A Sri Lankan Junglefowl calls out to you.

It’s you! I believe it was three years ago when you kindly let me take shelter in your tent from the rain. Allow me to reintroduce myself—Wimalasena Worthington the Sixth! I’m so happy you can now see my glorious orange and red plumage, the yellow-gold patch on my chest, and the deep purples, blues, and greens on my body and wings. Quite the upgrade from the soggy, bedraggled mess you saw back then, isn’t it? I must admit, I do feel a bit sorry for my cousins—the domesticated chickens—stuck with their drab whites and browns. Bleh! Although we share a common ancestor from 2.8 million years ago, I’m glad evolution blessed us with such striking looks. Yes, I am a little vain, haha—sorry, not sorry. You see, the girls can’t resist this dazzling display!

Sadly, the Junglefowl girls aren’t as lucky in the colour department—they have a rather muted earth-toned theme going on. But it’s practical! Those subdued shades help keep them camouflaged while they nest. You might wonder why they even need camouflage, given that the males guard and forage for them. Ah, you remember me mentioning last time that we’re polyandrous, don’t you? While the alpha male gets to mate with her and the betas serve her needs, there are still moments when she’s left alone. During those times, being undetectable becomes crucial—and her earthy tones really come into play there.

Sri Lankan Junglefowl are a common sight in Sri Lanka’s National Parks and around the Mahoora Tented Safari Camps too. Dilum captured this image just outside the camp premises in Yala.