Coloured Plates of the Birds of Ceylon (Parts I–IV) by renowned Sri Lankan natural history artist G. M. Henry, with descriptive text by W. E. Wait, is one of the most important illustrated ornithological works published in colonial Ceylon. Issued by the Ceylon Government between 1927 and 1935, this first edition series was intended as a companion volume to Wait’s Manual of the Birds of Ceylon, providing high-quality colour illustrations of the island’s bird species based on direct field observation.
 
The plates are particularly significant as Henry studied many species in their natural habitats, giving the illustrations a scientific accuracy and artistic quality that distinguishes them from earlier works such as Legge’s Birds of Ceylon. The publication was also supported by noted ornithologist Dr. Casey Wood, who financed the original paintings, making this work an important collaboration in early 20th-century ornithological scholarship.
 
Today, this complete Parts I–IV first edition set is highly sought after by collectors of Sri Lankan natural history, ornithology, and colonial scientific publications, as well as collectors of G. M. Henry’s celebrated wildlife artwork.