THE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE MIDDLE EAST SANDGROUSE No 6 PUBLISHED 1984 PRICE £7.00 | eg! The ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE MIDDLE EAST was formed in April 1978 and is a successor to the Ornithological Society of Turkey. Aims: 1. Tocollect, collate and publish ornithological data on the birds of the Middle East. 2. To encourage an interest in and conservation of the birds of the Middle East. 3. To develop a mutually beneficial working relationship with all environmental and conservation bodies and natural history societies in and concerned with the Middle East. Membership is open to all and spans over 40 countries. Publications: Sandgrouse, an annual journal containing scientific papers .on all aspects of ornithology of the Middle East. A bulletin is issued biannually to all members. Officers of the Society (as at June 1984) Vice-Presidents: S. Cramp P. A. D. Hollom Sir Hugh Elliott Dr. H. Kumerloeve R. D. Etchéecopar Prof. H. Mendelssohn Dr. L. Hoffmann Dr. G. Tohmeé Council: J.S.M. Albrecht D. Parr (Sales Officer) (Sandgrouse Editor) P. Clement R. F. Porter (Chairman) Dr. N. J. Collar Dr. M. R. W. Rands Dr. L. Cornwallis N. J. Redman (Treasurer) S. Enright Mrs. F. E. Warr (Secretary) C. A. Harbard (Bulletin Editor) For further details and current subscription rates write to:— The Secretary, O.S.M.E., c/o The Lodge, Sandy, Beds., SG19 2DL, England. Cover illustrations by Ian Willis SANDGROUSE NUMBER 6 ISSN 0260-4736 Editor: Donald Parr Editorial Committee: Lindon Cornwallis, David Fisher, Chris Harbard and Michael Jennings Published by THE ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE MIDDLE EAST December 1984 Price £7.00 Further copies from: The Secretary, O.S.M.E., c/o The Lodge, Sandy, Beds., SG19 2DL, England. cag Sie ees W Sh AE i Uh ne ingen DCO Me Na: ay aR NUS ee , ai * watts CONTENTS Bere re ahyl areit os Segeis 0} gai yy of Poort ih, cote Birds seen on an Expedition to Djibouti byG. and H. Welch ......... Selected Observations from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan in the Springs Gmlees and 1966.Dy 1D; 1, Mis Wallace ii... 5% «0 aw ++ secekesd'ee 0 os The Avifauna of the Al Jawf, Northwest Saudi Arabia by A. A. Green The Blue and White Flycatcher: first records from Arabia by M. G. - Gallagher, C. M. Saunders, S. A. Webb and P. R. Colston......... A Chroniological Review of Birds first described from Turkey with their Faxonomic Status in 1984 by H.: Kumerloeve .........0...... Some Notes on the Indentification, Song and Habitat of the Green Warbler in the Western Black Sea Coastlands of Turkey by J.S.M. Ma eA aa ec, as eubdes mk oe av ci Sew eG a clnsale Ran Booted Eagles in Intermediate Plumage seen at Eilat, Israel by eer ON TOT ast). tes ashe Ee re Giles Bes sig wide AS ae Bere owe oe LIST OF PLATES (see centre pages) Plates] to10 Habitats and places in Djibouti described in the text Plates 11 and 12 Booted Eagles in intermediate plumage Plates 13 to 18 Habitats and places at Al Jawf, Saudi Arabia 69 76 EDITORIAL The contents of Sandgrouse 6 is strong in appeal to those for whom little documented places hold a fascination. Geoff and Hilary Welch present a lucid and balanced account of their expedition to that littlhe known country of Djibouti and I feel sure it will inspire and encourage those of us who have dreamed of watching raptor migration over the Straits of Bab-el-Mandeb. Like the Welches, Arthur Green is able to. throw light on a virtually unrecorded area, in this instance, of Saudi Arabia and his report draws urgent attention, as does the Djibouti paper, to pressing conservation problems that cry out for action which we all seem so powerless to give. Once more we are indebted to Ian Wallace for the (?) final instalment of the Azrag papers, his painstaking and stimulating account of the observations of the notable team of ornithologists of which he was a member, now safely enshrined as a significant part of recent Sandgrouse issues. Michael Gallagher and his co-authors describe the surprising occurrence of the Blue and White Flycatcher Muscicapa cyanomelana in Arabia and Simon Albrecht postulates an astonishing degree of expansion of the Green Warbler Phylloscopus nitidus and throws some much needed new light on the songs and identification problems of that difficult species. We are grateful to Valde Holmgren for providing details of a seemingly rare phase of the Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus and finally Hans Kumerloeve, one of our distinguished Vice-Presidents, presents a paper of a somewhat different nature to usual. Taxonomy and nomenclature are surely an essential aspect of our interest and we can echo the author’s hope that the paper will stimulate further research on the avifauna of Turkey and other countries within our area. For the scientific names of birds we follow, where appropriate, the List of Recent Holarctic Bird Species by K. H. Voous, B.O.U., London, 1977, for African species A Complete Checklist of the Birds of the World by R. Howard and A. Moore, London, 1980 and for mammals A Provisional Key-List of recent Holartic Mammalalia by D. T. Lees-Smith and C. Simms, The Yorkshire Museum, York, 1979. As usual I have received advice and support from the members of the Editorial Committee and also from Richard Porter, Simon Albrecht and Derek Lees-Smith. Mike Everett again helped with his cartographical skills and my wife, Joyce with advice and proof-reading. To all these and to all our authors I record my thanks and appreciation. Donald Parr ill BIRDS SEEN ON AN EXPEDITION TO DJIBOUTI by Geoff and Hilary Welch INTRODUCTION Djibouti, formerly French Somaliland, is one of the smallest African countries, covering an area of approximately 23,000 sq.km., and is situated at the southern end of the Red Sea, at the ‘crossroads’ of eastern Africa and the Middle East. It is enclosed by Eritrea to the north, Ethiopia to the west and south-west, and Somalia to the south-east. The country is roughly C-shaped, the centre of the C being the Gulf of Tadjourah which connects with the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea and Indian Ocean to the east. Apart from the Goda massif on the northern side of the Gulf of Tadjourah, the area consists mainly of desert and steppe habitats, with volcanic areas in the north and west - see Figure 1. The Goda mountains support the only area of forest, the Forét du Day, which unfortunately is disappearing at an alarming rate due to a combination of climatic and human-induced factors (Welch & Welch, 1984). MN Metalled road = Some principal tracks Ethiopia Xe) a) Osseo Djibouti ©) Yobocki =n = Bara 0 x 4 O Dikhil e oon Figure 1: Map of Djibouti showing principal towns and sites visited. Sandgrouse 6 Birds of Djibouti Our initial interest in the country was the result of its geographical situation, and an examination of its topography suggested it should be an important area for migrants, especially raptors, moving to and from their wintering grounds in south and east Africa, there being an ideal ‘land bridge’ across the Red Sea in the region of the Bab-el-Mandeb straits. Here the Red Sea is at its narrowest, c.22 km.; there are mountain chains on both the Djibouti and Yemen coasts and an additional small mountain on the island of Perim, c.2 km. off the Yemen coast. The narrowness of the straits at Ras Siyan should also allow good seawatching of birds moving between the Red Sea and Indian Ocean. Before making any firm plans to visit the country, we contacted the International Council for Bird Preservation (ICBP) to see if we could provide any information for them en the area. We learnt that Djibouti has an endemic gamebird, the Djibouti Francolin, Francolinus ochropectus, only discovered in 1952, and that little was known of its status and almost nothing about its habits in the wild. ICBP were keen for us to search for this bird and, if it still survived, to report on its present status. The francolin survey thus became our main objective, any remaining time being spent monitoring migration. During our three week stay (13 March to 3 April 1984), eleven days were occupied with work on the francolin in the Forét du Day, the remainder spent in general birdwatching, of which a visit to the north coast was only possible on one day, 27 March. SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS ORNITHOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE Djibouti’s wildlife is very poorly documented. There are a few records from the mid to late 19th century, Heuglin (1859), Oustalet (1894) but the only useful published works this century are Thesiger and Meynell (1935), Simoneau (c.1974), Navez (1981) and Ash (in prep). Of these only Simoneau purports to cover the whole country but this work is wildly inaccurate, almost impossible to obtain and lists only a hundred bird species. Therefore for background information one is forced to refer to those works covering the surrounding areas - Eritrea (Smith 1944, 1951, 1953, 1955, 1957 and 1960), Ethiopia (Urban & Brown 1971), NW Somalia, (formerly British Somaliland) (Archer & Godman 1937-1961) and Arabia (Meinertzhagen 1954). None of the foregoing works covers the birdlife of the Forét du Day and ours would appear to be the first documented ornithological visit to the area. SITES VISITED Arta - a village situated on a hill (757 metres) on the southern side of the Gulf of Tadjourah, c.40 km west of Djibouti city. The slopes of the hill are covered with low scrub, largely acacia, and the hill forms a convenient staging post between the Somali foothills to the south and those of the Goda massif on the northern side of the Gulf. The scrub holds Rosy-patched Shrike, Pied Wheatear and Pygmy Sunbird, whilst the gardens of the village have Shining Sunbird and Namaqua Dove. The main attraction of the site is for raptor migration and there are two convenient car parks on the main road, below the radio station, for observing passage. About 10 km to the west along the main road is a small scrubby wadi - c.half to three quarters km. north of the road - and this was very productive for small birds, with Yellow-breasted Barbet, Blackstart, Rufous Bush Robin, Crombec and Red-faced Warbler, and Nubian Nightjars were heard calling nearby. Ambouli - this is Dijoubti city’s main wadi and lies on its western outskirts. It is easily reached by driving west along the Arta road out of Djibouti until it crosses the wadi. This is the largest area of permanent greenery in the area, formed mainly of market gardens, and is very difficult to work, there being numerous paths between the gardens. However, the main inconvenience is the attendant children whose noise tends to scare off the birds. The area is a haven for small birds and intensive watching could bring interesting results. Resident species appear to be Red-billed Sandgrouse 6 Birds of Djibouti Firefinch, Riippell’s Weaver, Pygmy Sunbird and Graceful Warbler, whilst migrants recorded included Isabelline Shrike, White-throated Robin, Blackcap, Redstart, Tawny Pipit and Tree ‘Pipit. Doralé - the road to Doralé branches off from the main Djibouti - Arta road a short way west of Ambouli. The road is bordered for most of its length by acacia scrub interspersed with open areas. In a few places there is easy access to the mudflats and mangroves bordering the Gulf of Tadjourah. The road terminates in a small beach which held a few waders when there were no people around. The scrub held all of the commoner arid area species plus numerous Great Grey Shrike, Barred Warbler, Olivaceous Warbler, Whitethroat and many Arabian Golden Sparrows. A powerline running parallel with the road was used by several Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters. The mudflats and mangroves were very productive with flocks of Spoonbill and Greater Flamingo, a few Green-backed Herons and a good selection of waders including Curlew, Whimbrel, Turnstone, Common Sandpiper, Terek Sandpiper and Curlew Sandpiper. Gull-billed Terns and Little Terns patrolled the creeks and a lone Caspian Tern was seen fishing offshore. Djibouti City - there are several places around the city worth visiting. The mudflats and scrub between the airport and prison are very good for both small birds and waders, highlights being Crab Plover, Sacred Ibis, Lesser Crested Tern, Terek Sandpiper, Crested Lark, Hoopoe Lark, Black-crowned Finch Lark, Namaqua Dove and up to 100 Arabian Golden Sparrows, mainly near the prison. A somewhat less salubrious spot is the mangrove area opposite Prisunic (the main supermarket) which unfortunately acts as the public convenience, so walking round with binoculars tends to attract more attention than usual. The open mud attracts good numbers of waders including Terek and Curlew Sandpipers, Little Stint and Dunlin, whilst the mangroves hold Graceful Warbler, Olivaceous Warbler, assorted Yellow Wagtail races and innumerable Indian House Crows. The harbour area, L’Escale, is good for Sooty and White-eyed Gulls and is the only area where Black-headed Gull was recorded. Lesser Crested, Gull-billed and Whiskered Terns were also seen. A Goliath Heron is regular near the Presidence de la République, whilst at low tide Western Reef Heron, Sacred Ibis and Greater Flamingo plus a good variety of waders can be seen. Obock - an excellent spot, most easily reached by the regular ferry from Djibouti or, for the more intrepid, by an appalling road from Tadjourah, which did reward us with a pair of Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse. Around the town itself are a few gardens, one of which held two Grey-headed Sparrows and a lone Speckled Pigeon. All along the waterfront can be seen Terek Sandpipers plus Ringed, Kentish, Grey, Lesser Sand and Greater Sand Plovers. Just to the east of the new jetty is a small muddy pool fringed by young mangroves. Onto this waders tend to fly as the tide rises, and it produced the only Broad-billed Sandpiper of the trip. Green-backed Herons occur in the mangroves. Further east again is the old jetty which being little used is frequented by good numbers of waders including Crab Plover. Along another rough track, still further to the east, is Ras Bir Lighthouse which is good for seawatching, though lack of shade is a problem. Here we saw 85 Crab Plover, Caspian Tern and two Ospreys plus two Tawny Pipits, Rosy-patched Shrike and Spotted Sandgrouse in the surrounding scrub. Godoria & Ras Siyan - these were the most northerly points visited but little time was available at either. Godoria, c.35 km. north north-east of Obock, is difficult to reach except by a track which approaches it from the south, there being large expanses of soft sand/mud in which vehicles can easily become bogged down. The mangroves can also be approached on foot from the north but Sandgrouse 6 Birds of Djibouti we did not visit them. Here also a low string of hills runs parallel with the coast, c.30 km. east of the main mountain chain, and this appears to be followed by migrating raptors moving north towards Ras Siyan. The highest number of Booted Eagles of the trip were recorded here on our brief visit, together with a few Pallid/Montagu’s Harriers and Steppe Eagle; Ras Siyan itself added a Sooty Falcon and a flock of 93 Egyptian Vultures. The Bab-el-Mandeb straits at Ras Siyan are ‘bridged’ by the island of Perim, c.2 km. off the Yemen coast. The promontory lies 12 km. north of Khor Angur and the flat sandy vista is dominated by the hill of Ras Siyan which rises to 140 metres and acts as a focus for migrating raptors. Immediately to the north is a large inlet with extensive sandy beaches which held good numbers of Sooty Gulls and Swift Terns. Seawatching here should be very productive but there is no shade at all and the nearest water is at Khor Angur, so any visit should be carefully planned and well-equipped. It is advisable to report to the military post at Khor Angur before proceeding to Ras Siyan to ensure that travelling is safe - we were prohibited from going any further north due to Army manoeuvres/ border disputes. Tadjourah - the town itself is not particularly productive though the gardens hold large numbers of Laughing Dove and Riippell’s Weaver, whilst Egyptian Vultures and Fan-tailed Ravens circle overhead. By contrast, the area along the Tadjourah - Randa road near the mineral water bottling plant is excellent though difficult to work, consisting mainly of acacia steppe and numerous dry wadis. The area held high numbers of Pygmy Sunbird plus Yellow-breasted Barbet, Great Grey Shrike, Black Bush Robin and Desert Larks. Near the bottling plant itself is a trough and standpipe spurting out freshwater and this, together with a nearby cultivated area, is a haven for small birds. The most numerous species observed were Black-crowned Finch Larks and African Rock Buntings. Forét du Day - this large area is only accessible by a rough road, a four-wheel drive vehicle being necessary. The main habitats are primary juniper forest, secondary forest (mainly box and acacia), semi-desert plains and the wadis. The major primary forest areas now only occur at high elevations such as around Garrab, Adonta and Hambocka and their main interest ornithologically is the endemic Djibouti Francolin. Additionally the forest supports good numbers of Drongo, Hemprich’s Hornbill, Tropical Boubou, White-breasted White-eye, Brown Woodland Warbler, Yellow-bellied Green Pigeon and Paradise Flycatcher. The secondary forest has its own characteristic wildlife but this habitat was not examined in any detail except in the region of the wadi at Bankoualé, where the density and range of species present was no doubt influenced by the presence of surface water. Species of note included Grey- headed Puff-back Flycatcher, Yellow-rumped Seedeater, Grey-backed Camaroptera and Yellow- billed Hornbill. The semi-desert plains were not examined thoroughly, other than that below Colonie, and this had Desert Lark, Pied, Black-eared and Red-breasted Wheatear, and numerous Richard’s Pipits. The major wadis of Goh, Hambocka and Bankoualé are generally inaccessible except on foot, and even then only with extreme care, and having permanent water are much lusher in vegetation. In times of drought they are a refuge for all wildlife used by both primary and secondary forest species. The steep wadi sides provide nesting sites for African Hawk Eagle, Verreaux’s Eagle, Kestrel and African Rock Martin. VISIBLE MIGRATION Due to a lack of time and, more importantly, independent transport, no sustained raptor watching was possible and so our results are little more than an indication of the UE movement of species through the country. Raptor migration was noted at three sites - Arta, c.40 km., west of Djibouti city, Colonie in Sandgrouse 6 Birds of Djibouti the Forét du Day, and in the region of Godoria and Ras Siyan. Species and numbers involved are shown in TABLE I. Additionally, parties of Bee-eaters, Merops apiaster, were recorded at Ras Siyan, Arta and Doraleé, with three Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters, Merops superciliosus, at Arta on 2 ‘April. TABLET. VISIBLE MIGRATION THROUGH DJIBOUTI - MARCH/APRIL 1984 Species Total number of birds seen Arta Colonie Godoria/ Others Ras Siyan Black Kite ] 6 Egyptian Vulture 29 12 94 36 Short-toed Eagle ] ] De Marsh Harrier 1 2 Pallid Harrier 2 1 | 7 Montagu’s Harrier 2 Ringtail Harrier 3 ] Sparrowhawk 6 Accipiter sp. > Steppe Buzzard l Long-legged Buzzard l Steppe Eagle l l l 4 Imperial Eagle ] Booted Eagle 4 8 30+ 2 Eagle sp. 3 2 Lesser Kestrel Zz ] Kestrel l Bee-eater 60 18 32+ N.B. The observations at Arta were made on 14 March, | and 2 April (a total of 5% hours watching), Colonie from 24 to 30 March (7'2 hours) and Godoria and Ras Siyan on 27 March (3% hours). Additional casual records are also included. ANNOTATED CHECKLIST During the three weeks, 160 species were noted. Of these 60 would appear to be new to the country but this would seem to be more a reflection of the paucity of published records rather than our bird-watching prowess! In the list, each species account is in two sections - our observations, and a comment on its status based on our records and published information from Djibouti and surrounding areas reviewed above. Order and nomenclature follows that of Voous (1977) for Holarctic species and Howard & _ Moore (1980) for African species not listed by Voous. Throughout the list, reference should be made to the map for the feeation of sites mentioned in the text. Those sites immediately around Djibouti city - Ambouli, harbour, prison and airport - are not shown due to the small scale. Similarly, those sites within or near the Forét du Day - Colonie, Garrab, Goh and Wadi Ewali - are not marked for the same reason. Sula leucogaster Brown Booby One flying south at Ras Siyan on 27 March. Resident throughout Red Sea, breeding on off-shore islands. Sandgrouse 6 Birds of Djibouti Pelecanus rufescens Pink-backed Pelican Up to three around Djibouti city throughout, also two at Tadjourah on 26 March. Resident and widespread on African coast of Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Butorides striatus Green-backed Heron One adult and immature at Obock on 26 March, with two immatures there on 28 March, and two immatures in mangroves near Doralé on 2 April. No previous Djibouti records. Common resident in coastal mangroves throughout the Red Sea. Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret Four flying over Ambouli on 2 April and two, probably of the same party, on nearby rubbish dump on 3 April. No previous Djibouti records. Resident and intra-African migrant, recorded breeding in Eritrea. Egretta gularis Western Reef Heron Common in all coastal areas, except around Tadjourah. Very common resident throughout Red Sea coastal areas. Egretta garzetta Little Egret One flying over mudflats near airport on 14 March. Autumn migrant with a few in winter and summer. Ardea cinerea Grey Heron One or two around Djibouti city throughout, one at Obock on 26 and 29 March and two near Doralé on 2 April. All immatures. Winter visitor, locally common. Ardea goliath Goliath Heron One or two around Djibouti city throughout. Apparently one has frequented Djibouti harbour for several years. Common resident along Red Sea coast. Ciconia abdimii Abdim’s Stork Up to 20 between Djibouti and Dorale throughout, also two over Tadjourah on 31 March. Intra-tropical, trans-equatorial migrant, breeding in Somalia and Ethiopia. Threskiornis aethiopicus Sacred Ibis Very common around Djibouti and Doralé with a maximum of 100+ on 14 March. Common, widespread resident. Platalea leucorodia : Spoonbill Up to three around Djibouti harbour on 14 and 15 March, one at Obock on 28 March and 43 near Doralé on 2 April. Common resident breeding in coastal areas. Numbers swelled by Palearctic migrants in winter. Phoenicopterus ruber Greater Flamingo Common around Djibouti and Doralé, with a maximum of 95 on 15 March. Winter visitor and passage migrant. Sandgrouse 6 Birds of Djibouti Milvus migrans Black Kite Resident in small numbers around Djibouti city and Tadjourah, also small numbers passing through - see TABLE I. M.m.arabicus is a common resident and M.m. migrans is a passage migrant in large numbers, with a record of many thousands over Perim on 5 March 1907 (Madarasz 1915). Neophron percnopterus Egyptian Vulture Extremely abundant wherever there is human habitation, except around Djibouti city. Passage birds noted on several occasions - see TABLE I. Common resident in almost all arid regions. Gyps rueppellii Riippell’s Vulture Two near Colonie on 24 March, with one there on 25 March. All were very pale individuals, probably G.r.erlangeri. No previous Djibouti records. Common to locally abundant resident. Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle One over Goh and presumed same over Colonie on 16 March, two near Arta on 1 April, with one there on 2 April. No previous Djibouti records. C.g.gallicus is a winter visitor to northern tropical Africa, occasionally moving south to the equator. Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier A pair flying north over Djibouti city on 1 April and a male north-east over Arta on 2 April. No previous Djibouti records. The only records from the surrounding area are from Eritea where Smith (1957) describes it as a regular passage migrant. Circus macrourus Pallid Harrier Passage birds were recorded at Djibouti city, Tadjourah, Obock, Colonie, Doralé and Ras Siyan - see TABLE I. Winter visitor and passage migrant. Circus pygargus ; Montagu’s Harrier A pair flew north over Arta on 14 March. Additional possible ringtails were recorded at Tadjourah and Godoria. No previous Djibouti records. Common passage migrant and winter visitor. - Accipiter nisus Sparrowhawk One flying north over Arta on 1 April, with at least six there on 2 April. All females. Five Accipiter sp at Arta on 2 April were probably this species. No previous Djibouti records. Scarce winter migrant to tropical Africa. Accipiter badius Shikra Small numbers seen regularly in the Forét du Day, also two over Tadjourah on 31 March, one at Arta on 1 April, with two there on 2 April. Frequent to common resident in savannas and wooded grasslands south of the Sahara. Sandegrouse 6 Birds of Djibouti Buteo buteo vulpinus Steppe Buzzard One flying east over Colonie on 25 March. No previous Djibouti records. Common to abundant Palearctic passage migrant and winter visitor. Buteo rufinus Long-legged Buzzard One flying east over Colonie on 24 March. No previous Djibouti records. Scarce winter visitor to north and north-east Africa and a vagrant south to Zambia. Aquila rapax Tawny Eagle An adult soaring over Garrab on 25 March. Common resident over much of Africa. Aquila nipalensis Steppe Eagle Six on a rubbish dump between Djibouti and Arta on 14 March were probably wintering birds. Otherwise small numbers of passge birds recorded at Arta, Colonie, Randa and Godoria - see TABLE I. Common winter visitor to Africa north of the equator. Aquila heliaca Imperial Eagle An immature, probably 2nd year, in the Colonie area on 30 March. No previous Djibouti records. Scarce Palearctic winter migrant to Egypt, Sudan and Eritea, straggling south to Kenya (Brown et al 1982). Aquila verreauxii Verreaux’s Eagle A pair, presumed residents, being mobbed by two African Hawk Eagles over Goh on 23 March. No previous Djibouti records. Scarce resident in mountainous regions throughout Africa. Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle Recorded on passage from 25 March, usually in small numbers, from Colonie, Godoria, Ras Siyan and Arta - see TABLE I. A total of 50 birds recorded, only one of which was dark phase. No previous Djibouti records. Frequent to uncommon migrant. Hieraaetus spilogaster African Hawk Eagle* One, probably two, pairs resident around the Garrab area and seen on most days. Also singles at Randa on 19 March and Arta on 1 April. No previous Djibouti records. Frequent to uncommon resident in well wooded areas south of the Sahara. Pandion haliaetus Osprey Up to three apparently resident around Djibouti city, one Obock 26 and 28 March, two at Ras Siyan on 27 March, one flying south at Ras Bir on 28 March and two around Tadjourah on 29 and 31 March. Abundant resident breeder along Red Sea coast. *Howard and Moore (1980) treat this as a sub-species of the Bonelli’s Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus spilogaster but most authorities accept it as a full species. Ed. Sandgrouse 6 Birds of Djibouti Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel Two males flying north over Arta on 14 March and one male east over Colonie on 16 March. No previous Djibouti records. Migrant to semi-arid areas, wintering in large numbers in southern Africa. Falco tinnunculus Kestrel Recorded in small numbers on most days at Randa, Garrab, Colonie, Bankoualé and Tadjourah, and all birds appeared to be resident. Two apparent migrants were recorded, one north over Arta on 14 March and a male north-east over the Gulf of Tadjourah on 15 March. Resident and Palearctic migrant. Falco concolor Sooty Falcon One flying south at Ras Siyan on 27 March. No previous Djibouti records. Scarce resident along Red Sea coast. Falco biarmicus Lanner One at Obock on 28 March, two around Colonie on 30 March and one over Ambouli on 3 April. Resident, generally frequent to common. Francolinus ochropectus Djibouti Francolin Recorded from six sites within the Forét du Day, with evidence of at least 50 birds. Largest concentrations were c.20 at Bankoualé on 19 March and nine on Garrab on 22 March. Present world population estimated at c.5,000 (J. Blot pers.com.). The only published works on this species are two taxonomic papers by Dorst and Jouanin (1952 and 1954) produced just after the species’ discovery. Therefore, set out below is a field description which may be of help to future visitors to the area. A medium-sized stocky gamebird, estimated to be about the size of a large partridge, looking very dark in the field. Crown chestnut with orangy tinge, slightly paler than the remainder of head and neck which showed a more reddish cast. Neck and upper breast marked with numerous white flecks, these getting larger on the belly making the bird appear whiter underneath. Prominent deep reddish-black tear-shaped mask extending from base of bill, through eye and almost back to nape. Small white spot immediately behind eye. Throat pale yellowish and unstreaked. Wings and mantle deep brown, the latter striated with dark reddish-brown flecking. Flight feathers uniform greyish-brown, paler than rest of wing. Tail plain greyish-brown. Legs stout and yellowish-orange, the spurs were not readily noticeable in the field. Bill quite heavy, yellowish and distinctly decurved. Eye large and dark. Call of the male is a loud ‘‘Erk - ka,ka,ka,k k k kkk’’, with the ‘‘Erk’’ being the dominant sound, and the ‘‘ka,ka,ka’’ etc. getting faster and quieter as it progressed, ending in what can best be described as a chuckle. Also a low conversational soft clucking from birds in a feeding group. Generally a bird of densely vegetated areas, more often heard than seen. Feeds in typical gamebird style, scratching for seeds on the ground and also for termites in areas disturbed by Warthogs. Roosts in dense vegetation up to a height of c.4 metres. When alarmed, seeks shelter in _ trees and sits very tight, relying on its plumage for camouflage. Most active from dawn to about 0800 hours and often encountered in small (family) parties. Sandgrouse 6 Birds of Djibouti Ardeotis arabs Arabian Bustard One on the Petit Bara on 1 April. No previous Djibouti records. Resident from the Red Sea Province of Sudan to Ethiopia and Somalia. Haematopus ostralegus Oystercatcher Up to nine on beaches around Djibouti city on 14 March and 3 April, and two-three at Obock from 26 to 29 March. Common winter visitor and passage migrant, a few possibly summering. Dromas ardeola Crab Plover One immature at Obock and 85 flying north at Ras Bir on 28 March, and at least 38 adults on mudflats near airport on 3 April. Abundant around the Gulf of Aden in summer, possibly moving south in the autumn. Charadrius dubius Little Ringed Plover One on mudflats near airport on 14 March. No previous Djibouti records, though reported as occurring in large numbers around Zeyla and Djibouti by Archer and Godman (1937-1961). Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover Up to eight around Djibouti beaches throughout, a similar number at Obock from 26 to 29 March and one near Doralé on 1 and 2 April. All appeared to be C.h. tundrae. Common winter visitor and passage migrant, a few summering. Charadrius alexandrinus Kentish Plover Common in all suitable coastal areas, with at least 20 around Djibouti city on 14 March. Very common resident in coastal areas. Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover Up to four at Obock from 26 to 29 March and two in Djibouti harbour on 31 March. Possibly overlooked. Scarce winter visitor and passage migrant. Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover Up to five around Djibouti city throughout, one west of Obock on 26 March and 14 at Obock on 28 March. Common winter visitor, Ash (in prep.) recording large numbers Cee in December 1975, and probably resident and breeding. Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover Small numbers, maximum 21, recorded from all suitable coastal areas. Common winter visitor and passage migrant, a few summering. Calidris alba Sanderling Small numbers recorded around Djibouti city, Obock and near Dorale. Common winter visitor with a few in summer. Calidris minuta Little Stint Three-four around Djibouti city throughout and up to six at Obock from 26 to 29 March. - Common winter visitor and passage migrant. 10 a ee Sandgrouse 6 Birds of Djibouti Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper Fairly common in all suitable coastal areas, with at least 31 around Djibouti city on 1 April. - Abundant winter visitor, with a few summering. Large numbers (2,000+) recorded in Djibouti by Ash (in prep.). Calidris alpina Dunlin At least 15 on mudflats near airport on 14 March and three on nearby area on 31 March. Possibly overlooked. Regular winter visitor in small numbers, a few summering. Limicola falcinellus Broad-billed Sandpiper A bird in winter plumage at Obock on 26 March. One previous Djibouti record, three on beach around Djibouti city on 25 December 1975 (Ash in prep.). One other record from the area, two females at Massawa, Eritrea on 12 May 1953 (Smith 1957). Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit Up to six recorded around Djibouti city and at Obock. Fairly common winter visitor with a few in summer. Numenius pnaeopus Whimbrel Up to four around Djibouti city throughout and three near Doralé on 2 April. Common winter visitor, a few summering. Numentius arquata Curlew Twelve on mudflats near airport on 14 March, with singles in the same area on 15 and 31 March, one west of Obock on 26 March, two at Obock on 28 and 29 March, and four near Doralé on 2 April. Common winter visitor and passage migrant with a few in summer. Tringa totanus Redshank Numerous in all coastal areas, with at least 30 roosting in mangrove swamp on outskirts of Djibouti city on 31 March. Common winter visitor with a few in summer. Tringa nebularia Greenshank As Redshank but scarcer, with a maximum of 12 on mudflats near airport on 14 March. Present throughout the year but more numerous from October to March. Tringa ochropus Green Sandpiper Singles at Bankoualé on 19 March and Doralé on 3 April. No previous Djibouti records. Present in small numbers from late July to April, mainly inland. Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper Four on mudflats near airport on 14 March. Fairly common winter visitor, mainly inland. Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper Very numerous in all suitable coastal areas and probably the commonest wader. At least 50 on mudflats near airport on 14 March. Common winter visitor. 11 Sandgrouse 6 Birds of Djibouti Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper Small numbers, up to 10, noted in all suitable coastal areas. Common migrant and winter visitor, regularly summers. Arenaria interpres Turnstone Up to 20 noted in all suitable coastal areas with numbers decreasing during our stay. Winter visitor and passage migrant, most abundant in March and April. A few summer. Stercorarius pomarinus Pomarine Skua_ An adult flew north-east over Obock on 28 March. No previous Djibouti records. Only two records from the area, in the Gulf of Aden on 12 January 1946 (Elliot 1952) and off Dahlak Island, Eritrea on 5 March 1952 (Smith 1953). Larus hemprichii Sooty Gull Common in all coastal areas, with a maximum of 126 at Obock on 29 March. Common resident. Larus leucophthalmus White-eyed Gull As Sooty Gull, though scarcer, with a maximum of 50 at Obock on 29 March. Abundant resident. Larus ridibundus Black-headed Gull Only recorded around Djibouti harbour area, with a maximum of 16 on 31 March. All immatures. Only one previous Djibouti record, up to 15 in the same area on 25 and 26 December 1975 (Ash in prep.). Described as abundant winter visitor and passage migrant in Eritrea. Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull Small numbers recorded around Djibouti city and Obock. Common winter visitor, with a few in summer. Larus argentatus Herring Gull As Lesser Black-backed Gull but generally less numerous. All immatures. Regular winter visitor in small numbers. Gelochelidon nilotica Gull-billed Tern Up to 10 recorded around Djibouti city and Doralé. One adult at Obock on 28 March. Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Sterna caspia Caspian Tern Single adults flying south at Ras Bir on 28 March and off Doraleé on 2 April. Fairly common winter visitor, some summer and may breed. Sterna bergii Swift Tern Two adults in the Gulf of Tadjourah on 15 March, up to 21 around Obock from 26 to 29 March, and 10 at Ras Siyan on 27 March. Common resident. Sandgrouse 6 Birds of Djibouti Sterna bengalensis Lesser Crested Tern One adult and immature in Djibouti harbour and two adults at Tadjourah on 15 March, one adult at Obock on 28 March, two adults in Gulf of Tadjourah on 31 March, and at least 21 on mudflats near airport on 3 April. Very common resident. Sterna albifrons Little Tern The only positive record was seven at Dorale on 2 April. Flocks of either this species or Saunders’ Little Tern, S.saundersi, were seen around Djibouti city on 14 March, c.45 in Gulf of Tadjourah on 15 March and 35 on mudflats near airport on 3 April. Saunders’ Little Tern is a resident in the southern half of the Red Sea but the exact status of Little Tern is unclear due to identification problems. Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern Two adults in winter plumage fishing in Djibouti harbour on 3 April. No previous records for Djibouti or surrounding areas. Pterocles lichtensteinii Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse A pair beside the Tadjourah to Obock road, c.20 km west of Obock, on 29 March. An unidentified sandgrouse in the same spot on 26 March was probably this species. Local resident throughout, below 900 metres. Pterocles senegallus Spotted Sandgrouse Fourteen at Godoria on 27 March and three at Ras Bir on 28 March. Flocks of unidentified sandgrouse were c.30 at Obock on 27 March, with at least five there on 28 March, and c.30 near Gordoria on 27 March and were probably this species. Widespread but uncommon throughout. Columba guinea Speckled Pigeon Common around Colonie, Forét du Day, with a maximum of 35 on 17 March. Also recorded in small numbers at Obock, Tadjourah, Djibouti, Arta, Oueha and Ambouli. Plentiful in most areas. Columba arquatrix Olive Pigeon Only recorded in the Forét du Day with a maximum of four at Adonta on 17 March. No previous Djibouti records. A bird of mature forest, usually at high elevations. Steptopelia roseogrisea African Collared Dove Abundant around Ambouli, maximum 75 on 2 and 3 April, with small numbers noted at Tadjourah and Obock. Plentiful in coastal areas of north west Somalia. Streptopelia senegalensis Palm Dove Common and widespread in all but the most arid regions. Common resident throughout. Oena capensis Namaqua Dove Recorded in small numbers around Djibouti, Doralé and Arta, with the exception of three males in mangroves near Khor Angur on 27 March. Pair found nest building in coastal scrub on 14 March. Resident in dry areas and subject to local movements. Sandgrouse 6 Birds of Djibouti Treron waalia Yellow-bellied Green Pigeon Only recorded in the Forét du Day, with a maximum of 30 on 21 March. No previous Djibouti records. Common in riparian woodland, often associated with figs. Psittacula krameri Rose-ringed Parakeet Two displaying over Ambouli on 2 and 3 April. Presumed resident below 1,200 metres. Otus senegalensis African Scops Owl At least two calling on 16 March and at least four calling and one seen on 25 March. All records from the Garrab area of the Forét du Day. No previous Djibouti records. Uncommon but widely distributed resident. Caprimulgus nubicus Nubian Nightjar At least two calling c.10 km west of Arta on | and 2 April. Common in coastal areas. Apus pallidus Pallid Swift Three flying east over Colonie on 16 March. No previous Djibouti records. Very common passage migrant. Apus affinis Little Swift Only recorded in the Djibouti city area, with at least 15 on 3 April. No previous Djibouti records. Resident breeding species in all suitable areas. Cypsiurus parvus Palm Swift One, feeding with Little Swifts, over coastal scrub near airport on 14 March. No previous Djibouti records. Common resident throughout lowland areas. Merops superciliosus Blue-cheeked Bee-eater . Only recorded on the south side of the Gulf of Tadjourah, with a maximum of 30 over Ambouli on 2 April. A pair was seen excavating a nest hole near Djibouti Prison on 3 April. Common passage migrant. Merops apiaster Bee-eater Small numbers, maximum 35, recorded on passage at Ras Siyan, Obock, Arta, Doralé and Djibouti city - see TABLE I. No previous Djibouti records. Passage migrant. Upupa epops Hoopoe Small numbers almost daily in the Forét du Day, and one in Djibouti city on 14 March. U.e.senegalensis is a common resident, U.e.epops is a winter visitor. 14 Sandgrouse 6 Birds of Djibouti Tockus hemprichii Hemprich’s Hornbill Regularly recorded throughout the Forét du Day, with a maximum of 17 on 18 March. No previous Djibouti records. Presumed resident in woodland at medium elevations, wandering to lowland areas in winter. Tockus flavirostris Yellow-billed Hornbill Only recorded in the acacia scrub around Bankoualé, with 15 on 19 March and nine on 20 March. No previous Djibouti records. Presumed localised resident. Tricholaema melanocephalum Brown-throated Barbet Two at Bankoualé on 19 March. Presumed resident throughout all arid areas. Trachyphonus margaritatus Yellow-breasted Barbet Small numbers recorded in scrubby coastal areas at Tadjourah, Obock, Doralé, near Arta and Ambouli. Common in low-lying country. ' Campethera nubica Nubian Woodpecker A male at Colonie on 17 March. No previous Djibouti records. Presumed resident in all suitable areas. Dendropicos fuscescens Cardinal Woodpecker One to two recorded on four dates in the Forét du Day. Presumed scarce resident in all suitable areas. Eremopterix nigriceps Black-crowned Finch Lark Recorded in small numbers from lowland areas around Djibouti city, between Obock and Ras - Siyan, between Tadjourah and Obock, at Ras Bir, on the Grand Bara and with a maximum of 50 on western outskirts of Tadjourah. Abundant in suitable areas. Ammomanes deserti Desert Lark Birds showing the characteristics of A.d.assabensis, Danakil Sand Lark, were recorded in small numbers around Tadjourah, on the edge of the Forét du Day, at Ras Bir, between Obock and Tadjourah, on the Petit Bara and at Arta. / Resident in all suitable areas. Alaemon alaudipes Hoopoe Lark Recorded in small numbers, maximum 10 between Obock and Ras Siyan, from all parts of the coastal plain. Common resident on coastal plain. Galerida cristata Crested Lark | Only recorded on the southern side of the Gulf of Tadjourah, with a maximum of 12 around _ Djibouti city on 14 March. | Very common resident on coastal plain. ie J 15 Sandgrouse 6 Birds of Djibouti Ptyonoprogne fuligula African Rock Martin Small numbers recorded around cliffs in Forét du Day, Oueha and Arta, and with two around airport buildings on 3 April. No previous Djibouti records. Resident throughout all suitable areas. Hirundo rustica Swallow Regularly recorded on passage from all lowland areas, with a maximum of 44 on 1 April. One ‘highland’ record of a single at Randa on 19 March. Common passage migrant in large numbers, a few winter. Anthus novaeseelandiae Richard’s Pipit Common in the Forét du Day, with a maximum of 13 on 24 March, also two at Arta on 1 April. No previous Djibouti records. Common resident at high elevations. Anthus campestris Tawny Pipit Two at Ras Bir on 28 March and two at Ambouli on 3 April. Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Anthus similis Long-billed Pipit One at Arta on 2 April. No previous Djibouti records. Presumed resident at high elevations. Anthus trivialis Tree Pipit One at Ambouli on 3 April. Common passage migrant and winter visitor. Anthus cervinus Red-throated Pipit Two in Forét du Day on 16 March and one at Ambouli on 2 April. Common spring migrant, with smaller numbers in autumn and winter. Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail Recorded in varying numbers, maximum 26 on 14 March, almost daily and from all areas visited. Males of four races were idenitified - (in decreasing order of abundance) M_/. feldegg, M.f. flava, M.f.beema and M.f. thunbergi. Only one previous Djibouti record, a single on 25 December 1975 (Ash Jn prep.). Very common winter visitor, abundant in coastal areas. Motacilla cinerea Grey Wagtail One at Bankoualé on 19 March. No previous Djibouti records. Regular winter visitor in small numbers, mainly to mountainous areas. Motacilla alba White Wagtail Singles at Ambouli, Randa, Obock and Djibouti city, with two at Bankoualé on 19 March. © Common winter visitor, abundant on coast. Sandgrouse 6 Birds of Djibouti Pycnonotus barbatus Common Bulbul - Fairly common in all well vegetated areas at low elevations, with a few records from the Forét du Day. Generally common in all suitable areas. Cercotrichas galactotes Rufous Bush Chat One or two recorded at Arta, Ambouli, between Obock and Tadjourah and at Dorale. Common resident. Cercotrichas podobe Black Bush Robin Singles on the western outskirts of Tadjourah and at Wadi Ewali on 20 March. No previous Djibouti records. Common resident below 1,000 metres. Trania gutturalis White-throated Robin A male at Ambouli on 14 March. No previous Djibouti records. Common passage migrant and winter visitor. Phoenicurus ochruros Black Redstart A male, showing the characteristics of the Kashmir race, P.o. phoenicuroides, in the Forét du Day on 16 March. No previous Djibouti records. Common winter visitor. Phoenicurus phoenicurus Redstart One to two regularly in the Forét du Day around Garrab, four c.10 km west of Arta and one at Ambouli. No previous Djibouti records. Common winter visitor to Eritrea (Smith 1951) but not recorded in north west Somalia (Archer & Godman 1937-1961). Cercomela melanura Blackstart Small numbers around Colonie, between Obock and Tadjourah and at Arta. Common resident in all suitable areas. Saxicola torquata Stonechat A female on the plain below Colonie from at least 17 to 22 March. No previous Djibouti records. Rare winter visitor. Oenanthe isabellina Isabelline Wheatear One at Godoria on 27 March. Common winter visitor. Oenanthe bottae Red-breasted Wheatear Two on the plain below Colonie on 17 March, with one there on 22 March. No previous Djibouti records. Vagrant to Eritea (Smith 1955 and 1957) and uncommon resident in southern Ethiopia (Urban & Brown 1971). 17 Sandgrouse 6 Birds of Djibouti Oenanthe pleschanka Pied Wheatear One or two on plain below Colonie from 17 to 23 March, one east of Arta on I April, three at Arta on 2 April and one at Doralé on 3 April. No previous Djibouti records. Common to abundant winter visitor and passage migrant. Oenanthe hispanica Black-eared Wheatear Two males and one female on the plain below Colonie on 25 March. No previous Djibouti records. Common winter visitor. Oenanthe monacha Hooded Wheatear A male on arubbish dump between Djibouti and Arta on | April. No previous Djibouti records and not recorded from any surrounding areas except for Arabia where it has a discontinuous distribution (Meinertzhagen 1954). Monticola saxatilis Rock Thrush A female in the gorge below Garrab on 23 March. No previous Djibouti records. Passage migrant and winter visitor. Monticola solitarius Blue Rock Thrush One or two males around Colonie from 20 to 23 March. No previous Djibouti records. Common winter visitor and passage migrant. Turdus philomelos Song Thursh Up to five around Garrab throughout and two at Randa on 15 March. No previous Djibouti records. Winter visitor in varying numbers. Prinia gracilis Graceful Warbler Only recorded at low elevations around Djibouti city, Obock, Khor Angur, Doralé and Ambouli, with a maximum of 15 on 14 March. Very common coastal resident. Spiloptila rufifrons Red-faced Warbler Only positively identified in wadi c.10 km west of Arta with four on 2 April but three birds just west of Obock on 29 March and two near Arta on 1 April were probably this species. Locally common. Acrocephalus sp Unstreaked Acrocephalus One or two in mangroves just south of Khor Angur on 27 March and at least six in mangroves on western edge of Djibouti city on 1 April, the latter recalling Reed Warbler, A.scirpaceus. A.scirpaceus fuscus is a common passage migrant and winter visitor to Eritrea and Arabia and these records probably relate to this species. Hippolais pallida Olivaceous Warbler One or two in gardens around Djibouti city throughout, one at Tadjourah on 20 March and one around Doralé from 1 to 3 April. Common winter visitor. 18 Sandgrouse 6 Birds of Djibouti Sylvia rueppelli Riippell’s Warbler A female at Arta on 14 March. Previously recorded in Simoneau (1974) but no details are given, otherwise only one record from the surrounding area, one in Ethiopia on 17 February 1964 (Urban & Brown 1971). Sylvia nisoria Barred Warbler At least three adults around Doralé on 2 and 3 April and one at airport on 3 April. Passage migrant and possible winter visitor. Sylvia communis Whitethroat One at Dorale on 2 April. Common passage migrant and winter visitor. Sylvia atricapilla Blackcap A male at Ambouli on 14 March. No previous Djibouti records. Uncommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Phylloscopus umbrovirens Brown Woodland Warbler Common in the Forét du Day with up to 12 singing birds around Garrab on 23 March. No previous Djibouti records. Resident in mountain woodland areas with some wandering to lower elevations in autumn. Phylloscopus trochilus Willow Warbler Extremely widespread and numerous being recorded almost daily. P.t.acredula is acommon winter visitor and passage migrant. Camaroptera brevicaudata Grey-backed Camaroptera One at Bankoualé on 19 March. Localised resident in most areas except for coastal plain. Sylvietta brachyura Crombec One at Colonie on 17 March, two at Bankoualé on 19 March and one c.10 km west of Arta on 2 April. No previous Djibouti records. Scarce resident throughout. Batis orientalis Grey-headed Puff-back Flycatcher A pair at Bankoualé on 19 March. Resident in all suitable areas and often encountered in pairs. Terpsiphone viridis African Paradise Flycatcher Only recorded in the Forét du Day with a maximum of six, two apparent pairs, on 23 March. No previous Djibouti records. Resident in all suitable areas, usually montane forest. Anthreptes platurus Pygmy Sunbird Very common in all scrubby areas bordering the Gulf of Tadjourah, with a maximum of 22 on 2 April. Common in arid areas below 1,500 metres. Sandgrouse 6 Birds of Djibouti Nectarinia habessinica Shining Sunbird Single males near Randa on 19 March and in the Forét du Day on 20 and 23 March, and a pair at Arta on 2 April. Common resident at low elevations. Zosterops abyssinica White-breasted White-eye Common in the Forét du Day with a maximum of 17+ on 23 March. Also two at Arta on 14 March and two at Randa on 15 March. No previous Djibouti records. Fairly common resident. Tchagra senegala Black-headed Bush Shrike One on Garrab on 22 March and one around Colonie on 22 and 24 March. Common resident above 300 metres in Eritrea and 1,200 metres in north west Somalia. Rhodophoenus cruentus Rosy-patched Shrike One at Ras Bir on 28 March, two west of Obock on 29 March, at least four around Doralé from | to 3 April and two at Arta on 1 April. Abundant resident below 300 metres. Laniarius aethiopicus Tropical Boubou Up to seven calling in the Forét du Day throughout. No previous Djibouti records. Sparse resident above 2,500 metres in north west Somalia. Lanius isabellinus Isabelline Shrike A female at Ambouli on 14 March, with two males there on 2 and 3 April, a female at Doralé on | April and a pair between Djibouti and Arta on 1 April. No previous Djibouti records. Common migrant and winter visitor below 1,200 metres. Lanius excubitor Great Grey Shrike Common in all coastal scrub with a maximum of 31 between Obock and Tadjourah on 29 March. Previously recorded by Thesiger and Meynell (1935) who collected both L.e. aucheri and L.e. buryi at Tadjourah. Common winter visitor. Lanius somalicus Somali Fiscal One between Djibouti and Arta on 14 March. No previous Djibouti records. Widespread breeding resident in north west Somalia. Dicrurus adsimilis Fork-tailed Drongo Numerous.in the Forét du Day with a maximum of 23 on 17 March. No previous Djibouti records. Common in all but coastal areas. 20 Sandgrouse 6 Birds of Djibouti Buphagus erythrorhynchus Red-billed Oxpecker Only recorded around Colonie, feeding in association with domestic stock, with a maximum of 13 on 22 March. No previous Djibouti records. Common throughout Eritrea (Smith 1957). Corvus splendens Indian House Crow Extremely numerous, many hundreds, around Djibouti city where a nest was found on 2 April. Also up to 18 at Obock seen from 26 to 29 March. First noted in Djibouti in May 1958 (G. Clarke pers. comm.) but has since increased in numbers at an amazing rate, especially in the last few years - Ash (in prep.) recording only 25+ in December 1975. This increase appears to have been paralleled in other areas of East Africa. Corvus ruficollis Brown-necked Raven Two at Ambouli on 14 March. Fairly common in desert areas. Corvus rhipidurus Fan-tailed Raven Quite common in mountainous regions but also penny at sea-level at Tadjourah. No previous Djibouti records. Resident throughout but local below 1,000 metres. Onychognathus blythii Somali Chestnut-winged Starling Only recorded in the Forét du Day with a maximum of 14 on 19 March. Common resident mainly above 1,000 metres. Cinnyricinclus leucogaster Amethyst Starling Common around the Forét du Day, also 25 + near Tadjourah on 29 March and six at Arta on 2 April. Resident in many areas but subject to local movements. Passer euchlorus Arabian Golden Sparrow Only recorded around Djibouti city and Doralé where it is quite common, with a maximum of 120+ near Djibouti Prison on 14 March. This population appears to be increasing, Ash (in prep.) only recording 15 in December 1975. The only record from the surrounding area is of a breeding colony at Zeyla, Somalia (Archer & Godman 1937-1961). Passer griseus Grey-headed Sparrow Two at Obock on 27 March, with one there on 28 March, and two at oie on 2 April. No previous Djibouti records. Resident in the highlands of north west Somalia (Archer & Godman 1937-1961) and in Western Eritrea below 1,200 metres (Smith 1957). Ploceus galbula Ruppell’s Weaver Very common around habitation in Djibouti city, Doralé, Randa and Tadjourah. Abundant throughout especially on the coast. Lagonosticta senegala Red-billed Firefinch Up to 15 at Ambouli throughout and two at Arta on 1 April. Resident except in eastern areas of Eritrea, not recorded by Archer and Godman (1937-1961). 21 Sandgrouse 6 Birds of Djibouti Euodice malabarica Silverbill Two just west of Obock on 26 March, up to 12 around Arta on | and 2 April, four at Ambouli on 2 April and one at airport on 3 April. No previous Djibouti records. Widely distributed throughout. Serinus atrogularis Yellow-rumped Seedeater 20+ at Bankoualé on 19 March and four at Wadi Ewali on 20 March. No previous Djibouti records. Presumed resident mainly above 1,000 metres. Emberiza tahapisi African Rock Bunting 30+ near Tadjourah Mineral Water Bottling Plant on 20 and 26 March, 18 west of Obock on 29 March and two at Arta on 2 April. No previous Djibouti records. Presumed common resident, often encountered in flocks. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Our thanks go to ICBP for encouraging us to go ahead with this project; to the many people and organizations who helped sponsor the venture, especially the Flora and Fauna Preservation Society, the World Pheasant Association and our respective mothers; Mr. I. C. J. Galbraith, head of the Sub-department of Ornithology at the British Museum (Natural History), Tring, who kindly allowed us access to the skin collection and reference library both before and after our trip and to Dr. Claude Chappuis for identifying a recording of Otus senegalensis. Our special thanks go to Jacques Blot, a french Ecology graduate working in Djibouti, who gave us much valuable information on the francolin and the Forét du Day, and insisted on acting as guide, chauffeur and hotelier throughout most of our stay. SUMMARY This paper gives details of 160 species of bird recorded during a three week expedition to Djibouti from 13 March to 3 April 1984, together with comments on their known status either in Djibouti or surrounding areas. Of these, 60 species appear not to have been documented as occurring before. The expedition had two main aims, a survey of the endemic Djibouti Francolin, Francolinus ochropectus, and a preliminary examination of raptor and seabird migration over and through the Bab-el-Mandeb straits. The francolin was found to be present in good numbers but its habitat, the Forét du Day, is | disappearing, so its future survival is far from assured. Circumstances were such that it was not possible to spend much time on the north east coast but raptor migration was noted at three sites and further work in the area is desirable. A field description of the francolin is also given. Plates 1-10 illustrate a number of the principal habitats. REFERENCES ARCHER, G. & GODMAN, E. M. 1937-1961. The Birds of British Somaliland and the Gulf of Aden. Vols. 1-2. London; Vols. 3-4. Edinburgh. ASH, J.S. Bird Observations from Dibouti. Scopus (in prep.). : BROWN, L. H., URBAN, E. K. & NEWMAN, K. 1982. The Birds of Africa. Vol. 1. London. DORST, J & JOUANIN, C. 1954. Précisions sur la position systematique et l’habitat de Francolinus ochropectus. L’Oiseau et RFO 24: 161-170. ij Sandgrouse 6 Birds of Djibouti DORST, J & JOUANIN, C. 1952. Description d’une espéce nouvelle de francolin d’afrique - orientale. L’Oiseau et RFO 22: 71-74. ELLIOT, H. F. I. 1952. Off-season sea-bird distribution on the Suez route to East Africa. Ibis 94: 526-528. HEUGLIN, Dr. T. von. 1859. List of birds observed and collected during a voyage in the Red Sea. Ibis 4: 337-352. HOWARD, R. & MOORE, A. 1980. A Complete Checklist of the Birds of the World. Oxford. MADARASZ, J. 1915. A contribution to the ornithology of Danakil land. Ann. Nat. Mus. Hungary 13: 277-300. MEINERTZHAGEN, R. 1954. Birds of Arabia. Edinburgh. NAVEZ, A. 1981. Birdwatching in and around Djibouti City. Ethiopian Wildlife and Nat. Hist. Soc. Newsletter 158. OUSTALET, M. E. c1894. Note sur les oiseaux dans le Pays de Comalis par M. G. Revoil. (This paper was found in a volume of miscellaneous French and German articles in the British Museum (Natural History). It is possible that it appeared in the Mem. Soc. Zool. France as this is probably the second half of a paper entitled ‘‘Les Mammiféres et les Oiseaux d’Obock et du Pays de Comalis’’ in volume VII: 73-78.). SIMONEAU, E.-L. c.1974. Les Animaux du Territoire Francais des Afars et des Issas Djibouti. SMITH, K. D. 1960. The passage of palearctic migrants through Eritrea. /bis 102: 536-544. SMITH, K. D. 1957. An annotated checklist of the birds of Eritrea. 7bis Part 1 99: 1-26, Part 2 99: 307-337. SMITH, K. D. 1955. Recent records from Eritrea. /bis 97: 65-80. SMITH, K. D. 1953. Off-season sea-bird distribution on the Eritrean coast, Red Sea. Ibis 95: 696-698. SMITH, K. D. i951. On the birds of Eritrea. /bis 93: 201-233. SMITH, K. D. 1944. Autumn passage migration in Eritrea. /bis 86: 251-253. THESIGER; W. & MEYNELL, M. 1935. On a collection of birds from Danakil, Abyssinia. /bis 13: 774-807. URBAN, E. K. & BROWN, L. H. 1971. A Checklist of the Birds of Ethiopia. Addis Ababa. VOOUS, K. H. 1977. List of Recent Holarctic Bird Species B.O.U., London. WELCH, G. R. & WELCH, H. J. 1984. Djibouti Expedition - March 1984. A preliminary survey of Francolinus ochropectus and the birdlife of the country. Unpublished typescript. POSTSCRIPT We hope that this article may encourage more people to visit Djibouti and add to the knowledge of the birdlife of the area. We would, however, recommend that anyone thinking of going should do some very thorough research beforehand: Djibouti is a hot, inhospitable and very expensive country, difficult to get around in - and then only in a four-wheel drive vehicle. Details of our own expedition and information useful to those considering a visit are | contained in our report ‘‘Djibouti Expedition - March 1984’’ available from the authors at the | address at the end of this article, price £2.50 inclusive. | Geoff and Hilary Welch, c/o 28 Coleman Avenue, Hove, Sussex, BN3 5NB. ENGLAND. | | i 23 SELECTED OBSERVATIONS FROM LEBANON, SYRIA AND JORDAN IN THE SPRINGS OF 1963 AND 1966 by D.I. M. Wallace INTRODUCTION On thirty days of the springs of 1963 and 1966, up to six British ornithologists, working in one or two parties, explored the areas of Lebanon, Syria and Jordan that lie between Beirut and Damascus and from Damascus south to Agaba and Wadi Rum. Particular attention was given to the highlands of Jordan east of the Rift which had been and still are largely shunned by observers. —- © OMANI HNN PWN et ee ee Y oOmaornnannrt wwnV NY NYNYNNY NY NY WY YNWNW PWN © Figure 1. Areas of Lebanon, Syria and Jordan explored in 1963 and 1966. Numbered localities Beirut Aleih Bekaa Baalbek Anti Lebanon Damascus Sheik Mishin Ramtha Irbid Jebel Ailun/Dhibbin Jerash Wadi Zarga Er Rumman Suweilin Salt Wadi Shueib Jordan Bridge/ Wadi Kafrein Hussein Bridge Jericho Jerusalem Qumran Beersheba Amman Naur Madaba Wadi Wala Wadi Mujib coastline inland wakers and main watercourses political boundaries in (9603 Sees routes of observers in 1963 and 1966 24 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 4] 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 Er Rabba Laijun Karak Rakin Wadi El Karak Safi Wadi Sultan Wadi El Hasa Qalat El Hasa Tafila Wadi Salim Rashadiya Barra Forest/ Wadi Dana Shaubak Jebel Sarab Niil Wadi Musa Petra Uneiza Bayir El Jafr Ma’an Ras Ed Naqb Quwelira Wadi El Yutum Aqaba Wadi Rum Sandgrouse 6 Observations from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan Indeed only Hollom (1959) has published any form of detailed records for that area. All the records from the 1960s have now been analysed as a disciplined product of the 132 observer/days. In spite of the passing of two decades, many of the specific results appear still to be important. They are presented here under three board divisions: resident or breeding species, species of uncertain status and migrants and vagrants. Figure 1 shows the main routes of the observers and the fifty-four localities featured in the systematic list. CHARACTER OF OBSERVATIONS AND ANALYSIS The observations of 1963 were greatly aided by P. A. D. Hollom who had explored much of the region in the spring of 1955 but since most observers were in new territory and facing many new or unfamiliar birds, identification problems were not infrequent. The observations of 1966 were not so hampered and the final tally for the regions visited grew to 172 species. Of these, the records of 165 (divided into 71 non-passerine and 94 passerines) appear sufficietnly significant to merit mention in this paper. As Figure 1 makes clear, the majority of the stations chosen for observations were upland and there is, therefore, a bias in the systematic lists towards records from the Jordanian scarp on the east side of the Rift and the rolling uplands that lie further to the east. Of the thirty days of observations, only parts of six were given to exploration of the Rift floor, the River Jordan and the Dead Sea but ten days were spent at Wadi Rum in the southern desert. In spite of this rather uneven cover, the explorations spanned over 4° of latitude and 2,750 metres of height (from the level of the Dead Sea) and resulted in what is still the most extensive ornithological survey of west Jordan. Two major problems have confronted me during the analysis of records: the assessment of certain breeding behaviour and the limitation of breeding distribution. Given the patently approximate nature of most published distribution maps, I have resisted any jumped conclusions and placed several likely breeding species in the second division (uncertain status). In an attempt to add temporal editing to what follows, I approached Dr. J. E. Clarke who travelled widely in Jordan in the late 1970s and Lt. Col. A. M. Macfarlane who made many observations in Lebanon and Syria again in the later 1970s. Their responses to my texts formed the bases of many of the accompanying comments in the systematic lists. PRESENTATION OF THE RECORDS IN THE SYSTEMATIC LISTS Status and countries: Records are listed first for resident or breeding species, second for species of uncertain status and third for migrant or vagrant species and in the country order: Lebanon, Syria, Jordan. Localities and regions: _ Because of the very limited literature dealing with the breeding birds of Jordan, localities are freely given under the three main regions of highlands, Rift and southern desert. These terms are qualified by ecological notes where possible but no classification of habitats (and their avian profiles) is attempted. Assessment of numbers: All birds were logged daily by count whenever possible and, in the context of the thirty days’ observations, the scale of overall abundance afforded by comparisons among species can be taken 25 Sandgrouse 6 Observations from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan as accurate. This scale cannot, however, be used as a measure of breeding bird numbers, due to the frequent confusion within species of breeding, migrant or uncertain birds. Where only one bird was seen, only the locality and date are given. Dating: Full details are usually given, with the day of the month standing alone at the beginning of a monthly series. Periods of observation and observers: 12, 13, 20 April to 1 May 1963 I. J. Ferguson-Lees, P. A. D. Hollom, Jordan : mainly highlands E. Hosking, G. R. Mountfort, E. M. Nicholson, G. R. Shannon, D. I. M. Wallace, J. Wightman. 