SANDGROUSE
Volume 26 (1) : 2004
ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE MIDDLE EAST,
CAUCASUS AND CENTRAL ASIA
=
ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE MIDDLE EAST,
CAUCASUS AND CENTRAL ASIA
OSME
OSME was founded in 1978
as the successor to the
Ornithological Society of
Turkey. Its primary aims are:
@ To collect, collate, and
publish data on all aspects
of the birds of the
Middle East.
# To promote an interest
in ornithology and bird
conservation throughout the
Middle East.
& To develop productive
working relationships
with other governmental
and non-governmental
organisations with an
interest in conservation
and/or natural history
in the region.
Sunbird
Corporate
Sponsor
MEMBERSHIP
OSME is open to all,
and its membership
spans over 40 countries.
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP
Individual
£15 (UK address)
£20 (Europe)
£20 (Surface mail outside Europe)
£25 (Airmail outside Europe)
Institutions
£30 (Add £5 for Airmail)
Write to the Membership
Secretary at the address below
for a membership form detailing
methods of payment and also
rates for Family, Supporting and
Life membership. For any other
information on the Society,
write to the Secretary at
the same address.
Publications
OSME publishes a scientific journal, Sandgrouse, containing
papers, news and features on all aspects of Middle Eastern
ornithology. Published twice yearly, it is issued free to
members. Further copies are available for sale from OSME.
Meetings: —2- ee
An Annual General Meeting is held in London at which guest
speakers provide new perspectives on ornithology in the
region. There are also occasional special meetings, some taking
place outside the UK.
Projects | 2 Ee ee Eee
OSME organises field expeditions to collect data on birds in
little-known parts of the region and in areas where OSME can
assist by teaming up with local groups.
The Conservation & Research Committee grants funds to
valuable field projects and desk studies which further
knowledge and conservation of birds in the region. Grants
have been awarded to over 45 projects since the Conservation
& Research Fund was set up in 1982.
MEBirdNet Email Discussion Group = —___"__
This is an e-mail mailing list (moderated by OSME) that
discusses birds and birdwatching in the Middle East, Caucasus
and Central Asia. Subjects include research, conservation, bird
news, recent records, identification, requests for information
and exchange of information. To join the mailing list, send an
empty e-mail to: MEBirdNet-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
VICE PRESIDENTS:
Imad Atrash
Sherif Baha El Din
B. Behrouzi-Rad
Dr Ghassan & Mrs Mona
Ramadan-Jaradi
COUNCIL AS AT APRIL 2004:
Dawn Balmer
Vice Chair, Publicity & Displays
John Bartley - secretary@osme.org
Secretary
Pat Bartley
Keith Betton - chairman@osme.org
Chairman
Chris Bradshaw - c&r@osme.org
Conservation & Research
(co-opted)
Ray Daniel
Librarian
Andrew Grieve
Advertising & Website
Dr Saeed Mohamed
Dr Omar Al-Saghier
Dr Yossi Leshem
Chris Harbard
Rod Martins
Turkey Bird Report (co-opted)
Tony Morris - fundraiser@osme.org
Fundraising
David Murdoch
Mark Thomas
(co-opted)
Effie Warr - sales@osme.org
Sales & Distribution (co-opted)
John Warr - membership@osme.org
Treasurer & Membership
_ © 2004 Ornithological Society of the Middle
East, Caucasus and Central Asia
ISSN 0260-4736 Registered charity no 282938
c/o THE LODGE, SANDY, BEDFORDSHIRE SG19 2DL, UK
OSME WEs sITE - http://www.osme.org
SANDGROUSE
Volume 26 (1)
Editors
Guy M. Kirwan & Michael Blair
Features Editor
Situation Vacant
Assistant Editor
Dawn Balmer
Editorial Committee
Paul Goriup,
Mike Jennings,
Rodney Martins,
Peter L. Meininger
& Dr Stephen Newton
Photographic Editor
Paul Doherty
Design & Production
Harry |. Scott
Identification Consultants
C. G. Bradshaw,
Arnoud B. van den Berg
& Steve Madge
Cover Photograph:
Sand Partridge Ammoperdix
heyi taken by Paul Doherty in
Israel in October.
Contents
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Tis)
OSME News
NEWS AND INFORMATION
REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION
Breeding bird atlas of the Ponor Mountains, western Bulgaria
S. C. NIKOLOV AND V. P. VASSILEV
Bubiyan Island: a rich Kuwait avifauna E. RAMADAN,
K. AL-NASRALLAH AND G. GREGORY
PHotoSpot - Black Lark A. ROWLANDS
Significant bird notes from Lebanon during 2002-03 G. RAMADAN-
JARADI, T. BARA, M. ALMECIJA AND M. RAMADAN-JARADI
Breeding birds in central Arabia 1978-2003 M. C. JENNINGS
Four new bird species in Yemen from Socotra _ 5S. J. ASPINALL,
R. F. PORTER AND O. AL-SAGHIER
Another Swinhoe’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma monorhis at Eilat
B. GRANIT AND J. P. SMITH
The first Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis in Israel B. GRANIT AND
J. P. SMITH
Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata: a new breeding species
for Turkey G. AND H. WELCH
Ornithological observations in eastern Yemen, February—March 2002
C. TOURENQ, M. LAWRENCE, M. SALEH, J. BINOMRAN AND M. AL-KHOBANI
Range extensions and new information for some Iranian birds
A. KHALEGHIZADEH AND M. E. SEHHATI
A Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis (undulata) macqueenti caught in
Belgium and released in Saudi Arabia J. JUDAS AND C. VELTER
Breeding Striated Heron Butorides striatus in Israel Y. PERLMAN
The first Franklin’s Gull Larus pipixcan in Israel and the Middle East
J. P. SMITH
The first Upcher’s Warbler Hippolais languida in Cyprus A. CORSO
Gourmet corvids of the Bosphorus Dr A. KILIC
REVIEWS & RECENT LITERATURE
AROUND THE REGION DAWN BALMER AND KEITH BETTON
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2-3 2004
OSME
2004 AGM DATE AND VENUE
The 2004 OSME Summer Meeting will be held
on Saturday 10 July in central London. Once
again it will be held at the head office of the
Association of British Travel Agents, 68-71
Newman Street, London W1T 3AH. A full
programme will be distributed in May.
HELP OSME TO RECLAIM TAX WITH
GIFT AID
The Gift Aid scheme was introduced to UK-
tax-paying OSME members last year. This
enables the Society to reclaim 28% of the
value of a membership subscription in taxes
from the UK government. It costs the member
nothing more than a signature on a simple
form declaring that UK tax has been paid and
authorising OMSE to reclaim it. There are
approximately 450 UK-based members who
are eligible to sign a Gift Aid Declaration and
already some 25% have done so. Declaration
forms are readily available, if required, and
declarations may also be made by telephone
by calling the Treasurer, John Warr, on 01442
822108 or by e-mail to AJWarr@aol.com.
OSME HONOURS PHIL HOLLOM
Phil Hollom has been a prime-mover in
raising the profile of Middle Eastern
ornithology for much of his life. The Field
Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe which
he co-produced with Roger Tory Peterson and
Guy Mountfort in 1954 was a significant
milestone. In 1988 he was the major force
behind Birds of the Middle East and North Africa
and since then interest in the region’s birdlife
has grown rapidly. In addition to his skills as
an author, Phil was at the forefront of OSME’s
=
early development and he has served both as
a Council member and Vice President. As
OSME passed the milestone of its 25th
birthday Phil clocked up his 91st year! Your
Council decided that it was appropriate to
recognise Phil’s contribution, and we sent him
a small gift which, at his request, was a copy
of the field guide that Richard Porter
coordinated and succeeded Phil’s book. Phil’s
own copy has been missing somewhere for
months so he was delighted to receive a
replacement. Phil has asked to pass on his
best wishes to his many friends in the region.
OSME WELCOMES AVIFAUNA AND
WILDSOUNDS AS CORPORATE
SPONSORS
OSME is delighted to welcome two new
Corporate Sponsors. Top Swedish birding
tour operator Avifauna has been organising
birding tours for a number: of years. In recent
_years the company has organised tours to a
number of countries in the OSME region,
including Iran, Oman and Turkey. To obtain
details of Avifauna’s 2004 tours call (+46) 485-
44440 or visit their website: www.avifauna.se.
WildSounds is a leading international
supplier of bird and wildlife sound guides on
CD and cassette. Their extensive catalogue
also includes gentle atmosphere recordings,
videos, CD-ROMs and field recording
equipment. They have also successfully
launched a comprehensive natural history
mail-order book shop. To obtain details of
WildSounds’ range of goods call (+44) 1263
741100 or. visit / their website:
www.wildsounds.co.uk. Money from
Avifauna and WildSounds’ sponsorship will
be channelled into conservation projects in
the Middle East and Central Asia.
COULD YOU BE OSME’S NEXT
TREASURER?
In accordance with the Society’s constitution,
we are looking for a volunteer to succeed John
Warr as OSME Treasurer im July Une
accounts are not particularly complicated but
it is important that they are kept up to date
and in good order by someone familiar with
basic accounting. Apart from giving a verbal
report at the AGM, the Treasurer usually
attends four Council Meetings in London
(although personal appearance at every
OSME News
meeting is not a requirement). Anyone who
might be able to help OSME in this way is
invited to contact the current Treasurer, John
Warr, for an informal discussion on what the
job entails, on 01442 822108 or e-mail
AJWarr@aol.com.
COULD YOU BE OSME’S NEW
LIBRARIAN?
OSME has a significant collection of bird
books and journals covering all areas of the
Middle East and Central Asia. This collection
has been thoroughly classified and archived,
and we are looking for someone who is
prepared to care for this collection, logging
new publications and liaising with requests
for loans and information. There is no need to
attend meetings but you will need a spare
room with shelving to store the collection. It is
important that you are contactable via e-mail
so that requests can be dealt with promptly. If
you are in a position to help please contact
Keith Betton on 01252 724068 or e-mail
chairman@osme.org.
OSME SUPPORTS FIELD WORK IN
SYRIA, OMAN, ISRAEL AND
PALESTINE
During January and February 2004 OSME
assisted three groups of birdwatchers to visit
the Euphrates River valley in search of
waterbirds. The groups were brought
together by David Murdoch. Each group was
accompanied by a Syrian naturalist / guide.
Further details will be presented in Sandgrouse
eats
The aim of this section is to inform readers about
events in the OSME region. It relies on members
and others supplying relevant news and
information. If you have anything concerning birds,
conservation or development in the OSME area
please send it to News and Information, OSME, c/o
The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL, U. K.
This section is not intended as a definitive report or
write-up of the projects concerned. Many of the
Dawn Balmer & Guy M. Kirwan
INFORMATION
compiled by Dawn Balmer & Guy M. Kirwan
26 (2). In particular, we thank Avifauna for
their contribution towards the cost of vehicle
hire. OSME has also supported winter field
work at Barr al Hickman in Oman. The project
has re-surveyed an Important Bird Area last
fully surveyed in 1990. The team specifically
looked for further evidence of the presence of
Slender-billed Curlew. In addition, this was
used as an initial trip to establish longer term
research and monitoring both in the Barr al
Hickman area and at other potentially
interesting areas of the Oman coast. The
future work will be a collaborative project
between the current members and Omani
nationals and institutions. Finally, OSME has
contributed to the cost of research into the
distribution of the Striated Scops Owl Otus
brucei im Israel and Ealestine being
coordinated by Susannah Lerman.
BRITISH BIRDWATCHING FAIR
20-22 AUGUST
Once again OSME will be exhibiting at the
British Birdwatching Fair at Rutland Water,
UK, on 20-22 August 2004. There are several
ways members can assist. We would welcome
any items for the tombola (books, CDs and
other birding items). These can be brought to
our AGM on 10 July. We also welcome any
assistance on the stand during the fair. Please
make any offers to Tony Morris on 01304
851943 or e-mail tonymorris@easynet.co.uk.
Keith Betton, OSME Chairman
projects are sponsored; such support is appreciated
but is not generally given acknowledgement here.
GENERAL
Second Bald Ibis newsletter We have recently
received the second issue of the electronic
newsletter (dated May 2003) of the
International Advisory Group for Northern
Bald Ibis Geronticus eremita (see Sandgrouse 24:
3). Updates for the wild Moroccan and semi-
3
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 3-6 2004
wild Birecik (Turkey) populations of the species
are provided, along with the details of the work
in central Syria concerning the recently
relocated population found there. There is also
news of recent captive-breeding and release
efforts, recent publications on the species, and a
variety of other news, including a 2002 visit to
the last-known colony site in Algeria, where
birds were most recently definitely sighted in
1986 or 1987 (although three birds were
reported 100 km further south in 1996), and the
possibility, once the political situation
improves, of searching for the species in
Somalia, from where there is an unconfirmed
report of a colony in the early 1990s. The only
confirmed report from Somalia was in 1920, but
the recent rediscovery of Bald Ibis in Syria
proves that other such, apparently surprising,
possibilities cannot be eliminated. The
newsletter, which is issued in PDF format, is
available on request from Chris Bowden, e-
mail: chris.bowden@rspb.org.uk. (Source: Chris
Bowden.)
Saker Symposium Details of this symposium,
held on 23 September 2003 in Abu Dhabi, can
now be found at www.erwda.gov.ae.
Colin Harrison Dr Colin Harrison, OSME
member since the Society’s inception, died
recently. He was the author of An atlas of the
birds of the Western Palearctic and A field guide
to the nests, eggs and nestlings of British and
European birds, and co-author of Birds of the
Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.
KAZAKHSTAN
The Kazakhstan Ornithological Bulletin 2002
is a most welcome new ornithological
publication. Edited by Oleg Beliov and
Victoria Kovshar, it brings together all recent
status changes and notable records of rare
and interesting species. The only drawback
for most OSME members will be that it is
entirely in Russian, but it is possible to scan —
small sections of the text with a Russian-
reading computer progamme, such as ABBYY
FineReader, and then translate these at one of
the following internet sites: www.
translate.ru/text.asp?lang=en; www.t-mail.
com/t-text.shtml; or babelfish.altavista.com /
babelfish/tr. There are 154 pages covering
important records from expeditions, surveys,
trip reports and casual observations made by
professional ornithologists in Kazakhstan and
=
also by many visiting birdwatchers and
groups. Extensive information and full details
are presented for 105 species including
Siberian White Crane Grus leucogeranus,
Ibisbill Ibidorhyncha struthersii, Relict Gull
Larus relictus, Yellow-eyed Stock Dove
Columba eversmanni, Pander’s Ground Jay
Podoces pander1, and the vittata form of Pied
Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka, amongst many
other rare and globally threatened species.
This is a major development in ornithological
recording in Central Asia and is a superb
publication. It deserves wider recognition and
acknowledgement for its editors. Further
information and details concerning purchase
can be obtained from Victoria Kovshar, e-mail
vitkovshar@nursat.kz. (Source: Andrew
Grieve in litt. August 2003.)
KUWAIT
New website A new internet site for the Bird
~Monitoring and Protection Team in Kuwait
has been developed and can be found at
www.bmapt.com.
TURKEY
Flamingo ringing Two hundred Greater
Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber chicks were
colour ringed in Turkey in August 2003.
More than 60 people participated in the field
work in the Gediz Delta (near Izmir), one of
the two main breeding colonies in Turkey.
This was part of a project being undertaken
by Doga Dernegi (Nature Society), Erciyes
University and Tour du Valat, which aims to
improve our understanding of the flamingo
population through a transnational study in
the Mediterranean basin, and to identify
priority breeding and wintering sites, their
habitat characteristics and anthropogenic
threats. Turkey has one of the largest
flamingo population in the Mediterranean.
Approximately 15,000 pairs breed in Turkey,
although numbers fluctuate annually. More
than 30,000 flamingos regularly winter in
the country.
Colour ringing of flamingos has been carried
out since the 1970s in France (Camargue), and
the 1980s in Spain and Italy, to understand
the species’ population dynamics. The
resighting data have demonstrated that
flamingos, especially young birds, move great
distances around the Mediterranean. French
+
Dawn Balmer & Guy M. Kirwan
flamingos are often observed in Spain,
Morocco, Tunisia, Sardinia and even Turkey.
However, data on the movements of
flamingos within and between the eastern
-Mediterranean and Caspian basin are yet
unknown. Hopefully, the colour-ringed
flamingos from Turkey will help address
these questions. If you see a colour-ringed
flamingo in the Mediterranean, please contact
Hour du Valat , (e-mail: germain@
tourduvalat.org) or Doga Dernegi (e-mail:
ozge@kustr.org). (Source: J. Tavares in litt.
September 2003.)
New Caucasian Black
Grouse project The
Royal Society for the
Protection of Birds
(BirdLife partner in the /
UK), Dosa Dernegi and BirdLife
International are commencing an exciting
new project that aims to map the Caucasian
Black Grouse Tetrao mloksiweiczi populations
and habitat throughout its range in Turkey.
The species is one of the few Data Deficient
birds in Europe; almost nothing is known
concerning its abundance and distribution,
and therefore its conservation status and
threats. It is endemic to the Caucasus,
occurring in Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia,
Iran, Georgia and Turkey.
The new project aims to improve our
knowledge of the species in Turkey by
producing a computer model to predict its
distribution and population size in the country.
These data will then be used to assess the
effectiveness of the current protected areas
network for the species and its habitat,
- recommending new protected areas or
boundary changes. where appropriate, and
developing a demonstration management plan
for the ‘best’ site. An ecotourism project
focused on the species will also be developed
in the region. All of this work will be brought
together for the production of a National
Species Action Plan, which, it is hoped, the
Turkish government will support. The research
side of the project will focus on collecting bird
and habitat data from known sites, then
analysing this information in GIS together with
appropriate physical data, to produce a
predicted distribution model. Predicted sites
will be visited to determine whether the
species is present, more data collected and the
News & Information
model refined to provide more accurate
assessments of distribution and population.
The project will significantly contribute to the
long-term conservation of the species in the
country, and will develop methodologies and
processes that can be used in other range states.
Funding for the two-year project was obtained
from BTC, as part of their Environmental
Investment Programme in Turkey. (Source: J.
Tavares in litt. February 2004.)
YEMEN
The Socotra Archipelago was named as the
first UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve in
Yemen in July 2003. This worldwide network
of reserves covers examples of the major
ecological regions and human-use systems of
the earth.
ihe programme 2for. Sustammable
Development and Biodiversity Conservation
for the People of Socotra Islands’ has been
signed by UNDP and key stakeholders, and
the programme will continue to support the
people of Socotra through conservation and
sustainable use of the islands’ special
biodiversity and natural resources over the
next five years. Plans include the implemen-
tation of the Zoning Plan, management of
protected areas and support for the local
economy through ecotourism and sustainable
fisheries. Further details can be found at
www.socotraisland.org. (Source: World
Birdwatch 25:(3))
Yemeni student heads Socotra conservation
programme Nadim Taleb, who recently
obtained his M.Sc. in Applied Ecology and
Conservation at UK’s University of East
Anglia (UEA), has now returned to his native
Yemen to take the lead role in managing the
Socotra conservation programme. The new
position, funded by UNDP, will see Nadim
act as the National Site Coordinator of the
Socotra Conservation and Development
Programme (SCDP). He will be responsible
for implementing the entire project’s aims and
objectives. Nadim has been involved with the
Socotra biodiversity project since 1998
undertaking a variety of tasks, chiefly the
implementation of biodiversity surveys for
the island’s Zoning Plan. He also received
training from BirdLife International in bird
identification and census techniques, during
Dawn Balmer & Guy M. Kirwan
5
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 6 2004
the Darwin Initiative programme of
1999-2001. It was as a result of this that he
gained a place at UEA. In his new role he will
be responsible for the supervision of all
national and international project staff and
consultants in Socotra, and for providing
formal and informal training to national staff,
in particular providing support and advice to
the heads of sections (terrestrial, marine,
environmental awareness and education,
protected areas and ecotourism) in the
development and implementation of annual
work plans, progress and technical reports.
He will also assist the local team in the
development and production of specific
awareness and education materials for distri-
bution at local and national levels. (Source:
Richard Porter in litt. December 2003).
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
New address for ENHG Note that the
Emirates Natural History Group address is
now c/o P. O. Box 45553, Abu Dhabi, United
Arab Emirates (changed from P. O. Box 2380).
(Source: Simon Aspinall in litt. January 2004.)
RED KITE IN THE CAUCASUS
Alexander Abuladze is reviewing the status
of Red Kite Milvus milvus in the Caucasus,
including historical records. Sightings or any
other information are requested from the
following areas: the Caucasian part of the
Russian Federation, the Transcaucasian states
of Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, north-_
east Turkey and north Iran. Please send
details to Alexander Abuladze, Chairman of
the Bird Conservation Union of Georgia,
Georgian Academy of Science, Chavchavadze
pr. 31, Tbilisi 380070, Georgia; e-mail
lesser7kestrel@yahoo.com.
~
WING-TAGGED IMPERIAL EAGLES
For the past two years young Imperial Eagles
Aquila heliaca have been wing-tagged in
northern Kazakhstan. Last winter one of the
marked birds was observed at a dump in
Oman. The wing tags are a variety of colours
and each has a unique letter-number
combination painted on the tag, which should
be visible regardless of the bird’s posture. A
smaller number of Steppe Eagles A. nipalensis
have also been marked in each year with a
similar-style tag. If you see a marked bird,
please contact either Todd Katzner (e-mail:
tkatzner@imperial.ac.uk) or Evgeny Bragin
(naurzum@mail.kz), and inform them of the
details, particularly the date, location, time of
day, species, tag colour, tag letter and tag
number. If you can age the bird by its plumage,
this information would also be useful.
~WING-TAGGED BLACK VULTURES
IN ARMENIA
In 2002, through sponsorship by BirdLife
International, members of the Armenian
Society for the Protection of Birds launched a
one-year project entitled the Black Vulture
Aegypius monachus Conservation Project in
Armenia. Research found that Black Vulture
breeding grounds in Armenia have contracted
and that only a small breeding population
survives in the State Khosrov Preserve (only
seven of the known 17 nests were occupied
and only six juveniles fledged). During 2003,
monitoring of these nest sites continued
through funding from Hawk Mountain
panctuary. local residents feceived
information concerning the project and were
made aware of the value of the research. By
the end of the 2003 breeding season three
Black Vultures were wing-tagged. The tags
are blue with white letters and a pale blue pin,
and are coded: AR (for Armenia), XI (for
Khosrov preserve, and I, II etc. are the
numbers). To report sightings please contact
Mamikon Ghasabian, Chairman, Armenian
Society for the Protection of Birds (ASPB),
Gareein Njdeh 27/2, 10, Yerevan 375026,
Armenia. Tel: (3741) 35 25 71, e-mail:
armbirds@yahoo.com, or mghasabian@
yahoo.com.
Dawn Balmer & Guy M. Kirwan
Breeding bird atlas of the Ponor Mountains, western Bulgaria
Breeding bird atlas of the Ponor Mountains,
western Bulgaria
STOYAN CHAVDAROV NIKOLOV AND VASSIL PETROV VASSILEV
During the breeding seasons of 2000-2002, 115 species were observed in the
Ponor Mountains, north of Sofia. Distribution maps based on 2 x 2 km grid
squares are presented for each. Breeding was confirmed for 71 species, 24
probably bred and 20 possibly did so. The maximum number of bird species
recorded in any square was 48 and the minimum just five. Squares holding
11-30 species comprised over 60% of the total. During the study nine species
previously unrecorded in the area were located (Booted Eagle Hieraaetus
pennatus, Moorhen Gallinula chloropus, Tengmalm’s Owl Aegolius funereus,
Pallid Swift Apus pallidus, European Bee-eater Merops apiaster, Tawny Pipit
Anthus campestris, Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina, Nutcracker Nucifraga
caryocatactes and Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra), but eight (White
Stork Ciconia ciconia, Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius, Collared Dove
Streptopelia decaocto, Crested Lark Galerida cristata, Black-eared Wheatear
Oenanthe hispanica, Olivaceous Hippolais pallida and Garden Warblers Sylvia
borin, and Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor) may have been lost since the most
recent work (Stoyanov 2001). Five species are apparently in decline (Imperial
Eagle Aquila heliaca, Saker Falcon Falco cherrug, Rock Dove Columba livia,
Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus and Ortolan Bunting Emberiza
hortulana), and two (Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus and Red-rumped
Swallow Hirundo daurica) are increasing in numbers and range.
HE PONOR MOUNTAINS are situated 60 km north of the Bulgarian capital Sofia
but have been comparatively poorly studied by ornithologists. Although
fragmentary data for the area exist (Reiser 1894, Harrison 1933, Patev 1950, Simeonov
1967, Donchev 1970, Baumgart et al. 1973, Fisher et al. 1975, Simeonov & Michev 1980,
Michev & Petrov 1985, Simeonov & Michev 1985, Stoyanov & Kocev 1985, Michev et
al. 1986, Baumgart 1987, Michev et al. 1989, Delov 1995, Petrov et al. 1996, Milchev &
Georgiev 1998), there is only one (recent) work describing the general avifauna of the
mountains (Stoyanov 2001), and no detailed research into breeding bird distributions
has been undertaken. Such a survey would serve as a baseline for future comparisons
of the avifauna at local level, broaden our knowledge of the general distribution of
birds in Bulgaria, and also contribute to the conservation of several rare species.
STUDY AREA
Ponor forms part of the Western Balkan
Mountains, and is abutted to the north by
Mount Koznica, to the west by Mount
Berkovska, to the south by Mount Mala
and to the east by Mount Sofiyska (Fig. 1).
The western boundary of the region is
further demarcated by the Ginska River in
the west, the Iskrecka River to the south
and the Iskar River to the east. The study
areas comprises a total of 272 km7?, and the
highest parts are in the north-west and the
lowest in the south-east (Fig. 2).
ROMANIA
ra AmMM
/ .
& Ponor Mountain
BULGARIA
rMmn Aorrw
TURKEY
rm ZOOMAPS
GREECE
Figure 1. Location of Ponor Mountain, in western Bulgaria.
Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassilev 7
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 7-22 2004
Elevation (m) a
Wm 280—s00 ¥
Be 600-800
fe 800-1000 2
|_| 1000~—1200
[| 1200-1400,
[| 1400-1600
a
Vegetation cover types:
WB Norway Spruce forests
Norway Spruce-dominant forests
===} Scots and Austrian Pine plantations
== Beech-dominant forests
AA Oak-dominant forests
Mixed forests
-. Meadows up to 1100 m elevation
:.:} Meadows above 1100 m elevation
Border
J
CC. edi ees rdee ap
Figure 3. Map showing vegetation cover in the Ponor Mountains.
Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassilev
Breeding bird atlas of the Ponor Mountains, western Bulgaria
Streams
Rivers
Houses
Villages
Towns
Border
ee L | ’ ,
enn See oi
|
LJ FN8S6 poe
{ } a
T t |
Figure 4. Map of settlements and rivers in the Ponor Mountains.
Following Vulev (1997), Ponor has a moderate continental climate, with warm
summers (mean 23°C) and cold winters (mean —2°C), and maximum rainfall in spring
and early summer (900 mm in May and June). Snow cover varies according to
elevation (below 1000 metres there is usually less than 80 days with cover and it
reaches depths of only 20 cm, but at 1000-1600 metres snow lies for 80-120 days and is
20-180 cm deep.
Vegetation comprises 548 plant species in 301 genera and 77 families (Jordanova
1999). The major communities are dominated by tree species such as oak, hornbeam
and beech. The oak belt occurs up to 600 metres, with an oak—hornbeam zone at
600-1000 metres, and above this beech with mountain meadows (see Figs. 3-4).
METHODS
Mapping breeding distributions is one of the best methods for determining the variety
of bird species in a given region, their occurrence, conservation status, and targets for
future conservation action (Sharrock 1976, Yeatman 1976, Bibby et al. 1992). In
Bulgaria, local breeding bird atlases are available only for the Strandja Mountains
(Milchev 1994), Vratza Mountains (Georgiev & Milchev 2000) and part of the Elenski
Balkan Mountains (Spasov 2002).
The Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) grid with 10 x 10 km squares (Lerer &
Delchev 1978) was applied to 1:25,000 military topographic maps. Eight such squares
are found in the study area (one complete and the others partial). Each 10 x 10 km
square was divided into 25 2 x 2 km squares. Breeding distributions were mapped for
each of the 50 complete and 37 partial squares (Fig. 5). The survey was made during
the breeding seasons of 2000-2002, for a total of 67 days. Each square was visited 1-9
times, depending on habitat diversity (Fig. 6). Bird identifications were made by aural
and visual contacts, and by using information provided by G. Stoyanov and D.
Domuschiev, and some local people.
Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassilev g
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
fees eel +p eae — = ‘ a = 3
ia See GS a bt
e1-2 @34 x, 6 a 7-9
Figure 5. UTM grid of the Ponor Mountains. Figure 6. Number of visits to each square.
Breeding evidence codes follow Sharrock (1976), Yeatman (1976) and Milchev (1994).
Possible. 01 = adult in suitable nesting habitat during the breeding season; 02 =
singing male.
@ Probable. 03 = pair; 04 = bird holding territory; 05 = courtship display; 06 =
adult visiting probable nest; 07 = anxious adults; 08 = bird observed incubating; 09:=
nest-building.
@® Confirmed. 10 = distraction display; 11 = used nest, e. g. broken eggshells,
droppings, food remains, etc.; 12 = fledged young; 13 = occupied nest, contents
unknown; 14 = adult carrying fecal sac or food; 15 = nest with eggs found; 16 = = nest
with chicks found.
Precise breeding localities for some globally threatened or otherwise rare species are
not indicated on the maps. In these cases, the breeding evidence symbols are placed
centrally and the UTM grid omitted. Michev & Petrov (1985), Milchev (1994) and
Georgiev & Milchev (2000) followed similar methodology.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
During the breeding seasons of 2000-2002, 115 species were observed in the study
area, for which distribution maps are presented for all. Breeding was confirmed for 71
species, considered probable for 24 and possible for 20. The maximum number of bird
species in one square was 48, and the minimum five. Squares with 11-30 species
comprise over 60% of the total (Fig. 7). Highest breeding bird diversity was around
the villages of Breze and Dobravica, and in the valley of the Zimevishka River.
Table 1. Percentages and numbers of squares recorded in different squares.
