Birds of Saudi Arabia: Resident breeders and last migrants

10 June 2016

Resident breeders and last migrants – Jubail

The last visit to the Jubail area produced few birds of note. Most of them were resident breeders as would be expected in the summer months but I did see two late migrants in the form of a couple of Spotted Flycathcers and a female Red-back Shrike. Resident breeding birds included plenty of Graceful Prinias singing from any high vantage point along with Caspian Reed Warblers and Indian Reed Warblers. Small numbers of Crested Larks were seen in suitable habitat but little else in the was of passerines. Breeding waders seen included good numbers of Black-winged Stilts including plenty of juveniles, Little Ringed Plovers with juveniles and Kentish Plovers, some feigning injury so presumably with young nearby although I did not see any. Grey-headed Swamphen also breed in the Jubail area in good numbers and plenty were seen on my visit. Other birds seen in reasonable numbers were Squacco Herons that may breed in the area but I have no positive proof this is the case, Indian Reef Heron and Little Grebe.