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Abyssinina Roller Coracias abyssiniica ©Nigel Blake http://www.nigelblake.co.uk

Birding South West Saudi Arabia

Arabia boasts a number of endemic bird species, meaning that these birds exist only on the peninsula itself. Where to watch birds in Asia by Nigel Wheatley, suggests that 11 such birds exist, while Michael Jennings, in his ABBA project, states that there are 10.

These are the Arabian Red-legged Partridge, Philby`s Partridge, the Arabian Woodpecker, Yemen Thrush, Yemen Warbler, Arabian Accentor; and the finches: Arabian Waxbill, Arabian Serin, Yemen Serin and Yemen Linnet. The 11th likely endemic is the South Arabian Wheatear, depending on its classification as a distinct species. The only area where all these species occur is in Yemen, but South West Saudi Arabia contains all except the Arabian Accentor.

The South West offers a diverse habitat for birds, as different types of terrain occur alongside each other. At the summit of the Asir there are juniper-covered mountains, best observed from the peak of Mount Soudah. These steep craggy mountains attract predatory birds, such as the rare Verreaux`s (or Black) Eagle.Moving down from there, one can find a number of valleys and wadis – dried up water courses –which can carry streams of water during the rainy season. Small passerine birds, such as the endemic finches will breed here along with partridges and doves. Because of its position the South West attracts a mix of bird species usually found in different continents. Palaearctic birds of Europe and Northern Asia can be seen alongside Afro-tropical birds from Africa. The doves commonly found here are actually from the latter group, examples of which include the African Collared Dove, Bruce`s Green Pigeon and the Dusky Turtle Dove.

Permanent watercourses are attractive to herons and waders, sometimes ducks and the occasional Hamerkop and Stork, while raptors often hunt over looking for suitable prey. In the Asir Mountains there are several dams permanently holding water. One can be found on the edge of Abha itself, there is one in the Khamis Mushayt area, and a smaller one exists half way up from Abha to As Soudah. In the mountain foothills there are permanent streams where some birds particular to the altitude can be found with herons, waders and storks. Such birds include the African Grey Hornbill and the Black-crowned Tchagra, or Bush-shrike. The globally threatened Northern Bald Ibis, or Waldrapp, has been known to occur around here.

A word of warning: when venturing away from your vehicle in the general mountain area, beware of groups of baboons, which can look cute from the comfort of your car. They are aggressive monkeys, which are prone to attack if they feel threatened, although they will usually keep their distance if not disturbed. Their fascinating behaviour is best observed from a distance of a few dozen metres, and be sure you are near enough to your vehicle in case they approach.

The stretch of plains between foothills and the coast is known as the Tihama. It is usually around 50 to 100km wide and exists all along the west coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Driving through, a lot of the area can look barren, but acacia groves can be found and many plantations have cropped up near towns and villages. Many more afro-tropical bird species prefer this habitat and some very rare Palaearctic birds are supposed to maintain a foothold, but they are very difficult to find. The Helmeted Guineafowl and Arabian Bustard have suffered from loss of suitable habitat as well as over-hunting, while the Little Button Quail is very secretive and rarely seen over its whole world range. Black Kites are abundant though, especially near built up areas. Colourful birds that breed here include the sky blue coloured Abyssinian Roller, which is resident, and the multi-coloured and long-tailed White-throated Bee-eater, which arrives on these shores in the summer to breed.

The coast is the place for those who like to study waders and gulls, as good numbers occur. Look out for the extraordinary Crab Plover, specific to Arabia, and the Pink-backed Pelican, which will stand out a mile away, either on the sea or in flight, due to its size, as it mixes with visiting ducks and resident gulls and terns.

Saudi Arabia is a very much under watched country which is a great shame as it has a great deal to offer the birder.

Central Saudi
Central Saudi Arabia is covered in desert and rocky escarpments and typical birds of such habitat can be found. From Riyadh, one can get to decent birding spots about half an hour away, such as the Riyadh River and the escarpments and farms at Dirab. A little further afield on the northern side is the KKWRC reserve at Thumamah, which usually contains a similar assortment of birds as the farms in Dirab, but you`ll need to apply well in advance for a permit to get in.

The Riyadh River is good for Herons and Egrets in particular. Look out for Least Bittern and Squacco Heron among the commoner species. White-cheeked Bulbuls are abundant, and you could get looks at various wintering / migrant birds in season, such as White-tailed Lapwing, Collared Pratincole, and various raptors.

In winter, and also early spring and late autumn, the Dirab area is a great place to bird. The farms here can contain lots of wheatears, including Pied, Hooded, Red-tailed, Desert, Isabelline, Mourning, Northern and Black-eared; and larks, though Crested and Desert are the most likely (Not far from here you can find Hoopoe Lark in any desert area, while Black-crowned Finch, Bar-tailed and Dunn`s are more local). Dirab is also good for Trumpeter and Desert Finch, and House Bunting; and in November, for Hypocolius. Desert and Scrub Warbler are resident, while Orphean, Barred and Marsh Warbler will join the more common Olivaceous, Reed, and Willow Warblers etc in spring. Other characteristic birds of the region include Black and Rufous Bush Chats, Blackstart, Indian Silverbill, Tawny Pipit and three species of Bee-eater.

The raptors though, will impress as much as anything here, as they winter in big numbers. Most are Steppe Eagles, but one can easily find Imperial Eagles amongst them, and there are also Spotted and Short-toed Eagles, Black Kites and the resident Long-legged Buzzards. Golden Eagle is also occasionally seen. Accipiters and Falcons are less commonly seen, except for Kestrel, which is common, but Harriers are usually around, including fairly good numbers of Pallid and Montagu`s.

Other Areas

Jeddah is good for seeing Demoiselle Cranes on migration, and perhaps not far from the breeding grounds of Sooty Falcon on the Red Sea coast. Haradh on the edge of the Empty Quarter in the east apparently attracts migrant Corncrakes in good numbers, and wintering Thick-billed Lark.