25 July 2020

First breeding records of Spur-winged Lapwing in Eastern Province – Jubail area

Whilst birding the Jubail area in mid-June 2020 Phil Roberts and I saw six Spur-winged Lapwings. On closer inspection the birds were two adults and four juveniles. The juveniles were fledged and could fly but kept close to the parents at all times. These birds could have flown in from somewhere else but as breeding has been thought to be possible at the site in 2017 and 2019 but not proved, it is very likely they bred here. Even if this is not the exact site of breeding they would have done so nearby in the Eastern Province as the young only flew short distances before landing. This is the first breeding records of the species for the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The species is still scarce in the Eastern Province although good numbers have been seen recently in the Haradh area including possible breeding. The species was regarded as a vagrant to the Eastern Province when I arrived ten years ago but is now a scarce visitor that can be seen at any time of year indicating birds may now be resident in small numbers in areas away from Haradh where it appears they are now definitely resident. 
Adult
Adult (Left) & Juvenile (Right)
Juvenile
Juvenile