Book launch

Wasantha Ramanayake

A new field guide on birds “An Illustrated Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka” by ornithologist Prof. Sarath Kotagama will be launched at the Colombo University’s New Biology Lecture hall at 5 pm, today.

A media release issued by the Filed Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka (FOGSL) stated that the new guide is a comprehensive handbook describing all birds which can be observed in the country. It has 382 pages with ‘all-inclusive’ details, the FOGSL, said.

“The guide goes beyond identification tips of the birds and includes 26 snippets of information such as the habitat the bird lives in, its behaviour, breeding, threatened status etc. Each bird’s distribution is clearly marked on a coloured map including the global distribution of those migrating to Sri Lanka.

“With 382 pages, 52 colour plates and 492 species description, the book is truly a condensed summary of all the birds found in Sri Lanka.” FOGSL said. “Much has been changed in the filed of ornithology since the publication of Kotagama’s first filed guide book published in 1994 and the new knowledge is reflected in the new guide, with the illustrations by famous wildlife artist Gamini Ratnavira.” the FOGSL added.

The launch ceremony is open to the public. Prof. Kotagama will deliver a lecture on Birds of Sri Lanka. The new book will also be available at a special concessionary rate at the event, FOGSL statement said.