Hikkaduwa Wildlife Park Officer Asanga Gunawardena identified the migratory bird belonging to a rare species as Shearwater (Diyawalakaya) which was lying weakly on Hikkaduwa beach.
The flightless bird has been sent to the treatment center at Atthidia Bird Sanctuary for further treatment.
Shearwaters are strong fliers and can travel long distances. But they get sick by eating polythene or plastic waste floating in the sea.
This is the first time a shearwater bird has been recorded in the southern region.