THE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE MIDDLE EAST SANDGROUSE No 1 PUBLISHED 1980 PRICE £5.00 Pen SANDGROUSE No. 1 Published in December 1980 by the Editorial Committee of the Ornithological Society of the Middle East Officers of the Society (as at June 1980) Vice-Presidents S. Cramp Dr. L. Hoffman Sir Hugh Elliott P. A. D. Hollom R“D: Etchécopar Dr. H. Kumerloeve Council S. Albrecht S. C. Madge M. Beaman D. Parr (Secretary) P. Conder R.: F; Porter 1D.eh. Fisher N. Redman T. P. Inskipp Dr. D. A. Scott M. C. Jennings A. Vittery Dr. T. Lawson W.H.N. Wilkinson Address: O.S.M.E., ©/o The Lodge, Sandy, Beds., SG19 2DL, England Cover illustrations by Ian Willis Ornithological Society of the Middle East 1980 ISSN 0260-4736 CONTENTS Page Foreword by the Chairman. ........... sie, eee 3 Editorial note....... HU 41. (Bat SIO, Be Jeane 3 A Check-list of the Birds of the Arabian Gulf States. Graham Bundy and Effie Warr................ 4 The Avifauna of Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, Jordan. J, E Clarkes (eee 50 Breeding Birds in Central Arabia. M. ©. Jennings...) 25. Gases 71 Foreword In April 1978 it was announced that the Ornithological Society of Turkey, familiarly known as the OST, was enlarging the scope of its activities to cover what is loosely called the Middle East and in consequence changing its name to the Ornithological Society of the Middle East, OSME. At that time it was stated that a regular annual journal known as Sandgrouse which would contain articles and items of ornithological interest within the area, would be produced. Regrettably a longer time has elapsed since this announcement than was expected and it is only now that it is possible to offer the first number of Sandgrouse to our members and others interested in the ornithology of the region. There have been editorial difficulties and the task of launching a new journal by what is essentially an amateur organisation has not been easy. I am happy to say, however, that these problems have now been overcome and early in 1981 your Council expects the second number of Sandgrouse to be published. Hopefully after that a regular number will appear each autumn. I should like to stress the continuity between the OST and OSME by remarking that many of our present officers were involved with the foundation of the original society which was launched at the IUCN, ICBP and IWRB technical meeting held in Ankara in October, 1967. The original society had difficulty in fulfilling, for a variety of reasons, the objectives which it hoped to achieve at that time. Nevertheless, throughout, there has been a regular output of high quality ornithological reports and the society managed to fulfil one of its main activities of maintaining and encouraging an interest in the birds of Turkey and providing a place where reports could be collated and published in due course. This objective will now be carried out in a wider geographical setting. Again in underlining the continuity between Sandgrouse and the previous publications of OST, I should like to quote a section of the foreword to the first number of the Turkish Bird Report (1966 - 1967) written by Dr. Cragg:- ‘‘This new journal is to be welcomed because it will provide a medium for the publication of all types of studies on birds, many of which have no possible source of publication at present. A journal, by focussing attention on a particular field of study, can have an effect well beyond the boundaries which it may set for itself. I have every hope that this journal will provide the stimulus for a new approach to field studies in an area of the world which still retains many natural assets.”’ These sentiments seem to me as valid today as when they were written eleven years ago. W.H.N. Wilkinson Chairman of Council Editorial Note Mark Beaman initiated the editorial work on this edition and my appearance on the scene was at a late stage. I have been conscious of the very long gestation period of this issue and, therefore, my principal aim has been to get it printed as quickly as possible. As a consequence of this some minor errors as of punctuation and some inconsistencies (particularly in the use of the vernacular names) may not have been corrected. Don Parr Acting Editor A CHECK-LIST OF THE BIRDS OF THE ARABIAN GULF STATES Graham Bundy and Effie Warr INTRODUCTION The Arabian Gulf States and the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia are still little known ornithologically. Apart from Meinertzhagen’s Birds of Arabia (1954), there are no books covering the region; some avifaunal lists have been produced but are not readily available. The present list attempts to summarise in brief check-list form, the status and distribution of bird species known to have occurred from Kuwait to the United Arab Emirates. In covering such a large and little worked area, differences between one region and another may not always be apparent. Our knowledge of breeding distributions and breeding seasons are currently inadequate. Apart from an observer bias towards migrants and rarities, there are many areas in mountains and deserts away from roads and tracks that are difficult of access. A large number of observers have contributed their notes and records either directly, or through their respective natural history groups, and all relevant literature has been searched. The authentication of ‘difficult’? or unprecedented species has. proved the biggest single problem and our policy has been to omit records that fall into this category, unless sufficient details have been provided. GEOGRAPHICAL NOTES The Arabian Gulf States, i.e. Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates lie along the southern shores of the Arabian (or Persian) Gulf. Because of its geographical position, the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia is also included in this paper. The Gulf is a shallow sea, some 1000 km long and 330 - 80 km wide. To the north lies Iran and the high Zagros mountains; to the north west is Iraq and the marshes of the Tigris-Euphrates delta; to the south are the deserts and the plateau of central Saudi Arabia; and to the east is the Sultanate of Oman, largely dominated by the Hajar mountain range. Apart from the Hajar mountains in the extreme east of the Gulf States, the whole area has little elevation. The sand and gravel desert of inland areas become salt flats which merge almost imperceptibly with the sea. There are numerous small islands, some no more than sand bars and the shore is characterised by coral reefs, sand bars, creeks and lagoons. The vegetation is mainly sparse desert ‘scrub’, being thickest on the plains to the west of the Hajar mountains and near the large oases. Plantations of date palms and vegetable gardens are features of permanent settlements where water for irrigation is available. The climate is very hot and humid on the coast in the summer months (June to September) with shade temperature during the day often over 40°C. During the winter this falls to around 20°C and it is during the winter and early spring that the meagre (but variable) rainfall occurs. The prevailing wind is from the north west. Kuwait The most northerly and westerly of the Arabian Gulf States, its northern boundary is with Iraq. On the coast, the boundary runs along the sea inlet of Khor Abdullah and encloses the muddy islands of Bubiyan and Warba which feature in ornithological literature as breeding places for many herons and terns but are now seldom visited. Most towns are in the coastal areas. The largely desert country with its low rocky hills rises gradually towards the west where there are gravel plains and the wide Wadi-al-Batin. The Zor Hills north and west of Kuwait Bay are the only rocky hills. Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia Abbreviated in the systematic list to ‘E. Prov’. The areas around the coastal towns of Dammam, AI Khobar and nearby Dhahran, as well as the lakes and rocky outcrops near Hofuf and the lagoons (man-made) near Abqaiq are the most frequently mentioned localities. The whole area is characterised by low, mostly sandy, sparsely vegetated desert. These harsh arid conditions reach the sea along almost the entire coastline. Bahrain This consists of an archipelago of about 30 small desert islands of which Bahrain Island is the largest, 48 km long and 16 km wide. The centre is a dusty depression within which Jebel al Dukhan (186 m) is the highest point of the island. Cultivation is limited to parts of the northern zone; the rest of the island is stony or sandy desert. Many of the offshore islands are uninhabited and include the Hawar group 25 km to the south east near Qatar. Qatar A peninsula jutting 160 km into the Gulf, 90 km at its broadest. Mostly stony desert with sand dunes and extensive hardened salt flats towards the south. Cultivation occurs in isolated pockets and on the east coast are some inlets with reeds and dwarf mangrove. Islands include Halul, well to the east of the peninsula. United Arab Emirates Abbreviated in the systematic list to ‘U.A.E.’, these were formerly known as the Trucial States. They comprise seven Sheikhdoms: Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Sharjah, Ras al Khaimah and Umm al Qiwain. As these states are much fragmented, the names of the towns are used rather than the names of the states. Much of the western part of the U.A.E. is desert, little explored by ornithologists except for the areas around Abu Dhabi Island. Dominating the north and east of the states is a 15 km wide chain of mountains with an average altitude of about 500 m. In a few mountain wadis water flows perennially. Either side of the mountains are gravel plains. To the east, the coastline along the Gulf of Oman has deeper water than that in the Arabian Gulf and there is an ornithologically interesting mangrove creek near Kalba. North of the U.A.E. the Hajar mountains become the Ru’us al Jibal, the high (2000 m) mountains of the Musandam Peninsula, an isolated part of the Sultanate of Oman and not covered by this paper. A map of the Arabian Gulf States appears on pages 42 and 43. ORNITHOLOGICAL HISTORY The earliest museum specimens from the Arabian Gulf States are eggs and a few skins which were collected from Warba and Bubiyan Islands, known as the ‘Abdullah Banks’, at the head of the Gulf off Kuwait from about 1878. Many of these are now in the British Museum (Natural History) in the E. A. Butler, W. D. Cumming and A. O. Hume collections (Oates, 1890, Oates & Ogilvie-Grant, 1901 - 1912). Between 1902 and 1923 Col. R. E. Cheesman, Sir Percy Z. Cox and V.S. la Personne made several visits to the Gulf islands and their comprehensive collections are now mostly in the Bombay Natural History Society and British Museum (Natural History) collections (Ticehurst, 1921 - 1922, 1925, 1926). In 1921 Col. Cheesman was able to visit the mainland and explored the Eastern Province coastline between Ogair and Salwa (Cheesman, 1923) and in 1923 travelled to Hofuf, spent the winter there and then journeyed south through the Jafura desert to Jabrin (Ticehurst & Cheesman, 1925). H. StJ. B. Philby travelled in the Eastern Province in 1932 (Kinnear, 1934) and also in 1938. At about this time G. L. Bates made a start on collecting together for the first time all the available information on Arabian birds but his typescript (Bates, 1940) remains unpublished. In 1949 the first notes on birds of the Kuwait mainland appeared in The Arab of the Desert by H.R. P. Dickson. In 1950 Dr. S. Dillon Ripley visited Bahrain and Dhahran (Ripley, 1951) and he subsequently provided the editorial notes for a paper by Mrs. M. D. Eddy on birds of Dhahran (Eddy, 1962). The first notes on the United Arab Emirates are contained in a paper by Guichard & Goodwin (1952) based on specimens collected by K. M. Guichard, G. Popov and D. M. Vesey-Fitzgerald, mostly at Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah. This was followed by a paper on birds collected in Sharjah and the Al Ain area by Dr. David L. Harrison (Harrison, 1956). In 1954 Col. R. Meinertzhagen, who had paid brief visits to the Gulf States in 1941 and 1951, published Birds of Arabia which is still the standard work for the region. Between 1969 and 1971 Major M. D. Gallagher edited a monthly Gulf bird watchers’ newsletter which brought the contacts and bird records providing the groundwork for this check- list. In recent years a number of papers on birds of the Arabian Gulf States have been published (see Griffiths, 1975) and each state has at least one local natural history group, most of which have bird recorders. SYSTEMATIC LIST The order and scientific nomenclature follows Voous (1973, 1977). Arab names are not given as these have been found to be inconsistent and difficult to define. Full dates, localities and names of observers are given for vagrants. If there is only one record of a species from a particular state the month and year are given. Egg months are given where known. The following abbreviations are used to indicate the status of species. Brackets indicate irregularity and a question mark indicates uncertainty about status. The symbol given first, where two or more are shown, indicates the more important status. RB __ Resident breeder, present throughout the year FB Formerly breeding (but not within the last twenty years or so) MB _s*Migrant breeder, present only for part of the year CB Casual breeder WV_ Winter visitor PM Passage migrant Vag. Vagrant; up to five known records Stuthio camelus Ostrich ?FB Extinct in Arabia since about 1941 (but possibly later). Egg shell fragments have been found in all states except Bahrain, and a whole egg was purchased in an E. Prov market in 1947. Tachybaptus ruficollis Little Grebe RB,WV In E. Prov local resident populations (eggs Feb. - Sept.), probably augmented by wintering birds. Scarce in the remaining states where seen Oct. to Mar., usually on coast. One record of breeding in Qatar (1980). Podiceps cristatus Great Crested Grebe WV Usually scarce in Kuwait, E. Prov and Bahrain; seen on or near coast mid-Oct. to Jan. but a large influx in E. Prov in Nov. 1979. In E. Prov also one Aug., twice Feb., one Mar., one 1 Apr. In U.A.E. one only, at Dubai Dec. 1949. None Qatar. Podiceps grisegena Red-necked Grebe Vag. In E. Prov seen on coast south of Al Khobar; three 29 Dec. 1978 (D. J. Brazier) and one 28 Nov. 1979 (G. Bundy). Podiceps nigricollis Black-necked Grebe WV Scarce Kuwait Oct. to Dec. In E. Prov regular in coastal zone and at Abqaiq late Aug. to Mar., twice Apr., twice May. Twice only Qatar, Jan. and Feb. 1980. Three records U.A.E. (Abu Dhabi state) Oct., Nov., and Feb. No certain records Bahrain. Puffinus pacificus Wedge-tailed Shearwater Vag. Off U.A.E. a few seen in Gulf of Oman 20 June 1977 (W. Weitkowitz). Puffinus lherminieri Audubon’s Shearwater WV In Kuwait 25 seen offshore south of Mina al Ahmadi May 1957. In Qatar recorded off the east coast Jan. and Feb. Off U.A.E. seen Nov. to Apr. off Gulf coast and in Gulf of Oman, and once July, once Sept. No records E. Prov or Bahrain. Oceanites oceanicus Wilson’s Storm Petrel PM One off Bahrain June 1977. Off U.A.E. seen in Gulf of Oman in Apr., July and Aug., and in the Arabian Gulf a flock off Sharjah in May. No records Kuwait, E. Prov or Qatar. Oceanodroma leucorhoa Leach’s Storm Petrel Vag. In U.A.E. one found dying Sharjah airfield, June 1969 (J. Lapthorn et al., /bis 1970, 112: 260-261). Phaethon aethereus Red-billed Tropicbird RB In Kuwait said to breed Um al Maradim and Kubbar Islands (Meinertzhagen, 1954) but no recent evidence and only one recent record, Apr. 1969, at sea. Twice off Qatar, Dec. and Mar. In U.A.E. seen offshore throughout the year with breeding colonies on islands. No records E. Prov or Bahrain. Sula dactylatra Masked Booby Vag. One off Ras al Khaimah, U.A.E. 2 May 1973 (D. A. Scott). (Visitor to Gulf of Oman so may be expected off east coast of U.A.E.). Phalacrocorax carbo - Cormorant WV Common Oct. to Mar. in all states, mainly in coastal waters. Occasional non-breeding birds Apr. to Sept. Seen irregularly at inland lakes in E. Prov and near Al Ainin U.A.E. Phalacrocorax nigrogularis Socotra Cormorant RB Common along coasts and at sea with large breeding colonies on some islands off all states (eggs Oct. - May) though increasing human activity causing birds to leave some islands. Movements of many thousands take place at sea, particularly in the eastern Gulf, but little understood at present. Pelecanus onocrotalus White Pelican (PM),FB Scarce, mid-Sept. to early May on or near coast with one or two seen June and July. Numbers usually small but over 150 reported off Kuwait in Sept. 17 together in June at Dhahran, E. Prov. Formerly bred on islands at head of Gulf off Kuwait (eggs Apr.) but no recent information. One inland in E. Prov. in Aug. Pelecanus crispus Dalmatian Pelican Vag. In Kuwait one exhausted 30 Mar. 1968 (V. A. D. Sales). In U.A.E. one Abu Dhabi Island 16 Dec. 1970 (J. Stewart-Smith). Botaurus stellaris Bittern (PM),(WV) Very scarce Kuwait, E. Prov and Bahrain Sept. to mid-May, usually single birds. In eastern Gulf, only one in Qatar (Feb. 1975) and one in U.A.E. (Abu Dhabi Sept. 1971). Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern PM,RB Small numbers on passage, chiefly Apr. to early June, Sept. and Oct. Recorded, but scarce, in remaining months. Breeds locally in E. Prov (eggs late Mar. - Apr.). Nycticorax nycticorax Night Heron PM,WV Seen in all states between late Aug. and mid-May; once to early June in E. Prov and one immature June and early July in Qatar. Numbers usually small though counts of over 20 in E. Prov and Bahrain. Butorides striatus Green Heron 2RB In U.A.E. seen in coastal creeks where rocks or mangrove cover available but none west of Dubai; usually singly though 7 together at Ras al Khaimah in Jan. No records from the other states. Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron PM,(WV) Regular on passage Mar. to mid-June and late Aug. to Oct. Scarce July and Nov. to Feb. Common in Kuwait and E. Prov; rather scarce in eastern Gulf. Ardeola grayii Indian Pond Heron (WV) In U.A.E. five records of single birds in mangrove creeks of east coast, Sept., Dec. (twice), Mar. and Apr. Records from the other states probably mis-identifications of A. ralloides. Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret (PM) Scarce and irregular; small numbers on coasts and at inland water mid-Sept. to Oct., Apr. and May, very scarce Nov. to Mar. Most records from E. Prov. Once only in Qatar May 1980. Egretta gularis Western Reef Heron RB,WV Common on coasts Aug. to Apr.; rather scarce May to July except near breeding areas. Breeds on Hawar Islands (Bahrain) and in coastal mangrove in E. Prov and U.A.E. in small colonies (eggs Apr. - May, once July). Formerly bred on islands off Kuwait. Grey and white phases occur, with grey usually outnumbering white. Egretta garzetta Littie Egret PM,WV On coasts and at inland water, usually in small numbers. Chiefly between Sept. and Apr.; scarce May to Aug. Egretta alba Great White Egret WV In U.A.E. small numbers seen on coasts mid-Aug. to Apr.; very scarce May to July and once seen inland at Al Ain in Dec. In the other states very scarce; seen mid-Sept. to Apr. (to 1 May in Kuwait) with one inland at Hofuf in E. Prov in Mar. Ardea cinerea Grey Heron WV,PM,FB Common late Aug. to Apr. on coasts, some at inland water. Non-breeders remain:May, June and July. Formerly bred on islands at head of Gulf off Kuwait (eggs Apr. - May). Ardea purpurea Purple Heron PM,FB Chiefly Mar. to May and mid-Aug. to mid-Oct; scarce late Oct. to Feb., June and July. Flocks of 70 or more late Mar. and Apr. in Kuwait, where common. Usually on coasts. Has bred on islands at head of Gulf off Kuwait (eggs Apr.). Ciconia nigra Black Stork Vag. In E. Prov, one Dammam marsh 30 Apr. to 3 May 1974 (K. J. Fisher eft a/.) and one Abqaiq 12 Dec. 1975 (G. K. Brown). In U.A.E. on Abu Dhabi Island, one 22 Mar. 1973 (J. Stewart-Smith & J. D. Wellings) and an immature 16 Sept. 1977 (J. N. B. Brown). In Kuwait one west of Kuwait City 13 June 1980 (L. Corrall). ‘ Ciconia ciconia White Stork PM Very scarce, and usually in small numbers, chiefly late Aug. to Oct. but one or two records in all other months except July and Dec. A flock of 65 in Kuwait in Apr. Not recorded Bahrain. Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis PM Scarce; chiefly Mar. and Apr., Aug. to Oct. In May, one Bahrain, one U.A.E. In E. Prov one June, twice July. In Kuwait one June. Occasional Nov. to Feb., usually in coastal marshes. No records Qatar. Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill WV,FB In U.A.E. small parties wintering in coastal creeks betwen mid-Sept. and Mar. with non- breeders remaining the summer in some years. In the other states scarce and irregular and no records Qatar. Formerly bred on islands at the head of the Gulf off Kuwait (eggs Apr. - early June). Phoenicopterus ruber Greater Flamingo (WV),FB Seen in coastal creeks, often in flocks of several hundreds, though numbers fluctuate from year to year. Chiefly mid-Aug. to Apr.; scarce in summer months. Formerly bred on islands at the head of the Gulf off Kuwait (eggs Apr. - May). Anser albifrons White-fronted Goose Vag. In Kuwait, one at pool west of Kuwait City 22 Dec. 1978 (L. Corrall). In U.A.E. 7 Sharjah Creek 5 Feb. 1971 (B. Etheridge). Both records believed to be of this species but possibly A erythropus Lesser White-fronted Goose. Anser anser Greylag Goose (WV) Very scarce; single birds or twos seen on coast between mid-Nov. and mid-Feb. No record Qatar. Tadorna ferruginea Ruddy Shelduck (WV),?RB In Kuwait, one in Aug., one in ‘summer’. In E. Prov scarce and irregular in coastal areas Sep. to Mar., once Aug; breeding at one inland lagoon (chicks May) and birds there to early June. In U.A.E. one Abu Dhabi Island Oct. and Nov. 1978. Not recorded Bahrain or Qatar. Tadorna tadorna Shelduck (WV) Scarce; seen in small numbers on coast late Nov. to Feb. Once Mar. and once Apr. in Kuwait. Once only (Dec. 1970) in Bahrain. No records Qatar. 9 Nettapus coromandelianus Cotton Teal Vag. In Bahrain, one 25 and 26 Nov. 1977 at Manama, up to four there 15 to 28 Dec. 1978 and one 18 and 25 Jan. 1979 (Bahrain Nat. Hist. Soc. Reports). Anas penelope Wigeon WV,PM 3 Usually in small numbers, late Sept. to Apr., occasionally to mid-May, and chiefly in coastal areas. Up to 700 locally in E. Prov. Scarce in eastern Gulf. Anas strepera Gadwall (WV) In Kuwait, E. Prov and Bahrain scarce; seen on coast in small numbers between mid-Nov. and mid-Mar. (once Apr. in E. Prov). Once inland (Nov.) in E. Prov. No confirmed records Qatar or U.A.E. Anas crecca Teal WV,PM Recorded between late Aug. and Apr. chiefly on coasts but also at inland water. Common locally in E. Prov. Anas platyrhynchos Mallard WV Rather scarce and usually in small groups, late Aug. to early May. Once June eae Seen on coasts and at inland water. Anas acuta Pintail WV Small parties on coasts and at inland water late Aug. to Apr. In E. Prov seen to May and once early June. Most records from E. Prov; scarce elsewhere. Exceptional counts of 300 in E. Prov in Dec. - Mar. and in Qatar in Feb. In U.A.E. recorded Oct. to Jan. only. Anas querquedula Garganey PM Seen on coasts and at inland water, chiefly Feb. to May and mid-Aug. to mid-Nov. Scarce Dec. and Jan. One July (Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.). Anas clypeata Shoveler WV,PM Small numbers on coast and at inland waters, chiefly Sept. to Apr., occasional May. In E. Prov occasional non-breeders June to Aug. Rather scarce in all states except E. Prov where common locally and up to 700 counted exceptionally in Jan. Marmaronetta angustirostris Marbled Teal Vag. In E. Prov one male Abgaig lagoons 31 Aug. 1979 (G. Bundy). In U.A.E. a flock of 25 Abu Dhabi Island 1 Mar. 1972 (J..Stewart-Smith) and two near Ras al Khaimah in Oct. 1975 (S. Dexter). Netta rufina Red-crested Pochard Vag. In Bahrain up to 7 Bu Ashira marshes 20 and 21 Dec. 1970 (Rogers & Gallagher, 1973). In U.A.E. one near Ras al Khaimah 24 Dec. 1970 (F. E. Warr). ; Aythya ferina Pochard WV In E. Prov chiefly Oct. to Mar., occasional Apr. and May, one early June, once Aug., once Sept., with counts of over 100 and one of 500. In Kuwait and Bahrain scarce, seen Oct. to Jan. One only in U.A.E. (Abu Dhabi Island Nov. 1977). Not recorded Qatar. 