SANDGROUSE Volume 20 (1) 1998 ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE MIDDLE EAST ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE MIDDLE EAST OSME OSME was founded in 1978 as the successor to the Ornithological Society of Turkey. Its primary aims are: @ To collect, collate, and publish data on all aspects of the birds of the Middle East. # To promote an interest in ornithology and bird conservation throughout the Middle East. @ To develop productive working relationships with other governmental and non-governmental organisations with an interest in conservation and/or natural history in the region. MEMBERSHIP OSME is open to all, and its membership spans over 40 countries. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP Individual £12 (£15 air mail outside Europe) Family £15 (£18 air mail) for two, plus £3 for each additional family member. Supporting £24 Cover the subscription of a national birdwatcher in the region (£27 air mail). LIFE MEMBERSHIP Individual £225 (£100 if 60 or over) Family £300 for 2 members. Please add £3 if payment is made in non-sterling currency. For details of payment by banker's order, and for any other information on the _ Society, write to the Secretary at the address below. PUBLICATIONS OSME publishes a scientific journal, Sandgrouse, containing papers, news and features on all aspects of Middle Eastern ornithology. Published twice yearly, it is issued free to members. Further copies are available for sale from OSME. MEETINGS EE An Annual General Meeting is held in London at which guest speakers provide new perspectives on ornithology in the region. There are also occasional special meetings, some taking place outside the UK. PROJECTS OSME organises field expeditions to collect data on birds in little-known parts of the region and in areas where OSME can assist by teaming up with local groups. The Conservation & Research Committee grants funds to valuable field projects and desk studies which further knowledge and conservation of birds in the region. Grants have been awarded to over 30 projects since the Conservation & Research Fund was set up in 1982. VICE PRESIDENTS: Prof. Abdulaziz H. Abuzinada Sherif Baha El Din Shaika Noora Bint, Isa Bin Sulman AI Khalifa B. Behrouzi-Rad Dr Saeed Mohamed Anis Mouasher Dr Omar Al-Saghier Dr Yossi Leshem Richard Porter COUNCIL AS AT SEPTEMBER 1997: Dr G. Allport D. Moore (co-opted) Conservation & Research Publicity C. G. Bradshaw (co-opted) A. J. Morris Conservation & Research Secretary A. Colston R. Parslow Treasurer Membership P. Davidson O. Roberts (co-opted) Information Officer Publicity A. Grieve H. Scott (co-opted) Chairman Publications Officer Dr D. Harvey F. E. Warr (co-opted) Features Editor, Sandgrouse Sales R. P. Martins (co-opted) H. J. Welch (co-opted) Turkey Bird Report Librarian TE a SRDS ET TB EE TS DE PP TD I EEE IIE ER EE cjo THE LODGE, SANDY, BEDEORDSHIKE SGI9 201 Eis OSME WEB SITE - http://vww.osme.org Contents 2 OSME News AATION IRMATION yw Carpospiza brachydactyla, liddie Eastern bird Guy M. KIRWAN kaa Valley, Lebanon CHRIS AND (eastern side) JEREK HARVEY 1de’s Accentors RODNEY P. MARTINS 5 ‘ds of the Sharra Highland Plateau, IOURY sturbance on migrant waders at Eilat, sER, K. HORSEPOOL, N. SIMHAI AND R. YOSEF 15 pairs of wings found, indicating predation; no live birds g observations of a Houbara Bustard ilata nest in Mahazat as-Sayd Reserve, abia RICHARD F. MALONEY from Cheikh Zennad, a coastal wetland banon THIERRY BARA wan Cygnus olor and Radde’s Accentor in Jordan ERIK HANSSON, ANDERS -PER ERIKSSON of White-headed Duck Oxyura ie Central Plateau, Turkey ISON, LUCY HOLT, YVONNE BUCKLEY, 2M BOYLA AND OKAN CAN not Calidris tenuirostris in Yemen R widespread widespread g record of Swift Tern Sterna bergii in STELL Chlidonias hybridus breeding in the Nile "ER L. MEININGER AND A. (JANUS) VERKERK eding and cooling behaviour of Hoopoe udipes in central Saudi Arabia 3RAK Martin Riparia cincta in Saudi Arabia \ND G. G. WEBBON »hism in Eleonora’s Falcon Falco eleonorae NK, M. WINK AND W. SCHARLAU e of Yemen’s Red Sea islands DR OMAR AL-SAGHIER ’ LITERATURE Table 1. Breeding birds of four Yemeni Red Sea islands, March 1995. Figures are the estimated number of pairs present. * Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis Black-crowned Finch Lark Eremopterix nigriceps Brown Booby Sula leucogaster Striated Heron Butorides striatus Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis Goliath Heron Ardea goliath Osprey Pandion haliaetus Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus Sooty Gull Larus hemprichii Caspian Tern Sterna caspia Saunders’s Tern Sterna saundersi Brown Noddy Anous stolidus Hoopoe Lark Alaemon alaudipes IN PETE DAVIDSON & GUY M. KIRWAN Amended Table 1. to replace table which appears in Sandgrouse 20 (1): 67 OSME OSME was founded in 1978 as the successor to the Ornithological Society of Turkey. Its primary aims are: B® To collect, collate, and publish data on all aspects of the birds of the Middle East. = To promote an interest in ornithology and bird conservation throughout the Middle East. = To develop productive working relationships with other governmental and non-governmental organisations with an interest in conservation and/or natural history in the region. MEMBERSHIP OSME is open to all, and its membership spans over 40 countries. ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP Individual £12 (£15 air mail outside Europe) Family £15 (£18 air mail) for two, plus £3 for each additional family member. Supporting £24 Cover the subscription of a national birdwatcher in the region (£27 air mail). LIFE MEMBERSHIP Individual £225 (£100 if 60 or over) Family £300 for 2 members. Please add £3 if payment is made in non-sterling currency. For details of payment by banker's order, and for any other information on the Society, write to the Secretary at the address below. = ORNITHOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF THE MIDDLE EAST PUBLICATIONS OSME publishes a scientific journal, Sandgrouse, containing papers, news and features on all aspects of Middle Eastern ornithology. Published twice yearly, it is issued free to members. Further copies are available for sale from OSME. MEETINGS aaa An Annual General Meeting is held in London at which guest speakers provide new perspectives on ornithology in the region. There are also occasional special meetings, some taking place outside the UK. PROJECTS @2 ee OSME organises field expeditions to collect data on birds in little-known parts of the region and in areas where OSME can assist by teaming up with local groups. The Conservation & Research Committee grants funds to valuable field projects and desk studies which further knowledge and conservation of birds in the region. Grants have been awarded to over 30 projects since the Conservation & Research Fund was set up in 1982. VICE PRESIDENTS: Prof. Abdulaziz H. Abuzinada Sherif Baha El Din Shaika Noora Bint, Isa Bin Sulman Al Khalifa B. Behrouzi-Rad Dr Saeed Mohamed Anis Mouasher Dr Omar Al-Saghier Dr Yossi Leshem Richard Porter COUNCIL AS AT SEPTEMBER 1997: Dr G. Allport D. Moore (co-opted) Conservation & Research Publicity C. G. Bradshaw (co-opted) A. J. Morris Conservation & Research Secretary A. Colston R. Parslow Treasurer Membership P. Davidson O. Roberts (co-opted) Information Officer Publicity A. Grieve H. Scott (co-opted) Chairman Publications Officer Dr D. Harvey F. E. Warr (co-opted) Features Editor, Sandgrouse Sales R. P. Martins (co-opted) H. J. Welch (co-opted) Turkey Bird Report Librarian COQ), OOOO aD c/o THE LODGE, SANDY, BEDEORDSHIRE SG19 21, ie OSME Wes site - http://www.osme.org Contents SANDGROUSE Volume 20 (1) Editor Guy M. Kirwan Features Editor Derek Harvey Assistant Editor lan J. Andrews Editorial Committee Michael Blair, Duncan J. Brooks, Mike Jennings, Rodney Martins & Dr Stephen Newton Photographic Editor Paul Doherty Design & Production Harry |. Scott Identification Consultants C. G. Bradshaw, Arnoud B. van den Berg & Steve Madge Cover Photograph: Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus, taken by Hanne & Jens Eriksen at Sohar, Oman. OSME is grateful for sponsorship from Julian Francis towards the cost of printing the colour photographs inside this issue. OSME News 3. NEWS AND INFORMATION N 7 JREQUESTS FOR INFORMATION PEATURES 8 Pale Rock Sparrow Carpospiza brachydactyla, a little-known Middle Eastern bird Guy M. KiRWAN 13 Birding in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon CHRIS AND ALISON WALLEY 17 PROFILE Mike Jennings DEREK HARVEY 18 PHOTOSPOT Arabian and Radde’s Accentors RODNEY P. MARTINS PAPERS AND NOTES 22 The breeding birds of the Sharra Highland Plateau, Jordan FARES KHOURY 30 The effects of disturbance on migrant waders at Eilat, Israel R. L. GLASER, K. HORSEPOOL, N. SIMHAI AND R. YOSEF 36 Video monitoring observations of a Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata nest in Mahazat as-Sayd Reserve, central Saudi Arabia RICHARD F. MALONEY 40 Selected records from Cheikh Zennad, a coastal wetland in north-west Lebanon THIERRY BARA 46 The first Mute Swan Cygnus olor and Radde’s Accentor Prunella ocularis in Jordan ERIK HANSSON, ANDERS MAGNUSSON AND PER ERIKSSON 47 Breeding survey of White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala on the Central Plateau, Turkey KATHERINE ROBINSON, LUCY HOLT, YVONNE BUCKLEY, ‘TIM PULLEN, KEREM BOYLA AND OKAN CAN 48 The first Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris in Yemen AAT SCHAFTENAAR 49 The first breeding record of Swift Tern Sterna bergii in Egypt PETER CASTELL oy Whiskered Tern Clilidonias hybridus breeding in the Nile Delta, Egypt PETER L. MEININGER AND A. (JANUS) VERKERK oe) Notes on the breeding and cooling behaviour of Hoopoe Lark Alaemon alaudipes in central Saudi Arabia MOHAMMED SHOBRAK 59) The first Banded Martin Riparia cincta in Saudi Arabia C. M. SAUNDERS AND G. G. WEBBON 56 Colour polymorphism in Eleonora’s Falcon Falco eleonorae D. Ristow, C. WINK,/M. WINK AND W. SCHARLAU 66 The birds of some of Yemen’s Red Sea islands R. F. PORTER AND DR OMAR AL-SAGHIER 68 REVIEWS & RECENT LITERATURE 76 AROUND THE REGION PETE DAVIDSON & Guy M. KIRWAN Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 f OSME/NHBS BOOK AWARD OSME and the Natural History Book Service (NHBS) are pleased to announce a new book award available to Middle Eastern national birdwatchers. It will be awarded for the purchase of a book or books up to the value of £175 where it is difficult to obtain these in the country concerned. Applicants should submit the following details: their name, address, profession, reason for application and the amount requested to: OSME, c/o RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Beds 5G19 2), UK. All applications will be verified by OSME Council and all book and postage costs are generously being covered by NHBS. OSME is grateful to NHBS for providing this award to assist OSME in promoting birdwatching and conser- vation of birds in the Middle East. OSME SITUATIONS VACANT The Advertising Officer, although not considered a glamourous task, is very important for providing income to support the aims of OSME in stimulating birdwatching and conservation in the Middle East. The Advertising Officer contacts existing and potential advertisers to attract advertising in Sandgrouse and approaches other organi- sations for sponsorship and support for OSME’s activities. Futher details of this role can be obtained from Andrew Grieve, Hillcrest, Whitgift, nr. Goole, East Yorkshire DN14 8HL, U. K. Tel. 01405 704665. E-mail . The Treasurer is required to provide accurate information on finances for the day-to-day running of the Society and ensure that Council’s ideas are not beyond the Society’s c Boca Experience of accountancy would be an advantage. Please contact the current Treasurer, Adrian Colston, for further information (tel. 01353 720274, e-mail or write c/o OSME). MIDDLE EAST BIRDING AND CONSERVATION ORGANISATIONS: AN UPDATE In. Sandgrouse 18 (2): 10-13, a directory of birding and conservation organisations in the Middle East was published. The following changes in information update that directory and are current at the time of going to press. BAHRAIN Bahrain Natural History Society P.O. Box 1858, Manama, Bahrain. CYPRUS Birdline Cyprus The telephone number is now 357-6-233707. The information Centre is manned during both migration periods from 10-12.30hrs daily. Anyone visiting Cyprus requiring information is welcome to contact Jeff Gordon on Paphos (06)-232487. KUWAIT The Environmental Protection Council This has mow been tperaded sas a government body, and is mos the Environment Public Authority. (Director General: Dr. Mohammed AI-Sarawi) P.O. Box 24395, Safat 13104, Kuwait. Phone: +965-2452790. Fax: +965-2421993 Kuwait Journal of Science and Engineering An internationally refereed journal, formerly The journal of the University of Kuwait (Science), welcomes papers on Middle Eastern ornithology. SAUDI ARABIA Please note telephone and fax numbers as follows: i. National Commision for Wildlife Conservation and Development, Riyadh Phone: +966-1-4418700 Fax: +966-1-4410797 2 OSME News ii. National Wildlife Research Centre, Taif Phone: +966-2-7455188 Fax: +966-2-6455176 ili. King Khaled Wildlife Research Center, Riyadh Phone: +966-1-4044412 Fax: +966-1-4011527 NEWS The aim of this section is to inform readers about events in the OSME region. It relies on members and others supplying relevant news and information. If you have anything concerning birds, conservation or development issues in the OSME: area please send it to News and information, OSME, c/o Ihe Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL, U. K. This section is not intended as a definitive report or write-up of the projects concerned. Many of the projects are sponsored; such support is appreciated but is not generally given acknowledgement here. GENERAL Mideastenviro is an Internet bulletin board devoted to environmental issues in the Middle East. The list has c. 150 subscribers throughout the world and is run from the U.-S_A. Subscription instructions are as follows: send an e-mail to ; leave the subject line blank; in the body of the message, type ‘subscribe mideastenviro your name’ (this should be your real name or organisation name, not your e-mail address); you will receive an acknowledgement, which will include instructions on how to send messages to all list subscribers and how to leave the list if you wish to in the future. Phoenix Issue 14 is now available. Mike Jennings is still keen to be receive new information even though he is in the process of writing up the final atlas. He is still INFORMATION compiled by Simon Albrecht iv. Wildlife Sanctuary for the Gulf Region, Jubail Phone: +966-3-3411700 Fax: +966-3-3412415 The NCWCD publishes the magazine Arabian Wildlife through Peter Vine and Trident Press, London. Enquiries and submission of articles should be made to Dr Iyad Nader, c/o NCWCD, or to the publishers in London. ——~_ ee y > a ay . oy oS Se : ie me eS es ° i eC NG lee interested in common species from well- watched places, as well as the rare and unusual. Data on clutch size, nest site and number of broods is still very patchy even for common species. It is hoped to continue the database after the atlas is published, in order to provide up-to-date information for future researchers. Send your information to: Michael Jennings, ABBA Co-ordinator, 1 Warners Farm, Warners’ Drove, Somersham, Cambridgeshire PE17 3HW, U., K. Tel./Fax: 01487. = 841733. E-mail: arabian.birds@dial.pipex.com. BAHRAIN EI Nifio causes havoc for breeding Socotra Cormorants? Abnormally heavy November rains have had a catastrophic effect on the breeding of Socotra Cormorants Phalacrocorax nigrogularis on Sawad Al Janabiyah in the Hawar Islands, Bahrain. While the November average is 2 mm, over 60 mm of rain had fallen by late November 1997. Following heavy rain, 1000s of young chicks were found dead and tens of 1000s of nests abandoned. Nests with older birds seem to be unaffected. It has been suggested that there could be a connection between El Nino and the November thunderstorms. SAUDI ARABIA New protected areas for Houbara Bustards The National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD) has created three new Houbara Bustard Simon Albrecht Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 Figure 1. Protected areas for Houbara Bustard in Saudi Arabia | Harr 7 aaa) At-Taysiyah Al-Jandaliyah 2a, vet Al Uraiq Saja/Al Humar/ a Umm Al Rimth Jeddah\O = yahazat as-Sayd Urug Bani .. Ma'arid N Okm 200km Chlamydotis undulata refuges in Saudi Arabia and extended one of the four reserves established by 1994 (see map). The aim is to protect migrant and resident Houbara Bustards from hunting and to provide safe sites for the release of captive-bred birds. National regulations for the hunting of bustards are difficult to enforce, which has in turn led to the establishment of reserves. Each new reserve has a core area of c. 10% where there will be no grazing or other disturbance. (Source: Houbara News 2) TURKEY Threats to Gediz Delta IBA We congratulate the President of Turkey and the Ministry of the Environment of Turkey for declaring, in April and May 1997, that the delta will become an international Ramsar site. However, we are extremely concerned to learn that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Izmir is planning to construct a large harbour and dockyard complex in the southern part of the delta. The construction site involves more than 50% of the critical habitat for breeding birds. