16 June 2011

Namaqua Dove

15/06/2011 – Dhahran Hills

Today a few pairs of Namaqua Dove (Oena capensis), which is a resident species which also breeds in Dhahran camp on the desert fringes, were evident around the fringes of the spray fields and scrubby desert area. The birds are paired and appear to have set ranges, but I have not seen any firm evidence of breeding yet. The ABBA Atlas (Atlas of Breeding Birds in Arabia) published in 2010 says the species is widespread with erratic occurrence of breeding.