Number of species Number of squares
5-10 : 8
11-20 Se 34
21-30 24
31-40 = 42
41-48 ; 9
Total. 87
Species not previously recorded in the Ponor region observed during the present
study were: Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus, Moorhen Gallinula chloropus,
Tengmalm’s Owl Aegolius funereus, Pallid Swift Apus pallidus, European Bee-eater
Merops apiaster, Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris, Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina,
Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes and Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra. Moorhen,
European Bee-eater, Nutcracker and Common Crossbill were all confirmed to breed.
10 Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassilev
Breeding bird atlas of the Ponor Mountains, western Bulgaria
- S-—10 breeding bird species
11-20 breeding bird species
e 21-30 breeding bird species
31—40 breeding bird species
@® 41-48 breeding bird species
bec de a. b c de a bec
Figure 7. Number of breeding bird species in each square.
According to Stoyanov (2001), prior to 1981 121 species nested in the region, but in
1981-2001 he found only 114. Egyptian Neophron percnopterus and Griffon Vultures
Gyps fulvus, Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes, Hazel Grouse Bonasa bonasia,
Woodcock Scolopax rusticola and Stock Dove Columba oenas had disappeared in the
interim. Of the 114 mentioned by Stoyanov (2001), eight were not observed during my
study: White Stork Ciconia ciconia, Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius, Collared
Dove Streptopelia decaocto, Crested Lark Galerida cristata, Black-eared Wheatear
Oenanthe hispanica, Olivaceous Hippolais pallida and Garden Warblers Sylvia borin, and
Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor. White Stork and Collared Dove have almost certainly
disappeared, but the others may still be present in very small numbers, as e.g. Crested
Lark and Black-eared Wheatear were observed in 1996 (G. Stoyanov in litt.), and
Garden Warbler in 1998 (L. Profirov in litt.).
Given the previous lack of detailed breeding-bird distribution data for the study area
it is impossible to compare former and current populations. However, past data
suggest that five have declined: Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca, Saker Falcon Falco
cherrug, Rock Dove Columba livia, Alpine Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus and Ortolan
Bunting Emberiza hortulana. In 1890, Reiser (1894) found two nests of Imperial Eagle in
the study area and, in 1965-67, Donchev (1970) also found two. Petrov et al. (1996) did
not find any evidence of the species breeding in 1980-1993, but Stoyanov (2001) found
some evidence in 1981-2001. Two nesting localities of Saker Falcon were formerly
known (Baumgart 1987, Michev & Petrov 1985). During this study Imperial Eagle and
Saker Falcon were not confirmed to breed, but classified as probable and possible. In
some years, it is possible that just one pair of each breeds in the study area. As
European Susliks Spermophilus citellus are widespread and comparatively common,
the reason for decreasing numbers of Saker Falcon, is probably poaching, and for
Imperial Eagle competition for nest sites and food with Long-legged Buzzard Buteo
rufinus and Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos. Prior to 1960 Rock Doves bred in natural
cliff sites in the region (Simeonov 1967, Stoyanov & Kocev 1985), but in 2000-2002 it
was found only in settlements. Six nesting sites of Alpine Chough were known to
Stoyanov (2001), but we found just one. Reiser (1894) considered Ortolan Bunting to
be common in Ponor, but it is now rather scarce.
Species that are obviously expanding are just two: Long-legged Buzzard and Red-
rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica. Prior to 1984, few nesting localities for either
Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassilev el
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
species in the study region were known (Simeonov & Michev 1980, Michev et al. 1984).
Both are now widespread and occupy a range of habitats. We noted six nests of Long-
legged Buzzard, three on cliffs and the others in trees. Red-rumped Swallow masts
rocky areas as well as most settlements.
Other interesting discoveries included the first Bulgarian population of Tengmalm’s
Owl in beech forest, and one of the few below 1000 metres elevation (Nikolov 2003).
Based on Kouzmanov et al. (1996), our discovery of a Golden Eagle nest, just 7 m
above ground, is the lowest to date in Bulgaria. All the nests of Common Redstart we
found were in settlements, but in neighbouring Vrachanski Balkan this species is
restricted to beech forests (Milchev & Georgiev 1998).
DISTRIBUTION MAPS
1. Black Stork 2. Honey Buzzard 3. Short-toed Eagle
Ciconia nigra Pernis apivorus eteacts gailicus
i a et tee ae EP a SE Se Ee ee. g
Sp cTae abc die wb en!” Spe ad et a bela ele Eb Go Supine ener lai enn Cmae eREEIEN EC
No. of 2-km squares No. of 2-km squares No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence: with breeding evidence: with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =0 Possible = 0 Confirmed =2 Possible = 0 Confirmed = 0 Possible = 0
Probable = 1. Total= 1 (1.1%) Probable = 1. Total = 3 (3.4%) Probable = 2. Total = 2 (2.3%)
4. Goshawk 5. Sparrowhawk 6. Common Buzzard
Accipiter CORE Accipiter 1 nisus- Buteo buteo
i—
se ate Lee ie ae fa : Easy 5 Seman ae a =e ee x cae
No. of 2-km squares No. of 2-km squares No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence: with breeding evidence: with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 2 Possible = 0 Confirmed =2 Possible = 7 Confirmed = 5 Possible = 2
Probable = 1. Total = 3 (3.4%) Probable = 1. Total=10(11.5%) Probable = 5. Total = 12 (13.8%)
7. Long-legged Buzzard 8. Imperial Eagle 9. Golden Eagle
poe ES eine pelece Age ce eal
1 \ !
iho q- a
3- 3- rH
ry 7) = | 1
2- 2- =
v Te e¢ d@ se abed ¢ a b ce Nemes doe sal banC ntl el ath ac 2h c dove a bee ode la obs ¢
No. of 2-km squares No. of 2-km squares No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence: with breeding evidence: with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =6 Possible = 0 Confirmed =0 Possible = 0 Confirmed = 2 Possible = 0
Probable = 2. Total = 8 (9.2%) Probable = 1. Totali=1) (li: 1\7o) Probable = 0. Total = 2 (2.3%)
WV Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassilev
Breeding bird atlas of the Ponor Mountains, western Bulgaria
9. Booted Eagle
Hieraaetus pennatus-
= SSS EEE SE RE CNR Ra MARIN grommet oo
)
q }
5 b c “d c roa = eee” c ab C
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 1
Probable = 0. Total = 1 (1.1%)
13. Saker Falcon
pace enereg
bc de a a5 c de a be
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 1
Probable = 0. Total = 1 (1.1%)
16. Grey Partridge
perk perdix
fh me fF SS Fe Lit
= A :
No. of 2-km squares
-with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 0
Probable = 1. Total = 1 (1.1%)
19. Moorhen
Gallinula eHoropus’
EP
28
i
pod
H
Wome ee
Bees j d
bo fe ah 6 de ab
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 0
Probable = 0. Total = 1 (1.1%)
11. Kestrel
Falco tinnunculus
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 4 Possible = 2
Probable = 4. Total = 10 (11.5%)
14. Peregrine
Bic peregnnes |
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 0
Probable = 1. Total = 2 (2.3%)
17. Quail
Coturnix ey
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 14
Probable = 14. Total = 29 (33.3%)
20. Rock Dove
Columba livia
{
i
LA owt RS OW
;
i
\
\
\
\
\
N
\
{
Amt ‘ eae |
{
3 feel +
fh §
) \ \
a th os
\ \
\ \
y y
i
5 ates eu [oneal im Sater N i
“hb oe od eo ob oe a 8 he Ub
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 0
Probable = 1. Total = 2 (2.3%)
12. Hobby
neO subbuteo . .
ar. ees
t
i
Boy] ;
a ae San enn eens aeerene, See nee
" ‘ec de
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 0
Probable = Total = 1 (1.1%)
15. Rock Partridge
Alectoris gece
eee ee
boc dea be de ai be
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 0
Probable = 2. Total = 3 (3.4%)
18. Corncrake
Crex ¢ crex
i
eee een ae -
t ‘ nae
{ é
ae | i
4 t $
oe Soe
§ y
f |
“ob “C ¥ os . a 5 . “dd i. © a ay: Cc
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 12
Probable = 3. Total = 15 (17.2%)
21. Woodpigeon
Columba pads
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 17
Probable = 6. Total = 23 (26.4%)
Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassilev
13
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
22. Turtle Dove
sienionela turtur
4g
{=
pe we = ed ee ae
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 3
Probable = 0. Total = 3 (3.4%)
25. Eagie Owl
Bubo bubo
imi eee
tA et Of
7
1
ee ee eee) See
a
eae ee
ee Se ere oe ccna ome esac
b c d e¢ a bi c d &@ a b Cc
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 3
Probable = 0. Total = 3 (3.4%)
.
5
5
5
Bf as fp Us
:
e
¢
28. Long-eared Owl
AST otus —
go et sas
a
Ar wt fk
fi P Es
tA ae OR OGD CE
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 3
5 (5.7%)
Probable = 1. Total =
31. Alpine Swift
pus 2 melba
49
th wee DD = iets)
b c “4 ie Red ee bc
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 2
Probable = 6. Total = 8 (9.2%)
23. Common Cuckoo
Cuculus canorus
4
24. Scops Owl
Otus SCOpS —
A oss f3 WW
bc de a bc d 6 a 6
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =0 Possible = 3
Probable = 0. Total = 3 (3.4%)
eg ea ib cd &
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 20
Probable = 22. Total = 42 (48.3%)
26. Little Owl
Athene noctua
27. Tawny Owl
Strix aluco
pp fos
bc de a ae ce Od e a b c
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 23
Probable = 3. Total = 26 (29.9%)
ae Se: a b “cd e a bc
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =1 Possible = 2
Probable = 0. Total = 3 (3.4%)
30. Nightjar
Caprimulgus europaeus
29. Tengmalm’s Owl
Aegolius funereus
tr owt OD
en es
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =0 Possible = 1
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =0 Possible = 2
Probable = 1. Total = 3 (3.4%) Probable = 0. Total =1 (1.1%)
32. Swift 33. Pallid Swift
Apus gets nite palius
4 4 +
|- i
5 5-
4- 4
|
; : ees ae! is ae ees a
° “bh ¢ @ 8 @ b ¢ @ © @ bee
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =O Possible = 0
Probable = 1. Total =1 (1.1%)
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =0 Possible = 2
Probable = 2. Total = 4 (4.6%)
14
Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassilev
Breeding bird atlas of the Ponor Mountains, western Bulgaria
34. Kingfisher
Alcedo atthis
S% ¢ de a bo cd ie a bc
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 1
Probable = 0. Total = 1 (1.1%)
37. Wryneck
Jynx torquilla’
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 11
Probable = 0. Total = 11 (12.6%)
40. Black Woodpecker
pe cconus martius
eee be
i
| eee One
ae eee eee
35. European Bee-eater
Merops cai
S.. e eeee |
4
ae ene: Snes nnn
ade
{
eh ee
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 0
Probable = 0. Total = 1 (1.1%)
38. Grey-headed Woodpecker
Picus canus
oh ees eee eee
i
oe ee
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 5
Probable = 0. Total = 5 (5.7%)
41. Great Spotted Woodpecker
Dendrocopos major
36. Hoopoe
pues: Shope
bc dt e¢ a b cs d © a@ b ¢
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 11
Probable = 0. Total = 11 (12.6%)
39. Green Woodpecker
Picus viridis
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 20
Probable = 4. Total = 24 (27.6%)
42. Syrian Woodpecker
Dendrocopos syriacus
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 6
Probable = 1 Total = 8 (9.2%)
43. Middle Spotted Woodpecker
pen ccopee medius
i
{
| \
i
ae |
3
; H
ee
No. of 2- km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 2 Possible = 3
Probable = 0. Total = 5 (5.7%)
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 11 Possible = 15
Probable = 0. Total = 26 (29.9%)
44. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker
eS oreyepes minor
No. of 2- km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 4
Probable = 1. Total = 6 (6.9%)
Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassilev
No. et 2. km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 5 Possible = 5
Probable = 5. Total = 15 (17.2%)
45. Woodlark
Lullula arborea
La
a
No. of 2- km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 20
Probable = 2. Total = 22 (25.3%)
15
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
46. Skylark
Alauda arvensis
47. Horned Lark
Eremophila alpestris
48. Crag Martin
Hirundo rupestris
A> Sas Sears Tae
mg
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 3 Possible = 9
Probable = 40. Total = 52 (59.8%)
49. Barn Swallow
Hirundo rustica
SSS
ar i H
4 { }
>- | i
x i {
} {
==
' | f 5
4- 4 } Eee d No
i; ‘ j i | '
z emo Les a
3 he
< H f
; 3 j {
3 & +
5 |
H
pd ps | Mae ra a
<p ae noe oem
my OE LS Da Ve! ero ces SE
— is en de ee aay abcd ei eb <
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =1 Possible = 6
Probable = 0. Total = 7 (8%)
50. Red-rumped Swallow
Hirundo daurica
aa
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =5 Possible = 9
Probable = 4. Total = 18 (20.7%)
51. House Martin
Delichon urbica
a = {he Sas t perme
ills epee Chae teers
Fa) c
d
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 14 Possible = 18
Probable = 13. Total = 45 (51.7%)
b
52. Tawny Pipit
Anthus campestris
4-7
Sais ter Rieter cal as ac? Fe? cee IB
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =4 Possible = 11
Probable = 21. Total = 36 (41.4%)
53. Tree Pipit
Anthus trivialis
Ebi id se fal bi ae: idl tera
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 0
Probable = 1. Total = 1 (1.1%)
55.Yellow Wagtail
Motacilla flava
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =2 Possible = 5
Probable = 36. Total = 43 (49.4%)
56. Grey Wagitail
SE SUEUR "eens Sener Geeeee Game cere
|
Pivde te ca nb ‘ d C ar cnc
f 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 1
Probable = 3. Total = 1 (4.4%)
Eis
No.
Motacilla cinerea
4-4
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 20 Possible = 9
Probable = 2. Total = 31 (35.6%)
54. Water Pipit
Anthus spinoletta
Spe al ea bee alt oe
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =0 Possible = 3
Probable = 0. Total = 3 (3.4%)
57. White Wagtail
Motacilla alba
acopece —-
4— =
} t
\
They fe 2) a
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 4 Possible = 15
Probable = 4. Total = 23 (26.4%)
16
Jb ek al ab ac Ki ae eB
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =17 Possible = 16
Probable = 3. Total = 36 (41.4%)
Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassilev
Breeding bird atlas of the Ponor Mountains, western Bulgaria
58. Dipper
oe
bocce
pias lees Seal Feel
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 2 Possible = 2
Probable = 1. Total = 5 (5.7%)
61. Robin
pects rubecula wet
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 10 Possible = 11
Probable = 43. Total = 64 (73.6%)
64. Common Redstart
FOC MIOULUS ppoeniowuse
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 4 Possible = 8
Probable = 6. Total = 18 (20.7%)
67. Northern Wheatear
Oenanihe palanne
4-
3
a
1
5
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 7 Possible = 6
Probable = 5. Total = 18 (20.7%)
59. Wren
ogioayies troglodytes ~ PEN Pane
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 8
Probable = 2. Total = 10 (11.5%)
62. Nightingale
Luscinia eke ae Se “
a Se eee
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 3 Possible = 23
Probable = 3. Total = 29 (33.3%)
65. Whinchat
Saxicola rubetra
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 9 Possible = 9
32 (36.8%)
Probable = 14. Total =
68. Rock Thrush
Montcet saxaiilis
$3 te &
i j j
{
S-
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 4
Probable = 0. Total = 5 (5.7%)
Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassilev
9 low. See pe tes! Rees Dae
60. Dunnock
ens modularis — ;
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =0 Possible = 0
Probable 1. Total = 1 (1.1%)
63. Black Redstart
Phoenicurus ochruros a
Fae Wiese Seams einen! Se
|
| \
“ b @ doe a bei dd ¢ a c
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 7 Possible = 20
Probable = 8. Total = 35 (40.2%)
66. European Stonechat
Saxicola rubicola-
;
re
io ene eae
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =O Possible = 1
Probable 0. Total = 1 (1.1%)
69. Ring Ouzel
Turdus torquatus
4,
Si Sires ieeee bee
i ;
j
a
i
No. of 2- ae squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 1
Probable = 0. Total = 1 (1.1%)
17
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
70. Blackbird
Turdus merula
4 ae
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 22 Possible = 17
Probable = 41. Total = 80 (92.0%)
73. icterine Warbler
Hip
71. Song Thrush
Turdus philomelos
pg ane
72. Mistle Thrush
Turdus viscivorus
5 a Areata
re
3 ,
f i H ;
}
} } t
H
H
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 7 Possible = 25
Probable = 3. Total = 35 (40.2%) |
74. Barred Warbler
Ate 1
polais icterina
ome Ih ow 2 UN ms 8
4 ‘ }
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 4
Probable = 0. Total = 4 (4.6%)
76. Common Whitethroat
Sylvia communis
=< “Se Guise [Nanna ONT (lees
|
5 b cena - a b c d e a |
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 3 Possible = 13
Probable 21. Total = 37 (42.5%)
79. Chiffchaff
Phylloscopus collybita
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 21
Probable = 1. Total = 23 (26.4%)
77. Blackcap
Sylvia atricapilla
Ue: |e SE pat =:
be es SSeS eee ao
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 2 Possible = 19
Probable = 4. Total = 25 (28.7%)
75. Lesser Whitethroat
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 2 Possible = 19
Probable = 1. Total = 22 (25.3%)
78. Wood Warbler
4A— aan
@ x
3
>
hs j
it
th we RY GO dh th
1 ;
i
57 cw ab cod © a wb
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 2 Possible = 11
Probable = 37. Total = 50 (57.5%)
80. Goldcrest
Regulus regulus
4 P=;
1 Pa, Koga ER Ps
to
+f
4
WW ba
A oe FD GD et
t 4
| {
v ee ae a ee c d < a Bee
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 16
Probable = 44. Total = 60 (69%)
Nw & BB th we
i
)
a te
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 1
Probable = 0. Total = 2 (2.3%)
18
Phylloscopus sibilatrix
4 A ——————
a Gacic means fe
3+ one a bc ad ema sb ee
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =O Possible = 1
Probable = 0. Total = 1 (1.1%)
81. Spotted Flycatcher
Muscicapa Striata
4A— oa < TR GRRE SEE
SI Se eon fe ae a
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =O Possible = 11
Probable = 1. Total = 12 (17.8%)
Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassileo
Breeding bird atlas of the Ponor Mountains
, western Bulgaria
82. Long-tailed Tit
Aegiinalos caudatus
3 os
Lo ee a ee 2 ee?)
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 5 Possible = 7
Probable = 4. Total = 16 (18.4%)
85. Willow Tit
Parus: montanus
ge : ame ea Caner alae
83. Marsh Tit
nee palustris
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 11 Possible = 17
Probable = 4. Total = 32 (36.8%)
86. Coal Tit
Parus ater
Sr eet DD
Ui =e DD wD a
b ¢
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 2 Possible = 2
Probable = 1. Total = 5 (5.7%)
88. Great Tit
Parus major
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 33 Possible = 23
Probable = 6. Total = 62 (71.3%)
91. Golden Oriole
Oriolus oriolus
ti ome =F
i
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 3
Probable = 4. Total = 8 (9.2%)
a LS hen cael eee a eee aE |
aq esa bc @d € @ bc
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 28
Probable = 1. Total = 30 (34.5%)
89. Nuthatch
Sitta popes
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 9 Possible = 30
Probable = 4. Total = 40 (49.4%)
92. Red-backed Shrike
Lanius collurio
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 16 Possible = 16
Probable = 32. Total =
q
i
‘i
i ; N | Rr i i
assets nerve — ee ee See Meer rete een erin —s
“bh ¢. doe a bc de aibe¢
64 (73.6%)
84. Sombre Tit
Parus aus.
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 7 Possible = 5
Probable = 4. Total = 16 (18.4%)
87. Blue Tit
Parus caeruleus
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 18 Possible = 16
Probable = 3. Total = 37 (42.5%)
90. Treecreeper
Certhia familiaris
. aa
b £ is
i !
Pa Gas
. ;
“ae
i
See ee
i Fy
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 2
Probable = 0. Total = 2 (2.3%)
93. Jay
ears glandarius
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 7 Possible = 13
Probable = 37. Total = 57 (65.5%)
Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassilev
19
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
94. Magpie
Pica pica
95. Nutcracker
Nucifraga caryocatactes
<r
96. Alpine Chough
fey OT graculus
1
SA
Pare eee
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 3 Possible = 2
Probable = 3. Total = 8 (9.2%)
97. Jackdaw
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 0
Probable =1. Total = 2 (2.3%)
98. Hooded Crow
Corvus monedula
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 0
Probable = 1. Total = 1 (1.1%)
100. Starling
Sanus vulgaris
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 12 Possible = 8
Probable = 6. Total = 26 (29.9%)
103. Chaffinch
alee coelebs
ab Se 7 rs a be dea ob e
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 0
Probable =0. Total = 1 (1.1%)
99. Raven
Comus corone
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =6 Possible = 1
Probable = 5. Total = 12 (17.8%)
101. House Sparrow
Passer domesticus
Corvus corax
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence: |
Confirmed = 3 Possible = 2
Probable = 4. Total = 9 (10.3%)
102. Tree Sparrow
Passer montanus
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =6 Possible = 13
Probable = 10. Total = 29 (33.3%)
104. Serin
Serinus serinus
44 a
saofcel in naa eo Poe
a
2
!
5
4-
ee = [ais
Pe | OY eS 0
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 7 Possible = 16
Probable = 9. Total = 32 (36.8%)
105. Greenfinch
Carduelis chloris
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 2 Possible = 16
Probable = 58. Total = 76 (87.4%)
20
ra tt) Ud
|
bc Bie AG ee Si. a ae
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed =0 Possible = 3
Probable = 2. Total =5 (5.7%)
ae
4—
3
4
I
|
ef
5
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 2 Possible = 19
Probable = 25. Total = 46 (52.9%)
Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassilev
106. Goldfinch
Carduelis carduelis —
;
a
2
oe ao
ob
5
&
,
»
ea
Ales!
bime. d
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 15
Probable = 12. Total = 28 (32.2%)
109. Bullfinch
ee eve
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 7
Probable = 3. Total = 10 (11.5%)
112. Cirl Bunting
pneetica Girls
se ee ee
tA oe bo Ge St
i
4
eee een cae
a a a
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 0 Possible = 4
Probable = 0. Total = 4 (4.6%)
115. Corn Bunting
ie clara
No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 2 Possible = 6
Probabie = 28. Total = 36 (41.4%)
Breeding bird atlas of the Ponor Mountains, western Bulgaria
107. Linnet 108. Common Crossbill
Carduelis cannabina Loxia curvirostra
tf ee
No. of 2-km squares No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence: with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 1 Possible = 9 Confirmed = 1 Possible = 0
Probable = 13. Total = 23 (26.4%) Probable =0. Total = 1 (1.1%)
110. Hawfinch 111. Yellowhammer
Coccothraustes coccothraustes — Emberiza citrinella
No. of 2-km squares No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence: with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 7 Possible = 9 Confirmed = 2 Possible = 13
Probable = 10. Total = 26 (29.9%) Probable = 43. Total = 58 (66.7%)
113. Rock Bunting 114. Ortolan Bunting
Emberiza cia Emberiza hortulana
bt eon ee
{ i
fi 1
3 j
; i
i \
ag H {
=" aC +
oo ee es
No. of 2-km squares No. of 2-km squares
with breeding evidence: with breeding evidence:
Confirmed = 3 Possible = 2 Confirmed =0 Possible = 1
Probable = 4. Total = 9 (10.3%) Probable = 0. Total = 1 (1.1%)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Our most cordial thanks go to Associate Prof. T. Michev and Dr B.
Milchev for their valuable advice and guidance during the
preparation of this work, and to D. Domuschiev and G. Stoyanov
for their data. The field trips made by SCN would have been much
less successful but for the help received from S. Spasov and his
wife, S. Nikolova.
Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassilev 21
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
REFERENCES
BAUMGART, W. (1987) [Observations of rare and protected birds in Bulgaria.] Orn. Inf. Bull. 21-22: 10-15. [In Bulgarian.]
BAUMGART, W., SIMEONOV, S., ZIMMERMANN, M., BUNSCHE, H., BAUMGART, P. AND KUHNAST, G. (1973) An
Horsten des Uhus (Bubo bubo) in Bulgarien. I. Der Uhu im Iskerdurchbruch (Westbalkan). Zool. Abh. 32: 203-247.
Bipsy, C., BURGESS, N. AND HILL, D. (1992) Bird census techniques. Academic Press, London.
BONDEY, I. (1991) [The vegetation of Bulgaria.] St Kliment Ochridski University Press, Sofia. [In Bulgarian. ]
DeELov, V. (1995) Investigations on the Corncrake (Crex crex) in the region of Sofia. Ann. Univ. Sofia St Kliment
Ochridski’ 88: 25-31.
DONCHEV, S. (1970) [The birds of western Stara Planina Mountains.] Bull. Inst. Zool. & Mus. 31: 45-93. [In Bulgarian. ]
FISCHER, W., ZENKER, D. AND BAUMGART, W. (1975) Ein Beitrag zum Bestand und zur Ernahrung des
Steinadlers (Aquila chrysaétos) auf der Balkanhalbinsel. Beitr. Vogelkd. 21: 275-287.
GEORGIEV, V. AND MILCHEV, B. (2000) Birds of the Vratza Mountains. II. Breeding bird atlas. Ann. Univ. Sofia
“St Kliment Ochridski’ 91: 83-109.
HARRISON, J. (1933) On the ornithology of Bulgaria. [bis 13: 494-521.
JORDANOVA, J. (1999) [Florogenetic analysis of local flora of Ponor Mountains.] Thesis. University of Sofia. [In Bulgarian.]
KOUZMANOV, G., STOYANOV, G. AND TopoROV, R. (1996) Sur la biologie et la protection de l’Aigle royal Aquila
chrysaetos en Bulgarie. Eagle Stud.: 505-516
LERER, A. AND DELCHEV, H. (1978) Contemporary methods for biogeographical mapping in Bulgaria. Acta Zool.
Bul. 10: 3-12.
MILCHEV, B. (1994) Breeding bird atlas of the Strandja Mountains, south-east Bulgaria. Sandgrouse 16: 2-27.
MILCHEV, B. AND GEORGIEV, V. (1998) Birds of the Vratza Mountains. I. Status and com of species.
Ann. Univ. Sofia “St Kliment Ochridskt’ 88-90: 75-88.
MicHEv, T. AND PETROV, T. (1985) [Distribution and number of the Saker Falcon, Falco cherrug Gray, 1834 in Bulgaria.]
Intern. Symp. ‘Protection of natural areas and the genetic fund they contain’. Bulgarian Acad. Sci., Sofia. [In Bulgarian.]
MicHEV, T., PETROV, T., PROFIROV, L. AND SPIRIDONOV, J. (1986) [Contribution to knowledge of the distribution
and numbers of Raven (Corvus corax (L.) in Bulgaria between 1950 and 1984.] Ecol. 19: 27-35. [In Bulgarian. ]
MICHEV, T., PETROV, T., PROFIROV, L., YANKOV, P. AND GAVRAILOV, S. (1989) [Distribution and conservation status of the
Golden Eagle Aguila chrysaetos chrysaetos (L.), 1758 in Bulgaria.] Bull. Mus. South Bulgaria 15: 79-87. [In Bulgarian.]
MIcHEV, T., VATEV, I., SIMEONOV, P. AND PROFIROV, L. (1984) [Distribution and nest biology of Long-legged
Buzzard Buteo rufinus (Cretzschmar, 1827) in Bulgaria.] Ecol. 13: 74-81. [In Bulgarian. ]
NIKOLOV, S. (2003) New locality in unusual habitat of Tengmalm’s Owl (Aegolius funereus) in Bulgaria. Buteo 13: 89-93.
NIKOLOV, B., HrisTov, I., SHURULINKOV, P., NIKOLOV, I., ROGEv, A., Ducov, A. AND STANCHEV, R. (2001) [New
data for some scantily studied forest owls (Strix uralensis, Glaucidium passerinum, Aegolius funereus) in Bulgaria.]
Forestry Sci. 1-2: 75-86. [In Bulgarian. ] |
PaTEV, P. (1950) [The birds of Bulgaria. Bulgarian Acad. Sci., Sofia. [In Bulgarian.]
PETROV, T., IANKOV, P., DARAKCHIEV, A., NIKOLOV, K., MICHEV, T., PROFIROV, L. AND MILCHEV, B. (1996) Status
of the Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca in Bulgaria in the period between 1890 and 1993. Bull. WWGBP 5: 429-434.
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frequency and abundance. Bull. Mus. South Bulgaria 12: 43-48.
REIZER, O. (1894) Materialien zu einer Ornis Balcanica. II. Bulgarien. Wien.
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SIMEONOYV, S. (1967) [The birds of Iskarski gorge.] Bull. Inst. Zool. & Mus. 23: 190-210. [In Bulgarian. ]
SIMEONOV, S. AND MICHEV, T. (1980) [Investigation of the distribution and numbers of Red-rumped Swallow
Hirundo daurica rufula (Temminck) in Bulgaria.] Ecol. 7: 84-93. [In Bulgarian. ]
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Bulgaria.] Ecol. 15: 60-65. [In Bulgarian. ]
SPASOV, S. (2002) The birds of the Elena hills and the Veselina river valley. Diploma. University of Sofia.
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STOYANOV, G. AND Koceyv, V. (1985) [Information concerning Alpine Chough (Pyrrchocorax graculus L.)
colonies in Ponor Mountains.] Orn. Inf. Bull. 17: 67-70. [In Bulgarian. ]
VULEV, S. (1997) Climatic regions: physical geography of Bulgaria. Bulgarian Acad. Sci., Sofia.
WatTSON, A., PAYNE, S. AND RAE, R. (1989) Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaetos: land use and food in northeast
Scotland. [bis 131: 336-348.
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Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov, Mladost 1, bl. 26, vh. 1, et. 7, apt. 23, Sofia 1750, Bulgaria.
E-mail: nikolovstoyan@hotmail.com.
Vassil Petrov Vassilev, Bulgarian Aerospace Agency, Remote Sensing Application Center,
69 Shipchenski prohod, fl. 3., Sofia 1574, Bulgaria. E-mail: resac@techno-link.com.
22 Stoyan Chavdarov Nikolov and Vassil Petrov Vassilev
Bubiyan Island: a rich Kuwait avifauna
Bubiyan Island: a rich Kuwait avifauna
ESSA RAMADAN, KHALID AL-NASRALLAH AND GEORGE GREGORY
The birds of Bubiyan Island, in north-west Kuwait, had not been studied since
1923 until the Bird Monitoring and Protection Team (BMAPT) of the Kuwait
Environment Protection Society surveyed the island’s breeding birds in 2002. The
birds of nearby Warba Island have not been studied since 1922, and the two
islands must be among the ornithologically least-covered areas in the Western
Palearctic. The waters around both islands are rich in marine life, which, together
with the general lack of human disturbance, result in a large avifauna, partic-
ularly of breeders. Large parts of both islands are in need of protected status.