10 Aythya nyroca Ferruginous Duck (PM),(WV) In E. Prov records of up to 10 mid-Nov. to Feb., scarce and irregular Apr. to Oct. (but once 11 in July). In Bahrain one Nov. 1977. In Qatar up to 4 early May 1980. No confirmed records Kuwait or U.A.E. Aythya fuligula Tufted Duck WV In Kuwait three records, Nov. and Feb. In E. Prov chiefly late Oct. to Mar., scarce Apr. to June and in Aug., flocks usually under 50. In Bahrain one at Manama late Dec. 1979 to early Feb. 1980. In U.A.E. 4 records Oct. to Feb. on west coast. Not recorded Qatar. Mergus serrator Red-breasted Merganser Vag. In U.A.E. two on South Farayah Island off Abu Dhabi state, 29 Oct. 1972 (J. Stewart- Smith). Pernis apivorus Honey Buzzard . (PM) In Kuwait very scarce; single birds seen mid-Sept. to Oct., one Mar., twice Apr. In E. Prov one Mar. in southern desert and one Oct. at Dhahran. In Bahrain one near Sitra Sept. 1975. No confirmed records Qatar or U.A.E. Milvus migrans Black Kite PM Regular mid-Feb. to early May and Aug. to early Dec. with occasional birds in other months. Only common in Kuwait where most are seen in spring; scarce in the remaining states. Haliaeetus leycoryphus Pallas’s Fish Eagle Vag. In E. Prov, two adults Qatif 2 Nov. 1979 (R. Hedley). In U.A.E. one Ras al Khaimah 29 Oct. 1972 (L. Tyler). Haliaeetus albicilla White-tailed Eagle Vag. In E. Prov, one adult north of Qatif, Sept. 1978 (R. J. Connor). Neophron percnopterus Egyptian Vulture RB In Kuwait very scarce, seen in all months except Dec. and Jan. In E. Prov resident and breeding in hilly areas but very scarce. In Qatar one only, a museum specimen ‘spring’. In U.A.E. resident (eggs Mar.) in the mountains, showing an increase in numbers in winter on coastal plain. No records Bahrain. Gyps fulvus ; Griffon Vulture WV,?RB In Kuwait once Apr. 1975. In E. Prov three records Sept. - Nov. In U.A.E. in and near mountains between Sept. and Mar. with chicks reported. No records Bahrain or Qatar. Torgos tracheliotus Lappet-faced Vulture ? In U.A.E., two near Sharjah 8 and 9 Jan. 1952 (British Museum [Natural History]) and two Wadi Hatta 12 Nov. 1976 (W. Wyper) plus several unconfirmed records. Not recorded in the remaining states. Aegypius monachus Black Vulture (?WV) In Kuwait, one Mar., one Nov., and one undated museum specimen. In U.A.E., one near Al Ain Jan., one Jebel Faiyah Mar., and further unconfirmed reports near mountains in winter months. No confirmed records E. Prov, Bahrain or Qatar. 11 Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle PM,(WV) Scarce, with most records from Kuwait and the U.A.E. mountains, usually singles. Seen mid- Sept. to early Apr. with one May (Kuwait), one June (E. Prov) and one Aug. (Kuwait). No records Qatar. Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier WV,PM Small numbers regular on coasts and at inland water late Aug. to Apr., to mid-May in Kuwait and E. Prov. Most females or immatures. Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier (PM) In Kuwait several records of males mid-Jan. to May and Sept. to Nov., all singly. In E. Prov males once Mar., once Oct. In Qatar one male Mar. 1979. Female and immature harriers seen in all states may include this species. Circus macrourus Pallid Harrier PM,(WV) Regular, chiefly mid-Feb. to early May and late Aug. to mid-Nov. Scarce Dec. and Jan. Twice June (Bahrain and U.A.E.). Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier (PM) Very scarce, though female/immature harriers seen in all states may include this species. In Kuwait, males seen Mar. and Apr. with one Sept. and one Oct. In E. Prov four males Apr. and three Sept. In Bahrain one male Sept. 1970. In U.A.E. two individual males, Mar. and Apr. No records Qatar. Accipiter gentilis Goshawk (WV) In E. Prov scarce, with one or two birds in coastal region mid-Oct. to early Apr. In U.A.E. one one an oil rig at sea off Abu Dhabi, Oct. and one near mountains in Jan. No records Kuwait, Bahrain or Qatar. Accipiter nisus Sparrowhawk WV Rather scarce, usually seen singly, chiefly Sept. to Apr. Not yet recorded from Qatar. Accipiter brevipes Levant Sparrowhawk Vag. In E. Prov, one west of Abgaiq 10 Apr. 1977 (G. K. Brown). In Bahrain, one 25 Jan. 1951 (Meinertzhagen, 1954). In U.A.E., one Dhaid 28 Oct. 1977 (M. A. Hollingworth). Buteo buteo Buzzard PM,(WV) In Kuwait common, recorded in all months, chiefly Mar. to May and Sept. In the remaining States scarce, seen all months except July (though one July in E. Prov) and very few positive identifications in eastern Gulf. Buteo rufinus Long-legged Buzzard RB,WV Resident in E. Prov, breeding (eggs Feb. - Mar.) on rocky outcrops in desert away from coast. Single birds seen in Kuwait, coastal E. Prov and in U.A.E. Sept. to Apr. but scarce. One in June in U.A.E. No confirmed records Bahrain or Qatar. Aquila clanga Spotted Eagle WV Very small numbers mid-Sept. to early Apr. in Kuwait, E. Prov and U.A.E., usually at coastal marshes. One May and one June in E. Prov. Not recorded Bahrain or Qatar. Aquila rapax Steppe Eagle PM,(WV) In Kuwait seen in groups of up to 20 late Feb. to mid-Apr., twice in May, two in June, two in July, one in Aug., and common from Sept. to Nov. with two in early Jan. In E. Prov, Bahrain and U.A.E. scarce and seen in very small numbers mid-Sept. to Apr., twice May in U.A.E. and recorded end July and Aug. in E. Prov. A flock of 62 in E. Prov in Mar. was exceptional. One only in Qatar, and undated museum specimen. Aquila heliaca Imperial Eagle (WV) In Kuwait 8 records of one to three birds, early Apr., Oct. and Nov. In E. Prov scarce, with one to four birds seen, most immatures, Sept. to Mar. No confirmed records Bahrain, Qatar or U.A.E. Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle Vag. In Kuwait, one near Bahra 19 Nov. 1977 (P. R. Haynes). In E. Prov, one dead immature near Nariyah in Mar. 1974 (G. K. Brown) and two immatures there Jan. 1979 (R. Raby). Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle (PM) Scarce, usually singly but once 5 (Kuwait), mid-Sept. to Nov. Twice Dec. (Kuwait and E. Prov). One Jan. (U.A.E.). One Mar. (E. Prov). Twice May (Kuwait and E. Prov). Not recorded Qatar. Hieraaetus fasciatus Bonelli’s Eagle ? in Kuwait scarce, seen Sept. (twice), Nov (once), Jan. (once), Feb. (once) and Mar. (once). In U.A.E. recorded July - Mar. in mountains. No records E. Prov, Bahrain or Qatar. Pandion haliaetus Osprey RB,WV,PM Seen on or near the coast and around islands throughout the year though rather scarce May to Aug. Noted inland in Sept. (Kuwait and E. Prov) and Feb. (Kuwait). Breeds on islands (once on an abandoned ship) off Bahrain, Qatar and U.A.E. (eggs Nov. - Jan.). Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel PM Most recorded Mar. to May on passage with hundreds daily in Kuwait though decreasing in recent years. Scarce and irregular in all other months. Falco tinnunculus Kestrel RB,PM,WV Common and widespread Sept. to Apr. though recorded in all months and breeding reported in Kuwait, E. Prov and U.A.E. Falco columbarius Merlin PM In Kuwait scarce, 4 records late Feb. to Apr. (one of 10 birds) and 4 records late Oct. to Dec., but none since 1970. In E. Prov three single birds in Jan. and Feb. 1924 (one collected). In Bahrain two single birds in Mar. 1967 and 1968. No certain records for Qatar or U.A.E. Falco subbuteo Hobby PM Small numbers, chiefly mid-Apr. to May. Recorded, though scarce, to mid-June and from late Aug. to Oct. In Kuwait also seen in Mar., Nov. and Dec. One Jan. in E. Prov. One July in Bahrain. Falco concolor Sooty Falcon MB In E. Prov one inland at Abqaiq in July 1977. A breeding visitor to the Hawar Islands (Bahrain) May to Sept. (eggs Aug.) with two immatures trapped by a falconer in Dec. 1977. In U.A.E. seen on coasts and islands late Apr., June to Aug. and Oct. Not recorded Kuwait. One in. Qatar July 1980. Falco biarmicus Lanner ? Recorded singly July to Feb. and in all states except Bahrain but very scarce and irregular with status obscured by escaped or freed falconers’ birds. One only in Qatar (Feb. 1976). Falco cherrug Saker (WV) Single birds recorded in all states between mid-Sept. and early Mar. but irregular and very scarce with freed or escaped falconers’ birds often seen. Only one confirmed in Qatar, an undated museum specimen. Falco peregrinus Peregrine WV Scarce; seen between mid-Sept. and mid-Apr. and usually singly. One in E. Prov in May and all months except Aug. in Kuwait. Only one record Qatar, an undated museum specimen. Falconers’ birds sometimes seen, trailing jesses. Falco pelegrinoides Barbary Falcon RB In E. Prov breeds sparingly in low desert hills (chicks taken for falconry Mar. - Apr.) but elsewhere very scarce. In U.A.E. one caught near Sharjah in Nov. may have been an ‘escape’. Not recorded from Kuwait, Bahrain or Qatar. Ammoperdix heyi Sand Partridge RB In U.A.E. resident in rocky foothills where seen in small parties. One Bahrain Mar. 1970, possibly an ‘escape’. No records Kuwait, E. Prov or Qatar. Francolinus francolinus Biack Francolin ? In E. Prov single birds seen in the Hofuf area 6 Jan. 1924, 20 Nov. 1977 and 20 Oct. 1978. In U.A.E. a single male on Abu Dhabi Island May to June 1977, Mar., June and July 1978 and Apr. to Sept. 1979. Status uncertain and possibly ‘escapes’. Francolinus pondicerianus Grey Francolin RB In U.A.E. resident locally in cultivated zones in mountain foothills, also in cultivations near Sharjah and Dubai though here possibly introduced. No records from the remaining states. Coturnix coturnix Quail PM Small numbers recorded mid-Feb. to mid-May and Sept. to Nov. ih occasional birds seen June, July and Aug. Rather scarce, or perhaps overlooked. Rallus aquaticus Water Rail RB,WV Rather scarce and local, seen chiefly between Nov. and Apr. Resident locally in E. Prov (chicks mid-Apr. - May) and seen Bahrain in all months. Only two records U.A.E. One found dead in Qatar in June. Porzana porzana Spotted Crake PM Scarce, and usually seen singly, from mid-Mar. to mid-May and in Sept. and Oct. Occasional birds Nov. to Jan. Porzana parva Little Crake PM Scarce and local with single birds seen mid-Feb. to early May and mid-Aug. to mid-Oct. in Kuwait, E. Prov and Bahrain. In Jan., one in Kuwait and two in Bahrain. 12 together in Kuwait in Mar. Not recorded Qatar or U.A.E. Porzana pusilla Baillon’s Crake PM In Kuwait, E. Prov and Bahrain scarce and local, seen in ones and twos mid-Mar. to mid-May and mid-Aug. to early Nov. Once mid-Jan. in Bahrain. Once only in Qatar (Aug. 1975) and twice only in U.A.E. (Abu Dhabi Island Apr.) Crex crex Corncrake PM In Kuwait scarce; seen in small numbers Mar. to May and Sept. to Oct. with two records in Jan., one in June. In E. Prov 5 records of single birds Apr. and Sept., with up to 30 at Haradh Sept. to Oct. In Bahrain scarce; seen Sept. to mid-Oct. and one May. Once only in U.A.E. (Sharjah, autumn 1973). No records Qatar. Gallinula chloropus Moorhen RB,WV In all states except U.A.E. resident locally (eggs Feb. - Aug.), numbers increasing Sept. to Apr. In U.A.E. only at Abu Dhabi Island where three single birds recorded Oct. and Mar. Porphyrio porphyrio Purple Gallinule Vag. One captured in Ahmadi, Kuwait, 16 Oct. 1958 (V. A. D. Sales). Fulica atra Coot WV,RB Scarce in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and U.A.E. Oct. to mid-Jan., the majority in Nov. In 1980 to Mar. in Bahrain and all summer in Qatar. In E. Prov more numerous, a few pairs breeding locally (chicks from May), augmented by wintering birds, especially in coastal zone, Oct. to Apr. In Qatar bred in 1980 (eggs June). Grus grus Crane Vag. In E. Prov one Haradh 14 Nov. 1979 (J. Davies) and one there 21 Feb. 1980 (G. Bundy). In U.A.E., 6 Abu Dhabi Island (no date) (j. Stewart-Smith) and one at Khor Kalba on east coast 13 Sept. 1977 (M. A. Hollingworth). Anthropoides virgo Demoiselle Crane Vag. In Kuwait, a small flock in Jan. (Meinertzhagen, 1954) and 6 Kuwait City coast 8 Sept. 1977 (P. R. Haynes). In U.A.E. undated records of single birds at Al Ain and Abu Dhabi Island (J. Stewart-Smith). Chlamydotis undulata Houbara (WV),FB Scarce; seen between Sept. and Mar. singly, or in very small numbers. Formerly common and extensively hunted with falcons. Old records of breeding (eggs Feb., Mar. and May) in Kuwait and E. Prov. Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher WV Small groups on littoral Aug. to May with a few birds remaining June and July. Himantopus himantopus | Black-winged Stilt 7 (PM),RB Small numbers seen irregularly on coasts and at inland water, probably on passage. In E. Prov recorded breeding (eggs Apr. - June), remaining at breeding pools all year. 15 Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet PM,(WY),CB Rather scarce and irregular, usually in small numbers and seen late Aug. to mid-May. Most records Kuwait and E. Prov. No records Bahrain. Attempted to breed at an inland lake in E. Prov in 1976. Onein June in E. Prov. Dromas ardeola Crab Plover PM,RB In Kuwait breeds on offshore islands (eggs May) though no evidence in the last few years; seen on coasts of mainland, chiefly late July to Apr. and locally common. In E. Prov seen only at Abu Ali, July to Dec. In Bahrain, 4 in June, one Aug., one Oct. and two on the Hawar Islands in Dec. In Qatar one July 1967. In U.A.E. seen Das Island May and June with records from the west coast and islands July to Oct. and 14 at Umm al Qiwain Jan. and Feb. 1972. Burhinus oedicnemus Stone Curlew (WV),(PM) Widespread but scarce, often singly, from mid-Sept. to Apr. though very few in recent years. Twice in May, E. Prov and Bahrain. In July single records from Kuwait and E. Prov. Cursorius cursor Cream-coloured Courser RB Recorded in desert areas and on islands though rather local and often seen in small parties; breeds sparingly (eggs Mar.) in all states. Glareola pratincola Collared Pratincole ; PM Small numbers on passage, chiefly mid-Apr. to early June and mid-Aug. to mid-Oct. though seen in mid-summer months, especially in inner Gulf. On coast and also at inland pools. Glareola nordmanni Black-winged Pratincole (PM) In Kuwait scarce, seen in ones and twos between Apr. and July, once mid-Sept. In E. Prov, one Arabiyah Island Apr., one Dammam May, one Dhahran Aug. to 1 Sept. In Qatar one Doha early Apr. 1980 and two there May. No confirmed records Bahrain or U.A.E. Glareola lactea Little Pratincole Vag. In Bahrain, one Manama 15 - 17 Apr. 1971 (T. D. Rogers) and one there 7 Dec. 1978 (S. E. Gast). In U.A.E. one Abu Dhabi Island 4 - 5 Nov. 1978 (M. a. Hollingworth ef a/.). Charadrius dubius Little Ringed Plover PM Regular in small numbers, chiefly mid-Feb. to Apr. and Aug. to Oct., usually at fresh water pools. Scarce Jan., May to July and Nov. Absent Dec. Chradrius hiaticula Ringed Plover PM,WV Common, usually on the coast, and seen in all months though few only in June and July. Charadrius alexandrinus Kentish Plover RB,WV Resident coastal areas, offshore islands and (in E. Prov) at inland pools (eggs Feb. - early July). Very common on passage and wintering, particularly July to Apr. Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover PM,WV Common on sea shores and in creeks late July to Apr. though present in all months, large numbers on passage. Occasional at pools away from littoral in Kuwait and E. Prov but never far inland. 16 Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover PM,WV Common on coasts though less numerous than C. mongolus. Rather scarce May to mid- June. Occasional at inland water in Kuwait and E. Prov. Charadrius asiaticus Caspian Plover PM Scarce; small numbers seen, chiefly mid-Feb. to mid-Apr. and late July to mid-Sept. Usually away from littoral. Charadrius morinellus Dotterel (PM),(WV) In Kuwait scarce, small numbers seen between 9 Nov. and 20 Dec., one Feb., one Apr. In E. Prov three records of single birds and one of two, Mar., Apr. and Nov. In Bahrain one mid-Dec. 1970. In U.A.E. 6 together at Dubai mid-Dec. and one Abu Dhabi Island in July. Not recorded Qatar. Pluvialis dominica Lesser Golden Plover PM,(WV) Scarce; small numbers on or near coasts, mid-Aug. to mid-May. One mid-June in E. Prov. Pluvialis apricaria Golden Plover (PM) In Kuwait records confused with P. dominica. In E. Prov one confirmed record, Khobar Apr. 1978. In Bahrain scarce, seen Aug. to early Dec., singly or in small groups. In U.A.E. scarce and seen only at Abu Dhabi Island, Aug. (one), Oct. to Nov., Dec. (one), Jan. (once), May (one) and early June (once). None Qatar. Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover WV,PM Fairly common; seen on coast in all months of the year, chiefly mid-Aug. to mid-May. Occasional at inland water in Kuwait and E. Prov. Hoplopterus spinosus Spur-winged Lapwing [Plover] Vag. One in Kuwait, 29 Nov. 1958 (V. A. D. Sales). Hoplopterus indicus Red-wattled Lapwing [Plover] RB In Kuwait 5 records, Jan., Apr., May., Oct. and Dec. In E. Prov 5 records of single birds Jan., Apr., July and end Oct. to Dec. In Bahrain one Feb. 1971. In U.A.E. resident in cultivated areas near mountains and in wadis, with occasional single birds at Dubai and Abu Dhabi Island. None Qatar. Chettusia leucura White-tailed Lapwing [Plover] PM,(WV) Scarce; small numbers seen mid-Sept. to Mar. at coastal marshes and inland pools. One Apr. in Bahrain. In E. Prov one May, one mid-June, one late July and one late Aug. Vanellus vanellus Lapwing WV Scarce in all states; seen between late Oct. and Feb. One early Mar. in Bahrain and seen to early Apr. one year in E. Prov. Calidris canutus Knot Vag. One Kuwait Bay 26 July 1962 (V. A. D. Sales). In Bahrain one Arad Bay 8 May 1968 (M. J. Strickland), one Manama 26 Feb. 1970 (W. A. C. Griffiths) and one Sitra 12 Apr. 1970 (T. D. Rogers). Further records unconfirmed. Records under review. 17 Calidris alba Sanderling WV,PM Regular along coasts mid-Aug. to May with non-breeding birds present but scarce June and July. Seen inland in E. Prov on passage, especially in May and early June. Calidris minuta Little Stint PM,WV Common on littoral, and at suitable areas inland, late July to May. Scarce June and early July. Adults in May, July and Aug. in E. Prov and in Aug. U.A.E. have shown strongly the characters of C. ruficollis Red-necked Stint but confirmation by examintion is the hand is awaited. Calidris temminckii Temminck’s Stint PM,(WV) Small numbers regular mid-Aug. to May, particularly at marshes and other fresh water. Rather scarce, or perhaps overlooked. Calidris subminuta Long-toed Stint Vag. One at Abqaiq sewage lagoons in E. Prov 28 Aug. to 4 Sept. 1977 (G. K. Brown). Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper Vag. One at Abqaiq sewage lagoons in E. Prov 21 & 22 Apr. 1977 (G. K. Brown). Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper PM,WV Common Apr. to mid-June and Aug. to Oct., usually on coasts. Fewer Nov. to Mar., scarce late June and July. Calidris alpina Dunlin WV,PM Common on coast and locally at inland water, chiefly late Aug. to early May; scarce in the summer months. Limicola falcinellus Broad-billed Sandpiper PM,WV Seen on or near coast, chiefly late July to mid-Oct. in small numbers. Scarce late Oct. to early June though up to 75 counted at the former Dammam marsh in E. Prov late Mar. to May 1974 - 77. Only three records in Kuwait. Tryngites subruficollis Buff-breasted Sandpiper Vag. In E. Prov single birds at Abqaiq sewage lagoons 23 - 31 Oct. 1975 (G. K. Brown) and Dhahran airport pond 27 and 28 May 1978 (G. Bundy). Philomachus pugnax Ruff PM,WV Common on coasts and at inland water, chiefly Mar. to May and late July to Oct.; small numbers present in remaining months and some wintering flocks locally in E. Prov. Lymnocryptes minimus Jack Snipe WV Scarce; very small numbers in suitable areas mid-Oct. to mid-Apr. Gallinago gallinago Snipe WV,PM Regular locally in small numbers Aug. to Apr. with stragglers to early June. Once late July (E. Prov). 18 Gallinago media Great Snipe (PM) Very scarce; single birds or twos mid-Apr. to mid-May and Sept. to mid-Oct. One Feb. and one Aug. in Kuwait. Noted Nov. and Dec. at Abu Dhabi Island, U.A.E. No records Qatar. Scolopax rusticola Woodcock (WV) In Kuwait three individuals Jan. and Feb. In E. Prov one at Dhahran early Mar. 1971. In Bahrain three individuals, Sept., Oct. and Jan. In U.A.E. two Ras al Khaimah Dec. and two Dubai in Jan. No records Qatar. Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit PM,(WV) Small numbers, often singly, on or near coasts Aug. to mid-May, scarce Nov. to Mar. Recorded twice June (E. Prov and U.A.E.) and seen July (E. Prov. and U.A.E.). Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit PM,WV Fairly common along coasts Apr. to mid-May and Aug. to Oct., with smaller numbers Nov. to Mar. and non-breeders remaining late May to July. In E. Prov single birds away from littoral but scarce. Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel PM,(WV) Fairly common on or near coasts, particularly Apr., Aug. and Sept. but recorded in all months; scarce in June. Numenius tenuirostris Slender-billed Curlew Vag. In Kuwait one record of five 12 Jan. 1967 (V. A. D. Sales). Numenius arquata Curlew WV,PM Common on or near coasts late July to Apr., often in small flocks but 200+ noted in Mar. and Apr. Smaller numbers May to mid-July. Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank PM,(WV) Rather scarce; most mid-Aug. to early Nov. and Mar. to mid-May on or near the coast. Occasional mid-Nov. to Feb., usually single birds but 60 wintering at Abqaiq in E. Prov 1979/80. Twice in June (Kuwait and Bahrain) and three records July (E. Prov and U.A.E.). Tringa totanus Redshank WV,PM Common visitor to coasts July to Apr. and seen at inland water in Kuwait and E. Prov. Smaller numbers May and June. Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper PM,(WV) Small numbers on coasts and at inland water, Aug. to mid-Oct. and mid-Feb. to early May. Occasional birds, usually singly, late Oct. to Jan., with small numbers wintering in Dammam area in E. Prov. Recorded June in E. Prov. Scarce in eastern Gulf. Tringa nebularia Greenshank PM,WV Fairly common in small numbers along coasts, seen inland on passage. Chiefly Aug. to mid- May, few June and July. Tringa ochropus Green Sandpiper PM,(WV) Seen on coasts and at inland water, including mountain wadis, late July to Apr. with most on autumn passage, peaking in Aug. Scarce May to mid-July. 19 Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper _ PM,(WV) Fairly common Apr. to May and Aug. to Oct. with small numbers at fresh water Nov. to Mar. Scarce June and July. Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper PM,WV Common; seen in all months on the coast in small numbers. Concentrations of 100+ have been noted, particularly in Aug., and 1000+ in Kuwait.in Feb. 1964. Seen inland in E. Prov in small numbers Mar. to mid-June and Aug. to mid-Oct. Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper PM,WV Fairly common in coastal creeks and at inland water, mid-July to mid-May, usually singly. Scarce late May to early July. Arenaria interpres Turnstone WV,PM Fairly common, wintering in small numbers on coasts. Larger parties on passage Mar. to May and Aug. to Oct. when regular inland in E. Prov. Phalaropus lobatus Red-necked Phalarope PM Small parties mid-Mar. to early June and late July to Oct., most in Mar. and Apr. Usually at sea Or on or very near the coast but in E. Prov seen inland at Abqaiq sewage lagoons Mar. to June and in Sept. Scarce in Kuwait and Bahrain. Very common in the eastern Gulf and Gulf of Oman where noted mid-Jan. to Feb. also, with many hundreds Mar. and Apr. An unconfirmed report of thousands off E. Prov Mar. and Apr. Phalaropus fulicarius Grey Phalarope Vag. In E. Prov, single birds at Abqaiq sewage lagoons 15 and 16 June 1976 and 23 and 24 Oct. 1976 (G. K. Brown). Stercorarius pomarinus Pomarine Skua PM,(WV) Small numbers recorded at sea between Aug. and Apr., most late Mar. to Apr. In June, two in Kuwait and one off Ras al Khaimah, U.A.E. Scarce in all states, most in eastern Gulf and Straits of Hormuz, though much confusion with S. parasiticus. Stercorarius parasiticus Arctic Skua PM,(?WV) Small numbers recorded at sea mid-Mar. to early May and Aug. to mid-Dec. with most in Mar. and Apr. In Kuwait seen in June. One July (Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.). Occasional U.A.E. late Dec. and Jan. Larus hemprichii Sooty Gull MB,?RB In E. Prov two immatures Dammam in June and two offshore in Oct. In Bahrain, three in harbour Aug. 1969. Seen at sea east of Qatar and at Halul and Shiraow Islands but no records Qatar mainland. In U.A. E. seen in coastal waters and at sea throughout the year, becoming common late Apr. to Sept. and breeding on islands. Not recorded Kuwait. Larus ichthyaetus Great Black-headed Gull WV,PM Small numbers on coasts and at sea. Scarce Oct. to Dec., more frequent Jan. to Mar., sometimes remaining to mid-Apr. Several records Aug. in U.A.E. all immatures. In Bahrain, 120 together at an inland lake in Mar. 20 Larus melanocephalus Mediterranean Gull Vag. In Kuwait, one 17 Feb. 1961 in Kuwait Bay (V. A. D. Sales). In E. Prov, one immature south of Al Khobar 6 Jan. 1978 (G. Bundy) and two adults Al Khobar 21 June 1978 (A. Bramley). Larus minutus Little Gull Vag. In Kuwait, 5 seen Kuwait Bay 17 Aug. 1961 (V. A. D. Sales) and one immature at Messilah 1 and 15 Apr. 1978 (P. R. Haynes). In E. Prov one immature Al Khobar 17 May 1978 (A. Bramley) and one immature inland in northern plains 29 Sept. 1979 (G. J. Rowlands). Larus ridibundus Black-headed Gull WV,PM Common on or near coasts, chiefly Nov. to Apr., with small numbers seen May to Oct. In E. Prov recorded at inland water at Hofuf and Abqaiq. Larus genei Slender-billed Gull WV,FB,?RB Common in coastal waters Aug. to Mar., though present in all months. Old records of breeding on islands off Kuwait (eggs late Apr. - May). Published records of breeding Bahrain and Qatar may be inerror. Nesting reported in 1970 on an island off Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. Larus canus Common Gull (WV) In Kuwait scarce but recorded in every month, most Aug. to May. In E. Prov two individuals Jan. and one Nov. In U.A.E single birds twice in Nov., one on east coast. No certain records Bahrain or Qatar. Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull WV,PM Fairly common on coasts and at sea, chiefly Sept. to mid-Apr. but immatures occasional in remaining months. One adult inland in E. Prov in Oct. Larus argentatus Herring Gull WV,PM Common on coasts and at sea between Sept. and Apr., scarce May, June and Aug. One July (Bahrain). Two races occur and confusion with L. fuscus possible, especially L. a heuglini. Gelochelidon nilotica Gull-billed Tern PM,WV,FB Seen on coast in every month, numbers usually small, though rather scarce May to July. Flocks of 100 or more noted in E. Prov and Bahrain in winter. Occasional migrants inland Kuwait and E. Prov. Formerly bred on islands at head of Gulf off Kuwait (eggs Apr. -May) but no recent information. Sterna caspia Caspian Tern WV,RB Seen on coast in every month, numbers usually small. Breeds on islands off Kuwait in colonies (eggs Apr. - July). Sterna bergii Swift Tern MB,PM Scarce on mainland coasts; most seen at sea where recorded Apr. to Oct., occasional Nov. to Mar. Breeds on islands off E. Prov and (formerly) Kuwait (eggs May - early June). Sterna bengalensis Lesser Crested Tern MB,PM Fairly common on coasts and at sea Mar. to Oct., less so Nov. to Feb. when most are seen offshore. Breeds in colonies on islands off Kuwait, E. Prov, Qatar and U.A.E. (eggs May - July). Sterna sandvicensis Sandwich Tern PM,WV Recorded throughout the year on coasts and offshore. Fairly common Kuwait and U.A.E. but rather scarce and irregular E. Prov, Bahrain and Qatar. 21 Sterna hirundo Common Tern PM,?CB Rather scarce and irregular; seen on coasts in all months. Single migrants becordsd inland in E. Prov. A few bred on an island off Kuwait in 1959. Sterna repressa White-cheeked Tern MB Common at sea and on coasts, arriving Apr. Most leave by Oct. but small numbers seen to Nov. Very scarce Dec. Once Jan. in U.A.E. Breeding colonies on many islands in all states (eggs May - Aug.). Sterna anaethetus Bridled Tern MB Common at sea and on islands late Mar. to mid-Sept. with occasional birds seen in U.A.E., Oct., Dec. and Jan. Scarce on mainland coasts. Large breeding colonies on islands off all states (eggs May - July). : Sterna albifrons Little Tern PM Records of S. albifrons and S. saundersi confused. Only adults in breeding plumage safely separated. In E. Prov recorded Apr. to June. Records not satisfactorily separated in other states. Sterna saundersi Saunders’ Little Tern PM,MB Common on coasts and islands; seen in every month with most Mar. to May and Sept. to Oct. Breeds E. Prov and Bahrain (eggs Apr. - June). In E. Prov seen at inland lakes. Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern PM Small numbers on passage, chiefly Apr. and fromAug. to mid-Oct., mostly in coastal marshes though occasionally at inland water. Scarce in May and June. In E. Prov recorded in all months. Once Jan. in Kuwait. Only three records in Bahrain and none Qatar. Chlidonias niger Black Tern Vag. In E. Prov, 6 records at the former Dammam marsh (now drained) late Sept. to Dec. of up to 4 birds (G. K. Brown) but not seen since 1976. In Bahrain, single birds at Manama 25 - 30 Sept. 1971 (M. C. Jennings) and 14 - 17 Sept. 1977 (T. J. Hallam). Records under review. Chlidonias leucopterus White-winged Black Tern PM,(WV) Small numbers, chiefly mid-Apr. to June and late July to mid-Oct. Most records coastal though seen at inland water in Kuwait and E. Prov. No records Qatar. Pterocles lichtensteinii Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse RB In U.A.E. fairly common in rocky foothills and associated gravel plains, watering at wadi pools after sunset (eggs May). No records from the other states. Pterocles coronatus Coronetted Sandgrouse ?RB In U.A.E. probably resident in rocky foothills and nearby gravel plains but positive records few in number and Nov. and Dec. only. No confirmed records from the other states. Pterocles senegallus Spotted Sandgrouse ?RB In E. Prov status uncertain; seen at Hofuf in ‘winter’ and at Haradh Apr. and July to Aug. In U.A.E. probably resident in gravel plains but positive identifications very few and only recorded Feb., Mar. and Sept. to Nov. No records Kuwait, Bahrain or Qatar. 22 a Pterocles exustus Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse ?RB In U.A.E. probably resident in rocky foothills and gravel plains where small numbers seen in most months, watering in the morning, and said by shooters to be common and. nesting. No records from the other states. Pterocles orientalis Black-bellied Sandgrouse (WV) In Kuwait scarce and irregular, small numbers seen mid-Oct. to mid-Apr. In Bahrain a pair at a stream at West Rifa’ain Jan. 1971. Norecords E. Prov, Qatar or U.A.E. Pterocles alchata Pin-tailed Sandgrouse (PM),FB In Kuwait seen irregularly, sometimes in flocks, Mar. to May, twice July and twice Sept., with breeding recorded in May 1935. In E. Prov reported Dhahran in Nov. 1960. No records from Bahrain, Qatar or U.A.E. Columba livia Rock Dove RB In E. Prov and U.A.E. small numbers resident in rocky areas and hills (eggs July); occasionally seen away from these areas though records confused with feral pigeons. No confirmed records Kuwait, Bahrain or Qatar. Streptopelia decaocto Collared Dove RB,PM Resident locally (eggs Mar. - Apr.) in cultivated areas in Kuwait, E. Prov, Bahrain and U.A.E. In other areas seen late Mar. to early May and mid-Aug. to early Oct. Recorded twice only Qatar. Streptopelia turtur Turtle Dove PM,MB Remains the summer in all states in cultivated areas and oases. Breeding recorded Kuwait, E. Prov and Bahrain (eggs June - July). Flocks away from breeding areas late Mar. to May and Sept. to Oct. suggest heavy passage. Stragglers seen to Nov. One obtained in Jan. in Kuwait. Steptopelia orientalis Rufous Turtle Dove Vag. In Kuwait, two at Ahmadi 6 June 1956 (V. A. D. Sales). In E. Prov , one Dhahran 1 Nov. 1974 (G. K. Brown) and one Dhahran 2 Sept. 1978 (G. Bundy). Several further records unconfirmed. Streptopelia senegalensis Palm Dove RB?PM In U.A.E. a fairly common resident (eggs Mar. - May, once July) except in pure desert areas; scarce west of Abu Dhabi Island. No certain records for the other states. Oena capensis Namaqua Dove ?MB In Kuwait a pair at Jahra pool, W. of Kuwait City, Aug. 1978. In E. Prov very local and most records Mar. to Sept; at least 50 pairs breeding at one newly cultivated locality where it may be resident. In Qatar an unated museum specimen. No records Bahrain or U.A.E. Psittacula krameri Rose-ringed Parakeet RB,?PM.?WV In recent years this species has become established in all states in palm plantations in coastal urban areas. Nesting assumed in all stes though the only evidence is reports of nestlings Bahrain, Dec. to Mar. Numbers variable and increasing, probably augmented by escaped captive birds. One at sea off E. Prov in Oct. 23 Clamator glandarius Great Spotted Cuckoo (PM) In Kuwait, 6 records with singles, once two, noted Jan., Apr., June and Sept. In E. Prov one at Abqaig Feb. 1976. In Qatar one Mar. 1967. Not recorded Bahrain or U.A.E. Cuculus canorus Cuckoo (PM) Scarce; single birds recorded Feb. to May and mid-Aug. to Oct. One late Jan. in U.A.E. In Kuwait seen June (one) and late July. Tyto alba Barn Owl RB A very scarce resident with a few records from all states except Qatar. Breeding recorded once E. Prov (young Dec.), Bahrain (young Apr.) and (once) U.A.E. Otus brucei Striated Scops Owl ?RB In U.A.E. appears to be resident in foothills and young reported but scarce and status obscured by O. scops. On Bahrain one obtained in Oct. 1969. Not recorded Kuwait, E. Prov or Qatar. Otus scops Scops Owl PM Scarce, usually seen singly, most Feb. to mid-Apr. and in Sept., though has been recorded in all months except June and July. One only in Qatar (Dec. 1967). Bubo bubo Eagle Ow! RB Scarce; breeding (eggs mid-Jan. - Mar.) in hills and rocky outcrops in Kuwait, E. Prov and U.A.E. Not recorded Bahrain or Qatar. Athene noctua Little Owl RB In Kuwait believed to be resident locally in hills and wadis but no breeding evidence. In E. Prov one at Jebel south of Nata, Feb. 1979. In U.A.E. scarce; seen around mountains, Dec., and Feb. to early Apr. but status uncertain. No records Bahrain or Qatar. Asio otus Long-eared Owl Vag. In U.A.E., one Dubai 19 Oct. 1970 (W. Wyper) and one Sharjah 29 Jan. 1971 (B. Etheridge). Asio flammeus Short-eared Owl (WV) Scarce in all states with single birds seen late Sept. to mid-Mar. 5 together on one occasion in Kuwait. Caprimulgus nubicus Nubian Nightjar Vag. One in desert near Abqaiag, E. Prov, 7 Sept. 1977 (G. K. Brown). Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar PM Scarce; seen in all months except Jan. but chiefly mid-Apr. to May and late Sept. to Oct., usually singly. Caprimulgus aegyptius Egyptian Nightjar PM Scarce; seen Mar. to mid-May and Sept. to early Nov. with birds seen at sea in autumn. In Kuwait single records July and Aug. Once only (Mar. 1976) in E. Prov. No records Qatar. Apus apus Swift PM Noted in all months, the majority seen mid-Feb. to mid-May; scarce June, July, Dec. and Jan. Records confused with A. pallidus. Apus pallidus Pallid Swift PM,WV,?RB Common Mar. to mid-May; smaller numbers in all other months though records confused with A. apus. ‘Swifts’ nesting in buildings in Kuwait may be this species. Breeding in cliffs in E. Prov and suspected Bahrain and U.A.E. Apus melba Alpine Swift (PM) Scarce; ones or twos seen late Feb. to early Apr. and Aug. and Sept. with a party of 5 in Kuwait in Apr; most records coastal. One on 30 Jan. in E. Prov. One June (U.A.E.). Once Nov. (Kuwait). Once Dec. (Kuwait). No records Qatar. Apus affinis Little Swift Vag. In Kuwait one at Messilah 28 Mar. 1978 (P. R. Haynes). In Bahrain, one Bu Ashira 13 July 1970 (W. A. C. Griffiths). In U.A.E. one east coast 24 Mar. 1971 (W. A. C. Griffiths & T. D. Rogers) and one Sharjah Creek 14 July 1971 (F. E. Warr). Halcyon smyrnensis White-breasted (Smyrna) Kingfisher (WV) In Kuwait scarce, mid July to early Nov., usually singly, with one Jan., one Mar. and one Apr. Norecords from the other states. Halcyon chloris White-collared Kingfisher RB In U.A.E. a very small population resident in mangrove on the east coast. No records from other areas of U.A.E. or from the other states. Alcedo atthis Kingfisher WV Regular in winter on coastal creeks and at inland waters from mid-Aug. to Apr. and usually solitary. One in May at Dubai, U.A.E. Ceryle rudis Pied Kingfisher (WV) Scarce; a visitor in small numbers to coastal Kuwait, E. Prov and Bahrain, Oct. to early Apr. but numbers decreasing. A flock of over 80 Bahrain in Dec. 1949. Once Sept. in Kuwait. Twice in U.A.E., one Sharjah Sept. and one Umm al Qiwain late Feb. and Mar. No records Qatar. Merops orientalis Little Green Bee-eater RB In U.A.E. a fairly common resident (at burrows Apr. and May) in and near mountains and also in areas of trees west to Dubai. In E. Prov a single bird seen near Al Khobar in Dec. 1974. No confirmed records Kuwait, Bahrain or Qatar. Merops superciliosus Blue-cheeked Bee-eater PM Regular in varying numbers mid-Mar. to May and mid-Aug. to early Nov. (Maximum numbers Apr. and early May). Scarce June and July. Seen in early Dec. and once in mid-Jan. in E. Prov. Bee-eaters nesting in May 1942 on an island off Kuwait may have been this species. Merops apiasier Bee-eater PM Flocks common on passage from Mar. to May and, on a reduced scale, Aug. to Oct. Scarce Feb., June and July. Once Nov. in U.A.E. In Dec. once in Bahrain and a flock of 20 in Kuwait. Once Jan. in E. Prov. 25 Coracias garrulus Roller PM Fairly common from late Mar. (twice Feb. in Kuwait) to May with most in Apr. and from late July to early Nov. Scarce June and early July. Coracias benghalensis Indian Roller ?RB,WV In Kuwait single birds late July to mid-Mar., particularly in winter 1970/71. In E. Prov one Dhahran Dec. to Jan_, one Nariyah in Jan., and one in ‘spring’. In U.A.E. resident in and near mountains in areas of palm plantations and breeding assumed but nests not yet found; away from mountains occasional Oct. to Apr. on west coast. Not recorded Bahrain or Qatar. Upupa epops Hoopoe | PM,(WV),CB Fairly common and widespread with most seen mid-Feb. to Apr. and mid-July to mid-Oct. A nest with eggs on Bahrain in Mar. 1969. Jynx torquilla Wryneck PM,(WV) Rather scarce; most mid-Mar. to early May and late Aug. to mid-Oct. Usually singly but 8 together in Kuwait in Apr. Very scarce Nov. Has been recorded Dec. to Feb. in Bahrain. Eremopterix nigriceps Black-crowned Finch Lark RB,MB,?PM Seen in open desert and on gravel plains and coastal strip with numbers increasing from Apr. to Sept. and often in flocks (eggs Apr., chicks May to July and also in U.A.E. in Oct.). Resident Bahrain, Qatar and U.A.E. but scarce and local Oct. to Mar. in Kuwait and E. Prov. Eremalauda dunni Dunn’s Lark ?RB In E. Prov possibly resident in flat stony or gravel desert away from the coastal zone; rather scarce and local. No records from the other states. Ammomanes cincturus Bar-tailed Desert Lark RB In Kuwait, scarce and irregular; seen Mar., June, July and Oct. in Zor Hills and Wadi Al- Batin. In E. Prov resident in flat sandy or gravel desert, nomadic outside breeding season, sometimes in small flocks. In Qatar seen Jan. to Mar., May and July. In U.A.E. one Dubai Mar. 1971. Nocertain records Bahrain. Ammomanes deserti Desert Lark RB. Resident locally in mountains, hills and rocky desert, showing variations in colour according to subspecies and with soil staining. Casual visitor to coastal plains. Breeding noted in all states (eggs Feb. - Apr.) except Qatar where scarce. Alaemon alaudipes Hoopoe Lark RB Common, though thinly distributed, in sandy desert with sparse vegetation (eggs mid-Feb. - Apr., young in nest June.). Ramphocoris clotbey - _Thick-billed Lark me In Kuwait small numbers seen in Wadi Al-Batin, Jan. to Apr. with one in June. In E. Prov small numbers Sept. to Jan. at Haradh; occasionally elsewhere in stony desert; one in Aug. Not recorded Bahrain, Qatar or U.A.E. Melanocorypha calandra Calandra Lark Vag. In E. Prov, one Dammam 19 Dec. 1975 and one Abqaiq sewage lagoons 19 Nov. 1977 (G. K. | Brown). 26 Melanocorypha bimaculata Bimaculated Lark (PM),CB Scarce; a few records mid-Feb. to Mar., once 25 in E. Prov. One in Sept. (Kuwait). Twice in Nov. (E. Prov and U.A.E.). In Bahrain, 6 mid-Dec. to Mar. one year and 15 Jan. to mid-Apr. the next. A nest with one fledgling in Kuwait in Apr. 1978. Calandrella brachydactyla Short-toed Lark PM,(WV) Seen in every month but mainly in Mar. when some large flocks seen, and from Sept. to Oct. Scarce May to July. Calandrella rufescens Lesser Short-toed Lark WV,RB Recorded from mid-Aug. and common Nov. to Mar., often in flocks. Scarce in Apr. Seen during May in Kuwait and to July in Bahrain. Resident and breeding locally in E. Prov (eggs Apr.) and possibly in Qatar. Galerida cristata Crested Lark RB Common in semi-desert areas and around settlements (eggs end Jan. - May). Lullula arborea Wood Lark (WV) Recorded Kuwait in Aug. (one), Oct. (once 8), Dec. to Jan. (once) and Feb. (twice). In E. Prov one only, Dec. 1973 at Dhahran. In Bahrain 4 records Dec. and Feb. No certain records Qatar or U.A.E. Alauda arvensis Skylark WV Seen mid-Aug. to mid-May but chiefly Nov. to Mar. when often in small flocks and most in coastal zone. Eremophila bilopha Temminck’s Horned Lark RB In Kuwait scarce and local; small groups noted in most months with nesting confirmed. In E. Prov recorded locally on stony, partially vegetated semi-desert in the north, June to Sept. Not recorded Bahrain, Qatar or U.A.E. Riparia riparia Sand Martin PM Common; mainly Mar. to May (with thousands sometimes in Kuwait, E. Prov and Bahrain) and late Aug. to Oct. but seen in other months though scarce mid-Nov. to mid-Jan. and in late June and July. Ptyonoprogne fuligula African Rock Martin or Pale Crag Martin RB In E. Prov breeding in low hills and rocky outcrops in desert. In U.A. E. breeding in and near mountains and seen occasionally hawking over coastal creeks as far west as Sharjah. Eggs Mar. - Apr. Noconfirmed records Kuwait, Bahrain or Qatar. / Ptyonoprogne rupestris Crag Martin PM Rather scarce; seen mid-Mar. to mid-May, mostly in coastal zone. Once late July in Kuwait. In Oct., twice in Kuwait and one at sea off E. Prov. In Nov. twice in Bahrain. In E. Prov one Dec; once Jan. Hirundo rustica Swallow PM,CB Common and widespread; main passage mid-Mar. to mid-May and mid-Sept. to Oct. but seen in all months, fewest June, Dec. and Jan. In Kuwait spring passage is the more marked; in U.A.E. highest numbers are in autumn. One nest reported Bahrain. 27 Hirundo daurica Red-rumped Swallow PM Seen mid-Feb. to Apr. in all states; fairly common Kuwait and E. Prov though scarce in the eastern Gulf. Seen to mid-May in E. Prov. One June and one July in Kuwait. Scarce late Aug. to Oct. when recorded Kuwait, E. Prov and Bahrain only. Once Nov. (Kuwait) and twice Dec. (E. Prov and U.A.E.). Delichon urbica House Martin | PM Seen mid-Jan. to Apr. and fairly common in Kuwait and E. Prov. Scarce and irregular May to early Nov. with a slight peak in Sept. Up to 50 in Qatar in July 1980. One mid-Dec. in Bahrain. Anthus novaeseelandiae Richard’s Pipit Vag. In Bahrain, two seen late Jan. to Apr. 1979 (T. J. Hallam et a/.). No confirmed records from the other states. Anthus campestris Tawny Pipit PM,WV Fairly common on passage, most Mar. and Nov., with some wintering, Partita in U.A.E. Scarce May to June and Aug; absent July. Anthus similis Long-billed Pipit ?RB Scarce; recorded in or near mountains of U.A.E. between Dec. and May and almost certainly resident, with breeding suspected but not confirmed. No records from the other states. Anthus hodgsoni Olive-backed Pipit Vag. In U.A.E. recorded twice on Abu Dhabi Island; one unconfirmed record on 23 Mar. 1973 (J. Stewart-Smith) and three 23 Nov. 1977 (M. A. Hollingworth & D. M. Corfield). Anthus trivialis Tree Pipit PM,(WV) Small numbers, Mar. to mid-May and Sept. to Oct. A count of 136 in Kuwait in Apr. Scarce Nov. to Feb. Anthus pratensis Meadow Pipit (WV),(PM) Rather scarce; small numbers Oct. to mid-Apr., chiefly in the coastal zone. Anthus cervinus Red-throated Pipit PM,(WV) Seen between mid-Sept. and early June, but only common in spring, mid-Mar. to mid-May. One July in Kuwait. Anthus spinoletta Water Pipit WV,PM Small numbers late Sept. to Apr; locally common. Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail PM,(WV) Very common late Feb. to May and mid-Aug. to early Nov. with a few birds seen in June and July. Very scarce and local late Nov. to early Feb. Motacilla citreola Citrine Wagtail (PM) Very scarce; seen in small numbers mid-Mar. to Apr. and mid-Sept. to mid-Nov. with most records from U.A.E. One Dec. and twice Jan. on Abu Dhabi Island, U.A.E. No confirmed records E. Prov or Qatar. 28 Motacilla cinerea Grey Wagtail PM,(WV) Recorded mid-Feb. to mid-May and mid-Aug. to mid-Oct. (to early Dec. in Kuwait) in small numbers, usually singly. One late July and one early Aug. in Kuwait. A few wintering at fresh water Nov. to Jan. in Bahrain, in U.A.E. and once at Hofuf in E. Prov. Motacilla alba White Wagtail WV,PM Very common Oct. to Apr., scarce late Sept. and early May. From end Aug. in Kuwait. Some roosts of hundreds noted near settlements. Pycnonotus leucogenys White-cheeked Bulbul RB Common locally near towns and villages with good vegetation in Kuwait, E. Prov and Bahrain (eggs Feb. - July). Scarce Qatar. In U.A.E. scarce and only at Abu Dhabi Island, Dubai and Sharjah. Pycnenetus xanthopygos Yellow-vented Bulbul RB In E. Prov up to 5 seen Haradh Jan. and Feb. 1980. In U.A.E. common in areas of good vegetation in and near mountains (eggs Mar.) and in recent years recorded in garden areas of Sharjah and Dubai though scarce. Not recorded Kuwait, Bahrain or Qatar. Pycnonotus cafer Red-vented Bulbul ? In Qatar one record (no date). In U.A.E. two birds in a Dubai garden from 1974 which bred, later mating successfully with P. leucogenys (Armitage, 1978); one or two noted in an Abu Dhabi Island garden 1977/78 and two in Mar. 1980; one seen at Digdaga, Ras al Khaimah from Oct. 1979 to Jan. 1980. All assumed to be escaped birds. Hypocolius ampelinus Grey Hypocolius (WV),(PM) Scarce. In Kuwait recorded irregularly mid-Mar. to Apr., usually small flocks; once 10 in Zor Hills Dec. In E. Prov up to 6 in northern oases Jan. to Feb. and two records Apr. In U.A.E. two Sharjah and 8 Jebel Faiyah Mar. Not recorded Bahrain or Qatar. Cercotrichas galactotes Rufous Bush Chat PM,MB Fairly common on passage Mar. to May and Aug. to mid-Oct. Scarce June and July. Twice Nov. (U.A.E.) and twice late Feb. (Kuwait and U.A.E.). Breeds locally in E. Prov, Bahrain and U.A.E. (eggs Apr. - June). Erithacus rubecula ’ Robin WV In Kuwait seen in small numbers each winter from Oct. to mid-Mar. (once mid-Apr.). In the remaining states very scarce, with none recorded east of Dubai in U.A.E. Luscinia luscinia Thrush Nightingale PM In Kuwait scarce; recorded mid-Mar. to early June (most in Apr.) and mid-Aug. to early Nov. In Bahrain scarce; seen Apr. to early May and Sept. to early Oct. In U.A.E. seen twice, late Apr. and early May. No confirmed records E. Prov or Qatar. Luscinia megarhynchos Nightingale (PM) Scarce late Mar. to mid-May. Very scarce late Aug. to Oct. with only one autumn record in U.A.E. Single records early Mar., early June and late July in Kuwait. Luscinia svecica Bluethroat WV Regular locally mid-Sept. to Apr. (from mid-Aug. in Kuwait), wintering in marshes and reeds. 29 Trania gutturalis White-throated Robin PM Scarce and usually seen singly, mid-Mar. to mid-May (in Kuwait from late Feb. and one early June). Very few autumn records: Kuwait (Aug. to early Nov.), E. Prov (one Sept.) and U.A.E. - (one Sept.). In U.A.E. on west coast only. No records from Qatar. Phoenicurus erythronotus Eversmann’s Redstart (WV) In Kuwait one Burgan Dec. 1970. In E. Prov up to 5 Ras Tanura Dec. 1970 and Jan. 1971. In Bahrain, 19 mid-Dec. 1970 to 2 Mar. 1971. In Qatar one Doha Mar. 1980. In U.A.E. one Jebel Faiyah Mar. 1971 and one Sharjah early Feb. 1972. Phoenicurus ochruros Black Redstart | WV Recorded mid-Oct. to mid-Apr. (mid-Sept. to mid-May in Kuwait), thinly distributed. Fairly common in and near mountains of U.A.E. Nearly all are of the subspecies phoenicuroides with chestnut belly though P. o. ochruros has been seen in Kuwait. Phoenicurus phoenicurus Redstart PM,(WV) Common on spring passage Mar. to Apr. and seen at all other times of year, though scarce June to Aug. and Dec. to Feb. Males showing characters of P. p. samamisicus regularly noted in spring. Saxicola rubetra Whinchat PM Small numbers, chiefly late Mar. to mid-May with fewer in autumn, Sept. to Oct. Scarce in early June. Most seen in coastal zone. Birds recorded Nov. to early Mar. may be misidentified S. torquata. Saxicola torquata Stonechat PM,WV Seen late Aug. to mid-Apr., occasionally to mid-May, and in small numbers. Most seen on passage in Mar. Oenanthe isabellina Isabelline Wheatear PM,(WV) Fairly common, chiefly late Feb. to early May and Aug. to mid-Nov. Smaller numbers Dec. and Jan. Very scarce late May to July. Oenanthe oenanthe Wheatear PM Regular late Feb. to May, most in Mar., and in lesser numbers late Aug. to Nov. Scarce June to early Aug., early Dec. and late Jan. to mid-Feb. Absent mid-Dec. to mid-Jan. Oenanthe pleschanka Pied Wheatear PM Common and widespread on passage, chiefly mid-Feb. to mid-Apr., fewer in autumn Sept. to early Nov. Very scarce Dec. to Jan., May and late Aug. Recorded June in Bahrain. Occasional white-throated males recorded in spring. Oenanthe hispanica - Black-eared Wheatear PM Regular but scarce, chiefly Mar. to mid-Apr., with fewer Sept. to early Nov. 5 males Bahrain in June 1970. Oenanthe deserti Desert Wheatear WV Common; a bird of desert areas, plains and coastal flats, chiefly Sept. to mid-Apr., stragglers to early May and scarce Aug. Three records June (Kuwait and E. Prov) and one July (Bahrain). 