03/07/2026
The Sri Lankan junglefowl, also known as the Ceylon junglefowl or Wali Kukula (වළි කුකුළා), is the national bird of Sri Lanka. It is found only in Sri Lanka, making it an endemic species.
Key facts:
Scientific name: Gallus lafayettii
Habitat: Forests, scrublands, and national parks such as Yala National Park, Sinharaja Forest Reserve, and Kitulgala.
Diet: Seeds, fruits, insects, and other small invertebrates.
Appearance: The male has striking orange-red and golden feathers with a red comb featuring a distinctive yellow center, while the female is brown, helping it blend into the forest.
Behavior: It spends most of its time on the ground searching for food but can fly short distances to escape predators or roost in trees.
The Sri Lankan junglefowl is an important symbol of the island's unique wildlife and biodiversity.
