Sunday, September 1, 2013

'Little Cormorant - Phalacrocorax niger, Gampaha, Sri Lanka.



These birds are said not to have sweat glands. They spread their wings to catch the cool air to bring down  the rise in body temperature, after exertion like in diving to catch fish.

Saturday, August 24, 2013

'White-browed Fantail' - Rhipidura aureola, home garden, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.



Looks a juvenile. Made an appearance on the 24th August 2013. Very busy catching insects while flying. Not at all shy. Came quite close during its forays.
Correction made by Priyantha. Thanks Priyantha for the correction.

Saturday, August 17, 2013

'House Sparrow' - Passer domesticus indicus, Avissawella, Sri Lanka.


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The 'House Sparrow' was the commonest bird seen close to dwellings in Sri Lanka up to about 15 years ago. Each household would have an empty pot with a hole at the bottom of the pot, hung by a nail on the outer wall of the house. This was the preferred place for the sparrows to build their nests. Predators like the 'Rat snake' could not reach the chicks in these pots.The 'House-Sparrows'  disappeared for a few years. We still do not know the cause of this sudden disappearance. Now they are making a come-back. I took these photos in our home-garden.