30 —— Oenanthe finschii Finsch’s Wheatear (WV) Very scarce Kuwait, E. Prov and Bahrain where recorded, usually singly, Nov. to Mar. No confirmed records Qatar or U.A.E. Oenanthe xanthoprymna Red-tailed Wheatear WV,PM Seen in small numbers between late Sept. and mid-Apr. (one late Aug. in Bahrain and one at sea Off U.A.E. in early Sept.). Chiefly in areas of rocks and hills and fairly common in foothills of U.A.E. mountains. Oenanthe lugens Mourning Wheatear WV Small numbers, usually in areas of rocks or hills, Oct. to mid-Mar. Three records in Apr. (Kuwait and Bahrain). One in Sept. (Kuwait). Fairly common Kuwait but scarce elsewhere. Oenanthe monacha Hooded Wheatear (WV) Very scarce; seen between late Oct. and Mar. (once late Aug. in U.A.E. mountains) and usually in arid, rocky hills. Oenanthe alboniger Hume’s Wheatear RB,(WV) In U.A.E. a fairly common resident in the mountains (eggs Feb.). Very scarce all other areas where seen between late Sept. and mid-Jan. One only in Qatar (Jan. 1979). No records E. Prov. Oenanthe leucopyga White-crowned Black Wheatear RB In Kuwait 5 records in hills, Feb., Mar. and Sept. In E. Prov a scarce resident in rocky outcrops. In Qatar one Umm Bab Feb. 1980. Not seen Bahrain or U.A.E. Monticola saxatilis Rock Thrush PM Seen mid-Feb. to mid-May, usually singly. Very scarce in autumn, Sept. and Oct. One Nov. in E. Prov. One early Dec. in Kuwait and recorded Nov. to Jan. in Bahrain but very scarce. Monticola solitarius Blue Rock Thrush PM,WV Chiefly seen in spring, mid-Feb. to Mar., then scarce Apr. to early May. One July and one Aug. in Kuwait. Scarce in autumn, Sept. and Oct. Winters regularly Nov. to Feb. in mountain foothills of U.A.E. and occasionally in the other states. Turdus torquatus Ring Ouzel (WV) Very scarce; individuals seen E. Prov and Bahrain Nov. to Jan. with one early Mar. in Bahrain. In Kuwait, one Raudhatain Nov. 1971. None Qatar or U.A.E. Turdus merula Blackbird (WV) In Kuwait scarce, seen mid-Nov. to Mar. In E. Prov 5 records, Dec. to early Mar. In Bahrain one Jan. 1971. In U.A.E. one on east coast Oct. and one Dubai Dec. None Qatar. Turdus ruficollis Black-throated Thrush (WV) Scarce and irregular; small numbers mid-Oct. to mid-Apr. One early Sept. in Kuwait. One mid-May in E. Prov. About 80 counted winter 1970/71 in Bahrain. Turdus pilaris Fieldfare (WV) Very scarce; small numbers mid-Nov. to early Mar., chiefly in Nov. None east of Dubai in U.A.E. Not recorded Qatar. 31 Turdus philomelos Song Thrush WV,(PM) Chiefly Nov. to Mar.; scarce in Apr. Fairly common in ‘green’ areas in Kuwait and E. Prov. Irregular in Bahrain and eastern Gulf. Turdus iliacus Redwing (WV) In Kuwait and E. Prov very scarce with up to three seen in coastal zone mid-Nov. to mid-Feb. and once (E. Prov) early Mar. In Bahrain one May 1971. None Qatar or U.A.E. Turdus viscivorus Mistle Thrush (WV) Scarce; usually seen singly, Nov. to Mar. in garden areas. In Bahrain only in winter 1970/71. In Qatar only one record, Feb. 1971. No certain records E. Prov. Cettia cetti Cetti’s Warbler Vag. In Kuwait one trapped for ringing on 18 Mar. 1966. (V. A. D. Sales). Cisticola juncidis Fan-tailed Warbler Vag. In Kuwait, one or two Jahra Pool, west of Kuwait City, 19 Jan. to 9 Mar. 1979 (L. Corrall & W. A. Stuart). Prinia gracilis Graceful Prinia [Warbler] RB In E. Prov, Bahrain and U.A.E. locally common in or near areas of cultivation, good ground vegetation, coastal reed beds or inland marshy areas (eggs Feb. - June). Not recorded Kuwait or Qatar. Scotocerca inquieta Scrub Warbler RB In U.A.E. resident in mountains (eggs Feb. - Mar.) and seen chiefly on rocky slopes. No records from the other states. Locustella naevia Grasshopper Warbler (PM) Very scarce; seen in all states except Qatar, late Mar. to early May, usually singly. One in early Nov. in Kuwait. Locustella fluviatilis River Warbler Vag. In Kuwait identified on examination in the hand between 1965 and 1968; 30 Apr. to 22 May (V. A. D. Sales). In Bahrain one trapped May 1978. Also some unconfirmed sight records. No records E. Prov, Qatar or U.A.E. Locustella luscinioides Savi’s Warbler ; PM Scarce; chiefly mid-Feb. to Apr., stragglers to mid-May. There are only two records from U.A.E. Very scarce in autumn, end-Aug. to mid-Oct. and none then in eastern Gulf. One in mid- Dec. in E. Prov. Acrocephalus melanopogon Moustached Warbler ?RB,?7PM In Kuwait very scarce; ones or twos seen during May and single records in June, Aug., Dec. and Feb. In E. Prov scarce, breeding at one locality (eggs Apr.) where probably resident but seen elsewhere Feb., May and June and one offshore in Nov. In Bahrain on Sept. and one Dec. None Qatar or U.A.E. 32 Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Sedge Warbler PM Spring passage late Feb. to mid-June, often singly, with most in May; twice only in U.A.E. No records Qatar. In autumn recorded Kuwait in three years only between late July and early Dec. and in Bahrain late Aug. to Oct., but not recorded in the other states. Acrocephalus dumetorum Blyth’s Reed Warbler (PM) In Kuwait several records of birds examined in the hand between Apr. and early June; one July, one Aug. and one Spet. In Bahrain one trapped for ringing Sept. 1977. No confirmed records for E. Prov, Qatar or U.A.E. Acrocephalus palustris Marsh Warbler PM Recorded, and identity confirmed by trapping, in all states except Qatar late Apr..to May with one (Kuwait) early June. Sight records not accepted. Acrocephalus scirpaceus Reed Warbler PM Recorded late Feb. to early June, chiefly in Apr. and May, and common only in Kuwait. Scarce in autumn, mid-Aug. to mid-Oct. (from late July to mid-Nov. in Kuwait) and no certain autumn records from Qatar or U.A.E. Acrocephalus stentoreus Clamorous Reed Warbler 7 In E. Prov a singing male trapped at Abqaiq during May 1980. In Bahrain one Oct., one Nov., one Dec. In U.A.E. scarce and local, seen late Feb. to Nov. particularly in coastal mangrove. Noconfirmed records Kuwait or Qatar. Acrocephalus arundinaceus Great Reed Warbler PM In Kuwait, E. Prov and Bahrain seen in small numbers Mar. to May (mid-Feb. to mid-June in Kuwait) and mid-Aug. to mid-Nov., occasional to early Dec. One reported Qatar (Sept. 1966). No confirmed records U.A.E. Hippolais pallida Olivaceous Warbler PM,MB,(WV) Recorded mid-Mar. to early Nov. and breeding locally in E. Prov, Bahrain and U.A.E. (eggs Apr. - June). Twice early Dec. in Kuwait. Small numbers Nov. to Feb. in Dhahran area, E. Prov. Hippolais caligata Booted Warbler PM In Kuwait very scarce, seen late Mar. to May and Oct. to early Dec., once in Aug. In E. Prov one Aug., twice Sept. In U.A.E. scarce late Mar. to early May, one Sept., one Nov. No confirmed records Bahrain or Qatar. Hippolais languida Upcher’s Warbler PM Scarce; small numbers seen, chiefly Mar. to May and Aug. to early Oct. None seen Qatar. Hippolais olivetorum Olive-tree Warbler (PM) In Kuwait very scarce with very small numbers reported mid-Apr. to mid-May, late Aug. (one) and Sept. In E. Prov one Abgqaiq Apr., one May and two Sept. No records Bahrain, Qatar or U.A.E. 33 Sylvia mystacea Menetries’ Warbler PM,(WV) Regular mid-Feb. to Apr. (to mid-May in Kuwait) and (less frequently) Sept. to Nov. Scarce in winter, Dec. to early Feb. Several records of S. melanocephala Sardinian Warbler in Kuwait may refer to this somewhat variable species. Sylvia nana Desert Warbler - WV,PM Fairly common and widespread in arid areas with low vegetation. Seen in small numbers, often singly, mid-Sept. to mid-Apr. (Aug. to mid-May in Kuwait). Sylvia hortensis Orphean Warbler PM Scarce; seen mid-Feb. to mid-May (to mid-June in Kuwait) with most in Mar. and in Sept. (end Aug. to mid-Oct. in Kuwait). One Dec. and several from mid-Jan. in U.A.E. Sylvia nisoria Barred Warbler PM Scarce, and in small numbers, late Mar. to May (to mid-June in Kuwait) and mid-Sept. to early Nov. (from mid-Aug. in Kuwait), most in spring. Sylvia curruca Lesser Whitethroat PM,WV Seen mid-Aug. to Apr. (to mid-May in Bahrain, one late May in E. Prov and in June in Kuwait) and fairly common except Nov. to Feb. when scarce in most places though many S. c. minula wintering in gravel plains and mountains of U.A.E. Sylvia communis Whitethroat PM Seen Mar. to early June and fairly common; also Aug. to mid-Oct. In Nov., one E. Prov, one U.A.E., and occasional Nov. to Feb. in Kuwait. Sylvia borin Garden Warbler PM In Kuwait fairly common mid-Feb. to mid-June (one Jan.) and mid-Aug. to mid-Dec.; main movement late Apr./May and Sept.; numbers usually small but over 1000 in mid-May 1966. In the other states scarce, seen Apr., May and mid-Aug. to Oct. One Jan. in E. Prov. Sylvia atricapilla Blackcap PM Rather scarce except in Kuwait where fairly common in spring. Chiefly mid-Mar. to mid-May and less frequently Sept. to early Nov. with no autumn records in U.A.E. Phylloscopus nitidus Green Warbler Vag. One netted 1 May 1975 at Jebel al Dukhan, Bahrain (T. J. Hallam). Phylloscopus borealis Arctic Warbler Vag. In E. Prov, one 21 Apr. 1975 (G. K. Brown) and one 6 Sept. 1978 (G. Bundy), both at Dhahran. Phylloscopus inornatus Yellow-browed Warbler (PM) In Kuwait, two individuals, Nov. and Dec. In E. Prov one Nov. 1978. In Bahrain four records of individuals Nov. and Dec., also one Feb. No confirmed records from Qatar or U.A.E. Phylloscopus sibilatrix Wood Warbler (PM) Very scarce; individuals seen late Mar. to May and (in Kuwait and E. Prov only) in Sept. Not — recorded Qatar. 34 Phylloscopus neglectus Plain Leaf Warbler (WV) In U.A.E. very scarce (or perhaps overlooked), in trees in gravel plains at foot of mountains; Nov. (three records), Jan. (one) and mid-Mar. (one record of two). No records from the other Gulf states. Phylloscopus collybita Chiffchaff PM,WV Common and widespread, seen Sept. to early May. (Aug. to mid-June in Kuwait) with small numbers wintering and the main movement mid-Mar. to mid-Apr. Phylloscopus trochilus Willow Warbler PM Common late Mar. to mid-June with most late Apr./mid-May. Rather scarce in autumn, late Aug. to mid-Oct. (one early Nov. in E. Prov and to early Dec. in Kuwait). One (exhausted) early Jan. on Abu Dhabi Island, U.A.E. Muscicapa striata Spotted Flycatcher PM Passage from late Mar. to mid-June and mid-Aug. to mid-Nov. with most from late Apr. to mid-May. Also recorded in July, Dec., Jan. (Kuwait only) and Feb. though rarely. Ficedula parva Red-breasted Flycatcher (PM),(WV) Scarce migrant late Feb. to Mar. (once mid-Apr. Kuwait) and mid-Sept. to Nov. Very scarce Dec. to early Feb. One only in Qatar (Feb. 1970). Ficedula semitorquata Semi-collared Flycatcher PM Small numbers regular mid-Mar. to mid-Apr. One Dubai, U.A.E. in Oct. Ficedula albicollis | Collared Flycatcher Vag. A-male 3 Apr. 1977 in Bharain (T. J. Hallam) is the only confirmed record. Further records. of this species and F. hypoleuca, late Feb. to early June and mid-Aug. to early Oct., particularly in Kuwait, almost certainly refer to F. semitorquata. Turdoides squamiceps Brown Babbler RB In U.A.E. common in small parties in mountains and gravel plains (young in nest Mar.); none seen west of Sharjah. Not recorded in the other states. Remiz pendulinus Penduline Tit (WV) In Kuwait seen at two localities in Nov. 1977 and from 31 Oct. 1978 to 1 Mar. 1979, a maximum of 8 present. In Bahrain up to 7 at Janabiya Dec. 1970 and Mar. to early Apr. 1971. No other records. Nectarinia asiatica Purple Sunbird RB In U.A.E. common, usually in areas of good vegetation in and near mountains but also in gardens around coastal towns of Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi where numbers increase in winter between late Oct. and Feb.; young in nest Mar. to June. No records from the other states. Oriolus oriolus Golden Oriole PM Seen mid-Apr. to mid-June and mid-Aug. to mid-Oct. (to mid-Nov. in Kuwait and Bahrain). In E. Prov a pair summered at Dhahran in 1978 and one seen carrying nest material. 35 Lanius isabellinus Isabelline Shrike - PM,WV Recorded mid-Aug. to May (twice early June, Kuwait and E. Prov), common Sept. and Mar. to early May. Scarce in winter Dec. to Feb. when usually seen singly. Birds lacking wing-bars not uncommon, especially wintering immatures, and resemble L. cristatus (Brown Shrike). These may be from the zone of hybridisation between L. collurio/isabellinus. Lanius collurio Red-backed Shrike PM Recorded Mar. to June; common Apr. and May. Fewer in autumn, mid-Aug. to mid-Nov. (one to mid-Dec. in Bahrain). Lanius vittatus Bay-backed Shrike | Vag. In U.A.E. one in Sharjah vegetable gardens 10 Apr. 1970 (F. E. Warr) and one near Ras al Khaimah during late Nov. 1972 (L. Tyler). Lanius minor Lesser Grey Shrike PM Small numbers seen mid-Apr. to mid-June and mid-Aug. to Oct. Birds recorded Nov. to Mar. in all states may be mis-identifications of L. excubitor. Lanius excubitor Great Grey Shrike PM,WV,RB Regular on passage Mar. and, more commonly, Aug. to Oct. Wintering in small numbers Nov. to Feb. Scarce Apr. to July except in Bahrain, Qatar and northern U.A.E. and mountains where resident (eggs late Jan. - Apr.). Common all year in norther U.A.E. Lantus senator Woodchat Shrike PM Fairly common mid-Feb. to mid-May, especially in Mar., occasionally from late Jan. Seen June and July in Kuwait, and once early June in E. Prov. Scarce mid-Aug. to Sept. (to mid-Nov. in Kuwait and one late Oct. in U.A.E.). In Kuwait one or two wintered 1965/66 and one seen Bahrain in Dec. 1976. Lanius nubicus Masked Shrike PM Small numbers recorded, chiefly mid-Mar. to mid-May and mid-Aug. to Sept. though no autumn records in U.A.E. In Kuwait noted in all months except Dec. and Jan. In E. Prov one or two wintered in Dhahran area 1972/3 and 1973/4. Corvus splendens Indian House Crow RB In Kuwait and Bahrain occasional birds seen, possibly ‘escapes’ or arriving on ships. In U.A.E. a common resident around coastal villages with palm plantations on the east coast and to the north of Ras al Khaimah, with a few seen inland at Dhaid on one occasion and, since 1977, a few at Dubai. Not recorded E. Prov or Qatar. Corvus frugilegus Rook Vag. In Kuwait, one 28 to 31 Mar. 1956 and one dead 25 May 1963 (V. A. D. Sales). Corvus ruficollis Brown-necked Raven RB Fairly common, but thinly distributed, in Kuwait, E. Prov and U.A.E. (eggs late Jan. - Mar.), sometimes gathering in good numbers at rubbish tips, particularly in autumn. On Bahrain formerly resident but no confirmed sightings since 1970. Only one recent record (Feb. 1971) in Qatar. 36 Sturnus vulgaris Starling WV,PM Seen locally in flocks, particularly at rubbish dumps, sewage farms and coastal palm groves where there may be hundreds present from Oct. to Mar. Sometimes remaining to May and occasional birds seen during the summer months. Numbers variable. Sturnus roseus Rose-coloured Starling (PM) In Kuwait 5 records; Jan. (one), Mar. (one), May (two), Oct. (one) and Nov. (28 birds together). In E. Prov immatures seen at Dammam in Aug. (one), and at Abqaiq in Aug. (two) and Oct. (two). In U.A.E. one Oct. (at sea), one Nov., one Dec. and one Mar., with further undated records. Not seen Bahrain or Qatar. Acridotheres tristis Common Mynah RB In U.A.E. a small number resident and breeding on Abu Dhabi Island and in the Al Ain area, probably originating from captive birds deliberately released in recent years. In Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and at Dubai, U.A.E. Probable ‘escapes’ recorded. Acridotheres ginginianus Bank Mynah RB In U.A.E. a breeding colony has become established on Abu Dhabi Island during the last few years and up to 100 birds counted, probably originating from escaped or released birds. Two at Dubai, U.A.E. in winter 1975/76 were probably escapes. Passer domesticus House Sparrow RB Common in all states around towns and villages and in cultivated areas (eggs Feb. - Aug.). Several pairs in isolated desert jebels in E. Prov. Passer hispaniolensis Spanish Sparrow WV,CB In Kuwait regular, often in large flocks locally, Nov. to early Apr. with birds present from Aug. in 1955 and once in Aug. in 1971; some nests built in Feb. 1955. In E. Prov small wintering flocks in northern oases in Jan. and Feb., exceptionally south to Hofuf. In U.A.E. several at Abu Dhabi Island (and at Al Ain) late Nov. 1977 to early Feb. 1978 and in late Nov. 1970. No certain records Bahrain or Qatar. Petronia brachydactyla Pale Rock Sparrow (PM) Small flocks late Feb. to mid-Apr. in E. Prov, Bahrain and U.A.E. In autumn very scarce; once in Aug. (U.A.E.), twice in Sept. (U.A.E.) and twice in Oct. (E. Prov and U.A.E.). Not recorded Kuwait or Qatar. Petronia xanthocollis Yellow-throated Sparrow MB,PM In Kuwait seen during early May 1966 and once Apr. 1978. In Bahrain two in Apr. 1975. In U.A.E. a summer visitor between Mar. and mid-July to mountain areas and west to Dubai, breeding in areas of old trees. No records E. Prov or Qatar. ys Euodice malabarica Indian Silverbill ?RB In E. Prov up to 15 at Dhahran Apr. to Dec. 1974 (noted nest building in Apr.) and 6 at Dammam in May 1980. In Bahrain up to 5 at Manama Nov. to Dec. 1978. In U.A.E. seen in small parties in mountains and gravel plains and though only recorded between Aug. and Apr. assumed to be resident; occasionally recorded at Dubai where it has bred (eggs Feb. and ‘summer’). No records Kuwait or Qatar. 37 Lonchura malacca Black-headed Munia ? Recorded in E. Prov, Bahrain, Qatar and U.A.E. on a few occasions with up to 4 seen together and once with nesting materials in Bahrain. Believed to be ‘escapes’. Fringilla coelebs Chaffinch (WV) In Kuwait scarce, with small numbers seen mid-Nov. to mid-Mar., one in June, two in Aug., one in Sept. In E. Prov five Dhahran Jan. 1971. Not recorded Bharain, Qatar or U.A.E. Fringilla montifringilla Brambling (WV) In Kuwait scarce, with ones or twos seen between mid-Nov. and Feb. in some years. In Bahrain one Janabiya during Jan. 1980. In U.A.E. one Abu Dhabi Island Nov. 1977. Not recorded E. Prov or Qatar. Carduelis carduelis Goldfinch (WV) In Kuwait small numbers seen in Ahmadi gardens on at least 4 occasions between mid-Nov. and mid-Feb., twice in Apr. In Bahrain one Nov. 1970. Not recorded E. Prov, Qatar or U.A.E. Carduelis spinus Siskin | (WV) In Kuwait very scarce; small numbers Nov. to mid-Dec. in some years and 4 in late Feb. 1960. In E. Prov three records, all Nov. In Bharain 6 in early Dec. 1966. In U.A.E. 25 seen Abu Dhabi Island late Nov. to mid-Dec. 1977. No records Qatar. Carduelis cannabina Linnet Vag. In Kuwait up to six 1 - 24 Jan. 1965 (V. A. D. Sales). In E. Prov, up to 6 at Dammam | Feb. to 15 Mar. 1974 (K. J. Fisher and J. A. Warren) and 10 at Udhailiyah 13 - 18 Nov. 1977 (G. K. Brown). In U.A.E. three Abu Dhabi Island 23 - 25 Nov. 1977 (D. M. Corfield and M. A. Hollingworth). Bucanetes mongolicus Mongolian Trumpeter Finch Vag. In Bharain, a party of 6 at Jebel al Dukhan 5 - 10 Dec. 1970, 25 on 12 Feb. 1971 and 10 on 26 Feb. 1971 (Rogers and Gallagher, 1973). Bucanetes githagineus Trumpeter Finch (WV),?RB In Kuwait, Bharain and U.A.E. very scarce with small parties seen mid-Jan. to mid-Apr., once Nov. (Kuwait), particularly in rocky areas and hills. In E. Prov scarce and local, possibly breeding in hills. No records Qatar. Carpodacus erythrinus Scarlet Grosbeak (PM) In Kuwait one Az-Zor ridge Mar. 1971. In E. Prov three single immatures, May, Aug. and Oct. In Bahrain two females Oct. 1970. In Qatar two Sept. 1969. In U.A.E. small numbers at Abu Dhabi Island and Dubai in Sept. and Oct. but scarce. Emberiza leucocephalos : Pine Bunting Vag. One female/immature at Dhahran, E. Prov, on 24 Aug. 1979 (G. Bundy). Emberiza cia Rock Bunting Vag. In Kuwait, one 24 - 26 Mar. 1966 and one 1 Mar. 1967 (V. A: D. Sales). Emberiza striolata House Bunting RB - In U.A.E. seen on rocky mountainsides and on nearby gravel plains, usually in small parties and assumed to be resident though breeding not yet proved. Not recorded in the remaining states. 38 Emberiza cineracea Cinereous Bunting PM Very scarce; in spring seen in small numbers mid-Mar. to Apr., twice (Kuwait and E. Prov) May. In autumn, two records E. Prov, late Aug. and Sept. Twice only in U.A.E. No certain records Qatar. Emberiza hortulana Ortolan Bunting PM Fairly common, often in small flocks, chiefly late Mar. to Apr. and Sept. to Oct. Emberiza caesia Cretzschmar’s Bunting Vag. In Kuwait, one 13 Sept. 1955, two 13 Apr. 1956, one 21 May 1963 (V. A. D. Sales) and seen Mufattah 13 Apr. 1974 (Ahmadi List). Emberiza rustica Rustic Bunting Vag. One at Ahmadi in Kuwait, 9 May 1953 (V. A. D. Sales). Emberiza pusilla Little Bunting Vag. One at Dammam marsh, E. Prov, 3 Dec. 1976 (G. K. Brown and A. Stagg). Emberiza aureola Yellow-breasted Bunting Vag. One 13 - 14 Sept. 1979 at Al Hunay, west of Hofuf in E. Prov (R. Raby). Emberiza schoeniclus Reed Bunting (WV) Very scarce. In E. Prov one female/immature at Dammam in Dec. and up to three in Mar. at Dammam and Abgaiq. In Bahrain three records of single birds in Nov. In U.A.E. two Abu Dhabi Island Nov. 1978. Not recorded Kuwait or Qatar. Emberiza bruniceps Red-headed Bunting Vag. One at Dubai, U.A.E. 25 July 1975 (W. Wyper). Emberiza melanocephala Black-headed Bunting (PM) Very scarce; seen in small numbers mid-Aug. to Sept. and in Apr. Seen to mid-May in Kuwait with one there late Jan. and one late July. Not recorded Qatar. Milaria calandra Corn Bunting WV Scarce; seen in winter in small numbers mid-Nov. to mid-Mar. Over 200 at Abu Dhabi Island,_U.A.E. in winter 1977/78. One in late Sept. and a few in Apr. in Bahrain. One seen early June on Abu Dhabi Island, U.A.E. Not recorded Qatar. 39 OMITTED SPECIES Species recorded for the Arabian Gulf States in published notes or lists, but whose occurrence requires confirmation. Bulweria fallax Hydrobates pelagicus Anhinga melanogaster Fregata ariel Ardea goliath Threskiornis aethiopicus Plectropterus gambensis Melanitta nigra Melanitta fusca Elanus caeruleus Milvus milvus Gypaetus barbatus Aquila pomarina Falco verspertinus Falco eleonorae Alectoris chukar Burhinus capensis Chettusia gregaria Calidris maritima Gallinago stenura Limnodromus semipalmatus Numenius madagascariensis Larus marinus Sterna dougallii Sterna fuscata Columba oenas Eudynamys scolopacea Strix butleri Alauda gulgula Acrocephalus aedon Hippolais polyglotta Sylvia conspicillata Sylvia cantillans Sylvia melanocephala Sylvia rueppelli Phylloscopus trochiloides Phylloscopus sindianus Ficedula hypoleuca Turdoides altirostris Certhia spp. Anthreptes platurus Nucifraga caryocatactes Corvus monedula Corvus corone Corvus corax Passer euchlorus Petronia petronia Serinus serinus Jouanin’s Petrel Storm Petrel Darter Lesser Frigatebird Goliath Heron Sacred Ibis Spur-winged Goose Common Scoter Velvet Scoter Black-winged Kite Red Kite Lammergeier Lesser Spotted Eagle Red-footed Falcon Eleonora’s Falcon Chukar (Escaped captives also seen.) Spotted Thick-knee Sociable Lapwing Purple Sandpiper Pintail Snipe Asiatic Dowitcher Far-eastern Curlew Great Black-backed Gull Roseate Tern Sooty Tern Stock Dove Koel Hume’s Tawny Owl Small Skylark Thick-billed Warbler Melodious Warbler Spectacled Warbler Subalpine Warbler Sardinian Warbler Ruppell’s Warbler Greenish Warbler Mountain Chiffchaff Pied Flycatcher Iraq Babbler Treecreeper/Short-toed Treecreeper Pygmy Sunbird Nutcracker Jackdaw Hooded Crow Raven Arabian Golden Sparrow Rock Sparrow Serin 40 | : . i Plate I. SHAUMARI WILDLIFE RESERVE: typical hammada terrain. Photograph by J. E. Clarke. Reproduced by permission of the World Wildlife Fund. Plate Il. SHAUMARI WILDLIFE RESERVE: typical wadi spread. | Photograph by J. E. Clarke. Reproduced by permission of the World Wildlife Fund. 41 ARABIAN WoO r ae a Ras Tanura Damien C Manne Q ae SS a Saudi Arabia 3 x ¢ Abqaiq SS Urayirahe Nw Ac ia (EPO . ¢ ES ~< S ww on S ~~ xs ~ OS << 42 09s oatul Is. Sir Bani Yas Ras al Khaima—__~* Dibba as Umm al Qmwai o v,) Ajman iA Fujairah Shar jah ) ‘Kalba Dubai 2 VG 5G | Al Ain». ) Abu Dhabi / \ e ne ok United O \ Arab \ Emirates \ ‘ ) iw Ve Vs 7 / \ / 54° 43 os “ote ~~ Ae it ~~£AZRAQ 1 Page SHAUMARI LOCATION OF SHAUMAR | WILDLIFE RESERVE 0 7 Se aces A, re ee Os te es em ew cewle ce coe dn ec eee ole wow ye Bf eo me aaa a cae oa - N° Nee ws ele e 8 0 My, . % (es) Hammada Meta" Old dikes ~~ Tracks MAGNETIC GRID 0.5 1.0 Shaumari Wildlife Reserve Drawn by J.E.Clarke April 1976 45 Mrs. J. Armitage A. K. al Attia H. E. Axell M. StC. Baddeley R. H. M. Boyle A. Bramley D. J. Brazier G. K. Brown J. N. B. Brown G. Bundy R. W. Burrough E. Carp Lt. Col. and Mrs. F. D. Carson J. Castree E. A. Chapman Captain P. W. G. Chilman, MN J. H. Clingly T. Coates A. j. Coles R. J. Connor D. M. Corfield Dr. P. F. S. Cornelius L. Corrall G. S. Cowles Major General J. C. Cowley J. Davies S. Dexter P. Dickinson R. D. Etchecopar B. Etheridge H. F. Everard K. J. Fisher Major M. D. Gallagher Lt. S. Garthwaite S. E. Gast T. Giles Mrs. M. Gilmore Mrs. B. A. Glayzer Major J. P. Gouriet Mrs. B. Greenhalgh The late C. I. Griffiths R. G. Griffiths Major W. A. C. Griffiths T. J. Hallam K.I. R. Halley P. R. Haynes A. W.A. Hazeldine R. Hedley M. A. Hollingworth CONTRIBUTORS Individuals Lt. Col P. S. Kerr-Smiley R. King (Bahrain) R. King (U.A.E.) Rear Admiral (ret’d) M. D. Kyrle-Pope J. M. Lapthorne Mrs. J. Mahdi R. C. Mansfield G. Mathieson J. Millar J. H. Morgan Lt. E. N. T. Morris, RN Captain W. J. F. Morzer Bruyns S. Moult G. H. Nicholls T. Nightingale H. E. Norton Major W. J. B. Peat R. Raby Dr. G. Ramadan-Jaradi S. Rapson P. H. Rathbone T. D. Rogers G. J. Rowlands . Salwegter . M. Saunders . F. an Sari Dr. D. A. Scott Mrs. K. J. Searle Major C. J. Seton-Browne Dr. D. Shepherd C. B. Sherriff Captain D. M. Simpson A. M. Smith A. P. Smith P. A. Smith Lt. R. A. Smith, RN Mrs. K. R. Smyth Sqd. Ldr. J. R. Spiers A. Stagg Lt. Col. W. Stanford D. J. Stanyard Major J. Stewart-Smith Mr. and Mrs. K. R. Stobbs M. J. Strickland W. A. Stuart A. W. Sudbury Mr. L. and Dr. S. J. Tyler Lt. Col. T. Walcot Mrs. F. E. Warr 46 P. A. D. Hollom S. Howe J. P. Hunt M. D. Hutchison Mr. and Mrs. J. N. M. Hutton A. Ibbott Dr. P. J. F. Jeans M. C. Jennings Mrs. L. Johansen Captain P. G. Jones H. Kauch J. A. Warren W. Weitkowitz The late Lt. Col. J. D. Wellings S. White R. J. G. Whitelaw Major D. J. G. Williams J. R. Williamson Dr. R. G. Wilson J. J. R. Wingfield K. Would W. Wyper Natural History Groups Ahmadi Natural History & Field Studies Group, c/o Kuwait Oil Company (KSC), Ahmadi - 103, Kuwait. Arabian Natural History Association, Box 6336, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Bahrain Natural History Society, P. O. Box 20336, Bahrain. Emirates Natural History Group (Abu Dhabi), P. O. Box 2687, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Qatar Natural History Society, Secretary:- Mrs. Lynn Savage, P. O. Box 5394, Doha, Qatar. Saudi Arabian Natural History Society, P. O. Box 5127, Jedda, Saudi Arabia. