Devil Bird

In Sri Lankan folklore, the Devil Bird or Ulama (Sinhala: උලමා) is a creature said to emit bloodcurdling human-sounding shrieks in jungles at night.^[1][2][3][4] It is believed that the cry of this bird is an omen that portends death.^[5][6] 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.^{[citation needed]} Other possible identities include the crested honey buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus ruficollis), the Brown wood owl (Strix leptogrammica) and various eagles.^[7] 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).