LOCATION AND HABITAT
Bubiyan Island (c. 45 km x 25 km) lies in
the Arabian Gulf north-east of mainland
Kuwait (Map 1). It is separated from
Warba Island (c. 15 km x 4 km) to the
north by the Khur Bubiyan (Bubiyan
Channel), from the Fao peninsula of Iraq
by the Khur Shatyanah, and from the
Kuwait mainland by the Khur as
Subiyah. These channels harbour an
abundance of shrimps, crabs, other
crustaceans and fish, which are a rich
food source for birds.
Key to localities on map.
1. Khur Shatyanah
2. Warba Island
3. Khur Bubiyan
4. Khur Abd Allah
5. Khur al Milh
6. Khur ath Tha’alib
7. Khur al Mughwi
8 Al Maghasil
9. Wrecked ship
10. Khur as Subiyah
11. Ra’s as Subiyah
12. Ra’s al Barshah
13. Ra’s al Qayd
14. Bubiyan main island
Kuwait
Figure 1. Bubiyan and Warba Islands.
Most of Bubiyan is usually dry, flat
(never higher than 5 metres above sea
level) and devoid of vegetation. The
main island is largely unsuitable for
birds due to some human disturbance
and the presence of ungraded roads. The
best areas are the numerous islets (some
of which are uncharted) north-west of
the main island and adjacent parts of the
main island. In these areas, the land is
banked into low, long ridges partially
covered in Suaeda sp. bushes and other
halophytic plants. The substrate is clay or
Essa Ramadan, Khalid Al-Nasrallah and George Gregory
bo
Oo
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
silt rather than sand. The intertidal zone
is shallow sloped and is usually soft and
very muddy.
In the Knur as Subiyah is the semi-
submerged wreck of a small boat whose
main deck is just covered at high tide.
This serves as a breeding site for two
species of birds.
ACCESS
Access to the avifaunally rich areas of
Bubiyan is very difficult. Only small,
shallow-draft outboard boats can pass
many of the narrow, shallow khurs, and
then only at high tide. Rescue from
serious grounding on the mud in a
narrow khur could be problematical as
few other boats are ever likely to be
encountered there. Permission from the
Kuwait coastguard is necessary to
navigate the khurs and to land on the
main island and islets. There are no public
ferries or hire boats; use of privately
owned small boats based in small fishing
villages, such as Al Maghasil, on the
mainland side of the Khur as Subiyah is
the only possibility. Such boats are
severely affected by the high winds that
often blow in March-June, i.e. the main
breeding season. In addition, very high
temperatures (50+°C) are the norm in
May-June. These reasons explain the lack
of ornithological coverage of the island.
The recent political situation is likely to
result in a further lack of field work for at
least the immediate future.
RECENT BREEDING BIRD SPECIES
Much of the following is based on the
BMAPT surveys in 2002 (Al-Nasrallah &
Gregory 2003), whose discoveries
confirmed much of our pre-1923
knowledge (Ticehurst et al. 1924, 1926),
although there were important
differences. In addition to the authors,
other BMAPT members participating in
the surveys were Mahmoud Shihab AI-
Ahmed, Abdul Muhsen Al-Suraye’a,
Andrew Bailey, Fahad Al-Mansori and
Musaad Al-Saleh. Precise locations are
not given for reasons of security.
Low ridges on the small offshore islets
and adjacent parts of the main island
harboured, in the breeding season,
hundreds of active and old nests of Grey
Heron Ardea cinerea, Western Reef Heron
Egretta gularis and Spoonbill Platalea
leucorodia. Estimates of active nests were
100, 300 and 50. These species’ nests,
which were broadly cylindrical and very
exposed, almost entirely comprised
Suaeda sticks, and were constructed up to
1.5 metres high. All three mostly
occurred in mixed colonies, but Spoonbill
nests were in separate clusters of up to
six nests. On the shipwreck in the Khur
as Subiyah small numbers of both Grey
and Western Reef Herons were found
breeding in 2001 and 2002 (Al-Nasrallah
et al. 2001).
Up to 1000 fully grown Crab Plovers
Dromas ardeola were present on or around
the islets, but only c. 100 active and 50
old nest burrows were found. Some cee
and juveniles were noted.
Slender-billed Gull Larus genei was
confirmed to breed as four flightless but
well-developed chicks were found on
one of the islets. However, most of the
breeding cycle was missed in 2002 and
possibly up to 100 pairs regularly breed.
Hundreds of nests of Gull-billed Tern
Gelochelidon nilotica, often fairly close
together, lay mostly just inland of the
stick nesters. On one islet, we found an
entirely unexpected colony of Swift
Terns Sterna bergii, which lay single eggs
on the bare substrate. Further field work
is required to establish if such breeding is
regular. A small cluster of Caspian Tern
S. caspia nests was found on another islet,
but unfortunately the eggs had been
predated. Small numbers of Sandwich S.
sandvicensis, Common S. hirundo, White-
cheeked S. repressa, Bridled S. anaethetus
and Little Terns S. albifrons were
observed around the islands in the
breeding season, but none was proven to
breed in 2002, although all potentially
could do so.
24 Essa Ramadan, Khalid Al-Nasrallah and George Gregory
Bubiyan Island: a rich Kuwait avifauna
Plate 1 (above left). Swift Terns
Sterna bergii at breeding colony,
Bubiyan Island, Kuwait, April
2002. (Essa Ramadan)
Plate 2 (above right). Swift Tern
Sterna bergii chick, Bubiyan
Island, Kuwait, April 2002. (Essa
Ramadan)
Plate 3 (ieft). Juvenile Spoonbill
Platalea leucorodia, Bubiyan
Island, Kuwait, 2002. (Essa
Ramadan)
Plate 4 (below left). Crab Plover
Dromas ardeola chick, Bubiyan
Island, Kuwait, June 2002. (Essa
Ramadan)
Plate 5 (below right). Crab
Plovers Dromas ardeola, Bubiyan
Island, Kuwait, April 2002.
(George Gregory)
Essa Ramadan, Khalid Al-Nasrallah and George Gregory 25
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
FORMER BREEDERS
Most of the following is based on the
published visits of C. B. Ticehurst, Sir P.
Cox and R. E. Cheesman (Ticehurst et al.
1924, 1926). White Pelican Pelecanus
onocrotalus bred in 1922, but the only
recent (nearby) breeding-season record
was that of two second-years at Ras as
Subiyah, on 5 May 2000. However, the
species could occur on Bubiyan at any
season and may even still breed
occasionally. Greater Flamingo
Phoenicopterus ruber bred six times
between 1878 and 1923, with some eggs
being collected (British Museum 1901,
1902). Hundreds are present around the
islands year-round, but there has been no
definite signs of attempted breeding
recently, though it remains possible.
Lesser Crested Tern S. bengalensis was
proven to breed in 1922 and some birds
were observed in 2002 but there was no
evidence of breeding.
PASSAGE AND WINTER SPECIES
Several species of passage ducks and
gulls, and many passage waders were
observed on the muddy shores and over
the khurs. The area around Bubiyan is
clearly important habitat for such species
on passage and in winter. Other
winterers could include Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carbo, various geese, and
possibly scarce species from the
Iraq/Iran marshes such as Dalmatian
Pelican Pelecanus crispus, Goliath Heron
Ardea goliath and Sacred Ibis Threskiornis
aethiopicus. In the low bushes and even
on the ground several passage warblers
and other common terrestrial migrants
were observed. In the future, BMAPT
intends to extend its coverage of the
island to other months, in order to
compile a more complete knowledge of
the avifauna.
THREATS
Although most of the main island is
accessible by ungraded roads connected
to mainland Kuwait by the newly
repaired and reopened bridge to
Subiyah, the best areas for birds are still
only accessible by small boat as
mentioned above, greatly limiting
human disturbance. However, there are
plans to build a new town on the island.
Several islets are visited by residents
from fishing villages on the Khur as
Subiyah in small boats. A few used
shotgun cartridges and dead birds were
found, indicating that hunting could be a
future problem if unchecked. BMAPT is
attempting to solve or at least reduce
shooting through discussions with some
of the hunters concerned. The issue of
future protected status for some or all of
the island is clearly a major one.
REFERENCES
BRITISH MUSEUM (1901) Catalogue of birds eggs. Vol. 1.
British Museum, London. |
BritisH MusEUM (1902) Catalogue of birds eggs. Vol. 2.
British Museum, London.
AL-NASRALLAH, K., AL AHMED, M.S. AND AL
FADHEL, A. (2001) New records of herons nesting
in Kuwait. Phoenix 18: 5.
AL-NASRALLAH, K. AND GREGORY, G. (2003) Bubiyan
Island, Kuwait, 2002. Phoenix 19: 5-7.
TICEHURST, C. B., Cox, P. Z. AND CHEESMAN, R. E.
(1924) Birds of the Persian Gulf islands. J. Bombay
Nat. Hist. Soc. 30: 725-733.
TICEHURST, C. B., Cox, P. Z. AND CHEESMAN, R. E.
(1926) Additional notes on the avifauna of Iraq. J.
Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 31: 91-99.
Essa Ramadan, Kuwait Environmental Protection
Society, P. O. 1896, Safat, Kuwait.
Khalid Al-Nasrallah, P. O. Box 38509, Dhahyah,
Kuwait.
George Gregory, Kuwait English School, P. O.
Box 8640, Salmtiya 22057, Kuwait.
26 Essa Ramadan, Khalid Al-Nasrallah and George Gregory
PhotoSpot
ae
Black Lark
lack Lark Melanocorypha yeltoniensis is
a species thal captures the
imagination of most West European
birdwatchers. It is the only Melanocorypha
lark to show pronounced sexual
dimorphism. Males are predominantly jet
black in early summer, when the buff and
white fringes that create the extensively
pale non-breeding plumage have worn
off. Some pale fringes are retained into
June, whilst some atypical individuals
show extensive pale markings at this
season, although this plumage aberration
is probably shown by less than one in a
1000 individuals. Black Lark is frequently
illustrated with a yellow bill in the
literature, but in the field the bill appears
greyish horn, frequently with a bluish
tinge. It sometimes appears yellowish
straw, but this appears to be an affect of
light. However, the bills of Black Lark
skins in collections become discoloured
and appear brighter yellow, which is
probably the reason for this colour being
used in illustrations. Males appear to be
more abundant than females on the
breeding grounds and frequently form
large single-sex flocks in winter. They
usually remain close to the breeding areas
on the Central Asian steppe, surviving in
freezing conditions by digging into snow
to feed and burrowing to roost (Cramp
1988). |
Males are relatively unmistakable, but
females might be mistaken for the closely
related Calandra Lark M. calandra if
observed briefly. The more extensively
dark markings on the underparts of
female Black Larks, together with the
more indistinct head markings (partic-
ularly the poorly marked supercilium)
provide clear distinctions from Calandra.
Female Black Larks may have dark legs,
but they can also be pale flesh like
Calandra. They also lack the distinct broad
white trailing edge to the inner primaries
and secondaries so characteristic of
Calandra, although they can show a very
fine white trailing edge to the secondaries.
Most of the accompanying photographs
were taken on the wormwood Artemisia
steppes in the Korgalzhyn zapovednik,
near Lake Tenghiz in central Kazakhstan
on 4—5 June 2003. Up to 500 Black Larks
(approximately 98% of them males) were
observed daily whilst surveying
breeding birds from a vehicle. Small
numbers of females were located and a
few recently fledged juveniles seen. The
latter were very distinctive, compared to
the extremely worn adult females, with
fresh upperpart feathers marked by a
distinct bronze sheen and clearly defined
pale fringes. A useful paper on the
identification of Black Lark, complete
with a comprehensive selection of
photographs, appeared _ recently
(Tenovuo & Lindroos 2002). However,
the current article may be the first time
photographs of juveniles and chicks have
appeared in the western literature.
/
REFERENCES
CRAMP, S. (ED.) (1988) The birds of the Western
Palearctic. Vol. 5. Oxford University Press.
TENOVUO, O. AND LINDROOS, T. (2002) Black Lark—
its identification in the field and distribution in
Europe. Alula 8; 22-08
Adam Rowlands, 2 Horns Row, Hempton,
Fakenham, Norfolk NR21 7]Z, U. K.
Adam Rozlands
DF
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 27-28 2004 -
Plate 1 (top). Male Black lan Melanocorypha yeltonensis, Kazakhstan, aL. 2003. (Amnoud B. van den
Berg) Plate 2 (middle left). Female Black Lark Melanocorypha yeltonensis, Kazakhstan, May 2003.
(Arnoud B. van den Berg) Plate 3 (middle right). Black Lark Melanocorypha yeltonensis chick,
Kazakhstan, 25 June 2003. (Peter Caste//) Plates 4-6 (bottom). Different male Black Larks
Melanocorypha yeltonensis, Kazakhstan, May 2003. (Adam Rowlands)
28 Adam Rowlands
Significant bird notes from Lebanon during 2002-03
Significant bird notes from Lebanon
during 2002-03
GHASSAN RAMADAN-JARADI, THIERRY BARA, MARC ALMECIJA AND
MONA RAMADAN-JARADI
We comment on the status and/or distribution of 22 bird species previously
i a considered poorly known in Lebanon, providing the first confirmed breeding
a records of White-throated Robin Irania gutturalis and Penduline Tit Remiz
pendulinus, the first breeding record for over 70 years of Chough Pyrrhocorax
pyrrhocorax, as well as the first breeding of Palestine Sunbird Nectarinia osea in
the Beirut area for over 50 years. Other observations comprise: the third
documented breeding records of Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens and
Ménétries Warbler Sylvia mystacea, and the fifth of Long-legged Buzzard Buteo
rufinus, the second record of Scrub Warbler Scotocerca inquieta, the first Red-
necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena and Desert Lark Ammomanes deserti for many
decades, the first Great Shearwater Puffinus gravis and Caspian Plover
Charadrius asiaticus for over 25 years, the 3rd—4th Leach’s Storm-petrels
Oceanodroma leucorhoa, records suggestive of breeding for Golden Eagle Aquila
chrysaetos and Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus, further records of Greater
Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber, observations indicating that Pale Rock Sparrow
Carpospiza brachydactyla may be locally abundant, a new record of Corncrake
Crex crex, and an uncertain record of Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens.
Bee
<
URING 2002 AND 2003, regular bird monitoring activities were conducted in
different areas of Lebanon by GR-J and MR-J, on behalf of the National Council
for Scientific Research, with the aim of identifying avian hotspots for conservation and
eco-tourism; and occasional field surveys were undertaken in northern Lebanon by TB
and MA, with the goal of finding semi-desert breeders, especially given recent records
of Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens and Scrub Warbler Scotocerca inquieta (Bara
2002). During these studies, significant observations concerning the occurrence
and/or breeding of 22 poorly known species in the country were made. The present
work builds on other recent additions to our knowledge of the status and distribution
of Lebanese birds, namely Macfarlane (1978), Kirwan (1997, 1999, 2001), Busuttil &
Flumm (1998a,b), Ramadan-Jaradi & Ramadan-Jaradi (1997, 1999, 2001, 2002), Beale
(2000), Bradshaw & Kirwan (2000), Beale & Ramadan-Jaradi (2001), Bara (2002, 2003),
and Balmer & Betton (2002a, b and 2003).
Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena
One previous record: in Beirut harbour on 18 January 1942 (Cawkell 1944). On 29
October 2002, a Beirut real estate company contacted GR-J to enquire if anything could
be done for a bird found early that morning, moribund as a result of a nocturnal
collision with a high building, near the city’s seafront. The bird, which died shortly
afterwards, was a Red-necked Grebe, perfectly matching the description of a non-
breeding adult in Cramp & Simmons (1977). This record is the second in Lebanon.
Great Shearwater Puffinus gravis
Two previous records: singles at Ras Beirut on 29 December 1974 and 1 January 1975
(Macfarlane 1978). Three individuals were observed taking off from the sea surface,
with several Yellow-legged Gulls Larus cachinnans, off Palm (Nakhl) Island, near
Tripoli, on 5 January 2003 (G & MR-J). Given that the sun was behind the observers,
the shearwaters were quickly recognised by their dark cap, white collar and dark
patch in the central lower belly of at least one bird. The gulls landed again at the far
side of the island, whereas the shearwaters headed south.
Ghassan Ramadan-Jaradi, Thierry Bara, Marc Almécija and Mona Ramadan-Jaradi 29
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 29-34 2004
Leach’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa
G & MR-]J observed two off Ain el Mreissa, Beirut, for c. 20 minutes, on 22 December
2002, and one off Khalde, on 3 February 2003. Together with the two previous records
off Damour, on 20 December 1995, and near Ramkine Island, on 12 October 1996
(Ramadan-Jaradi & Ramadan-Jaradi 1999), these records apparently suggest it may be
an overlooked rare winter visitor rather than a true vagrant.
Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens
A dead bird was found in the deep freezer of a taxidermist, in Ouzaii, south of Beirut,
who claimed that it had been taken in Batroun and brought to him in March 2003.
However, given that he assured G & MR-J that a Secretary Bird Sagittarius serpentarius,
also in his collection, had been taken in the Beqaa Valley, there must be significant
doubts concerning the pelican’s provenance. Pink-backed Pelican has been recorded
only once in Lebanon, at Beirut, on 25 March 1876 (Kumerloeve 1962). Elsewhere in
the Levant, there are eight records in Israel since 1939, most recently one at Eilat in
late April to early July 2000 (Shirihai 1996, Shirihai et al. 2000).
Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Breeds at Ammigq (Evans 1994) and a common passage migrant in. small numbers at
most wetlands late March—mid-June and early August-early November (Ramadan-
Jaradi & Ramadan-Jaradi 1999). Despite several visits to Ammigq since 1995 and the
unpublished report of Beale & Springer (in 2001), G & MR-J found no evidence of
nesting by the species. However, they found a group of c. 35-40 individuals, mostly
first- and second-years, at Qaraoun Lake, on 10-18 July 2003, roosting in trees with
Little Egrets Egretta garzetta (see below). Despite searching, the observers found no
indication that the species might have bred in the roosting area or its vicinity. This is
the first record of the species in Lebanon in July. Future work is required to more
precisely define the species’ status in the country, especially as it breeds in
surrounding states (Shirihai 1996).
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Regular passage migrant in March-early June (most April-May), August-—late
October, and scarce in winter, November-late February (Ramadan-Jaradi & Ramadan-
Jaradi 1999). In early to at least mid-July 2003, G & MR-J recorded up to c. 50 at
Qaraoun Lake. Almost all were using a single site for roosting and/or loafing, but
despite searching the surrounding area, which is difficult to access, no nests were
found. This is the first July record of Little Egret in Lebanon. Like Night Heron,
further work is required to determine the species’ precise status in the country; it
breeds at Hula, in northern Israel, c. 45 km south of Qaraoun Lake (Shirihai 1996).
Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber
Status prior to 1999 unclear (Ramadan-Jaradi & Ramadan-Jaradi 1999). Recent records
of three at Cheikh Zennad, on 6 January 2002, six flying south at Khalde, on 5 March
2002, and two at Cheikh Zennad, on 11-13 December 2003 (G & MR-J), together with
previous records (see Ramadan-Jaradi & Ramadan-Jaradi, 1999) and two previously
unpublished sightings; one at Ammiq, on 3 March 2000 (Beale & Springer unpubl.)
and two on the coast near Jbail (Byblos), in March 2002 (MA), suggest that the species
is a rare passage migrant and probably an equally scarce winter visitor, rather than a
vagrant (Ramadan-Jaradi & Ramadan-Jaradi 1999).
30 Ghassan Ramadan-Jaradi, Thierry Bara, Marc Almécija and Mona Ramadan-Jaradi
Significant bird notes from Lebanon during 2002-03
Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus
A pair breeding atop a cedar Cedrus libani at Maasser Arz Al Chouf (33°40’N 35°41’E),
on 12 July 2003 (G & MR-J), is the fourth confirmed breeding record in Lebanon.
Previously, single pairs nested in a Quercus sp. at Dalhoun (33°38’N 35°28’E) in 2000
and 2001 (Ramadan-Jaradi & Ramadan-Jaradi 2002), in the hills above Ammigq (Beale
& Sprenger unpubl.), and two fledglings, taken from a tree nest near Sharquieh, in
May 1996, were hand-reared (Ramadan-Jaradi & Ramadan-Jaradi 1999).
Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus
Breeding was confirmed in spring 1995, 1996 and 1997 (Ramadan-Jaradi & Ramadan-
Jaradi 1999), and 2000 (Beale & Sprenger unpubl.), but such data remain rare in
Lebanon. On Jabal Qammouha, on 13 May 2003, MA and TB observed an adult catch a
reptile, circle into the air and fly toward a distant ravine, where they found a nest with
two young white chicks and an adult. On 1 June, MA found one chick alive in the nest.
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos
Former breeder and scarce passage migrant (Ramadan-Jaradi & Ramadan-Jaradi
1999). Subsequently, an adult was present near Marjaayoun, on 5 May 2002 and 33
individuals were observed on autumn passage that year (G & MR-J). Beale (2000) saw
an adult of the race homeyeri near Hermel, on 4 December 1999, suggesting wintering.
Also, J. Waterbury (pers. comm.) thought to have seen one in the Litani Valley, east of
the Beaufort Castle, on 16 February 2003. The February and May records lie outside
the range of spring passage dates, i.e. mid-March to mid-April (Ramadan-Jaradi &
Ramadan-Jaradi 1999), and suggest breeding in the Litany Valley or 5-8 km to the
east, at the foot of Mount Hermon, as apparently stated by Tristram (1864). South of
the Lebanese border, Golden Eagle breeds in the Golan Heights, just 25 km south-east
of Beaufort Castle (Shirihai 1996).
Corncrake Crex crex
Uncommon passage migrant in early March-late May and early September-late
October (Ramadan-Jaradi & Ramadan-Jaradi 1999). On 12 August 2002, a male,
recently shot in the Begaa Valley, was brought to us by one of GR-J’s students. It is
retained in the Faculty of Science Collection at the Lebanese University. This is the
earliest passage date in autumn for the country.
Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus
Vagrant: one at Beirut on 21 March 1904 (Carruthers 1910) and one at the mouth of the
Damour River on 26 April 1975 (Macfarlane 1978). G & MR-J saw one at Cheikh
Zennad, on 11 April 2002, among a mixed flock of Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula,
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus, Ruff Philomachus pugnax and Marsh
Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis. This is the third record for Lebanon.
Desert Lark Ammomanes deserti
Considered accidental in Lebanon (Kumerloeve 1962, Gee 1988, Shirihai 1996), and
resident in Syria, Jordan and Israel (Beaman & Madge 1998). Two were present in a
small valley (34°19’N 36°30’E) at Jabal Haouerta (in the Anti-Lebanon, south-east of
Qaa), on 4 May 2003 (MA, TB). The habitat comprised boulder-strewn arid slopes and
scattered tragacanth vegetation. The first individual was very confiding, permitting
close study of the species’ characteristic features, on the ground and in flight. It was
the size of a Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia, with a rather long bill, slightly curved
culmen, greyish-white underparts, streaked grey on the breast, a plain grey mantle,
brown wings and tail base, two pale wingbars, and a broad black terminal tail-band.
Ghassan Ramadan-Jaradi, Thierry Bara, Marc Almécija and Mona Ramadan-Jaradi ol
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004 ;
White-throated Robin [rania gutturalis
Formerly bred but no recent proof (Ramadan-Jaradi & Ramadan-Jaradi 1999). Breeds on
Mount Hermon, just south of the Lebanese border, at 1350-1600 metres (Shirihai 1996).
MA and TB found two males on Jabal Qammouha (34°26’N 36°14’E), at c. 1700 metres,
on 3 May 2003, amongst vegetation characterised by scattered juniper Juniperus trees.
One had pale buff underparts, the other rufous. Their favoured areas were separated by
just 50 metres. On 4 May, both were still present in the same location. On 13 May, we
saw only the paler male at the same location, but found a pair (including a rufous male)
3.8 km away, at c. 1800 metres, apparently nest-building in a juniper. On 1 June, MA
watched two males at the first location, one carrying food, but found none at the second
site. Under European Bird Census Council-defined breeding categories (Hagemeijer &
Blair 1997), food-carrying represents confirmed breeding.
Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens
Breeding proved near Ras Baalbek in 2001, and perhaps not rare there (Bara 2002). MA
and TB recorded five adults during a 4-km drive in Jabal Haouerta, on 4 May 2003. One
was carrying worms to a nest below a flat stone containing at least two naked chicks,
with closed eyes. This constitutes the third recent breeding record in northern Beqaa and
Lebanon. Another adult was near Ras Baalbek, in the same place as in 2001. Previously,
Aharoni (1931) reported the species as a numerous breeder in the Anti- Lebanon.
Scrub Warbler Scotocerca inquieta
We have not encountered the species above Ras Baalbek since 30 August 2001.
However, following publication of Bara (2002), H. Jensen informed TB that he had
observed a Scrub Warbler above the Cedars of Bcharré, on 26 September 1969, c. 25
km west of Ras Baalbek, during an excursion arranged by the Danish Ornithological
Society. Jensen’s observation is the first record in Lebanon.
Meénétries Warbler Sylvia mystacea
Kumerloeve (1962) considered the species to be a former breeder in the Anti-Lebanon.
More recently, breeding was confirmed at Dalhoun (south of Beirut) in spring 2000 and
2001, where at least four pairs occupied c. 500 ha of degraded garrigue (Ramadan-Jaradi
& Ramadan-Jaradi 2002). On 4 May 2003, MA and TB found a pair nest-building in a
bramble, along the Nahr el Assi, just south of the Syrian border (at 34°27’N 36°29’E).
Another singing male was present 300 metres away. All corresponded to the race
rubescens and all of the species’ characteristic features were noted during the course of
ee Plate 2. Pale Rock eeaety Camesnies brachy-
Plate 1. Nest of Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus, dactyla nest, Jabal Haouerta, Lebanon, 4 May
Nahr el Assi, Lebanon, 4 May 2003 (Marc Almécija) 2003. (Marc Almécija)
oD Ghassan Ramadan-Jaradi, Thierry Bara, Marc Almécija and Mona Ramadan-Jaradi
Significant bird notes from Lebanon during 2002-03
prolonged observations, enabling them to exclude Sardinian Warbler S. melanocephala.
Balmer & Betton (2002) mentioned a singing male, apparently in the same area, on 7
April 2001. The species breeds in neighbouring Syria (Beaman & Madge 1998).
Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus
Rare winter visitor and passage migrant (Ramadan-Jaradi & Ramadan-Jaradi 1999).
On 4 May 2003, MA and TB found three pairs along the Nahr el Assi, in the same area
as the previous species. One pair was nest-building in a black poplar Populus nigra, 3
metres above the water, and another had built a nest in a willow Salix sp., just 1 metre
above the water (Plate 1). According to Meinertzhagen (1925), the species was a
former breeder, the subspecies menzbieri reportedly nesting in coastal Palestine. In the
1970s—80s, singles occasionally were recorded in May—August in the Hula (where
adults were seen with juveniles in June) and Bet Shean valleys, but confirmed
evidence of breeding is lacking (Shirihai 1996).
Palestine Sunbird Nectarinia osea
On 26 May 2003, in a municipal park of Beirut, G & MR-J found two nests in shrubs of
Palestine Sunbird, at c. 1 and 1.5 metres above ground. In April 2002, R. Armanazi
(pers. comm.) reported the species nesting in a Rosea sp., in her garden at Doha, near
Aramoun, where G. Tohmé had noted it attempting to breed in 1974 (Ramadan-Jaradi
& Ramadan-Jaradi 1999). Also J. Waterbury (pers. comm.) thought that the species
bred at the American University of Beirut, in 2002 and 2003, but no proof was found.
During the 20th century, Palestine Sunbird was known as breeder only in southern
Lebanon (Ramadan-Jaradi & Ramadan-Jaradi 1999), with a unique record of nesting
in Beirut, in 1947 or 1948 (Kumerloeve 1960).
Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
Formerly bred in large numbers in the highest parts of the Lebanon range (Aharoni
1931), but no records since one at Faraya in 1969 (Benson 1970). On 23 June 2003, G &
MR-J observed a noisy flock east of Bqaa Kafra (34°13’N 36°03’E), at c. 2200 metres.
After they landed on a steep rocky slope, the observers counted c. 17 adults and 38
juveniles, of which at least two were observed being fed by adults. This is the first
breeding record for well over 70 years. The species was known to some locals at Bqaa
Kafra and Hasroun as ‘Ghorab el Thalj’, which means ‘Crow of the snow’.
Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus
A very erratic late-spring/summer vagrant, occasionally remaining until autumn
(Benson 1970), which may have bred in 1945 (Hardy 1946), but only one subsequent,
dated record: a flock of 20, of which three were killed by hunters, near Tel Hezzin,
Beqaa, in October 1970 (Khairallah 1986). At Jabal Rihan, G & MR-J noted a flock of 26
on 25 June and seven on 2 July 2001. On 18 May 2002 two were observed at Hadath,
near the Faculty of Sciences of the Lebanese University in Beirut. On 23 June 2003, the
same observers noted six for sale at Koura in northern Lebanon. According to the
owner, they were caught with lime sticks during May the same year in this area.
Additionally, two were present on the American University of Beirut campus, in June
or July 2001 J. Waterbury). The species is perhaps best considered an irregular and
scarce passage migrant, which may occasionally still breed.
Pale Rock Sparrow Carpospiza brachydactyla
Scarce migrant breeder in the southern Anti-Lebanon (Ramadan-Jaradi & Ramadan-
Jaradi 1999). Fluctuations in the species’ abundance occur both on migration and in
the breeding areas (Cramp & Perrins 1994, Griffin 2001). Since 2000, it has been found
to be locally abundant in Lebanon, e.g. 12 at Hermel on 12 May 2001 (MA unpubl.)
and numerous in Deir Al Ashayer in 2002-2003 (G & MR-J), mirroring years of
Ghassan Ramadan-Jaradi, Thierry Bara, Marc Almécija and Mona Ramadan-Jaradi 33
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004 :
exceptional abundance in Turkey (see Kirwan ef al. 2003). On 4 May 2003, MA and TB
saw c. 50 birds in 4 km at Jabal Haouerta. Many were singing and the observers
estimated a total of c. 30 pairs in the area. A careful search over 100 metres produced
three pairs nest-building in tragacanth vegetation, 25 cm above ground (Plate 2), but
none contained eggs. MA observed another singing at the Cedars of Bcharré, on the
western slope of the Lebanon range, on 8 June 2003, furthering our belief that the
species may be expanding its range in the country.