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Izmir has asked the Minister for the Environment of Turkey to stop the process of declaring the Gediz Delta Saudi Arabia O Riyadh Som existing, no hunting newly created, no hunting [iim regulated hunting = as a Ramsar site. They claim that the area has already lost its wildlife importance due to pollution in the Bay of Izmir and that their project will greatly improve Turkey’s commercial capacity. There is also another dockyard project proposed by a private company in the northern part of the proposed Ramsar: site. The Minister «for the Environment of Turkey has asked for additional information from the Wetland Department of the Ministry so that he can make a final decision. The Gediz Delta qualifies as a Ramsar site on the grounds of its rare breeding species and the large numbers of waterfowl that winter there. Breeding birds include Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus, Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus, Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola, Spur- winged Plover MHoplopterus spinosus, Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus and Little Tern Sterna albifrons. The delta also holds the largest of the two breeding populations of Caspian Tern S. caspia (103 pairs) and the third largest breeding population of Common Tern S. hirundo (2150 pairs) in the Mediterranean as well as the only known breeding site of Sandwich Tern 4 Simon Albrecht News and Information S. sandvicensis in Turkey. In winter, the delta is the only regular wintering site of Black Stork Ciconia nigra and Knot Calidris canutus im turkey. The Gediz Delta is also very mmportant as a feeding area for the Mediterranean Monk Seal Monachus monachus. It has recently been established in European Law that it is illegal to draw the boundaries of a Special Protection Area so as to deliberately exclude areas proposed for development. The boundaries were drawn deliberately to exclude land already proposed for drainage. While Turkey is not a member of the European Union, it is a party to the Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, so we hope that it will follow precedent and not exclude areas on the grounds that there is a proposal to use them for commercial development. Further development would destroy another part of Turkey’s unique nature and wildlife heritage which is of international importance. Those wishing to support the protection of Gediz Delta can fax the President of Turkey and the Minister for the Environment of Turkey. They should congratulate them on their attempt to declare the area a Ramsar site, remind them of the site’s importance for wildlife in Europe and underline that the proposed construction of harbour and dockyard complexes will completely destroy the nature of the Gediz Delta. Fax numbers: President of Turkey, sulevanan Demirel: ~+ 90 312 427 13 30. Minister for the Environment of Turkey, Imiren Aykut: + 90 312 286 26 51. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Houbara Bustard to China and back The National Avian Research Center (NARC) has been attaching satellite transmitters (weighing 35 g) to Houbara Bustards Chlamydotis undulata to study their migration. Five wild Houbara were tagged in 1997. One of these, released in February, left UAE on 26 March and travelled 6600 km in 54 days stopping four times. It crossed Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan before settling for the summer in Xinjiang province, China. It experienced temperatures of up to 43.3°C in August and -8.5°C at night in September. In mid-September it started its return migration and arrived in Abu Dhabi 58 days later having followed a shorter route (5700 km). Its average speed was 30km/h with up to 1268 km covered. between stopovers and 700 km flown in 24 hours. As a result of these findings there have been recent exchange visits with the Institute of Desert Biology and Pedology of the Chinese Academy of Science. An agreement has been reached on a three-year collaborative project by the Institute and the Environmental Research and Wildlife Development Agency (ERWDA) of which NARC is part. (Source: ERWDA, PO Box 45553, Abu Dhabi, UAE) Houbara News is the Newsletter of the IUCN/SSC Houbara Specialist Group. Two issues have appeared and the third issue should appear in spring 1998. For further information contact: Dr Frederic Launay, Co- ordinator of Houbara Specialist Group, c/o National Avian Research Center, PO Box 10000, Sweihan, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Tel: 00 971 3747595. Fax: 00:971 3.747607. E-mail: narc@emirates.net.ae.. Website: www: http:\ \www.narc.gov.ae Arabian Wildlife A special Emirates edition was published: im December 1997, to commemorate UAE’s National Day. Commissioned by the UAE government, it includes reports on the conservation of Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata, endangered Arabian mammals, Qarnein Island, Khor Kalba and eco-tourism in UAE. It is available, for £3, from Trident Press, 2-5 Old Bond Street, London W1X 3TB, U. K. (Source: Colin Richardson in litt. 1998) Khor Kalba update Several sources have previously announced. ‘that an area encompassing the oldest stand of Black Mangrove Avicennia marina in UAE (and possibly Arabia) is to be officially protected. Khor Kalba, administered by the Government of Sharjah was first tabled for protection by the Ruler of Sharjah, H. H. Dr Sheikh Sultan al Qassemi following several representations made to him in 1992 and 1995. The site is important for its population of White- collared Kingfisher Halcyon chloris, the only breeding site of Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata rama in Arabia and its wealth of marine life and rare plants. Meetings were held in Wecember.1997> between: the nominated managers of the sanctuary, the Arabian Leopard Trust (ALT), and the local municipality regarding fencing off the area to prevent further damage by fishermen and AWD vehicles. There are worries that without Simon Albrecht Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 on-site management a fence is likely to inhibit all visitors. Unfortunately the Ruler of Sharjah sees this reserve as an opportunity to develop the area for tourism and there are medium-term plans to create a 500 metre diameter boating lake adjacent to the mangroves and a series of boardwalks through the mangroves to enable tourists and school parties to view the birds. A management plan has not yet been agreed and could take at least two more years to implement, so there may yet be time to emphasise the concept of protection rather than development. Anyone wishing to comment on these proposals should write to The Ruler of Sharjah, H. H. Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed al Qassimi, P. O. Box 1, Sharjah, UAE. (Source: Colin Richardson in litt. 1998) Hides at Khor Dubai Further steps are being taken to allow the general public access to one of the country’s most important natural wetlands, Khor Dubai. Located almost within the heart of Dubai city, the 500 ha of mudflats has been difficult to approach due to the enthusiasm of police from the local Palace Guard who protect the flamingos from shooters. In November 1997, the Crown Prince of Dubai, after witnessing an increasing number of visiting birdwatchers trying to view the 12,000+ waterfowl which winter at the site, ordered the Department of Tourism to invite proposals for a birdwatching information centre and a number of hides. The Emirates Bird Records Committee are acting as consultants and it is hoped that work on the hides will commence this year. (Source: Colin Richardson in litt. 1998) Dubai government produces birdwatching brochure A glossy brochure entitled Dubai—the Birdwatchers Paradise was published by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in summer 1997. It was commissioned in response to the growing interest from birdwatchers worldwide in visiting the UAE. fen birdwatching companies from Europe currently organise — tours to the UAE and 100s more birders visit independently. The text was written by Colin Richardson and Hanne and Jens Eriksen provided photos for the brochure, which can be obtained free from Government of Dubai, Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, 125 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5EA, U. K. (Source: Colin Richardson in litt. 1998) 6 Emirates twitchers guide on the Internet It is now possible to keep up-to-date with rarity sightings in the UAE on the Internet. The Abu Dhabi-based daily Emirates News, which has been publishing a weekly feature entitled Twitchers’ Guide since 1995, now has its own website. The guide, which summarises weekly sightings received by the Emirates Bird Records Committee (EBRC) is proving very popular with local and visiting birders who are now able to share their discoveries or take advantage of the information provided. However, the acceptance of all rarities are still subject to assessment by the EBRC and all visitors should not forget to submit their claims in writing. Twitchers Guide can be found on the Internet at uaeinteract.com.ae. For further information contact Colin Richardson, P. O. Box 50394, Dubai. Oil spill off Umm al Quwain Four thousand tons of smuggled Iraqi fuel oil on its way to a UAE port leaked from a sunken barge following a collision with its tug c.20 km off Umm al Quwain on 7 January 1998. Most of the oil washed onto the white sand beaches or entered the mangrove-lined lagoons during a strong onshore wind, causing significant environmental damage. The authorities were very slow to react, although a number of desalination plants and fisheries research stations were immediately closed down. The complex of lagoons and islands at Umm al Quwain and its inshore islands are registered as an Important Bird Area (IBA) being home to several rare and locally endangered species, including the country’s largest wintering flock of Crab Plover Dromas ardeola (300+ birds) and one of the only known wintering flocks in Arabia of Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris. One island holds 15,000 pairs of Socotra Cormorant, a species already persecuted by local fishermen. The dense mangroves on the smaller islands host breeding Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis, striated Heron Butorides striatis and Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus while over 10,000 shorebirds of 25 different species feed and roost on the mudflats from July—March. The area has not been fully surveyed for its wildlife, although it has been recommended for full protection as a wildlife sanctuary; recommendations thus far ignored by the Umm al Quwain government. (Source: Colin Richardson in Iitt. 1998) Simon Albrecht REQUESTS for Jordan Bird Report 1995-1997 A Jordan Bird Report for 1995-1997 is being compiled. If you have unpublished bird observations relating to this period, or significant records from prior to this, which have not been previously submitted to lan Andrews or OSME, please forward these, as soon as possible, to: Ian Andrews, 39 Clayknowes Drive, Musselburgh, Lothian EH21 6UW, e-mail: IJA@wpo.nerc.ac.uk. All observations will be credited in the report. Reprints of published work discussing Jordan bird distribution and status are also welcomed and will be acknowledged. Sightings of birds in Jordan from Israel are also requested, including details of Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus (November 1993—-February 1994), Yellow- billed Stork Mycteria ibis (17-18 April 1996), Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo (20-21 March 1995), Black-headed Plover Hoplopterus tectus (11 April 1995) and Grey Hypocolius Hypocolius ampelinus (November 1989-February 1990). Photographs are also welcomed. Imperial Eagle in Turkey there are probably only 10-50 pairs. of Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca in Turkey. Dr Can Bilgin is currently researching the population size and habitat requirements of this globally threatened species in north-central Turkey. Reeords, not already published in Ornithological Society of Turkey Bird Reports (1966-75), Sandgrouse and other obvious sources, are requested. Information on date, locality, age and possible nest sites are all useful, and should be sent to: Dr Can Bilgin, Department of Biology, Middle East Technical University, 06531 Ankara, Turkey. E-mail: cbilgin@rorqual.cc.metu.edu.tr. Fifth Pan-Mediterranean Seabird Symposium, Malta, 29 September-3 October 1998 This conference organised by MEDMARAVIS in conjunction with BirdLife Malta will discuss ‘Monitoring and conservation of birds, mammals and sea-turtles of the Requests for Information 4 Mediterranean and Black Seas’. Emphasis will be given to ecogeography as a conservation tool. _ Seabirds and species listed under the Barcelona _ Convention will receive most attention. Four half- INFORMATION| _ day symposia are planned: distribution of little- known species; breeding distributions of seabirds and sea-turtles; at sea distribution of birds and mammals; and biological monitoring. Poster presentations are welcome and there will be a post- conference excursion. Joe Sultana and Pierre Yésou are co-directors of the event. Proposals for papers are welcome and should be sent to: Pierre Yésou on fax. +33 2 40481401. E-mail: p.yesou@onc.gouv.fr. To register contact: BirdLife Malta, P. O. Box 498, Valletta CMR 01, Malta. Colour-ringed Mediterranean Gulls As part of a Europe-wide programme, young Mediterranean Gulls Larus melanocephalus in Ukraine, Greece and Turkey are being fitted with black colour rings. The programme commenced in Ukraine in 1994 and in Greece and Turkey in 1997. Birds from the two latter countries are being fitted with rings engraved vertically with three characters: digit-letter-digit (e.g. 2A5). Readings should sent to: Renaud Flamant, 23 rue de l’Orme, B- 1040 Brussels, Belgium. Tel./fax. +32 2 7347355. Middle East guide auction The Yemen Ornithological Society (YOS) are auctioning a unique copy of a Field guide to the birds of the Middle East by Porter et al. (1996), signed by the three authors with original bird portraits by the four artists on the facing page. Proceeds from the auction will be used to further conservation in Yemen. Bids exceeding US$500 are invited before 31 May 1998 and should be submitted to: David Stanton, P. O. Box 2002, Sana’a, Republic of Yemen. Tel. +967 1 248309. Fax. +967 1 234438. E-mail: david.s@netqsi.com. Bald Ibis We are currently undertaking a desk study of the Bald Ibis Geronticus eremita in an attempt to determine whether birds