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| Devil Bird | |
|---|---|
| Creature | |
| Name: | Devil Bird |
| AKA: | Ulama |
| Classification | |
| Grouping: | Cryptid |
| Data | |
| First reported: | In Folklore |
| Country: | Sri Lanka |
| Habitat: | Forest |
| Status: | Unconfirmed |
The devil bird, locally known as Ulama, is a cryptid of Sri Lanka said to emit bloodcurdling human sounding shrieks in the night from within the jungles. In Sri Lankan folklore, it is believed that the cry of this bird is an omen that portends death, similar to the banshee. Its precise identity is still a matter of debate although the Spot-bellied Eagle-owl matches the profile of Devil Bird to a large extent, according to finding in the year 20011
As the bird is not usually seen and its cry only described in vague terms, Ulama records might refer to the Ceylon Highland Nightjar (Caprimulgus indicus kelaarti); the males of the latter are known to have a screaming flight-call untypical for nightjarscitation needed.
"Devil Bird or Ulama or Ulalena. The precise identity of this bird is one of the mysteries of the Ceylon jungles. Its eerie cries have been attributed to a variety of birds. The most likely candidates however are: the forest eagle-owl (Huhua nipalensis) for the up country area, the hawk-eagles and the crested honey-buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus ruficollis) in in the lowland jungles."citation needed
Cryptid Resolved
A Spot-bellied Eagle-owl (Bubo nipalensis) specimen found by the villagers was in 2001 finally resolved to be the devil bird, and to date is agreed as the Devil Bird or the Ualama proper.1
Notes and References
- Karl Shuker (1997). From Flying Toads To Snakes With Wings. Llewellyn, St Paul.
- Karl Shuker (2007). Extraordinary Animals Revisited. CFZ Press, Bideford.
- Vanished Trails, The last of the Veddas by R.L. Spittel
External links
- cryptozoology.com: Devil Bird.
Wikipedia content modification information:
- This page was last modified on 15 October 2008, at 19:49.
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