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Lebanon. Sandgrouse 23: 124-129.
BEAMAN, M. AND MADGE, S. (1998) The handbook of bird identification for Europe and the Western Palearctic.
A. & C. Black, London.
BENSON, S. V. (1970) Birds of Lebanon and the Jordan area. International Council for Bird Preservation,
Cambridge & Warne, London.
BRADSHAW, C. G. AND KIRWAN, G. M. (COMPILERS) (2000) Around the region. Sandgrouse 22: 156-160.
BUSUTTIL, S. AND FLUMM, D. (1998a) Seawatching at Ras Beirut, Lebanon in spring 1997. Sandgrouse 20: 142-143.
BUSUTTIL, S. AND FLumM, D. (1998b) The first Semi-collared Flycatcher Ficedula semitorquata records in
Lebanon. Sandgrouse 20: 147-148.
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and other ornithological records from Lebanon. Lebanese Sci. J. 3: 27-35.
SHIRIHAI, H. (1996) The birds of Israel. Academic Press, London.
SHIRIHAI, H., KHOURY, F., AL-JBOUR, S. AND YOSEF, R. (2000) The first Pink-backed Pelican in Jordan. Sandgrouse 22: 127-130.
TRISTRAM, H. B. (1864) Report on the birds of Palestine. Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond. 426-456.
Ghassan & Mona Ramadan-Jaradi, c/o CNRS, P. O. Box 11-8281, Beirut, Lebanon.
Thierry Bara, 255 rue Saint Jacques, 75005 Paris, France.
Marc Almécija, Lycée Franco-Libanais Nahr Ibrahim, BP 1589, Jounieh, Lebanon.
34 Ghassan Ramadan-Jaradi, Thierry Bara, Marc Almécija and Mona Ramadan-Jaradi
Breeding birds in central Arabia 1978-2003
Breeding birds in central Arabia 1978—2003
MICHAEL C. JENNINGS
The avifauna of central Arabia is today surprisingly diverse for an arid area
which might, superficially, appear mainly desert. In the late 1970s 44 species
were identified as breeding or thought to breed in the area (Jennings 1980),
several of which had found suitable habitat in the region for the first time
during the same decade as a result of the development of the urban and rural
environment for industry and agriculture. Also, exotics were starting to
appear, having been deliberately or accidentally introduced by man. Of the 14
species predicted to breed in Sandgrouse 1 nine have since done so. In ithe 25
years since 1978 no fewer than 37 additional species have been added to the
list of breeding birds. Most of these have exploited new artificial riverine and
wetland habitats, and the numerous ecological niches provided by a huge
increase in arable farming and animal husbandry. Further exotics have
appeared and are breeding ferally. In addition to the above, five species almost
certainly breed in the area and a further nine others are regarded as highly
likely to breed in the near future. The total number of bird species that have
bred or have probably bred within 100 km of Riyadh is now 88.
VER 20 YEARS AGO, I presented a provisional list of birds which, at the time,
bred or appeared likely to breed in central Arabia, and I speculated about species
that might breed there in the future (Jennings 1980). The majority of the information in
that list was gathered during field work whilst I was resident in Riyadh, from March
1975 to May 1977, and from records passed to me by my contemporaries. Here |
present a review of changes in the number, status and range of breeding birds in
central Arabia during the 25-year period 1978-2003, noting particularly those
additional species that now breed in the area. I also comment on those instances
where breeding birds have been lost to the region or now occur in smaller numbers. In
addition, I present personal speculations about future breeding birds. In Sandgrouse 1,
my definition of central Arabia was the area within a 100-km radius of Riyadh. Here I
have used the same criterion, modified to include all records from distributional
squares of the Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Arabia (ABBA) project within 100 km of
Riyadh. In effect, this is a slightly larger area, as some parts of several ABBA squares
are further than 100 km from the centre of Riyadh. However, this is not a significant
change as the majority of recent ornithological activity has been in the original area as
defined in Sandgrouse 1. The accompanying map details the main sites mentioned
herein. For the sake of conformity, I have used the same place names and species
nomenclature, taxonomy and definitions of commonality as in Sandgrouse 1. However,
I bracket English names that are now more commonly used, e.g. in Porter et al. (1996).
In this paper, I have relied heavily on data reports made to the ABBA project, which
commenced collecting information on Arabian breeding birds in 1984. Many observers
have now contributed records for this region (see below). In the following paragraphs,
records which do not refer to a published source should be taken to be information
submitted directly to the ABBA database. There was a particularly active group of
observers in the Riyadh area during the 1980s and early 1990s, when many new
discoveries were made. Unfortunately, in the mid-1990s I have not received such
detailed information from the region. However, for the period 1998-2003 I have been
very fortunate to have received much information on breeding birds from Per Anders
Bertilsson (1998-2001) and Kurt Johansson (2001-2003), who were resident at Riyadh.
Their initials, PAB and KJ, are used below. PAB very generously provided his important
data prior to his own publication on birds in Saudi Arabia (Bertilsson in prep.),
including some very valuable observations from the Al Safi dairy farm, east of Al
Michael C. Jennings 35
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 35-47 2004
Kharg. The data reports held by ABBA include information collected during my own
visits to the region, whilst undertaking ABBA Surveys, and from recent published
sources. My most recent visit was in March-April 2003 when I spent 13 days in the area.
GEOGRAPHY AND TOPOGRAPHY OF CENTRAL ARABIA
The outstanding natural feature around Riyadh is the west-facing Tuwaiq escarpment,
which runs generally north to south through the western suburbs of the city. To the east
there are large areas of sandy desert and extensive sand dunes with some stony plains.
To the west the Tuwaig escarpment dominates, and includes many rocky (limestone)
and gravel areas with deep Acacia-lined wadis and areas of small dunes. The
escarpment is cut south of Riyadh by Wadi Nisah and to the east of the escarpment the
important Wadi Hanifah runs through Riyadh south to Al Hair and meets Wadi Nisah
near Al Kharg. In Sandgrouse 1, I stated that there are some volcanic and sandstone
outcrops east of Riyadh. This was an error. There are no volcanic outcrops in the region;
I had misread the physical features during the 1970s and the sandstone is restricted to
one or two sites where it is exposed below the limestone, the dominate rock of the area.
The nearest igneous rocks of the Arabian shield are 150 km south-west of Riyadh. I
should also correct that the mean altitude of the region is not 1000 metres as stated
previously. Although some parts of the Tuwaiq escarpment do reach that elevation,
many places in the desert to the east and west of the city are only 550-600 metres.
In 1977 there were permanent pools at Ain Hit and Al Kharg. These have now gone,
the victim of over-efficient groundwater extraction. There are still natural water
seepages along the Tuwaiq escarpment, which are probably rain-fed. However, the
region has gained significant wetlands in the intervening years, most notable among
these is the Riyadh watercourse. This artificial river follows the course of Wadi
Hanifah from just south of Riyadh, through Al Hair and then turns east towards Al
Kharg. In reports and the literature it is variously called the Riyadh or Al Hair River
or watercourse, or Wadi Hanifah. Here, I refer to it as the Riyadh River to denote the
permanent watercourse south of Riyadh almost to Al Kharg, and I use Wadi Hanifah
to denote the wadi in general. The Riyadh River is mostly treated domestic and
industrial effluent, and has flowed continuously since 1976. It is much used for the
irrigation of fodder crops along its route. Over the early years it gradually became
longer and at one time terminated in a large lake and marshy area west of Al Kharg.
However, it appears that between Al Hair and Al Kharg, at some time in the early
1990s, the water broke through the surface limestone and emptied into an extensive
underground limestone karst system. It is still thought to do this. The Riyadh River
has been the focus of field work by many ornithologists and birdwatchers over the
years, as it has been the site for many interesting migrants and a number of new
breeding species to the region. In 2003 there were at least two other shorter, treated
effluent streams east of Riyadh which had been in existence for four or more years,
both of which were becoming attractive to visiting and breeding birds.
SUMMARY OF ORNITHOLOGICAL ACTIVITY SINCE 1978
In Sandgrouse 1, I recorded 44 species as breeding or probably breeding, and this
paper adds a further 37 species confirmed breeding in the same area and a further five
which probably breed. The main reasons for this increase are mature and developing
wetland areas, particularly the Riyadh River (19 new breeding species), the
widespread introduction of irrigated farmland creating new habitats (seven new
breeding species) and the deliberate or accidental introduction of exotics (eight new
breeding species). There are three other indigenous species that are now known to
breed in the area which had not been previously suspected of doing so.
36 Michael C. Jennings
Breeding birds in central Arabia 1978-2003
ie
ae
25°N | 3
26
. Mansouriyah
Dam Ain Hit
25 , | | Al Sdfi farm
i N { \ | @
24°N | Todhia farm @
46°E
47°F |
Figure 1. Central Arabia showing the areas within 100 km of Riyadh and the half degree grid squares of the
ABBA project. Breeding-bird records from all the squares shown are included in this report. The shaded
area is the west-facing Tuwaiq escarpment and the wavy line is the Wadi Hanifah, referred to as the Riyadh
River south of Riyadh. -
Riyadh River as avian habitat
The Riyadh River has gradually changed over the years. In the early years (1976-1982)
it had mainly bare banks and large open stretches of water, the banks of which were
quickly colonised by castor oil plants Ricinus communis. By the late 1980s the whole
course had gained a flora of reeds and tamarisk Tamarix, but still had large open areas
of water and many fast-flowing sections. In the 1990s the river gradually developed a
thick periphery of reeds and other water plants, and by April 2003 almost all the 50-60
km length was a continuous reedbed. Its course had become choked, so much so that it
was often difficult to view open water or to even find openings through the continuous
reed screen along its banks. However, one significant open body of water which is still
visible is at the Al Hair dam. The changing habitat has meant a number of species have
found only temporary breeding opportunities in the habitat progression of the Riyadh
River, from bare banks at the outset to continuous fringing vegetation now.
Michael C. Jennings 37
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
Originally the Riyadh River had no fish but gradually exotic species were added,
some presumably by accident and others reportedly by design. During the last two
decades the fish fauna of the watercourse has also changed significantly. In the 1980s
and early 1990s large ‘goldfish’ (up to 40 cm) were common in the slower moving
parts of the river and Tilapia sp. were very numerous in the shallow areas, especially
where sandy bottoms were available as breeding hollows. The presence of fish
enabled a number of predators to breed along the Riyadh River for the first time,
notably herons. However, the goldfish gradually decreased and by 2003 appeared to
be absent. Tilapia also decreased and by 2003 seemed very local. However, in 2003
many large catfish (several in excess of 60 cm) were present and the species involved
was very common from at least the Al Hair dam to the end of the watercourse, and
possibly throughout its length. There was also another very common and unidentified
bottom-dwelling species, black with a flattened belly and raking fins, reaching c. 30
cm. Neither of these species had been reported prior to 2003. Catfish, which are
known to be voracious feeders, may have played a part in the demise of other fish
species, and possibly also frogs and their tadpoles, which seemed to be less in
evidence in 2003 than in previous years. They are also likely to predate ducklings and
smaller species such as Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis.
Irrigated farmland and urban development
Although the Riyadh area and Wadi Hanifah have long been a centre of gardens, small
farms and date groves it was not until the mid-1970s that agriculture on a large
commercial scale was generally introduced to the region. These farms grew cereals and
fodder crops, initially using groundwater but, increasingly, deep wells tapping into
fossil aquifers have been created. Farming has become increasingly widespread and by
2003 there were central pivot irrigation farms in every direction around Riyadh,
especially to the north-west, towards Buraydah, and to the south-east near Al Kharg,
and east and south of that town. In the 1980s and 1990s, especially, dairy and chicken
farms also multiplied. This farming activity created many new permanent habitats for
birds and permitted several species to breed that had not done so previously.
Exotics
Coincident with agricultural developments, Riyadh city grew so rapidly that the built-
up area is now probably ten times what it was in 1977. The increased waste products
of this development and the mushrooming of small gardens and parks have created
many opportunities for escaped exotic species to multiply. Several appear to have
their origins in the pet trade that supplies a considerable local passion for bird
collections and private menageries. The numerous exotic species resident in Riyadh
and its suburbs is now a common feature of Arabian urban avifaunas, repeated in all
large towns of eastern Arabia. There are probably now more exotics resident in
Riyadh city than there are indigenous city birds.
Species with no change in status
In the following paragraphs I deal particularly with those species that have either
significantly changed their status or are new to the area as breeders. However, for the
record, it is necessary to list those species that do not appear to have changed signifi-
cantly in number or status since 1978. These are listed below and are mostly
indigenous desert and wadi species of central Arabia. For many there have been fluctu-
ations in numbers over the last two or more decades, which probably reflect natural
changes in any species. These birds and their present status in appropriate habitat are:
38 Michael C. Jennings
Breeding birds in central Arabia 1978-2003
Kestrel Falco tinnunculus uncommon resident
Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides uncommon resident
Sand Partridge Ammoperdix heyi common resident
Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius cursor uncommon resident
Rock Dove Columba livia very common resident
Barn Owl Tyto alba rare resident
Little Owl Athene noctua uncommon resident
Hume’s Tawny Owl Strix butleri uncommon resident
Eagle Owl Bubo bubo rare resident
Pallid Swift Apus pallidus common summer visitor
Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis common resident
Hoopoe Upupa epops uncommon breeding summer visitor and common migrant
Black-crowned Finch Lark Eremopterix nigriceps common summer visitor, probably nomadic
Dunn’s Lark Eremalauda dunni common resident, probably nomadic
Bar-tailed Desert Lark Ammomanes cincturus common resident but probably nomadic
Desert Lark Ammomanes deserti very common resident
Hoopoe Lark Alaemon alaudipes common resident
Lesser Short-toed Lark Calandrella rufescens breeds in small numbers when conditions favourable
Crested Lark Galerida cristata very common resident
Temminck’s Horned Lark Eremophila bilopha rare winter visitor that has not bred since 1977
African Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula common resident
Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus xanthopygos very common resident
Rufous Bush (Robin) Chat Cercotrichas galactotes locally common breeding summer visitor
Blackstart Cercomela melanura common resident
Hooded Wheatear Oenanthe monacha rare resident
White-crowned Black Wheatear Oenanthe leucopyga common resident
Scrub Warbler Scotocerca inquieta common resident
Arabian Babbler Turdoides squamiceps common resident
Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor common resident
Brown-necked Raven Corvus ruficollis common resident
Fan-tailed Raven Corvus rhipidurus common resident
House Sparrow Passer domesticus very common resident
Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus common resident
House Bunting Emberiza striolata common resident
Species lost or reduced in numbers
Four species, all raptors, which have been lost as breeding birds, have suffered serious
reductions in numbers or are under some current threat are listed below.
Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus
An uncommon resident in 1980. It is becoming increasingly scarce in central Arabia, which
reflects a trend in most parts of mainland Arabia. The reasons are unclear.
Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus
Previously an uncommon resident with one small breeding colony. It appears to have ceased
breeding in the early 1980s. There have been very few records in the area since. PAB saw one at
Thumahmah on 9 March 2000.
Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus
Previously a relatively common resident but now apparently much scarcer as a breeder,
although perhaps more numerous in winter (Stagg 1994).
Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus
Previously rare in central Arabia and not actually recorded breeding in the Riyadh area. In
Sandgrouse 1, I mentioned a breeding record south-east of the study area. Since then there has
been only a single record, in 1985 (Szijj & Frey 1985). Lanner Falcon has greatly decreased
throughout Arabia in recent decades, probably mainly due to falconers taking young from nests.
Michael C. Jennings og
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
NEW AND POTENTIAL BREEDING SPECIES IN CENTRAL ARABIA: 1978-2003
In the following list each species is categorised as a ‘New breeding species’ (NB), a
‘Probable breeding species’(PB), i.e. a species that is likely to have bred but has not yet
been proven to breed, or as ‘Increased range /number’ (IN).
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis NB
In the 1970s this species occurred irregularly on passage and in winter but did not breed. It was
predicted as one of the first species likely to colonise the new Riyadh River. Little Grebe became
increasingly common during the 1980s and bred for the first time at Al Hair dam in 1990 (Stage
1994). During the 1990s it became a numerous breeder and during the period 1998-2001 PAB
found it common. On my own visit to the Riyadh River in April 2003 I found it less numerous than
in 1999 and I suspect that as the watercourse has gradually become choked with tall reeds, and
deeper pools reduced by fringing vegetation, suitable habitat for this species might be decreasing.
Little Bittern [xobrychus minutus NB
Previously only a passage migrant through central Arabia. In Sandgrouse 1, this species was
noted as expected to breed once suitable habitat conditions existed. The first evidence of
breeding was gained in July 1985 when adults with a juvenile were seen on the Riyadh River. It
appears to have bred each year since and during the period 1991-96 it was judged by D. R.
James (pers. comm.) that c. 200 pairs were breeding on the Riyadh River. There have possibly
been fewer since.
Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax NB
Previously only a migrant through central Arabia. In August 1991 eggs were found in tamarisk
trees near Al Hair dam, on the Riyadh River, where possibly seven pairs were breeding (James
1991). The species bred each year until 1996, when D. R. James (pers. comm.) thought there to
be more than 50 pairs at a mixed colony with Squacco Ardeola ralloides and Purple Herons Ardea
purpurea. PAB regarded the species as a regular breeder in 1998-2001.
Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides NB
During the 1970s this species was a rather scarce migrant though central Arabia. A few pairs
bred with other herons in a mixed colony in dead tamarisk trees near Al Hair Dam in May 1991,
and by early July that year ten nests had sitting birds or young (James 1991). It was also
confirmed breeding in 1995 and 1996. In 1998-2001 PAB recorded the species as a common
migrant, with a few overwintering, others in summer and likely to be breeding south of Riyadh.
Five adults and a juvenile were at Al Safi Dairy Farm on 6 July 2000.
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis PB
Known in the 1970s as a migrant through central Arabia, apparently becoming more common
and staying longer in the 1980s. Seen nest-building in July 1991 on the Riyadh River near Al
Hair dam, but breeding was not proved (James 1991), and there has been no subsequent confir-
mation of breeding. Over 100 were seen daily and were possibly breeding in April-May 1996
(Nikolaus & Ash 1997). At Al Safi Dairy Farm, in 2000, PAB recorded 350 in March, 315 in April
and 28 still present on 6 July. The maximum on the Riyadh River was 157 on 28 January 1999.
There was a single bird at Thumahmah on 18 June 1999.
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea PB
Previously a migrant through central Arabia and occasional in other months. Increasing
numbers have occurred in the region in winter and many birds oversummer (50 in 1996), but
although seen carrying nesting material the species has not been confirmed to breed.
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea NB
In the 1970s a rather uncommon migrant through central Arabia. First recorded breeding in
1991 on the Riyadh River, when c. 20 pairs were noted nesting in a mixed colony with Night
Heron Nycticorax nycticorax and Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides in dead tamarisk trees near Al
4() Michael C. Jennings
Breeding birds in central Arabia 1978-2003
Hair dam (James 1991). Up to c. 50 pairs were thought present in 1991-96 (D. R. James pers.
comm.). Recent status unclear but activities indicating that breeding continues were observed in
April 1999 and April 2003. It is more common than Grey Heron.
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos NB
Not considered a potential breeding species in the 1970s, when it was known only as an
uncommon winter visitor. First bred on the Riyadh River in 1984 and numbers increased until
the early 1990s (Stagg 1994). It is possible that the nucleus of the breeding population originated
from feral birds (Anon. 1985a). At times numerous, over 200 were seen in June 1987 and, in
April 1999, 40 pairs were estimated on a 15-km stretch of the Riyadh River (Jennings 1999). PAB
regarded it as a common breeding resident in 1998-2001.
Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca NB
Scarce in the 1970s, the species became increasingly common and stayed longer in the 1980s.
First bred on the Riyadh River in 1991 (James 1991) and bred annually until 1996, when there
were thought to be c. 10 pairs. PAB’s highest count in 1998-2001 was 11 birds at Al Hair, on 21
September 1999. A few present in April 2003 and probably still breeding.
Bonelli’s Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus NB
Previously thought a scarce visitor to central Arabia and in the 1970s not sf tetbentced as the
widespread breeder in Arabia that subsequent ornithological study has proven it to be
(Jennings 1995). In 1996 it bred close to Riyadh (James 1996), but there have been no subsequent
confirmed breeding reports.
Common Quail Coturnix coturnix NB
The huge increase in irrigated farmland, especially of fodder crops, has provided suitable
breeding habitat for this species over large areas of Arabia. It was first confirmed breeding in
the Riyadh area in 1983 (Jennings 1985), and has apparently bred ever since. Most irrigated
pivots of fodder crops and cereals hold calling birds in spring. The species is commercially bred
in large numbers for pet food and for human consumption, and escapes have almost certainly
contributed to the population. The status of breeders is unclear, most are presumably summer
visitors but PAB recorded one at Thumahmah on 8 December 2000.
Moorhen Gallinula chloropus IN
In 1980 this species was a common resident at one or two sites in the vicinity of Riyadh.
Nowadays, it is extremely numerous along the Riyadh River, with the newer, less reed-clogged
waters being favoured. In April 1999 it was estimated that there were 375 pairs along a 15-km
stretch of the Riyadh River north of Al Hair dam (Jennings 1999). In April 2003 probably in
excess of 500 were present at a newly established effluent stream on the eastern bypass.
Coot Fulica atra NB
Previously a winter visitor, the species first bred on the Riyadh River in 1987 (Stagg 1994) and
has bred in small numbers annually until the present. In April 1999 it was estimated that there
were ten pairs along a 15-km stretch of the Riyadh River north of Al Hair dam (Jennings 1999).
The breeding population is probably resident and is much outnumbered by winter visitors.
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus NB
An opportunistic breeder that was predicted as likely to breed in the area in Sandgrouse 1. It first
bred in 1982, on the Riyadh River, and has probably bred each year since. There were c. 30-35
pairs in 1982-83, 50 pairs in 1986, 70 in 1987 and 50 in 1991. Bred at Thumahmah from 1990
until at least 1994 (Rietkerk & Wacher 1996). At Al Safi Dairy Farm, on 6 July 2000, more than
900 were present including c. 100 juveniles. Much of the Riyadh River is now unsuitable as
nesting habitat due to reed growth and high vegetation along banks and around pools. The
species now seeks newer, more open wetlands, such as farm wetlands and the new sewage
wetlands east of the city, where it was found on eggs in April 2003.
Michael C. Jennings 41
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta NB
Very rare in central Arabia in the 1970s but became increasingly common and stayed longer in
the early 1980s. Two pairs bred in the terminal area of the Riyadh River in 1986 and one in 1987
(Stagg 1994), but apparently not since because the habitat is no longer suitable. It is now scarce
in the region but new sites proving suitable for Black-winged Stilt in April 2003 could also be
used by this species.
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius NB
There were breeding-behaviour reports in the 1970s, but it was not proved to breed until 1986,
on shingle along the Riyadh River. It has probably done so every year since. There may be
20-40 pairs along the course of the Riyadh River. Breeders may be resident.
Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus NB
First nested in the Riyadh area in 1986 and has probably done so each year since. First nested at
Thumahmah in 1990 (Rietkerk & Wacher 1996) and was breeding at Al Marai farm, Durma, in
April 2003. Fond of isolated small pools with marshy margins, particularly those on cattle
farms, with desert or low vegetation nearby. Less frequent on the Riyadh River. The breeding
population is thought to be resident.
Spur-winged Plover Hoplopterus spinosus NB .
First recorded in the study area in 1984 and in 1986 was seen in territorial display. PAB saw 75
at Al Safi Dairy Farm on 24 February 2000 and was able to confirm breeding there for the first
time, when two week-old chicks were seen on 6 July 2000. Present at Al Marai farm, Durma, in
April 2003. It also bred just a few kilometres east of the study area in 1999, and probably prior
to that. This species appears to favour small wetlands on farms, such as slurry pools and
manure areas, and it is not particularly associated with the Riyadh River.
Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse Pterocles lichtensteinii NB
Although I had a record of this species going to drink after dusk at a site on the Tuwaig
escarpment during the period 1975-77, it was not included in Sandgrouse 1, because at the time I
was not totally confident about identification from its night-time call. There has since been
another record in the area (MB26) in 1982. It is a resident throughout the rest of its range and
the species therefore appears to be a very scarce resident in the Riyadh area.
Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Pterocles alchata NB
Predicted as a possible future breeding species in Sandgrouse 1, it has since been described as a
localised breeding resident by Stagg (1994). Three seen at Thumahmah in summer 2003 (KJ).
Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto IN
In 1978 this species was regarded as a common resident, if rather local. It is now extremely
numerous throughout central Arabia and, in addition to urban and suburban areas, it is found
in all wadis and deserts with trees. However, it is primarily commensal. In April 1999 there was
an estimated 500 pairs along a 15-km stretch of the Riyadh River north of Al Hair dam
(Jennings 1999).
Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur IN
In 1978 this species was regarded as a rare breeding summer visitor to central Arabia. It is now
slightly more widespread, but still local, as a breeder in central Arabia.
Palm (Laughing) Dove Streptopelia senegalensis NB
First recorded in the Riyadh area in 1985, and probably arrived from Eastern Province, as that
region, Bahrain and Qatar were all colonised from the southern Arabian Gulf in the preceding
years (Anon. 1985b). It bred in 1985 and has become extremely numerous and widespread
since, mainly in built-up and suburban areas. Much less frequent away from habitation.
42 Michael C. Jennings
Breeding birds in central Arabia 1978-2003
Namaqua Dove Oena capensis IN
First observed near Al Kharg in 1975, by 1978 it was thought to be a scarce resident. It is now a
widespread and common resident. In April 1999 12 were seen along a 15-km stretch of the
Riyadh River north of Al Hair dam (Jennings 1999). It has spread further east to Bahrain and
north to Kuwait from central Arabia.
Rose-ringed (Ring-necked) Parakeet Psittacula krameri IN
Present but erratic in the 1970s. It is now widespread and common in and around Riyadh and
raids crops (Stagg 1989). The species is thought to be resident, but there may be local and
seasonal movements which are not understood.
Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla NB
Previously a winter visitor to central Arabia. Confirmed breeding at Thumahmah in 1990 (Stagg
1994) and now present in some numbers on irrigated farms, commonly singing in cereal crops
during April. The breeding population is probably resident. Residents are greatly outnumbered
by winter visitors.
Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica NB
Previously a migrant in small numbers through central Arabia. A few pairs have bred along the
Riyadh River since 1994, where it is a summer visitor.
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava NB
A common migrant at Riyadh. On 6 June 2001, 22 M. f. feldegg were present in a restricted area
of Al Safi dairy farm, near Al Kharg. These included three recently fledged (food-begging)
juveniles, which were being repeatedly fed by adults (Bertilsson 2004).
White-cheeked Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys NB
First recorded in 1981 (Ramli & Jennings 1982), when birds were apparently introduced to the
Riyadh area. Introduced birds included at least one of the dark-breasted Iraq race, P. I.
mesopotamiae. Since then, the species has spread very widely, especially in gardens and along
the Riyadh River. It is not present in dry wadis and deserts, and is principally commensal. In
April 1999 it was estimated that there were 375 pairs along a 15-km stretch of the Riyadh River
north of Al Hair dam (Jennings 1999).
Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer NB
Introduced. Nest-building and a pair singing in 1993, and briefly thought to be a widespread
breeding resident in the area. However, it has been little reported in recent years and neither
PAB or KJ observed the species in 1998-2003.
Black Bush Robin Cercotrichas podobe IN
First recorded in central Arabia in 1973 and by 1980 was thought a scarce breeding resident in
gardens and cultivated areas near Riyadh. It has since increased and habitat changes over the
last two decades brought about by increased irrigation and cultivation may have permitted the
species to colonise the entire area and spread north and east. Observed feeding chicks at
Thumahmah in 2003 (KJ) and a pair were at Todhia farm, east of Al Kharg, in April 2003. In
April 1999 30 were seen along a 15-km stretch of the Riyadh River north of Al Hair dam
(Jennings 1999). It has been recorded in all months and is presumed resident.
Graceful Warbler (Prinia) Prinia gracilis NB
Predicted as a potential breeder in central Arabia (Jennings 1980), but not recorded until 25
January 2001, at Al Safi Dairy Farm, when PAB found two. Thereafter, the same observer noted
it near Mansouriyah, in February and March 2001 (22 on 15 March). Since then it has also been
recorded at Al Hair dam and between Al Hair and Al Kharg.
Michael C. Jennings 43
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon NB
Predicted as a potential breeder in Sandgrouse 1. There was a small number of records on the
Riyadh River in 1986 and 1987, when ten were found (Stagg 1994), but it was not confirmed to
breed until 1996, when juveniles were observed being fed, in Phragmites in June. There have
been no subsequent reports.
(European) Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus NB
Common migrant through central Arabia during the 1970s. It first bred along the Riyadh River
in 1988 (Stagg 1994), and since then has increased in numbers and is considered a common
breeding summer visitor to the region. In 1996 breeders were identified as A. s. fuscus (Nikolaus
& Ash 1997). In April 1999, it was estimated that there were 166 pairs along a 15-km stretch of
the Riyadh River north of Al Hair dam (Jennings 1999). During the period 1998-2001 PAB
recorded the species in all months and found it numerous in winter.
Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus NB
Previously known as a migrant through central Arabia, the species first bred in 1987 and
probably in 1988-1989, but there has been no subsequent confirmation of breeding: although
PAB noted song in 2001.
Basra Reed Warbler Acrocephalus griseldis PB
Well known as a migrant through the area. Observations have suggested breeding since the
early 1990s. In 1996 up to four were present daily from 14 April to 15 May, with prolonged song
and territorial behaviour, long stays by re-trapped birds and faithfulness to certain areas, all
strongly indicated breeding, although this was not proved. All were in tall reeds mixed with
tamarisks in lake-like sections of the Riyadh River (Nikolaus & Ash 1997).
Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida IN
In 1980 this species was an uncommon summer visitor to gardens and plantations, probably
breeding occasionally. It is now a very common breeding summer visitor to the Riyadh River.
For example, in early April 1999 it was estimated that there were 90 pairs along a 15-km stretch
of the Riyadh River north of Al Hair dam (Jennings 1999). The species appeared to be much less
numerous in April 2003.
Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata NB
There had been 1-2 records of migrants in central Arabia, but in 1996 it was recorded singing
from January and young were being fed by adults in June. No other details are available, but
the two observers were familiar with other Hippolais species. Subsequently, PAB observed
individuals at Thumahmah on 2 September 1999, 28 April 2000 and 7 September 2000, all of
which were probably migrants.
Common Mynah Acridotheres tristis NB
Introduced. First recorded in 1984 (Stagg 1994) and has since become a common resident of the
city and several settlements along the Riyadh River. First recorded at Thumahmah in 1991
(Rietkerk & Wacher 1996).
Bank Mynah Acridotheres ginginianus NB
Introduced. Present since 1989, groups of 20 being seen in the 1990s, although PAB recorded smaller
numbers in 1999-2001 (including a juvenile) and KJ had very few in 2001-2003. These records
suggest a small breeding population is established but breeding locations have yet to be identified.
Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis NB
Has bred since 1989 (Stagg 1994) and is now a widespread resident along the Riyadh River
and on farms.
44 Michael C. Jennings
Breeding birds in central Arabia 1978-2003
Table 1. Summary of breeding birds in central Arabia, 1978-2003.
1978 2003
Extinct as a breeding bird prior to 1978 2 2
Breeding or probably breeding in late 1970s 44 44
Of these in 2003
Species that hac not bred since 2
Species that have reduced in numbers since 2
Species that occur in about the same numbers 33
_ Species that have increased in numbers since 7.
Species that have bred for the first time since 1978 37
Of these
Wetland species 19
Farmland species th
Exotics 8
Arabian indigenous species not previously known to breed 3
Other species probably breeding since 1978 5
Total number of breeding species 2003 84
Total number of species that have bred in central Arabia 46 88
Highly likely to breed in near future 9
Pale Rock Sparrow Petronia brachydactyla NB
In the 1970s the species was rather erratic in central Arabia but was recorded singing into June,
and one trapped female had a brood patch. It was confirmed breeding in 1996, in desert habitat
near the Riyadh River (Nikolaus & Ash 1997). It is still a somewhat erratic but widespread
visitor to central Arabia.
Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus NB
Introduced. First recorded in 1989 and bred in 1990 (Stagg 1994) and 1991. PAB had two records
in June 2000, including one of nest-building. It is unclear whether the species has established a
viable resident breeding population.
Streaked Weaver Ploceus manyar NB
Introduced. Bred in 1989, 1990 (Stagg 1994) and 1991 along the Riyadh River. In 1998-2001 PAB
had numerous records (up to 40 together) and confirmed breeding again. Appears to be an
established local resident in small numbers. (In the late 1980s there were also a few reports of
Rtippell’s Weaver Ploceus galbula, observed in pairs and nest-building along the Riyadh River,
which were presumed escapes. There was no confirmed breeding and the species apparently
has not been seen since.)
Avadavat Amandava amandava NB
Introduced. The species was recorded as an escape in the 1970s, but in recent years has become
more common, and bred in 1990 and 1991 (Anon. 1991), 1996 (Nikolaus & Ash 1997), and
probably since. It was regularly recorded by PAB in 1998-2001.
Zebra Waxbill Amandava subflava PB
Present on the Riyadh River from 1985 (Stagg 1994) to at least 1989 and presumably bred during
this period. No subsequent reports.
Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild PB
Present on the Riyadh River from 1985 (Stagg 1994) to at least 1989 and presumably bred during
this period.
Indian Silverbill Euodice malabarica NB
First seen in 1981 (Jennings 1985) and has since become established as a common breeding
resident in Riyadh city, its suburbs and irrigated areas in central Arabia. The origin of central
Arabian birds is unclear. They could have arrived from Eastern Province or the Arabian Gulf
states, which in turn may have been colonised from the eastern United Arab Emirates /northern
Michael C. Jennings 45
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
Oman, where the species appears always to have been present. However, all new populations
could have originated from separate releases or escapes of this popular, imported cagebird.
Desert Finch Rhodospiza obsoleta NB
The arrival of this species in the Riyadh area in 1989 (Stagg 1994) was a considerable surprise.
The event probably represents a range extension from north-west Arabia (there are a number of
records from locations in between), but the species could equally have spread south from Iran.
First recorded at Thumahmah in 1993 (Rietkerk & Wacher 1996). It is now a widespread
breeding resident on farmland, particularly in orchards, fruit and vegetable areas. It appears to
be spreading beyond Riyadh and AI Kharg east and south.
PREDICTIONS
No paper of this nature would be complete without a speculative note on those
species that might colonise central Arabia in the next 25 years. There are numerous
candidates, but I have confined my list to nine of what seem to be the most likely.
Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotos
A widespread and apparently increasing species in Arabia, which has been recorded in the area
covered by this paper but not nesting. The discovery of it breeding within 100 km of Riyadh
seems long overdue. 3
Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus
An exotic species introduced to Eastern Province. It is already well established in Bahrain and
Qatar, and appears to be extending its range in Eastern Province, just as it has done in United
Arab Emirates and Oman. It seems likely to reach Riyadh eventually.
Spotted Crake Porzana porzana
Pairs have been noted for many years and breeding calls heard in the Riyadh area and other
parts of Arabia. In April-May 1996 ringed birds were controlled up to eight days later
(Nikolaus & Ash 1997), which is indicative of breeding.
Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola
Presently a migrant in central Arabia. It has now bred opportunistically in several parts of
Arabia and is likely to breed near Riyadh. PAB had two at Al Safi Dairy Farm on 6 July 2000.
White-tailed Plover Chettusia leucura
Has bred in Eastern Province and the United Arab Emirates, and in recent years appears to be
becoming more common as a migrant and winter visitor to central Arabia. Has also been
recorded in June (Stagg 1994) and there seems a good chance that it will breed in the future.
Little Tern Sterna albifrons
Breeds in freshwater areas of Eastern Province and could well find suitable breeding sites
near Riyadh.
White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
Has bred in Kuwait and has showed indications of breeding behaviour in central Arabia.
White-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis
Proven to bred in Kuwait since 2001. Stagg (1994) recorded the species in central Arabia in
January, March, August-September and November. In April 1999-May 2001, PAB observed the
species at four different sites, and suspected that 2-4 individuals were present all year.
46 Michael C. Jennings
Breeding birds in central Arabia 1978-2003
Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra
Breeds in Eastern Province, the United Arab Emirates and probably Qatar. In April 2003 several
were singing at Todhia farm, in the extreme south-east of the area covered by this paper. It will
almost certainly colonise central Arabian farming areas soon.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I am indebted to the many observers who have willingly passed details of their observations on the
breeding birds of the central Arabian region to the ABBA project. These include P. Andrew, J. S. Ash, P. A.
Bertilsson, J. C. Broadley, R. Burrough, M. A. Elwonger, P. Fronteras, P. Gaffan, A. N. Guthkelch, D. A.
Hoffman, P. A. D. Hollom, R. A. Honeywell, D. R. James, M. A. Jenkins, K. Johansson, A. Kirschel, J. Kunz,
V. Mellish, S. Nelms, G. Nikolaus, J. Palfrey, B. Pambour, A. Peterson, N. R. Phillips, R. F. Porter, J. Ramli, F.
Rietkerk, A. Salmon, J. Silsby, J. Stabler, A. J. Stagg, I. B. Tarrant, T. J. Wacher and D. J. Wilson.
lam especially grateful to Per Anders Bertilsson, who was active in the Riyadh area in 1998-2001, for making
available up-to-date details of birds in the area, generously provided in advance of self-publication of his
Saudi Arabia records. Special thanks also to Kurt Johansson for details of his observations during the period
2001-03. This paper would have been impossible but for very generous support of the ABBA project by a
number of other long-term observers in Riyadh. I am very grateful to Arthur Stagg for reading my original
manuscript and suggesting several improvements and ideas. Over the years, Mrs ‘Effie’ Warr has helped me
and the ABBA project in many ways, including provision of an extremely helpful list of central Arabian birds,
and checking references and comments on museum specimens at the Natural History Museum (Tring).
The ABBA Project-has been sponsored for many years by the National Commission for Wildlife
Conservation & Development, Riyadh, and my sincere thanks go to Prof. Abdulaziz Abuzinada, the
Secretary General, for his continued personal interest in and support of the project.
REFERENCES
ANON. (1985a) New breeding species. Phoenix 2: 2.
ANON. (1985b) Dynamic doves. Phoenix 2: 2-3.
ANON. (1991) New breeding species. Phoenix 8: 2.
BERTILSSON, P. A. (2004) First breeding of Yellow Wagtail in Arabia. Phoenix 20: 1-2.
BERTILSSON, P. A. (in prep.) Saudi Arabian Bird Report 1998-2001.
JAMES, D. R. (1991) First breeding record of Squacco and Night herons in Arabia and other interesting
breeding records for near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Phoenix 8: 3-4.
JAMEs, D. R. (1996) Bonelli’s eagle breeds in the Riyadh suburbs. Phoenix 13: 24.
JENNINGS, M. C. (1980) Breeding birds in central Arabia. Sandgrouse 1: 71-81.
JENNINGS, M. C. (1985) Selected records of Saudi Arabian birds 1981-1983. J. Saudi Arab. Nat. Hist. Soc.
2(4): 18-31.
JENNINGS, M. C. (1995) An interim atlas of the breeding birds of Arabia. National Commission for Wildlife
Conservation & Development, Riyadh.
JENNINGS, M. C. (1999) Birds along the al Hair watercourse, April 1999. Phoenix 16: 19.
NIKOLAUS, G. AND ASH, J. S. (1997) Riyadh River, Saudi Arabia; notes on breeding birds. Phoenix 14: 18-19.
PorTER, R. F., CHRISTENSEN, S. AND SCHIERMACKER-HANSEN, P. (1996) Field guide to the birds of the Middle East.
T. & A. D. Poyser, London.
RAMLI, J. AND JENNINGS, M. C. (1982) First records of the White-cheeked Bulbul from Riyadh, central Saudi
Arabia. Bull. Orn. Soc. Middle East 8: 2-3.
RIETKERK, F. AND WACHER, T. (1996) The birds of Thumamah, Central Province, Saudi Arabia. Sandgrouse
18 (1): 24-52.
STAGG, A. J. (1989) The Ring-necked Parakeet in Saudi Arabia. Oman Bird News 7: 7-8.
STAGG, A. J. (1994) Birds of the Riyadh region: an annotated checklist. Second edn. National Commission for
Wildlife Conservation & Development, Riyadh.
Sz}, J. AND FREY W. (1985) Development of Thumamah Nature Park. Report to Riyadh Development
Authority.
Michael C. Jennings, Warners Farm House, Warners Drove, Somersham, Cambridgeshire PE28 3WD, U. K.
Michael C. Jennings 47
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004 :
Four new bird species in Yemen from Socotra
5. J. ASPINALL, R. F. PORTER AND OMAR AL-SAGHIER
ETWEEN 1999 AND 2001 BirdLife International, supported by an award from the Darwin
Initiative, undertook a detailed survey of the birds of Socotra, Republic of Yemen (see Porter
2003). During the first visit, in November—December 1999, four new birds for Yemen were
recorded. Here we document these observations, all of which were made by the authors, and
which have been formally accepted by the recently established Socotra Bird Records Committee
(SBRC), the secretary of which is OA-S, and whose address appears below. The Socotra
archipelago lies off the Horn of Africa, c. 350 km south of mainland Yemen. The largest island,
Socotra, is where all four species were recorded.
Long-tailed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus
An immature or non-breeding-plumaged bird frequented Hadibu lagoons on 12-21 November
1999, with what was presumably the same bird observed at nearby Wadi Schek on 19 November.
It was relatively confiding, permitted close approach and was photographed (Plates 1-2).
Description. A small, slim and long-tailed cormorant, with a short frontal crest sometimes evident on the
forehead, and tail elongated centrally. Upperparts blackish brown, with an iridescent gloss visible at close
quarters. Black-fringed median coverts had broad pale bases, especially noticeable when the wings were
spread. Scattered feathers on the coverts and mantle had narrow white fringes, probably suggesting that it
was a first-winter. Underparts, including face-sides, were sullied off-white on upper breast and flanks.
Irides red, feet black and bill yellow with a dark culmen. The bird perched freely on overhanging thin dead
branches and posts in the lagoon.
It differed from Pygmy Cormorant P. pygmeus in its red irides, forehead tuft, longer tail, longer
all-yellow bill, and lack of bronze in its upperpart coloration; from Little Cormorant P. niger (of
southern Asia) by red irides, white underparts and finer, yellow bill.
Although this is the first record for Yemen and Arabia, a bird seen by Mike Langman and RFP
at Marib Dam, Yemen, on 6 December 1987, was identified as Long-tailed Cormorant.
However, because of the distance involved, they observed insufficient detail for its documen-
tation as a first record for the region. Elsewhere, Long-tailed Cormorant is regular in Somalia
(Ash & Miskell 1998), Sudan and Eritrea, with records since 1988 at Abu Simbel and Lake
Nasser, Egypt (the first records in the latter country since 1903, although it formerly bred there;
Cramp & Simmons 1977). The breeding range is confined to Africa south of the Sahara, where it
is widespread and common (del Hoyo et al. 1992).
Yellow Bittern [xobrychus sinensis
An immature flushed into a date palm, where it was watched and photographed (Plate 3), at
Wadi Schek, near Hadibu, on 19 November 1999. It was searched for but not seen subsequently.
Description. A small heron, slightly larger but similar in structure to Little Bittern I. minutus, with a
noticeably longer bill. Crown rich cinnamon with a few dark streaks, face-sides buffish white. Upperparts
cinnamon-rufous with pastel grey feather fringes and warm brown streaks on back, and pale buff (biscuit-
coloured) wing-coverts. Off-white below, with broad, solid, cinnamon-rufous streaks. The all-dark tail was
waved up and down, and from side to side, when perched. Bill yellow-horn with dark culmen, legs
yellowish green.
In the immediate region, this Oriental species is known from Dhofar, southern Oman, where a
small breeding population is present (Eriksen & Sargeant 2000), although perhaps not resident,
whilst it also breeds in Seychelles (Skerrett et al. 2001). It has occurred extralimitally on other
Indian Ocean islands, such as the Maldives (Grimmett et al. 1998), as well as on islands in the
Pacific (Hancock & Elliott 1978). There is a report of a Yellow Bittern on Socotra in summer 1999
(per OA-S), but no details have been received.
48
Notes
Madagascar Pond Heron Ardeola idae
One was photographed (Plates 4-5) at Wadi Schek, near Hadibu, on 19-21 November 1999.
When discovered, there was much debate as to its identity. It clearly differed from Squacco
Heron A. ralloides, at least one of which was also present on Hadibu lagoons, and it was initially
thought to be an Indian Pond Heron A. grayii, which could occur on the island. However, SJA
knows that species well and suggested that it might be a Madagascar Pond Heron. Subsequent
reference to the relevant literature and specimens at the Natural History Museum (Tring), with
the assistance of Peter Colston, made us confident of its true identity.
Description. Similar in size and structure to Squacco Heron, which was present on a nearby lagoon, but the
bill was stouter, appearing more powerful. In plumage, differed from the latter species and from Indian
Pond Heron in its remarkably dark coloration. Head, neck and breast dark brown with golden-buff
streaking, including on the long nape-plumes. Mantle, scapulars and coverts uniform dark russet-tan, with
golden-buff streaks on the drooping scapular feathers. Occasionally, the mantle showed a subtle greyish-
maroon wash. Belly and breast white. The stout dark-tipped bill had a steely grey upper mandible and
yellowish-green lower mandible. Lores lime-green with a dark line through centre. Irides yellow and legs
lime-green. The bird’s behaviour and method of feeding were similar to those of Squacco, although it
frequented the open marsh and only rarely the fringing cover.
This record constitutes a species new not only to Yemen but also to the avifauna of the Middle
East. It is a regular non-breeding visitor, May—October, to Tanzania and Kenya (Zimmerman et al.
1996), but there are only two records from Somalia (Ash & Miskell 1998). The species is a vagrant
to the granitic Seychelles, August and November—March, although it breeds on Aldabra (Skerrett
et al. 2001). Madagascar Pond Heron is, perhaps understandably, prone to sporadic vagrancy,
especially given the propensity of the Indian Ocean to experience violent cyclonic storms.
be
Plates 1-2 (top left & middle). Long-tailed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus, Hadibu Lagoons, Socoira,
November 1999. (S. J. Aspinall) Plate 3 (top right). Yellow Bittern /xobrychus sinensis, Wadi Schek, near
Hadibu, Socotra, 19 November 1999. (RA. F. Porter) Plates 4—5 (bottom left & right). Madagascar Pond
Heron Ardeola idea, Wadi Schek, near Hadibu, Socotra, November 1999. (S. J. Aspinall)
49
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004 :
Amur Falcon Falco amurensis
During early morning of 3 December 1999 prolonged and very heavy rain fell over the coastal
plain and adjacent hills on the north coast of Socotra, including over the town of Hadibu. As
this eased, at c. 08.00, an unidentified falcon was observed moving east low overhead, and as
we attempted to gain better views no fewer than 13 others followed in loose formation, less
than 20 metres above ground. Views, including of at least two adult males with white wing-
linings, soon permitted their conclusive identification as Amur Falcon. The flock passed over in
less than two minutes. Unfortunately, because of the poor light, the only photographs obtained
were of poor quality and are thus not reproduced here (copies are, however, lodged with the
SBRC). Both SJA and RFP have much previous experience of the species, in the United Arab
Emirates, China in spring and autumn, and South Africa in winter.
Description. Small to medium-sized falcons (without any size comparison, the first bird was thought to be
a Lanner). Structure similar to Kestrel Falco tinnunculus (the commonest falcon on Socotra), but with longer
wings and shorter tail. The underparts of most birds seen reasonably well were off-white/buffish, with
streaked underparts, streaking and spotting on the underwings, and narrowly barred tails. On many, a
slight moustachial streak was observed. At least two were ashy or blackish below with white underwing-
coverts, which were obvious, even in the poor light. They progressed relatively slowly, with loose, shallow
wingbeats and much gliding.
Amur Falcon has one of the longest-distance migrations of any raptor; moreover, much of its
route is presumed to be over the western Indian Ocean. The species breeds in Manchuria and
the Russian Far East, and winters in south-east Africa, a straight-line distance of over 12,000 km,
yet relatively few are detected on migration and their route, particularly the spring return
through Asia, remains somewhat unknown. Clement & Holman (2001) provided an overview
of passage records, including the first sightings from Ethiopia, and discussed probable routes.
Individuals or flocks have been observed passing over the eastern Himalayas in autumn,
including through Nepal and India. In Africa, it is passage migrant to Kenya in
November—December and again late March-early May, with fewer records from northern
Tanzania (Zimmerman et al. 1996). It has also been noted as locally numerous in southern
Somalia in spring, but there is only one autumn record, of nine birds on 24 November (Ash &
Miskell 1998). It is a vagrant to Seychelles, where it is ‘more frequently recorded December to
January’ (Skerrett et al. 2001). That a group should have arrived on the north coast of Socotra in
early morning is a significant observation, indicative of either a sea-crossing by night or a pre-
dawn departure from the Dhofar coast of southern Arabia. The latter appears less probable,
given the distance. It seems the heavy belt of rain affecting northern Socotra at the time may
have caused a temporary halt in their migration, in conditions which could otherwise have
resulted in an uncertain fate over the sea. That such a landfall was available may have been
fortuitous, but sheds some light on at least the timing, if not the route, of the autumn migration
of the species.
Clement & Holman (2001) considered that autumn landfall, by at least part of the population, as
probably in the Horn of Africa, with support coming from sightings in Somalia and Ethiopia,
although most seem to arrive in southern Kenya and north-east Tanzania. The record from
Socotra is clear evidence for the existence of a more northerly track, the archipelago lying at
closest only c. 100 km from the coast of Somalia, although the sighting described here is c. 200
km further east. Lack of observer coverage coupled with the likely high altitudes at which
migration occurs and, in all probability, onward movement being inland, all prevent a fuller
picture emerging at present.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We thank Peter Colston, who assisted our examination of skins of Madagascar Pond Heron and similar
species at the Natural History Museum (Tring), and Dr Robert Prys-Jones, for granting access to the
specimens. Our thanks are also due to the Darwin Initiative who funded the BirdLife International
surveys of Socotra.
50
Notes
REFERENCES
ASH, J. S. AND MISKELL, J. E. (1998) Birds of Somalia. Pica Press, Robertsbridge.
CLEMENT, P. AND HOLMAN, D. J. (2001) Passage records of Amur Falcon Falco amurensis from SE Asia to
southern Africa including first records from Ethiopia. Bull. Brit. Orn. Club 121: 222-230.
CRAMP, S. AND SIMMONS, K. E. L. (EDS.) (1977) The birds of the Western Palearctic. Vol. 1. Oxford University Press.
DEL Hoyo, J., ELLIOTT, A. AND SARGATAL, J. (EDS.) (1992) Handbook of the birds of the world. Vol. 1. Lynx
Edicions, Barcelona.
ERIKSEN, J. AND SARGEANT, D. E. (2000) Oman bird list: the official list of birds of the Sultanate of Oman. Fifth edn.
Oman Bird Records Committee, Muscat.
GRIMMETT, R. F., INskipp, C. AND INSKIPP, T. (1998) Birds of the Indian subcontinent. A. & C. Black, London.
HANCOCK, J. AND ELLIOTT, H. (1978) The herons of the world. Croom Helm, London.
PORTER, R. (2003) Socotra: Yemen’s special island. Sandgrouse 25: 93-102.
SKERRETT, A., BULLOCK, I. AND DIsLEy, T. (2001) Birds of Seychelles. A. & C. Black, London.
ZIMMERMAN, D. A, TURNER, D. A. AND PEARSON, D. J. (1996) Birds of Kenya and northern Tanzania. A. & C.
Black, London.
S. J. Aspinall, P. O. Box 45553, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
R. F. Porter, c/o BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 ONA, U. K.
Omar Al-Saghier, P. O. Box 13330, Sana‘a, Republic of Yemen.
Another Swinhoe’s Storm-petrel
Oceanodroma monorhis at Eilat
BARAK GRANIT AND JAMES P. SMITH
ROUND NOON ON 18 APRIL 2003, conditions typical of a Red Sea low-pressure system
began to develop at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba. At Eilat’s North Beach, Pomarine
Stercorarius pomarinus and Arctic Skuas S. parasiticus, Sooty Puffinus griseus and Cory’s
Shearwaters Calonectris diomedea, and an adult Brown Booby Sula leucogaster, the first since March
1999, had been observed at the bay’s head. At 18.30 hours, Arnon Tsari, BG and Nir Sapir spotted
a small unidentified shearwater Puffinus sp. of the Audubon’s/Little complex P.
lherminieri/assimilis. Unfortunately it was beyond all optical limits to permit specific identification.
On. the morning of 19 April, BG and Rami Mizrachi observed the unidentified shearwater again,
but due to the sheer distance of the observation were again unable to specifically identify it.
However, they noted that the bird was feeding and thus remained within a relatively small area.
With this in mind, BG, RM, AT, NS and JPS decided to hire a small fishing boat in an attempt to
relocate the bird. After some 7 km at sea, NS and JPS noticed a strange-looking bird flapping in a
butterfly-like manner, but remaining stationary on the surface of the water. The bird was making
no progress and held its wings high above its body. Closer inspection revealed that its body was
partially submerged and the bird was apparently in danger of drowning. As the boat
approached, we felt a kind of hysteria as we realised that we were watching a storm-petrel sp. At
Eilat, a storm-petrel of any kind is an extremely rare vagrant. JPS took several field images using
a digital camera, these being the first-ever field pictures of a live vagrant storm-petrel in Israel.
After only a brief period, it was clear that the bird would not survive in its current condition
and so we scooped it from the water with a fishing-net, and later took it to the Marine Biology
Research Institute, in Eilat, for professional care. Sadly the bird, which was extremely weak
when we found it, died after two days and was later taken to the ZMTAU (Zoological Museum
of Tel Aviv University). It was identified as a Swinhoe’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma monorhis by
the time it was taken into care. There is one currently accepted record in Israel, a tideline corpse
found at Eilat in January 1958 (Shirihai 1996). A dark-rumped storm-petrel that died after flying
ol
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004 :
| Oceanodroma monorhis, Eilat, April 2003. (James P. Smith)
Plates 1-2. Swinhoe’s Storm-petre
into a hotel window, in the same place, on 8 September 2000, has also been identified as a
Swinhoe’s Storm-petrel (Yosef et al. 2003), although details of that record have yet to be
submitted to the Israel Records & Distribution Committee. The latter corpse is also retained as a
specimen at ZMTAU.
Description
General. A small, dark storm-petrel, similar in size and shape to Leach’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa
with long, narrow wings, obviously bent at the carpal, and a mid-length tail with a shallow but very
noticeable fork; 15 mm between the longest (outer) tail feather and the shortest (innermost). Upperparts.
Dark chocolate-brown, darkest (almost black) on mantle and tail, with somewhat paler brown feathers on
rump. In the field, the upper body including the rump appeared concolorous. Upperwing. Dark with a
paler sandy bar along the greater/median coverts which consisted of sandy feather edges (the rest of each
feather gradually became darker towards the feather centre) contrasting strongly with the very dark lesser
coverts and remiges. The shafts of all of the primaries were pale at the base, but in the field only the six
outermost were visible. The colour of the shafts changed gradually, from whitish on the outermost feathers
to sandy towards the inner primaries. The rectrice bases also contained pale shafts for a distance of 20 mm
from the base of the outer rectrices, although this feature probably has little value in the field because the
shafts would be well hidden by the uppertail-coverts. Underwing. Very dark, although a broad, pale, ash-
coloured bar was visible on the greater coverts and across the bases of the remiges. Bare parts. All were
glossy black.
Occurrence and vagrancy
The species is apparently occurring with increasing frequency as a vagrant in Europe, with four
records from the U. K. alone up to 2001. The species may breed regularly in small numbers on
Selvagem Grande, Madeira (Zino 1997). It has been trapped in north-west France and three
times at Tynemouth in north-east England (Zino 1997), as well as in Spain and Italy, and as far
north as Norway (Enticott & Tipling 1997, Rogers et al. 2001). As mentioned above, there are
two previous records in Israel.
Comment
Swinhoe’s Storm-petrel is known to reach the western Indian Ocean (Harrison 1983, Porter et al.
1996) and, like many storm-petrels, has primarily nocturnal habits. It appears plausible that this |
species enters the Red Sea, and possibly the Gulf of Eilat, on a regular basis but it is easily
overlooked and until now has been discovered only as a post-storm casualty.
52
Notes
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Special thanks to Ruti Motro, from the Marine Biology Research Institute of Eilat, for her devoted care of the
Swinhoe’s Storm-petrel, and her full cooperation. Jonathan Meyrav and the Kibbutz Lotan Centre for
Birdwatching provided warm hospitality. We are grateful also to Dan Alon and the Israel Ornithological
Centre for continued support of ornithological projects in Israel.
REFERENCES
ENTICOTT, J. AND TIPLING, D. (1997) Photographic handbook of the seabirds of the world. New Holland, London.
HARRISON. P. (1983) Seabirds: an identification guide. Croom Helm, Beckenham.
PorTER, R. F., CHRISTENSEN, S. AND SCHIERMACKER-HANSEN, P. (1996) Field guide to the birds of the Middle East.
T. & A. D. Poyser, London.
Rocers, M. J. AND THE RARITIES COMMITTEE (2001) Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 2000. Brit. Birds 94:
452-504.
SHIRIHAIL, H. (1996) The birds of Israel. Academic Press, London.
YOSEF, R., RYDBERG-HEDEN, M. AND NIKOLAJSEN, R. (2003) Second record of Swinhoe’s Storm-petrel
Oceanodroma monorhis at Eilat. Sandgrouse 25: 152-153.
ZINO, F. (1997) Swinhoe’s Petrel. In: Hagemeijer, E. J. M. and Blair, M. J. (eds.) The EBCC atlas of European
breeding birds. T. & A. D. Poyser, London.
Barak Granit, 9 Einstein Street, Haifa, Israel.
James P. Smith, 157 Standon Road, Sheffield S9 1PH, South Yorkshire, U. K. ( permanent address), or
Kibbutz Lotan, D. N. Chevel, Eilot, 88855, Israel.
The first Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis
in Israel
BARAK GRANIT AND JAMES P. SMITH
URING THE MORNING OF 15 APRIL 2003, BG, Daniel Gelbart and Jonathan Meyrav
were birding at Eilat’s north sewage ponds. A lone stint Calidris sp., initially found at close
range by DG, after a short time was identified as a Red-necked Stint C. ruficollis by BG. He
immediately telephoned the other birders present in the southern Arava, including Nir Sapir,
Arnon Tsairi, and JPS, who after arriving at the site took a series of digital images through his
telescope and thereafter additional images at various times during the day.
Plate 1. Summer-plumaged Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis, Eilat, israel, April 2003. (James P. Smith)
DB
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
After associating mainly with Little Ringed Charadrius dubius and Kentish Plovers C. alexan-
drinus, the Red-necked Stint moved to Ein Evrona salt pools, about 1 km further north, and
joined a small flock of c. 100 Little Stints Calidris minuta. The bird remained in the area until at
least 22 April, when it was last reported (and photographed) by JPS. It was seen by most of the
members of the Israel Rarities & Distribution Committee (IRDC).
As the bird was almost in full breeding plumage and views were generally excellent, the identi-
fication was relatively straightforward. Observers were able to acquire useful experience of
some particularly interesting structural features that may help in the future detection of non-
breeding plumaged Red-necked Stints in Israel.
Description
Size, shape and jizz: Clearly a small, long-bodied, short-legged stint, with obviously long wings and a
rather flat, oval-shaped body when observed from behind, at times recalling a small Baird’s Sandpiper
Calidris bairdii. Body held at a slight angle, downwards towards its rear and the bird appeared ‘neckless’ in
the field. Overall shape and impression was of a mini-Baird’s Sandpiper, rather than the taller, more
compact and horizontal structure of Little Stint. The bill appeared somewhat shorter than Little Stint and
less parallel-sided, being quite deep-based and pointed and slightly decurved at the tip. Head: Crown
appeared silvery whitish with dark streaks, becoming browner posteriorly, and contrasting with the
reddish face. The dark eyestripe, which extended from the bill towards the rear upper corner of the ear-
coverts, was broader and more diffuse behind the eye and was invisible from some angles. Supercilium,
ear-coverts, throat and upper breast were reddish, mottled with small white patches, especially on the
breast. A small white ring surrounded the bill base. The nape was reddish brown with dark streaking.