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We should like to thank all those contributors listed, and also representatives of local natural history groups who have made records available to us. Special mention must be made of Major Michael Gallagher for passing on notes made during his own studies on Gulf birds and of Michael Jennings and Dr. Derek Scott whose knowledge of birds in adjacent area and help with scrutinising rarity reports has been invaluable to us. Thanks are also due to staff of the British Museum (Natural History) for affording facilities to check specimens and published references and for help with identifications. SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY AHMADI NATURAL HISTORY & FIELD STUDIES GROUP NEWSLETTER, Kuwait. 1970 (No. 1), continuing. ARMITAGE, J. 1978. British Embassy Dubai, sanctuary for escaped birds. Bull. Diplomatic Servie Orn. Soc. 2:1-3. BAHRAIN NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. 1976 — Annual Report, Newsletters and Monthly Bird Reports. BASSON, P. W. et a/. 1977. Biotopes of the Western Arabian Gulf. ARAMCO Department of Loss Prevention and Environmental Affairs, Dhahran Saudi Arabia. BATES, G. L. 1940. Birds of Arabia. Unpublished typescript. (Copies in the British Museum [Natural History] London and Tring, and one at the library of ARAMCO, Dhahran.). CHEESMAN, R. E. 1923. From Ogair to the ruins of Salwa. Geogr. J. 62(5): 321-335. DICKSON; H. R. P. 1949. The Arab of the Desert. London: Allen and Unwin. (Chapter XXV on birds.). DICKSON, V. 1942. A visit to Maskan and Auhu Islands in the Persian Gulf, off Kuwait, May 7th 1942. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 43: 258-264. EDDY, M. G. 1962: Birds observed in the Imhoff gardens of Dhahran, and at Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia, 1959-62. Postilla 59: 1-10. 47 EMIRATES NATURAL HISTORY GROUP (ABU DHABI) BULLETIN. 1977 (No. 1) continuing. FISHER, K. J. 1973. The breeding birds of Imhoff gardens, Dhahran. J. Saudi Arab. Nat. Hist. Soc. 1(10): 17. GALLAGHER, M. D. 1970. Report on Exercise Tayur Watch, an expedition to study birds and wild life in the Masafi area of Trucial Oman from 31 January to 10 February 1970. Duplicated by HQ Land Forces Gulf. (Copy in British Museum [Natural History] Tring.). GALLAGHER, M. D. 1972. Report on an expedition to Trucial Oman in 1970. Adjutant 5: 14-23. GALLAGHER M. D. 1973. Report on a survey of ornithological habitats in the State of Qatar, 24 Sept. - 4 Oct. 1973. Duplicated typescript. (Copy at I.W.R.B., Slimbridge.). GALLAGHER, M. D. & ROGERS, T. D. 1978. On the breeding birds of Bahrain. Bonn. Zool. Beitr. 29: 5-17. GRIFFITHS, W. A. C. 1975. A Bibliography of the Avifauna of the Arabian Peninsula, the Levant and Mesopotamia. Army Bird-Watching Society Periodic Publication 2. GUICHARD, K. M. & GOODWIN, D. 1952. Notes on birds collected and observed in Oman and Hadhramaut. bis 94: 294-305. GULF BIRD WATCHERS’ NEWSLETTER. 1969-1971 (24 parts). Edited by M. D. Gallagher. Duplicated typescript. (Copy at British Museum [Natural History] Tring and at Edward Grey Institute, Oxford.). HALLAM, T. 1976. Bahrain in winter 1974 and spring 1975. Adjutant 8: 9-16. HARRISON, J. M. 1956. Ona collection of birds made by Flight Lieutenant David L. Harrison in Oman, Arabi. Bull. Br. Orn. Club 76: 34-36, 46-51. HOOGSTRAAL, H. et al. 1970. Larva, nymph and life cycle of Ornithodorus (Alectorobius) muesebecki (Exodoidea: Argasidae) a virus-infected parasite of birds and petroleum industry employees in the Arabian Gulf. Ann. Ent. Soc. Am. 63 (6): 1762-1768. HUE, F. & ETCHECOPAR, R. D. 1971. Les oiseaux du Proche et du Moyen Orient de la Mediterranee aux contrefort de !’Himalaya. Paris: Boubee & Cie. KINNEAR, N. B. 1934. On the birds seen or collected by Mr. H. StJ. Philby during his expedition to cross the Rub al Khali. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 37: 675-680. LEES G. M. 1928. The physical geography of S. E. Arabia. Geogrl. J. 71: 464. LOPPENTHIN, B. 1951. Birds of Arabia. Edinburgh & London: Oliver & Boyd. MEINERTZHAGEN, R. 1954. Bird of Arabia. Edinburgh & London: Oliver & Boyd. MENGEL, R. M. 1948. Limnodromus semipalmatus in Arabia. Auk 65: 146. NAKAMURA, K. 1974. Observations on the seabirds in the Arabian Gulf. Trans. Tokyo Univ. Fisheries 1: 13-16, 108-112. OATES, E. Wa. 1890. Hume’s Nests and Eggs of Indian Birds. 2nd ed. Vol. III. London: R. H. Porter. OATES, E. W. & OGILVIE-GRANT W. R. 1901-1912. Catalogue of the Collection of Birds’ Eggs in the British Museum. 5 vols. London: British Museum [Natural History]. RIPLEY S. D. 1951. Birds collected and noted round Dhahran, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain Island. Postilla 9: 1-11. | ROGERS, T. D. & GALLAGHER, M. D. 1973. Birds of Bahrain. Duplicated typescript. (Copy y in British Museum [Natural History] London). SALES, V. A. D. 1965. Terns on Khubbar Island, Persian Gulf - 1958/59. Sea Swallow 17 (for 1964): 81-82. Sea Swallow, THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ROYAL NAVAL BIRD WATCHING | SOCIETY. 1947 (Contains annual summaries of reports received by the society nearly all summaries contain a few reports from the Gulf states). STANFORD, W. 1973. A note on the birds of Oman and the Trucial States 1954-1968. Army Bird-Watching Society Periodic Publication No. 1. STRICKLAND, M. J. & GALLAGHER, M. D. 1969. A Guide to the birds of Bahrain: Army © Press. (Copy at British Museum [Natural History] Tring.). 48 TICEHURST, C. B. 1921-1922. The birds of Mesopotamia. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 28: 210 -250, 381-427, 650-674, 937-956. TICEHURST, C. B. 1925. Birds of the Persian Gulf Islands. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 30: 725- 7133) TICEHURST, C. B. & CHEESMAN, R. E. 1925. The birds of Jabrin, Jafura, and Hasa in central and eastern Arabia and of Bahrain Island, Persian Gulf. /bis (12) 1: 1-31 & map. TICEHURST, C. B. 1926. Additional notes on the avifauna of Iraq. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 31: 91-119. TUCK, G. S. 1974. Seabirds of the Persina Gulf and Gulf of Oman. A Survey (1958-1973). Sea Swallow 23: 7-21. VOOUS, K. H. 1973. Birds recorded inthe United Arab Emirates and the Musandam Peninsula (Oman). Duplicated typescript. G. Bundy, ©/o British Aircraft Corporation, P O. Box 98, International Post Office, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. Mrs. F. E. Warr, 13 Reddington Close, South Croydon, CR2 0QZ, England. (Received July 1980) 49 THE AVIFAUNA OF SHAUMARI WILDLIFE RESERVE, JORDAN J. E. Clarke INTRODUCTION Shaumari Wildlife Reserve lies in the Azraq area of Jordan about 11 km south of Azraq Oasis. Its position in relation to the main population centres of Jordan is shown in Fig. 1. The area and oasis have been described in detail by Nelson (1973) who included an account of their birdlife and discussed the significance of the oasis in the Palearctic-African migration systems. The reserve, which has been briefly described by Clarke (1977), contains 22 km? of very gently undulating badia in which cherty and flinty hammada is intersected by an anastomosing system of sandy wadi spreads. The word badia is transliterated from an Arabic word for semi-arid country in which limited land usage, especially nomadic pastoralism, may be practised. The reserve is encircled by a barbed-wire fence to exclude domestic livestock and trespass. The altitude varies between 520 and 540 m above mean sea level. Basic climate comprises a hot, dry summer and a cold winter with little precipitation (mean 52.3 mm). Mean maximum temperature (August) is 37.1 C and mean minimum (January) 9.1 C. Absolute maximum and minimum are 46.8 C and - 8.8 C. Mean relative humidity varies from 21 per cent (June) to 58 per cent (January). A map of the reserve appears in Fig. 2. About one third of the reserve is hammada covered by fragments of flint and chert (Plate 1); plant cover is sparse, large tracts of ground being devoid of vegetation. The commonest species include Anabasis articulata, Seidlitzia rosmarinus, Atriplex halimus and Salsola baryosma: the first two named plants often occur singly, forming sturdy bushes up to 150 cm tall. Most plantlife on the hammada grows in small depressions where water is retained after rain has fallen. These locally rich plant communities contain a wider range of species including several grasses. The wadi spreads bear the richest plant growth in both biomass and diversity (Plate 2). Plants grow more vigorously here and the ground beneath woody perennials is well covered with grasses and small herbs, especially in spring. Plants exceeding 100 cm high are common whilst Atriplex halimus, A. leucoclada and Seidlitzia rosmarinus bushes regularly top 200 cm. The reserve was formerly part of the Azraq area over which Bedu pastoralists moved seasonally with their herds of camels, sheep and goats. This form of animal husbandry is still practised outside the reserve. It was first developed in 1958 as a government station for experimental studies of badia farming and irrigation. At that time the boundary fence was built so that plant growth could be maintained in the absence of livestock. A borehole was sunk equipped with pump and engine and a house was built for station personnel. Trees were planted, mainly Casuarina equisetifolia and Eucalyptus cameldulensis, in the headquarters site appearing in grid sector E2 of Fig. 1. In 1964 the experimental programme was abandoned. Although soil was reputedly adequate the borehole water proved to be sub-standard for irrigation. Nelson, who saw the reserve in 1968 and 1969, commented that ‘‘the vegetation has grown extremely well in startling contrast to the grazed area outside’. These circumstances evidently deteriorated: the fence fell into disrepair, livestock entered and, by 1975, there was little observable difference between the range inside and out. The Jordanian Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) took effective control of the reserve in 1975 and began a programe of renovation. Although a private body, the RSCN performs certain official functions because there is no government wildlife or nature conservation department. In developing Shaumari it was aided by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) which sent a project leader to advise and assist for two years.. By 1976 there were unmistakable signs that the range was responding to renewed protection. During the same year the name Shaumari Wildlife Reserve was applied making it the first of its kind in Jordan. At this stage it fulfilled the IUCN criteria for national parks and equivalent reserves. 50 The main reason for developing this reserve was its suitability as a breeding centre for locally extinct or endangered animals. At the time of writing, Arabian Oryx Oryx leucoryx has been introduced; others which may follow are gazelles Gazella spp., wild ass Equus hemionus and ostrich Struthio camelus. The past 150 years have witnessed a grave decline in Jordan’s wild fauna but nowhere has this been more marked than in the case of its large mammals which, from 1950 or so onwards, collapsed before the impact of motorised hunting and automatic weapons. Studies of Shaumari’s avifauna had not been made before 1975. The Azraq area in general, however, especially its oasis which contains large permanent pools, had been the subject of detailed observations, the results of which have been described by Nelson (1973). Because of its abundant, perennial surface water, Azraq Oasis is more likely to harbour a broader range of species and a much larger number of breeding species than a purely badia situation. Many waterfowl, for example, are abundant at the oasis, especially in winter and spring, but never occur at Shaumari. However, the current study, which restricted its observations to the reserve, discovered a wide range of species including eight new to the Azraq area and one new to Jordan. It suggested that Shaumari provides an excellent base from which to observe migration movements. METHODS The observer, who was the WWF project leader referred to above, lived at Azraq Oasis from 30 September to 22 December 1975 and from 16 January to 23 March 1976 during which he visited the reserve almost daily. From 24 March to 12 December 1976 and from 31 January to 3 October 1977 he lived on the reserve except for a few short breaks of not more than four days each. During these periods all birds seen in the reserve were recorded. Their species, number, sex (where determinable), whether or not adult, grid sector in which they occurred, date and time of observation were entered on filing cards. The presence of nests or of any behaviour suggesting breeding were also recorded. Observations were made throughout the reserve, the observer’s duties taking him into every sector by vehicle and by foot. From 1 July 1976 to 30 June 1977 (but excluding January 1977) the observations were suplemented with studies of relative abundance. These were made from a slowly moving vehicle along a 24 km route which wound through all parts of the reserve, worked alternatively clockwise and anticlockwise, usually once a week. Each run was made in the middle of the day when the sun was at its highest and visibility for identification optimum. At other times of the day, birds occurring between the observer and the line of the sun were often difficult to determine. During these runs the data listed above was also recorded. Birds which occurred within visible range of the observer were fairly easy to detect, especially if they moved. Plant cover was sufficiently sparse as to impede vision only minimally. However, some species were more readily recognisable than others. For example, of the larks, Crested Larks Galerida cristata and Hoopoe Larks Alaemon alaudipes were easily recognised on the ground or in flight and Temminck’s Horned Larks Eremophila bilopha almost as much so; but to distinguish between Short-toed Larks Calandrella brachydactyla and Lesser Short-toed Larks C. rufescens required the birds to be stationery and facing the observer. For the abundance studies this introduced an element of bias in favour of easily recognised species. However, this was minimised by stopping the vehicle whenever necessary and spending time on identifying each bird detected as carefully as possible. Some additional observations were made outside the main study period in early 1978. Where these occur they are specifically mentioned in the text. THE OBSERVATIONS The total number of bird species recorded in the reserve was 135, most of which were migrants or vagrants. The status of each is described below and the following code letters are used. Parentheses indicate ‘‘possible’’ status. 51 Resident throughout the year Breeds Summer resident Winter resident or regular winter visitor Migrant Uncommon or rare migrant or visitor eK CZSsnw Dy Introduced Where status is compared with status at Azraq Oasis or within the Azraq area in general this is by comparison with Nelson (1973). Each species for which there were ten or more separate sightings has been categorised for distribution as follows: (1) Observed throughout the reserve except the headquarters area in which it rarely or never occurred. (2) Evenly distributed throughout the reserve. (3) Concentrated in the headquarters area and seen less frequently outside. (4) Observed only in the headquarters area. SYSTEMATIC LIST Ciconia ciconia White Stork U. Observed twice: on 19 Nov. 76 a flock of 15 passed over the reserve and from 12 Sept. 77 to 19 Sept. 77 one bird stayed at the headquarters until it died. It is a fairly regular migrant through the oasis. Tadorna tadorna Shelduck UV: Two birds once observed on 4 June 76. It is a winter resident at the oasis and may breed there. Anas crecca Teal Ws Observed twice: on 20 Oct. 75 and 4 Nov. 76, one female on each occasion. Abundant at the oasis in winter and may breed there. Pernis apivorus Honey Buzzard M. Observed on 29 Mar. 76 (2 birds) and from 7 - 8 May 76 (47 birds). The latter flock arrived at 19.30, rested in the headquarters trees and left at 06.00 the following morning. Milvus migrans Black Kite M (3). Fairly frequently observed during spring from 19 Mar. to 4 Apr., but only once in autumn (18 Sept. 77). It is also known to be a summer resident in Azraq. Neophron percnopterus Egyptian Vulture M. Single birds seen occasionally in spring from 10 Mar. to 1 May. Also recorded as a summer resident in the Azraq area. Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle U. One seen on 13 Apr. 76. Recorded as a migrant in the Azraq area. $2 Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier U;: Males observed twice: on 10 Apr. 76 and 25 Aug. 76. Also recorded as breeding in the oasis and as a migrant and winter resident there. Cicrus cyaneus Hen Harrier W (M)(3). A fairly frequent visitor during spring, late autumn and winter. Observed from 30 Oct. to 2 Apr. Circus macrourus Pallid Harrier M. Occasionally observed in spring from 22 Mar. to 18 Apr. Accipiter nisus Sparrowhawk M. Observed six times during the period 4 Apr. 76 to 26 Apr. 76 but never again. Accipiter brevipes Levant Sparrowhawk M. Recorded as a migrant in the Azraq area and, although only observed once in Shaumari, it has been similarly categorised for the reserve. The single sighting was of about 200 birds which arrived at 17.30 on 15 Apr. 77, rested in the headquarters overnight and departed at 07.00 the following morning. Buteo buteo Buzzard M (3). Observed occasionally during spring from 9 Mar. to 15 June, but only twice in autumn (10 Sept. 76 and 17 Oct. 76). Buteo rufinus Long-legged Buzzard U. Observed twice: on 14 Apr. 76 and 16 July 76. Recorded as a migrant in the Azraq area. Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle U. Single birds seen on 24 Aug. 76 and 4 Apr. 77. Aquila spp. M. Aquila spp. were observed in spring from 21 February to 7 April: single birds and groups of up to six. These were probably mostly either Steppe Eagles A. rapax or Lesser Spotted Eagles A. pomarina. Pandion haliaetus Osprey U. Single birds observed on 4 Apr. 76, 18 Apr. 76 and 12 June 77. Recorded as a migrant in the Azraq area. Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel M (3). Fairly frequently observed during spring 76, from 17 Mar. to 13 Apr., in groups of up to 22. Thereafter observed only twice in autumn (5 and 10 Oct. 76: 2 and 7 birds) and once in spring 77 (6 Apr.). Falco tinnunculus Kestrel W M (3). Occasionally observed during all months except July, but more especially in winter. Recorded as a migrant and breeding species in the Azraq area. Falco columbarius Merlin U. Observed once on 18 Feb. 77. Has been recorded as a winter resident in Azraq area. 53 Falco subbuteo Hobby U. Observed once on 5 Apr. 76. Falco cherrug Saker U. Observed once on 21 Mar. 76. Alectoris chukar Chukar I (3). Six birds were introduced to the reserve during Oct. 76, no previous sightings having been made although the species can be found in hilly country about 5 km to the north. After this, sightings were made through to 30 Apr. 77. Up to ten birds were noted in Dec. 76. It is known to breed in Azraq area. Ammoperdix heyi Sand Partridge U (4). Seen frequently during the months of July - Sept. 77 and at no other time. A single flock of 11 birds of which three were adult males appeared to be involved. These would come during the late afternoon to drink water from a leaking pipe in the headquarters area. Breeds at Azraq. Coturnix coturnix Quail M (3). Occasionally observed in spring from March to May and less frequently in autumn from 9 - 15 Sept. Porzana parva Little Crake U. Single birds observed on 4 Mar. 76 and 4 Apr. 77. Grus grus Crane U. A flock of 24 stopped at the reserve on 14 Nov. 76. Recorded as a winter resident at the oasis. Chlamydotis undulata Houbara Bustard U (i). A total of 25 birds observed, singly or in groups of two or three. Recorded in Jan. (1), Feb. (2), May (4), June (7), July (4), Aug. (2), Sept. (4) and Oct. (1). Has been recorded as breeding in Azraq area but is generally regarded as rare. It was recorded in greater numbers, including a flock of 10, outside the reserve about 5 km to the northwest. Cursorius cursor Cream-coloured Courser SB (i). A summer resident which has been observed from 18 Feb. to 2 July. One half grown juvenile seen with two adults on 2 July 76. Much commoner in 76 (29 birds) than in 77 (5). Glareola pratincola Collared Pratincole. U;. One observed on 5 May 77. Breeds at the oasis. Vanellus vanellus Lapwing U. A single bird observed outside the study period on 21 Jan. 78. A common migrant and winter resident at the oasis. Gallinago media Great Snipe U. One observed on 30 Apr. 76. Tringa totanus Redshank U. Group of 6 observed on 29 Mar. 77. Recorded as a migrant at the oasis. 54 Tringa nebularia Greenshank Uw: Group of what were probably the same three observed from 16 - 18 Apr. 77. Recorded asa migrant at the oasis. Tringa ochropus Green Sandpiper M. Fairly frequently observed during spring from 20 Mar. to 21 Apr. Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper M. Occasionally observed during spring from 25 Apr. to 21 May. Pterocles orientalis Black-bellied Sandgrouse W (1). Frequently seen during winter and early spring, from 7 Dec. to 4 Mar., in flocks of up to about 120. Far commoner in the 75/76 period than in 76/77. Has been recorded as a breeding bird in Azraq area. Pterocles alchata Pin-tailed Sandgrouse M. Fairly frequently observed during spring 76 from 7 - 19’ Mar. in flocks of up to about 70. Not observed in 77, but was again recorded in similar sized flocks during Feb. and Mar. 78, outside the study period. It is a summer resident and breeds in the Azraq area. Columba livia Rock Dove U. Observed on 25 Aug. 76 and 7 Sept. 76 (one bird on each occasion) and outside the main study period on 18 Jan. 78 (2). Has been recorded as breeding in the Azraq area. Streptopelia turtur Turtle Dove M (3). One of the commonest migrants, occuring in flocks of up to 66. More abundant during spring (2 Apr. to 4 July) than in autumn (9 Sept. to 11 Oct.). Peak migration movements were observed during May. Streptopelia senegalensis Laughing (or Palm) Dove U. Observed outside the main study period from 26 Mar. 78 to 2 Apr. 78. This may have been only one bird. Not recorded for Azraq. Clamator glandarius Great Spotted Cuckoo U. Observed on 11 Mar. 76 and 12 Aug. 76, the latter being an immature bird. Also seen on 6 Apr. 78. Cuculus canorus Cuckoo (M). Observed seven times during the period 5 Apr. 76 to 16 May 76 and three times between 6 Aug. 76 and 27 Aug. 76. One (30 Apr. 76) was a brown phase bird. Not seen in 1977. It was previously regarded as a vagrant, Nelson suggesting that it passes west of Jordan. Tyto alba Barn Owl U. Observed once on 4 Apr. 76. Athene noctua Little Owl Ww. Occasionally sighted during winter (5 Nov. to 5 Feb.) and once in autumn (29 Sept. 76). Has been recorded as breeding in Azraq area. 55 Asio otus Long-eared Owl U. Observed once on 10 Apr. 77. Caprimulgus europaeus Nightjar M (3). Observed eleven times (17 birds) during the period 30 Apr. to 7 June. Previously recorded as a vagrant to the Azraq area. Apus apus Swift M (3). Fairly common spring migrant (7 Mar. to 13 July) but never seen in autumn. Merops apiaster Bee-eater M (3). Fairly common spring migrant (29 Mar. to 13 June) and somewhat more so in autumn (18 Sept. to 4 Oct.). Flocks of up to about 60 roosted overnight in the headquarters trees on several occasions. Coracias garrulus Roller M (3). Fairly common spring migrant (9 Apr. to 19 June) and occasionally seen in sutumn (31 Aug. to 29 Sept.). Nelson observed none in autumn at Azraq. Upupa epops Hoopoe M (3). Fairly common spring migrant (18 Feb. to 2 June) but less common in autumn (25 July to 11 Oct.). Jynx torquilla Wryneck M. Occasionally seen during Mar. only: five times (8 birds) in 76 (21 - 24 Mar.) and once in 77 (13 Mar.). Ammomanes cincturus Bar-tailed Desert Lark S (B) (1). Occasionally observed during the period 27 May to 22 June. Nelson considered this species to be more common than A. deserti; in fact, he rated it the second commonest bird of the badia and adjacent basalt terrain. It has been recorded as a breeder of the Azrag area. Ammomanes deserti Desert Lark S (B) (1). Fairly common from 19 Mar. to 27 Aug., but quits the reserve for the winter. Usually seen singly or in small groups of up to four. All except one bird were of the pale form characteristic of hammada terrain. No definite evidence of breeding in the reserve but it is a known breeder of the Azragq area. Alaemon alaudipes Hoopoe (or Bifasciated) Lark R B(1). Fairly common throughout the year, singly or in small groups of up to four. Juveniles seen regularly during June to Aug. 76, particularly the latter, but on only three occasions in 77, all in July. Rhamphocorys clot-bey Thick-billed Lark U. Observed twice on 30 May 76 and 7 Sept. 76. Has been recorded as breeding in the Azraq area. Melancorypha calandra Calandra Lark U. — Once seen on 11 June 76. 