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Overview
Sri Lanka woodshrike

Sri Lanka woodshrike

Wikipedia

The Sri Lanka woodshrike is a species of bird in the family Vangidae. It is found on Sri Lanka. It is sometimes considered a subspecies of the common woodshrike.

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Distribution

Region

South Asia

Typical Environment

Endemic to Sri Lanka, occurring widely in dry and intermediate lowlands and foothills. It favors forest edges, open woodland, scrub, and well-treed gardens and plantations. The species uses midstory to canopy levels but will also descend to lower strata at forest margins. It is generally more common outside dense, closed-canopy wet-zone forest.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 1500 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size14–16 cm
Wing Span22–26 cm
Male Weight0.023 kg
Female Weight0.021 kg
Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

The Sri Lanka woodshrike is a small, active forest-edge bird endemic to Sri Lanka and often placed with the vangas (Vangidae). It is sometimes treated as a subspecies of the common woodshrike but is now widely recognized as distinct. Pairs frequently keep in contact with clear, whistled calls and may join mixed-species flocks while foraging.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats with quick, direct dashes between perches

Social Behavior

Usually seen in pairs or small family groups and often accompanies mixed-species flocks. Both sexes participate in nest building and care for the young. Nests are typically shallow cups placed on horizontal forks in trees.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Voice is a series of clear, whistled phrases and sweet two- to three-note calls. Pairs may exchange antiphonal whistles that carry well through open woodland.

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