Underparts: Diagnostic blackish ‘arrowheads’ were quite clearly visible below the reddish upper breast,
especially on the breast-sides. The rest of the underparts were strikingly clean white. Upperparts: Mantle
grey, streaked dark, the scapulars having black centres and whitish fringes, some with rufous bases. Some
of the lower scapulars were wholly grey with a narrow blackish line along the centre of each feather. Wing-
coverts were cold, pale grey, affording a strong contrast with the reddish head. It is noteworthy that, from a
distance, it was easier to detect the bird by the scaly appearance to the upperparts, rather than by its
reddish throat, especially, of course, when the bird was seen from behind.
Occurrence and vagrancy
Well known as a long-distant migrant, Red-necked Stint breeds in north-east Siberia and north-
west Alaska, and winters in south-east Asia south and east to Australia and New Zealand, but
has occasionally been recorded in winter in eastern and southern Africa (Hayman et al. 1986). It
is slightly surprising that such a highly potential vagrant had not previously been recorded in
Israel (Shirihai 1996). It has occurred more than ten times in Europe, including six records from
Britain (Rogers et al. 2002), and there are three previous Middle Eastern records, all from the
United Arab Emirates, at Khor Dubai, in September 1994, and in the same place in July 1995
(Richardson & Aspinall 1998), with the most recent being one reported in Abu Dhabi, on 6-10
September 2001 (Balmer & Betton 2002).
The species has plausibly been overlooked in autumn in Israel, when its detection among large
flocks of juvenile Little Stints would be difficult. That this bird first appeared alone and
afforded excellent views greatly contributed to its detection, correct identification and
documentation. The record awaits ratification by the IRDC.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Special thanks to Kibbutz Lotan Centre for Birdwatching for their hospitality, and to Dan Alon of the Israel
Ornithological Centre for his continued support of ornithological projects in southern Israel.
REFERENCES
BALMER, D. AND BETTON, K. (COMPILERS) (2002) Around the region. Sandgrouse 24: 76-80.
HAYMAN, P., MARCHANT, J. AND PRATER, T. (1986) Shorebirds: an identification guide to the waders of the world.
Croom Helm, Beckenham.
RICHARDSON, C. AND ASPINALL, S. (1998) The Shell birdwatching guide to the United Arab Emirates. Hobby
Publications, Liverpool & Dubai.
o4
Notes
Rocers, M. J. AND THE RARITIES COMMITTEE (2002) Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 2001. Brit. Birds 95:
476-528.
SHIRIHAL, H. (1996) The birds of Israel. Academic Press, London.
Barak Granit, 9 Einstein Street, Haifa, Israel.
James P. Smith, 157 Standon Road, Sheffield S9 1PH, South Yorkshire, U. K. (permanent address), or
Kibbutz Lotan, D. N. Chevel, Eilot, 88855, Israel.
Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata: a new
breeding species for Turkey
GEOFF AND HILARY WELCH
N THE AFTERNOON OF 29 MAY 2002, the authors (together with Omer Faruk Ozmen),
were undertaking breeding-bird survey transects at the northern end of the summit plateau
of Karacadag (45 km east of Siverek, and straddling the provinces of Siverek and Diyarbakir), as
part of a two-year biodiversity assessment project of south-east Anatolia. We were following a
standard methodology, surveying independently and c. 3 km apart along the main track.
iy
Spectacled Warbler records in Turkey
4 Side, 15 April 1969
2 East of Silifke 19 October 1970
3 Near tskenderun 4 October 1974 . : : : :
4 Belen area 10 September 1981 Figure 1. Map showing previous confirmed (accepted by Turkey Bird
5 Breeding site on Karacadag May/June 2002 Reports) records of Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata in Turkey.
At approximately 17.45, GW observed a small Sylvia warbler fly across the track in front of him
into the low Astragalus scrub. The bird was quickly relocated and seen to be a female recalling a
small Whitethroat Sylvia communis. Spectacled Warbler S. conspicillata was suspected and the
identification soon confirmed when a male appeared. Both birds were very agitated and
appeared to be holding territory; they gave frequent alarm calls and remained in a compara-
tively small area. The female also performed a distraction display, conspicuously fluttering
around in the vegetation and on the ground. Having made notes on both birds, GW continued
his survey and located an additional five birds, one of which was carrying food. Meanwhile,
HW had observed a female Sylvia warbler during her transect which she, independently,
tentatively identified as a Spectacled Warbler.
By)
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
Plates 1-2 (top). Male Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata carrying food, Karacadag, Turkey, 30 May
2002. (Geoff & Hilary Welch) Plate 3 (middle). General habitat on the plateau of Karacadag, Turkey,
dominated by Astragalus sp., 30 May 2002. (Geoff & Hilary Welch) Plate 4 (bottom). Spectacled Warbler
Sylvia conspicillata nest with young, Karacadag, Turkey, 30 May 2002. (Geoff & Hilary Welch)
56
Notes
A return visit was made to the area on the afternoon of 30 May and a nest with five young was
photographed. General habitat photographs were also taken. Additional surveys were carried
out at the southern end of the plateau, on 1 June, and a further eight birds were observed
including one pair, a singing male and four males mobbing a Red Fox Vulpes vulpes.
On the two survey visits, approximately 10 km of track were walked, equivalent to a survey
area of approximately 200 ha, and a total of 16 Spectacled Warblers was seen. Satellite images of
Karacadag indicate that there are approximately 8,900 ha of Astragalus scrub on the plateau and
therefore the area potentially supports a significant breeding population of the species.
Description
Female: Overall impression was of a small Whitethroat. Head, mantle, wing-coverts and tail distinctly greyish
brown, contrasting with bright rufous-brown wings. Tail slightly darker grey than rest of upperparts. Dark
alula very noticeable, as were the dark-centred tertials with pale brown fringes. Outer tail feathers white, most
obvious in flight. Underparts off-white. Bill pale yellowish with dark upper mandible and tip, legs pinkish
orange. Noticeable yellowish-white eye-ring and dark iris but exact colour not noted. Male: Upperparts, tail,
wings and bare parts similar to female, but head darker grey with even darker, almost blackish, lores (see Plates
1-2), and wings more distinctly rufous. Throat white contrasting with pinky-buff underparts. The underparts
colour of males varied considerably, some having an obvious, and quite dark, pink wash, others being off-
white. Eye-ring more prominent and had strong yellow cast. Call: A distinctive short, dry, rasping ‘drrr’, very
characteristic and often the first indication of a bird’s presence.
Habitat
Karacadag is an isolated volcanic mountain, rising to 1957 metres, surrounded by rocky volcanic
steppe. Above 1700 metres the summit plateau is dominated by low cushion-formation Astragalus
scrub, which in some areas amounts to 60% ground cover. The remaining area consists of low
rocky volcanic outcrops interspersed with patches of open sandy ground and sparse grasses
(Plate 3). Trees are absent. Below 1700 metres, the Astragalus dominance quite rapidly reduces
(none was noted below 1590 metres), and is replaced by grasses and some arable crops.
The nest was located in a dense Astragalus bush, c. 40 cm high. The nest was a compact cup,
constructed of dried grasses and well concealed in the domed crown of the Astragalus. The five
young were all well grown and probably close to fledging, although still having obvious bright
yellow gapes (Plate 4). Spectacled Warblers were only observed in areas where grazing pressure
was low and the domed shape of the Astragalus bushes intact.
As the habitat on Karacadag was so distinctive, the project’s GIS/Remote Sensing officer in
Ankara, Aysegul Domag, was contacted to check the satellite images for other areas in the
region with the same vegetation reflectance pattern above 1700 metres. Three sites were
identified in Adiyaman province, and one of these, north-east of Celikhan, was visited on 9
June. Although Astragalus was present it was not dominant; the overall vegetation structure
was more varied than on Karacadag and there were Pinus and Quercus growing over the
Astragalus in places; no Spectacled Warblers were seen.
Discussion
Prior to our observations, Spectacled Warbler was considered a vagrant in Turkey by Kirwan et
al. (1999), as there were only four definite records, all from the Southern Coastlands: at Side on
15 April 1969; east of Silifke on 19 October 1970; near Iskenderun on 4 October 1974; and in the
Belen area on 10 September 1981 (see Fig. 1). Thus, to discover the species breeding and in
potentially large numbers, was both significant and surprising.
Globally, Spectacled Warbler occurs in two discrete populations: S. c. conspicillata in countries
bordering the Mediterranean, and S. c. orbitalis on the Canaries, Madeira and the Cape Verdes
(Shirihai et al. 2001). The nominate subspecies occurs in two widely separated populations, the
larger being found at the western end of the Mediterranean, from Iberia east to a line running
approximately from Italy south into Libya. The other population, in the eastern
bf
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004 :
Mediterranean, occurs on Cyprus and locally in Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, Syria and Iraq. The
North African, Atlantic Islands and eastern Mediterranean populations are largely resident or
undertake short-distance movements in relation to winter climate. Those of the Iberian
Peninsula, France and Italy are migratory, although considerable numbers may remain on the
breeding grounds in mild winters. For many years there has been speculation as to whether
the species breeds in Greece and Turkey, but our discovery is the first time breeding has been
proved. :
As Karacadag is covered with snow in winter, which can linger until May or even June, the
birds must move elsewhere, either to lower altitudes or further south; the most likely wintering
grounds would be on Cyprus or in the Levant.
Recommendations
Research into the ecology of the species will be vital for planning future conservation work.
Therefore, an accurate population assessment is required, together with an ecological study to
determine the key factors in the habitat, and a study to determine the species’ movements
throughout the year.
As the entire Turkish population appears to be restricted to Karacadag, the mountain qualifies
as an Important Bird Area as defined by BirdLife International (Heath & Evans 2000), fulfilling
the criteria A3 (biome-restricted) and B1 (iii) (supporting >1% of a distinct population of a
congregatory species other than a waterbird or seabird). It is suggested that full protection be
applied to all areas of the mountain above 1700 metres.
Threats
On the summit there is a military outpost and a transmission station for Turkish television, and
on the plateau immediately below a small winter ski resort. At the time of the surveys there
were at least six temporary camps of local people with sheep and goats grazing the area, and in
addition several unexplored tracks indicating other camps in the area; it is likely that the
number of camps increases as the summer progresses. A management strategy is thus needed
to control all potentially damaging activities. These include grazing, uprooting of Astragalus
(used for winter fuel and animal feed; Ertekin 2002, Bakar et al. 2002), forestation, tourism
development (skiing and other possible recreational activities such as off-road driving), and all
operational and maintenance work relating to the antenna.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Field work was carried out as part of the South-east Anatolia Biodiversity Assessment Project, commis-
sioned by the GAP (South-east Anatolia Project) Regional Development Administration, implemented by
the former DHKD (the Turkish Society for the Conservation of Nature) and funded by UNDP. HW acted as
Project Officer for the project and GW’s participation was made possible by the East Anglia Regional Office
of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (BirdLife International partner in the U.K.). Our thanks go to
Omer Faruk Ozmen (from the GAP-RDA) for his company and organisational assistance.
REFERENCES
BAKAR, Z., SEN, L. AND UstUNDAG, N. (2002) [Plant diversity in Karacadag area socio-economic baseline
survey]. Siirdtirtilebilir Kirsal & Kentsel Kalkinma Dernegi, Ankara. [In Turkish.]
ERTEKIN, S. (2002) [Plant diversity in Karacadag area]. Stirdiirtilebilir Kirsal & Kentsel Kalkinma Derne®i,
Ankara. [In Turkish. |
HEATH, M. F. AND EVANS, M. I. (EDS.) (2000) Important Bird Areas in Europe: priority sites for conservation.
BirdLife International (BirdLife Conservation Series No. 8), Cambridge.
KIRWAN, G. M., MARTINS, R. P., EKEN, G. AND DAVIDSON, P. (1998) A checklist of the birds of Turkey.
Sandgrouse Suppl. 1: 1-32.
SHIRIHAI, H., GARGALLO, G., HELBIG, A. J., HARRIS, A. AND COTTRIDGE, D. (2001) Sylvia warblers: identification,
taxonomy and phylogeny of the genus Sylvia. A. & C. Black, London.
Geoff and Hilary Welch, Minsmere Reserve, Westleton, Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 3BY, U. K.
58
Notes
Ornithological observations in eastern Yemen,
February—March 2002
CHRISTOPHE TOURENQ, MARK LAWRENCE, MOHAMMED SALEH, JASSIM BIN
OMRAN AND MUTEYIE AL-KHOBANI
UE TO INSECURITY caused by past civil unrest in the Republic of Yemen, several areas of
the country have still only been subject to very incomplete ornithological coverage (see Ash
1988, Porter & Martins 1996). We visited Yemen from 28 February to 21 March 2002, focusing on
the region corresponding to the former South Yemen (Fig. 1). Only species of interest are
reported here.
Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis (undulata) macqueenit
A female near Azzan, on 11 March, and a female and a male on the Durw Plateau, Mahrah
province, on 17 and 18 March respectively. Old tracks were found near Shebwa and Haswyn.
Houbara presence was reported by local people in the Thumood, Mukalla and Al Ghayda areas,
but the species was not recorded by Porter et al. (1996), who only mentioned reports by local
people in the Mahrah region. According to Porter et al. (1996), the species’ status is uncertain,
but it is probably a very rare visitor, which possibly bred in the 19th century. Notwithstanding
that Houbara populations have declined dramatically throughout Arabia because of
overhunting during recent decades, the species is apparently still present year-round in Yemen
(Porter et al. 1996, National Avian Research Center unpubl.).
White-checked Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys
One in Azzan town, on 8 March. There is one previous record for Yemen, from Aden, in March
1961, which is considered to refer to an escape (Martins et al. 1996), as might the present record
(R. F. Porter pers. comm.).
Red-tailed Wheatear Oenanthe xanthoprymna
Singles in rocky montane areas between Bir Ali and Mukalla, on 12 March, between Sayhut and
Haswyn, on 14 March, near Haswyn and between Haswyn and Al Ghayda, on 15 March.
Martins et al. (1996) considered the species to be a vagrant or scarce winter visitor, with only
two previous records in the eastern part of the country.
7
| - | \,
| Lf. | \,
| SAUDIA ARABIA. v ‘
Eee ft THUMOOD | 3
' eo e ;
i i, 4 Mahrats %
ee Va region
i a .
ve SHIBAM |
| rif ® |
| \
|
ft
i
NN ANN NNN
Figure 1. Localities in eastern Yemen mentioned in the text.
59
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
Hooded Wheatear Oenanthe monacha
Two males at the base of montane slopes near Shebwa, on 4 March. Martins et al. (1996)
considered the species to be apparently resident, although recorded only from the Al. Mukalla
and Hadramawt regions.
Purple Sunbird Nectarinia asiatica
An adult male near Azzan, on 8 March. Martins et al. (1996) did not mention the species for eastern
Yemen, but J. van der Woude (unpubl.) noticed several around Shebwa ruins in autumn 1992.
Yemen Serin Serinus menachensis
Five on slopes between Bir Ali and Mukalla, on 12 March. Martins et al. (1996) considered the
species’ status to be unclear in eastern Yemen, given the availability of only two records, both
Meinertzhagen specimens, whereas in north Yemen, Brooks et al. (1987) considered it to be
widespread and common.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We are grateful to H. H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman
of the Environmental Research Wildlife Development Agency governing board, and H. H. Sheikh Hamdan
bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the governing board, for supporting this trip. We thank Mr M.
Al-Bowardi and Mr M. Al-Mansouri for their invaluable support, as well as our field companions, A. Al-
Mazrowi, M. Al-Wahidi, M. Ali (Mathmoon, army liaison officer), and guides, S. Ali Flake, M. Batees, S.
Mubarak Ali and M. Saleh Mohsen Al-Guwaibi, who accompanied us throughout. Thanks to G. M. Kirwan
and R. F. Porter for their comments on an early draft of this note.
REFERENCES
ASH, J. S. (1988) Some observations in South Yemen in 1984 and a selected bibliography of the region.
Sandgrouse 10: 85-90.
Brooks, D. J., EVANS, M. I., MARTINS, R. P. AND PorRTER, R. F. (1987) The status of birds in North Yemen and
the records of the OSME expedition in autumn 1985. Sandgrouse 9: 4-66.
MARTINS, R. P., BRADSHAW, C. G., BROWN, A., KIRWAN, G. M. AND PORTER, R. F. (1996) The status of passerines
in southern Yemen and records of the OSME survey in spring 1993. Sandgrouse 17: 54-72.
PORTER, R. F. AND MARTINS, R. P. (eds.) (1996) Southern Yemen and Socotra: the report of the OSME survey
in spring 1993. Sandgrouse 17: 1-188.
Porter, R. F., MARTINS, R. P., SHAW, K. D. AND SORENSEN, U. (1996) The status of non-passerines in 1 southern
Yemen and the records of the OSME survey in spring 1993. Sandgrouse 17: 22-53.
Christophe Toureng, Mark Lawrence, Mohammed Saleh and Jassim bin Omran, National Avian
Research Center, Environmental Research Wildlife Development Agency, P. O. Box 45553, Abu Dhabi,
United Arab Emirates.
Muteyie Al-Khobant, University of Mukalla, Mukalla, Republic of Yemen.
Range extensions and new information for
some Iranian birds
ABOLGHASEM KHALEGHIZADEH AND MOHAMMAD E. SEHHATI
N RECENT YEARS we have made ornithological observations in many parts of Iran,
including the Behshahr area, in Mazandaran province, and Gilan province (since 1990),
Tehran (since 1997), the Noor (in 1998-2000), Arasbaran (July 2003), and Amol and Sari areas,
also in Mazandaran province (in 1998-2002), the Moghan plain, Ardabil province, and areas in
Golestan province (2001-2002) and in Zanjan and Yazd provinces (in April 2003). Here we
report a number of observations that add to our knowledge of bird distributions in Iran.
60
Notes
Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Pterocles alchata
Seven were adjacent to the game guard quarters in Boujagh National Park, Gilan province, in
the south-west Caspian region, on 20 January 2003, and the guards also observed the species
there in winter 2002. Huge numbers, at least formerly, wintered on the Turkmen steppes, near
the south-east corner of ihe Caspian. Severe winter weather presumably forced small numbers
further west, and was responsible for the records in Gilan.
Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis
Since autumn 1997, the species has been noted at Sowmae-Sara, Gilan province, and since 2000,
in Rostamkola and Behshahr, in Mazandaran province, representing extensions of the species’
range to the north and west (Scott et al. 1975, Mansoori 2000).
Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
In June 2001, several were observed at Pars-Abad, on the Moghan plain, Ardabil province; in
June-August 2002 the species was also discovered in Gonbad and Incheh-Boroun, in Golestan
province; two were at Behshahr, in Mazandaran province, on 5 July 2003; and four were north
of Arasbaran, at the same time, and according to local people the species has been present there
34 years, representing extensions of the species’ range (Scott et al. 1975, Mansoori 2000).
Ring-necked Parakeet Psittacula krameri
This species is now much more widespread in Tehran than in the 1970s, presumably as a result
of escaped cagebirds (Mansoori 2000, Darreh-Shoori et al. 2001). For example, a population was
discovered in summer 1997, at Niavaran Palace, north of Tehran.
Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria
Up to 25 individuals were observed between autumn 2002 and spring 2003, in the Keshavarzi
Gardens, Evin, in Tehran, where they were frequently seen feeding on pine cones. On 17
March 2003, two were recorded at the Natural Resources Faculty, Karaj, in Tehran province.
This species appears to be a relatively recent arrival in the Tehran region (see, e.g., Sturhan
1972, Scott et al. 1975) presumably as a result of escapes from captivity (Mansoori 2000, Darreh-
Shoori et al. 2001). ;
Barn Owl Tyto alba
On 27 April 2003, one was captured and released in Harat, Yazd province. In Iran, the species
was previously known only from the extreme south-west (Scott et al. 1975), but it has
presumably always occurred in other areas, albeit very scarcely and has been overlooked due to
its strictly nocturnal habits (D. A. Scott in litt. 2003).
White-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis
One was observed on the Noor coastal plain, in Mazandaran province, in spring 1999. There are
no previous records from the north of the country. Although this species is not thought to
perform regular migrations, short-distance movements are known (see Woodall in del Hoyo et
al. 2001), and there is a recent winter record in Turkey from well north of its usual range in the
country (Balmer & Betton 2002).
White-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys
In winter 2000, the species was repeatedly observed in the Noor coastal plain, on the south
Caspian shore, Mazandaran province. In addition, we have many observations of the species
from the period 2000-2003 in Tehran, and 2002-2003 in Karaj, demonstrating that the species is
now well established in these cities, as a result of escaped cagebirds. As recently as the early
1970s the species was unknown in Tehran (Sturhan 1972). Whether the species has spread to the
south Caspian region naturally or whether additional deliberate or unplanned releases have
occurred is unknown.
61
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
Common Mynah Acridotheres tristis
On 1 April 2002 one was singing in Tehran, where another was observed on 11 December 2002,
and at a different site one was seen on 24 June 2003. This species has spread from south-east
Iran (Scott et al. 1975), both north and west, as a result of escaped cagebirds (Mansoori 2000).
The natural range of this species in Iran is confined to the extreme south-east, although there is
now a population outside the gates of the main port in Bandar Abbas (D. A. Scott in litt. 2003).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Weare very grateful to Dr Bahram H. Kiabi and D. A. Scott for his assistance with the English text.
REFERENCES
BALMER, D. AND BETTON, K. (2002) Around the region. Sandgrouse 24: 156-160.
DARREH-SHOORI, B., TOURENQ, C., ZEHZAD, B., TATIN, L., TATIN, D. AND AZMAYESH, B. (2001) Notes on three
bird species in Iran. Sandgrouse 23: 139.
Mansoor, J. (2000) [A field guide to the birds of Iran.| Zehn-aviz Publishing, Tehran. [In Farsi.]
Scott, D. A., MORAVVEJ, H. AND ADHAMI, A. (1975) [Birds of Iran.] Department of the Environment,
Tehran. [In Farsi.]
STURHAN, D. (1972) Birds observed at the Plant Pests and Diseases Research Institute in Tehran-Evin.
Unpubl. report.
WOoobDALL, P. F. (2001) Alcedinidae (kingfishers). In: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. and Sargatal, J. (eds.) Handbook of
the birds of the world. Vol. 6. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona.
Abolghasem Khaleghizadeh, Ornithology Laboratory, Agricultural Zoology Research Department, Plant
Pests & Diseases Research Institute, P. O. 1454, Tehran 19395, Islamic Republic of Iran.
Mohammad E. Sehhati, Ornithology Unit, Wildlife & Aquatic Organisms Bureau, Department e the
Environment (DOE), Islamic Republic of Iran.
A Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis (undulata)
macqueenti caught in Belgium and released in
Saudi Arabia
JACKY JUDAS AND CLAUDE VELTER
N 20 JANUARY 2003, an exhausted Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis (undulata) macqueenii
was discovered at Nieuwpoort near the mouth of the Yser River, on the North Sea coast of
Belgium (Plate 1). Norbert Rootaert and Gunther De Smet identified it as being of the Asian
form macqueenii, which is now generally accorded specific status (Gaucher et al. 1996). Due to its
state, the bird was taken to an avian rescue centre in Oostende (Belgium), under the care of
Claude Velter (Plate 2). Very shy, the bird had to be kept in complete isolation. Subsequently, in
early March, Peter Symens approached the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation &
Development (NCWCD) in Riyadh to propose the transfer of the bird to Saudi Arabia for
release into the wild (in either the Mahazat as-Sayd or Harrat al-Harrah Protected Areas). Prof.
Abuzinada, NCWCD Secretary General, transferred the request to the National Wildlife
Research Center and, following a positive answer, sanctioned the translocation.
On the assumption that the Houbara was a migrant which had arrived in Belgium unassisted,
the idea was to transfer the bird to within its normal range, so that it could survive and return to
its breeding area more easily. To maximise the bird’s chances of achieving this, release needed to
coincide with its normal migration period, i.e. in February—April. Thus, transfer was urgent.
62
Notes
Because Houbara Bustard is listed under CITES (Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species) Appendix I, birds can not be transported as registered baggage, but must
travel as freight, in a box specifically designed in accordance with the agreement governing the
transportation of wild birds (Plate 3), and under strict customs formalities. In mid-March,
arrangements were made to transfer the bird from Belgium to Saudi Arabia, via Paris. The
Saudi Arabian authorities quickly provided the CITES importation certificate. Sylvie Mazure
provided a veterinary certificate after she had thoroughly examined the bird. The issue of a
signed CITES export certificate, which usually takes several weeks, was rapid. The CITES
scientific committee gave its approval in 2-3 days so that Belgian CITES administrative
clearance (through the Ministry of Public Health and Environment, Brussels) could be
obtained on 18 March.
The same day, the Houbara was transferred by car to Paris. Dr Claude-Anne Gautier, director of
Vincennes Zoo, National Museum of Natural History (Paris), had agreed to care for the bird
prior to it being registered on a flight to Saudi Arabia (transport and administrative paperwork
being undertaken by Cargo Logistic in Roissy). Initially planned for 21 March, the Houbara’s
departure was delayed by the commencement of hostilities in Iraq. The bird finally arrived in
Jeddah on 25 March. Abdulrahman Khoja (the NWRC Administrative Director) collected the
bird, completed the final customs formalities and took the Houbara to the NWRC station in
Taif, where it was kept in quarantine for several days. Veterinarian Stéphane Ostrowski took
blood samples to test for Newcastle Disease: the analyses, performed by the Fakieh Poultry
Laboratory in Taif, were negative. Thus, on 7 April, the Houbara was transferred to Mahazat as-
Sayd Protected Area, measured, equipped with a solar-powered radio-transmitter (Plate 4) and
AN NS
Plate 1 (top left). Asian Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis (undulata) macqueenii, Nieuwpoort, Belgium,
January 2003. (Johan Buckens) Plate 2 (top middle). Claude Velter cared for the bustard at the Oostende
bird rescue centre. (Roland Francois) Plate 3 (top right). Box designed in accordance with international
regulations to transport the bird. (Roland Francois) Plate 4 (bottom left). The Asian Houbara Bustard
Chlamydotis (undulata) macqueenii is ringed, measured and equipped with a solar-powered radio-
transmitter. (Olivier Couppey) Plate 5 (bottom right). Jacky Judas releasing the bird within the pre-release
enclosure at Mahazat as-Sayd Protected Area, Saudi Arabia, 7 April 2003. (Olivier Couppey)
Nel
63
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004 ;
released before dusk into a 4-km? pre-release enclosure free of terrestrial predators (Plate 5).
The bird remained for a month in the pre-release enclosure, before it left the area and its
transmitter signal was lost.
Post- and pre-breeding long-distance migrations of Asian Houbara Bustards are extended,
through July-November and February—April Johnsgard 1991, del Hoyo et al. 1996, Osborne et
al. 1997, Combreau et al. 1999). This bird’s presence in Belgium in January was outside the
normal migration period, but given that it was very shy, untagged and exhibited no obvious
signs of captivity, natural origin cannot be eliminated. If so, its arrival was probably through
misorientation (Berthold 2001). There are over 50 documented records of Houbara in Europe.
This record is the fourth in Belgium; previous occurrences were all in the 1840s, when the Asian
Houbara Bustard population was considerably larger, suitable staging habitats more extensive
and the probability of vagrancy presumably also much stronger. However, JJ was informed that
a small group of Asian Houbara Bustards had been smuggled from Pakistan to a private
collection in Belgium, in 2002, via the United Arab Emirates, under falsified CITES certificates
in which they were described as captive-bred birds, being listed as Appendix II, rather than I.
Should this be the case, the Houbara discovered in Belgium must, in the absence of other
information, be regarded as not of natural origin.
Each year, thousands of Houbara are smuggled from Asian countries ‘to supply the illegal
market in the Middle East. Arab falconers use these bustards to train their falcons (Goriup 1997,
Bailey et al. 2001). Overhunting and smuggling related to falconry are the main causes of the
alarming decline in Asian Houbara populations (Combreau & Launay 2001, Combreau et al.
2001). Though the species does not yet face extinction, individual losses are important to its
survival. The procedures and costs entailed in saving this one bird might appear dispropor-
tionate, but not when the fate of a species is at stake; the effort and money spent was tiny
compared to the huge amounts spent in large-scale capturing and smuggling.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We are grateful to Prof. Abuzinada, Secretary General of NCWCD, who. permitted the bird’s transfer to
Saudi Arabia; Mike Ratcliffe of the NWRC for his improvements to the manuscript; Peter Symens for
additional comments; and Roland Francois, Johan Buckens and Olivier Couppey for providing photographs.
REFERENCES
BAILEY, T., HOWLETT, J., MARIANO, M., SUDHANAN, M. AND COMBREAU, O. (2001) Review of the Houbara
Bustard confiscation and rehabilitation program of the National Avian Research Center, 1998-2001.
Houbara News 4: 2.
BERTHOLD, P. (2001) Bird migration: a general survey. Second edn. Oxford University Press.
COMBREAU, O., LAUNAY, F. AND AL BOWARDI, M. (1999) Outward migration of Houbara Bustards from two
breeding areas in Kazakhstan. Condor 101: 159-164.
COMBREAU, O. AND LAUNAY, F. (2001) Alarming drop in the Asian Houbara populations in the last 4 years.
Houbara News 4: 2-3.
COMBREAU, O., LAUNAY, F. AND LAWRENCE, M. (2001) An assessment of annual mortality rates in adult-sized
migrant houbara bustards (Chlamydotis [undulata] macqueenii). Anim. Conserv. 4: 133-141.
DEL Hoyo, J., ELLIOTT, A. AND SARGATAL J. (EDS.) (1996) Handbook of the birds of the world. Vol. 3. Lynx
Edicions, Barcelona. ;
GAUCHER, P., PAILLAT, P., CHAPPUIS, C., SAINT JALME, M., LOTFIKHAH, F. AND WINK, M. (1996) Taxonomy of the
Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata subspecies considered on the basis of sexual display and peneue
divergence. Ibis 138: 273-282.
GoriuP P. (1997) The world status of the Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata. Bird Conserv. Intern.
7: 373-397.
JOHNSGARD, P. A. (1991) Bustards, hemipodes and sandgrouse. Birds of dry places. Oxford University Press.