recorded in Ethiopia, Eritrea and southern Arabian peninsula originate from the Turkish colony at Birecik or undiscovered colonies further south. The assumption is that they are from Turkey but this has never been proven and recent records only confuse the situation. We would appreciate details of any unpublished observations, recent and historical, of this species away from known breeding sites in Turkey and Morocco. All contributions will be acknowledged. Contact: Geoff & Hilary Welch, Minsmere Reserve, Westleton, Saxmundham, Suffolk IP17 3BY, U. K. Tel: + 44 1728 648298. Fax: +44 1728 648529. E-mail: welch@easynet.co.uk. ol Sandgrouse 20 (1): 8-12 1998 Pale Rock Sparrow Carpospiza brachydactyla, a little-known Middle Eastern bird GUY M. KIRWAN ale Rock Sparrow Carpospiza brachydactyla or Pale Rockfinch (Sibley & Monroe 1990, Beaman 1994) is a short-distance migrant whose main breeding range, Iran to westernmost Afghanistan, lies just outside the western Palearctic (as defined by BWP). Most West European birders, familiar with the species, will have gained _ their experience in east and south-east Turkey during the breeding season, or Israel — on migration. It is enigmatic in its taxonomic affinities, being retained within Petronia by some recent authors, e.g. Clement et al. (1993), Porter et al. (1996) but, at the other extreme, only tentatively retained as a passerid by Sibley (1996). Thus, it would appear to be _an ideal candidate for some instructive and enlightening DNA research, in order to correctly establish its taxonomic affinities and ancestry. Currently, several aspects of its morphology suggest it to be an early offshoot from either the Passeridae, Emberizidae or Fringillidae. Nonetheless, at present, the resurrection by BWP of the - monotypic genus Carpospiza for this wholly individual bird, appears entirely - _ justifiable. In many morphological respects it is quite unlike a Petronia. and in some > characteristics it is closer to a Fringilla (Cramp & Perrins 1994, Snow & Perrins 1998). _In the author’s opinion, the newly coined Pale Rockfinch, appears to be the best-fit English name currently available, emphasising its unique atrributes and some _Cardueline affinities, although, as noted by Beaman (1994), it is not always closely | associated with rocky habitats, so this part of its name could also be revised. | DISTRIBUTION Breeding Pale Rock Sparrow breeds, semi-colonially, from south-east Turkey (westernmost observations near Demirkazik and in the Cukurova deltas, but latter certainly migrants, Kirwan & Martins 1994), south through Syria (where breeding remains unconfirmed but appears likely), Lebanon and Mount Hermon, northern Israel, where a small population breeds (Shirihai 1996), and east through north Iraq, Armenia (at 700-2300 m, the altitudinal limits during the breeding season) and Iran east to Afghani Baluchistan (Vielliard 1969, Evans 1994). Although recorded in Iran from late March and Turkey in the first half of April, it typically arrives in Armenia and Azerbaijan in the latter half of May and there are very few observations in Turkey before this time. Even at Mount Hermon, the southernmost regular breeding locality, the species typically arrives in the second half of May and departs in mid-July to mid-August. 8 | In addition, there have been a number of confirmed breeding records from Arabia in recent years, where birds, apparently on spring passage, have been recorded singing and showing other evidence of NESS even as late as the end of June. Snow & Perrins (1998) report that it breeds in the Harrat Al Harrah reserve, northern Saudi Arabia in small numbers. Additionally, Walker (1981) discovered a later abandoned nest in Omani Dhofar in late February 1979, Jennings (1986, 1995) three nests with eggs and young between Al Ula and Khayba, north-west Saudi Arabia in mid-March 1986 and Elwonger (in Warr unpubl. ms.) observed copulation at Hadrah in spring 1987. Most recently, Nikolaus & Ash (1997) discovered a nest with four young on 27 April 1996 along the al-Hair river, Riyadh. In the United Arab Emirates, fledglings were being fed in August 1988 and 1993 (Aspinall 1996), and in Kuwait a juvenile was being fed by an adult in 1996 (lhe Phoenix 13: 3). There are two confirmed breeding records from Jordan: an adult feeding two juveniles Guy M. Kirwan \ ee Pale Rock Sparrow Carpospiza brachydactyla, a little-known Middle Eastern bird Plate 1. Pale Rock Sparrow Carpospiza brachydactyla, near Goochan, Islamic Republic of Iran, 14 May 1977. (A. F. Porter) at Wadi Dana on 18 May 1994 (Andrews 1995) and 11, including a pair displaying and another carrying nesting material, between Burqu’ and Bga’aweah in mid-April 1995 (OSME Bull. 35: 71). The species may also have bred at Azraq in the 1960s (BWP Concise). In Egypt, Meinertzhagen collected one of a pair at El Arish on 2 June 1917 which showed evidence of breeding (Goodman & Meinineger 1989). However, like all of Meinertzhagen’s observations such evidence must, unfortunately, be treated with extreme caution (Ibis 139: 431). There is also a single anomalous July record in inland Eritrea (Cramp & Perrins 1994). Wintering Pale Rock Sparrow vacates the breeding areas between July-September, arriving in its Arabian winter quarters from October and north-east Africa from September, although rarely recorded in significant numbers there before December. It is unclear when Turkish birds leave the breeding areas: there is an extreme paucity of records beyond mid- July—when Israeli breeding birds commence departure—but few observers are active in Plate 2. Pale Rock Sparrow Carpospiza brachydactyla, near Goochan, Islamic Republic of lran, 14 May 1977. (A. F. Porter) south-east Turkey between August—March inclusive. Iranian breeders can remain as late as the third week of September. The species winters in southern Iraq and western Saudi Arabia in varying numbers (from several thousand to just a few individuals), infrequently west to Israel and southern Sinai (Clement et al. 1993) and occasionally in central Arabia and Oman. There are single reports from Bahrain in November and January, and in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia at this season. With the exception of the Meinertzhagen observation (above), there are few observations in Egypt, with Goodman & Meininger (1989) listing just two reports from October and one in April, and Clement et al. (1993) noting just six reports from this country. Nonetheless, it would be surprising if the species did not winter in parts of southern Egypt. In Ethiopia, the species is regarded as a Palearctic migrant in arid lowlands (Urban & Brown 1971). Dowsett & Dowsett-Lemaire (1993) also list it as a migrant in Djibouti, Guy M. Kirwan 9 : Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 Eritrea (the coastal plain below 300 m is an important wintering area) and Sudan (where the coastal region and Blue and White Nile basins are important wintering areas) south to c.12°N (Clement et al. 1993). There is little information available on its wintering ecology, although it appears to favour cultivated areas in Eritrea, and there are apparently no records west of 30°50’E. Perhaps, like Cinereous Bunting Emberiza cineracea (whose wintering range is also imperfectly known), this species also winters in the Yemeni highlands, although there are only three confirmed records: in October, December and January (Morris 1992, Martins et al. 1996, Kirwan 1997), and two unconfirmed records from the country. Migration and extralimital occurrence Spring passage commences in mid-February and is prolonged, but with a noticeable peak in many areas (e.g. the Gulf coast of Arabia, Iraq, Israel and Syria) from mid-March to mid-April. In Arabia it is an uncommon to relatively common passage migrant, which is occasionally recorded in large numbers e.g.1,200 at Qarn Nazwa, UAE on 12 March 1996 (Sandgrouse 18 (2): 79) and over 400 near Sohar, Oman on 30 31 March 1995 (Sandgrouse 18 (1): 80), a situation mirrored in Israel, where the species can be common on passage in some years and almost absent in others. Return passage commences in late August, continuing until October when it reaches its wintering areas in south-west Fig. 1. Map of the Isikli area, south-east Turkey. Reproduced from A Birdwatchers’ Guide to Turkey with kind permission of Prion Ltd., Perry. To Gaziantep Petrol station and restaurant (_) Yesilce - Signposted Isikli 4 —> TV. Kulbsi 12 Road in narrow valley 4 To Adana Osmaniye 10 = @ Good areas for Pale Rock Sparrow () Orchards ee Guy M. Kirwan Pale Rock Sparrow Carpospiza brachydactyla, a little-known Middle Eastern bird Plate 3. Pale Rock Sparrow Carpospiza brachydactyla, Dauka, Sultanate of Oman, September. (Hanne & Jens Eriksen) Saudi Arabia. It is typically scarce in the Gulf states at this season, but can be numerous in central Saudi Arabia e.g. 100s were in the Riyadh area in August 1993. Extralimital occurrences are few: there are three accepted and one recent report (Birding World 10: 135) of this species in Cyprus, all between 6 March-26 April and since 1984. Clement et al. (1993) note a record from Dagestan (the only report north of the Caucasus). PLUMAGE AND IDENTIFICATION No geographical variation is recognised: Roselaar (in BWP and 1995) notes that C. p. psammochroa, described by Reichenow from east Iranian Baluchistan and purportedly larger and paler, is merely an unusually bleached juvenile, which does not differ significantly from other such specimens from elsewhere within the species’ range, and that Guy M. Kirwan no geographical variation in size and colour can be detected. The identification of this rather attractive, if understated, species has been well-covered in a number of recent publications, particularly Clement et al. (1993) and Cramp & Perrins (1994), and is usually relatively straight- forward. 2 FINDING PALE ROCK SPARROW Although Pale Rock Sparrow breeds in small numbers on Mount Hermon, northern Israel, most birders’ experience with this species is in south-east Turkey. However, even here, it is not necessarily easy to find the species, and many would-be observers come away empty- handed. As noted by Martins (1989), the species appears to be semi-nomadic or subject to irruptive movements in this region, and its appearances are difficult to predict. ii Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 Nonetheless, a handful of sites appear to be occupied in most years, of which perhaps the most reliable is in the vicinity of the small village of Isikli, just west of Gaziantep. Here, the birds are most easily located on the rocky cineracea, Eastern Rock Sitta tephronota and Rock Nuthatches S. neumayer, Red-tailed Wheatear Oenanthe xanthoprymna, Desert Finch Rhodospia obseleta and, on at least three occasions, Irumpeter Finch Bucanetes plateau summit, north-east of the village (see —_ githagineus. map). The !unar-like landscape also supports a number of other interesting species including: Cinereous Bunting Emberiza ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I am grateful to Effie Warr for access to her comprehensive ms. detailing published and unpublished records from Arabia, to Steve Madge and Rod Martins for assistance with some literature, and Jens Eriksen, Richard Porter and Dave Robinson for the excellent photographs which accompany this contribution. REFERENCES ANDREWS, I. J. (1995) The birds of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Andrews, Musselburgh. ASPINALL, S. (1996) Status and conservation of the breeding birds of the United Arab Emirates. Hobby Publications, Dubai and Warrington. BEAMAN, M. (1994) Palearctic birds. Harrier Publications, Stonyhurst. CLEMENT, P., HARRIS, A. AND Davis, J. (1993) Finches and sparrows. A. & C. Black, London. CRAMP, S. AND PERRINS, C. M. (1994) The birds of the Western Palearctic. Vol. 8. Oxford University Press. DowseTT, R. J. AND DowseTT-LEMAIRE, F. (1993) A contribution to the distribution and taxonomy of Afrotropical and Malagasy birds. Tauraco Research Report no. 5, Liege Evans, M. I. (1994) Important Bird Areas in the Middle East. BirdLife International (Conservation Series no. 2), Cambridge. GOODMAN, S. M. AND MEININGER, P. L. (eds.) (1989) The birds of Egypt. Oxford University Press. JENNINGS, M. C. (1986) New breeding species: pale rock sparrow Petronia brachydactyla. The Phoenix 3: 1-2. JENNINGS, M. C. (1995) An interim atlas of the breeding birds of Arabia. NCWCD, Riyadh. KIRWAN, G. M. (1997) Around the region. Sandgrouse 19: 156-160. KIRWAN, G. M. AND MARTINS, R. P. (1994) Turkey Bird Report 1987-91. Sandgrouse 16 (2): 76-117. Martins, R. P. (1989) Turkey Bird Report 1982-86. Sandgrouse 11: 1-41. Martins, R. P., BRADSHAW, C. G., BROWN, A., KIRWAN, G. M. AND PorTER, R. F. (1996) The status of passerines in southern Yemen and the records of the OSME survey in spring 1993. Sandgrouse 17: 54-72. Morais, R. P. (1992) A record of Pale Rock Sparrow Carpospiza brachydactyla in Yemen. Sandgrouse 14 (1): BI 53. NIKOLAUS, G. & ASH, J. S. (1997) Riyadh River, Saudi Arabia; notes on breeding birds. The Phoenix 14: 18-19. PORTER, R. F., CHRISTENSEN, S. AND SCHIERMACKER-HANSEN, P. (1996) Field guide to the birds of the Middle East. T. & A. D. Poyser, London. ROSELAAR, C. S. (1995) Songbirds of Turkey. Pica Press, Robertsbridge. SHIRIHAL, H. (1996) The birds of Israel. Academic Press, London. SIBLEY, C. G. (1996) Birds of the World. Version 2.0. Computer diskette, Thayer Software. SIBLEY, C. G. AND MONROE, B. L. JNR. (1990) Distribution and taxonomy of the birds of the world. Yale University Press, New Haven. SNow, D. W. AND Perris, C. M. (1998) The birds of the Western Palearctic. Concise edition. Vol. 2. Oxford University Press. URBAN, E. K. AND BROWN, L. H. (1971) Checklist of the birds of E oe University of Addis Ababa Press. VIELLIARD, J. (1969) Données biogéographiques sur l’Avifaune d’Asie Occidentale 1. Afghanistan (premiere parte). Alauda 37: 273-300. WALKER, F. J. (1981) Notes on the birds of Dhofar, Oman. Sandgrouse 2: 56-85. Guy M. Kirwan, 55 West End Street, Norwich, Norfolk NR2 4DP, U. K. 2 : Guy M. Kirwan Birding in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon OVERVIEW The Bekaa is an upland valley (c. 900-1000 metres) between the Mount Lebanon range and the Anti-Lebanon (see map). Its main towns are Zahle and Baalbek in the north, site of one of the most magnificent Roman temples in the Middle East. The northern Bekaa is very dry, almost semi-desert, whereas the southern part (south of the Beirut-Damascus road) is wetter and more undulating. Cereal, fruit and vegetable farming is extensive; grapes are an important crop and all Lebanon’s wine producers are based in the Bekaa. Ammiq is the last remaining significant wetland in Lebanon, a Birding in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon For a generation, Lebanon has been effectively off-limits to birdwatchers due to recurrent political upheaval. Now, tourists are welcome and the opportunity exists to discover the country’s ornithology. Much has changed: wetlands have been drained for agriculture; war has defaced some areas and a continuing military presence still makes others hazardous, but much remains to visit, particularly the Aammigq wetlands in the Bekaa Valley, the attractions of which are outlined here. Plate 1. Ammig wetland, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, March 1997. (Chris & Alison Walley) CHRIS AND ALISON WALLEY remnant of much more extensive marshes and lakes that once existed. It is a designated Important Bird Area (IBA) and lies seven km south-south-west of Qabb Elias, south of the Damascus road. The most significant area of reed and open pools covers 280 ha, from the road to the Litani river. At present (late 1997) the marsh dries out by mid-July, with the exception of a few deep pools and ditches, and does not become wet again until late November or December. Most rain falls between mid-December and late March, remaining as snow on the higher mountains. It can, and does snow in the Bekaa itself. Chris and Alison Walley 13 Sandgrouse 20 (1): 13-16 1998 Lying on one of the most important bird migration routes in the Middle East, 14 continues to be an important area despite being much reduced by drainage for agriculture. Rough grazing and cultivated land with drainage ditches support different vegetation and provide varied habitats. Key species of the marsh and grazing areas include some regionally threatened and declining species: Bittern Botaurus stellaris, Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus, Lesser Spotted Eagle Aguila pomarina and Great Snipe Gallinago media, the latter a regular passage migrant. The total bird species list is probably greater than 200 but the area is very underwatched. BIRDING THE AREA By the road from Qabb Elias (A on map), there is a small pumping station and a line of willows, from where there is a good view across the most open stretch of water. A variety of commoner dabbling ducks can be seen in january March, [Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis and Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus breed, and Bittern Botaurus stellaris along with several other species of heron and egret are common in spring. Autumn raptor passage, which follows this side of the valley, includes Red- footed Falcon Falco vespertinus, Black Kite Milvus migrans and Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus. Plate 2. Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus, male, Lesbos, Greece. (David Kjaer) To reach more central viewing points, take the main road south until the next left turn, beyond a large orchard. Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus (bonelli) orientalis and Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros have been seen here. The road approaches a red-roofed stables. A small poplar wood near the paddock by the stables is worth a look. Look for Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis in this area in spring. Turn left by the stables: the fields and ditches along this road can be full of migrants in spring including Bluethroat Luscinia svecica, which is regular in March. At the third junction (B on map), turn left along the rough track towards a small white building and line of trees. The farmland here can hold Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola, Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris and Red- throated Pipits A- cervinus, Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina, Calandra Lark Melanoeorypha calandra and Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator in spring and summer. Graceful Prinia Prinia gracilis is resident in the drainage ditches and Fan-tailed Cisticola Cisticola juncidis occurs in spring. Crossing a ditch by the reeds leads to a mound, on the other side of which is a deep pond (C on map). Follow its right-hand side to an old (shooting) hide, which provides a good vantage point for viewing the marsh. Birds seen or heard here include Little Crake Greece. (David Kjaer) 14 Chris and Alison Walley Birding in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon Porzana porzana, Great Gallinago media and Jack Snipes Lymnocryptes minimus and a variety of other waders. Moustached Acrocephalus melanopogon and Great Reed Warblers A. arundinaceus probably breed. ~Huge flocks of swifts and hirundines pass over in spring and autumn, including Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris, Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica, Alpine Apus melba and Pallid Swifts A. pallidus. It is also an excellent place for raptors and storks in spring. Over 19,000 White Stork Ciconia ciconia were recorded in two weeks in March-April 1997, as well as 500 Black Stork C. nigra. Raptors include Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorous, Egyptian Neophron percnopterus and Griffon Vultures Gyps fulvus, Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus, Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus, Lesser Spotted Aquila pomarina, Steppe A. nipalensis, Imperial A. heliaca, Golden A. chrysaetos and Booted Eagles Hieraaetus pennatus. In spring, raptors tend to travel along the edge of the Barouk range just below the snowline. The line of trees between the reeds and the track from the stables is good for flycatchers, shrikes and redstarts. A Semi-collared Flycatcher Fidecula semitorquata here in spring _ 1997 was the first Lebanese record. Returning to the road leading from the stables, turn left for a year-round pond (D on map). Little Grebe is resident here and Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus, amongst other waders, may be seen. To reach the woods behind Aammigq village, take the second turning right to the village from the main road south. Pass the houses and continue to the old village, destroyed by an earthquake in 1958. Park by the rocky track on the right after the first house. Follow this to three red-roofed houses and a wooded area. The old pine woods beyond the houses harbour Syrian Woodpecker Dendrocopus syriacus among other species. This is technically a private area but no problems for birdwatchers have been reported. Behind the old village is a gorge, best viewed by taking the track up from the red-roofed houses and walking across the open hillside. Rock Nuthatch Sitta neumayer is resident and Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius and Eagle Owl Bubo bubo have also been seen. LOGISTICS In order to reach the Bekaa, do not hire a car. Lebanese driving is a law unto itself and, although signposts are increasing, it is still hard to find your way without knowing where you are going. Either take a service Map of the Bekaa Valley showing the main localities mentioned in the text. / 1 & New Ammiq Ny Village ty stables Poatleanag Old Ammiq Is ae ) U] ) To Qabb Elias & Chtaura Chris and Alison Walley Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 (shared) taxi (c. £2) from Beirut to Chtura, or an ordinary taxi (c. £10), then another taxi (£2) to the marsh. Hiring a car with a driver (c. $100 a day) will of course allow greater flexibility. Finding a hotel in the Bekaa is problematic. The nearest are in Chtura, but are expensive. Better is Zahle, although further away. There are no hotels in Qabb Elias, the nearest town to Aammig. US dollars are widely accepted and it is possible to change money in most places. Traveller’s cheques are not generally accepted because of the forgery risk and attract a premium for cashing them. Visa is now accepted in many places. TIMING Spring and autumn are the seasons in which to visit. Spring migration commences in early March and is largely complete by mid-May. Returning birds appear from mid-August, with very late movements occasionally evident in December. Species’ routes appear to differ in spring and autumn: storks are only abundant in spring and pelicans only pass in autumn. PROBLEMS Hunting is officially banned in Lebanon but enforcement is another matter. Hunters can use ex-military weapons and are best avoided. Some places should not be approached e.g. army encampments. The Bekaa has many such, mostly Syrian. Watching at Ammiq is fine but it helps to carry a field guide to prove your interest. Do not bird the highest point of the road over the mountains from Beirut as there are a number of military positions here. Other unsafe areas include that south of Lake Qaroun, which is an Israeli-controlled zone. Landmines are rumoured but none have been proven in the Ammigq area. Unexploded ordnance is present but rare; suspicious metallic objects should be avoided. CLIMATE AND CLOTHING During winter and spring (until May) cold winds sweep off the snow-covered mountains into the valley. Torrential rain or snow may occur from late November until late April. Warm, windproof clothes are essential for the spring. Summer is hot and dry. Mosquitoes can be a problem between late spring and late autumn. 16 Plate 4. Rock Nuthatch Sitta neumayer. (Gordon Langsbury) CONSERVATION Moves to conserve Ammiq are underway through the Ministry of the Environment, United Nations Development Programme and the landowning family. Despite great environmental problems, largely caused by uncontrolled building expansion since 1991, some areas of Lebanon remain untouched. Numerous small environmental groups are struggling to preserve what remains and to increase consciousness of environmental issues. The Christian conservation group, A. Rocha, is working to establish Lebanon’s first field study centre, in connection. with Aammigq. The trust’s U. K. office can provide details of Ammig and assist visitors in contacting local conservationists. Their home page is http://www.arocha.org and includes news about Ammiq. Otherwise contact: A Rocha Trust, 3 Hooper Street, Cambridge CBi 2NZ, U.K. tel /tax: 01687 710266 F- mail: a_rocha@compuserve.com. Chris and Alison Walley, Department of Geology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon. Chris and Alison Walley PROFILE Derek Harvey Profile ike Jennings will forever be associated with his brainchild, the Atlas of Breeding Birds of Arabia (ABBA), one of the most significant ornitho- logical projects to be undertaken in the region. Mike claims to be one of the last generation of birds- nesting country boys of the 1950s. His interest in the birds of the Middle East started in 1969, when he was posted to Bahrain by the U. K. Ministry of Defence. For two years he was a member of probably the first bird group in the region, which transformed knowledge of Bahrain’s birds. While there, he met Effie and John Warr, and a lifelong friendship developed which has had a great impact on bird recording in the Middle East. He also visited Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Oman. In 1971, he returned to the U.K. via Iran and Turkey, where his experiences made such an impression that he made five further visits and held the post of Treasurer during the transition from the Ornithological Society of Turkey to OSME. He was posted to Riyadh, in 1975, for 2.5 years. Mike now started to mist-net birds at the local sewage lagoons, and slowly his interest changed from migrants to an increasing concern for breeding species and their distribution. During this period he added several ‘firsts’ to the Saudi list and demonstrated that other species were widespread and common in the area. In 1977 he again returned to the U. K. and only visited the Middle East once (Masirah), between then and 1984. However he was active in Egypt and, after joining a Suez raptor survey in 1982, he led two expeditions to the islands at the mouth of the Gulf of Suez, which produced the most thorough knowledge of breeding species and numbers there to date. In 1981, Mike produced Birds of the Arabian Gulf and The birds of Saudi Arabia: a check-list. With the idea for an Arabian Atlas firmly lodged, in 1984, from small and primitive beginnings, the project was started and has been his raison d’étre ever since. As it has expanded and more people have become involved, Mike’s personal priority has been to visit poorly recorded corners of Arabia to ensure as few coverage gaps as possible. To date he has undertaken 23 field surveys in 780 of the 1130 ABBA squares, and must qualify as the most widely travelled ornithologist in Arabia! He regards the Yemen offshore islands as the only major gap to be filled, and the publication of the Interim Atlas in 1995 demonstrated how comprehensive and profes- sional the project has become. The definitive edition of the Atlas will be for Mike the fulfillment of a dream and the proud achievement of a formidable project, and will provide the basis of all future ornithology in Arabia. Derek Harvey Sandgrouse 20 (1): 18-21 1998 upper-cheeks, ear-coverts and crown; white supercilium, a very thin white crescent below the eye and a whitish rear ear-covert spot (in - very fresh plumage); pale chin and throat; yellowish buff underparts and brown/black streaked upperparts. All breed (often in Spiny xerophytic) montane scrub i seasonally dry subalpine environments within central and southern Asia. In view of such similarities, the suggestion that it is Black-throated Accentor P. atrogularis which is most closely related to Radde’s, which ~ seems to have acquired a life of its own in the ae Radie? F Accentors his is a brief look at two little-studied accentors restricted to the OSME region: Radde’s Accentor Prunella ocularis, which is patchily distributed in montane regions of Turkey, the Caucasus and Iran, and Arabian (more appropriately Yemen) Accentor V. fagani, the single Arabian endemic occurring only in the Yemen highlands of south-west Arabia. Birding activity in both Turkey and Yemen has greatly increased over the last 20 years and Radde’s Accentor is now known to be extensively distributed through much of eastern turkey being regularly seen at several sites. In contrast, more than a few pairs of Arabian Accentors are seldom encountered (often at only a single locality) by birders on the Yemen circuit. Here, the species is known from perhaps no more than five localities in a landscape where remaining suitable habitat is heavily degraded and restricted to tiny fragments. It clearly merits wider recognition and attention as 4 threatened species. Both species, together with Brown Accentor P. fulvescens which breeds in the Himalaya and Tibetan plateau, form a group charac- terised by blackish or very dark brown lores, literature, seems very strange. On morpho- logical and zoogeographical criteria, Radde’s and Arabian Accentors appear to constitute a previously unrecognised species-pair. Plumage characters generally shared by Arabian and Radde’s Accentors include a dark brown or blackish malar streak , yellowish buff breast and flanks, streaked sides of breast and flanks with central areas of the lower breast, belly, vent and nace: coverts substantially paler. A small number of published descriptions list features considered useful for distinguishing between the two species such as a tendency for Arabian Accentor to show “warmer upperparts, a substantially more distinct malar streak and slightly paler, more heavily streaked, underparts than Radde’s while (adult) Radde’s is thought always to lack streaking across the central breast. It is interesting to note that most of these features require judgement of matters of degree and that it has not been established that they are consistently shown by all individuals. At least — some, probably most, adult male Radde’s may (as in some illustrations) lack a malar streak entirely and, given the very small number of Arabian Accentors typically observed, it would seem desirable to examine more individuals in the field to establish that no such variation exists within this species also. Another apparently more consistent feature, the more strongly black crown and _ ear-coverts of Radde s (see plate 2) in contrast with the more brownish black coloration which has been suggested to be © more typical of Arabian Accentor,might _ appear to be more consistently useful. However, the coloration of these feather tracts differs slightly between sexes in both species, females appearing less strongly © contrasting and blackish. Additionally, while _ 18 Rodney P. Martins The inclusion of colour in this Photospot has been subsidised by Julian Francis six males (collected, before the breeding season, between late December and mid- February) in the BMNH all show extensive brown and black streaking on the crown, this can, as illustrated in plate 3, appear almost black in some individuals, especially in breeding plumage. In short, intra- and inter-plumage variation is so little-known that it seems questionable whether published criteria are sufficient to enable observers to consistently discriminate between the two species, especially if faced With an unexpected individual in an unfamiliar situation. Surely, the location of the vast majority of observer encounters with these species has been a substantial aid to identification! A vagrant in (say) lowland Jordan, between the respective ranges of both birds, might well pose a taxing identification puzzie. lo underscore this, tt is perhaps worth noting that no information is available on