Orange-billed Babbler

The Orange-billed Babbler, also known as the Sri Lankan Rufous Babbler or Ceylon Rufous Babbler, is an energetic, forest-loving bird endemic to Sri Lanka. It lives year-round in the country’s wet zone rainforests, especially in areas like Sinharaja and Kitulgala. Preferring deep jungle, this species rarely ventures into open areas. It is mostly seen in noisy flocks of 7 to 10 birds, often giving away their presence with constant chatter, chirps, and squeaks. These flocks are usually a key part of larger mixed-species bird groups found in Asian rainforests. The babbler feeds mainly on insects but also enjoys wild berries.

This bird has a soft orange-brown body with a slightly darker back, a grey crown and nape, and a distinct orange bill—hence its name. It has weak, rounded wings, making it a poor flier. The Orange-billed Babbler builds its nest hidden in dense foliage high in trees, laying 2–3 greenish-blue eggs per clutch. Though its rainforest habitat is under threat, it remains fairly common in protected forests. Culturally, the bird is significant in Sri Lanka, known locally as rathu demalichcha, and it has been featured on national currency and postage stamps.