02 April 2024

Red-throated Pipits – Dhahran Hills

Birding Dhahran Hills football fields recently I came across a large flock of Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus. Some of the birds were coming into nice breeding plumage showing why they are called the name they are. The birds were actively feeding, particularly in areas that had just been sprayed, and many were close the the edge of the field allowing close approach and good photos to be taken. Red-throated Pipit is a common passage migrant to all areas of the Kingdom mainly recorded from mid-March to May in spring, with a noticeable peak in middle of April. Lower numbers are seen in autumn between early-October and late-November when it is generally uncommon with a few wintering in Central and eastern areas as well as Tabuk.