Sri Lanka Spurfowl

Overview

The Sri Lanka spurfowl is a secretive, ground-nesting bird endemic to the dense rainforests of Sri Lanka. Known locally as haban kukula, this species belongs to the pheasant family and is characterised by its terrestrial habits and difficult observability.

Identification

• Approximately 37 cm in length with brown upperparts, wings, and tail in both sexes.
• Males display vivid crimson red legs and bare facial skin, with striking black and white dorsal plumage extending to the head and extensive white ocellation on the sepia wings and upper back.
• Females have chestnut underparts, a plain brown back and wings, and are more prominently crested than males.
• Both sexes possess multiple metatarsal spurs on their legs, which gives rise to the specific name.
• Often detected by a distinctive ringing call consisting of a series of three-syllabled whistles rather than being seen.

Habitat

Endemic to the dense rainforests of Sri Lanka, where it remains highly secretive and slips through the undergrowth. Notable sites where there is a chance of seeing this bird include Kitulgala and Sinharaja.

Diet

A seasonally terrestrial species that scratches vigorously amongst the leaf litter of the forest floor for invertebrates, especially mollusks and insects. It will also consume various seeds, fallen fruit, and spiders.

Did you know?

The Sri Lanka spurfowl features on a one rupee Sri Lankan postal stamp.