Birdwatching in Jaffna Lagoon

Jaffna Lagoon is a large lagoon off Jaffna District and Kilinochchi District, northern Sri Lanka. The lagoon is surrounded by the densely populated Jaffna Peninsula containing palmyra palms, coconut plantations, and rice paddies. The lagoon has extensive mudflats, seagrass beds and some mangroves. The lagoon attracts a wide variety of water birds including American flamingoes, ducks, gulls, terns and other shorebirds. Sri Lanka is a vital staging point in the migration of birds and its wetlands are internationally recognized as important for the conservation of birds. Many arrive on the Jaffna coast and north-west coast before journeying down to the south of Sri Lanka using a number of staging posts. The muddy waters of the estuaries can be a haven for flamingos, and a host of small waders. Spoonbills and terns’ frequent freshwater lakes. The sky might even sound to the song of skylarks. During the migrant season, Jaffna Lagoon and Kayts Causeway region becomes a hotspot for waders, ducks and rare migrant birds. Lesser Sand Plovers, Little Stints, Black-tailed Godwits, Mash Sandpipers, Little Ringed Plovers in large numbers can be seen feeding on the sides of the road.