Zigma Tours

10/05/2024

Sri Lanka Yellow-fronted Barbet

The Yellow-fronted Barbet's allure lies in its distinctive coloration, setting it apart as a true gem of Sri Lanka's avian realm. Its melodious calls and conspicuous appearance make it a delight to behold for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. Keep an eye out for flashes of yellow amidst the verdant canopy! The Yellow-fronted Barbet's unique markings on the front forehead and vocalizations make it easily identifiable during your explorations of Sri Lanka's forests. Embrace the ecological significance of the Yellow-fronted Barbet as you witness its role as a vital seed disperser and insect predator. Thriving in diverse forest habitats across varying elevations, this species contributes to the health and balance of Sri Lanka's ecosystems.

Happy birding with Zigma Tours.

10/05/2024

“A world without wildlife is a world without beauty”
“Every creature was designed to serve a purpose”
Galway's Land National Park Nuwara Eliya❤️🇱🇰
http://nuwaraeliyainfo.com/.../galway-s-land-national-park

“A world without wildlife is a world without beauty”
“Every creature was designed to serve a purpose”

Galway's Land National Park Nuwara Eliya
❤️🇱🇰

http://nuwaraeliyainfo.com/things-to-do/galway-s-land-national-park

29/04/2024

Sri Lanka the magical island in the Indian Ocean.

Experience it, Feel it, Enjoy it, and also protect it! Let's be responsible explorers‼️

Plant a tree. Sustain the greenery for the future.
Visit Green Sri Lanka ❤🙏🇱🇰

🔵⚫🟢🟠❤🟣
📷Credits to respective owners.🙏

29/04/2024

Beautiful train ride in Sri Lanka 🚂.

𝐔𝐩𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐚 💚👣🍃 🇱🇰

There are train rides, and then there are Sri Lankan train rides. The teardrop island in the Indian Ocean may be small, but it packs in some of the world’s most thrilling rail journeys.
The Main Line is a major railway line in the rail network of Sri Lanka and considered by many to be one of the most scenic train journeys in all of Asia.

26/04/2024

Sri Lanka Blue-Magpie

The Sri Lanka Blue Magpie (Urocissa ornata), also known as the Ceylon Magpie, is a striking bird endemic to the island of Sri Lanka. Its uniqueness lies in its vibrant appearance, featuring a deep blue plumage contrasting with its long tail feathers and white underparts. This magpie species is highly social, often found in family groups, and is known for its raucous calls echoing through the forests.

Ecologically, the Sri Lanka Blue Magpie plays a crucial role in its ecosystem as a seed disperser and predator of insects. It inhabits diverse forest types, including tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, and can be found at varying elevations across the island. However, like many endemic species, habitat loss and fragmentation pose significant threats to its survival. Conservation efforts are underway to protect its habitat and ensure the continued presence of this stunning bird in Sri Lanka's ecosystems.

Happy birding with Zigma Tours.

25/04/2024

ranked 5th among the 'World's best countries to visit in your lifetime, 2024' by CEOWORLD Magazine.

The rankings are based on feedback from over 295,000 readers, making it the highest level of participation in the magazine’s history.

22/04/2024

Sri Lanka Grey Hornbill

The Sri Lanka Gray Hornbill (Ocyceros gingalensis), a unique and large bird, holds significant ecological importance in its native habitat. Endemic to Sri Lanka, this bird stands out for its distinctive gray plumage and striking curved beak.

Ecologically, the Sri Lanka Gray Hornbill plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of its ecosystem. As a frugivorous bird, it primarily feeds on fruits, thus aiding in seed dispersal across various forest habitats. Through this process, it contributes to the regeneration and diversity of plant species, which is essential for the health and sustainability of the ecosystem.

Furthermore, the presence of the Sri Lanka Gray Hornbill serves as an indicator of the overall health of the forests it inhabits. Its decline or disappearance could signal environmental disturbances or habitat degradation, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect not only this unique bird species but also the biodiversity it supports.

The most heart breaking threat to this wonderful bird is lack of large trunk old trees in the habitats, so spread the word to protect large trees with tree holes.

In essence, the Sri Lanka Gray Hornbill's uniqueness and ecological significance underscore the importance of preserving its habitat and ensuring its continued existence for the benefit of both wildlife and the environment.

Happy birding with Zigma Tours.

21/04/2024

Sri Lanka Spurfowl

The Sri Lanka Spurfowl (Galloperdix bicalcarata) holds a special place in the biodiversity of Sri Lanka, being found only on this island nation. Its limited geographic range underscores its significance in conservation efforts. Endemic species like the Spurfowl often play crucial roles in maintaining ecosystem balance, as they have adapted to specific local conditions over time.

These elusive birds primarily inhabit dense forests and undergrowth, where they forage for seeds, insects, and small invertebrates. Their distinctive appearance, with chestnut plumage and bold white markings, adds to their allure.