distinguishing between juveniles and no differences in structural morphology have been suggested or documented. ay Plate 1. View of Demirkazik, southern Turkey, habitat of adde’s Accentor Prunella ocularis. (Leo J. R. Boon/Cursorius) Rodney P. Martins Photo Spot Quite naturally, some readers will by now have begun to suspect that these forms simply represent two poorly differentiated disjunct populations of the same species—a position (nothing more) taken by some authors in the past. However, their songs differ. |herefore, despite the extremely limited extent of information on all aspects of the biology and ecology of both, at least one of the criteria demanded for ‘diagnosibility’ under the now much-discussed phylogenetic species concept is satisfied. Rodney P. Martins, 6 Connaught Road, Norwich NR2 3BP, U.K. Sees Ges LFS 19 s Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 The inclusion of colour in this Photospot has been subsidised by Julian Francis Richard C. Hart) - = = — ee" = i is 2 = Plate 3. Arabian Accentor Prunella fagani, male, Sumarah Pass, Republic of Yemen, December 1996. (Dr Scott Kennedy) 20 Rodney P. Martin ) The inclusion of colour in this Photospot has been subsidised by Julian Francis Photo Spot | bis ih i oo na lial. = a it 2 ; entor Prunella fagani, possibly first-winter, Sumarah Pass, Republic of Yemen, April 1996. (Richard F. Porter) Plate 5. Arabian Acc Rodney P. Martins 21 Sandgrouse 20 (1): 22-29 1998 The breeding birds of the Sharra Highland Plateau, Jordan PARES KHOURY The Sharra Highland Plateau is ornithologically one of the least explored areas in Jordan. A total of 44 resident and breeding species has been recorded above 1200 metres. Characteristic species include Calandra Melanocorypha calandra, Short-toed Calandrella brachydactyla and Crested Larks Galerida cristata, Tawny Anthus campestris and Long-billed Pipits A. similis, Isabelline Oenanthe isabellina and Black-eared Wheatears O. hispanica, Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata, Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator and Linnet Carduelis cannabina. In 1996, Short-toed Lark and Tawny Pipit were proved to breed for the first time in the area and Jordan. Some species, e.g. Lesser \ JR _ Kestrel Falco naumanni and Syrian Serin Serinus syriacus, are highly dependant on the habitat for feeding, although they breed outside the area. Threats to the area include agricultural intensification, quarrying and overgrazing. ( Be INTRODUCTION HE SHARRA MOUNTAINS, in south-west Jordan, are one.of the least developed areas of the country. Nevertheless, agricultural activities and other forms of land use have shaped its landscape for thousands of years. Although the mountains contain a variety of habitats, of which some have recently been surveyed (RSCN 1995), only the plateau with its semi-cultivated steppes is considered here. In view of the rapid increase in human population and developments in the area, the site requires more adequate monitoring. This is the first analysis of the Sharra Highland Plateau avifauna, although brief visits were previously made by Hollom (1959), Mountfort (1965), Wallace (1984) and Andrews (1995). Parts of the study area are being considered by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) in a plan to create a buffer zone surrounding the Dana Wildlife Reserve, west of the Plateau (RSCN 1996). GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE STUDY AREA An area c. 100 km? (27 km x 4 km) between Ar Rashadiyya and Ash Shawbak, and representative of the Sharra Highland Plateau—a narrow area extending from At Tafila south to Ras en Naqab and east of the Rift Margins and west of the arid, interior desert plateau—was studied. It consists of flat or hill country at 1200-1636 metres above sea-level. The area is largely rocky, except where it has been cleared for cereal cutivation, with limestone or basalt substrates. Soils vary from deep Terra Rosa to yellow, steppe soils. Precipitation, falling mainly from November-—April, varies with altitude and location, and ranges from 200-400 mm p.a. (Baierle 1993). Snow covers the highest areas for an average of at least eight winter days. The vegetation is of steppic character with both Irano-Turanian and Mediterranean elements present (Baierle 1993). Three different communities of dwarf shrub are represented: (a) Mediterranean Batha steppe with Ononis, Teucrium and others is locally found where precipitation exceeds 250 mm p.a., (b) Thorn cushion communities with Noaea, Cerasus and Astragalus dominate in areas above 1500 metres where rainfall exceeds 300 mm p.a. and snow cover can be more prolonged, while (c) Artemisia steppe is mainly found in the southern half of the study area where rainfall is less and run-off greater. Artemisia steppe also dominates grazed areas. These dwarf shrub communities possibly represent the advanced stages of succession of long — 22 Fares Khoury Plate 1. Sharra Highland Plateau near Al Qadisiyya (1400 metres), Jordan. (F. Khoury) abandoned fields, while scattered, remnant Pistacia, Amygdalus and Crataegus trees suggest the former occurrence of open steppe woodland (Baierle 1993). Extensive cereal cultivation is still practised, the fields being left unplanted in alternate years. Fallow fields develop a distinct plant community including Achillea, Chenopodium, Picnomon, Cousinia and Lactuca (Baierle 1993). Ar Rashadiyya, Gharandal, Al Qadisiyya and Nijil are the largest of the few towns and villages in the study area, the population of which are sheep- and goat-herders, and cultivate the surrounding land. Nomadic Bedouins usually remain from March-October. Sheep, goat and camel grazing is generally intensive, and signs of overgrazing were locally evident during the observation period. Traditional cultivation of wheat and barley is still extensive, while more intensive orchard farming is increasing around the villages. The limestone quarries which supply Ar -Rashadiyya cement factory have locally caused wholesale habitat destruction, and the factory itself is causing environmental problems by discarding polluted water into a nearby wadi. In the past, tree-cutting, hunting and other activities have damaged wildlife, such that only remnant trees remain, and certain species e.g. sandgrouse Pterocles spp., Chukar Alectoris chukar and Hare Lepus capensis have disappeared or decreased. METHODS The area was visited on at least three days per week from November 1995—October 1996. Only resident and breeding species are included in this paper, winter visitors and migrants are omitted. For several species an estimate of the number of breeding pairs in the entire study area (100 km?) is given. These numbers result from a combination of direct counts, estimates and calculations based on line transects and spot counts (see Bibby et al. 1993). Fares Khoury 23 Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 RESULTS A total of 44 species was recorded during the 1996 breeding season. These are presumed to breed either in the study area, or its surroundings. Thirteen species certainly bred (marked B in the following list), 16 probably breed (b) and seven possibly breed (b?) in the study area itself. Birds only using the Plateau for feeding are marked (F). In addition, six species not recorded during the 1996 breeding season, can be considered potential breeding species, as they breed in similar Middle Eastern habitats, including Black-bellied Pterocles alchata and Pin-tailed Sandgrouse P. orientalis, Red-rumped Wheatear Oenanthe moesta and Pale Rock Sparrow Petronia brachydactyla. The highest areas are potential breeding habitat for Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe and Rock Bunting Emberiza cia. SYSTEMATIC LIST Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus F Resident in groups up to three. Breeds on high cliffs outside the study area (RSCN 1995). Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus F Uncommon migrant and summer visitor, breeding west of the study area (RSCN 1995), but occasionally reaching the edge of the Plateau in search of food. Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus b A few are resident. Breeding possible on the small cliffs of Jabal al Ata’ta (1636 m), where an adult was regular in summer. Bonelli’s Eagle Hieraaetus fasciatus F A pair occasionally hunting over the Plateau, especially at Al Qadisiyya, and one was at Ash Shawbak on 10 August. Breeds in the rift margins and cliffs west of the study area (RSCN 1995); Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni F Summer visitor, breeding on cliffs west of the Plateau, e.g. at Dana village, Wadi Hamra, Busayra and Ash Shawbak, where at least 42 pairs were recently estimated to breed (RSCN 1997). Feeds mainly in Plateau fields adjacent to breeding sites, and the area is of significant importance for this threatened species. Kestrel Falco tinnunculus b Present throughout, probably breeding locally where suitable nest sites occur. Juveniles recorded in summer. Chukar Alectoris chukar B 7 Local resident breeder. A few regularly observed at Ar Rashadiyya, max. 17 on 10 October. [Sandgrouse sp. Pterocles sp. b? Local people report that, in the 1960s, sandgrouse bred to the east of Al Qadisiyya and eggs were collected in their thousands. Species likely to breed in such habitat are Pin-tailed Sandgrouse P. alchata and Black-bellied Sandgrouse P. orientalis. During the study period, no sandgrouse were recorded. | Rock Dove Columba livia F (b?) Very common resident. Breeding and roosting areas are mainly west of the study area, but huge numbers feed on the Plateau and arid areas to the east. Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur F Summer visitor, breeding in woods west of the Plateau. Between June—September, large numbers feed in cereal and fallow fields on the Plateau. 24 Fares Khoury Papers Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis B A local resident in villages. Eagle Owl Bubo bubo b Rare resident. Singles on several occasions, seen flying over the road at night at Al Qadisiyya. Local villagers report it to be resident in hills east of Al Qadisiyya and it also breeds just west of the study area (RSCN 1995). Little Owl Athene noctua b A dark plumaged bird at Al Qadisiyya on 10 October, and a pale individual north of Ash Shawbak on 20 December. Although Andrews (1995) did not include this area in the species’ breeding range, it probably does so in view of the suitable habitat of marginal cultivation, boulders and scattered trees present in the study area. Alpine Swift Apus melba b Uncommon migrant and summer visitor, from February-November. In April-May, pairs at cliffs near Busayra, and flocks up to 30 over Al Qadisiyya in June-July. European Bee-eater Merops apiaster b? Common migrant and scarce summer visitor. Frequent on west edge of the Plateau near Al Oadisiyya. It breeds west of the study area, e.g. around Barra (pers. obs.). Hoopoe Upupa epops b Apparently a summer visitor with at least five pairs present in the study area. Although breeding was not proven, it is believed to breed in small numbers. Andrews (1995) did not include this area in the species’ breeding range. Desert Lark Ammomanes deserti b Recorded in the breeding season at Ash Shawbak and Ar Rashadiyya, where a few pairs may breed. Usually at lower altitudes. Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra b Probably local and rare breeder. Recorded from early April—late May, when up to ten singing males and pairs were recorded east and south of Al Qadisiyya, often with Short-toed Larks. Not previously known to breed this far south (Andrews 1995). Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla B Common summer visitor, from early April-late October. Singing in April-May over cereal fields throughout the study area, with the highest density around Al Qadisiyya. By late June, groups of up to 50 including juveniles on fields around Ar Rashadiyya and Al Qadisiyya. Over 1000 pairs estimated to breed in 1996. Although breeding was suspected in the 1960s (Wallace 1984), this is apparently the first breeding record in southern Jordan (Andrews 1995) and is probably the southern limit of its Middle Eastern breeding range (Porter et al. 1996). Crested Lark Galerida cristata B Common resident. A nest on 3 April on the edge of a field south of Al Qadisiyya. Andrews (1995) noted the species as scarce in the Sharra Highlands, but in 1996 the study area’s breeding population was estimated at 2000 pairs. African Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula b? / Common resident undertaking seasonal movements. Present between April—October. Although local breeding cannot be ruled out, its main breeding sites are west of the study area. Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris B At least five pairs bred in 1996: four singing males around Al Qadisiyya, a pair in cereal west of Ar Rashadiyya from late March into April and a pair with one young feeding in fallow fields south of Al Qadisiyya on 15 June. Although breeding was previously suspected (Hollom 1959), this is the first breeding record in Jordan (see Andrews 1995). Fares Khoury 25 Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis B Singing males and pairs from March—October usually on uncultivated rocky slopes, often with Spectacled Warbler. Appears much more common on the western slopes below the Plateau; the reeding population of the Plateau itself may not exceed 20 pairs. Usually resident in breeding areas, but not recorded in the study area in winter, suggesting movement to lower areas. Recorded on rocky slopes with scattered shrubs, whilst Tawny Pipit occurred in flatter, more open habitat, often in fallow fields or on the edges of cereal fields. The two species breed in the same area near Jerusalem (Gancz 1996). Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus xanthopygos b Not recorded breeding in villages and orchards of the study area, though present in some during the breeding season. Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina B Principally a summer visitor, from late February—early October, preferring flat, open areas with some bare ground and often in fallow fields surrounded by rocky boulders. Numbers swollen by migrants, especially in spring, and one overwintered at Wadi as Sidd. An occupied nest hole was discovered in Wadi Ras al Khawr, and four pairs feeding fledged juveniles were at Ash Shawbak and Ar Rashadiyya between mid-April-early May. The study area is of significant national importance for this species, as it lies at the core of its limited breeding range in Jordan (Andrews 1995). The breeding population is c. 500 pairs. Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica B Common migrant and summer visitor, principally to field edges with scattered trees and shrubs, and avoiding open Artemisia steppe. Juveniles noted in June. Up to 600 pairs were estimated to breed in 1996. This is a newly mapped part of its range in Jordan (see Andrews 1995): Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens B Local summer visitor or resident with up to ten pairs at Al Fajij and Ash Shawbak, usually below 1300 metres, along small wadis and around ruins. In winter, birds apparently descend to lower areas. Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius b Local and rare resident with up to five pairs at Ar Rashadiyya, Al Qadisiyya and on the western edge of the Plateau, mainly on slopes of basalt. More common on the western slopes below the Plateau. Scrub Warbler Scotocerca inquieta b? Usually at lower altitudes, but occasionally recorded just below 1300 metres on the west edge of the Plateau, where it may breed. Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata B Mainly a summer visitor throughout the study area from February—October. In winter, most descend to lower areas. Two pairs were nest-building in low scrub at Ash Shawbak, mid- April-early May, while a pair and fledged juvenile were at Ar Rashadiyya in early June. Principally occurs in low scrub with scattered bushes and trees. Up to 500 pairs were estimated to breed in 1996. Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala b A pair throughout the breeding season in an abandoned farm south Ar Rashadiyya cement factory. The farm’s area was c. 10 ha. and, unlike the surrounding grazed areas, it contained a rich ground and shrub layer with high grass (Hordeum, Phalaris) and scattered trees (Amygdalus, Olea). 26 Fares Khoury Papers Great Tit Parus major b A few regularly seen in high Crataegus shrubs near a pine plantation north-west of Ar Rashadiyya and in Collutea thickets north of Al Qadisiyya. More common in woodland just west of the study area. Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator B Recorded throughout the area in pairs, later some with juveniles. It preferred areas with scattered trees and high shrubs. In 1996, up to 300 pairs were estimated to breed. A new area, not mapped by Andrews (1995). Raven Corvus corax b? (F) A resident, regularly recorded in singles or pairs throughout the study area. Up to eight from September—October near Ar Rashadiyya. These records are of significant national importance, as they represent the first certain sightings in the country since the 1960s (Andrews 1995). They were larger and had more massive bills than Brown-necked Ravens Corvus ruficollis, with which they are potentially confused. Additionally, the calls and upside-down display flight were typical of the species. Fan-tailed Raven Corvus riupidurus F Common resident west of the study area (RSCN 1995). Groups of up to 60, together with Ravens, occasionally visited a dump west of Ar Rashadiyya. Tristram’s Grackle Onychognathus tristramti F Common resident west of the study area. Flocks of up to 20 occasionally visited the villages and orchards of the Plateau. House Sparrow Passer domesticus B Common, but local, resident in villages and farms throughout the area. ‘Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis B Rare and probably irregular summer visitor. Three, including a pair with a nest in a Pistacia tree on the edge of a field, is the first breeding record in southern Jordan (Andrews 1995). Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia b Fairly common, but local resident. Breeding not proven, but singing males and pairs in suitable habitat. At least 100 pairs estimated to breed on the western, rocky edge of the Plateau and around Ash Shawbak and Ar Rashadiyya. Syrian Serin Serinus syriacus F Resident, but not breeding in the study area. It breeds in open woodlands just west of the Plateau (600-650 pairs estimated in 1996, pers. obs.). Flocks of up to 60 in the study area, especially from summer-early winter, usually frequented fallow fields and steppe areas with scattered trees, as well as orchards and waste ground in and around villages. Smaller numbers in winter, as most descend to lower areas. Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis b? (F) Common resident, principally breeding in woodland west of the study area, although local breeding in orchards in the study area probably occurs. In summer and autumn, groups of up to 50 at suitable feeding localities. In winter, numbers are probably augmented by migrants. Linnet Carduelis cannabina b Relatively common resident, in pairs or small groups up to 10. Breeding almost certainly occurs in the study area, and has been proven in open woodland just west of the Plateau. At least 200 pairs estimated in the study area. In winter, numbers are augmented by migrants. Fares Khoury L£/ Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 Desert Finch Rhodospiza obsoleta b? Occasionally seen or heard in summer and autumn around Al Qadisiyya, and six feeding at a farm near Ar Rashadiyya on 20 October. Although breeding cannot be ruled out, there is no further evidence from the study area. These were probably migrants and/or occasional visitors from nearby breeding populations, e.g. it occurs along the Desert Highway, c.30 km south-east of the study area, during the breeding season (pers. obs.). Cretzschmar’s Bunting Emberiza caesia b Local and rare summer visitor at Ar Rashadiyya and Al Qadisiyya, where two singing males on slopes with scattered shrubs. It is, however, a common breeding species on the western slopes just below the Plateau. Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra b A territorial male near Ar Rashadiyya from April-June is the first published evidence of breeding in the Sharra Highlands (Andrews 1995), although the breeding population may not exceed a few pairs. Common in winter. DISCUSSION The habitat studied differs from other steppe-like habitats in the region due to its origin, geographic location, altitude (above 1200 metres) and climate. Although the study area’s primary vegetation is believed to have been steppe woodland, the present dwarf shrub communities are largely secondary, and followed clearance for agriculture (Baierle 1993). Grazing and other factors disturb natural succession and probably lead to the dominance of certain shrub species. Nevertheless, secondary- derived steppes possess distinctive bird communities which have developed alongside the expansion of man’s farming activities (Goriup 1988). The Plateau possesses a distinctive bird community consisting of species found only or largely in steppic and cultivated habitats and including Short-toed, Crested and Calandra Larks, Tawny Pipit and Isabelline Wheatear—the area being of national importance especially for the latter two species. Moving west to east, along an altitudinal gradient from the Rift Margins onto the Plateau, the bird community changes very rapidly; the Plateau with its distinctive bird community thus contributes to the diversity of the Highlands as a whole. The cereal fields, often left fallow and surrounded by scrub, scattered trees and boulders support a relatively diverse avifauna, especially if small areas are left ungrazed. These have a more diverse and heterogenic vegetation and attract species such as Sardinian Warbler. Many species, which breed or roost outside the study area, are also dependant on the steppe habitat for food, e.g. Lesser Kestrel and Syrian Serin. The destruction of these sites could dramatically decrease local populations of these endangered and vulnerable species. Traditional landuse, which produced the present steppe, is being slowly superseded by intensive farming methods, especially monocultural apple orchards, causing habitat loss. Semi-arid steppic habitat represented in this study is vulnerable to further degradation and desertification; signs of overgrazing are evident in many areas. Goriup (1988) considered overgrazing to be a major problem for Middle Eastern steppes. The establishment of a buffer zone around the adjacent Dana Reserve (RSCN 1996), where grazing is to be controlled, remnant trees protected and traditional rather than intensive farming encouraged, is the first step towards conservation, the goal of which should be the improvement of the socio-economic situation of local people and conservation of habitats and natural resources. 28 Fares Khoury Papers ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I thank the staff of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, Jordan, for their support and L. J. Andrews and Dr. R. van den Elzen (ZFMK) for commenting on the text. REFERENCES ANDREWS, I. J. (1995) The birds of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Andrews, Musselburgh. BAIERLE, H-U. (1993) Vegetation und Flora im Stidwestlichen Jordanien. J. Cramer, Berlin & Stuttgart. Published Ph.D. Thesis. Bibby, C. J., BURGESS, N. D. AND HILL, D. A. (1993) Bird census techniques. Academic Press, London. GANCZ, A. (1996). Observations on Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis in Jerusalem. Sandgrouse 18(1): 10-13. GortuP, P. D. (1988) The avifauna and conservation of steppic habitats in western Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. 1. C. B. P. Tech. Publ. 7: 145-157. Ho tom, P. A. D. (1959) Notes from Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Antioch. [bis 101: 183-200. MOounrTFORT, G. (1965) Portrait of a desert. Collins, London. PORTER, R. F., CHRISTENSEN, S. AND SCHIERMACKER-HANSEN, P. (1996) Field guide to the birds of the Middle East. T. & A. D. Poyser, London. ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE CONSERVATION OF NATURE (RSCN) (1995). Dana Nature Reserve, phase IH bird survey, March—May 1995. Unpubl. report, RSCN, Jordan. ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE CONSERVATION OF NATURE (RSCN) (1996). Dana Nature Reserve: management plan. Unpubl. report, RSCN, Jordan. ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE CONSERVATION OF NATURE (RSCN) (1997). Dana Nature Reserve: status and conservation of the Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni in the Dana Wildlife Reserve and its surroundings. Unpubl. report. RSCN, Jordan. WALLACE, D.I.M. (1984) Selected observations from Lebanon, Syria and Jordan in the: springs of 1963 and 1966. Sandgrouse 6: 24-47. Fares Khoury, Department of Ornithology, Zoological Research Institute and Museum Koenig (ZFMK), Adenauerallee 160, 53113 Bonn, Germany. ZAMBIA - South Luangwa National Park. 27 Mar = 5 Apr 98; 6 - I5 Nov ‘98; 12-21 Feb ’99; 26 Mar -4 Apr ’99. NAMIBIA - Swakopmund & Walvis Bay, Srieske pec Etosha & Waterberg Mountains. 21 - 30 Jan ’99; | 1 - 20 Feb ’99;. 25 Feb - 6 Mar ’99: MALAWI - Lake Malawi, Zomba Plateau & Liwonde National Park : * 16-.25 Mar. ’98; 15 - 24 Feb ’99; 15 - 24 Mar 99. - SOUTHERN MOROCCO - The desert, Oued Massa, Qued Sous & Marrakech. 10 - 19 Apr ’98; 12-21 Feb 99; 26 Feb - 7 Mar 99; 9- |18 Apr ’99. © ETHIOPIA - Addis, Gafersa, Awash National Park, Wondo Guenet & Rift Valley Lakes. 10 - 19 Apr ’98; 20 - 29 Nov ’98; 12-21 Feb ’99; 9:- 18 Apr ’99. ETHIOPIAN ENDEMICS - Debre Libanos, Solulta, Ankober, Lakes, Wondo Guenet & Bale Mountains. 10 - 19 Apr ’98; 27 Nov - 6 Dec ’98; ee Don’t miss our £990 selection These action-packed, long-haul birding tours - each led by an expert local ornithologist - offer excellent value for money, and outstanding birding. If you would WAN Naturetrek like further details of a particular tour, please call us now! Naturetrek Chautara, Bighton, Nr. Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9RB Tel: 01962 733051 Fax: 01962 736426 e-mail: sales@naturetrek.co.uk web: www.naturetrek.co.uk Lg ts) | eZ, ea © || /wiettie | -8 - 17 May ’98; > 19 - 28 Feb 799; 9-18 Apr ’99. INDIA - Delhi, Ranthambore & Biaratpur 10 - 18 Apr ’98; 20 - 28 Nov’’98; 12 - 20 Feb ’99; 9-17 Apr 99: KAZAKHSTAN - Deserts, steppes & Tien Shan Mountains; plus Relict Gull extension. 14-22 May 98; 21.- 29 May ’98. Similar dates ’99. NEPAL - Chitwan, Kosi & Kathmandu Valley. Departures every Friday throughout Jan & Feb 99; - 16 May ’99. NEPAL - THE TRAGOPAN TREK A 10-day tour including Langtang Valley trek. | - |O May ’98; 15 - 24 May ’98. Similar dates °99.. ’ TANZANIA - Saadani Game Resenve: and the Usambara and Uluguru Mountains. 23 Oct - | Nov.’98; 12-21 Feb ’99. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES 29 Mar - 5 Apr 98; 5 - 12 Apr ’98; 18 - 25 Oct ’98. Similar dates ’99. NEW ENGLAND - USA Spring migration on the Massachusetts coast. 17 - 26 May 98; 16-25 May ’9 Fares Khoury No © Sandgrouse 20 (1): 30-35 1998 The effects of disturbance on migrant waders at Eilat, Israel R. L. GLASER, K-HORSEPOOL, N. SIMHAI AND R. YOSEF Eilat is central to the migration of many Eurasian birds. Four wader species were observed on salt ponds, in order to better understand effects of disturbance on staging behaviour. A time-budget regime of continuous three- minute sampling periods was utilised and comparison made between 7 undisturbed, non-reacting disturbed, and reacting disturbed waders. Humans \ { Ce 5 i caused a reaction in 64% of sampling periods, vehicles 42%, jets 3%, and de ) LA 3} natural predators 96%. A decrease in time spent at rest and increase in feeding [ - a x and flight times was noted in reacting Redshank Tringa totanus, Little Stint Me Ns A Calidris minuta, Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus and Ringed Se \ Plover Charadrius hiaticula, suggesting that waders must increase their energy So intake to compensate for energy lost in flight and not conserved during + ce. a resting, or that feeding usually occurs at sites susceptible to disturbance. The percentage of time spent vigilant decreased in Redshank, Little Stint and Black-winged Stilt, indicating that vigilance is often abandoned in favour of flight in disturbed waders. Natural barriers, islands and limited access are recommended to reduce the effects of human disturbance on migrant waders. INTRODUCTION OCATED AT THE JUNCTION of three continents, Israel functions as a land bridge for birds migrating south from Eurasia to Africa in autumn and north to their breeding grounds in spring (Safriel 1968). Eilat, in the Syrio—African Rift Valley and at the northern fringe of the 2000-km Saharo—Arabian desert belt, is an ideal staging area for migratory birds (Shirihai & Christie 1992, Yosef 1995). Waders concentrate on the complex of highly saline salt ponds north-east of Eilat. The only abundant fauna are brine shrimp Artemia spp., the major wader food source. In the xeric surroundings of Eilat, no other suitable feeding habitat is available to migrant waders, with the exception of the Red Sea shoreline. The salt ponds are accessible to the public, allowing birdwatchers, tourists, and workers from the salt factory close approach to the waders. In addition, the salt ponds are situated very close to Eilat airport, where low-flying aircraft are common. The authors analysed the effect of human-induced (vehicles, people and aircraft) and natural (feral cats and dogs, raptors) disturbances on the staging behaviour of migratory waders. It was expected that vehicles with tourist groups would cause the greatest disturbance, and we hypothesised that disturbances would cause waders to decrease their feeding time and increase vigilance. : METHODS Four species which migrate through the region in large numbers (Shirihai 1982) were studied: Redshank Tringa totanus, Little Stint Calidris minuta, Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus and Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula. Time-budgets of the staging waders’ behaviour were obtained using three-minute sampling periods of continuous observation. Waders not observed continuously for the full three minutes, either because they flew or walked out of sight, were not included in the behavioural analysis but were recorded as reacting when flying from a disturbance. The waders’ location along the ponds or on islands was also noted. Six behavioural categories were used: feeding, preening, vigilance, flight, interacting ww — R. L. Glaser, K. Horsepool, N. Simhai and R. Yosef Papers and resting. Birds sitting or sleeping were considered at rest. Birds not engaged in any of these behaviours were considered vigilant, hereafter referred to as vigilance. All potential disturbances that occurred during the sampling period and their effect on the waders’ behaviour were recorded. A bird was considered as reacting when a disturbance caused a sudden change in behaviour, e.g. preening or feeding to vigilance or flight. Data were separated into: control (C)—waders not exposed to a disturbance during the three-minute sampling period; reacting (R)—waders demonstrating behavioural change after exposure to disturbance; and non-reacting (NR)—-waders exposed to disturbance but not exhibiting a noticeable behavioural change. The Student’s t-test and analysis of variance was used in statistical analyses. Statistical significance was inferred if p < 0.05. RESULTS Disturbance occurred during 848 (51.9%) of the 1633 three-minute sampling periods (i.e. 83.1 observation hours); 66.2% of these disturbances caused a reaction. The presence of people caused most disturbance among all wader species (63.7%, n=248). Waders reacted 42.3% (n=52) of the time to vehicles and 3.2% (n=2) of the time to aircraft. In contrast to human-induced disturbances, natural disturbances almost always caused a reaction (95.2%, n=260). Most waders were noted