OSBORNE P. E., AL BOWARDI, M. AND BaILey, T. A. (1997) Migration of the Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata
from Abu Dhabi to Turkmenistan: the first results from satellite tracking studies. Ibis 139: 192-196.
Jacky Judas, National Wildlife Research Center, PO Box 1086, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Claude Velter, Vogelopvangcentrum, Langestraat 99, 8400 Oostende, Belgium.
64
Notes
Breeding Striated Heron Butorides striatus
in Israel
YOAV PERLMAN
OSEF ET AL. (2002) reported on Striated Herons Butorides striatus breeding at Eilat, Israel,
the first such record in the country. It is worth remaking that there is earlier evidence of this
species breeding on the mariculture platforms, 1 km offshore from Eilat, in summer 2000. The
phenomenon was first noted in July 2000 (E. Nevo pers. comm.), and Nir Sapir and myself
noted at least three pairs and their young in August 2000. According to the staff of these farms,
breeding also occurred in 1999.
REFERENCE
YOSEF, R., RYDBERG-HEDAEN, M., MITCHELL, L. AND SMIT, H. (2002) The first breeding record of Striated Heron
Butorides striatus in Israel. Sandgrouse 24: 134-135.
Yoav Perlman, Israeli Ornithological Centre, Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, 23 Bet
Ha‘arava Street, Jerusalem 93389, Israel.
The first Franklin’s Gull Larus pipixcan in
Israel and the Middle East
JAMES P. SMITH
N 3 JUNE 2003, while birding at Ein Evrona salt pools (adjacent to km post 20) north of
Eilat, I discovered a Franklin’s Gull Larus pipixcan among several hundred Slender-billed
Gulls L. genei. It was an adult in full-summer plumage and, as such, presented no identification
problems, especially given that it was a species with which I was very familiar from numerous
trips to North America and Mexico. Though the hour was rather late for birding at the salt
pools (11.30), viewing conditions were excellent and a northerly breeze offered some relief from
the summer heat. I documented the occurrence with a series of digital images taken through my
telescope, and alerted a number of Israel’s leading birders via a general telephone text message.
By that evening, at least nine observers had reached Ein Evrona to see the bird, including Yoav
Perlman and Nir Sapir of the Israel Rarities & Distribution Committee (IRDC). The gull was
seen regularly at Ein Evrona until 6 June, when it was last observed by Ido Tsurim, Barak
Granit and Rami Mizrachi.
Description. A rather small gull, similar in size to Slender-billed but differing in proportions, being overall
more compact, less rakish and shorter winged. Outstanding plumage features included the complete
blackish hood, with broad and prominent white eye-crescents visible even at considerable range. The
upperparts were deep grey, approaching Siberian (Heuglin’s) Gull Larus (fuscus) heuglini in tone and much
darker than the other small gulls present. It also lacked the brown tones of White-eyed Gull L. leucoph-
thalmus (which was present at nearby Eilat). The upperwings exhibited considerable white in the primary
tips, extending along the trailing edge of the wing, a feature that was extremely obvious in flight. Black
subterminal bands to the primaries were equally obvious, with a clear white band separating the black band
from the rest of the deep grey upperwing. Later, in the afternoon, together with other birders, | noted that
the central rectrices were characteristically a pale, smudgy grey. The bare parts were bright deep red. These
distinctive features, the excellent viewing conditions and a very cooperative bird eliminated all other small
to medium-sized dark-hooded gulls at a very early stage in the observation.
65
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
\
. : A
Plates 1-2. Franklin’s Gull Larus pipixcan, Ein Evrona, north of Eilat, Israel, 3 June 2003. (James p. Smith)
i
Franklin’s Gull is a highly migratory species, which principally winters along the west coast of
South America. It is an inland breeder, being found on prairie lakes and wetlands in the
central/northern United States and southern Canada (Harrison 1983). Vagrants have reached
north-west Europe, especially the U. K. (40 records by the of end of 2001; Rogers et al. 2002), as
well as Morocco (Thévenot et al. 2003), Senegambia (Borrow & Demey 2001), South Africa,
Australia and Japan. It has even reached some remote islands in the Southern Ocean, namely
South Georgia (Prince & Croxall 1996), Tristan da Cunha and Prince Edward Island (Shirihai
2002), but there are no previous records for the Middle East (Porter et al. 1996), and, indeed, this
is the first Nearctic gull of any species to be recorded in Israel (Shirihai 1996). The record awaits
ratification by the IRDC. : bates
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Special thanks to the Kibbutz Lotan Centre for Birdwatching and Dan Alon of the Israel Ornithological
Centre for their continued and generous support. Philip Griffin and Guy Kirwan provided information
used in the preparation of this note.
REFERENCES
Borrow, N. AND DEMEY, R. (2001) Birds of western Africa. A. & C. Black, London.
HARRISON, P. (1983) Seabirds: an identification guide. Croom Helm, Beckenham.
Porter, R. F., CHRISTENSEN, S. AND SCHIERMACKER-HANSEN, P. (1996) Field guide to the birds of the Middle East.
T. & A. D. Poyser, London.
PRINCE, P. A. AND CROXALL, J. P. (1996) The birds of South Georgia. Bull. Brit. Orn. Club 116: 81-104.
ROGERS, M. J. AND THE RARITIES COMMITTEE (2002) Report on rare birds in Great Britain in 2001. Brit. Birds 95:
476-528.
SHIRIHAI, H. (1996) The birds of Israel. Academic Press, London.
SHIRIHAI, H. (2002) The complete guide to Antarctic wildlife. Alula Press Oy, Degerby.
66
Notes
THEVENOT, M., VERNON, R. AND BERGIER, P. (2003) The birds of Morocco: an annotated checklist. BOU checklist
series 21. British Ornithologists’ Union, Tring.
James P. Smith, 157 Standon Road, Sheffield S9 1PH, South Yorkshire, U. K. (permanent address), or
Kibbutz Lotan, D. N. Chevel, Eilot, 88855, Israel.
The first Upcher’s Warbler Hippolais languida
in Cyprus
ANDREA CORSO
ETWEEN AUGUST AND EARLY NOVEMBER 2002, I was based in Cyprus as part of a
project combating illegal bird trapping on the island, on behalf of BirdLife International, the
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Cyprus Ornithological Society (COS) (1975).
During this period I made a number of interesting observations of birds considered rare in
Cyprus, but the undoubted highlight was my discovery of an Upcher’s Warbler Hippolais languida.
On 4 September, while Andrew Stronach and myself were checking a compound near Avgorou (in
the south-east of the island) for evidence of illegal bird trapping, I noticed a Hippolais warbler
feeding in a tree. However, rather than the expected Olivaceous Warbler H. pallida (a common
species on the island), it appeared larger and heavier, causing me to study the bird very carefully. I
soon realised that it was an Upcher’s Warbler. Having spent ten days on Cyprus without having
encountered this species, I realised that it was an interesting record, but I was unaware of the full
significance of the observation. Nevertheless, I took detailed field sketches and notes.
Upon returning to my accommodation, I sent a text message to Jeff Gordon, who soon
responded with the amazing news that I had discovered a new bird for Cyprus, which came as
a real surprise given the breeding distribution and migration routes taken by this warbler. The
record was subsequently accepted by the COS (1957) rarities committee.
Description
The following is a summary of the most important aspects of my field notes submitted to the rarities
committee. First noted as being larger and chunkier than Eastern Olivaceous Warbler H. p. elaeica (hereafter
referred to as elaeica). The bill appeared longer and deeper based than on elaeica, the tail was longer and,
especially, broader, as also were the wings and the legs. The supercilium was rather similar to elacica, but
seemed fractionally better defined. The upperparts were purer grey, with the tail and wings darker, almost
blackish (especially the primaries, which contrasted strongly with the rest of the upperparts). The
underparts were pure white, except for a slight buff wash on the flanks. The strong bill was darker on the
upper mandible and paler on the lower; the legs were quite darkish. Very obvious were frequent sideways
and partially circular tail movements, similar to those performed by an alarmed Red-backed Shrike Lanio
collurio, swinging the tail and occasionally rapidly fanning it.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Thanks to Jeff Gordon and the members of the COS (1957) records committee for their assistance with this
record. Jeff and his wife, Olga, also helped me in many other respects during my time in Cyprus, as did
Judy Dawes and David Whaley, who were most gracious in their welcome. Andy Stronach was an excellent
companion during the project, Melis Charalambides and his family played ‘godfather’, and Robert Jones
also joined me in the field. Guy Shorrock, Graham Elliott and Kevin Strandring organised and assisted the
project, and proved to be admirable ‘bosses’ in what is a very important mission, eliminating the threat
posed by illegal bird trappers to many thousands of migrant birds.
Andrea Corso, Via Camastra10, 96100 Siracusa. Italy.
67
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
Gourmet corvids of the Bosphorus
DR AHMET KILIC
IRDS USUALLY OBTAIN THEIR FOOD without recourse to tool use, but there are
exceptions. For example, in parts of its range Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus will
attempt to hit fresh ostrich eggs with stones it has picked up in its bill, and if successful eat the
contents (van Lawick-Goodall & van Lawick-Goodall 1966). Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus
takes bones from stripped carcases and drops them onto rocks, then eating the contents,
including bone fragments (Fischer 1974). Some American Crows Corvus brachyrhynchos break
open two species of walnuts by dropping them to eat the contents (Cristol & Switzer 1999).
Hooded Crow Corvus corone is widespread in Turkey, taking many kinds of food. Being full of
curiosity, it examines everything that might be edible. Some individual Hooded Crows C. c.
pallescens in Istanbul have discovered how to eat mussels, whose calcium-rich shells act as
armour, despite this food source being strongly secured to rocks, and exposed only at low tide.
Having freed a mussel from its anchor-point, the crow will seize it firmly in its bill and drop it
repeatediy on to rocks from c. 3 metres, in order to break the shell at the hinge or to smash the
shell so the contents can be consumed (Barnes 1987). Mussels are rich in vitamins, the egg white,
mineral salts and other important nutrients (Salvini-Plawen 1970), and are found along shallow
and stony coasts of the Bosphorus. Sometimes the mussel beds are unreachable due to wave
action or high tides. When they are accessible, Hooded Crows pick up mussels and walk or hop
to a nearby stone or a concrete block. Being unable to break an intact mussel shell with its bill, a
crow will place the mussel in its bill and drop it. Terne (1978) reported that Hooded Crows (in
Sweden) let mussels fall from a height of 15-20 metres. |
Between 11.00 and 14.00, on 27 July 2001, I observed (at ranges of 8-10 metres) 15 Hooded
Crows indulging in such behaviour. I noted that the waves can prevent them from reaching the
mussels, and that the birds found it difficult to detach mussels from the rocks. Successful crows
would repeat their behaviour several times. A Hooded Crow mussel feast consists of c. 100
mussels, the shells being scattered along some 15 metres of shore. The crows are easily
disturbed by human approach.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Ibrahim Tunik translated the manuscript into English.
REFERENCES
BARNES, R. D. (1987) Invertebrate zoology. Fifth edn. Sounders College Publishing, Philadelphia.
CRISTOL, D. A. AND SWITZER, P. V. (1999) Avian prey-dropping behavior. I]. American Crows and walnuts.
Behav. Ecol. 10: 220-226. .
FISCHER, W. (1974) Die Geier. A. Ziemsen Verlag, Wittenberg Lutherstadt.
VAN LAWICK-GOODALL, J. AND LAWICK-GOODALL, H. VAN (1966) Use of tools by the Egyptian Vulture,
Neophron percnopterus. Nature 212: 1468-1469.
SALVINI-PLAWEN, L. VON (1970) Weichtiere, 6. Kapitel. In: Grzimek, B. (ed.) Grzimeks Tierleben. Bd. 3.
Kindler Verlag, Zurich.
TERNE, T. (1978) Kraka forséker krossa musslor pa gratrutsmaner. Var Fagelvdrld 37: 255-256.
Ahmet Kilic, Dicle University, Science Faculty, Biology, TR 21280 Diyarbakir, Turkey.
68
Reviews & Recent Literature
BRM erature
Alstrom, P., Mild, K. & Zetterstrom, B.
(2003) Pipits and wagtails of Europe, Asia
and North America. A. & C. Black, London.
pp 496, 30 colour plates, 240 colour
photographs, many colour maps, £48.
There are some books in recent times that
have almost become the stuff of legend before
they are published. Either through projected
publication dates, tasters provided by identi-
fication articles in birding journals or just by
word of mouth, expectation grows. Recent
examples include James Ferguson Lees &
David Christie’s Raptors of the world, the
monumental Handbook of bird identification and
the superb Collins bird guide. With the
publication of Pipits and wagtails another
mythical tome has finally become reality,
although we will have to wait for the larks
that originally were also to have been
included. The authors’ idea of a book on the
identification of pipits and wagtails dates
from the early 1980s. The identification
articles they produced in the late 1980s and
early 1990s helped remove a significant
proportion of the confusion that surrounded
the identification of the more difficult pipits.
This book goes significantly further. It is quite
simply excellent and well worth the wait.
The book broadly follows the by now familiar
format of Helm Identification Guides, with an
introductory section, followed by plates and
the species accounts. However, it also
features 240 photographs at the end of the
species accounts, selected to illustrate
important plumage and structural features,
which augment the text and plates well.
Every element of the book is a mine of
information. The introduction includes partic-
ularly detailed sections on moult and also a
well-argued explanation of species concepts,
and a rational for the taxonomic treatment of
the species and subspecies in the book. The
authors favour a Monophlyletic Species
Concept (MSC), but also illustrate that this
approach can support various classifications
of species (e.g. a rather traditional Biological
Species Concept approach recognising nine
species of wagtail, with an additional 23
subspecies, or a Phylogenetic Species Concept
approach resulting in 24 species). The authors
follow what may be regarded by some as the
more conservative species and subspecies
arrangement, but highlight their determi-
nation to detail and describe the least-
inclusive taxa, and recommend that all field
workers adopt similar methodology.
Therefore, the important issue is whether a
taxon is diagnosable and not especially
whether it has achieved specific status or not.
The plates are extremely accurate and are
arranged to permit direct comparison of
critical differences between species that are
difficult to separate. All relevant plumages
and taxa are illustrated and the careful
approach to illustrate all useful aspects of
plumage leads to numerous depictions of the
same species (e.g. 13 individual Richard’s
Pipits Anthus novaeseelandiae across three
plates). The only problem with this critical
and analytical approach is that the plates do
not look quite as lifelike or attractive as in
some recent works. However, this is relieved
by the final plate, where a delightful Forest
Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus, approaching
head-on, looks like it could just walk out of
the page and captures the species perfectly.
The individual species accounts really set a
new high standard for guides of this sort. A
number of recent titles have shown that this
series can feature valuable first-hand data from
the author’s researches and do not necessarily
need to form a compilation of the existing
literature. This is not to say that these titles (the
present one included) are not meticulously
researched, but also demonstrate that a
significant proportion of the information has
been collected during the book’s preparation.
In this case, however, the text is full of
observations, comments and queries of
existing literature. So rather than publish that
Yellow Wagtails of the form iberiae and cinereo-
capilla occur in the Middle East, they propose
69
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 69-74 2004
that such claims should only be accepted if
proved by ringing recoveries or some other
evidence that excludes white-throated flava,
thunbergi or intergrades between flava and
feldegg. Another example of this thorough and
critical approach is the questioning of the
regular breeding of M. f. Iutea within the range
of beema in Kazakhstan, supported by the
authors observations and correspondence with
field workers active in the region. The text is
full of valuable observations of this nature,
confirming the title as an essential reference.
Voice, another valuable component to the
separation of pipits and wagtails, is well
covered and the authors have managed to
transcribe calls in a manner that translates well
for English readers, obviously no mean feat for
Scandinavians (a point the authors’ draw
attention to themselves). These written
transcriptions are accompanied by numerous
sonograms, which are helpfully annotated in
many instances.
I simply cannot recommend this book highly
enough as it really does set the standard by
which all similar works should be compared.
Here’s looking forward to the larks!
Adam Rowlands
Richardson, C. (ed.) (2003) Emirates Bird
Report No. 20. Emirates Bird Records
Committee, Dubai. UK price £15.00
including p&p if ordered from PO Box
50394, Dubai).
This long-awaited catch-up volume restores
the series to an annual event. It covers rare
birds in the United Arab Emirates, January
1995-June 2003, and includes a systematic list
and a table of monthly sightings for the
period 1995-2000, but most important (my
prejudices are showing) are the Asian
Waterfowl Census results for UAE wetlands.
There are also well-documented first-record
accounts for nine species, including Shikra
Accipiter badius, Amur Falcon Falco amurensis
and Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithit.
It has clearly been a huge, almost obsessive
effort. The contributions by Simon Aspinall
and David Diskin have been absolutely vital,
but Colin’s task is exemplified by his need to
reduce the checklist manuscript from 180,500
70
words to 20,000! Even so, the whole book
benefits from every editing trick used to fit
vast amounts of data into a tidy paperback;
margins are narrow and line-spacing is varied
cunningly. Almost all of the many difficult
editing decisions have worked very well; it
simply isn’t realistic to complain that the
census tables exclude scientific names leaving
just common names, for their addition would
have expanded the tables by a line each time!
The checklist follows the taxonomic order of
Porter et al. (1996), but it would have been
useful if authorities had been cited for the
nomenclature used.
An unexpected benefit from such an inclusive
work as this volume is that species’ trends are
apparent to the reader of the checklist and
census, e.g. Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus
indicus going from vagrant to almost annual
and Little Stint Calidris minutus apparently
declining. Such data are related to observer
effort and regular presence, of course, but I
draw some comfort from the phenology of the
monthly sightings, where few species show
obvious declines with time, save perhaps
Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla. Despite the pressure
on space, there is an ample scattering of useful
tables, graphs and fine illustrations. The
comprehensive lists of introduced and
escaped species give much food for thought.
This book rises high in the canon of
publications vital within the OSME region,
particularly because the UAE is close to the
boundary of so many regional avifaunas. Not
only of intrinsic interest, being a delight to dip
into, it will also be a useful reference for
birders and authors alike for years. Colin
Richardson deserves an award for his services
to Middle Eastern ornithology.
Mike Blair
Whaley, D. J. & Dawes, J. C. (2003)
Cyprus breeding birds atlas. Privately
published, Paphos. pp 39. UKE£7.50, from
David Whaley, P. O. Box 62710, 8068
Paphos, Cyprus; e-mail: whaleydawes@
spidernet.com.cy. )
Eight years of dogged pursuit of an almost -
impossible aim by David Whaley and Judy
Dawes has produced the first Cyprus breeding
bird atlas. Beforehand, they decided to record
Reviews & Recent Literature
data based on the UTM 100 km x 100 km grid
datum (which has since changed for Cyprus!),
using the 10 km x 10 km square as a base unit
comprised of four 5 km x 5 km quadrants, in
line with the European Bird Census Council
(EBCC) standard. This means that future work
can be added in a straightforward manner.
They also adopted the EBCC criteria for proof
of breeding, but some of these are not simple
to apply this far along a migration route.
A superficial examination of the maps
reveals a bias of effort towards the west,
south of the ‘Green Line’ (although many
records came from the rest of Cyprus), but
this disguises the immense amount of work
carried out, largely by the authors. Although
many surveys and records came from
elsewhere, the birdwatchers were reluctant
to participate for two reasons; local ways of
recording birds and breeding criteria had
developed very differently, and
birdwatchers visiting the island either failed
to pass on their records (possibly because
their identification of sites was inadequate)
or largely declined to participate.
All bird atlases are faced with the dilemma of
when to stop gathering data and publish, and
much credit is due to the authors for making
a timely practical decision. Maps are confined
mostly to those species with a reasonable
history of breeding or not under direct threat.
Maps and texts tell of recent declines and
increases, examples being Griffon Vulture
Gyps fulvus in the first category and Black
Francolin Francolinus francolinus and
Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata in the.
second. Doubtless some of the increases are
due to the atlas observer effort. There is a
useful UTM Cyprus map and an excellent
gazetteer giving a 10 km-square reference for
all place names appearing in the text.
It would be easy to nit-pick this pioneering
work, but its faults are insignificant beside its
achievement. I think a useful addition to each
breeding species account would be the
months of the breeding season in Cyprus;
such data could well persuade birdwatchers
to go to Cyprus in order to search for species
and pass on their data. Like all bird atlas
projects, the data provided subsequent to
publication are invaluable for the database,
which can be used to help conservation work
in so many ways. Heed your conscience and
send your records to the authors!
Mike Blair
ALSO RECEIVED
Kasparek, M. & Kinzelbach, R. (eds.)
(2003) Zoology in the Middle East Volume
28. Kasparek Verlag, Heidelberg. €25
(reduced price €14).
There are no bird papers in the latest (128-
page) volume but a contribution on the status
of the Mediterranean Monk Seal Monachus
monachus in a pilot conservation area, at Foga,
in Aegean Turkey, is likely to be of some
interest to OSME members.
Guy M. Kirwan
RECENT LITERATURE
Compiled by Adrian Pitches & Effie Warr
This review, which is produced annually,
principally covers papers in the West European
literature considered to be most relevant to
birders resident in the region. All were
published in 2003 unless otherwise stated.
Regional
Alstrom, P. et al. Identification of Black-
headed Wagtail. Birdwatch 131: 30-32.
Barton, N. W. H. (2002) Recent data on Saker
trapping pressure. Falco 20: 5-8.
Barton, N. W. H. The microchipping scheme.
Falco 22: 8-9 [monitoring falcons].
Belik, V. P. et al. (2000) [Catastrophic decline
in North Caucasus population of the
Nordmann’s Pratincole Glareola nordmanni.|
Inf. Materials Working Group on Waders 13:
36-38. [In Russian with English summary. ]
Berthold, P. et al. (2002) Long-term satellite
tracking sheds light upon variable migration
strategies of White Storks (Ciconia ciconia). J.
Orn. 143: 489-493.
Bolshakov, C. V. (2001) Specific composition
and spatial distribution of passerine
nocturnal migrants in the arid and highland
zone of western Central Asia: the results of
large-scale trapping at daytime stopovers.
Avian Ecol. Behav. 6: 15-16.
Bolshakov, C. V. (2002) The Palaearctic—
African bird migration system: the role of ©
71
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
desert and highland barrier of western Asia.
Ardea 90: 515-523.
Broders, O. et al. A mtDNA phylogeny of
bustards (family Otididae) based on
nucleotide sequences of the cytochrome b-
gene. J. Orn. 144: 176-185.
Bruderer, B. (2001) Recent studies modifying
current views of nocturnal bird migration in
the Mediterranean. Avian Ecol. Behav. 7: 11-25.
Busse, P. (2001) European passerine
migration system—what is known and what
is lacking. Ring 23: 3-36.
Collinson, M. et al. Specific status of taxa
within the Greenish Warbler complex. Brit.
Birds 96: 327-331.
Corso, A. & Catley, G. P. Separation of transi-
tional second calendar-year Red-footed
Falcon from Amur Falcon. Dutch Birding 25:
153-158.
Crochet, P.-A. et al. (2002) Systematics of
large white-headed gulls: patterns of
mitochondrial DNA variation in western
European taxa. Auk 119: 603-620.
Ebels, E. B. Speciation in Pica magpies. Dutch
Birding 25: 103-116.
Forsman, D. Identification of Black-eared
Kite. Birding World 16: 150-160.
Gantlett, S. Photo-forum—identification of
orange-billed terns. Birding World 16: 285-304.
Garner, M. et al. Mongolian and Lesser Sand
Plovers: an identification overview. Birding
World 16: 377-385.
Klausewitz, W. (2002) Frankfurt versus
Berlin: the Red Sea explorers Wilhelm
Hemprich, Christian Ehrenberg and Eduard
Ruippell. Zool. Middle East 27: 7-12.
Leader, P. J. & Carey, G. J. Identification of
Pintail Snipe and Swinhoe’s Snipe. Brit. Birds
96: 178-198 [questions the Israel record of
Swinhoe’s Snipe Gallinago stenura in early-
spring 1998].
Loskot, V. M. (2001) Taxonomic revision of
the Hume’s Whitethroat Sylvia althaea Hume,
1878. Avian Ecol. Behav. 6: 41-42. |
Loskot, V. M. Distribution and breeding
biology of the Radde’s Accentor Prunella
ocularis (Radde). Avian Ecol. Behav. 10: 33-66.
Meyburg, B.-U. et al. (2000) Migration and
wintering of the Lesser Spotted Eagle Aguila
pomarina: a study by means of satellite
telemetry. Global Environ. Res. 4: 183-193.
Meyburg, B.-U. et al. Migration routes of
Steppe Eagles between Asia and Africa: a
study by means of satellite telemetry. Condor
105: 219-227,
72
Occhiato, D. Identification of Pine Bunting.
Dutch Birding 25: 1-16.
Parkin, D. T. et al. The taxonomic status of
Carrion and Hooded Crows. Brit. Birds 96:
274-290.
Svensson, L. Hippolais update: identification
of Booted Warbler and Sykes’s Warbler.
Birding World 16: 470-474.
Ullman, M. Separation of Western and
Eastern Black-eared Wheatear. Dutch Birding
20: (7-97.
Vinicombe, K. Red-headed Bunting revisited.
Birdwatch 137: 32.
Wilson, M. G. & Korovin, V. A. Oriental
Turtle Dove breeding in the Western
Palearctic. Brit. Birds 96: 234-241.
Yésou, P. Les goélands du complexe Larus
argentatus—cachinnans—fuscus; ou en est la
systématique? Ornithos 10: 144-181 [updated
translation of original published in Dutch
Birding in 2002].
Armenia
Manaseryan, N. & Balyan, L. (2002) The birds
of ancient Armenia. Acta zool. Cracoviensia 45
(special issue): 405-414 [archaeological].
Cyprus
Blair, M. Green hills far away....Cyprus 14-27
March 2002. Koy. Airy Force Or Soc
Newsletter 75: 36-49.
Paton, A. S. Survey of the Eleonora’s Falcon
breeding sites in Cyprus—2002. Roy. Air
Force Orn. Soc. Newsletter 75: 4—7.
Dagestan
Vilkov, E. V. (2001) Saker Falcon in Dagestan.
Falco 18: 6-7.
Egypt |
Barritt, M. K. (2002) A north-bound transit of
the Suez Canal in March 2002. Sea Swallow
51: 30-32.
Georgia
Tucker, G. Birding Georgia. Birdwatch 138:
34-37.
Iran
Aye, R. & Schweizer, M. Wintering hybrids
Pine Bunting x Yellowhammer in northern
Iran. Dutch Birding 25: 40-43. :
Ullman, M. & Breider, J.-M. Resan till Iran.
Var Fagelviirld 62 (7): 12-17.
Reviews & Recent Literature
Israel
Budden, A. E. & Wright, J. (2000) Nestling
diet, chick growth and breeding success in
the. Southern’ .Grey Shrike (Lanius
meridionalis). Ring 22: 165-172.
Comi, E. et al. (2002) Componente vegetale
dell’alimentazione di Silvidi in sosta migratoria
ad Eilat (Israele). Riv. Ital. Orn. 72: 276-280.
Paz, U. & Eshbol, Y. (2002) Adoption of
Black-winged Stilt chicks by Common Terns.
Wilson Bull. 114: 409-412.
Shamoun-Baranes, J. ef al. Differential use of
thermal convection by soaring birds over
central Israel. Condor 105: 208-218.
Smith, J. A Franklin’s Gull at Eilat—new to
Israel and the Middle East. Birding World
16: 281.
Tryjanowski, P. & Yosef, R. (2002)
Differences between the spring and autumn
migration of the Red-backed Shrike Lanius
collurio: record from the Eilat stopover
(Israel). Acta Orn. 37(2): 85-90.
Yosef, R. (2001) Advantages of migratory bird
research at the Eilat bottleneck: a case study
of the Levant Sparrowhawk. Avian Ecol.
Behav. 6: 29-30.
Yosef, R. Nocturnal arrival at a roost by
migrating Levant Sparrowhawks. J. Raptor
Res. 37: 64-67.
Yosef, R. & Tryjanowski, P. (2000)
Phenology and biometric measurements of
migratory Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator)
at Eilat, Israel. Ring 22: 213-217.
Yosef, R. & Tryjanowski, P. (2002)
Differential spring migration of Ortolan
Bunting Emberiza hortulana by sex and age at
Eilat, Israel. Ornis Fennica 79: 173-180.
Yosef, R. & Tryjanowski, P. (2002) Spring
migration ecology of Cretzschmar’s Bunting
(Emberiza caesia) through Eilat, Israel. Israel J.
Zool. 48: 149-153.
Yosef, R. et al. (2000) Soaring migrants and
the 1% principle. Ring 22: 79-84.
Yosef, R. et al. (2002) Migration character-
istics of the Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)
at Eilat (Israel). Ring 24: 51-69.
Yosef, R. et al. Differential spring migration
of adult and juvenile Levant Sparrowhawks
(Accipiter brevipes) through Eilat, Israel. J.
Raptor Res. 37: 31-36.
Kazakhstan
Berezovikov, N. N. (2002) [Breeding
population decline of Nordmann’s Pratincole
Glareola nordmanni in Eastern Kazakhstan. ]
Inf. Materials Working Group on Waders 15:
46-49. [In Russian with English summary. ]
Duquet, M. & Olioso, G. Les oiseaux du
Kazakhstan: des montagnes du Tien Shan aux
vastes steppes d’Astana. Ornithos 10: 212-229.
Eriksson, J. & Eriksson, L. B. Chokpak:
Mytomspunnen Fagelstation i Kazakstan.
Var Fagelvarld 62 (2): 6-13.
Gavrilov, E. I. et al. (2002) Long-term fluctu-
ations in numbers of swallows Hirundo
rustica on seasonal migration in the foothills
of west Tien Shan (south Kazakhstan). Avian
Ecol. Behav. 8: 1-22.
Grachev, V. A. (2002) [On nesting of the
Azure Tit Parus cyanus at Ili delta.) Russian J.
Orn. 11 (204): 1075-1076. [In Russian. ]
Karpov, F. F. et al. [Notes on behaviour of
Sociable Lapwing Chettusia gregaria in
southeastern Kazakhstan.] Inf. Materials
Working Group on Waders 16: 57-58. [In
Russian with English summary. ]
Katzner, T. E. et al. Coexistence in a
multispecies assemblage of eagles in Central
Asia. Condor 105: 538-551.
Khrokov, V. V. (2002) [Kazakstan.] Inf.
Materials Working Group on Waders 15: 16-17.
[In Russian with English summary.]
Levin, A. Sakers in Kazakhstan 2002. Falco
2178-9.