However, like many endemic species, the Sri Lanka Spurfowl faces threats from habitat loss and fragmentation due to human activities such as deforestation and agricultural expansion. Conservation efforts are therefore vital to ensure the survival of this unique bird and the ecosystems it inhabits. Even in the dry zone we have few localities we can see it but we don’t have full understanding about the distribution of Spurfowl in dry zone.

By understanding and protecting the Sri Lanka Spurfowl and its habitat, we not only preserve a species of great ecological importance but also contribute to the broader conservation of Sri Lanka's rich biodiversity.

Happy birding with Zigma Tours.

19/04/2024

𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐏𝐚𝐝𝐚 / 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐦❜𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐤 😍🙏 🌷🙏

Sri Pada, also known as Adam’s Peak, is a 2,243m (7,359 ft) mountain in the central highland region of Sri Lanka. Popular for Sri Lankans and tourists alike. The typical climb is started in the middle of the night so you can reach the peak for a breathtaking adams peak sunrise.

19/04/2024

𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝓅𝒾𝒸𝓉𝓊𝓇𝑒𝓈, 𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝒻𝑜𝑜𝓉𝓅𝓇𝒾𝓃𝓉𝓈.
Geradi Ella, Sri Lanka

Beautiful magical island, Sri Lanka. Travel Sri Lanka with Zigma Tours.

• • • • • •
𝒯𝒶𝓀𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝓅𝒾𝒸𝓉𝓊𝓇𝑒𝓈, 𝓁𝑒𝒶𝓋𝑒 𝑜𝓃𝓁𝓎 𝒻𝑜𝑜𝓉𝓅𝓇𝒾𝓃𝓉𝓈.

Geradi Ella, Sri Lanka

18/04/2024

The Dull-blue Flycatcher

The Dull-blue Flycatcher (Eumyias sordidus) is a charming endemic bird species found in Sri Lanka. The Dull-blue Flycatcher is aptly named for its dull blue plumage, which can vary from grayish-blue to olive-brownish blue in different individuals.

It has a black beak and a relatively bright small bluish forehead area. This bird is typically found in the dense sub canopy of montane forests, especially in areas with moss-covered trees and thick vegetation. It prefers cool, moist environments and is often spotted in the mid to upper levels of the forest canopy.

As a flycatcher, it primarily feeds on insects such as flies, beetles, and other small invertebrates. It is known for its agile and acrobatic hunting style, darting out from perches to catch prey in mid-air before returning to a branch. During the breeding season, which typically occurs from March to June, the Dull-blue Flycatcher builds a cup-shaped nest using moss, leaves, and spider silk. The female lays and incubates the eggs while the male assists in feeding the chicks after they hatch.

While not currently considered globally threatened, the Dull-blue Flycatcher faces habitat loss and fragmentation due to deforestation and human activities. Further the climate change definitely affects this montane endemic bird. Conservation efforts focused on preserving its montane forest habitat are crucial for its long-term survival.
Overall, the Dull-blue Flycatcher's unique appearance and specialized habitat preferences make it a fascinating and important part of Sri Lanka's avian biodiversity.

Happy birding with Zigma Tours.

17/04/2024

Chestnut-backed Owlet

The endemic Chestnut-backed Owlet (Glaucidium castanotum) is a charming owlet species found only in the island Sri Lanka and restricted to the wet zone forests. What sets it apart is its small size, about 15-16 cm long, with a striking chestnut-colored back and a white face with dark eyes. This combination of colors makes it quite distinctive in its habitat.

Ecologically, the Chestnut-backed Owlet is primarily insectivorous, preying on small insects like beetles, moths, and caterpillars. Its crepuscular (active during the dusk and dawn) habits and ability to hunt in low light conditions make it an efficient predator in the dense forests it calls home. Like many owls, it plays a role in controlling insect populations, contributing to the overall balance of its ecosystem. Protecting this endemic species is crucial for preserving the biodiversity of Sri Lanka's forests and maintaining the delicate ecological relationships within them. Currently this chubby owlet considered as near threatened.

Happy birding with Zigma Tours !

16/04/2024

👏👏 A true conservation initiative indeed.
Let's protect nature!

16/04/2024

Red-backed Flameback

The endemic Red-backed Flameback (Dinopium psarodes), also known as the Black-rumped Flameback before 2016, is a striking bird species found exclusively in Southern Parts of Sri Lanka. Its uniqueness lies in its vivid dark-red back and black wings, creating a stunning contrast against its white underparts. It has an unmistakable loud more screeching, less musical call which is obvious in many habitats in Sri Lanka except for the North. Because in North this species has replaced by the Black-rumped Flameback. One of the most common endemic birds in Sri Lanka where you will never miss it.

Ecologically, the Red-backed Flameback plays a crucial role in its ecosystem as a keystone bird species which also responsible for making nest halls for other birds such as parrots and mynas. It contributes to forest health by foraging on insects, larvae, and small invertebrates, helping control pest populations.

Happy birding with Zigma Tours.