2 to 12 May 1963 As above but without I. J. F. L., E. M. N. and Jordan : mainly southern desert D.1.M. W. 16 to 20 April 1966 Dr. J. Morton Boyd, D. 1. M. Wallace. Lebanon, Syria, Jordan : mainly highlands SYSTEMATIC LISTS Resident or breeding species: 70 species are listed here. All were certainly or apparently breeding, 16 providing ‘first’ and two ‘first and only’ records. Gypaetus barbatus Lammergeyer Jordan: Wadi Rum (Jebel um Ishrin), pair at one of three previously used caves, apparently containing nest from which female called, at approach of male, 2 to 7 May 1963. Only evidence of breeding in Jordan. Apparently absent in the late 1970s (J. E. Clarke in litt.). Neophron percnopterus Egyptian Vulture Lebanon and Syria: between Beirut to Damascus, four, 18 April 1966. Jordan: highlands from Dhibbin south to Aqaba, 84 birds at 25 localities, 12 April to 12 May 1963. Breeding confirmed at Wadi Zarqa. Buteo rufinus Long-legged Buzzard Jordan: highlands from Wadi Zarqa south to Petra, at least 26 birds at 16 localities, including five apparent pairs, 25 April to 10 May; Wadi Rum, pair of distinctly small birds (probably of the race cirtensis of North Africa and Sinai), 26 April to 7 May 1963. Birds attached to nest and being mobbed by Falco peregrinus at Wadi El Hasa. Highland records include at least eight migrants. First evidence of breeding in Jordan. Hieraaetus fasciatus Bonelli’s Eagle Jordan: Barra Forest, pair, 29, near Shaubak, one, 27 Petra, pair, 26 and 30 April 1963. Young calling from nest at Petra. Not seen in the late 1970s (J. E. Clarke, in litt.). Apparently the - only breeding records for Jordan (cf. Meinertzhagen i954). Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel Jordan: highlands, 130 birds at 18 localities, with at least nine breeding pairs from Karak south to Dana, 12 to 30 April 1963 and 1966. Food carrying and juvenile seen. Not mapped by Cramp & Simmons 1980 as breeding at last mentioned places. 26 Sandgrouse 6 Observations from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan Falco tinnunculus Kestrel Lebanon and Syria: Baalbek, pair at nest, 17, from Beirut to Damascus and south to Jordan border, 15 in 212 km., 18 April 1966. Jordan: highlands, c.355 birds at 35 localities included c.190 breeding birds, most obvious from Wadi El Karak south to Petra, 12 April to 11 May 1963 and 1966. Three nests, one with nearly fledged young. Alectoris chukar Chukar Jordan: highlands, 25 birds (in parties of up to 12) at four localities, from above Wadi Zarqa south to Barra Forest, 21 to 29 April 1963. Listed as A. graeca by Hollom (1959) who found it only twice in 1955. Clearly scarce and local, as in basalt desert around Azraq and along the Trans- Arabian pipeline north of Azraq (Wallace 1983, J. E. Clarke, in /itt.). Ammoperdix heyi Sand Partridge Jordan: highlands, 26 birds (in parties of up to five) at five localities from Wadi Zarga south to Wadi Rum, 13 April to 10 May; Rift, three pairs and three males at bottom of Wadi El Karak and near Safi, 23 April 1963. Breeding behaviour apparently confined to courtship and song, latter written ‘hewk’ and repeated regularly and slowly up to 20 times from (often prominent) perch. Badly misnamed in above areas, inhabiting grassy and rocky slopes and valleys and barren cliff bases. Still present at several places in the highlands in the late 1970s but ‘‘surprisingly uncommon’’ (J. E. Clarke in litt.). Chlamydotis undulata Houbara Jordan: southern desert, parent with two eggs in nest (later robbed) at El Jafr, 4 May 1963. The only certain breeding record for the country. Cursorius cursor Cream-coloured Courser Jordan: Rift, pair near Safi, 23 April 1963. Birds sandier on mantle than those at Azraq; first evidence of breeding in the Rift. Totally absent from southern desert and again so in the late 1970s (J. E. Clarke in litt.). Columba livia Rock Dove (and Feral Pigeon) Lebanon and Syria: Beirut to Baalbek, ‘‘scattered flocks’’ of feral birds, 17, Damascus south to Jordan border, 29 birds, probably all feral, 18 April 1966. Pure-blooded wild birds also absent from Lebanon in 1955 (Hollom 1959). Jordan: highlands, 765 wild birds at over 20 localities, from Wadi Zarga south to Aqaba and Wadi Rum, 13 April to 12 May 1963. Nests. Streptopelia senegalensis Palm Dove Lebanon and Syria: Beirut, 15 at American University, 16; 10 in docks, 17; Damascus, two, 18 April 1966. None in Jordan in 1963 or 1966, as in 1955 (Hollom 1959). Otus scops Scops Owl Jordan: highlands, Karak, seen and heard calling, 21 and 22 April, Gibeiha, two calling, 9 May; between Karak and Barra Forest, three or four silent birds either this species or O. brucei, 24 and 25 April 1963. Difference in call rhythms of O. scops and O. brucei not known to observers in 1963 but the first three sounded identical to European O. scops in both call tone and pace. Athene noctua Little Owl Jordan: highlands, seven birds at six widely scattered localities, from Suweilin south to Wadi _ Musa, 12 to 28 April 1963. Seen at only two localities in 1955 (Hollom 1959) and thus scarce, though clearly widespread. 21 Sandgrouse 6 Observations from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan Halcyon smyrnensis White-breasted Kingfisher Jordan: Rift, one at Hussein Bridge, 21 April and 11 May 1963. Still present about 30 km. north of above locality in the late 1970s (J. E. Clarke in Jitt.). Merops apiaster Bee-eater Jordan: highlands, Wadi El Hasa, 75 apparently settled birds, near old nest holes, 23 April 1963. Apparently the first evidence of breeding in Jordan. Upupa epops Hoopoe Jordan: highlands, 23 birds at eleven localities from north of Amman south to Barra Forest and Shaubak, including three pairs but also some migrants, 13 April to 12 May 1963. Copulation. Ammomanes cincturus Bar-tailed Desert Lark Jordan: highlands, Laijun, 24; Wadi Rum, at least two, 27 April, 2.and 3 May; southern desert, east of highlands, from Wadi El Hasa and south to Quweira, probably present but identifications subject to confusion with pale A. deserti and possibly Eremalauda dunni, 27 and 28 April 1963. First bird listed above provides only evidence of high altitude occurrence in Jordan. Ammomanes deserti Desert Lark Jordan: highlands, c.210 birds at 27 localities, Wadi Es Sayii (east of Amman), and from Wadi El Karak south to Aqaba and at Wadi Rum, 14 April to 8 May 1963; Rift, Jericho, 9 May, Qumran, two, 21, south-eastern shore of Dead Sea and in rocky areas around Ghor Es Safi, ‘‘quite common’’, even on crop edges, 23 April 1963. These and Azraq records (Wallace 1984) show A. deserti to be widespread in Jordan. Absences were noted, however, around Amman, south from there to Ma’an (along the desert highway from which A. cincturus often suspected) and over level southern desert from Ma’an to El Jafr and away from Wadi Rum. As first indicated by Meinertzhagen (1954), A. deserti is a bird of rocky habitats, occurring up to 1,450 metres a.s./. At Barra Forest, present exceptionally in grassy glades among trees. Highland breeding activity well established by 21 April. Song of highland birds much more developed than those haunting basalt around Azraq. Quiet clucking alarm note heard from a pair with a nest. Plumage variation in highland birds marked with the palest, olive-toned morphs in jebel wadis at Wadi Rum, dark, grey-toned ones in the high hills - with obvious breast marks around Karak but without them and with more uniform mantles and less marked tails between Nijil and Barra Forest - but no sooty-toned ones - like annae at Azraq - on the basalt outcrop between Nijil and Uneiza. Bill length also varied, with Karak birds strikingly long-billed compared to those at Wadi Rum and Azraq. Alaemon alaudipes Hoopoe Lark Jordan: east highlands, near Jebel Uneiza, 26, near Qalat El Hasa, 28 April; southern desert, around El Jafr, three, 6 May 1963. Highland habitats steppic, close to basalt outcrops. Melanocorypha calandra Calandra Lark Syria and Jordan: steppe and highlands, obvious in cereal crops, fresh plough and (once) seedling plantation, in altitudinal range of 230 to 1,250 metres a.s./; highest rate of vehicle observation one bird/km. in area of basalt steppe 70 to 80 km. south of Damascus and in rolling limestone hills around Amman but densest populations in well advanced cereals at Rabba, west of Suweilin and from Karak to Wadi El Hasa; last locality formed southern limit of M. calandra in Jordan, save for two in cereal patch at Ma’an; 12 April to 11 May 1963 and 1966. — Population south of Amman in 1963 considered much less dense than in 1955, a year of better 28 | Sandgrouse 6 Ooservations from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan rainfall and more advanced cereal growth (P. A. D. Hollom, pers. com.). Highland population not mentioned by Meinertzhagen (1954). Calandrella brachydactyla Short-toed Lark Jordan: highlands, c.140 birds at six localities, with settled birds and six certain pairs at two places but one concentration of 60 containing either migrants or breeding birds without territories, from Dhibbin south to Nijil, 14 April to | May; Rift, near Safi, four, 23 April 1963. Distribution accords with that noted by Hollom (1959) in 1955. Highland population not mentioned vy Meinertzhagen (1954). Calandrella rufescens Lesser Short-toed Lark Syria: basalt steppe, from 24 to 112 km. south of Damascus, 13 at three cultivated localities, 18 April 1966. Jordan: Rift, near Safi, one, 23 April 1963. Last surprisingly the only Jordan observation away from Azraq, where C. rufescens common (Wallace 1983) and known since 1922 (Meinertzhagen 1954). Galerida cristata Crested Lark Syria: highlands, about 30 km. west of Damascus, 18 April 1966. Jordan: highlands, from Ramtha south to Wadi Musa and (once) Quweira, also at four places on desert highway between Amman and Ma’an, obvious but not everywhere .common in marginal cultivation, stony and disturbed ground and open wadis up to 1,530 metres a.s./., greatest concentrations 30 birds at Wadi Zarga and eight pairs at head of Wadi El Karak, otherwise counts at 15 other localities summed to only c.75, 12 April to 12 May 1963 and 1966; Rift, between Salt and Jericho, very few, 21, near Safi, common in cultivation, 23 April 1963; southern desert, definitely absent from Wadi Rum and not seen at Aqaba. Where competing with M. calandra, Largely restricted to less fertile ground; where not, noticeably commoner in all cultivation. Hollom (1959) listed his 1955 records of Galerida larks under the joint heading of G. cristata or G. theklae. Latter not even suspected in any country in 1963 and 1966. Eremophila bilopha Temminck’s Horned Lark Jordan: highland skirt and southern desert, Beersheba, 5, 20 April 1966, desert highway from 20 km. south of Amman south to Ma’an, west up Wadi El Hasa and east to El Jafr (but not Wadi Rum), obvious, probably common -with chance observations of c.80 birds mostly from vehicles on five days - and in altitudinal range of 370 to 1,230 metres, a.s./., 27 to 30 April, 6 and 9 May 1963. At Beersheba feeding along a busy street, oblivious of people and donkeys (the only observation of a desert species taking advantage of an urban food source). Ptyonoprogne fuligula Pale Crag Martin Jordan: highlands, over 300-at 16 localities but at least 55 probably migrants, from Wadi El Karak south to Petra (where most common breeding passerine) and on to Quweira and Wadi Rum, 22 April to 9 May 1963. Breeding activity limited to courtship and nest building. Hirundo daurica Red-rumped Swallow Jordan: highlands and Rift, at least ten pairs or settled groups at seven localities, from Jerash south to Amman and at Hussein Bridge and Jericho, 12 April to 11 May 1963. Only migrants in other areas. Hollom (1959) found it obvious in the northern Rift in 1955. Breeding at Jericho mentioned by Meinertzhagen (1954). Anthus similis Long-billed Pipit Jordan: highlands, 33 birds at 11 localities, near Suweilin from Tafila south to Petra, and at Wadi Rum, 24 April to 4 May 1963. Breeding activity not well advanced but food carrying noted Zo Sandgrouse 6 Observations from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan 30 April. Song simple but often amplified by echo; first note rather grating and bunting-like, second more musical, written ‘‘chree-chewit. Call from flushed birds written “‘che-vlee’’. Not listed for Jordan by Meinertzhagen (1954) or by Holiom (1959). Pycnonotus xanthopygos Black-capped Bulbul Lebanon: Beirut, American University, 20, 16 April 1966. Jordan: western slopes of highlands, c.135 at 18 localities from Wadi Zarqa south to Petra, ascending to 1,200 metres a.s./., with major concentrations of 50 at Barra Forest and 25 at Petra, 12 April to 10 May; Rift, near Safi, 40, 23 April, Sait to Hussein Bridge, odd birds, 11 May 1963. Breeding activity not well advanced; most birds paired but food carrying not seen. One nest in oleander was one metre high, untidy and shrike-like in structure, with 7 x 5 cm. cup well woven with grass and reed down; contained two eggs, basically off-white with thick rusty-brown speckles and blotches. Not listed as breeding in Jordan by Meinertzhagen (1954). Cercotrichas galactotes Rufous Bush Chat Jordan: highlands, c.70 at 15 localities, ascending to 1,300 metres a.s./., from Wadi Zarqa south to Petra; Rift, around Jordan and Hussein Bridges and at Jericho, at least 20 pairs, near Safi, over 100, 12 April to 11 May 1963. Breeding activity obvious from 21 ADEE two nests found in flood wrack caught in oleander bushes. Cercomela melanura Blackstart Jordan: Rift scarp, c.46 birds (including eight pairs) at six localities, from Wadi Shueib south to Wadi El Karak and near Safi, 21 to 24 April, Wadi El Yutum, 12 km. north of Aqaba, 5 May 1963. Apparent absence between Wadi El Karak and Aqaba probably a consequence of observer routes; bird appears to prefer west facing re-entrants in east scarp and such not explored south of Safi. None above 500 metres a.s./. Phoenicurus ochruros Black Redstart Jordan: near Rabba, a pair attached to stone dyke, 21 April 1963. Meinertzhagen (1954) listed the race semirufa as ‘‘breeding in Syria and north Palestine’’. Oenanthe isabellina Isabelline Wheatear Syria: steppe and basalt, between 14 and 38 km. south of Damascus, four 18, April 1966. Jordan: highlands, c.90 birds at 13 localities, from Karak and El Qahrana south to Ras Ed Naqb, eight certainly breeding pairs confined to high rolling hills between Laijun and Dana, 24 to 30 April; southern desert, Wadi Rum, two, 2 May, near El Jafr, two, 6 May 1963. Most obvious in upland steppe and in marginal cultivation. Not listed as breeding in Jordan by Meinertzhagen (1954). Oenanthe hispanica Black-eared Wheatear Lebanon, Syria and Jordan: highlands, at least 250 at c.36 localities, from Anti Lebanon south to below Ma’an, 12 April to 10 May 1963 and 1966. Commonest Oenanthe of above region. Breeding activity well advanced with food carrying noted on 25 and juveniles seen on 27 April. Black-throated males outnumbered pale-throated ones by 2-3:1. Not listed as breeding in Jordan by Meinertzhagen (1954). Oenanthe deserti Desert Wheatear Syria: within 14 km. west of Damascus and in basalt steppe within 24 km. south of Damascus, two single birds, 18 April 1966, apparently the first records for the country (A. M. Macfarlane, in litt.). Jordan: highlands, Qalat El Hasa, a pair, 24, from Rashadiya to Wadi Musa, four single birds, 24, 28 and 30 April 1963. Hollom (1959) did not find O. deserti in Lebanon and Syria in 30 Sandgrouse 6 Observations from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan 1955 but listed one for the Jordan highlands, at Buseira on 2 May. Above records fall within area mapped by Harrison (1981) but the Jordanian altitudes (up to 1,400 metres a.s./.) are unusual. Oenanthe moesta Red-rumped Wheatear Jordan: highlands, near Laijun, two pairs with broods of 3 and 4 a few days out of nest, 24, near Nijil, male, 27 April 1963. Laijun habitat a fairly narrow valley with large boulders and very little scrub, with one pair close to ruins of Roman fort; quite unlike normal steppe niche. Common in steppic habitat north of Ma’an and east of Nijil in the late 1970s (J. E. Clarke, in /itt.). Another highland population which escaped the net of Meinertzhagen (1954). Oenanthe lugens Mourning Wheatear Jordan: highlands, c.135 birds at 16 localities, from Wadi Wala south to Wadi El Yutum and Ras Ed Naqb, marked concentrations of 27 in Wadi Mujib and 23 in Wadi El Hasa, 21 to 28; Rift, between Hussein Bridge and Jericho, two, 21; Wadi Rum, at least four pairs, 27 April to 8 May 1963. Second commonest Oenanthe of above region, outnumbering O. hispanica in southern third. Breeding activity well advanced; six nests found, three with eggs on 27 and 28, one with food carrying parent on 21 and one with young about a week old on 24 April. Broad mapping of O. /ugens across flat desert (e.g. Harrison 1981) not justified. In Jordan, O. lugens essentially a bird of upland or broken habitats ranging from level stony steppe to steep- sided wadis, particularly suited by roadside diggings. Oenanthe monacha Hooded Wheatear Jordan: Wadi El Karak, pair courting at lower end, 23, Wadi El Yutum below Jebel Bajir, male, 27 April 1963. The second locality is outside the Jordan range given by Meinertzhagen (1954). Oenanthe leucopyga White-crowned Black Wheatear Jordan: highlands, nine (including two pairs) at five localities, from Wadi El Karak south to Petra, 22 to 30: southern hills and desert, 55 birds at five localities, from Wadi El Yutum, towards and at Wadi Rum, with concentration of 15 pairs at last locality, 27 April to 8 May 1963. Breeding pairs at Wadi Rum had young in nest on 6 and 7 and three and one fledglings out on 6; feeding territories extended up to 150 metres and were defended up to 135 metres from nest site. Song loud and musical; calls unusual in tone, including a rather low-pitched and quiet disyllable written ‘trip-trip’ and a low rattle ‘r-r-r-r-r’. Conspicuous when courting, with male performing striking forward bow accompanied by opening wings and raising forward of tail. Of 37 birds closely inspected, only 7 showed white on crown. Such a ratio also noted in the late 1970s (J. E. Clarke, in litt.). Restricted to Dead Sea Depression and Aqaba by Meinertzhagen (1954). Monticola solitarius Blue Rock Thrush Jordan: highlands, 11 birds (including three pairs) at six localities, from Wadi Zarqa south to Petra, 24 April to 11 May 1963. Food carrying at Dana and Petra and hole entry at Barra Forest considered conclusive of breeding and marked southward extension of range (cf. Meinertzhagen 1954, Vaurie 1959). Hollom (1959) saw this species as Salt in 1955. Cisticola juncidis Fan-tailed Warbler Syria: Damascus, 18 April 1966. Jordan: Safi, two males in song in irrigated cultivation, 23 April 1963. Totally absent from highlands. Prinia gracilis Graceful Warbler Lebanon: American University of Beirut, two singing cocks and another bird, 18 April 1966, breeding annually in early 1960s (R. E. Lewis, pers. com.). Jordan: highlands, 47 birds at four 31 Sandgrouse 6 Observations from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan localities, from Jerash south to Wadi El Hasa, with at least 12 pairs at Wadi Zarqa (where commonest