The abundance of Sri Lanka’s bird life makes it an ornithologist’s paradise. Of the 435 recorded species, 230 are resident, and no less that 23 are endemic to the island. Most of the endemic birds, like the Sri Lanka Myna or the Yellow-eared Bulbul, are restricted to the wet zones. Others, such as the striking Red-faced Malkoha and the Sri Lanka Spot-winged Thrush, can be found throughout the island, although confined to small areas of humid forests. Among the best areas for bird-life are the Sinharaja Forest Reserve which is a World heritage Site ( Nature) and Sri Lanka's most beautiful and largest rain forest.It is situated close to Ratnapura and is between the villages of Rakwana, Deniyaya and Matugama. Amongst 21 native bird species in the Island 17 species have made Sinharaja their home.The Peak Wilderness Sanctuary is by far the third largest natural reserve in Sri Lanka which is situated around the Sri Pada (Adama's Peak) mountain in the central zone. It is inhabited by numerous species of birds which are a sight to behold.The Polonnaruwa Archaeological Reserve Area is also home to many birds. Around mid-August, the first flock of the species that live through winter in Sri Lanka begin to arrive with large numbers of waders from northern countries – sandpipers, stilts, plovers and terns – finding refuge in the unique lagoons along the costal belt. In the forested areas, migratory tree warblers, thrushes and cuckoos can be found. Reservoirs in the dry zone attract numerous types of ducks, whilst large water birds – including storks, herons and egrets – can be easily spotted in areas such as Bundala which is situated in the deep south and the Bundala Bird Sanctuary is Sri Lanka's first recognized sSite ( a wetland of international importance)Around 167 species have been sighted and the park is also the refuge of the Grater Flamingoes. The lagoons constitute one of the most popular wintering areas of migratory shore birds,accomodating up to 20,000 shore birds at anytime including the Black Necked Stork. Kalametiya and Wirawila in the extreme south-eastern coast. The eastern lagoons in the island, particularly Bundala, are especially famous for migrating flocks of flamingos. Bird Sanctuaries The sanctuaries at Kumana, 312 km from Colombo is home to a multitude of birds and the signifcant feature of this sanctuary is the 'Kumana Villa,' a 200 hectare natural swamp where a number of waterbirds nest during May and June. In Tissamaharama lies a small bird sanctuary known as Wirawila 261 km fro Colombo,The Kalametiya Sanctuary is over 600 hectares of protected lagoon and wetlands and is home to over 180 species of birds, The bird sanctuaries in Kumana, kalametiya, Wirawila and Bundala are all lagoon locations in Sri Lanka’s extreme south eastern coast. The coastal sanctuaries are exotically picturesque with combinations of lagoons, swamps, rivers, jungles, lakes and plains. Large flocks of both resident and migrant aquatic birds can be found here.