15/04/2024

The Crimson-backed Flameback

The Crimson-backed Flameback (Chrysocolaptes stricklandi) in Sri Lanka is a distinctive and charismatic bird species known for its vibrant plumage and specialized ecological niche. This is the largest woodpecker in Sri Lanka and it’s named for its striking crimson back, contrasting with its black and white wings and tail. The white island cheek patch makes it easily recognizable from Red-backed Woodpecker. This woodpecker is endemic to Sri Lanka, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world. This woodpecker is known for its distinctive drumming sounds, echoing through the forests where it resides.

Its restricted range adds to its uniqueness and makes it a priority for conservation efforts. This red jewel inhabits a range of forested habitats, including lowland rainforests, montane forests and dry-mixed evergreen forest. It feeds primarily on insects, foraging on tree trunks and branches for ants, beetles, and other invertebrates. As a woodpecker species, it plays a crucial role in forest ecosystems by helping control insect populations and creating cavities that other wildlife species use for nesting and shelter. While the Crimson-backed Woodpecker is not currently considered globally threatened, habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation pose significant challenges to its long-term survival. Conservation efforts focus on protecting its remaining forest habitats and promoting sustainable forestry practices.

Overall, the Crimson-backed Woodpecker's unique appearance, endemic status, and ecological role make it a fascinating and important species within Sri Lanka's biodiversity.

Happy birding with Zigma Tours.

12/04/2024

Sri Lanka Drongo

The endemic Sri Lanka Drongo (Dicrurus lophorinus) is a bird species found only in Sri Lanka. It inhabits a variety of forest types, including wet zone forests and montane forests, where it feeds primarily on insects and small invertebrates.

One of the unique features of the Sri Lanka Drongo is its distinctive black plumage with a glossy blue-green sheen, making it visually striking. It has a long, forked tail and is known for its agile flight and vocalizations, including melodious calls and mimicry of other bird species.

In terms of ecology, the Sri Lanka Drongo plays a key role in maintaining and leading the mixed species bird flocks in forests with insect control within its habitat, contributing to ecosystem balance. As an endemic species, it is important for conservation efforts to focus on preserving its habitat and ensure its survival.

Happy birding with Zigma Tours.

12/04/2024

Red-vented Bulbul 💚 at Grand Serendib Hotel ✨

11/04/2024

Black-capped Bulbul

The Black-capped Bulbul (Rubigula melanictera), endemic to Sri Lanka, is a unique bird known for its striking appearance and melodious calls. Its black cap contrasts sharply with its olive-green body, making it easily recognizable.

This species is highly adaptable, thriving in various habitats from forests to even arid areas like Bundala but restricted to riverine micro climate in arid area. Its song is a delightful mix of whistles and trills, adding to the charm of Sri Lanka's avian diversity.

Happy birding with Zigma Tours. www.zigmatours.coom

10/04/2024

The Ashy-headed Laughingthrush

The Ashy-headed Laughingthrush (Argya cinereifrons), found in some restricted areas in Sri Lanka, is a bird renowned for its striking appearance and unique vocalizations. Its ash-colored head contrasts beautifully with its dark body, making it a visually captivating species. What sets this bird apart is its melodious and varied calls, often described as a symphony of laughter echoing through the forest. These vocalizations serve not only for communication but also as a means of bonding within their social groups.

As a species endemic to Sri Lanka, the Ashy-headed Laughingthrush represents a precious part of the island's biodiversity, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts to protect such unique and specialized creatures. The latest assessment of the conservation status had identified this species as vulnerable to extinction mainly due to loss and degradation of the habitats it occupy.

Happy birding with Zigma Tours. www.zigmatours.coom

09/04/2024

🏞️ Experience this magical island with us. Visit www.zigmatours.com

09/04/2024

Sri Lanka Junglefowl

The Sri Lanka Junglefowl, also known as the Ceylon Junglefowl (Gallus lafayetii), is a fascinating bird with several unique characteristics. It holds the distinction of being the national bird of Sri Lanka, symbolizing the country's rich endemic biodiversity.

Male Sri Lanka Junglefowls sport vibrant plumage with a combination of bright red, orange, and yellow feathers, making them a stunning sight in the dense forests. It is found nowhere else in the world naturally. It's a testament to the island's status as a biodiversity hotspot.

Junglefowls are social birds that live in small groups, usually led by a dominant male. They are known for their elaborate courtship displays during the breeding season. They inhabit almost all the terrestrial ecosystems from the dense tropical forests to dry scrublands of Sri Lanka, where their ability to fly short distances helps them navigate through vegetation.

Due to its national importance, the Sri Lanka Junglefowl is also culturally significant, often featured in traditional art, folklore, and even on currency. These unique traits make the Sri Lanka Junglefowl a unique symbol of Sri Lanka's natural heritage and a species of great interest to ornithologists and nature enthusiasts alike. Most of all it is one of the most promising birds to spot in Sri Lanka among all the endemics.

Happy birding with Zigma Tours.
https://zigmatours.com/

08/04/2024

Let's enjoy nature while preserving it for others to enjoy! Responsible tourism is what we practice and advocate at Zigma Tours!

Together, let's travel responsibly and enjoy nature's wonders while leaving no trace behind!

"Leave No Trash"

Location - Everest Region

📷️