56 Calandrella brachydactyla Short-toed Lark M (2). Fairly common spring migrant (3 Mar. to 22 June) but less abundant in autumn (13 Aug. to 5 Oct.}. Usually seen in small flocks of up to about 20. Has been recorded as breeding in the Azraq area. Calandrella rufescens Lesser Short-toed Lark S BZ): Common from I1 Feb. to 10 Sept. Juveniles seen in July 76 but not in 77. Occurs throughout the year in the Azraq area but appears to quit Shaumari during winter. Galerida cristata Crested Lark R B (3). Very common throughout the year, singly or in small groups of up to 14. Juveniles observed in May and June 76 and once in July 77. Eremophila bilopha Temminck’s Horned Lark R B (2). Very common throughout the year, singly or in small groups of up to about 20. One nestling observed on 19 May 76 and many fledglings and juveniles during May to Aug. 76, especially during July. There was no evidence for breeding during 77. Juveniles lack the characteristic facial markings and were identifiable only by the adults feeding them. One observed feeding upon the fruits of Ephedra transitoria. Riparia riparia Sand Martin M (3). The most abundant migrant: in spring from 25 Mar. to 7 June and in autumn from 12 Aug. to 17 Oct. During May, up to about 200 could be seen at any one time at the reserve headquarters. Hirundo rustica Swallow M (3). One of the most abundant migrants: in spring from 21 Feb. to 26 June and in autumn from 1 Aug. to7 Nov. At the time of peak migration in Apr., up to about 120 could be seen at any one time at the reserve headquarters. Hirundo daurica Red-rumped Swallow M. Occasionally observed during the period 9 Mar. to 5 May. Delichon urbica House Martin M (3). Occasionally observed in spring from 7 Mar. to 13 May. Anthus campestris Tawny Pipit M. Occasionaly seen in spring (2 Mar. to 10 May). Has been recorded as breeding in the Azraq area. a Anthus trivialis Tree Pipit M (3). Fairly often observed in spring (23 Mar. to 13 May) and occasionally in autumn (28 Aug. to 17 Oct.). Anthus pratensis Meadow Pipit U. Three birds observed on 4 Mar. 76. Has been recorded as a migrant in the Azraq area. Anthus cervinus Red-throated Pipit M (3). Fairly often observed in spring (21 Mar. to 2 May) and occasionally in autumn (5 - 11 Oct.). 57 Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail M (3). A fairly common spring migrant (2 Mar. to 16 May) but less so in autumn (21 Aug. to 10 Oct.). It has been recorded as breeding in the Azraq area. Motacilla alba White Wagtail M (3). Observed regularly from | Feb. to 13 May and 6 Oct. to 25 Nov. Has been recorded also as a winter resident in the Azraq area. Cercotrichas galactotes Rufous Bush Chat S (B) (2). Observed in the reserve throughout summer from 30 Apr. to 27 Aug., but no definite proof of breeding was found. It has been recorded both as a breeder and migrant in the Azraq area. ; Luscinia megarhynchos Nightingale M. Occasionally observed in spring, four times in both 76 and 77 between 4 - 25 Apr. Luscinia svecica Bluethroat U. Observed on 20 Mar. 76, 25 Mar. 76 and 3 Oct. 76. A migrant in the Azragq area. Phoenicurus ochruros Black Redstart M (3). Fairly common spring migrant (5 Feb. to 16 Apr.) and occasionally seen in autumn (3 Oct to 30 Nov.). Phoenicurus phoenicurus Redstart M (3). A common spring migrant (22 Feb. to 8 June) but less so in autumn (13 Aug. to 30 Oct.). All the males seen at Shaumari lacked the white wing patches which characterise the samamisicus race of south-west Asia and Greece. Many of this race were observed in the higher rainfall areas of north-western Jordan. Saxicola rubetra Whinchat M (3). Occasionally observed in spring (23 Feb. to 22 Apr.) and rarely in autumn (23 Sept. to 2 Nov.). Saxicola torquata Stonechat W (3). Present in small numbers from 2 Nov. to 20 Mar. Previously recorded as a migrant in the Azraq area. Oenanthe isabellina Isabelline Wheatear M (2). Frequently seen in spring (19 Jan. to 26 Apr.) and in autumn (19 Aug. to 19 Nov.). Has been recorded as a possible breeder in the Azraq area. Oenanthe oenanthe Wheatear M (2). Fairly frequently seen during spring (3 Mar. to 26 May) but only twice in autumn (23 Nov. 75 and 27 Oct. 76). Oenanthe pleschanka Pied Wheatear U. Only males observed, all during Mar. 77. The sightings, made on 9, 24, 25 and 27, may all have been of a single bird. Recorded as a vagrant at Azraq by Nelson under the name O. picata. 58 Oenanthe hispanica Black-eared Wheatear M (2). A fairly common migrant (7 Mar. to 30 Apr.) but rarer in autumn (30 Aug. to 10 Oct.). Has been recorded as a possible breeder in Azraq. The male occurs in different forms and the 40 observed at Shaumari were divided as follows: Normal buffy upperparts and plain throat 20 Normal buffy upperparts and black throat 6 Pale upperparts and plain throat 5 Pale upperparts and black throat 9 Oenanthe deserti Desert Wheatear R B (2). Seen regularly throughout the year. One nest with eggs found on 8 Apr. 76 in grid sector E10 sited in an Atriplex bush at 0.5 m above ground level. This nest was empty on 19 May 76. Juvenile birds were seen in several parts of the reserve from May to Aug. 76 and in June and July 77. Oenanthe finschii Finsch’s Wheatear W (2). A fairly common winter resident observed from 25 Oct. to 1 Mar. Previously recorded as a vagrant in the Azraq area. Oenanthe xanthopyrmna Red-tailed Wheatear U. A female was observed on 9 Nov. 75. Oenanthe picata Eastern Pied Wheatear U. Males of the form opistholeuca seen on 13 Feb. 76, 22 Feb. 76 and 18 Mar. 76. Previously recorded as breeding in Azraq by Nelson under the name O. opistholeuca. Oenanthe lugens Mourning Wheatear U. A male was seen on 18 Feb. 77. Has been recorded as a possible breeder at Azraq. Monticola saxatilis Rock Thrush U. A male observed once on 11 Apr. 77. Monticola solitarius Blue Rock Thrush U (4). Sightings made of at least two birds, a male and a female, from 23 Feb. 76 to 27 Mar. 76. At least two males and two females occurred from 26 Feb. 77 to 13 Mar. 77. A male was seen outside the study period from 1 Mar. 78 to 12 Mar. 78. Turdus merula Blackbird a Ui. A male observed on 4 Nov. 76. Has been recorded as a migrant in the Azraq area. Turdus pilaris Fieldfare U. Observed twice on 23 Nov. 75 (1 and 3 birds), on 13 Dec. 75, 16 Jan. 76 and 1 Feb. 76 (3). A new record for the Azraq area. Turdus philomelos Song Thrush U. Observed twice on 21 Mar. 76 and, outside the main study period, on 5 Dec. 77 and 7 Dec. 77. Has been recorded as a migrant in the Azraq area. ; 59 Scotocerca inquieta Scrub Warbler R B (1). A fairly common year-round resident. Almost certainly breeds in Shaumari but no firm evidence discovered. It is known to breed in the Azraq area. Locustella luscinioides Savi’s Warbler — U. Observed once on 23 Mar. 76. Possibly breeds in the Azraq area. Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Sedge Warbler U. Observed on 25 Mar. 76, 3 Apr. 76 (3) and 3 Mar. 77. Recorded as a migrant and possible breeder in the Azraq area. Acrocephalus scirpaceus Reed Warbler U. Once observed on 5 Apr. 76. A known breeding bird of the Azrag Oasis. Hippolais pallida Olivaceous Warbler M (3). Fairly common in spring (15 Apr. to 27 May) and in autumn (10 Aug. to 10 Oct.). Previously recorded as a vagrant in the Azraq area. Sylvia cantillans Subalpine Warbler U. Observed twice on 21 Mar. 76. Sylvia melanocephala Sardinian Warbler U. Observed once on 5 Apr. 76. It has been considered to be a possbile breeding bird in the Azraq area. Sylvia riippelli Riippell’s Warbler U. Observed on 21 Mar. 76 (3), 25 Mar. 76, 6 Apr. 76 (2) and 26 Feb. 77. A new record for the Azraq area. Sylvia hortensis Orphean Warbier U. Observed on 21 Mar. 76 (2), 4 Apr. 76 and 5 Mar. 77. Sylvia nisoria Barred Warbler U. Single birds observed on 20 May 77 and 12 June 77. Recorded as a migrant in the Azraq area. Sylvia curruca Lesser Whitethroat M (3). A common spring migrant (3 Mar. to 29 May) and occasionally seen in autumn (19 Sept. to 9 Nov.). Sylvia communis Whitethroat M (3). Occasionally observed in spring (14 Feb. to 19 May) and less frequently in autumn (10 Sept. to 31 Oct.). Sylvia borin Garden Warbler M (4). Fairly common in spring (10 May to 2 June) but rarely seen in autumn (25 Aug. to 5 Oct.). Much more abundant in 77 than in the previous year. Sylvia atricapilla Blackcap M (3). A common spring migrant (11 Feb. to 2 June) but only once seen in autumn (10 Oct. 75). Phylloscopus bonelli Bonelli’s Warbler U. One observed on 3 Apr. 76. Phylloscopus collybita Chiffchaff M (3). See the remarks for Willow Warbler P. trochilus below. Most positive identifications were made in March and April. Phylloscopus trochilus Willow Warbler M (3). A common spring and autumn migrant although not always distinguished from Chiffchaff P. collybita. One or other of the two species occurred from 15 Feb. to 28 May and from 18 Aug. to 30 Oct. During mist netting in the spring on 76, all birds caught from 22 - 25 Mar. were collybita whilst the first trochilus was taken only on 4 Apr. All positive identifications made during May were of trochilus. Muscicapa striata Spotted Flycatcher M (3). A very common migrant in spring (5S Apr. to 12 June) and failry common in autumn (19 Aug. to 11 Oct.). Ficedula albicollis Collared Flycatcher Wi Males only observed on 21 Mar. 76, 13 May 76 and 21 May 76. Ficedula hypoleuca Pied Flycatcher M (4). Occasionally seen in spring (21 Mar. to 1 May). More abundant in 77 than in the previous year. Oriolus oriolus Golden Oriole M. A common spring and autumn migrant (14 Apr. to 23 May and 29 Aug. to 5 Oct.). Lanius collurio Red-backed Shrike M (3). A fairly common spring migrant (21 Apr. to 22 May) and observed occasionally in autumn (30 Aug. to 10 Oct.). Lanius minor Lesser Grey Shrike UW: Observed once on 26 Apr. 76 and twice on 1 May 76. Has been recorded as a migrant in the Azraq area. Lanius excubitor Great Grey Shrike R B (3). Frequently seen throughout the year. During 76 three nests were under observation in grid sector E2. Nest 1 Casuarina tree at 3 m above the ground. Six eggs discovered 6 Apr. 76. Four fledglings 2 May 76. Two juveniles flying actively by 16 May 76. Nest 2 Atriplex bush at 1.5 m above the ground. Six eggs discovered 6 Apr. 76. Nest empty by 24 Apr. 76. 61 Nest 3 Atriplex bush at 1.5 m above the ground. Empty on 20 May 76. Five eggs 28 May 76. Four nestlings 8 June 76. Two nestlings 13 June 76. One fledgling 18 June 76 and 25 June 76. During 77 a further three nests were observed in grid sectors E1, D1 and E2. Nest 4 Atriplex bush at 1.5 m above the ground. Adult carrying nesting material and mounting another on 20 Mar. 77. Nest apparently complete 24 Mar. 77 and still empty 28 Mar. 77. One egg 2 Apr. 77. Two eggs 3 Apr. 77. Five eggs 6 Apr. 77. Four newly hatched nestlings and one egg 21 Apr. 77. Five nestlings 22 Apr. 77. Nest empty and dishevelled 1 May 77. Nest 5 Casuarina tree at 3 m above the ground. Nest empty 28 Mar. 77. Two eggs 3 Apr. 77. Adult on nest 18 Apr. 77. Nest empty 21 Apr. 77. Nest 6 Casuarina tree at 2 m above the ground. Discovered empty on 7 May 77 and apparently never used after that. Juvenile birds were seen frequently up until Aug. in 76 but none were seen in 77. Lanius senator Woodchat Shrike M (3). A fairly common spring migrant (9 Mar. to 2 June) and observed twice in Sept. 76. Previously recorded as a vagrant in the Azraq area. Lanius nubicus Masked Shrike M (3). A fairly common spring migrant (3 Apr. to 31 May) but never observed in autumn. Shrike prey:Great Grey Shrikes were observed catching and carrying grasshoppers and carrying smail (less than 15 cm long) lizards. Several small mammal carcases (probably mice or shrews) were seen impaled upon Casuarina branches near Great Grey Shrike nests during the breeding season. The largest prey was a Quail, attacked and successfully killed within 30 m of the observer. A Red-backed Shrike was observed dragging a dead Blackcap into the lower branches of a tree; another was seen to pounce upon a House Sparrow Passer domesticus and attempt (unsuccessfully) to hold it beneath spread wings. Corvus ruficollis Brown-necked Raven U. Observed twice on 29 Sept. 76. Has been recorded as a breeder in the Azraq area. Sturnus vulgaris Starling U. Observed on 21 Oct. 75 (30), 13 Dec. 75 (2) and never again. It is a winter resident at the Azragq Oasis. : Sturnus roseus Rose-coloured Starling U. Observed on 13 May 76, 28 May 76 and 29 May 76. It has been recorded as a eer migrant in the Azraq area. Passer domesticus House Sparrow R (B) (4). A small group (or groups), numbers up to about 20 birds, occurred throughout the year. There was no definite evidence of breeding in the reserve although it is known to breed in the villages at the Azraq oasis. 62 Passer hispaniolensis Spanish Sparrow W (4). A regular winter resident from 10 Oct. 75 to 30 Apr. 76 and 17 Oct. 76 to 16 Apr. 77. During the first winter the size of flocks observed initially were about 3 - 20 birds but these increased up to about 120 in April, possibly by smaller groups coming together. A similar pattern was seen the following winter with the large flock occurring in March. Previously recorded as a vagrant in the Azraq area. Serinus serinus Serin U. One observed on 28 May 76. A new record for the Azraq area. Serinus syriacus Tristram’s (or Syrian) Serin U. A single bird was observed on four occasions from 2 Feb. 76 to 7 Mar. 76. All records were probably of the same bird. On one occasion it was part of a mixed flock containing also Linnets, Spanish Sparrows and House Sparrows; and on one occasion with a flock of Linnets.. A new record for the Azraq area. Carduelis cannabina Linnet W (4). A flock of 15 resided at the headquarters site from 14 Feb. 76 to 9 Mar. 76. A flock of about 25 resided from 7 Dec. 76 to 11 Mar. 77. Outside the main study period a flock of 11 were seen from 7 Dec. 77 to 10 Dec. 77 after which the observer was absent for several weeks. A new record for the Azraq area. Rhodospiza obsoleta Desert Finch U. Observed on 26 Apr. 76 (2) and 27 Apr. 76 (4). A new record for the Azraq area. Bucanetes githagineus Trumpeter Finch (S) (M) (3). Observed upon numerous occasions during the period 15 June 76 to 9 Nov. 76, especially in September, in flocks of up to 16. Also occurred the following spring on 19 Feb. 77 (6), 9 Mar. 77 (20) and 11 Mar. 77 (2). It has been recorded as a possible breeder in the Azraq area. Emberiza hortulana Ortolan Bunting M (3). Commonly seen in spring (3 Apr. to 15 May) but only once in autumn on 10 Sept. 76 (4). Emberiza caesia Cretzchmar’s Bunting M. Occasionally seen in the spring of 76 only (21 Mar. to 29 May). Reappeared outside the study period on 26 Mar. 78. Emberiza cineracea Cinereous Bunting vu. Observed twice: on 1 Feb. 76 and 7 Apr. 76, the latter bird being caught in a mist net. Emberiza schoeniclus Reed Bunting U. Observed on 1 Feb. 76 (12), 2 Feb. 76 and 5 Mar. 77 (8). A new record for the Azraq area. Emberiza melanocephala Black-headed Bunting (M). Males were occasionally observed during spring 76 on 21 Apr. 76, 25 Apr. 76 (2) and 22 May 76. The 2 birds on 25 Apr. were in the company of Ortolans. On 12 Apr. 77 and 22 Apr. 77 solitary males were again seen; but on | May 77 a flock of 18 was observed in the company of about 50 Ortolans. On 7 May 77 a flock of 45 was observed together with about 20 Ortolans. Both flocks were of mixed sexes. Previously only recorded as a vagrant for the Azraq area. 63 Miliaria calandra Corn Bunting U. Observed on 5 Mar. 76, 21 Mar. 76 (2), 23 Mar. 76, twice on 10 Sept. 76 and on 5 Mar. 77 (8). One additional sighting outside the main study period on 26 Feb. 78. A new record for the Azraq area. DISTRIBUTION Their distribution within the reserve varied from species to species. Some showed a prediliction for the headquarters which, for the purposes of this study, is taken as being grid sectors D1, D2, El and E2. This was the only locality where trees occurred and where surface water was present — in small amounts, at least, throughout the year. Some species avoided this area and were seen only in the badia proper. Others were evenly distributed. According to the localities in which they were observed, each of the more frequently observed species has been placed into one of four categories as indicated above in the list of species. Apart from the headquarters area only one other locality harboured any concentration of birds. This was in grid sector J8 where a riverbed-like formation in the wadis system collects and holds water for up to a month after rain. Swallows, Sand Martins, Yellow Wagtails and Lesser Whitethroats were often found here during migration and it was the only place where Redshank and Greenshank were recorded. RELATIVE ABUNDANCE Fifty-eight species were observed during the relative abundance studies described above. Table 1 lists these and gives, by months and for the whole period, the mean numbers observed per 24 kmrun. Data for the months is to one decimal place and for the year to two places. Only data for species recorded on average on at least one in four runs are given in full in Table 1. In order of abundance the eleven most frequently observed species were: Crested Lark RB Temminck’s Horned Lark RB Lesser Short-toed Lark SB Desert Wheatear RB Sand Martin M Hoopoe Lark RB Spanish Sparrow W Great Grey Shrike RB Scrub Warbler R(B) Stonechat Swallow M This is based upon overall abundance during the year, but some species fluctuated considerably from month to month as Table 1 shows. During peak migration, for example, Sand Martins exceeded any other species whilst species such as Crested Lark and Desert Wheatear occurred fairly evenly throughout the twelve-month period. As anticipated, species diversity was greatest during migration and least during winter and mid-summer. BREEDING DATA There was definite evidence of breeding for those species so indicated above. Four others: | Desert Lark, Bar-tailed Desert Lark, Scrub Warbler and Rufous Bush Chat, probably breed in the reserve but conclusive evidence was lacking. House Sparrow may breed. An additional possible breeder was Red-rumped Wheatear Oenanthe moesta: it was not recorded in Shaumari but was seen just outside the boundary on 1 Mar. 1976 (female) and 14 June 1976 (female and two juveniles). A little more than half the breeders and possible breeders were residents: Temminck’s Horned Lark, Hoopoe Lark and Crested Lark, Great Grey Shrike, Scrub Warbler, Desert Wheatear and House Sparrow. The remainder moved out before winter although Lesser Short- toed Lark, Desert Lark and Bar-tailed Desert Lark continued to reside in the Azraq area: large flocks of the former were seen at the oasis. The Cream-coloured Courser probably moves only a short distance southwards whilst the Rufous Bush Chat travels to its wintering grounds in eastern Africa (Moreau, 1972). There was a marked difference in breeding activity between the two years under study. Definite breeding evidence for all seven proved breeding species was obtained during 1976 but in 1977 this was available for only four of them. Three breeding species: Cream-coloured Courser, Temminck’s Horned Lark and Lesser Short-toed Lark were far less abundant during 1977 compared with the previous year, whereas the others were about equally abundant in both years. In particular, Temminck’s Horned Lark was very abundant during the early part of the study period (late 1975 to August 1976); but thereafter it declined and remained at lower abundance up until at least the spring of 1978. MIGRATION DATA Table 2 lists the 51 species that were categorised only as M — migrant, in the systematic list. With very few exceptions migratory birds were much commoner in spring than in autumn and the species were more diverse during the former; all 51 occurred in spring against only 32 in autumn. In only two cases, Bee-eater and Golden Oriole, were any species seen more frequently in autumn, whilst Olivaceous Warbler and Isabelline Wheatear were equally abundant in both migrations. The three columns of Table 2 contain the numbers of migrants observed in spring and autumn 1976 and spring 1977; these were the only migration periods for which the observer was present throughout. If data for the two spring migrations are compared it is evident that in 1977 the abundance of migrants was considerably less than half that recorded in the previous year and somewhat reduced also. There were exceptions to this, notably Lesser Whitethroat, Garden Warbler and Ortolan Bunting. OBSERVATIONS ON RAINFALL AND RANGE CONDITION When considering the observations recorded above, account should be taken of a marked difference in rainfall between the two years comprising the main study period. The 1975/76 winter had a higher than average rainfall. One of the heaviest falls occurred in March as a result of which spring plant growth was comparatively luxuriant. Thick stands of grass developed in the wadis and there was a bright display of flowers. Insect life was abundant and persisted throughout the 1976 summer. In contrast, the 1976/77 winter recorded an unusually low 8.3 mm of rain. Plant growth in spring was ill-developed and some plants failed to flower or produce fruit. For example, Ferula communis produced new leaves in February 1977, as is usual, but these soon died away and - the long flower-bearing stalks did not appear; Cistanche phelypaea, a parasite of chenopods which pushes up large phallus-shaped spikes of flowers through dried mud, died back within days of appearing. Grass growth was severely curtailed. Insect life was noticeably less. By midsummer 1977 the reserve looked extremely dry and barren. DISCUSSION Nearly half the species recorded were classified as ‘‘rare or uncommon’”’ (U). Eight species new to the Azraq area were recorded. None is a particularly surprising find. Laughing Dove and Desert Finch were slightly east of known breeding areas, whilst Tristram’s Serin and Serin were a little east of their known wintering range. Riippell’s Warbler was somewhat to the east of its normal migration route across and around the eastern Mediterranean; and Shaumari lies close to 65 the known wintering ranges of Fieldfare, Corn Bunting and Reed Bunting. Eight species classified as ‘‘vagrant’’ by previous workers have been found to be regular. The regular occurence of Shaumari; the Finsch’s Wheatear appears to be just as regular and numerous at and around Azraq | oasis. Black-headed Bunting, Olivaceous Warbler, Woodchat Shrike and Nightjar were also sufficiently frequent in appearance to suggest that they are regular migrants. Cuckoo and Black- headed Bunting were more erratic and have only been classified as (M), although they too are probably regular. Many of the ‘‘rare or uncommon’”’ species appear in greater abundance at the oasis. Several are waterfowl for which Shaumari offers unsuitable habitat. But some such as Houbara Bustard, Thick-billed Lark and Mourning Wheatear, although birds of semi-arid lands, are evidently not sufficiently abundant in the Azraq area to appear frequently at Shaumari. Migration data are given in Table 2. Many more migrants were seen during spring than in autumn. Nelson, discussing the situation in Azraq as a whole, commented that ‘‘spring migration seems to be somewhat more copious and varied than in autumn’’, a judgement that was almost certainly based largely upon observations made at the oasis. The Shaumari data for 1976 indicate a far greater differential between spring and autumn abundancy than is implied by Nelson, the former being six times as great as the latter. A strictly valid comparison of total numbers cannot be made because of the way in which they were collected, but a pronounced trend is very clear. A possible reason for this striking difference in proposed. A check of migrant birds listed in Table 2 against their distribution with the reserve (see systematic list) shows that about 90 per cent concentrated, or occurred exclusively, in the headquarters area. This locality is a man-made phenomenon which provides large trees, some limited but