri-Wara] (Schumacheria castaneifolia)

An endemic small tree occurs in primary and secondary rain forests in the wet lowlands from 100m to 760m a.s.l. Flowering throughout the year.

Butler’s Spotted Pierrot (Tarucus callinara)

Locally common butterfly confine to the southern arid zone areas, usually close to the coast from Hambantota to Yala. Also occurs in nearby inland dry zone areas. It flies slowly close to the ground and often settles on flowers. Larva feeds on leaves of Ziziphus mauritiana (දෙබර/මහ දෙබර/මසන්/Indian jujube/Chinese apple) 

Lindernia rotundifolia

An indigenous herb common in harvested paddy fields in wet lowlands to wet hills up to about 550m altitude. Also along ditches in the hill country up to 1700 m and along borders of tanks in the lowlands. Flowering throughout the year.

මූකලන් ලේනා[Mookalan Lena ]Sri lanka flame-striped jungle squirrel(Funambulus layardi)

An uncommon endemic squirrel occurs in dense rain forest habitats from lowlands to about 1200m altitude in the south-western wet zone including Knuckles range. It is active during the day time and spends most of its time in the canopy though sometimes encounters near ground level. It use to follow mixed-species bird flocks and feeds mainly on fruits, nuts, lichens, young shoots as well as small insects and grubs. Flame-striped jungle squirrel lives as pairs and breeds during May to July.