passerine), 12 to 24; Rift, Jordan and Hussein Bridges, ‘many pairs’ (2nd commonest passerine), Wadi Shueib, five, 21, near and at Safi, 30, 23 April 1963. Distribution markedly local, due to preference for dense ground cover. Breeding activity well advanced, with nest building from 13 to 21 April, three eggs in nest 10 May, young in nest 10 May, newly fledged young 11 May. Commonest calls a titter recalling Troglodytes troglodytes and a quieter note recalling Riparia riparia. Not listed as breeding in Jordan by Meinertzhagen (1954). Scotocerca inquieta Scrub Warbler Jordan: highlands, 36 birds at eight localities, from Wadi El Karak to Petra, 22 to 30; southern desert, Wadi Rum, at least 13 pairs, 28 April to 9 May, El Jafr, one, 6 May 1963. Breeding activity well advanced, with nest building 29 April, eggs in nest 9 May and food carrying or young in nest 25 April to 8 May. Four nests were 10 cm. to 2 metres high, in bugioss, oleander, juniper and retama; oval-shaped with dome, composed of dead bugloss stems, ‘coarse bents’ and juniper twigs, up to 20 cm. long and 14 cm. wide, with side entrance pointed towards centre of supporting plant. Eggs white with rusty spots over large end. Song ends with notes recalling Lullula arborea, written ‘‘tee-tee-tee-lu-lu-lu’’; call a clear, high-pitched disyllable, written ‘‘te- . he’’ or ‘‘che-wee’’. Restricted by Meinertzhagen (1954) to Petra. Acrocephalus scirpaceus Reed Warbler Jordan: Rift, River Jordan at Jordan and Hussein Bridges, obvious, with one pair every 20 metres at former bridge, 21 April and 11 May 1963. Meinertzhagen (1954) gave only ‘‘south Palestine’ as a breeding area. Hippolais pallida Olivaceous Warbler Jordan: highlands, at least 112 birds but only four certain pairs at 14 localities, from Jerash south to Tafila, 12 to 28 April; Rift, Jordan and Hussein Bridges, up to 11, 21 April and 11 May, near and at Safi, 12, 23 April 1963. Majority of birds probably migrants but nest building observed at Wadi Zarqa and Wadi El Karak. Not listed as breeding in Jordan by Meinertzhagen (1954). Sylvia conspicillata Spectacled Warbler Jordan: highlands, Wadi Zarqa, male, 12, Wadi Dana, two males in song and two cocks’ nests found, Jebel Sarab, male in song, Tafila, pair, 25 April 1963. Listed as breeding in Jordan by Meinertzhagen (1954) but (for once) the additional comment of ‘‘not uncommon in the desert round Azraq’’ (where unrecorded in the 1960s and 1970s) suggests loose identification. Sylvia melanocephala Sardinian Warbler Syria: Anti Lebanon, near Lebanon border, two males in song, 18 April 1966. Jordan: highlands, 25 birds (eight males) at six localities, from Ramtha south to Dana; Rift, near Safi, two males, 12 April to 10 May 1963 and 1966. Listed as breeding species due to apparent residence at Wadi Zarqa. Turdoides squamiceps Arabian Babbler Jordan: near Safi, five, including two males in song, in tamarisk and acacia scrub, 23, bottom of Wadi El Hasa, at least five, carrying nesting material, in oleander and other bushes, 24 April | 1963. Parus major Great Tit Syria and Jordan: highlands, 46 birds at 12 localities, in Anti Lebanon range and from Ramtha south to Petra, including 20 in olive groves at Tafila, 12 April to 10 May 1963 and 1966. Fledged young on 18 April. 32 Plate 1. Plate 2. Lae Plate 1. Good francolin habitat showing state of even ‘‘healthy’’ primary juniper forest - Garrab plateau, March 1984. Photograph G. and H. Welch. Plate 2. Plain below Colonie. Formerly juniper forest, cleared for grazing c1980, and now semi-desert. Note typical morning low cloud, a major source of water for much of the vegetation. Photograph G. and H. Welch. ' Plate 3. View north-east from behind Colonie. This area would have been juniper forest c500 years ago. Photograph G. and H. Welch. Yj yy Yip YY, Plate 4. View eastwards down Goh showing general scenery and lush vegetation in wadi bottom. Photograph G. and H. Welch. Plate 5. Lush vegetation at bottom of Goh, the main wadi of the area. Photograph G. and H. Welch. Plate 6. Wadi at Bankoualeé with a significant stand of the Bankoualé Palm, Wissmania carinensis. Photograph G. and H. Welch. Acacia steppe on outskirts of Tadjourah. Photograph G. and H. Welch. Volcanic plain between Tadjourah and Obock, typical of much of the country. Photograph G. and H. Welch. Yyy Plate9. Ras Siyan. Photograph G. and H. Welch. . | | Plate 10. Section of road to Ras Bir Lighthouse over old coral showing need for four wheel drive vehicle. Most roads have hazards like this. Photograph G. and H. Welch. Plate 11. Plate 12. _ Plate 11. Booted Eagle Hieraatus pennatus in intermediate plumage, Eilat, April 1981. Photograph V. Holmgren. Plate 12. Booted Eagle Hieraatus pennatus in intermediate plumage, Eilat, March 1976. Photograph R. F. Porter. 7 Plate 13. Plate 14. Plate 13. An Nafud (sand desert). Haloxylon persicum salt-bushes. Edge of large dune and deep pit. October 1983. Photograph A. A. Green. Plate 14. Jebel Raf in At Tawil (sandstone massif) viewed from edge of An Nafud (sand desert) in August . 1983. The large salt-bushes are Haloxylon persicum. Photograph A. A. Green. | Plate 15. Plate 16. Plate 15. Wadi Al Louaysia in Al Harrah (volcanic-basalt area) in April 1983 after rainfall when water has collected in pools in the wadi basin. A few waders seen here. Photograph A. A. Green. Plate 16. Flock of sheep grazing on the limestone plateau of Al Hamad in January 1984. Photograph A. A. Green. Y// Yy tip Lie Vy Yi 3 yyy thy yy ty = yy yyy y Yy J To a lta, Plate 17. Uldddsitadie Plate 18. Plate 17. Abdullah’s Farm, 25 km. east of Sakakah in December 1983. Tamarix sp. windbreak, green fields of alfalfa, and newly sprouting wheat. Photograph A. A. Green. Plate 18. View north across marshes and the lake at Al Jawf in January 1984. The town is to the left and the escarpment to the right. Photograph A. A. Green. Sandgrouse 6 Observations from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan Nectarinia osea Palestine Sunbird Jordan: highlands, at least 18 (only five hens) at seven localities, from Wadi Zarqa south to Wadi Musa, ascending to 1,300 metres a.s./., 12 April to 10 May 1963. Breeding activity well advanced. Nest at Wadi Zarqa hung from bramble 1.8 metres over stream bed, 17 cm. deep with 3 x 2.5 cm. entrance near top and inclined at 80°, made from leaves, grasses, seed heads and lined with feathers. Commonest food plant Anchusa, also Psoreala and pomegranite. Meinertzhagen (1954) restricted it to the Jordan Valley, north from the Dead Sea. Lanius excubitor Great Grey Shrike Jordan: Rakin, male in song and defending territory, 22, Wadi El Hasa, two birds and another flushed from nest, with three eggs, 24 April; El Jafr, 6 May 1963. As at Azraq (Wallace, 1963), far from common but clearly widespread, as it was still in the late 1970s (J. E. Clarke, in litt.). Altitudes of first two localities higher than those implied by Meinertzhagen (1954). Lanius senator Woodchat Syria: in Anti Lebanon range, three males in song, 18 April 1966. Jordan: highlands, 50 birds at 13 localities, from 8 km. north of Jerash south to Shaubak, including at least eight pairs between Tafila and Barra Forest, 12 April to 10 May; Rift, below Salt, three, 11 May, near Safi, one, 23 April 1963. Majority of above clearly migrants but concentration of paired birds in central highlands clearly indicative of breeding there. Not listed as breeding in Jordan by Meinertzhagen (1954). Lanius nubicus Masked Shrike Syria: in Anti Lebanon, male in song, 18 April 1966. Jordan: highlands, 98 birds at 18 localities, from Jerash south to Petra, including nine settled pairs and at least seven courting birds, 12 April to 12 May; Rift, near Safi and towards bottom of Wadi El Karak, at least 30 at three localities, including deserted nest at Safi, 22 and 23 April; southern desert, in Wadi Rum and at Aqaba, 20 at three localities, including territorial birds and apparent pair at Wadi Rum, 28 April to 7 May 1963. Majority of above clearly migrants but southern birds indicative of potential breeding below normal range. Not listed as breeding in Jordan by Meinertzhagen (1954). Garrulus glandarius Jay Jordan: Jebel Ailun, three in suitable breeding habitat, 12 April 1963, within 11 km. south of Ramtha, four collecting food, 18 April 1966. Quite common at Dhibbin in the late 1970s (J. E. Clarke, in litt.). Corvus corone Crow Syria and Jordan: highlands, 41 at 13 localities, from 28 km. west of Damascus south to Zarga and Er Rumman, 12 April to 12 May 1963 and 1966. Corvus ruficollis Brown-necked Raven Corvus corax Raven Syria: Anti Lebanon, about 30 km. west of Damascus, C. corax, 18 April 1966. Jordan: from around Jerash south to Amman and on to Karak, Shaubak and Wadi Dana, 87 birds at 18 localities, all certainly or apparently C. corax; at Karak and Wadi Dana, single C. ruficollis; south of Wadi Dana, three birds at two localities, unidentified; highland skirt and desert, from 20 km. south of Amman south to Aqaba, c.200 birds at least 14 localities, all certainly or apparently C. ruficollis, east of Amman along pipeline highway to H4, a few birds, all apparently C. ruficollis; Rift, Safi, one, unidentified: southern Desert, Wadi Rum, one pair, apparently C. ruficollis, 12 April to 10 May 1963, 1965 and 1966. Distinguishing C. ruficollis from C. corax no easy task but range of latter certainly extends south to Amman. Breeding activity noted only for C. ruficollis, with nests on telegraph poles and 33 Sandgrouse 6 Observations from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan capstones. The biotopic divide between the two species was well drawn by Meinertzhagen saga but he was unable to list C. corax for Jordan. Corvus rhipidurus Fan-tailed Raven Jordan: highlands and Rift scarp, c.150 at eight localities, from Wadi El Karak south to Petra, in flocks of up to 80, 23 to 30; southern hills and desert, Aqaba, two, Wadi Rum, up to six, 27 April to 9 May 1963. Observed breeding activity restricted to four settled pairs, one with cliff nest. Feeding behaviour varied from ‘gleaning’ among crops, like C. frugilegus, to searching of fleece of camels, including anal area. Meinertzhagen (1954) gave ‘‘about Jericho”’ as the northern limit for this species. Onychognathus tristramii Tristram’s Grackle Jordan: Rift, lower part of Wadi El Karak and near Safi, 36 birds (including flock of 31), 22 and 23; highlands, at least 250 birds at four localities, from Wadi Dana south to Petra, with south- eastward movement of up to 211 noted over last named place, 26 to 30 April; Wadi Rum, two, 2 May 1963. Breeding activity not well advanced, but song and courtship noted from 26 April. Call loud and fluting, recalling Sturnus vulgaris and Oriolus oriolus, written ‘chee-oo-wee’. Distribution extended along shore of Dead Sea north of Wadi El Karak in the late 1970s (J. E. Clarke, in litt.) and its northern limit was given as ‘‘about Jericho’’ by Meinertzhagen (1954). Passer domesticus House Sparrow Lebanon, Syria and Jordan: present in at least 38 towns, village and human outposts, ascending to 1,100 metres a.s./., in concentrations of up to 75, 12 April to 11 May 1963 and 1966. Not seen in southern desert at El Jafr and Wadi Rum in the 1960s but present at Bayir in the late 1970s (J. E. Clarke, in litt,). Passer hispaniolensis Spanish Sparrow Jordan: highlands, at least 322 at nine localities, from Wadi Zarga south to Wadi El Hasa, in concentrations up to 175 (roost), 13 April to 10 May 1963. Nests seen in willow and poplar. Apparently the southernmost records of breeding birds for the longitude. Meinertzhagen (1954) restricted it to the Jordan Valley. Passer moabiticus Dead Sea Sparrow Jordan: River Jordan, junction with Wadi Kafrein, 25 nests 3 to 5 metres high in 400 metres of tamarisk; near Hussein Bridge, 35 nests 1 to 13 metres high in eucalyptus and tamarisk; near Safi, 10 nests 2 to 3 metres high in tamarisk, 21 and 23 April 1963. Size of Hussein bridge colony considered to be ten times larger than in 1955 (P. A. D. Hollom pers. com.). Numbers of birds difficult to estimate but certainly several scores at both River Jordan haunts and one score at Safi. Breeding activity not pronounced in April but return visit to Hussein Bridge colony on 11 May 1963 found birds building, copulating and with eggs. Nest like small version of that of Pica pica, about 30 cm. high and 50 cm. wide, built of twigs up to 22 cm. long and lined with vegetable down. Eggs off-white with sepia, purple-brown and (one) black speckles and squiggles at large end. The Safi colony extends distribution in the Rift by the length of the Dead Sea (cf. Meinertzhagen 1954). Petronia petronia Rock Sparrow Lebanon, Syria and Jordan: highlands, c.380 at 16 localities, from Aleih south to Petra, including 300 at last named place, 18 April to 12 May 1963 and 1966. Serinus syriacus Syrian Serin Jordan: Barra Forest, at least 25, probably over 30, in open oak and juniper stands, 25 and 29 April 1963. Paired adults and juveniles. Clear extension of breeding range southwards from Lebanon and Syria. 34 Sandgrouse 6 Observations from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan Carduelis chloris Greenfinch Lebanon, Syria and Jordan: highlands, at least 63 at 12 localities, from hills east of Bekaa south to Tafila, 12 April to 11 May 1963 and 1966. Partial extension of breeding range south within Jordan. Carduelis carduelis Goldfinch Lebanon, Syria and Jordan: highlands, over 400 at least 25 localities, from Bekaa south Petra; Rift, Wadi Shueib, two, near Safi, pair, 12 April to 11 May 1963 and 1966. Carduelis cannabina Linnet Lebanon, Syria and Jordan: highlands, over 218 at least 17 localities, from Bekaa south to Petra, 12 April to 11 May 1963 and 1966. As with C. carduelis, confirmation of virtually complete occupation of Jordanian uplands (cf. Meinertzhagen 1954). Bucanetes githagineus Trumpeter Finch Jordan: highlands, Shaubak, pair, 25 April, near Quweira four, 5 May, Wadi Rum, up to 12, 4 to 7 May 1963. Breeding activity seen only at last locality where pair entered horizontal cliff crevice with nesting material on 7 May but all birds noisy. Call a harsh ‘chizz’ with curious buzzing quality recalling sound of telephone control box; frequently interjected into song. Distribution in 1963 rather more southerly than implied by Harrison (1981) but with a nomadic species, annual changes to range to be expected. Carpodacus synoicus Sinai Rosefinch Jordan: Wadi Dana, at least four males, 29, Petra, at least 14 males and nine females, 26 and 30, Wadi Rum, at least 10 males and five females, 27 April to 9 May 1963. Total of 42 birds minimal, due to initial confusion of females with Petronia brachydactyla and Bucanetes githagineus. Breeding activity obvious but not well advanced; display and copulation seen on 26 April and 7 and 9 May. Commonest call a rather quiet ‘cherp’ or ‘tsiup’; also a buzzing sound during male’s display which included uptilting of head and ‘inflation’ of breast feathers. Complete association with sandstone cliffs. Meinertzhagen (1954), restricted this species to ‘‘Petra and slightly south towards Aqaba’’; the 1960 observations virtually doubled that range. Emberiza caesia Cretzschmar’s Bunting Jordan: highlands, 31 birds at eight localities, from Wadi Zarqa south to Wadi Dana, including six pairs, 12 to 29 April 1963. Breeding activity limited to courtship and song. Not listed as breeding in Jordan by Meinertzhagen (1954). Milaria calandra Corn Bunting Syria and Jordan: upland steppe and highlands, only 11 at six localities, from 14 km. west of Damascus south to Suweilin, 12 to 21 April 1963 and 1966. Breeding activity restricted to song. Not listed as breeding in Jordan by Meinertzhagen (1954). Species of uncertain status Twenty-nine species are listed here. At least ten were probably breeding; nine could have been migrants or late-staying winter visitors. Gyps fulvus Griffon Vulture Lebanon: over farm of American University of Beirut, two, near Baalbek, 16 April 1966, all three almost certainly migrants, ‘‘there being no recent evidence of breeding in the Lebanon or Anti Lebanon ranges’’ (A. M. Macfarlane in /itt.). Jordan: highlands, c.50 at 18 localities, from Ramtha south to Ma’an, particularly between Karak and Ma’an, in groups up to seven, 16 April to 11 May; southern desert, Wadi Rum, one or two, 27 April, 2 and 4 May 1963. Noted as ‘“‘locally more numerous”’ than Neophron percnopterus in the Jordan hills in 1955 (Hollom 1959) but not listed as breeding by Meinertzhagen (1954). 35 Sandgrouse 6 Observations from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan Aegypicus monachus Black Vulture Lebanon: near Aleih, 18 April 1966. Not seen in Lebanon and observed only once in Syria from 1974 to 1977 (A. M. Macfarlane, in /itt.). Jordan: Qalat. El Hasa, 24 April, near Ma’an, 4 May 1963. Also seen at Buseira in 1955 (Hollom 1959). Neither this species nor last mapped as breeding in Jordan by Cramp and Simmons (1980) but persistence of their occurrence in suitable breeding habitat over 11 years notable. Certain breeding in the Syrian Desert noted by Meinertzhagen (1954). Circaetus gallicus Short-toed Eagle Jordan: Barra Forest, up to four (three calling and displaying), 29, i4 more at nine localities, from Wadi Zarqa south to near Shaubak, 13 April to 11 May 1963. Not mapped as breeding in the Jordan hills by Cramp and Simmons (1980) but courtship unlikely from migrants. Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle Jordan: highlands, from Wadi Mujib south to Shaubak, four adults and one immature at five localities, 21 to 29 April 1963. No evidence of breeding but given extreme scarcity of this eagle as a migrant in the Rift (Christensen, ef a/., 1981), these records may well have been of prospecting birds, now established in the opposite region of Israel (Cramp & Simmons, 1980). Falco biarmicus Lanner Jordan: Wadi Dana, 25, near Shaubak, 28 April 1963. Also seen at Kallia in 1955 (Hollom 1959). Localities within known range, listed as breeding in Jordan by Meinertzhagen (1954). Falco cherrug Saker Lebanon: Beirut airport, 1 May 1963, apparently the last certain record for the country (A. M. Macfarlane, in /itt.). Jordan: Wadi Mujib, two, 21 April, Wadi Rum, 7 May 1963. Late for migrants. Falco peregrinus Peregrine F. pelegrinoides Barbary Falcon Jordan: Wadi El Hasa, pair of F. peregrinus attacking Buteo rufinus, 23 April; Wadi Rum, pair noted as F. peregrinus but in classic niche of F. pelegrinoides, regularly hunting and taking food to cliff ledge, 28 April to 9 May 1963. Pterocles senegallus Spotted Sandgrouse Jordan: heard, 22 km. south of Uneiza, 27 April 1963. Pterocles orientalis Black-bellied Sandgrouse Jordan: 14 km. north of Ma’an, two, 30 April 1963. Almost certainly late staying winter visitors (cf. Meinertzhagen 1954). Pterocles alchata Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Jordan: 10 km. north of Ma’an, 1 May 1963. With records of last two species, only observations of Ptferocles made away from Azraq (Wallace, 1984). Not listed for Jordan by Meinertzhagen (1954). Streptopelia turtur Turtle Dove Jordan: River Jordan, Hussein Bridge, four, one singing, 21 April, ‘‘common’’ in eucalyptus, 11 May; Wadi Zarga, up to 12, 12 and 21 April, including two singing, 11 May 1963. Not listed as breeding in Jordan by Meinertzhagen (1954). Sandgrouse 6 Observations from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan Cuculus canorus Cuckoo Jordan: highlands at Wadi Wala, Jebel Sarab and Barra Forest, singing males or bubbling female, 21 to 25 April. Found by Hollom (1959) at Wadi Dana in 1955. Caprimulgus nubicus Nubian Nightjar Jordan: Wadi Musa, 28 April, Gibeiha, 12 May 1963. Harrison (1982) includes a montane element in the habitat of this nightjar. Meinertzhagen (1954) considered the race famaricus to be from Jordan. Caprimulgus aegyptius Egyptian Nightjar ’ Jordan: Wadi Rum, 4 May 1963. Otus brucei Striated Scops Owl Jordan: Wadi Rum, shot bird examined in hand, 28 April 1963. This owl assumed to be the only Otus occurring in Jordan and all records originally assigned to it; revisions of identifications made after full review of current criteria. Ofus distribution in region clearly merits fuller study, since general statements on it very confusing with (a) only O. scops listed for Lebanon (Vere Benson 1970, Macfarlane 1983) and four localities there and in Jordan in 1955 (Hollom 1959), (b) O. brucei unrecorded in Syria since 1919 (Macfarlane 1983), (c) species pair subject to disputed systematics (c.f. Meinertzhagen 1954 with Vaurie 1965) and (d) both mapped in similar ranges south to Petra (Harrison 1981). Meinertzhagen (1954) restricted O. brucei to ‘‘arid regions’’ and it should be noted that the Jordan records (as above, Wallace 1982) were made in true desert or degraded steppe. Apus pallidus Pallid Swift Lebanon: Beirut airport, 30, 1 May 1963, Baalbek, five, 17 April 1966, probably all migrants, there being no proof of breeding in Lebanon (A. M. Macfarlane, in /itt.). Jordan: highlands, and Rift, c.1,300 birds at 16 localities, from Na’ur south to Petra, 21 April to 11 May 1963. The most numerous swift in west Jordan but not listed as breeding by Meinertzhagen (1954). Apus melba Alpine Swift Jordan: highlands and Rift, c.120 birds at 12 localities, from Gibeiha south to Petra, 21 April to 12 May 1963, with 100 obvious over Madaba on first date. Not listed as breeding in Jordan by Meinertzhagen (1954). Apus affinis — Little Swift Jordan: near Na’ur, 21, Karak and down Wadi El Karak, at least 21, 22 April 1963. As with last two species and A. apus, separation of breeding swifts not attempted during limited observation but marked concentrations at Na’ur, around and below Karak and at Petra may have been of former. Hollom (1959) saw the three large species in 1955 but did not note A. affinis, clearly scarce or local in Jordan (see also Wallace 1982). Not listed as breeding in Jordan by Meinertzhagen (1954). Merops superciliosus Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Jordan: near Manta, 22, Ghor Es Safi, five flying north, 23 April 1963. Almost eoitainly migrants. Melanocorypha bimaculata Bimaculated Lark Syria: near Sheik Mishin, among M. calandra, 18 April 1966. Jordan: Wadi Sultan, one, 10 km. south of Amman, seven, 30 April 1963. Probably all late migrants, the breeding grounds in the Anti Lebanon lying at c.1,700 metres a.s./. (A. M. Macfarlane, in /itt.). 