perennial surface water and buildings. The majority of migrants appeared to avoid the badia; none favoured it whilst only Short-toed Lark, Wheatear, Isabelline Wheatear and Black-eared Wheatear occurred throughout the reserve fairly evenly. It is evident that most migrants which rest whilst passing through Azraq area do so at the oasis. Shaumari headquarters is a feature which only appeared in very recent years and has since become attractive to migrants, although it cannot compete with the oasis which has a far larger carrying capacity as well as being visible from the air over a much broader front. In spring, birds travelling northwards which pass within visible range of Shaumari and land there will do so before they reach the oasis, which lies 11 km farther to the north. In autumn, however, the majority of migrants, now flying southwards, reach the oasis first and only come upon Shaumari less than 30 minutes after taking off again. This could result in more birds putting down at Shaumari in spring than in autumn and explain why spring abundance is accordingly greater. Table 2 also records that spring migrants were fewer in 1977 than in 1976; slightly lower in species diversity and less than half the total numbers. Again, strict comparisons are not possible but a trend is apparent. It is probably unnecessary to seek any explanation beyond that of difference in local climate. The exceptionally low rainfall of the 1976/77 winter with the consequent poor growth and comparative paucity of insect life may account for Shaumari being less attractive and less able to support migrant populations during the spring of 1977. With perhaps two exceptions, new breeding species have not, apparently, been attracted by Shaumari to the same extent as have migrants. House Sparrow is certainly one exception although it is not yet a proven breeder. The existence of buildings from 1958 onwards would be sufficient explanation for its now being a year-round resident in a locality where it probably never occurred previously. Great Grey Shrike is a possible exception: it is, seemingly, attracted to the headquarters area, probably by the increased availability of nesting sites and the abundance of small mammals and large insects. All the other breeders and possible breeders can and do breed in the badia. There was considerably less evidence of breeding in 1977 than in the previous year. As with the lesser number of migrants, this is probably accounted for by the difference in rainfall and reduced food supplies. Most marked was the absence of any breeding evidence for Temminck’s Horned Lark in 1977, a species for which there was ample reproductive evidence in 1976. Great Grey Shrike, which had in 1976 produced juveniles from at least two nests, raised nothing beyond the nestling stage in the following year. The fact that Lesser Short-toed Lark is only a summer resident in the reserve was confirmed by its absence during both winters and during the following 1977/78 winter, which lay outside the main study period. Nelson rated it the most abundant lark in Azraq area, particularly on the Qa el Azraq, a large playa adjacent to the oasis , and in Wadi Rajil, a major drainage system which runs into the east side of the playa. No mention is made of seasonal fluctuations or movements. It is not clear whether the movement out of Shaumari reflects a general exodus from the badia areas of Azraq in autumn; neither is it certain that a subsequent build up of numbers takes place in the oasis and on the playa. Certainly very large numbers do occur on the playa during autumn and winter, much higher than can be found in summer. This possible local movement might warrant a detailed study. Previous observations in the Azraq area appear to have rated Bar-tailed Desert Lark as being more abundant than Desert Lark (Nelson, 1973). Observations at Shaumari, however, were overwhelmingly the reverse. It is difficult to assess from a comparatively short study whether this is a true assessment of the comparative status of these two species in Shaumari or whether it merely reflects a temporary situation. That major fluctuations in abundance do occur appears evident from the observations made of Temminck’s Horned Lark. This was by far the commonest bird in the reserve during the first nine months of the study; thereafter its numbers declined considerably until, by mid-1977, it was only the third in relative abundance of the resident larks, being exceeded by Crested Lark and Hoopoe Lark. This lower level of abundance continued up to the time of writing in April 1978. Apart from its headquarters area, Shaumari Wildlife Reserve is essentially a tract of semi-arid badia which, because of protection, has acquired higher carrying capacity than the surrounding country. Although comparative studies of the reserve birdlife and that of the unprotected but otherwise similar terrain outside were not made, there was informal evidence to suggest that more birds occur in the badia of the former than of the latter. If so, this is to be expected: fruit and seed production by wild plants is greater in the reserve than outside where camels, sheep and goats strip them away before they mature and keep some plants cropped so low as to inhibit fruiting. The significance of Shaumari as a locality in which to make bird studies appears to be two- fold. Firstly, it provides a tract of land in which the avifauna of the badia lives under optimum condition, disturbed by man-made influences to a minimal degree. Secondly, it provides a compact area in which migrants can be observed. The area in which they congregate is only about 0.4 km? and js entirely isolated from other suitable habitat by the surrounding badia. It is an excellent site for a ringing station: a very successful programme of netting was carried out by a visiting ornithologist in March and April 1976. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Thanks are extended to the Jordanian Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature who provided the facilities which enabled the study to be undertaken; to the Director-General of the World Wildlife Fund for permission to publish this paper; and to Mr. C. Waller of the Nature Conservancy Council for permission to quote data which he gathered during part of spring 1976, including that taken from his mist net catches. REFERENCES CLARKE, J.E. 1977. Reserve for Arabian Oryx. Oryx 14:31-35. MOREAU, R. E. 1972. The Palaearctic - African Bird Migration Systems. London. NELSON, J.B. 1973. Azraq: Desert Oasis. London 67 SUMMARY Observations of birds were made on Shaumari Wildlife Reserve in eastern Jordan over a two year period. The reserve lies south of Azraq Oasis (which has been the subject of previous bird studies) but, in contrast to the latter, is set entirely in a semi-arid badia situation. A total of 134 species were recorded of which the majority were migrants or vagrants. There were seven year- round residents, three species which moved in during summer and several winter residents. The status of each is described, including distribution within the reserve, abundance and, where available, breeding data. As far as most migrants were concerned, Shaumari’s attraction appeared to be a man-made phenomenon of recent origin. Its position south of the oasis, it is suggested, accounts for the greater number of spring migrants. Difference in abundance and breeding activity between the two years of the study are explained as resultants of the widely different rainfalls which each recieved. The disappearance of Lesser Short-toed Lark during winter and the relative abundances of Desert Lark and Bar-tailed Desert Lark are discussed briefly. In conclusion, it is proposed that Shaumari offers special opportunities for studying both birds of the badia and migrants. J. E. Clarke, Glencaple, 13 Lasswade Road, Dalkeith, Midlothian, EH22 3EB, Scotland. U.K. 68 Number of runs Chukar Turtle Dove Desert Lark Hoopoe Lark Short-toed Lark Lesser Short-toed Lark Temminck’s Horned Lark Crested Lark Sand Martin Swallow Rufous Bush Chat Stonechat Isabelline Wheatear Desert Wheatear Finsch’s Wheatear Scrub Warbler Chiffchaff/ Willow Warbler Spotted Flycatcher Great Grey Shrike House Sparrow Spanish Sparrow Linnet Trumpter Finch Others (36 species) Totals Table 1 Mean numbers of birds recorded in Shaumari Wildlife Reserve per run of 24 km 1976 July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May June 5 4 4 5 4 4 5 5 3 5 5 0.8 18) 60 Le2) 127 0.5 0.2 zy han ley 0.4 1.3 1:05, '+2.8 0.2 DZ, 3.8 4.0 10 40 4.8 1.8 eS 0:7 10 2.2° 0.5 5.0 0:2, 0:3 2275. 5.5 4.2 1.7 4.8 5.8 15:0: 23.5-.,<4:8)> 46:0.- 2:3 5.8 48 7.2 40 5.4 1:2 15.2 5.8 12:0" 7.2; 110 = 8:0 22 -Os29 30) 1276. 142 15.0 4.2 0.7 13.8 2.0 1.0 \e2,° 4,7 522 1x6: * 0:3 1.4 1.4 i228 ~ “433 5.6 0.6 0.3 3.0 0.8 1.0 0.6 - 0.2 46 3.0 10° 3.0 62.8 «(2.3 3.0 1:0 “5.7 3.6 5.0 0.2 1.8 1.8 1.4 Ol 4.0),7. 2:3 2.0 2.0 2.0 0.6 13 O02 0.4 0.8 0.2 0.8; 0.2% - 3:2 107 (0'2 0.3" 2:6... 0.2 C2ieeal Sucre) eOl8 > tl She 2:0 2.4. 1.2 18a; 142 *, 2-64, 0:5 1.0 18 1.4 15.2 Wee 02255) eles 10 4.0 1.4 10) 7k 3°6) 0:3") «2-6 1.2 2.2: . 4.8.* 48°" 0.8 67.9 62.5 60.8 32.6 28.6 33.6 34.0 47.8 30.6 68.2 35.4 69 0.45 Table2 Dataon migrant birds passing through Shaumari Wildlife Reserve 1975 — 1977 Honey Buzzard Egyptian Vulture Pallid Harrier Black Kite Sparrowhawk Levant Sparrowhawk Buzzard Aquila spp. Lesser Kestrel Quail Green Sandpiper Common Sandpiper Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Turtle Dove Nightjar Swift Bee-eater Roller Hoopoe Wryneck Short-toed Lark Sand Martin Swallow Red-rumped Swallow House Martin Numbers observed Spring Autumn Spring 1976 1976 1977 50 - - Tawny Pipit 5 - 1 Tree Pipit 4 - 3 Red-throated Pipit 24 - 20 Yellow Wagtail 10 - - Nightingale 200 - - Black Redstart 7 3 6 Redstart 15 5 10 Whinchat 75 9 2 Isabelline Wheatear 10 3 7 Wheatear 8 - 11 Black-eared Wheatear 6 - 2s Olivaceous Warbler 116 - - Lesser Whitethroat 580 42 261 Whitethroat 11 - 6 Garden Warbler 132 - 31 Blackcap 132 167 128 Willow Warbler/Chiffchaff 76 2 6 Spotted Flycatcher 92 14 31 Pied Flycatcher 8 - 1 Red-backed Shrike 70 47 125 Woodchat Shrike 1,823 184 214 Masked Shrike 756 75 509 Golden Oriole 5 - 6 Ortolan Bunting 16 - 4 Cretzchmar’s Bunting Total birds observed 70 Numbers observed Spring Autumn Spring 1976 4 137 96 5,242 1976 13 24 68 22 840 1977 3 49 9 16 39 14 q Se = BREEDING BIRDS IN CENTRAL ARABIA M. C. Jennings INTRODUCTION The following is a provisional list of the birds which currently breed in central Arabia. Mention is also made of two species that bred in former years and some that are likely to be found breeding in the future. For the purposes of this list the area referred to as central Arabia is defined as within 100 km of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.. The list will, however, be generally representative of the avifauna of the whole of central Arabia east of the Hejaz and Asir mountains and inland of the Gulf littoral, between the Great Nafud Desert to the north and the Rub al Khali (the Empty Quarter) to the south. My observations were made during the period March 1975 to May 1977. Contemporary notes of others. are included where particularly relevant or where my own information is lacking. Some information regarding breeding condition of adults and age of juveniles etc., originates from birds caught for ringing and examined in the hand. I have not attempted to review all the literature for this paper, which is presented as a record of the breeding birds of central Arabia at the beginning of the last quarter of the twentieth century, at a time when great changes in agriculture, industry and social structure start to affect the hitherto relatively untouched natural environment of the region. Places with their English spelling, and boundaries of regions etc., are taken from Bindagji (1978), from which the climatic material is also quoted. The Hejaz, as used in this paper, refers to the high ground from south of Medina to the Yemen border and includes the Asir region. The outstanding natural feature of the area studied is the Tuwayq escarpment, which follows the line of a geological fault, forming an almost unbroken, west-facing wall of limestone cliffs, dissecting central Arabia. The escarpment is situated about 10 km to the west of Riyadh. Associated with this fault there is a complex system of deep ravines, dry water courses (wadis) and extensive spurs of rock which jut out from the main line of the escarpment. The special habitats provided by the escarpment enable more species to breed than would otherwise be the case. A smaller parallel escarpment runs approximately 15 km to the east of Riyadh and in places rises to a height of 50 m above the desert plain. To the east of Riyadh the desert is primarily flat and sandy with a few scattered volcanic extrusions and old sandstone outcrops. Travelling west towards the escarpment the terrain gradually changes through stony and gravel desert, to rocky desert and ultimately pavement desert at the top of the escarpment. To the west of and below the escarpment there are gravel plains intermixed with sandy areas and in the south-west corner of the area there are extensive sand dunes. Natural desert vegetation depends entirely on the amount of rain. The mean annual rainfall for the area is 30 - 50 mm, mostly falling in spring, but several years can pass without any rain at all. The mid-twentieth century has seen above average rainfall, including the three springs of the study period (1976 was particularly wet). After good rainfall the desert is covered in grasses and other ephemeral plants but following several years of drought the desert can be completely devoid of all plant life over large areas. The acacia Acacia spp. is the only native tree of any consequence (although tamarisk Tamarix spp., eucalyptus Eucalyptus spp. and date palm Epifolia dactylatra commonly occur in cultivated areas) and occurs in wadis and on the gravel plains wherever its roots can reach a subterranean source of water throughout the year. (The bedouin say that even the acacia trees die off after a prolonged period of drought.) Permanent surface water occurs at Al Kharg and the nearby Ain Hit well (which possess fish) _ and a least four waterholes/seepages at the base of the Tawayq escarpment. Artesian wells sunk in the last decade or so provide artificial irrigation to large areas and extensive vegetable gardens, date groves and even cereal fields now exist around Riyadh. The wells also secure water for the large herds of sheep and goats of the bedouin. Apart from Riyadh, with an estimated population of over 500,000 (Bindagji, 1978), the main towns are Diriyah, the old capital, just to the north, 71 Durma and nearvy Mazahimiyah 60 km west of Riyadh and the Al Kharg oasis (a group of villages) 80 km south of Riyadh. Average summer and winter temperatures are 32 - 34°C and 12 - 16°C respecitvely. The mean altitude of the area is approximately 1,000 m. OBSERVATIONS In this section I have listed the species that I feel reasonably sure currently breed in the area, although in some cases | did not obtain positive confirmation of breeding and for two species: Barn Ow! Tyto alba and Black Bush Robin Cercotrichas podobe, | have no records at all in the area and I rely on the reports of others. In later paragraphs I discuss the breeding of several other species and some likely future colonists. For each species I give notes of the frequency with which it occurs, the preferred habitat and, where relevant, information on breeding elsewhere in Arabia. It should be borne in mind that for many of the species discussed, separate, often much larger, populations pass through the area on migration. Where appropriate I have added comments on migratory populations or races. The frequency with which each species occurs should be interpreted as follows:- Very common:.......: Easily found on each visit to suitable habitat. Comnionie 243 Oe: Usually found on each visit to suitable habitat. Uncommon .......:.. Found only after a search in suitable habitat. Rarer ars 22 Se yee Seen very infrequently. The list follows the sequence and nomenclature of Voous (1973,1977). SYSTEMATIC LIST Neophron percnopterus Egyptian Vulture Uncommon resident. Usually frequents cliffs and the Tuwayq escarpment, but travels far into the desert and to suburban rubbish dumps in search of food. Juveniles were seen in July and August. A nest with one egg was found in late March south of the study area. The nest was in a crevice ona rocky hillside and was constructed of skin, rags, paper and other debris. Gyps fulvus Griffon Vulture Rare resident. One small, loose, breeding colony (10 pairs), centered on the highest precipice of the Tuwayg escarpment (relative height to surrounding plain 188 m). Brooding birds were present in March and April. Rarely seen away from the colony and presumably disperses far into the desert in search of food. More common in vicinity of Riyadh in winter when numbers thought to be swelled be immigrants. Buteo rufinus Long-legged Buzzard Common resident. Frequents rocky outcrops and the escarpment, but only found infrequently in the open desert. Seen food-carrying in April. A group of five in August was thought to be comprised of two adults and three juveniles. A nest with eggs has recently been found near Abqaiq in the Eastern Province in March (D. M. Hodges pers. comm.). Falco tinnunculus Kestrel Uncommon resident. Nests on cliffs and presumably on old buildings as elsewhere in Arabia. Pairs were calling and chasing each other around nest sites from February. Young birds were seen out of the nest in late May and early June. Numbers are supplemented during the migration periods and by winter visitors. 72 Falco pelegrinoides Barbary Falcon Common resident. Frequents the Tuwayq escarpment and precipices; occasionally found around tall buildings. Rarely in open desert, but outside the breeding season often visits areas of open water, especially to hunt waders. Nest sites are precipices that defy inspection, but apparently the same site is used year after year. Courtship chase flights, with screeching calls sometimes culminating in copulation, were seen from early March. Three occupied nest sites were each 10 km apart. I have recorded no contact between this and the last species. Presumably the Barbary Falcon is the dominant species as it certainly occupies the highest precipices, which are presumably the safest nesting sites. (See also notes on Lanner F. biarmicus below.) Ammoperdix heyi Sand Partridge Common resident: in rocky deserts and wadis. The earliest ‘day old’ chicks were seen on 24 April and the latest on 3 June. The largest brood seen together was 13. Gallinula chloropus Moorhen Common resident at the Riyadh airport sewage lagoon. An opportunistic breeder which will take advantage of any suitable wet habitat with cover but will depart completely from an area if the habitat dries out. The earliest ‘day old’ chicks were seen on 5 April and the latest on 1 July. The largest clutch seen was 11. Numbers increase in winter. Cursorius cursor Cream-coloured Courser Rare resident in sandy gravel desert areas. This species is probably dependent on the state of the vegetation and appears not to be present each year. Two flying young (they were apparently too young to have flown any great distance) were seen with their parents on 5 June. Breeding has recently been noted in the Eastern Province (G. K. Brown pers. comm.). Columba livia Rock Dove Common resident on the Tuwaygq escarpment. Courtship commonly noted in March. An adult was flushed off newly hatched young in mid-June. Many pairs nest in close proximity, especially in caves. Collects in groups of up to 300 outside the breeding season. Streptopelia decaocto Collared Dove Common resident in tree-lined wadis near villages and gardens. Display flight most frequently seen in March and April. Almost certainly breeds but no nests found. Meinertzhagen (1954) said that this dove was not resident in ‘Arabia proper’, but at the time he was writing the species had not completed its colonisation of western Europe. Collared Doves have been present at Riyadh at least since 1946 (P. A. D. Hollom pers. comm.). Streptopelia turtur Turtle Dove : ‘Rare breeding summer visitor. Only known form one small area of scrub where birds, thought to be of the race S. ¢t. arenicola, were present all summer. Coo-ing was commonly heard in June and July, and two nests (empty), identical to nests of this species, were found in August. A common migrant species, especially in spring. Oena capensis Namaqua Dove (or Long-tailed Dove) Status not yet ascertained, but probably resident. Frequents acacia scrub, gardens and cultivated areas where there is water available. Not recorded in central Arabia until I discovered them in March 1975 at Al Kharg. Has probably moved into the area from south-west Arabia recently, taking advantage of the suitable habitat provided by vast increases in agriculture and cultivation in the last decade or so. Two juvenile birds were trapped in August 1976. A report of a nest with _ eggs in the lower branches of a palm tree in spring 1978 has been passed to me (R. Phillips pers. comm.). 73 Tyto alba Barn Owl This species was not seen by me despite searches in suitable habitats. However since my departure from Riyadh it has been seen by R. Phillips (pers. comm.) near Riyadh. It is probably resident in smali numbers. Athene noctua Little Owl Uncommon resident at isolated rock outcrops in the desert east of Riyadh. Attempted copulation noted in February. Appears not to be present on the escarpment, possibly because of dominance by the next species. Strix butleri Hume’s Tawny Owl Uncommon resident in the rocky wadis and cliffs of the Tuwayq escarpment. Not recorded from central Arabia until I trapped a juvenile (still with some down feathers), in mid-July 1975. Hooting was noted most frequently in March and April (for a description of the call see Jennings, 1980). The only nest sites that are available to it in the areas that it is found are rock crevices and caves. Apus pallidus Pallid Swift Common summer visitor. One cliff colony of c. 200 pairs located at Ain Hit, but there are likely to be others. Birds returned to scream around the colony in early March. Courtship flights and birds entering nest crevices were commonly seen at the end of March. Incubation was thought to be in April when there was relative quiet at the colony, but in early May there was more frantic activity when young were being fed. By the end of May and the beginning of June the colony had become almost deserted. Birds disperse from the vicinity of the colony as soon as breeding is completed. Merops orientalis Little Green Bee-eater Common in acacia scrub and wadis. Chattering song heard frequently in February and established pairs were common in March. Fledged young were seen in June. Recorded in all months, but it is likely that some depart for the winter. Upupa epops Hoopoe Rare summer visitor to acacia and tamarisk wadis, especially near villages. A pair seen in an area of ancient tamarisk trees in May were almost certainly breeding. A report from a non- ornithological friend of a pair feeding juveniles on a north Riyadh lawn in early June could have been no other species. (As there were no trees in this area nesting presumably took place in a building.). A common migrant, with peak numbers in August and September, groups of up to 20 being seen together. Small numbers apparently winter in the area but it is not known if these birds include the breeding population or not. Eremopterix nigriceps Black-crowned Finch Lark Common summer visitor to sandy and gravel deserts where there are dry grasses. Does not occur in the same areas each year and seems to be extremely nomadic, moving to suitable habitat. Observed singing March to June. Adults seen feeding a chick out of the nest in early May. Flocks form after the breeding season in July and August. Absent from the study area late October to early March. Eremalauda dunni Dunn’s Lark Common in open sandy desert where there is a sparse covering of grasses or low scrub. Less conservative in habitat choice than the next species, it also frequents gravel deserts and open areas where there are acacia bushes and trees. Pairs form and singing is common in March and April. 