Devil Bird

In Sri Lankan folklore, the Devil Bird or Ulama is a creature said to emit bloodcurdling human-sounding shrieks in jungles at night. It is believed that the cry of this bird is an omen that portends death. 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 a finding in 2001. Other possible identities include the forest eagle-owl (Bubo nipalensis), the crested honey-buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus ruficollis), and various eagles. As the bird is not usually seen and its cry only described in vague terms, Ulama records might also refer to the Ceylon highland nightjar (Caprimulgus indicus kelaarti).

See also

• Banshee, a similar omen in Irish mythology
• Devil's bird (disambiguation)
• Hakawai, a similar omen in Māori mythology

References

1. Devil's bird
2. Black Bird (miniseries)
3. List of legendary creatures by type
4. Anhinga
5. Jersey Devil
6. Banshee
7. Jimmy Keene
8. The Raven
9. Clutch Cargo
10. Tasmanian devil
11. List of ghosts
12. Darter
13. Ulama (disambiguation)
14. Devil in Christianity
15. Devil in the arts and popular culture
16. Deals with the Devil in popular culture
17. Brown Bird
18. Manx shearwater
19. List of The Venture Bros. characters
20. Fitcher's Bird