37 Sandgrouse 6 _ Observations from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan Hirundo rustica Swallow Jordan: Irbid, ‘‘small numbers’’ of apparently breeding birds, 10 May 1963. Not listed as breeding in Jordan by Meinertzhagen (1954). Unless the region’s breeding population arrives late, the broad mapping of this species in the Levant, Sinai and Saudi Arabia (Harrison 1981) is totally unjustified. Anthus campestris Tawny Pipit Jordan: highlands, Nijil, at least one cock in song and two other birds, 25 and 27 April and 1 May, Quweira, 1 May. Nijil identifications initiated by P. A. D. Hollom who had noted several in southern highlands in 1955. Oenanthe oenanthe Wheatear Jordan: Nijil, cock in song, 27 April 1963. Turdus merula Blackbird Jordan: 8 km. north of Jerash, 18 April 1966. Cettia cetti Cetti’s Warbler Jordan: head of Wadi El Karak, two cocks in song, 22 April 1963. Sylvia leucomelaena Arabian Warbler Sylvia hortensis Orphean Warbler Lebanon: Anti-Lebanon, near Syrian border, cock S. hortensis in song, 18 April 1966. Jordan: highland, seven birds, including one pair and one settled cock at five localities, from Wadi Zarqa south to Petra, all certainly or probably S. hortensis, 13 to 30 April; Rift, near Safi, three noticeably bright and contrasting cocks in acacia bushes.assumed to be S. hortensis but more likely to have been S. /eucomelaena, 23 April 1963. Last locality close to the Arava Valley in Israel, a known breeding place of S. leucomelaena. S. hortensis not listed as breeding in Jordan by Meinertzhagen (1954). Petronia brachydactyla Pale Rock Sparrow Syria: about 65 km. south of Damascus, two, 18 April 1966, apparently the first for that country. Jordan: highlands, Laijun, c.30, 24, above Barra Forest, two, 29 April 1963. Probably all migrants. Emberiza striolata House Bunting Jordan: near Safi, four, 23 April 1963. Breeding implied for the Dead Sea Depression by Meinertzhagen (1954). Migrant or vagrant species 65 species are listed here. Two are also listed under breeding species. Egretta intermedia Intermediate Egret Jordan: near Safi, one apparently adult, 23 April 1963. See Appendix I. Ciconia nigra Black Stork Jordan: near Qalat El Hasa, two, 26 April 1963. Ciconia ciconia White Stork Lebanon and Syria: Bekaa and Anti-Lebanon, at least 390 flying north, 18 April 1966. — Jordan: between Amman and River Jordan, at least 240 grounded or flying east, 21 April; highlands, only 35, 22 April to 11 May 1963. 38 Sandgrouse 6 Observations from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan Accipiter gentilis Goshawk Jordan: Wadi Zarqa, female, 21, near Tafila, female, 25 April 1963. With another at Azraq on 18 April (Wallace 1982), a striking spring trio of a rare visitor to the region. Accipiter nisus Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes Levant Sparrowhawk Jordan: highlands, 11 A. nisus and seven A. brevipes, from Wadi Zarqa south to Ma’an and at Wadi Rum, 12 April to 2 May 1963. Accipitriformes Large Raptors Lebanon and Syria: highlands, between Beirut and Baalbek and from Beirut to Damascus and south to Jordan border, one Mi/vus milvus, one Pernis apivorus and nine Buteo buteo, 17 and 18 April 1966. Jordan: Rift scarp, highlands and southern desert, from Jerash south to Ras Ed Naqb and east to El Jafr, 86 M.milvus, seven P. apivorus, 15 Aquila (including A. nipalensis and A. pomarina), two Hieraaetus pennatus and 251 Buteo (including B. buteo and B. rufinus) on 23 days, 12 April to 11 May 1963. Only pronounced passage was of c.200 B. buteo over Ras Ed Naqb on 6 May. Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier Lebanon: Aleih, 18 April 1966. Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier Jordan: 12 km. north of Amman, 18 April 1966. Circus macrourus Pallid Harrier Syria: near Sheik Mishin, north of Ramtha, 18 April 1966. Jordan: Rift near Safi, 23 April 1963. Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier Jordan: Rift, near Safi, two, 23 April, Aqaba, over sea, 5 May; near El Jafr, 6 May 1963. Falco tinnunculus Kestrel Jordan: highlands and Rift, from Amman to Karak, c.50, 21, from Wadi El Karak down to Ghor Es Safi, c.150 (including flock of 39 and many moving north), 23, from Karak to Shaubak, ‘‘widespread in parties of up to 6’’, 24 April 1963. Together with records at Azraq from 13 April, the most pronounced spring passage noted in the region (cf. Christensen ef a/. 1981). F. naummani seen on all three days and more than marginal confusion between the two species ruled out. Falco vespertinus Red-footed Falcon Lebanon: Beirut airport, 1 May 1963, unusual, in that the locality is close to the coast, and there were no spring observations in the country from 1974 to 1977 (A. M. Macfarlane in /itt.). Coturnix coturnix Quail Lebanon: Bekaa, six offered for sale, 17 April 1966. Jordan: Ghor Es Safi, four, 23 April 1963. Crex crex Corncrake Lebanon: Bekaa, one, 17 April 1966. Jordan: near Wadi Rum; one captive, 5 May 1963. Charadriiformes Waders Jordan: highlands, reservoir in Wadi Sultan, one Charadrius hiaticula, up to seven C. alexandrinus, up to four Actitis hypoleucos, up to 12 Calidris temminckii, up to three Philomachus pugnax and up to three Glareola pratincola, 24 and 30, near Qalat El Hasa, one Tringa ochropus, 28 April 1963. 39 Sandgrouse 6 Observations from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull Jordan: Aqaba, up to 40, all but one adults, 27 April and 5 May 1963. Larus leucophthalmus White-eyed Gull Jordan: Aqaba, sub-adult, 27 April 1963. Sterna hirundo Common Tern Jordan: Jerusalem airport, two flying north, 1 May 1963. Clamator glandarius Great Spotted Cuckoo Jordan: Wadi Zarqga and near Rabba, 21 April 1963. Alcedo atthis Kingfisher Jordan: River Jordan, Hussein Bridge, 21, Aqaba, seashore, 27 April 1963. Merops apiaster Bee-eater Jordan: highlands, c.290 birds at 15 localities, from Jerash south the Ma’an, 12 April to 11 May; Rift, Ghor Es Safi, c.200 moving north, 23 April; southern deserts, Aqaba, c.100 moving north over sea, 5, Wadi Rum, heard, 6, El Jafr, heard, 6 May 1963. As at Azraq, most confident of migrants crossing all terrains. Coracias garrulus Roller Lebanon, Syria and Jordan: from Beirut and Anti Lebanon south to Aqaba, 23 scattered at 18 localities, 18 April to 12 May 1963 and 1966. Meinertzhagen (1954) gave ‘‘the Judaean highlands’’ as the southern limit of breeding distributions. Jynx torquilla Wryneck Jordan: highlands, Jerash, one, 12, Wadi El Karak, two, 22, Wadi El Hasa, one, 29; Rift, near Safi, one, 23 April 1963. Ptyonoprogne rupestris Crag Martin Jordan: highlands, c.120 at 11 localities from Wadi Shu’eib south to Wadi Musa, most moving between west and north, 21 April to 1 May; Rift between Wadi El Karak and Safi, 11, 23; Wadi Rum, two, 7 May 1963. One, associating with P. fuligula, entered cave at Rashadiya on 25 April (cf. Meinertzhagen 1954). Delichon urbica House Martin Lebanon: Beirut airport, 15, 1 May 1963. Jordan: highlands, c.100 over seven localities, from near Jerash south to Ras Ed Nagb, 12 April to 10 May, with notable passage of c.80 at last named place on 9 May; Rift, Ghor Es Safi, at least 75, 23 April; Wadi Rum, one, 2 May 1963. Relatively commoner in these regions than at Azrag (Wallace 1982). Anthus trivialis Tree Pipit Jordan: highlands, 30 at eight localities, from Jerash south to Wadi Dana, 12 to 28, Rift, near Safi, three, 23 April; Wadi Rum, 2 and 4 May; Aqaba, two, 5 May 1963. Anthus pratensis Meadow Pipit Jordan: near Nijil, two, 25 April 1963. Apparently the first record for Jordan. 40 ; | : Gg Sandgrouse 6 Observations from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan Anthus cervinus Red-throated Pipit Jordan: Petra, 26, near Shaubak, 29 April 1963. Astonishingly scarce, given large passage through Azraq (Wallace 1982). Anthus spinoletta Water Pipit Jordan: near Shaubak, 24 April 1963. Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail Lebanon and Jordan: from close observations and in-hand examinations, 206 male migants noted between 12 April and 10 May 1963, 1965 (in this case) and 1966 were racially identified. The attributions broken down: flava cinereo- lutea thunbergi feldegg flava/feldegg Totals capilla or dombrowskii Lebanon - coast 0 0 0 0 20 5 25 16, 17 April 1966 Jordan - Azraq 22 0 Zz 13 48 76 161 14 April to 12 May 1963, 1965 and 1966 Jordan - highlands 3 l 0 9 0 9 20 12 April to 7 May 1963 and 1966 25 l 2 22 68 88 206 Luscinia luscinia Thrush Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos Nightingale Jordan: highlands, from Amman south to Petra, of 13, 10 were L. /uscinia and three L. megarhynchos, 23 to 29 April; Wadi Rum, fall of 13 L. /uscinia, 2 May 1963. Highland stations of L. /uscinia notably elevated, to over 1,300 metres, unlike those of L. megarhynchos which did not exceed 500 metres. Luscinia svecica Bluethroat Jordan: Aqaba, 5 May 1963. Phoenicurus phoenicurus Redstart Jordan: highlands, Rift and southern desert, 167 birds at 21 localities, from Jerash south to Aqaba, 12 April to 11 May 1963 and 1966. Although widespread as a migrant in west Jordan, its passage there - with no localised fall featuring more than nine birds - undoubtedly less obvious than at Azraq and in the surrounding eastern desert (see Wallace 1982). Saxicola rubetra Whinchat Jordan: Jerash, six, 12, Wadi Zarqa, two, 13, near Safi, 23 April 1963. As P. phoenicurus, relatively scarce. Saxicola torquata Stonechat Jordan: Er Rumman, Wadi Zarqa, single birds, 12 April 1963. Together with two others at Azraq (see Wallace 1982), the tail end of winter visitors. Locustella fluviatilis River Warbler Jordan: Wadi Rum, 2 May 1963. 4] Sandgrouse 6 Observations from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan Acrocephalus melanopogon Moustached Warbler Jordan: near El Jafr, 6 May 1963. Hippolais languida Upcher’s Warbler Jordan: Karak, 24, Wadi Rum, 28 April 1963. Hippolais olivetorum Olive-tree Warbler Jordan: Wadi Rum, 28 Apri!, Hussein Bridge, 11 May 1963. Sylvia nisoria Barred Warbler Jordan: Wadi El karak, four, 22, near Safi, 23, near Shaubak, 27 April, Wadi Rum, two, 2, Aqaba, two, 5 May 1963. Sylvia curruca Lesser Whitethroat Jordan: highlands, 406 birds at 32 localities, 12 April to 11 May 1963 and 1966; Rift, c.210 at 3 localities, 21 and 23, April 1963; southern desert, 45 at 4 localities, 1 to 9 May 1963. Marked concentration of c.200 between the bottom of Wadi El Karak and Safi on 23 April exceptional, exceeding even the most obvious falls at Azrag (see Wallace 1982). Second commonest night migrant in west Jordan, being outnumbered by Sy/via atricapilla. Sylvia atricapilla Blackcap Lebanon and Jordan: highlands, 380 birds at 19 localities, 12 April to 11 May 1963 and 1966; Rift, 243 at 4 localities, 21 and 23 April 1963. Southern desert, c.110 at 5 localities, 28 April to 8 May 1963. Marked concentration of c.200 south of the Dead Sea on 23 April matched that of S. curruca. Commonest night migrant in west Jordan. Phylloscopus spp. Leaf Warblers Jordan: highlands, of 42 birds, 23 were P. collybita Chiffchaff, 16 P. trochilus Willow Warbler, and three P. sibilatrix Wood Warbler, 12 April to 9 May 1963 and 1966; Rift, 10 P. collybita around Safi, 23 April; southern desert, of 11, eight P. trochilus, two P. sibilatrix and one P. collybita, 28 April to 6 May 1963. Notably scarcer in west Jordan than at and around Azrag (see Wallace 1982). Ficedula semitorquata Semi-collared Flycatcher Jordan: Wadi Rum, 28 April 1963. Lantus isabellinus Isabelline Shrike Jordan: Wadi Rum, 28 April 1963. Lanius collurio Red-backed Shrike Jordan: highlands and Rift, near Amman, Wadi Zarga and Hussein Bridge, 10 and 11 May; southern desert, Wadi Rum, 28 April, at El Jafr, at least two, 6 May 1963. Lanius minor Lesser Grey Shrike Jordan: Wadi Zarga, 13 April 1963. The total of only eight migrants of this species and the last two in west Jordan over 27 spring days in 1963 may appear low but it is more likely that their - main passage had not yet begun. Sturnus vulgaris Starling Jordan: Sehab, 20, Dhiban, near Wadi Nijib, 21 April 1963. Another tail-end to a winter presence. 42 Sandgrouse 6 Observations from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan Emberiza hortulana Ortolan Bunting Lebanon, Syria and Jordan: highlands, 316 birds at 24 localities, 13 April to 11 May, including marked concentration of c.100 at Nijil, 25; Rift around Safi, 21, 23; southern desert, c.40 birds at 5 localities, 28 April to 7 May, 1963 and 1966. After Sy/via atricapilla and S. curruca, third commonest passerine migrant, as at Azraq (see Wallace 1982). Emberiza cineracea Cinereous Bunting Wadi Zarqa, nominate race, 12 April 1963. DISCUSSION OF LEBANESE AND SYRIAN OBSERVATIONS With only five days’ observations, mainly made during long distance journeys, no considered comment is possible on the birds seen in Lebanon and Syria. In the highlands of those countries, their density appeared markedly lower than in upland Jordan. This was most obvious on the slopes and summit of the Lebanon mountain range, where even the generally expected Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica was restricted to the head of one west facing wadi. The only general exception to this state was evident in the Anti Lebanon hill range, in the valleys and plateau of the border area on the main Beirut-Damascus road. 22 species were seen there and A. M. Macfarlane (in litt.) has confirmed that a marked diversity of species was still present in 1974-1977. Among the Lebanese observations, tnose of Black Vulture Aegypius monachus, Saker Falco cherrug and Red-footed Falcon F. vespertinus are individually the most significant. Among the Syrian, those of the Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti and the Pale Rock Sparrow Per¢ronia brachydactyla are also important. It is, however, certain that the former breeds in the basalt flow south-east of Damascus (A. M. Macfarlane, in /itt.). Thus the attachment of a first record claim to the 1966 birds is specious. The status of the sparrow remains a considerable puzzle. Vere Benson (1970) noted it as breeding in the Anti Lebanon range and passing through the Lebanon range in autumn but A. M. Macfarlane (in /itt.) never saw it once in Lebanon and Syria in 1974-1977. That it is a remarkably fickle nomad is indicated by the contrast of its common occurrence around Azraq, Jordan, in the springs of the 1965 and 1966 (Wallace 1982) and its total absence at Shaumari in 1975-1977 (Clarke 1980). DISCUSSION OF JORDANIAN OBSERVATIONS Although the observations summarised in this paper include the most extensive made in west Jordan, they still fall short of a full survey of that region. For various reasons, exploration of the Jordan Valley north of the Hussein Bridge, the northern two-thirds of the eastern shore of the Dead Sea, the Wadi Araba and the south-eastern desert was not possible. These gaps were unfortunate, the more so since Jordan’s birds are frequently subject to what may be termed ‘liberal mapping’ and their true limits remain far from fully determined. Thus An Atlas of the Birds of the Western Palaearctic (Harrison 1981) appears to inflate the western component of the Jordan’s breeding avifauna by at least 39 species, while older field guide maps add dubiously another three: This is not ornithology in any conservative sense. Some of the birds may be there but there is no proof of breeding (in any records known to me from the mid 1950s) of many supposedly wide-ranging species such as Black Kite Milvus migrans, Collared Dove Steptopelia decaocto, any large owl Strigidae, Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris and Desert Finch Rhodopechys obsoleta. This situation must be borne in mind by future Middle East ornithologists or the confusions will persist (cf. Macfarlane 1983). As stated in the introduction, and shown by the separation of the systematic lists, no broad assumptions about the 1960s observations - stemming from their superficial relationship to earlier 43 Sandgrouse 6 Observations from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan statement on distribution and status - have been made. The more important discoveries have been | noted within the specific texts. Of these, the persistences of the Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus, the Black Vulture Aegypius monachus and the Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos among the central highlands are (with hindsight) the most striking and the range extensions of the Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius and the Syrian Serin Serinus syriacus the most unexpected. The rest do little more than fill in gaps in knowledge. How secure the distributions noted here will have proved to be is unknown. As well described by Mountfort (1965), the militaristic rape of Jordan’s forests combined with generations of subsistence husbandry in their steppic surround has taken a severe toll of the basic ecosystems of the highlands. A start had been made upon reafforestation by the period of our visits but the marked concentrations of upland birds within the few well-watered or wooded areas told of a dangerously relict set of communities. In our highland observations, only 23 breeding species (4 non-passerine and 19 passerine) were at all common, with their observed numbers over 30 days exceeding 100; and in all our-explorations of west Jordan, 29 potentially breeding species were represented by no more than five individuals. In an attempt to allow future monitoring, notes have been supplied to the OSME Sites Register Scheme for the following areas that showed high avian diversities in the mid 1960s: Wadi Zarga (northern highlands), Wadi El Karak (central highlands), Ghor Es Safi (southern Rift), above Wadi Dana (south-central highlands) and Wadi Rum (southern desert). It is hoped that visitors to Jordan will try to include these places on their routes and provide occasional monitoring of them. Given the tattered state of the habitats of the Levant, any overview of bird distribution is risky but there can be no doubt that the interfaces between what may be loosely called Mediterranean and Arabian species are unusually well displayed in west Jordan. To the former, the highlands allow southward extensions but these begin to break up at about 32° 10’N, to collapse noticeably at about 31°N and cease at 30° 20’N. To the latter, the Rift is clearly the most important vector but their northward penetrations of upper wadi sections and adjacent uplands clearly weakened between about 30° 50’ and 31° 20’N. North of the second latitude, only the Blackstart Cercomela melanura and the Palestine Sunbird Nectarinia osea were obvious. Of essentially steppe and desert species, the west and south Jordan observations of the mid 1960s told disappointingly little. The only sector that echoed the relative richness of the Azraq passerine avifauna (Wallace 1983) was the eastern skirt of the highlands from Amman south to Ma’an. Through its steppic habitats, at least six larks and five wheatears were found. At Wadi Rum, only three larks and three wheatears were present; and at El Jafr (in spite of recently rain fed waters), only two larks and perhaps three other passerines gave any sign of breeding behaviour. It was difficult to resist the conclusion that the flat sandy desert was as empty as it looked. Very much the converse was found in the supposedly dreary badlands south of the Dead Sea. There irrigated cultivation was having its usual magnetic effect on birds and a separate summary of the remarkable observations made on 73 species on 23 April 1963 appears in Appendix II. In general, bird migration in west and south Jordan was far less diverse (and less obvious) than at Azrag (Wallace 1982). Patently habitat restriction put paid to the chances of most wetland species but even so, the total of no more than 90 others was less than might have been expected. Only one large fall of birds was experienced and most migrant sightings were of widely scattered groups and individuals and of no discernible pattern. Visible passage was almost exclusively directed to the north or north-west, along and away from west-facing scarps. Flights of soaring birds were not pronounced in the highlands, with 30 day totals of 37 storks and 361 large raptors extremely sparse compared to latter day Israeli observations. Two of the absences mentioned above deserve fuller comment. The first is that of the Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto. Although mapped as occurring widely in the Middle East by Meinertzhagen (1954) and Harrison (1981), it was not seen in Jordan in 1955 (Hollom 1959), 1963, 1965 and 1966. It remains unrecorded in Lebanon (Vere Benson 1970; Macfarlane 1983) and is known only from the Euphrates Valley in northern Syria (A. M. Macfarlane, in /itt.). The second problematic presence is that of the Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris. Hollom (1959) noted several in Sandgrouse 6 Observations from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan the southern highlands of Jordan in the spring of 1955. In the same hills and season in 1963, however, few definite identifications were made and all the upland pipits that were breeding were Long-billed A. similis. The Tawny is undoubtedly a montane bird in many parts of its range and Yere Benson (1970) stated that it bred in both the Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon ranges. Nevertheless, it would be unwise to list it as breeding in the Jordan highlands. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION Spring observations from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan, made in 1963 and 1966, are presented under three broad headings: breeding birds, birds of uncertain status, and migrants. Of 172 bird species seen in the three countries, 165 are mentioned in the hope that future reviewers of bird distribution in the Middle East will have more hard facts (and less vague maps) to work on. Attention is drawn to five areas in west and south Jordan where monitoring of diverse populations can be made. No general conclusions are drawn but comment is made on the opposing distribution of Mediterranean and Arabian species in west Jordan, the apparent paucity of the avian community in the flat southern Jordan deserts and the relatively inconspicuous nature of bird migration in the Jordan highlands. Together with the earlier papers on the migrant and breeding birds of Azrag (Wallace 1982, 1983), this paper establishes a full reference to the birds of Jordan in the mid 1960s. In that period, over 275 species occurred in Jordan and at least 115 bred or attempted to do so. The breeding community is of considerable interest. It features (or featured) at least nine major and minor populations with partially unique or differently balanced specific profiles. These are: 1. the concentrated, diverse ‘aquatic’ population of the Azraq drainage basin (Nelson 1973, Wallace 1984). 2. the widespread, diverse ‘lower steppic’ population of the northern limestone plain which extends south along the eastern skirt of the central highlands (Nelson 1973, Clarke 1980, Wallace 1984 and above). 3. the widespread (but little explored) sparse ‘upper desertic’ population of the basalt shield which extends north into eastern Syria (Wallace 1984, Macfarlane 1983). 4. the relict, diverse ‘wooded upland’ population of the extreme northern highlands, with a markedly Mediterranean avifauna (Hollom 1959 and above). 5. the longitudinally spread, fairly diverse ‘upper steppic and little wooded upland’ population of the central highlands, with a marked southward extension of some Mediterranean species (Hollom 1959 and above). 6. the altitudinally spread, fairly diverse ‘lower desertic and cliff and wadi’ population of the central Rift (around the Dead Sea), with a northward extension of west Arabian species (Hollom 1959 and above). 7. the locally isolated, fairly diverse ‘sandstone jebel’ population within the southern silt and sand plains (above). 8. the virtually unexplored but-apparently sparse ‘desertic’ population of the south-eastern silt plains (above). 9. the single, isolated and pauce ‘lower desertic and chalk cliff’ population of the upper Wadi Sirhan (Fhaidat Edh Dhakikiya), with its potential vector to central Arabian species (Wallace 1983). Among the above, 4 and 5 and 6 and 7 are clearly closely related and only 1 is without some parallels elsewhere. It is possible that the populations of three other areas - the north-eastern ‘brown soil’ region beyond the basalt shield and bordering Iraq, the northern Rift along the West 45 Sandgrouse 6 Observations from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan Bank and in the Jordan Valley and the southern Rift in the Wadi Araba - also contain distinctive profiles or other breeding species. To date, no clear picture of them has emerged. Thus, Jordan presents many more opportunities for research into the profiles and interfaces of arid land bird populations than are first apparent from its borders or basic geography. Within the profiles, the most obvious indicators are in the family Alaudidae and the genus Oenanthe, with Jordan providing breeding niches for nine larks and eight wheatears. ag The most obvious gap in Jordan’s ornithology is the lack of any extensive survey of the country’s wintering birds. As usual, there is a marked Azraq bias (Nelson 1973; Clarke 1980; Conder 1981; Wallace 1982) in the literature and no balanced commentary is possible. : ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS To those already made in my two earlier papers, I must add particular thanks to Dr. J. Morton Boyd, Sana Atallah and Dr. and Mrs. R. E. Lewis of the American University in Beirut for their support in 1966 and to Dr. J. E. Clarke and Lt. Col. A. M. Macfarlane for commenting expertly on my draft. . Appendix I Egretta intermedia Intermediate Egret: near Safi, 23 April 1963. Flushed by G. R. Shannon, observed in close flight (c.10 metres, up to c.17 metres high) by I. - J. Ferguson-Lees and D. I. M. Wallace. Size: close to E. alba but neck shorter and apparently thicker and bill shorter and stubbier. Plumage: white except for deep yellowish-buff patch between shoulders and pale tone of same colour on hindneck. Bill: yellow; legs: black. Neck kept extended in initially half-circling and later short escape flight. Identified in the field by D. I. M. Wallace, with previous experience of species in Kenya. Puzzling colour of hindneck and mantle found on skins at British Museum of Natural History, being on a few marked between shoulders as on Safi individual. Although everywhere within its range given to local movement, E. intermedia truly migratory only in the far East Palearctic (Vaurie 1965). At. 31°N, 35°4’E, Safi individual either the first African bird to appear north of its normal limit of 19°N in the Sudan or, less likely, the first Asian one to stray west. Although associated with the most marked concentration of migrants seen in west Jordan (see Appendix II), the bird remains the single most amazing bird seen in that country in the mid-1960s. Appendix Il Birds at the southern end of the Dead Sea: 23 April 1963. With hindsight, the visit to the southern end of the Dead Sea produced the most remarkable of all migrant observations made in west Jordan. The entire expedition left Karak just after 0500 hours, descended the Wadi El Karak and approached the Dead Sea opposite the promontory that extends into its southern third. It then turned south, travelling between the south-eastern shore of the sea and the eastern scarp of the Rift and then west, reaching the Ghor Es Safi, in particular the much irrigated and intensively cultivated area around the settlement of Safi. To the south lay the Wadi Araba proper but a bad track soon turned us back from there. From c. 0800 to 1500 hours, the observers broke up into two or three parties and searched first the mixed acacia, tamarisk and crop habitat at Safi and later the more natural scrub and bush habitats between there and the mouth of the Wadi El Karak. Within these sectors, six foot searches were made and these lasted about 30 minutes on average. All other observations were made from vehicles briefly stopped if birds showed. In the sea level areas and the lowest adjacent wadis and scarp, c.2,235 birds of at least 73 - species were found. They made up the greatest concentration of birds seen in Jordan away from the Azrag oasis and ga. About 1,800 birds of at least 49 species were clearly migrants; of these, 46 Sandgrouse 6 Observations from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan 1,070 of 20 species were in the air over the ghor and a further 285 of 18 species (four additional) were edging along the eastern scarp. Schedule I shows their profile in more detail. The balance of 345 migrants of at least 24 species were grounded in the denser cover, particularly where this was irrigated. Within the same areas that held the migrants, c.435 birds of at least 26 species were resident, breeding or possibly breeding. Among these were a pair of Cursorius cursor (of different appearance to those of Azraq), two Corvus rhipidurus, five Turdoides squamiceps, three large Sylvia warblers (taken in the hurry of the day to be S. hortensis but patently in the habitat of S. leucomelaena), 31 Onychognathus tristramii, four Emberiza striolata and 20 Passer moabiticus. The southern end of the Dead Sea, the Ghor Es Safi and the Wadi Araba clearly beg for fuller ornithological exploration, like that recently given to the nearby Arava valley of Israel. Schedule | Birds in flight over (a) Ghor Es Safi and (b) eastern scarp of Rift 23 April 1963. a b Total Ciconia ciconia 5) 5 Acciptriformes (11 spp.) 30+ 9 39+ Falconiformes (3 spp.) 1144 39+ 153+ Apodidae (3 spp.) c.315 e120 c.435 Meropidae (2 spp.) e=1S5 c.50 c.205 Hirundinidae (5 spp.) C2555 c.205 c.760 All observed tracks orientated north; overall passage rate c.460 birds/hour. REFERENCES CLARKE, J. E. 1980. The Avifauna of Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, Jordan. Sandgrouse, 1:50-70. CONDER, P. 1981. Birds of the Azraq Wetland Reserve, Jordan: January and February 1979. Sandgrouse, 2:22-32. CRAMP, S. & SIMMONS, K. E. L. 1977, 1980 and 1982. The Birds of the Western Palearctic, Vol. I-III. Oxford. HARRISON, C. 1981. An Atlas of the Birds of the Western Palearctic. London. HOLLOM, P. A. D. 1959. Notes from Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Antioch. /bis 101:183-200. MACFARLANE, A. M. 1978. Field Notes on the birds of Lebanon & Syria 1974-77. Army Bird- Watching Society, Periodic Publication No.3. MACFARLANE, A. M. 1983. Letter discussing bird occurrence and distribution in Lebanon and Syria. Bulletin of the Ornithological Soceity of the Middle East No. 11. Sandy. MEINERTZHAGEN, R. 1954. The Birds of Arabia. Edinburgh. MOUNTFORT, G. 1965. Portrait of a Desert. London. NELSON, J. B. 1973. Azrag: Desert Oasis. London. VAURIE, C. E. 1959. The Birds of the Palearctic Fauna: Passeriformes. London. VAURIE, C. E. 1965. The Birds of the Palearctic Fauna: Non-Passeriformes. London. VERE BENSON, S. 1970. Birds of Lebanon and the Jordan Area. London. WALLACE, D. I. M. 1982. Observations on Migrant Birds at Azraq in North-east Jordan, up to April 1967. Sandgrouse, 4:77-99. WALLACE, D. I. M. 1983. The Breeding Birds of the Azraq Oasis and its Desert Surround, Jordan, in the mid-1960s. Sandgrouse, 5:1-18. CHRISTENSEN, S., LOU, O., MULLER, M., and WOHLMUTH, H. 1981. The Spring Migration of Raptors in Southern Israel and Sinai. Sandgrouse, 3:1-42. D.I. M. Wallace, 68 Selby Road, Holme on Spalding Moor by York YO4 4EU, ENGLAND. 47 THE AVIFAUNA OF THE AL JAWF REGION, NORTHWEST SAUDI ARABIA by Arthur A. Green INTRODUCTION The avifauna of northern Saudi Arabia has been little studied, and no comprehensive account of the birds of the area has yet been published. Philby (1923) saw tracks of Arabian Ostrich Struthio camelus syriacus near Nabk abu Qasr in Wadi as Sirhan, and he saw captive birds in Al Jawf (anciently known as Doumat al Djandal). But during the next quarter century this subspecies became extinct. An indication of the species one might expect to find in the Al Jawf region can be found by reference to birds known from surrounding areas: Tabuk, Saudi Arabia (Stagg & Walker, 1982), Kuwait (Bundy & Warr, 1980), central Arabia (Jennings, 1980, 1981), and Jordan (Clark, 1980; Conder, 1981; Wallace, 1982, 1983). The most helpful reference for identification and occurrence for this region is Cramp and Simmons (1977, 1980, 1982). This paper is based on field observations made from February 1983 to January 1984 while working on a project sponsored by the Food and Agricultural Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) in northern Saudi Arabia involving a reconnaissance of large mammals and endangered — large birds and while looking for a site for the creation of a wildlife reserve. The base of operations was at Sakakah (30°N, 40°10’E), capital of Al Jawf Province. The study area of over 80,000 km2 covered Al Jawf, Qurrayat, and the Northern Frontier Provinces. Figure 1, a map of the region, shows principal roads, towns and geographical regions. Observations were generally made while travelling cross-country by Toyota landcruiser. Weekend visits to a farm began in April and to a lake in May with the purpose of looking for migrant bird species less often encountered in the open desert. The Al Jawf region enjoys four seasons. Spring and autumn are very short. Winter is from mid-November to March. During December, January and February night temperatures often fall below freezing. At this time of year the prevailing winds are from the northwest bringing moist air from the Mediterranean. Dew gathers at night and is thought to be as important to the vegetation as the meagre rainfall. Summer begins in early May and lasts to September. Daytime temperatures reach 40°C. Prevailing winds are dry, from the southeast. Rain can be expected in winter or spring. The average annual rainfall generally increases from west to east, with 40 mm. in Tabarjal, 60 mm. at Sakakah, and 70 mm. in Al Widyan. Al Harrah receives more rainfall than other western areas (60 mm.), perhaps due to its higher elevation. The large mammal fauna has decreased greatly in quantity during this century. Where Philby (1923) saw hundreds of gazelles daily in 1922, the desert in the Al Jawf region today is empty. The northern population of the Arabian Oryx Oryx leucoryx became extinct about the time of the Second World War. The last four Cheetahs Acinonyx jubatus to be seen in the Arabian peninsula were killed by ARAMCO workers near Turayf in 1950 (Harrison 1968). Neither Mountain Gazelle Gazella gazella (Idhmi in Arabic) nor Dorcas Gazelle Gazella dorcas can be found in the region any more. A small population of Goitred Gazelle Gazella subgutterosa lives in eastern Al Harrah, and the odd one may still exist in Al Widyan. A few Ibex Capra ibex live in the At Tawil © massif, but they are gone from the jebels of Al Harrah. The Bedu claim that there are a few Wolves Canis lupus in Al Harrah and Al Labbah. I have seen Striped Hyaena Hyaena hyaena at Jebel al Amud in Al Harrah and along the northern edge of the An Nafud south of Sakakah, and I saw a Jackal Canis aureus in this same region. But the only abundant large mammals today are the unbiquitous Hares Lepus capensis and Foxes Vulpes vulpes. 48 Sandgrouse 6 Avifauna of Al Jawf, Saudi Arabia 4e° le Peete STABA RU #L.{5) JORDAN 30°N \ QALBAH 28°N \ Figure 1: Map of Al Jawf region of north-western Saudi Arabia. (Numbers in brackets following village or place names refer to bird habitats described in the text). SAUDI ARABIA Figure 1a: Position of the Al Jawf study area in relation to surrounding countries. 49 Sand grouse 6 Avifauna of Al Jawf, Saudi Arabia BIRD HABITATS I have recognized six habitats supporting distinctive bird communities as follows: An Nafud (No. | on map, Figure 1 and Plate 13) The An Nafud (68,000 km?) is mostly an undulating sand sheet with longitudinal dunes elongated parallel to the prevailing wind direction (easterly and south-easterly elongation) having a good vegetative cover of perennial bushes and grasses, augmented during the rains by annuals. Sand mountains rising 50 to 300 metres in the east of the An Nafud lie outside the study area. But in the north-west of An Nafud between the At Tawil massif and Al Khunfra is a region known as Al ‘Urayq dominated by urug dunes, long parallel sharp crested sand ridges separated by broad sand valleys and deep pits. The pits and hollows are stabilized by Haloxylon persicum saltbushes and other small shrubs and perennial grasses. The moving crests of the dunes are without vegetation. Typical resident birds of An Nafud include larks, wheatears and the Great Grey Shrike. *Many raptors and passerines stop here on migration. At Tawil (No. 2 on map, Figure | and Plate 14) The At Tawil massif covers about 1,200 km? on the northwest edge of An Nafud. The massif and the plain to the north and west are composed of Tawil sandstone. There are remnant sand dunes on the northeastern edge of that plain, and windblown sand is found on the western mountains and in the valleys of the eastern part of the massif. Most vegetation is found on these sandy areas. The Kestrel, the Rock Dove, the Pale Crag Martin, larks and wheatears are typical residents. The Brown-necked Raven is breeding on Jebel Raf and certainly elsewhere in the massif. Al Harrah (No. 3 on map, Figure | and Plate 15) The region of basalt stony plains, volcanic ash/gravelly plains and old volcanoes in the northwest of the study area is known as Al Harrah. This region covers about 15,000 km? in Saudi Arabia. (The harrat, Arabic name for volcanic regions in general, extends across the border into Jordan, then northward into Syria, covering some 45,000 km? altogether.) Although much of the region seems barren at first glance, the silty and sandy soils of the wadis are very productive. Some of the larger wadi systems retain water in pools for a month following heavy rains on the watershed. Typical resident birds include the Desert Lark, the Crested Lark, the Temminck’s Horned Lark, the White-crowned Black Wheatear, the Sand Partridge and the Trumpeter Finch. Some common migrants and visitors include the Pallid Harrier, the Long-legged Buzzard, the Golden Eagle and several species of wheatear. Rock Doves, Sand Partridges, the Chukar and the Houbara are all breeding (see discussion). Rare visitors included a male and female Hen Harrier on 3 October, a Stone Curlew on 16 April, a Short-eared Owl on 30 October, and an Alpine Swift on 17 April. Limestone Desert (No. 4 on map, Figure 1 and Plate 16) This category is used rather broadly to cover all the open desert areas not covered above, most of which have limestone bedrock. Al Hamad, lying east of Al Harrah, is a high limestone plateau extending northward into Iraq. The gravelly plains are broken by shallow silty-sandy wadis which should carry a rich vegetative cover, but which are severely overgrazed (see discussion). East of Al Hamad is Al Widyan, another limestone desert, resembling Al Hamad in the west. Farther east it becomes broken badlands of limestone rock, gulches and buttes - desolate country except for the vegetation in the larger wadis. Al Labbah is a smaller division lying between Al Widyan and An Nafud, where there are numerous large silty wadis with better vegetation. South of Al Harrah and Al Hamad is an area of limestone gravelly and stony hills and valleys known as Al Ghara’is. Separating An Nafud from the other regions to the north is a 5 to 14 km. wide regolith plain of calcareous duricrust. (Al Jubah, the Sakakah sandstone basin with its oases and farms and villages, lies in the centre of these other regions.) During much of the year migrant or visiting species make up the majority of the birds seen in this limestone desert. The Houbara is breeding on Al Hamad in the spring. The Barbary Falcon is *See Appendix for scientific names of birds mentioned in the text. Ed. 50 att see 2 Sandgrouse 6 Avifauna of Al Jawf, Saudi Arabia an uncommon resident. And an Egyptian Vulture was seen at a flooded silt pan on Al Hamad about 60 km. northwest of Sakakah on 16 May. Farms & Villages (No. 5 on map, Figure | and Plate 17) There are many farms in Al Jubah because of the easier access to water with drilled wells near the oases of Sakakah, Qarah and Al Jawf, and because of the good soils. Farms are also found in Wadi as Sirhan ner Tabarjal and Qarrayat and in the northwest of the study area at Turayf. The many towns, villages and camps also provide refuge for certain birds which do not care for the other habitats. The FAO project had an experimental farm 10 km. west of Sakakah at Kunaitre. This farm was frequently visited from February to May, but a larger, isolated farm 25 km. east of Sakakah (Abdullah’s farm) was found to be more interesting. Observations were made at Abdullah’s farm at weekends beginning in April. From October (planting) until June (harvest) wheat was one of the major crops here. Alfalfa was grown throughout the year to feed a flock of sheep. In summer other crops were grown, such as melons and garden vegetables. The farm was crossed in a ‘‘T’’ by two Tamarix hedgerows acting as windbreaks. The birds of interest at farms were the spring and autumn migrants. Some rare visitors included a Woodcock on 10 October, two Robins on 10 November and one on 5 January, a Mistle Thrush on 14 December, a male and female Masked Shrike on 29 April, a flock of eight or 10 Siskin on 10 November, and a male Ortolan Bunting on 29 April. A pair of Peregrines soared over the farm on 14 December. At Kunaitre a Male Semi-collared Flycatcher was recorded on 6 May. Lake and Marsh (No. 6 on map, Figure 1 and Plate 18) About 40 km. west of Sakakah by road is the town of Al Jawf, on high ground on the western edge of a great depression. This depression lies in a north-south orientation and is several kilometres long and about three wide. Passing from west to east, one would descend from Al Jawf through daie palm groves and gardens and eventually reach a marsh, then a lake. East of the lake the land slopes upward (sandy and barren) to the foot of an escarpment. The lake is at its largest size in winter and spring, and then it measures up to a kilometre wide and three long. From July to September most of the lake is dry salt flats, excepting for pools along the western side where springs continue to supply fresh water in excess of evaporation. With cooler temperatures in October, the lake begins to expand. The marsh west of the lake contains sedges, reeds and grasses in wet areas and Jamarix spp. bushes in less frequently flooded areas. Eighty species of water birds have been recorded here. Most of them are migrants or winter visitors. The records include a White Pelican during 9 - 16 December and four there on 3 January, a pair of White Storks on 14 October, a swan (believed to be a Mute Swan - see discussion) during 3 - 13 January, ten Red-crested Pochard during the same period as the swan, a male White-headed Duck (first record for Saudi Arabia - see discussion) during 27 October to 4 November, a Pied Kingfisher during the same period as the duck, and a flock of about eight Penduline Tits during 9 - 16 December. | _ DISCUSSION | The Appendix lists 163 species of birds recorded in the Al Jawf region of Saudi Arabia during the period February 1983 to January 1984. Observations for February and March are inadequate because extensive field trips had not yet begun. Serious bird observations at farms and in the desert began in April, and it was early May before the first trip to the lake at Al Jawf. This is very unfortunate as a wealth of data on the spring migration was missed. Reading the list of birds in the Appendix, it must be kept in mind that for most aquatic birds the data covers only the period from early May to mid-January. During this period twenty-four visits were made to the lake and marsh at Al Jawf. (A few waders were seen in Al Harrah in April.) 