74 Almost certainly breeds but no nests found. Probably nomadic in search of suitable habitat. Outside the breeding season forms into small loose flocks of a dozen or so (max. 20). Individuals or small groups sometimes flock with other species. Ammomanes cincturus Bar-tailed Desert Lark Very common in open sandy desert where there are low grasses and scrub. Avoids rocks but found occasionally in gravel desert. Commonly singing in March and April. Almost certainly breeds but no nests found. Outside the breeding season occurs in flocks of up to 20, often associating with other larks, especially Dunn’s Lark, which it outnumbers about ten to one. Like the previous two species it is nomadic. Ammomanes deserti Desert Lark Very common resident wherever there are rocks, including rocky desert. Found in sandy desert only in the vicinity of rocks. Adults seen collecting food for young as early as 22 March, but recently fledged young being fed by adults as late as 24 June. Very sedentary, resulting in populations varying in colouration and even size within only a few km. Does not flock, but forms small loose feeding groups in autumn and winter. Can occur in large numbers at water in summer. Alaemon alaudipes Hoopoe Lark (or Bifasciated Lark) Common resident in open sandy desert where there is low vegetation and grass tussocks. Solitary, but four or five breeding pairs can occur per km? in optimum conditions. Commonly singing and displaying from March, the song being delivered from a prominent clump of vegetation and the finale given during a brief vertical flight displaying the black and white wing patches, followed by a plummet to the ground. Nests in the top of a clump of vegetation. Full grown juveniles seen from early June. Calandrella refescens Lesser Short-toed Lark Breeds in small numbers when conditions are favourable, which is not every year. Probably nomadic. A nest was found on 23 April, which contained two eggs and three newly hatched young and was in an area where early in March several pairs were seen singing, displaying and defending territories. The nest was on the ground partly covered by vegetation (there was much ephemeral vegetation all around as a rain pool covered the site earlier) and was constructed of grasses. It was unlined and there were no stones beside the nest. Flocks form outside the breeding season sometimes joining other species such as Dunn’s Lark and Bar-tailed Desert Lark. Immigrant flocks occur in winter. Galerida cristata Crested Lark Very common in cultivated areas near villages. Found in the desert only in those places where there is a thick covering of vegetation. A nest with five eggs was found on 23 April. Small parties of a dozen or so frequently form in autumn and winter. Numbers are increased in winter by a more boldly streaked form. Eremophila bilopha Temminck’s Horned Lark Rare. One nest found. Adults feeding two newly hatched young on 6 April 1977 (the young left the nest on 22 April). The nest was deeply cupped and mud lined with a few pieces of rag and wool -embedded in the mud. The nest was half covered by a tuft of grass, the opening facing north. Small pebbles formed an entrance lip, but these may have occurred naturally by coincidence. The hest was situated in an area of stony desert with some tufts of grass and heaps of domestic rubbish from the nearby airport. Small groups visit the area in winter but usually depart by March. Ptyonoprogne fuligula African Rock Martin or Pale Crag Martin Resident and breeds commonly throughout the area, especially in the rocky wadis of the Tuwayq escarpment. Often seen hunting insects around tall buildings in Riyadh. Pairs form and prospect for nest sites in February. The cup-shaped mud nest is usually built in March under a rock overhang but nowadays commonly under concrete bridges. After the breeding season small groups and sometimes large flocks form. The largest flocks, up to 300, are seen in December and January. Winter flocks move around to collectively exploit concentrations of food, as for example at sewage lagoons and reservoirs, and as a result it is sometimes difficult to find them on some winter days. It is likely that there is some immigration into the area in mid-winter as there are more birds to be seen in the months of December and January than from September to November. (The Crag Martin P. rupestris occurs in the area only as a passage migrant, mainly in spring.). Pycnonotus xanthopygos _Yellow-vented Bulbul (or Black-capped Bulbul) A very common resident in central Arabia. Typically a bird of the scrub and acacia of rocky wadis, it is equally at home in date gardens and plantations, and is occasionally seen in the centre of Riyadh where it probably breeds. (N.B. The White-cheeked Bulbul P. leucogenys is a common birds of the gardens and plantations of the Eastern Province but does not venture into the surrounding desert and has never been recorded in central Arabia. The Yellow-vented Bulbul does not occur in the Eastern Province.). Cercotrichas galactotes Rufous Bush Chat Common breeding summer visitor to the oasis of Al Kharg. Also probably bred near Mazahimiyah in 1978 (J. Silsby pers. comm.) and no doubt breeds occasionally in gardens near Riyadh. The nest is in vegetation a metre or two above the ground. Also quite common on migration. Cercotrichas podobe Black Bush Robin Resident in gardens and cultivated areas where there is thick cover. First recorded in central Arabia in 1973 by Hutchison (1975) and has since increased in numbers (A. J. Stagg, R. Phillips & J. Silsby pers. comm.). Habitat changes brought about by increased irrigation and cultivation in central Arabia in the last two decades may have allowed this species to colonise the area. Cercomela melanura Blackstart Common resident in rocky deserts and wadis where there are acacia trees and bushes. The breeding season commences in early February with aerial chase flights, the birds continually calling to each other. The nest is in a rock crevice, a half metre or so out of stent Fledged young are usually seen by the last week in April. Oenanthe monacha Hooded Wheatear Rare resident. Its typical habitat is cliffs, from the lip at the top down the cliff side and the scree slope at the bottom. (Its butterfly-like flight seems to be an adaptation to this often vertical existence and its habit of feeding on airborne insects.). The song, heard most often in April, is a sweet medley of whistles, warbles and thrush-like notes, given from a prominent perch and also during a fluttering song flight. No nests were found but the nest site would probably be in a crevice on the cliff side. One female trapped in May had a well developed incubation patch and I have seen fledged young with adults, as a family group, in September. The next species is dominant over the Hooded Wheatear and where they occur together, for example in wadi bottoms, below cliffs and at waterholes, it displaces it from perches and often gives chase. 76 Oenanthe leucopyga White-crowned Black Wheatear Common resident on gravel plains and rocky wadi bottoms where there are bushes and scrub, but can also be found beside villages and in the most desolate of deserts. The song, which is a discordant thrush-like warble, is usually given from a perch preceding, but occasionally during, its ‘display flight. The typical display flight is a glide from a prominent point to another perch, the wings being held stiffly open, sometimes quivering, and the tail spread. On alighting a posture is adopted for a few seconds in which the head and wings are drooped, the tail spread and the back puffed up. In those areas where there are no prominent perches from which to commence a display, such as in the open desert, the bird will first of all fly up to a suitable height and then parachute down. The one nest found was half a metre inside a rock crevice. Scotocerca inquieta Scrub Warbler Common resident. Usually found in the low scrub of wadi bottoms and on scree slopes, rarely in the open desert or away from acacia. Nests in a clump of vegetation or an acacia bush. The nest is typically one metre from the ground and constructed of grasses and plant down; it is deeply cupped and usually domed. I have seen fledglings as early as 10 March in the hills near Taif in the Hejaz. Hippolais pallida Olivaceous Warbler Rare summer visitor to gardens and plantations, probably breeding occasionally. This species breeds in the Eastern Province (G. K. Brown pers. comm.) and on Bahrain (Gallagher & Rogers, 1977). Acommon migrant species. Turdoides squamiceps Brown (or Arabian) Babbler Uncommon resident in deserts and wadis where there are acacia bushes. Gregarious: seen in groups of up to 11. Pairs form to nest in April and May. Recently fledged young, still being fed by parents, were seen on 8 June. Summer and autumn groups are probably comprised of parents and young. The species is quite rare during the period November to January and it may be that some leave the study area in winter. Lanius excubitor Great Grey Shrike A common resident wherever there are acacia trees and bushes. Prefers the more open localities, but also found in confined narrow wadis. A rather scruffy nest of twigs, grasses, feathers, paper, etc., is built in an acacia tree two or three metres above ground level. The earliest eggs were found on 12 March (four eggs). A common migrant, the winter population probably includes immigrants, but no proof was obtained for this view. The ecology of the Great Grey Shrike in Arabia appears to be closely related to the acacia, as its distribution generally follows the distribution of that tree. The absence of the acacia from the Eastern Province, and from much of _the desert between the escarpment and the Hejaz mountains, is likely to be’ the explanation for the absence of the Great Grey Shrike from these regions. (This relationship with acacia also generally applies to Little Green Bee-eater, Blackstart, Scrub Warbler and Arabian Babbler.). Corvus ruficollis Brown-necked Raven Common resident along the Tuwayq escarpment, in wadis and the open desert; can also be seen over Riyadh and is attracted to rubbish dumps. Is sometimes found far into the desert without a rock or bush on which to perch within 50 km. The nest is sited in a tree, on a cliff-face or amongst rocks, but in the poorer desert regions a clump of vegetation only a metre or so high will be used. (In the Eastern Province they build their nests on oil well markers, which are empty oil drums placed on top of 10 m high poles.). Nest building commences in January. One nest had four eggs and one young on 25 March; another nest with eggs was being incubated on 8 April; I have, however, seen stick carrying as late as 5 April. Usually in pairs or small groups, but during June to Tal. September local concentrations form — typically near water. At the reservoir on the outskirts of Riyadh up to 500 collect together at this time. (Late summer flocks have been noted in several other places in the Gulf and southern Arabia, F. E. Warr pers. comm.). These concentrations are difficult to explain as the species does not collect together at other times and is not known to be migratory. The answer may be that they are moulting and the extra physiological requirements put on them by their condition makes it advantageous for them to keep to those areas where there is a plentiful supply of food and water. (I have noted from ringing activities at waterholes that desert birds are much more attracted to water during their moult than at other times.). Corvus rhipidurus Fan-tailed Raven Common resident along the cliffs and wadis of the Tuwayq escarpment; does not stray far from these areas. It is never found in the flat open desert or over Riyadh town and is not such a rubbish dump bird as the previous species (although in the Hejaz it commonly scavenges around rubbish areas, often right next to the thoroughfare). From January to April pairs are often seen soaring almost out of sight and then plummeting back to the cliffs, engaging in chase flights and calling to each other. (They have a high pitched call unlike the croak of the previous species.). I have seen stick carrying in mid-February and young being fed in the nest at the end of April. In late summer they collect into flocks with the previous species (outnumbered about 20:1), without any observed interspecific aggression. I had no records during the months September to December, and very few in January, so the species presumably disperses southwards during these months. Passer domesticus House Sparrow Very common in all villages and towns. Nests colonially in bushes and on buildings. Colonies were occupied from February; the latest that recently fledged young were trapped was at the end of June. Rare in the desert in summer, but once a single pair bred in a rock crevice over a permanent water hole on the Tuwayg escarpment. In winter flocks of up to 200 can be found in the desert, roosting in acacia bushes. Bucanetes githagineus Trumpeter Finch Common resident in rocky wadis and on the Tuwayq escarpment. The song is often heard in February and March and resembles the noise a fishing reel makes when it is wound out fast. The so-called ‘trumpet’ note is a contact note. Adults seen carrying nesting material on 9 April, but the earliest fledged young were not seen until 30 May (a relatively late breeding season). Usually in pairs or small groups and especially common at waterholes on the escarpment. Flocks of up to 100 form in the winter when they roam far away from their typical habitat in search of food. — Emberiza striolata House Bunting Very common resident in rocky wadis and on the Tuwayq escarpment. Usually found in small loose groups of up to ten together, feeding amongst the grasses of the wadi floor. Pairs form and singing most apparent in February. A female was nest building on 4 March, carrying dead grasses up to a ledge on a precipice 20 m above ground level. (There was no sign of a male helping, but several were singing nearby.). The earliest fledged young were seen on 30 April and the latest, just out of the nest, were trapped on 27 June. RECENTLY EXTINCT BREEDING SPECIES The Ostrich Struthio camelus was reported as widespread in the deserts of the Arabian peninsula up until the early twentieth century (Meinertzhagen, 1954). The introduction since then of more effective firearms amongst the Bedouin would appear to have caused the extinction of the species in Arabia. The same fate no doubt came to the Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata, which has previously been recorded breeding between Riyadh and Hufuf (Ticehurst & Cheeseman, 1925). Houbaras had the added disadvantage of being the classic prey species of falconers. In central and eastern Arabia the Houbara is now very rare as a winter visitor. 78 ADDITIONAL SPECIES THAT MAY CONCEIVABLY BREED AND POSSIBLE FUTURE BREEDING SPECIES Both Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus and Black Vulture Aegypius monachus are very rare in central Arabia, but I have recorded both in the breeding season just outside the area covered in this paper. It is just possible that these two, generally tree nesting, species could breed somewhere near the Tuwayq escarpment. I did not see the Lanner Falco biarmicus at all in the area, but Hutchison (1975) recorded one at Riyadh on 23 September 1973. The Lanner does occur at isolated granite outcrops 250 km to the south and west of Riyadh and at one site a bird was flushed off a cliff nest in late March and was presumably incubating. This species may breed in the Eastern Province near Abqaiq (D. M. Hodges pers. comm.). The Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius would not be expected to breed in central Arabia, but in view of its apparent ability to breed whenever conditions are right, I think it is worthwhile to record that in April 1977 I found a pair on a gravel bank beside a sewage stream just south of Riyadh. Their faithfulness to one spot and agitation at distrubance was unusual for this normally migratory species and was more reminiscent of early breeding season behaviour. Breeding has been suspected in theEastern Province (G. K. Brown pers. comm.) and proved on the Batinah coast of Oman (Stanford, 1973). In central Arabia Sandgrouse are noted for their extreme rarity. I have seen Crowned Sandgrouse Pterocles coronatus at Layla (natural mineral lakes 300 km south of Riyadh) in the breeding season and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse P. a/chata, near Riyadh in the breeding season, but sightings are so few that no conclusions as to status can be drawn. The occurence of the Ring-necked Parrakeet Psittacula krameri in central Arabia is mysterious. I saw very few, and only in 1975, but they appear to have been more common previously (Hutchison, 1975) and more were seen again in late 1977 and 1978 and after I had left Riyadh (R. Fox and R. Phillips pers. comm.). These Parrakeets breed on Bahrain (Gallagher & Rogers, 1978). The Eagle Owl Bubo bubo breeds in a small area of the Eastern Province near Hufuf (Ticehurst & Cheeseman, 1925) and has recently bred near Abqaiq (G. K. Brown pers. comm.). (Probably the same locality is involved for both these records.). I did not see this species but there is one reliable sight record from near Riyadh (D. Chapman pers. comm.). Hutchison (1975) records a juvenile Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata at Riyadh in June. Interpretation of this record is difficult, except that it could possibly have been an adult or juvenile of the very similiar, but smaller, Gambage Dusky Flycatcher M. gambagae that had wandered from its Hejaz breeding range. The Pale Rock Sparrow Petronia brachydactyla can some years be found singing commonly in spring and may be present until June, but they usually depart before the breeding season gets under way and I have no evidence of breeding. ; The recent range extensions, probably due to habitat changes, of Namaqua Dove and Black Bush Robin in central Arabia are mentioned above. Other new breeding species will doubtless follow from the Hejaz region. (Species peculiar to the south-east of Arabia are not expected as the Rub al Khali seems a more effective barrier to the spread of landbirds from that region than the central desert is a barrier for Hejaz birds.). It is far more likely however that wetland species will - shortly colonise the area as large expanses of surface water are a comparatively recent habitat addition to central Arabia. The several wetland areas that now exist are all the product of industrial, agricultural and domestic expansion since about the middle 1950’s. Perhaps the most common water feature, and ornithologicaily the most important, are the various sewage lagoons, streams and treatment works. In the rocky desert around Riyadh sewage does not readily soak away and can run for many km as a nutrient rich stream, forming lakes wherever a depression in _the ground occurs. Other water habitats occur where wadis are dammed to form irrigation reservoirs (there are several near Riyadh) and agricultural artesian well projects get out of control and cause flooding. Once these wetlands are established with peripheral vegetation then I predict that they will be a great attraction to species that have not yet nested in the area, merely because no suitable habitat has been available. One of the first species to colonise the area will be the Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis, which presently breeds commonly in the Eastern Province (at Dharan, Abqaiq and Hufuf) and at Layla. The Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus also breeds in the extensive reedbeds at Hufuf, and, 79 once reedbeds are established in the series of sewage lagoons south of Riyadh, the species can be expected to breed there. The Water Rail Rallus aquaticus almost certainly breeds at Hufuf (G. K. Brown pers. comm.) and can therefore be considered a potential breeding species for central Arabia. It should be noted however that this species has not yet been recorded at all in the area. The Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus has bred or attempted to breed in several places in Arabia; it is a well known opportunistic breeder and it seems to be only a question of time before it breeds near Riyadh. A pair of Avocets Recurvirostra avocetta have been recorded in late March at a suitable breeding area near Riyadh (R. Fox pers. comm.) and this occurence is mentioned as the species once attempted to breed at Abqaiq in the Eastern Province (G. K. Brown pers. comm.). Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon and Graceful Warbler Prinia gracilis both breed at Hufuf and, although the populations appear to be sedentary, if they did manage to get to theRiyadh area they would find suitable habitat. It is surprising that the Graceful Warbler is not aiready found in the gardens and oasis of central Arabia as the species occurs commonly throughout the Eastern Province, at Buraydah (300 km north west of Riyadh) and in the Hejaz. (I have not seen any published reference to the isolated Buraydah population, which is interesting on account of the birds being much paler than all the other races that I have seen in the Middle East. Perhaps it constitutes an as yet undescribed form.). COMMENTS ON PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED LITERATURE Perhaps because central Arabia has until now been difficult to enter and the climate and terrain always inhospitable, little has been published on the avifauna of the area. For want of more accurate information generalisations as to breeding ranges have often been necessary in the literature. Meinertzhagen (1954) is still the only standard work on the Arabian Peninsula and, as all later authors have had to rely on his work to a greater or lesser extent, errors have unfortunately been repeated. Some corrections have already been commented on in the paragraphs above but the following species need, I think, additional comment. On the generalised world distribution map of Voous (1960) the Black Kite Milvus migrans is suggested as a breeding bird throughout Arabia. It does not presently breed in central Arabia or the Eastern Province and is only a rather uncommon migrant in these regions. Meinertzhagen (1954) credits Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus as resident near Riyadh, whereas I have only records of it as an uncommon migrant in central Arabia. WVoous (1960) on his distribution map for the Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola has a question mack (?), indicating possible breeding in central Arabia. To my knowledge this species occurs in the area as a passage migrant only and does not remain to breed. Hutchison (1975) gives sight records of the Arabian Warbler Sylvia leucomelaena at Riyadh without any suggestion of breeding. The species is resident in western and south-western Arabia, but its occurence in central Arabia needs to be verified, especially as confusion is possible with the very similar Orphean Warbler S. hortensis which migrates through Arabia. (I have had experience of both species in the field and in the hand, but in central Arabia I only ever caught the migratory Orphean Warbler. It is worth noting that the dark iris of the Arabian Warbler and the white iris of the Orphean, whilst allowing the majority to be identified in the field, is not an absolutely diagnostic field mark as some Orphean Warblers do have darker irises.). Meinertzhagen (1954) suggests that the Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens may breed in east-central Arabia. I have no evidence to suggest that this species is anything other than a winter visitor and migrant to central Arabia and the Eastern Province. (N.B. The race that occurs in central Arabia is not the same as the race that breeds in the Hejaz and Asir highlands.) ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I am extremely grateful to Mrs. F. E. Warr for many comments and suggestions for improvements in regard to earlier drafts of this paper and for help and assistance in many other ways. Many thanks are also due to M. D. Gallagher and T. D. Rogers for constructive criticisms of the first draft. I am also indebted to those friends mentioned in the text who have gladly made available their ornithological records to me, without which the value of this paper would have been 80 = — lt considerably reduced. Special thanks are due in this respect to R. Phillips, R. Fox and G. K. Brown, the last for unpublished information concerning birds breeding in the Eastern Province. REFERENCES BINDAGJI, H. H. 1978. Atlas of Saudi Arabia. Oxford. GALLAGHER, M. D. & ROGERS T. D. 1978. On the breeding birds of Bahrain. Bonn. zool. Beitr. 29:5-17 HUTCHISON; M. D. 1975. Systematic list of birds observed near Riyadh. J Saudi Arabian Nat. Hist. Soc. 14:12-30. JENNINGS, M. C. 1980. Some notes on the birds of Western Saudi Arabia. J. Saudi Arabian Nat. Hist. Soc. 26: 14-19. MEINERTZHAGEN, R. 1954. Birds of Arabia. Edinburgh. STANFORD, W. 1973. A note of the birds of Oman and the Trucial States 1954 - 1968. Army Bird-Watching Society, Periodic Publication No. 1. TICEHURST, C. B. & CHEESEMAN, R. E. 1925. The birds of Jabrin, Jafura and Hasa in central and eastern Arabia, and of Bahrain Island, Persian Gulf. bis (12(1):1-31 and map). VOOUS, K. H. 1960. Atlas of European Birds. Edinburgh. VOOUS, K. H. 1973, 1977. List of Recent Holarctic Bird Species. /bis 115:612-638, 119:223-250, 376-406. SUMMARY Following two years of study 42 species are listed as breeding or probably breeding in central Saudi Arabia, within 100 km of Riyadh. Two species have recently become extinct as breeding birds and the possibility of breeding in the area of a further 22 species is discussed. M. C. 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