Navarro, J. et al. Diet of three sympatric owls
in steppe habitats of eastern Kazakhstan. J.
Raptor Res. 37: 256-258.
Sklyarenko, S. et al. (2002) Migratory
flyways of raptors and owls in Kazakhstan
according to ringing data. Vogelwarte 41:
263-268.
Oman
Olioso, G. (2002) Curieux comportement de
péche d’une Aigrette garzette Egretta garzetta
et dune Aigrette des récifs E. gularis.
Ornithos 9: 218-219. [English summary. ]
Smith, N. 4 months in Oman. Pt.1—the
northern coastal area. Roy. Air Force Orn. Soc.
Newsletter 75: 30-35.
Wallace, D. I. M. Shortish or long shot at
snipe? Brit. Birds 96: 406-407,
Wallace, D. I. M. Saunders’ Tern: different in
jizz & call? Birding World 16: 391.
Saudi Arabia :
Meadows, B. S. Additional distributional
records from the central Hejaz, western
Arabia—an addendum to Baldwin &-
Meadows (1988). Bull. Brit. Orn. Club 123:
73
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
154-177.
Shobrak, M. Vultures in Saudi Arabia.
Vulture News 48: 20-48.
Syria
Murdoch, D. Syrian Bald Ibises—on the
brink. Birding World 16: 306.
Serra, G. The discovery of Northern Bald
Ibises in Syria. World Birdwatch 25 (1): 10-13.
Turkey
Kilic, A. ef al. Observations on a newly
detected breeding site of Bonelli’s Eagle,
Hieraaetus fasciatus in south-eastern Anatolia.
Zool. Middle East 30: 37-41.
United Arab Emirates
Aspinall, S. Collared Pratincoles feeding at
night. Brit. Birds 96: 302-303.
Aspinall, S. & Hellyer, P. Requiem for a
desert oasis [Dubai]. Brit. Birds 96: 411.
Uzbekistan
Lanovenko, E. N. et al. [New records of the
Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenutrostris
from Uzbekistan.] Inf. Materials Working
Group on Waders 16: 58-60. [In Russian with
English summary. ]
Yemen
Buck, H. Two (and a half) days in Yemen.
Cyprus Orn. Soc. (1957) Newsletter 11: 9-13.
Porter, R. Socotra and its unique wildlife.
World Birdwatch 25 (2): 22-25.
Quarter ae, 400mm tall x 61 wide £ 40
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Around the Region
—_— —_
AVOUT LITE
IS e910n
compiled by
Dawn Balmer and Keith Betton
Records in Around the Region are published for interest
only; their inclusion does not imply acceptance by the
records committee of the relevant country. All records
relate to 2003 unless otherwise stated.
Records and photographs for Sandgrouse 26 (2)
should be sent by 15 July 2904, to Around the Region,
OSME, c/o The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire
SG19 2DL, U.K.; or aroundtheregion@osme.org
atten
feomwe
Bee-eaters
Merops apiaster
by D. Powell
ARMENTA
Some 95 Cattle Egrets Bubulcus ibis
at Armash fish ponds on 9 August
was an impressive total. Forty
Whooper Swans Cygnus cygnus,
mostly adults, were at Armash fish
farm on 17 December. On the same
date, 25 White-fronted Geese
Anser albifrons were at the nearby
fish ponds, a significant count of
this rare migrant and winter
visitor, and a male Wigeon Anas
penelope was also there. At least
four See-see Partridge Ammoperdix
griseogularis were at Meghri on 25
May and 6 August, the first records
for Armenia.
Visits to Armash fish ponds during
autumn and winter produced many
notable records. A late Quail
Coturnix coturnix was present on 17
December. There were several
Broad-billed Sandpipers Limicola
falcinellus: one on 9 August, four
adults and a juvenile on 30 August
and at least five on 6 September
(the 10-12th records). The 8-10th
records of Temminck’s Stint
Calidris temminckii involved one on
9 August, four on 30 August and
three Om, 6G September. Two
Greenshanks Tringa nebularia on 26
September were unusual; another
was present on 17 December. Three
Spotted Redshanks T. erythropus
on the latter date was a rare record
and seven Red-necked Phalaropes
Phalaropus lobatus on 6 September
were notable. Bar-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponica is a rare passage
migrant, thus one on 26 August
was significant. A total of 102
Slender-billed Gulls Larus genei on
9 August was the highest count for
the country. Three Whiskered
Terns Chlidonias hybridus on 17
December was the latest record for
Armenia. The fifth record of Pied
Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka
involved one on 6 August. A pure
albino Bearded Tit Panurus
biarmicus on 17 November was
unusual. A flock of c. 40 Spanish
Sparrows Passer hispaniolensis on
the same date was an excellent
count of this irregular winter visitor
to the fish farm.
Bahrain
A Barn Owl Tyto alba was in the
Budaiyah area on 16 December.
[—Aa
75
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 75-80 2004
Cyprus
Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris
diomedea was regular off Kyrenia in
mid-October with a maximum of
210 on 16 October. Twenty-five
Yelkouan Shearwaters Puffinus
yelkouan flew west past Korucam
Burnu (Cape Kormakiti) on 9
November. A Gannet Morus
bassanus passed close by Zafer
Burnu (Cape Andreas). At least
three nests of Night Heron
Nycticorax nycticorax with ten
juveniles (eight certainly fledged)
at Polmidhia Dam is the second
confirmed breeding record (the
first was in 1982). A Spoonbill
Platalea leucorodia at Asprokremnos
Dam on 3 July was unusually early
and a flock of 20 at Larnaca sewage
works on 13 October was rather
late. Around 250 Greater
Flamingos Phoenicopterus ruber
were attracted to the presence of
early water at Larnaca sewage
works on 8 August, with c. 110 at
Akrotiri Salt Lake on 5 August.
Three adult Lesser White-fronted
Geese Anser albifrons were at
Akhna ~Dam on 1 and: 26
November, the first record. 2003
was probably the best breeding
season for Mallard Anas
platyrhynchos with hundreds of
fledged young at reservoirs in
North Cyprus in summer and
autumn. At Larnaca sewage works
five Scaup Aythya marila were
present on 15 November, the sixth
record. A late Honey Buzzard
Pernis apivorus was over
Asprokremnos Dam on _ 15
November and another at Mandria
on 30 November. An early Hen
Harrier Circus cyaneus was at
Akrotiti Salt Wake on 20
September. A pair of Lanners Falco
biarmicus was reported displaying
at Akamas on 30 April. Black
Francolin Francolinus francolinus
continues to spread west along the
northern coastal plain and slopes
of the Kyrenia Mountains. Spur-
winged Plovers Hoplopterus
spinosus were present in some
numbers, with 35 at Nicosia
sewage farm on 22 November and
60 at Haspolat sewage farm on 11
December. On 26 August the first
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus
lobatus in North Cyprus for more
than 30 years was at Akova.
76
An Arctic Skua Stercorarius
parasiticus flew west at Korugcam
Burnu on 21 November. At least
ten European Nightjars
Caprimulgus europaeus were near
Paphos on 4 and 15 July, including
some juveniles. An exceptional
count of seven Lesser Short-toed
Larks Calandrella rufescens was
made at Mandria on 5 November
(with three there on 3 November),
and a late Sand Martin Riparia
riparia was at Larnaca sewage
works on 15 November. A
juvenile Citrine Wagtail Motacilla
citreola was at Akova on 11 and 13
September, the third North
Cyprus record.
A very late Northern Wheatear
Oenanthe oenanthe was at Korucam
Burnu on 29 November and an
exceptional count of 43 Finsch’s
Wheatears O. finschii was made
along the Kaynakkéy-—Lachin track
on 27 November. Two Pale Rock
Sparrows Carpospiza brachydactyla
were reported near Agros
(Troodos) on 1 May. Three Rock
Buntings Emberiza cia were at
Lachin Valley on 27 November,
which is a regular wintering site in
the Kyrenia Mountains.
Egypt
Three Ruddy Shelducks Tadorna
ferruginea and a Greater Spotted
Eagle Aguila clanga were at
Dashour Lake, near Cairo, on 6
December. A Verreaux’s Eagle A.
verreauxil was observed in Wadi
Gamel on 28 October, representing
one of the most northerly records
in Egypt. In the same area were a
pair of Bonelli’s Eagles Hieraaetus
fasciatus and two Lappet-faced
Vultures Torgos_ tracheliotos.
Caspian Plovers Charadrius
asiaticus were near Shalateen and at
Wadi Adieb on 15 December. A
Namaqua Dove Oena cavensis was
in the garden of the Shams Allam
Hotel on 26 October. On the same
date an Eastern Stonechat Saxicola
maurus was at the Bedouin Village
Lodge, a Red-breasted Flycatcher
Ficedula parva was at Wadi El
Gemal Marsh (with another there
on 28 October), and an Isabelline
Shrike Lanius isabellinus was at the
checkpoint south of Marsa Allam.
Another Isabelline Shrike was at
Qalun village on 11 December and
three were wintering at Gebel Elba. ©
A House Crow Corvus splendens at
Qalun village on 11 December had
reportedly been in the area for a
year. Approximately ten Red
Avadavats Amandava amandava
were at Lake Qarun, just east of
Shakshuk village in _ early
November.
Georgia
Two Black-throated Divers Gavia
arctica at Vartsikhe Reservoir, west
Georgia, on 12 January was an
unusual inland record and 42
Little Grebes Tachybaptus ruficollis
there on the same date was a
record count for the site. On 11-12
January, at least 143 Great Crested
Grebes Podiceps cristatus were on
the Rioni River between Vani and
Samtredia. A flock of 35 Dalmatian
Pelicans Pelecanus crispus at
Madatapa Lake, Ninotsminda
district, on 24 May was a high
concentration. On 28 September at
least 22 Spoonbills Platalea
leucorodia were near Patara
Paleostomi Lake. Forty-two Smew
Mergus albellus at Tbilisi Reservoir
on 11 December was a very high
count of this uncommon passage
and winter visitor.
Five Pallid Harriers Circus
macrourus were recorded near
Leghva village, Kobuleti district,
on 21 April; this is a rare passage
migrant. Also unusual were seven
Levant Sparrowhawks Accipiter
brevipes in two hours on 23 April
near Mukhestate village, Kobuleti
district. Two Bonelli’s Eagles
Hieraaetus fasciatus were observed
from the Choloki River, near
Tikeri, on 22 April, the first spring
record on the Black Sea migration
route. A few unusually late Quail
Coturnix coturnix were recorded
including one near Kobuleti,
Ajaria, on 22 November, and one
found dead near Khelvachauri
village, Ajaria, on 9 November. A
flock of seven Common Cranes
Grus grus on 12 September was an
early autumn record.
A single White-tailed Plover
Chettusia leucura was at Madatapa
Lake, Ninotsminda district, on 24°
May. It is interesting to note that
the number of wintering Armenian
Gulls Larus armenicus in eastern
Dawn Balmer and Keith Betton
Georgia has increased in the last
few, years. At) Kumisi’ lake,
Marneuli district, a remarkable
count of 20+ Whiskered Terns
Chlidonias hybridus was made on 30
October; this is also an unusually
late record. Eight White-winged
Black Terns C. leucopterus were
present on the late date of 17
November at a small lake near
Batumi. Four Wallicreepers
Tichodroma muraria at Narikala
fortress, Tbilisi, on 11 January was
a high count. On 6 November, 20
Snowfinches Montifringilla nivalis
were recorded between Ananuri
Castle and Zhinvali Reservoir,
Dusheti district, a very early
autumn record at this altitude and
an unusual location.
Iran
On 22 September a flock of 50
Kestrels Falco tinnunculus were at
Aziz-Abad, Golestan province.
Four Siberian White Cranes Grus
leucogeranus arrived on their
wintering grounds in Fereydoon
Kenar, Mazandaran, in early
November; a male on 1 November
was followed by three (one
juvenile) on 13 November. A
juvenile was last recorded three
years ago. A Woodpigeon
Columba palumbus was at Bidak,
adjacent to Golestan National
Park, on 23 September, and on the
same date a Raven Corvus corax
was in the Dasht region, east of
Golestan National Park.
Israel
A Gannet Morus bassanus at
Ma’agan Michael on 2 August was
am’ unseasonal «record. An
incredible passage of White Storks
Ciconia' ciconia occurred on 8
September at Kfar Ruppin, in the
Bet Shean Valley, with c. 88,000
passing during the morning. Two
Scaup Aythya marila at Kfar
Ruppin on 12-27 December was
the 17th record for Israel and the
first since 1990.
An adult Black-winged Kite
Elanus caeruleus near Kfar Ruppin
on 18-23 November was the
seventh record. The first Amur
Falcon Falco amurensis in Israel (if
accepted) involved an adult male
over Afula on 3 October. The
Northern Valleys autumn
Dawn Balmer and Keith Betton
Around the Region
migration survey produced the
following totals: White Stork
Ciconia ciconia 203,684, Honey
Buzzard Pernis apivorus 311,316,
Crested Honey Buzzard P.
ptilorhynchus 11, Short-toed Eagle
Circaetus gallicus 6363 (a record),
Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
2054 (an autumn record), Pallid
Harrier C. macrourus 137 (an
autumn record), Levant
Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes
60,479 (highest-ever count in
Israel), Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila
pomarina 81,797 and Eleonora’s
Falcon Falco eleonorae 12.
Nine Sociable Plovers Chettusia
gregaria at Kfar Ruffin, the Golan
Heights and in the Hula Valley in
September / October were
significant. A Pintail Gallinago
stenura or Swinhoe’s Snipe G.
megala was at Kfar Ruppin on 2-11
September. A Bridled Tern Sterna
anaethetus at Atlit and Ma’agan
Michael on 7 August remained
until 6 September, the first
Mediterranean record for the
country.
It was an exceptional autumn for
Oriental Turtle Doves Streptopelia
orientalis meena, with an adult at
Kfar Ruppin on 2 September, the
same or another on 8 September, a
first-winter there on 12 October
and another first-winter in the
Hula Valley on 6 November (5-7th
records if accepted).
Space prevents (us) from
mentioning the large number of
records recently accepted by the
Israel Records & Distribution
Committee; these can be viewed
at: www.geocities.com/birdingis
rael/RC/Rarities_Committee.htm.
Jordan
Two Ferruginous Ducks Aythya
nyroca were at Aqaba sewage
works on 15 February. A Lesser
Kestrel Falco naumanni at Muqawir
on 28 March represents a new site
fon, the, species, seventy-five
Spotted Sandgrouse Pterocles
senegallus at Wadi Araba on 13
February were significant. A Little
Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis at
Alkaramah Dam on 12 April was
unusually far north; another was at
Sweimeh/Dead Sea on 26 April
and 29 May. A flock of 12 Thick-
billed Larks Ramphocoris clotbey
was in Wadi Araba on 13 February.
Also there, a Black Bush Robin
Cercotrichas podobe on 30 May was
the second country record. Four
Indian Silverbills Euodice
malabarica were at Wadi Al-
Bahhath on 14 November, a further
range expansion. A flock of c. 40
Syrian Serins Serinus syriacus at
Mugawir on 28 March was the
largest concentration away from
the south-west highlands.
Kuwait
Red-wattled Plover Vanellus
indicus has been proved breeding
in northern Kuwait; a chick was
found with a pair at Yaqoub
Boodai Farm in southern Abdali.
The. first. confirmed: breeding
record of Quail Coturnix coturnix
was also made there when seven
chicks were seen.
Lebanon
A European’ Storm-petrel
Hydrobates pelagicus at Naqoura, on
the southern border, on. 21
December was the third record. A
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis at
Aammigq on 25 December was the
second record, and six were at the
mouth of the Beirut River on 6
January 2004, on which date there
was also a Siberian Gull Larus
heuglini there (perhaps only the
second record). Raptors at Aammiq
marsh in the early 2003/04 winter
period included up to five Pallid
Harriers Circus macrourus. There
were no previous winter records of
this species in Lebanon. Early-
winter visits to Aammigq and its
surroundings produced up to 23
Common Buzzards Buteo buteo (no
previous winter records), the fifth
record of Rough-legged Buzzard
B. lagopus on 29 November and at
least five Merlins Falco columbarius
(no previous winter records). Three
Broad-billed Sandpipers Limicola
falcinellus at Qaraoun Lake on 4
October were the tenth record. A
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus
lobatus near’ Aana,. south’ of
Aammigq, on 2 October was the
sixth record. Two Little Terns
Sterna albifrons at Qaraoun Lake on
27 September were the sixth record
since 1996 and the first in autumn.
The species bred on Palm island in
ie
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
the late-19th century. An Alpine
Accentor Prunella collaris was above
Kefraya on 29 November, and
another was at Lagloug the same
day, bringing the number of
records to five. A Semi-collared
Flycatcher Ficedula semitorquata at
Mlikh of Jabal Rihane on 13 October
was the tenth record. Common
Mynah Acridotheres tristis continues
to increase, with 23 in Beirut in July
and two were at the American
University campus there from at
least 11 December to the year end.
Two Rustic Buntings Emberiza
rustica at Aammig on 25 December
were the second record. Visits to the
Nahr Ibrahim Valley produced 21
Greater Flamingos Phoenicopterus
ruber on 3 September, 52 Grey
Herons Ardea cinerea and 28 Little
Egrets Egretta garzetta on 6
September (52 of the latter three
days later). By 13 September
numbers had increased to 66 and 81
Plate 1. Lesser Yellowlegs
‘78
respectively. A Terek Sandpiper
Xenus cinereus was at Cheikh
Zennad on 6 September and a Red-
necked Phalarope there on 21
September. A group of White
Pelicans Pelecanus onocrotalus was
at Nahr Ibrahim on 5 November.
Common Cranes Grus_ grus
included a group of 45 at Lagloug
on 14 October and 160 at Nahr
Ibrahim on 17 October.
Oman
An impressive 175 Cattle Egrets
Bubulcus ibis were at Sohar Sun
Farms on 16 October. The only
sighting of Yellow Bittern
Ixobrychus sinensis was of three at
Khawr Taqgah on 4 September. A
Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis
ptilorhynchus was over Salalah
airport on 25 October, the sixth
record if accepted. Griffon Vulture
Gyps fulvus is a scarce passage
migrant and winter visitor, thus
Octobe fo
singles at Jabal Harim on 17
October and at Ibra on 26 October
were noteworthy. Shikras Accipiter
badius were at Sall Ala on 16
October and Qatbit on 20 October,
the 9-10th records if accepted. A
Black-winged Pratincole Glareola
nordmanni was at Salalah on 23
October, the. tenth record: 1f
accepted. Kentish Plover
Charadrius alexandrinus is a resident
breeder, winter visitor and passage
migrant, but 286 at East Khawr on
24 October was an unprecedented
total. Following records at Sohar
Sun Farms in the winters of 2001/2
and 2002/3, a Dotterel Eudromias
morinellus was there on 8
November, the sixth record if
accepted. A Woodcock Scolopax
rusticola was reported from Hilf on
18 November, only the second
record if accepted. A Great Snipe
Gallinago media was at Dawkah on
22 September, the 11th record. A
(Hanne & Jens Eriksen)
Dawn Balmer and Keith Betton
Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes at
Al Qurm Park on 13-14 October
was photographed and has been
accepted as the first record in
Oman and the Middle East. Single
Pectoral Sandpipers Calidris
melanotos were at Salalah on 21
October and East Khawr next day,
the 6-7th records if accepted.
Reports of South Polar Skuas
Catharacta maccormicki from Ras al
Hadd on 5 September and 18
November have been accepted as
the 2—3rd records. A Black Tern
Chlidonias niger in full breeding
plumage at Khawr Sallan on 2 July
was the sixth record. Following
sightings of at least one Pin-tailed
Sandgrouse Pterocles alchata at
Sohar Sun Farms in winter 2001/2,
a single was present there on 18
October. A Plaintive Cuckoo
Cacomantis (merulinus) passerinus
was at Sur on 28 October, the third
record if accepted. European Roller
Coracias garrulus is a regular
passage migrant, but 25 at Sohar on
16 September was an impressive
number. The run of winter records
of Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula
from Sohar continued, with 12
there on 19 October and one on 8
November. A Forest Wagtail
Dendronanthus indicus was reported
from Hilf on 18 November, the
third record if accepted. Following
the first Little Rock Thrush
- Monticola rufocinereus in November
2002, singles were reported at Ayn
Razat on 17 and 19 October, Qatbit
on 20 October and Al Beed farm on
23 October. There were four Olive-
tree Warblers Hippolais olivetorum
_at Al Beed Farm on 14 October, the
second record if accepted. A total of
250 Common Whitethroats Sylvia
communis at Qatbit on 22 September
was a record for the country. Eight
Oriental White-eyes Zosterops
palpebrosus were at Mahawt Island
on 19 June. A Long-tailed Shrike
Lanius schach was at Bayah,
Musandam, on 24 October, the
tenth record if accepted. Common
Mynahs Acridotheres tristis are
becoming more common in several
areas of the country, with 700 at
Sohar on 24 July, increasing to 2500
(a new maximum count) on 16
September. A Brahminy Starling
Sturnus pagodarum at Ras Janjari on
16 October will be the fourth record
if accepted.
Dawn Balmer and Keith Betton
Around the Region
Qatar
At Al Rakkiyah Farm, Mukainas, a
juvenile Long-legged Buzzard
Buteo rufinus was seen on 18
January. This record was included
in the last report but under Bahrain
in error. On 13 January a Plain Leaf
Warbler Phylloscopus neglectus was
at Trainah.
Saudi Arabia
Records were only received from
Dhahran, in eastern Saudi Arabia.
A Little Bittern [xobrychus minutus
was an unusual winter record as
this is usually an autumn migrant.
Two Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna
ferruginea were present on 28
February. A Short-toed Eagle
Circaetus gallicus on 9-10 January
was possibly the same as that in
December 2002. Another was
present on 9 May in a different
area. An adult Lesser Spotted
Eagle Aquila pomarina was seen well
on 23 October. Single Greater
Spotted Eagles A. clanga were seen
on 9 January, 1 October, 24 October,
29 November, 5 December and 11
December. A Corncrake Crex crex
was present on 20 September. A
Spur-winged Plover Hoplopterus
spinosus was at the sewage effluent
lake on 2 November, the third
record.in Eastern Province. Twelve
Lapwings Vanellus vanellus were
present om 16-19 December. A
Black-winged Pratincole Glareola
nordmanni was observed on 26
April. An Alexandrine Parakeet
Psitticula eupatria was present on 29
December. An Eagle Owl Bubo bubo
desertorum was seen in a residential
area on 1 December following
several nights of thunder and
heavy rain. A Common Cuckoo
Cuculus canorus was observed on 28
April and two Little Swifts Apus
affinis on 30 May. A European
Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus on
25 September was unusual. Blue-
cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus
occurred between 19 October and 2
November, peaking at 40 on 1
November. A Wryneck Jynx
torquilla was seen on 5 December.
Single European Rollers Coracias
garrulus were present on 20 and 28
September. Two Barn Swallows
Hirundo rustica of the race transitiva
were seen on 27 May, three Booted
Warblers Hippolais caligata on 2
May and a Basra Reed Warbler
Acrocephalus griseldis on 2 October.
A male Red-breasted Flycatcher
Ficedula parva was seen on 24 April
and two Golden Orioles Oriolus
oriolus on 3 October. A singing
adult male Streaked Weaver
Ploceus manyar was at the sewage
effluent lake on 2 October. A male
Red Avadavat Amandava amandava:
was seen on 27 April, thereafter a
male and two juveniles /females on
2 May, raising the possibility of
breeding in the area.
Turkey
Recent reports include two winter
records of White Stork Ciconia
ciconia (only occasionally recorded
at this season), a late central
Anatolian report of Quail Coturnix
coturnix (at Seyfe Gédli on 26
November), a June record of Little
Bustard Tetrax tetrax from Bulanik,
three Sociable Plovers Chettusia
gregaria at Kayseri on 12 October,
ten Bar-tailed Godwits Limosa
lapponica at Gediz Delta on 20
December, and the third Blyth’s
Reed Warbler Acrocepahlus
dumetorum in the country, at
Akyatan Golti on 24 September.
United Arab Emirates
An amazing 1320 Little Grebes
Tachybaptus ruficollis (mostly
juveniles) were at Wimpey Pits on
31 July, nearly ten times the
previous country record and
probably Arabia’s largest-ever
flock. A Masked Booby Sula
dactylatra was at Ras Dibba on 19
December, the fifth record, whilst a
Brown Booby S. leucogaster there
on 31 October was the ninth record.
A pelican sp. Pelecanus sp. was
reported over Abu Dhabi Island on
6 October, there are only eight
previous records of pelicans. Six
Cotton Teal Nettapus coroman-
delianus at Wimpey Pits on 22
November (with one still present
on 28 November) were the ninth
record. Numbers of Ferruginous
Duck Aythya nyroca at Wimpey Pits
increased to a record 32 (with
another four nearby) on 20 October.
A pair of Shikras Accipiter badius in
Safa Park, Dubai, raised young in
July and a second brood in August,
the first confirmed breeding
records. A Black-winged Kite
Elanus caeruleus was in Abu Dhabi
city on 31 January. A Lappet-faced
79
Sandgrouse 26 (1): 2004
Vulture Torgos tracheliotos was at
Huwaylat, near Hatta, on 14
November, the first report in the
area for nearly 20 years. Two
Crested Honey Buzzards Pernis
ptilorhynchus were in Abu Dhabi on
6 November, with one still present
on 11 December. A Goshawk
Accipiter gentilis was at Mushref
National Park, Dubai, on, 26
December, the fourth record if
accepted. An Amur Falcon Falco
amurensis was reported at Shahama
on 7 April and another at Abu
Dhabi airport on 8 June, the 4-5th
records. Single Merlins Falco
columbarius were at Al Wathba
camel racetrack on 7-10 February,
28 March and 18 April. White-
breasted Waterhens Amaurornis
phoenicurus were at Wimpey pits on
19 September, Emirates Hills golf
course on 16-27 November and
Jumeirah Beach Park on 18
December. Single Little Crakes
Porzana parva were at Jebel Ali on
10-11 September and in Abu Dhabi
on 13-15 September. A Corncrake
Crex crex was in Jumeirah Beach
Park, Dubai, on 27 October. The
Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata
was still present at Wimpey Pits on
19 August, with two more at
Wimpey Pits on 10 November, the
second record. A Purple Gallinule
Porphyrio porphyrio was still at
Wimpey Pits on 31 July, and three
were there on 10 October]
November, two remaining until late
November. The first Spotted Thick-
knee Burhinus capensis was at Abu
Dhabi Island on 25 October-3
December. An Oriental Pratincole
Glareola maldivarum at Al Wathba
camel racetrack on 22 August will
be the fourth record if accepted,
and a Black-winged Pratincole G.
nordmanni there on 28 August will
be the tenth. A Sociable Plover
Chettusia gregaria was at Fujeirah
National Dairy Farm-on 12-26
December. A Common Noddy
Anous stolidus at Dibba on 31 July
was the sixth record. An Oriental
Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis
was at Fujeirah National Dairy
Farm on 30 October-—2 November,
the seventh record. At least two
(possibly three) Long-eared Owls
Asio otus were at Mushref National
Park, Dubai (the same location as
in 2002), the 11th record. Brown-
throated Martins Riparia paludicola
included one at Jebel Hafit on 16
October, two at Al Wathba camel
racetrack on 24 October—7
November, with one on 28
November, and two near Dubai
sewage treatment plant on 28
November. There are only four
previous accepted records. A Buff-
bellied Pipit Anthus rubescens at
Dubar pivot fields,on, 6-21
December was the eighth record.
Forest Wagtails Dendronanthus
indicus included one at Mushref
Palace Gardens on 22 October, two
on 11 November and three on
24-30 November. This species is
now annual in winter in Abu
Dhabi. A male Pied Stonechat
Saxicola caprata at Fujeirah National
Dairy Farm on 22 September was
the eighth record. A Red-tailed
Wheatear Oenanthe xanthoprymna
xanthoprymna was on Jebel Hafit on
18-19 December, the first record of
this form. A River Warbler
Locustella fluviatilis was at Mushref
Palace Gardens, Abu Dhabi, on 9
October, the eighth record. Three
Taiga/Red-throated Flycatchers
Ficedula (parva) albicilla were in Abu
Dhabi from 25 November and one
at Safa Park, Dubai, on 10-14
December. This form may have
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
been overlooked in the past. A
Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach
was at Fujeirah National Dairy
Farm on 24 October—26 December
at least, the third record. A Bay-
backed Shrike L. vittatus there on
26 December was the 11th record.
A Wattled Starling Creatophora
cineracea at Al Wathba camel
racetrack on 28 November-19
December was the fourth record. A
first-winter Goldfinch Carduelis
carduelis was in Abu Dhabi on 8
November (another arrived two
years ago and has since become
resident in a nearby gaiden), the
fifth record. Single Trumpeter
Finches: Bucanetes githagineus were
at Al Wathba camel racetrack on
4-8 November and at Fujeirah
Dairy Farm on 21 November. A
Red-headed Bunting Emberiza
bruniceps was at Al Mamzar Park,
Dubai, on 13 September, the fifth
record if accepted, but the escape
potential is high.
Yemen
The text concerning the following
record was accidentally cropped by
a photograph in the last report. Ten
Olive Pigeons Columba arquatrix
were found at c. 1500-1800 metres
near Mahwit on 22 May 2002.
The following assisted in the compilation of this review: Alexander Abuladze, Mohammad AlI-Shamlih,
Marc Almécija, Vasil Ananian, Ian Andrews, Sherif & Mindy Baha El Din, Thierry Bara, Jamie Buchan, Tom
Coles, Judy Dawes, Barbaros Demirci, Hugues Dufourny, Marc Duquet, Peter Flint, Benoit Gauquie, George
Gregory, Andrew Grieve, Richard Hoath, Abolghasem Khaleghizadeh, Fares Khoury, Graham Lobley,
Mark Moore, Hilary Nash, Yoav Perlman, Ian Philip, Ghassan & Mona Ramadan-Jaradi, Colin Richardson
(on behalf of the Emirates Bird Records Committee), James P. Smith, Guilhem Tightens, Andreas & Maria
Wenger, David Whaley and Sadegh Sadeghi Zadegan. Records were also taken from the BirdLife Cyprus
Newsletter and North Cyprus Birds website.
Dawn Balmer, 39 Station Road, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 1AW, U. K.
Keith Betton, 8 Dukes Close, Folly Hill, Farnham, Surrey GU9 ODR, U. K.
80
Dawn Balmer and Keith Benion
SANDGROUSE
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