51 eee eee Sandgrouse 6 Avifauna of Al Jawf, Saudi Arabia There are many gaps in the information about status, abundance and distribution for the species of larks and warblers more difficult to identify because time was not available to stop and determine species. A discussion of some of the species listed in the Vipnenanc is warranted before going on to problems of hunting, overgrazing, agricultural development and conservation education. Comments on bird species Four Black-necked Grebes were found on a small, deep fresh-water sends at Al Jawf on 16 December. This pond is separated by about 250 metres from the main lake. The birds were still present on 3 January when five were seen but all had left by 11 January. A Great White Egret with a broken left leg was recorded at the lake on 27 October (perhaps shot by hunters). Larger size and colour of bill and legs separated this bird from the Little Egret seen earlier in the autumn. A swan was observed at the lake during 3 - 13 January. It remained far out from the shoreline with the other Anatidae to avoid being shot at. With x9 binoculars it was not possible to determine bill colour or form; however, the bow of the neck and down-pointing bill were in the characteristic pose of the Mute Swan Cygnus olor. Because of some lingering doubt, it has been listed in the Appendix as Cygnus sp. From early November until early December a dozen Wigeon were observed at the lake at Al Jawf. Then there were about 100 there from 9 December until 3 January.:They then declined to about a dozen by mid-month. Gadwall appeared once (20 birds) on 3 January. Teal were uncommon, from a dozen on 16 December to about 70 or 80 in January. The Garganey, an autumn migrant, was the commonest duck at the lake. Seven birds were present on 19 August; numbers increased to about 45 in October, 100 in early November, and well over 200 later in the month. Numbers rapidly declined in December (24 on 2 December), and the duck disappeared after 9 December. Ten Red-crested Pochard were recorded at the lake at Al Jawf during all visits in January. The red bills of males were clearly visible separating this species from the Pochard, another winter visitor to the lake. One male Pochard was seen on 3 January, a few on 11 January, and at least three dozen on 13 January. A few Tufted Ducks were winter visitors to the lake at Al Jawf. A pair was studied closely on the small pond south of the lake, and several others were on the lake itself on 16 December. There were 12 or 15 there in early January. A new record for Saudi Arabia is the White-headed Duck seen on the small pond south of the lake at Al Jawf on 27 October and 4 November. In addition to the large amount of white on the head, the swollen bill, the large head and the stiff tail were all easily visible at distances of 50 to 80 metres from the automobile. Both Steppe Buzzard and Long-legged Buzzard were observed in the region. The Steppe Buzzard was first identified on 29 March at Abdullah’s farm. In the autumn the passage was recorded from 2 to 22 October. Long-legged Buzzards were much more common and present for a longer period of time (5 May to 6 June and 30 July to 21 November). (No desert observations were made from mid-June to late July, and one wonders if this buzzard may not be present throughout the summer. During 30 July to 10 August there were many sightings in Al Harrah.) Golden Eagles were observed occasionally throughout the area and throughout the year, juveniles more commonly than adults. Realising that confusion is possible between Saker Falco cherrug and Lanner Falco biarmicus, the large falcons observed in Al Harrah in April and early May have been listed in the Appendix as Falco sp. A pair was first recorded at Jebel al Amud on 5 April. On 17 April from the heights of that jebel a male, a female and a juvenile were closely observed; another pair was closely observed the next day from the top of another jebel 60 km. to the west. Later observations in April and early May were not made so closely nor so carefully, but are believed to be of the same species. Of the observations of 17 and 18 April, the adults had very pale crowns and heads and no noticeable © moustachial stripes, characteristic of the Saker. Stagg and Walker (1982) have listed the Saker as a a2 Sandgrouse 6 Avifauna of Al Jawf, Saudi Arabia passage migrant at Tabuk (March to May and October). In recent years Saudis have been going to Al Harrah to try to trap Sakers, which they prefer to Peregrines for their sport of falconry. (On 5, 6 and 7 June large falcons were observed at long distance in Al Harrah. Their identities remain in doubt.) Large flocks (30 to 40 birds) of Chukars watering at springs in the gorge of Sha’ib al ‘Usayd in the Al Misma range of central Al Harrah in the summer contained many young of the year. Sand Partridges were observed on the slopes of Jebel Metkamin (hen with 14 chicks) and on another jebel (hen with seven flying chicks) in the Ar Raha region of Al Harrah on 18 April. Houbara were mostly seen in Al Harrah and on Al Hamad from mid-April until mid-November. A few were also seen in Wadi as Sirhan, in An Nafud, and one in the spring at Abdullah’s farm. Hens with small chicks were seen in eastern Al Harrah and on Al Hamad during the first half of May. No Houbara were recorded in the winter, perhaps due to the short time spent in the desert at this season, or perhaps due to a local movement. Clarke (1982) has suggested that in eastern Jordan there is an autumn exodus and a return from the east in the spring. The Coot is a winter visitor in great numbers to the lake-at Al Jawf. A few first appeared there in mid-October. In early December numbers had increased to 300 or 350. By 3 January there were well over 1,000, with many hundreds remaining in mid-January. Ringed Plovers were uncommon at the lake at Al Jawf in May and again from 14 October to 2 December. Kentish Plovers were common during May and early June. Summer records are lacking, but a few birds were present on 27 July. Status varied during the autumn between common and abundant. On 3 January there were an estimated 1,000 or more at the lake, but by mid-January they had nearly all disappeared (four counted on 13 January). Curlew Sandpipers were only recorded on two occasions: a few on 22 May and a few again on 25 August. The Green Sandpiper was missed in the spring, but was the commonest large sandpiper in the autumn migration. It was a winter visitor as well. A small flock was first seen at the lake on 27 July. Numbers fluctuated during the autumn from uncommon to common until it became abundant in January with nearly 1,000 at the lake on 3 January. Suddenly they nearly all disappeared, leaving only a couple of dozen on 13 January. Problems with larks have been mentioned above. Dunn’s Lark was seen frequently during mid-May and early June and was noted again in late October in Al Harrah. Bar-tailed Desert Larks were seen at Kunaitre (farm) and in Al Harrah from April to November. The Thick-billed Lark was first identified in early June in Al Harrah. Flocks were seen in the desert west of Sakakah in late July and a few flocks were seen again in Al Harrah from 27 July to 10 August. Flocks were seen at Abdullah’s farm on 22 October, 9 December and 5 January. Although Short-toed Larks Calandrella brachydactyla were probably present, and may have been more common than Lesser Short-toed Larks, only the latter species was identified (March and November). The Swallow is a common spring and autumn migrant, and there are a few summer (July) and winter (January) records. The Red-rumped Swallow was observed twice: a pair in central Al Harrah on 18 April and two pairs at Abdullah’s farm on 28 September. The House Martin was uncommon at the farms from 24 February to 4 April and was not seen in the autumn. Two forms of Yellow Wagtail were observed. The blue-headed form was common in April and early May but was not seen in the autumn. The black-headed form was seen in December; a mixed flock of both forms was at Kunaitre on 5 January. The Grey Wagtail was not recorded in the spring but was common from 19 August to 21 October. The Black-eared Wheatear is a frequent migrant in April, and it was recorded twice in Al Harrah on 23 August. An unusually late white-throated male was seen at close range for several minutes in the desert 10 km. east of Sakakah on 18 December. The Desert Wheatear is resident. First seen in An Nafud on 19 February, it was seen frequently in Al Harrah and An Nafud until 7 June and again frequently after 30 July until 8 August. Finsch’s Wheatear was first seen (three sightings) in Wadi Tirba in eastern Al Harrah on 20 and 21 November. It was seen commonly east 53 Sandgrouse 6 Avifauna of Al Jawf, Saudi Arabia of the lake at Al Jawf in December and January, and one occurred at Abdullah’s farm on 14 December. A male Blackbird was recorded at Abdullah’s farm on 10-November; two males and a female appeared there during a period of cold weather on 9 December. A few days later on 14 December Mistle Thrush was seen at the farm when a Song Thrush was also present. Six to eight Moustached Warblers were present in a reed-filled drainage ditch on the northwest side of the lake and marsh at Al Jawf. They were observed first on 4 November, but undoubtedly were there before this. They were there throughout the visits until the last one on 13 January. Although the Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris was not recorded, it may have been present and not separated from the similar Reed Warbler. Hunting pressures The Saudis love to hunt, and this has been a major factor in the decline of the larger mammals. There does not yet exist legislation for the conservation of the fauna or for control of hunting. In Al Jauf Province the Emir (Governor) has made some edicts concerning the season for hunting, but so far there appears to be little control. One place where hunting was evident was at the lake and marsh at Al Jawf. Although hunting mostly for ducks, when frustrated by the Anatidae remaining out of gunshot range, hunters would shoot at Coots, waders, etc. Overgrazing and harmful developments Overgrazing has become a problem in the Al Jawf region, and is especially noticeable on Al Hamad. This is partly to be blamed on the arrival of the motor vehicle to the desert. In times past the Bedu were restricted in the season that they could venture far from water, and the time that they could spend there. Now, rather than paying a brief visit to an area, a herdsman can bring his camels or sheep and remain until the saltbushes and other plants have been eaten down to the ground. Tank trucks can bring water from 200 km. away permitting the herds to remain even at the hottest part of the summer. Intensive agricultural development is occurring in the Al Jubah basin, in Wadi as Sirhan, and elsewhere in the region. This is generally benefiting those species of migrant birds which enjoy moisture and foliage. It must be noted, however, that this irrigated farming is dependent upon fossil water from deep in the earth (200 to 300 metres in many cases) which is not being recharged. The water table is already falling, and planned new farms can only increase the rate of depletion. It is conceivable that within 15 to 25 years the water will have been used up. The benefits to the migrants may, therefore, prove to have been very temporary. Around the lake and marsh at Al Jawf, the situation is equally ominous. Drainage, filling and channelling of water are already disturbing the site. If uncontrolled agricultural development continues, the habitat will soon be lost, and the aquatic birds will have to go elsewhere. Conservation awareness outside of the Emir’s Office in Sakakah is virtually non-existent. As far as is known, there has been no provision for protection of this unique habitat in the region. Endangered species Two birds that greatly interest all Saudis in the study area are the Saker and the Houbara. The Saker is endangered for one reason due to the capture of birds for the sport of falconry. There may be other reasons as well. The Houbara is endangered from over-hunting during the past half century, both by the gun and by falconry. A campaign for the conservation of these two species might serve as a Starting point for a programme of conservation education in the schools and the communities. Conservation education takes a long time, but forms the bedrock for programmes which will be doomed to failure without the understanding and support of the local people. 54 Sandgrouse 6 Avifauna of Al Jawf, Saudi Arabia ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS These observations were made while I was working on an FAO wildlife management project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I am grateful to the FAO for permission to publish this material. I am indebted to J. Gasperetti, M. C. Jennings and A. Stagg for their helpful criticisms and suggestions. SUMMARY During one year from February 1983 through to January 1984, 163 species of birds were recorded in the Al Jawf region of north-western Saudi Arabia. About 20 of these were clearly year- round residents, while the others were passage migrants or winter visitors. About 80 species of aquatic birds were recorded at the lake and marsh at Al Jawf. Another 28 species were recorded exclusively in irrigated farmland or villages. Some of these could undoubtedly be found in the desert wadis with diligent searching, especially during the spring migration when desert vegetation is more luxuriant. A large falcon, believed to be the Saker, was recorded in Al Harrah in April and early May. The Houbara is nesting in Al Harrah and on Al Hamad in the springtime. The White- headed Duck seen at the lake at Al Jawf in the autumn gives a new record for Saudi Arabia, anda swan seen there during December and January was believed to be a Mute Swan. If verified, this would also be a new record for Saudi Arabia. Ten Red-crested Pochards were also at the lake in early and mid-January 1984. APPENDIX Birds observed in the Al Jawf region, northwest Saudi Arabia, from February 1983 to January 1984. Status R = resident, M = spring/autumn migrant, B = breeding, W = winter visitor, V = vagrant. Abundance 1 = rare(1 to3 sightings), 2 = uncommon, 3 = common, 4 = abundant. Habitat A = An Nafud, B = At Tawil, C = Al Harrah, D = limestone desert, E = farm/village, F = lake/marsh. ‘SSaens) 1S) 1 < — os ~— a 3 s 3 2 5 Habitat a iste A. 4B, eC... AKER Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis W | 12,1 x White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus W 1 12,1 Xx Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides M D539 x Little Egret Egretta garzetta M y) 8-10 Ke ex Great White Egret Egretta alba M ] 10 Xx Grey Heron Ardea cinerea M ] 5 x Purple Heron Ardea purpurea M 1 8-9 X White Stork Ciconia ciconia M 1 10 x Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus M 1 5,8,11 i Xx Swan Cygnus sp. Vv 1 12,1 X Shelduck Tadorna tardorna W,M 2 AED AT Ki OX Wigeon Anas penelope WwW 3 11-12,1 Xx Gadwall Anas strepera WwW 2 12,1 x 55 Sandgrouse 6 Teal Mallard Pintail Garganey Shoveler Red-crested Pochard Pochard Tufted Duck White-headed Duck Black Kite Egyptian Vulture Short-toed Eagle Marsh Harrier Hen Harrier Pallid Harrier Montagu’s Harrier Sparrowhawk Steppe Buzzard Long-legged Buzzard Steppe Eagle Golden Eagle Kestrel Falcon Peregrine Barbary Falcon Chukar Sand Partridge Quail Spotted Crake Little Crake Moorhen Coot Houbara Black-winged Stilt Avocet Stone Curlew Cream-coloured Courser Collared Pratincole Little Ringed Plover Ringed Plover Kentish Plover Sociable Plover Lapwing Little Stint Temminck’s Stint Curlew Sandpiper Ruff Jack Snipe Common Snipe Woodcock Redshank Marsh Sandpiper Greenshank Green Sandpiper Wood Sandpiper Terek Sandpiper Common Sandpiper Black-headed Gull Herring Gull Gull-billed Tern White-winged Black Tern Coronetted Sandgrouse Spotted Sandgrouse Anas crecca Anas platyrhynchos Anas acuta Anas querquedula Anas clypeata Netta rufina Aythya ferina Aythya fuligula Oxyura leucocephala Milvus migrans Neophron percnopterus Circaetus gallicus Circus aeruginosus Circus cyaneus Circus macrourus Circus pygargus Accipiter nisus Buteo buteo vulpinus Buteo rufinus Aquila nipalensis Aquila chrysaetos Falco tinnunculus Falco sp. Falco peregrinus Falco pelegrinoides Alectoris chukar Ammoperdix heyi Coturnix coturnix Porzana porzana Porzana parva Gallinula cholorpus Fulica atra Chlamydotis undulata Himantopus himantopus Recurvirostra avosetta Burhinus oedicnemus Cursorius cursor Glareola pratincola Charadrius dubius Charadrius hiaticula Charadrius alexandrinus Chettusia gregaria Vanellus vanellus Calidris minuta Calidris temminckii Calidris ferruginea Philomachus pugnax Lymnocryptes minimus Gallinago gallinago Scolopax rusticola Tringa totanus Tringa stagnatilis Tringa nebularia Tringa ochropus Tringa glareola Xenus cinereus Actitis hypoleucos Larus ridibundus Larus argentatus Gelochelidon nilotica Childonias leucopterus Pterocles coronatus Pterocles senegallus 56 Fe Sees oe Sykes aoe Se S222 = < wie bo Ww ~ = wSSSQUSESESE 4 xX xX F x Xx x x x x Xx x Xx ~ eK PP Ct J Sandgrouse 6 Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Rock Dove Turtie Dove Eagle Owl Little Owl Short-eared Owl Nightjar Swift Alpine Swift Pied Kingfisher Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Bee-eater Rollér Hoopoe Dunn’s Lark Bar-tailed Desert Lark Desert Lark Hoopoe Lark Thick-billed Lark Lesser Short-toed Lark Crested Lark Temminck’s Horned Lark Sand Martin Pale Crag Martin Crag Martin Swallow Red-rumped Swallow House Martin Tawny Pipit Tree Pipit Red-throated Pipit Water Pipit Yellow Wagtail Blue-headed form Black-headed form Grey Wagtail White Wagtail Rufous Bush Chat Robin Bluethroat White-throated Robin Black Redstart Redstart Whinchat Stonechat Isabelline Wheatear Wheatear Pied Wheatear Black-eared Wheatear Desert Wheatear Finsch’s Wheatear Mourning Wheatear White-crowned Black Wheatear Rock Thrush Blue Rock Thrush Blackbird Song Thrush Mistle Thrush Scrub Warbler Moustached Warbler Reed Warbler Great Reed Warbler Olivaceous Warbler Pterocles alchata Columba livia Streptopelia turtur Bubo bubo Athene noctua Asio flammeus Caprimulgus europaeus Apus apus Apus melba Ceryle rudis Merops superciliosus Merops apiaster Coracias garrulus Upupa epops Eremalauda dunni Ammomanes cincturus Ammomanes deserti Alaemon alaudipes Rhamphocorys clotbey Calandrella rufescens Galerida cristata Eremophila bilopha Riparia riparia Ptyonoprogne fuligula Ptyonoprogne rupestris Hirundo rustica Hirundo daurica Delichon urbica Anthus campestris Anthus trivialis Anthus cervinus Anthus spinoletta Motacilla flava M.f. flava M.f. feldegg Motacilla cinerea Motacilla alba Cercoirichas galactotes Erithacus rubecula Luscinia svecica Trania gutturalis Phoenicurus ochruros Phoenicurus phoenicurus Saxicola rubetra Saxicola torquata Oenanthe isabellina Oenanthe oenanthe Oenanthe pleschanka Oenanthe hispanica Oenanthe deserti Oenanthe finschii Oenanthe lugens Oenanthe leucopyga Monticola saxatilis Monticola solitarius Turdus merula Turdus philomelos Turdus viscivorus Scotocerca inquieta Acrocephalus melanopogon Acrocephalus scirpaceus Acrocephalus arundinaceus Hippolais pallida aM) S778 °) = @ 77 SESE