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Description

The Devil-bird (Ulama in Sri Lankan) was a cryptid from Sri Lanka that emits human screams during the night in the jungle. In Sri Lankan folklore, it is believed that the howling of this bird is an omen of death.

Since the bird was not often seen and its scream was described only in vague terms, the sound recordings of the Ulama were close to those of the jungle nightjar (Caprimulgus indicus kelaarti).

The identification of this bird was the subject of an investigation by Dr. R. L.. Spittel. A specimen of Ulama found in 2001 by villagers has been being studied by Spittel. The general morphology is very close to Bubo nipalensis (Spot-bellied eagle-owl), but the color differs widely. Spittel called the species Bubo ceylonensis or Sri-lankese eagle-owl.

Description

The Devil-bird (Ulama in Sri Lankan) was a cryptid from Sri Lanka that emits human screams during the night in the jungle. In Sri Lankan folklore, it is believed that the howling of this bird is an omen of death.

Since the bird was not often seen and its scream was described only in vague terms, the sound recordings of the Ulama were close to those of the jungle nightjar (Caprimulgus indicus kelaarti).

The identification of this bird was the subject of an investigation by Dr. R. L.. Spittel. A specimen of Ulama found in 2001 by villagers has been being studied by Spittel. The general morphology is very close to Bubo nipalensis (Spot-bellied eagle-owl), but the color differs widely. Spittel called the species Bubo ceylonensis or Sri-lankese eagle-owl.