News
Colombo owl count finds 30 birds
View(s):By Kasun Warakapitiya
A survey on the owl population in the city of Colombo began last week.
It is being undertaken by a 64-member field ornithology group from the Department of Zoology at the University of Colombo. Students are also involved. It is expected to end in two weeks. The survey began on Friday, August 4, marking international owl awareness day, the president of the society, Prof P Nihal Dayawansa, said. 
A lecture on the Serendib Scops owl was given by prominent Sri Lankan ornithologist Deepal Warakagoda.
During the survey, areas such as Viharamahadevi Park, a radius of one kilometre near the university, Rajakeeya Mawatha, and Isipathana College were covered.
Now the group is surveying the Maligawatta area. They plan to expand it to other areas within Colombo’s city limits.
Prof Dayawansa said the survey is in the off-breeding season. They may only detect a few birds because there are fewer vocalisations during off-breeding season.
Initially, the group found 30 owls belonging to three species: the Brown Hawk Owl (Ninox scutulata), the Indian Scops Owl (Otus bakkamoena), and the Barn Owl (Tyto Alba).
Prof Dayawansa said owl habitats such as large properties with large shaded trees as well as parks filled with greenery need to be protected.
“Owls play an important role by becoming nocturnal raptors (birds of prey that hunt during the night), which primarily control pests such as rats,” he said.
He said the group observed that both the Brown Hawk owl and Indian Scops owl were taking refuge in shaded trees and tree holes, while the Barn owl detected in one area was found in abandoned buildings.
Zoology Professor Sampath Seneviratne said there are 12 species of owl in Sri Lanka, and two are endemic.
The Chestnut-Backed Owlet (Glaucidium castanotum) and Serendib Scops Owl (Otus thilohoffmanni) are endemic.
He said owls play a valuable role by enriching biodiversity and controlling the rat population. Rats and mice take refuge underground and emerge at night; the owl is a nocturnal predator that feeds on the rats and mice and keeps rodent numbers controlled.”
Owls can also contribute to ecotourism.
Prof Seneviratne said owls need shaded areas to hide from diurnal birds and animals as they are vulnerable. He urged people to preserve the habitats of the owls and also reduce outdoor lighting.
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!