Sri Lanka Spurfowl | Galloperdix Bicalcarata | Sri Lanka

About Sri Lankan Spurfowl

Pheasant family member Galloperdix Bicalcarata (Sri Lanka spurfowl) is indigenous to Sri Lanka’s deep jungles. “Haban Kukula” is the Sinhala name for this bird in Sri Lanka.

Despite its size, this bird is difficult to spot because of its ability to evade detection in dense foliage. Its unusual ringing call, which consists of a sequence of three-syllabled whistles, is often the only sign of its existence. Sites like Kitulgala and Sinharaja Foreset Reserves offer a chance to witness this bird.

In the Galloperdix genus, this spurfowl is one of three species. There are 2-5 eggs laid in a scrape by this ground-nesting bird.

The Sri Lanka spurfowl measures 37 centimeters in length. Both sexes have brown upper parts, wings, and tails.

The males have remarkable black and white dorsal plumage that extends to the top of their heads, as well as bright red legs and bare facial skin. Sepia wings and upper back with significant white ocellation as well.

Metatarsal spurs are found on the legs of both sexes, which is why the name was coined. The female has chestnut underparts and a brown back and wings with no markings. In comparison to the male, she has a more pronounced crest.

Its close cousins, like the Sri Lanka spurfowl, are seasonal terrestrials, as are many of their close relatives as well. It scours the forest floor for invertebrates, particularly mollusks, and insects, with a ferocious scratching motion. Various seeds, fruit shards, and spiders are also on the menu.

Significance

The fact that this gorgeous indigenous bird appears on a one-rupee Sri Lankan postal stamp demonstrates the importance attached by the Sri Lankan government to this lovely endemic bird.