Bird Watching

Villa Escondite is nestled within the “Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte Bird Sanctuary” and is home for many endemic birds and other faunal species such as butterflies, dragonflies, and mammals native to Sri Lanka and Asian Wetlands. The surroundings of Villa Escondite, such as Diyawanna Oya is well-populated with aquatic birds, and is considered the best spot for viewing them close to Colombo.

Variety of floral species common to an inland wetland comprising of endemic and threatened category create the niches of the habitat. The Park is a popular stopover of the complex density of migrant birds during its season from August to April each year.

Loten’s Sunbird found in the gardens of Villa Escondite.

The Loten’s Sunbird or otherwise known as Long-billed Sunbird, Cinnyris lotenius is one of a group of very small sunbird which feed largely on nectar. Sunbirds will also take insects, especially when feeding young and Loten’s Sunbird is possibly more insectivorous than other sunbird species. Their flight is fast and direct on their short wings.

The Asian paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi), is a medium-sized passerine bird native to Asia that is widely distributed. It has been listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List since 2004. The birds inhabit Central to South east Asia & Common migrant to all zones,& occupies wooded area.