resting in less accessible areas of the salt ponds. If possible, they retreated to islands within a pond when high human-induced disturbance occurred. Waders already occupying islands tended to react less than those on the salt pond banks. ~Redshank were 30% more likely to react to disturbances than not; people caused most reaction, in comparison with other human-induced disturbances. Moreover, a high percentage of these R birds flew out of sight and were not observed for the full three- minute sampling period. R, compared to C, birds spent a significantly higher percentage of time feeding (80.9% vs 63.0%) and in flight (8.3% vs 0.6%), and a lower percentage resting (0.2% vs 19.8%) and on vigilance (8.7% vs 13.5%) (Fig. 1). Little Stint was seven times as likely to react to disturbance than not. Again, among the human-induced disturbances, people caused greatest disturbance. However, fewer birds flew out of sight during the sampling period. As with Redshank, R birds spent a significantly higher percentage of time feeding (69.4% vs 63.9%) and in flight (21.7% vs 1.9%), and a lower percentage at rest (0.0% vs 19.6%) and on vigilance (6.0% vs 11.9%) than C birds (Fig. 2). Reacting Black-winged Stilt spent a higher percentage of time feeding (77.7% vs 62.4%) and in flight (5.7% vs 1.0%), and a lower percentage at rest (0.0% vs 9.4%) and on vigilance (13.7% vs 24.6%) than C birds (Fig. 3). As with Little Stint, R birds did not rest. / Ringed Plover followed the pattern observed in the other three species of increased feeding and flight time and decreased resting time in R and C birds (57.4% vs 38.9%, 3.8% vs 1.0%, 0.0% vs 17.3%, respectively). This species shows a similar behaviour pattern to Little Stint and Black-winged Stilt, with R birds spending no time at rest. However, little difference in the percentage of time devoted to vigilance between R and C birds (36.1% vs 33.1%, Fig. 4) exists. Although the percentages are not statis- R. L. Glaser, K. Horsepool, N. Simhai and KR. Yosef St Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 Fig. 1. Behavioural reactions of Redshank Tringa totanus to disturbances. Asterisk denote statistical significance. Feeding Flight Rest Vigilance Fig. 2. Behavioural reactions of Little Stint Calidris minuta to disturbances. Asterisk denote statistical significance. Feeding Flight Rest Vigilance Behaviour 90 Fig. 3. Behavioural reactions of Black- winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus to 80 disturbances. Asterisk denote statistical 70 significance. ~ 60 o ® 50 @ a. 40 y LU Feeding Flight : Rest | Vigilance Behaviour | 32 R. L. Glaser, K. Horsepool, N. Simhai and R. Yosef | Papers tically significant, they conform to the trend in behaviour set by the other three species. NON-REACTING WADERS In all species studied, the amount of time spent feeding was higher for NR birds than R or C birds, although such percentages were not always significant. The amount of time NR birds spent in flight was similar to C birds. Resting times of NR birds were similar to R birds. No pattern was found for the time spent on vigilance (Fig. 5). DISCUSSION Based on the disturbance categories described by Hockin et al. (1992), Eilat’s salt ponds can be termed an ‘active high level infrequent’ area, i.e. most birds are displaced for short periods before returning to feed and rest. However, increased human use of the site, and consequently increased human disturbances could result in decreasing use of the site by birds, echoing the findings of Tuite et al. (1984), who reported on the short-term disturbances of recreational activities and their effects. Fig. 4. Behavioural reactions of Ringed Plover Chardrius hiaticula to disturbances. Asterisk denote statistical significance. | Control Feeding - Flight Rest Vigilance Behaviour 90 Fig. 5. The overall behavioural reactions of disturbed waders at Eilat. Asterisk denote 80 statistical significance. 70 = 60 o @ 50 D a. 40 6) We oie L : Feeding Flight Rest Vigilance | Behaviour Oo 1S) R. L. Glaser, K. Horsepool, N. Simhai and R. Yosef Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 Waders in this study reacted to natural disturbances much more consistently than human-induced ones. However, fewer natural disturbances (n=271) than human (n=577) were encountered. Migratory waders apparently do not recognize aircraft as a threat, as this human-induced disturbance did not effect their feeding or resting behaviour, concurring with the findings of Burger (1981). There was, however, a moderate reaction to vehicles and a high level of reaction to people. Waders at Eilat are relatively acclimatised to a certain degree of vehicular disturbance, similar to that documented for Great Crested Grebes Podiceps cristatus in Switzerland (Keller 1989). In the four species, a clear behavioural pattern emerges between R and C birds (Figs. 2-5). Contrary to our hypothesis, R waders devoted more time to feeding and less time to vigilance than did C waders. They also demonstrated an increase in flight and a decrease in resting. The assumption that a disturbance would directly lower the feeding time of waders, by forcing them to spend more time on vigilance and escaping disturbance, was therefore incorrect. The observed behavioural pattern can be explained in two ways. Because R birds spent more time in flight and less at rest, energy could not be stored as might be expected in staging birds. To counter this energy expenditure, these birds needed to feed longer than C birds. An additional explanation for the higher level of feeding in these birds is that feeding occurs at sites most susceptible to disturbance. In addition, our observations demonstrate that feeding did not occur in less accessible areas of the salt ponds. Our results corroborate those of Burger (1993) who studied Piping Plover Charadrius melodious and Sanderling Calidris alba. The feeding behaviour of these two species was also altered, but in a radically different way. These birds were forced to feed almost continuously at night as diurnal feeding was impossible due to disturbance. The pattern of vigilance of R birds deviates from the expected pattern, as vigilance time decreased in Redshank, Little Stint, and Black-winged Stilt (Figs. 2-5). In addition, there is a strong negative correlation between time spent on vigilance and in flight in R Redshank and Little Stint. This negative correlation indicates that two opposing behavioural strategies are employed against perceived risks. Vigilance, which can be interspersed with feeding, is utilised until the predation risk exceeds the total energy cost of flight and the site’s inherent advantages (i.e. good feeding). The lower vigilance times demonstrate that vigilance becomes a less profitable strategy for disturbed birds at the salt ponds. Migratory birds, which spend little time at any staging site and do not become habituated to common disturbances, would logically reflect this pattern. Wintering birds have the opportunity to become acclimatised to disturbance and can therefore rely on vigilance as a primary protective strategy. Ringed Plovers did not fall into this pattern. This species intersperses feeding with considerable vigilance, often making it difficult to distinguish the two. Rather than feeding for an extended period before switching to vigilance, it examined its surroundings after every 1-2 pecks. As a result, it tended not to fly away in response to disturbance so much as the other three species. Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula by D Powell 34 R. L. Glaser, K. Horsepool, N. Simhai and R. Yosef Papers Using flight and rest as indicators, it may be possible to classify NR waders as those birds least affected by disturbance. These birds were not sufficiently disturbed to induce flight (as in R birds), but they are not so oblivious to potential risks that they rested. If one considers the increased feeding, it is also likely that these birds did not feel sufficiently threatened to fly away. Therefore, it is impossible to be sure whether NR birds were affected by disturbance. Owing to the rapid development and increasing levels of pollution at coastal staging areas, the Eilat salt pans are an important stopover for migratory waders. The conser- vation implications for long distance migrants, which are especially dependent upon staging and stopover areas for successful migration (Myers 1983), can be critical. Given the proximity of the salt ponds to Eilat, access by people is frequent. Due to the degree of reaction caused by people, efforts should be made to limit public access. As this is not always possible, a compromise should be reached which allows public access to the site yet does not disturb the birds; this has been successfully realised in many nature reserve designs (Hockin et al. 1992). In order to mitigate human and vehicle disturbance to migrant waders, barriers such as low trees, high banks and hides can be used to physically separate observers from birds, whilst still allowing observers to watch birds (Hockin et al. 1992). Natural barriers have the advantage of not being user-dependent, guarding against all people entering the area, not just birdwatchers who do not seek to cause disturbance, and can be selected to provide a food source for other migrants. Furthermore, the distance between humans and waders appears to be a factor in the latter’s reaction level. Providing ‘islands’ in the centre of the salt ponds or erecting minimum distance markers, informing visitors not to pass beyond a certain point, would provide a needed safety distance, particularly for resting birds, while still allowing observation. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We thank J. Morgan, E. Efroni, M. Berger, all of the IBCE volunteers who assisted with this study, and the editor and an anonymous reviewer for their comments on an earlier draft of the manuscript. REFERENCES BURGER, J. (1981) The effects of human activity on birds at a coastal bay. Biol. Conserv. 21: 231-241. BURGER, J. (1993) Shorebird squeeze. Nat. Hist. 102 (5): 8-14. HOckIN, D., OUNSTED, M., GORMAN, M., HILL, D., KELLER, V. AND BAKER, M. A. (1992) Examination of the effects of disturbance on birds with reference to its importance in ecological assessments. J. Env. Man. 36: 253-286. KELLER, V. (1989) Variations in the response of Great Crested Grebes Podiceps cristatus to human disturbance—a sign of adaptation?. Biol. Conserv. 49: 31-45. Myers, J. P. (1983) Conservation of migrating shorébirds; staging areas, geographic bottlenecks, and regional movements. Am. Birds 37: 23-25. SAFRIEL, U. (1968) Migration in Eilat, Israel. [bis 110: 283-320. SHIRIHAI, H. (1982) Bird migration in Eilat. Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, Tel Aviv. (In Hebrew). SHIRIHAI, H. AND CHRISTIE, D. A. (1992) Raptor migrations at Eilat. Brit. Birds 85: 141-186. Tuite, C. H., HANSON, P. R. AND OWEN, M. (1984) Some ecological factors affecting winter wildfowl distributuion on inland waters in England and Wales, and the influence of water based recreation. J. Applied Ecol. 21: 41-62. YosEF, R. (1995). Spring 1994 raptor migration at Eilat, Israel. J. Raptor Res. 29: 127-134. R. L. Glaser, K. Horsepool, N. Simhai and R. Yosef, International Birding Center Eilat, P. O. Box 774, Eilat 58106, Israel. R. L. Glaser, K. Horsepool, N. Simhai and R. Yosef 35 Sandgrouse 20 (1): 36-39 1998 tn Video monitoring observations of a Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata nest in Mahazat as-Sayd Reserve, central Saudi Arabia RICHARD F. MALONEY Quantitative observations of female Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata behaviour at the nest are rarely recorded. Details of a female’s movement and are presented. INTRODUCTION OUBARA BUSTARD Chlamydotis undulata is a desert steppe species found throughout west Asia, the Middle East and north Africa. In Saudi Arabia it is uncommon, breeding only in the extreme north, and migrants wintering throughout the country (Seddon et al. 1995). Little is known of their breeding in the wild, although their breeding biology in captivity is well-studied (Saint Jalme & van Heezik 1996). The National Wildlife Research Center has been releasing captive-reared Houbara Bustards into the 2200 km? Mahazat as-Sayd reserve (22° 10’ N, 41° 50’ E; 220 km north-east of Taif) since 1993. An established group of c. 30 resident free-ranging wild Nijjy Plate 1. Female Arabia. (Richard F. Maloney) 36 Richard F. Maloney behaviour during seven days of video-taping at a nest in central Saudi Arabia Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata, sitting on nest with transmitter visible, Mahazat as-Sayd reserve, central Saudi eu Papers birds have been fitted with solar-powered radio-transmitters to record movements. Two nests were found in April 1995 (Gelinaud et al. 1997), and four nests in 1996. Observational data from a nest using remote video monitoring are presented. METHODS The nest was found after locating the signal of a three-year old female in the same location on several occasions. It was tracked by a vehicle mounted with a five-metre high four element yagi antenna, and was found on 10 April 1996 sitting on a nest containing one egg. Video monitoring equipment was placed at the nest-site on 14 April and the nest monitored during ten days, until 5 May. All behaviours of the nesting bird were clearly visible on the tapes. The following variables were recorded: mean time on and off the nest per day; proportion of time spent on and off the nest during each hour of the day; the female’s direction of approach and departure relative to the nest; behaviours on and near the nest; nest fate; and weather conditions (temperature, wind, humidity, rain). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION A total of 63 hrs 31 mins of tape was recorded during 10 days. Only days 1-7 are included in further discussion as the female deserted the nest on the seventh night and the egg was found to be infertile (the nest was due to hatch before 2 May, and analysis of radio-tracking locations revealed she had probably been incubating since 1 April). The desertion was apparently unrelated to the camera’s presence. MEAN TIME ON AND OFF THE NEST PER DAY On three days, mean incubation and time off the nest intervals were determined (Table 1). During the day, the female stayed on the nest for long periods, with only a few short intervals away from the nest. The longest period on the nest was 7 hrs 16 - mins 39 secs, whereas the shortest was 3 min 39 sec, both on day 3. In comparison, the longest time the female was absent from the nest during the day was 61 min 7 sec on day 5, whereas the shortest absence was 11 min 50 sec. Table 1. Mean period of time (mins) spent on and off the nest by a single female Houbara Busiard Chlamydotis undulata. Data are only included where two or more complete one hour time periods were observed. mean std. deviation Day 2: Onnest 100.9 97.6 Day2: Offnest 26.7 17.4 Day 3: Onnest 78.8 141.8 Day 3: Off nest 24.0 1225 Day 5: Onnest 230.4 291.7 Day 5: Off nest 36.2 23.2 PROPORTION OF TIME SPENT ON AND OFF THE NEST PER HOUR The female spent most of the day on the nest, especially in mid-morning to mid- afternoon, spending increasing time off the nest in late afternoon and early evening, possibly on short foraging expeditions. Schulz et al. (1991) also found that a captive female spent much of the hottest part of the day on the nest, although behaviour was possibly modified by the regular morning and evening feeding times. Launay et al. (1997) recorded similar activity patterns for a female observed during 3.5 days in Uzbekistan, although the maximum time the female stayed on the nest was only 4 hrs 7 mins between 09.53 and 14.00 on the first day. Richard F. Maloney Bs. Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 DIRECTION OF APPROACH AND WHEN LEAVING THE NEST The female was seen to leave the nest on 15 occasions and approach it 19 times. Invariably, the female’s movements to or from the nest were fast and direct when two metres away (this being the limit of angle of vision of the camera). Most movements to and from the nest were to the east, regardless of time of day, perhaps because of the closeness of the nearest cover in this direction. BEHAVIOUR ON AND NEAR THE NEST The female exhibited few behaviours on the nest or in its vicinity. Egg-turning and shuffling were the only behaviours recorded where the female stood up during an incubation stint. A general pattern of behaviour was as follows: The female rapidly approaches the nest at a run or fast walk, stops directly above the egg, lowers onto egg and shuffles. During this phase the bird may turn around 1-5 times and may also turn the egg with her bill by rolling it back and forth. The shuffle and egg-turning phase lasts c. 29.3 + 16.4 sec (N = 60). The female then sits quietly, initially with her neck extended and looking around, but after a few minutes retracting her head to adopt a posture with neck and head close to body. She continues to look around at regular intervals while sitting, occasionally turning the egg, shuffling and facing a new direction, with these movements occurring once every 69.8 + 181.8 mins (i.e. 0.86 + 0.33 turns per hr). This compares closely with a mean time between turns recorded.from captivity of 73.2 + 120 mins (0.82 + 0.5 turns per hr) (Schulz et al. 1991). Usually, c. two minutes before leaving the nest, she raised her head, looking in all directions, then rapidly left the nest in a low crouch. The bird did not preen or leave the nest briefly, neither did she stand and shade the egg at any time during the day. FEMALE BEHAVIOUR RELATED TO WEATHER CONDITIONS The female modified her behaviour in response to rainfall, and remained on the nest in the hottest part of the day (10.00-15.00). Mornings were fine and calm with increasing cloud by midday, and on two days there were brief rain showers. Rain on 26 April was especially heavy, completely inundating the area for 16 mins, and taking 36 mins to drain. During this time the female remained on the nest, facing into the wind with her head lowered. Maximum temperatures during April and May ranged from 33-37°C. In April there were daily afternoon thunderstorms, but May was mainly hot and fine with lower humidity. CONCLUSIONS These data support previous suggestions that only the female incubates the egg; no other Houbara were recorded at the nest site. Few behaviours were recorded from the female in the vicinity of the nest. Nest approaches were fast and direct, and the bird would usually turn the egg and shuffle (an apparent comfort movement) before resuming incubation. Apart from spells away from the nest the female remained vigilant, frequently turning its head, with hourly egg-turning and position changes. The female spent long uninterrupted periods during daylight on the nest, over four hours was common, without feeding. Presumably, incubating females forage more at dawn, dusk and night, and this was partially confirmed on the two occasions when recordings lasted until sunset; the female frequently left and returned to the nest at dusk. Continuous monitoring over the full 24 hr period on several nests, using remote infra-red video cameras is required to gain a more meaningful insight into behaviour and time budgets of nesting Houbara, and to determine rates of predation and predator identity. 38 Richard F. Maloney Papers ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I thank N. Wells, B. Pazhayakandathil and P. Seddon for help with video equipment. P. Seddon commented on an earlier draft. | am grateful for the continued support of His Royal Highness Prince Saud Al Faisal, and the staff at both the National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development, Riyadh, and the National Wildlife Research Center, Taif. REFERENCES GELINAUD, G., COMBREAU, O. AND SEDDON, P. J. (1997) First breeding by captive-bred houbara bustards introduced in Central Saudi Arabia. J. Arid Environ. 35: 527-534. LAUNAY, F., LOUGHLAND, R. AND MUKHINA, E. (1997) Preliminary observations of the incubation and covey behavior of Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata macqueenii. Sandgrouse 19 (1): 51-55. SAINT JALME, M. AND VAN HEEZIK, Y. (eds.) (1996) Propagation of houbara bustard. Kegan Paul International, London. SCHULZ, H., SCHULZ, M., PAILLAT, P., GAUCHER, P. AND EICHACKER, X. (1991). Incubation parameters of the Houbara (Chlamydotis undulata). Internal Rep. Natn. Wildl. Res. Cent., Taif. SEDDON, P. J., SAINT JALME, M., VAN HEEZIK, Y., PAILLAT, P., GAUCHER, P. AND COMBREAU, O. (1995) Restoration of houbara bustard population in Saudi Arabia: developments and future directions. Oryx 29: 136-142. Richard F. Maloney, National Wildlife Research Center, National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development, P. O. Box 1086, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. FLIGHTS WORLDWIDE Birding Holidays ..... Return Fares From..... (Prices shown include pre-paid airport tax) POLISH BIRD FESTIVAL 9-17 MAY 1998 FROM £449 COMING SOON CAMEROON 1999 BROCHURE LINE (24HRS) / Ol1l7 961 0874 TURKEY £202 SAUDI £446 ISRAEL £299 UAE £285 EGYPT £275 IRAN £405 : YEMAN £520 SYRIA £385 KUWAIT £333 OMAN £403 TEL O1L17 984 8040 | FAX O117 961 0200 | INTERNATIONAL HOUSE +eBANK ROAD ¢-BRISTOL*BSI5 2LX°eUK re HTTP://WWW.WILDWINGS.CO.UK ¢ WILDINFO@WILDWINGS.CO.UK Et DISCOUNT FLIGHTS e CAR HIRE e ACCOMMODATION ¢ TRAVEL INSURANCE Ke PACKAGE HOLIDAYS ¢ SEA TRAVEL ¢e GROUPS & EXPEDITIONS WORLDWIDEe == Richard F. Maloney 39 Sandgrouse 20 (1): 40-45 1998 Selected records from Cheikh Zennad, a coastal wetland in north-west Lebanon THIERRY BARA New information on the birds of north-west Lebanon is presented. All observations were at Cheikh Zennad (34°36’N, 35°59’E). The area was visited 28 times, at regular intervals, between 8 April 1996-14 June 1997. Eight new species in Lebanon were recorded: Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva, Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea, Curlew Numenius arquata, Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica, Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus, Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica, Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis and Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola. Seventeen other species recorded were of interest and details of their records are presented here. INTRODUCTION UBLISHED DATA ON THE birds of Lebanon are very limited, although Kumerloeve’s (1962) synthesis has been updated by several major contributors including Benson (1970), Tohmé & Neuschwander (1974 and 1978), Macfarlane (1978), Khairallah (1991), Evans (1994) and Scott (1995). Lebanon’s former extensive wetlands, both coastal and in the Beka’a valley, have nearly all been drained for agricultural reasons. At present, the only remaining wetlands are either remnants of the ancient swamps or man-made reservoirs. Table 1. Lebanese wetlands mentioned in the recent ornithological literature Latitude Longitude Altitude Type Area Palm Islands 34°30'N 35°46'E Om Islands off Tripoli 30 ha Khaldé Pool 33°49'N 39°30 E Om Small pond near Beirut airport Qaraoun Resr. 33°35'N 35°44'E 800 m Man-made Dam _ 1000 ha Ammiq Swamp 33°44’N 35°47°E 865 m Temporary swamp _ 280ha Tanayel Lake 33°47'N 35°62'E 870m Small private reservoir 6 ha Aanjar Swamp 33°45'N 30 50'E 880 m Temporary swamp 25 ha Yammouneé Lake 34°07'N 36°01'E 1400 m Small mountain lake unknown The subject of this note, a wetland at Cheikh Zennad, has apparently never been mentioned in the literature. This area is situated in extreme north-west Lebanon, on the Mediterranean coast, close to Cheikh Zennad village (34°36’N, 35°59’E). It consists of man-made ponds, which produce salt by seawater evaporation. There are other salt works on the Lebanese coast, especially south of Tripoli, but their ponds are of concrete and uninteresting for birds. At Cheikh Zennad, next to the small, concrete salt-gathering basins, there are large, muddy ponds in which salinity is progressively increased. Water depth varies from 0-30 cm, but the ponds are seldom totally dry (as was the case on 30 November 1996). The mud contains significant food resources for birds. North of the mudflats, the river Nahr el Ostouane runs into the Mediterranean Sea while the surrounding land is cultivated. Adjacent areas of nearby Syria are poorly explored for birds, but the wetland and Important Bird Area (IBA) of Buhayrat al-Laha (Evans 1994 and Scott 1995) lies close to the border. Exchanges between both wetlands could happen and partly explain the 40) Thierry Bara Papers fluctuating numbers of waterbirds outside migration periods. Nevertheless, a short visit to this Syrian site on 27 April 1997 revealed that it was almost entirely drained, and few birds were present. Despite a 1995 law prohibiting all hunting in Lebanon, birds are regularly shot at Cheikh Zennad. Consequently, birds were often disturbed and counting made almost impossible. OBSERVATIONS Visits took place throughout the year, between April 1996-June 1997. Using a car, the birds could be approached without disturbance, but some areas had to be surveyed on foot. Waders are particularly well-represented at Cheikh Zennad. The man-made basins provide similar conditions to natural mudflats with copious and easily accessible food. Very low number of raptors and storks were recorded passing over Cheikh Zennad. This could be partly attributed to incomplete coverage, but is most likely to result Map showing location and layout of Cheikh Zennad within Lebanon. ! To Aarida (Syrian border) Fields Concreted salt ponds To —> Tell Bibi Mudflats Fields To Tripoli fo See | : : ee Fields Thierry Bara 4] Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 from the physical features of the region. North of Tripoli, the mountains diverge from the coast, forming the Akkar Valley. Thus soaring birds tend to cross into Syria north of Mount Lebanon and south of Jebal as Sahiliyah, more than 20 km east of Cheikh Zennad. NEW SPECIES IN LEBANON Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva One on 12 October 1996. Vagrant in adjacent countries (Porter et al. 1996). Discovered feeding with three Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola; with binoculars, it was first thought to be a European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria. Before the bird could be scrutinised with a telescope, it flew away giving a clearly disyllabic call, unlike that of European Golden Plover. Returning, the bird flew overhead, allowing a photograph to be taken, showing the greyish underwing and toes extending beyond the tail-tip, to be taken. Unfortunately, it was not seen again and it was not possible to make a detailed description of the bird. Although these two features, plus the call, appear to secure the identification, future records of the species in Lebanon should be documented in order to fully substantiate its occurrence in the country. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Recorded 16 times at Cheikh Zennad, with a maximum of 32 on 1 September 1996. Surprisingly not certainly reported in Lebanon (Kumerloeve 1962, Benson 1970). Curlew Numenius arquata One on 21 April 1996 and two on 30 April 1996. Subsequently, three at Damour on 4 September 1996. Rather scarce in adjacent countries. Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica One on 12 May 1996. Scarce in adjacent countries. Terek Sandpiper Xerus cinereus One on 18 August 1996. Rare in adjacent countries. Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica One over Qaraoun Reservoir on 15 August 1996 and two at Cheikh Zennad on 17 April 1997. Tristram’s report last century is generally considered unconfirmed (Kumerloeve 1962, Benson 1970). Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis A flock of 18 was seen on 16 November 1996 after two days of strong east winds. This flock could have involved Turkish or Cypriot breeding birds which winter in Syria. There is just one previous record of sandgrouse in Lebanon (although the habitat in the northern Beka’a Valley would appear favourable); a Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Pterocles alchata at Ammigq on 15 August 1975 (Macfarlane 1978). Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola A male and female on 21 April 1996. Uncommon but regular in adjacent countries. SPECIES RARELY SEEN IN LEBANON Great White Egret Egretta alba At Cheikh Zennad: one on 15 September 1996, three on 12 October 1996 and two on 26 October 1996. A rare migrant (Kumerloeve 1962). Other recent records in Lebanon are: ten at Ammiq Swamp on 17 Marsh 1996 and 28 at Qaraoun Lake on 27 October 1996 with 15 there on 1 December 1996 (pers. obs.). Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus At Cheikh Zennad: singles on 30 April 1996, 20 July 1996, 15 September 1996 and 17 April 1997. Previous records: a undated specimen (Kumerloeve 1962), at Anjar in August and early 42 Thierry Bara Papers September 1973 (Tohmé & Neuschwander 1974), 48 at the Ammig Swamp in April 1974 (Tohmé & Neuschwander 1978), seven on 27 April and one injured bird on 8 May 1975 at Ammig (Macfarlane 1978). Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus One at Cheikh Zennad on 8 April 1996. One specimen from Khaldé Pool, near the airport, south of Beyrouth [Beirut] on 2 April 1955 (Nevins, in Kumerloeve 1962). Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius cursor Four at Cheikh Zennad on 1 September 1996. This species has not been reported in Lebanon for c. 40 years, until it was rediscovered at Qaa (northern Beka’a) on 10 June 1975 (Macfarlane 1978). Five birds were in the same area, on the Hermel steppe (northern Beka’a) on 11 August 1996 (pers. obs.). Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii At Cheikh Zennad: one on 21 April 1996, three on 20 July 1996 and two on 10 August 1996. Collected by Van Dyck near Beyrouth [Beirut] on 31 July 1877 and on 25 August 1877 (Kumerloeve 1962). Two on the shore near Saida on 24 April and four next day (Benson 1970). Sanderling Calidris alba Four at Cheikh Zennad on 15 September 1996 and eight on 29 September 1996. Only one previous record, on the shore south of Beirut in late spring 1876 (Van Dyck, in Kumerloeve 1962). Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii Recorded four times at Cheikh Zennad, with a maximum of three on 30 April 1996. A few at the Ghadir River estuary on 28 August 1954 (Kumerloeve 1962), one at Joub Jannine on 15 August 1974 and one at Qaraoun on 8 May 1975 (Macfarlane 1978). Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus _ Recorded seven times at Cheikh Zennad, with a maximum of 18 on 1 September 1996. The only previous Lebanese record is of one at Yammouné Lake in autumn 1964 (Benson 1970). Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa Recorded six times at Cheikh Zennad, with a maximum of five on 5 April 1997. Considered a vagrant in Lebanon (Cramp & Simmons 1982); Macfarlane (1978) reported two at Ammigq on 17 March 1975, and reported in autumn from Syria, near the Lebanese border (MacLaren, in Kumerloeve 1962). ni (ao ba My. ' ctl i fan lt ap Bip) wut ale Ve vis UK , ‘ [ they \s ru a . Ve R uta Sina rk 2a igs—_y vi aegeers ry bay: <. VL4, ae ae Bas s - Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa by D Powell ee — Thierry Bara 43 Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Singles at Cheikh Zennad on 3 August 1996 and 12 October 1996. Hollom (1959) noted the species on Nakl Island (= Palm Island) on 9 May 1956 and recorded at Ras Beirut in August 1974 and August 1975 (Macfarlane 1978). Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus Recorded seven times at Cheikh Zennad, with a maximum of six on 12 May 1996. Considered a vagrant in Lebanon (Cramp & Simmons 1982); Macfarlane (1978) saw three at Ammig on 3 April 1975, and reported in autumn from Syria, near the Lebanese border (MacLaren, in Kumerloeve 1962). Great Black-headed Gull Larus ichtyaetus One at Cheikh Zennad on 15 Decembre 1996. One in October 1958 (Flach 1959) is considered unconfirmed (Benson 1970, Kumerloeve 1972). At Ras Beirut, Macfarlane (1978) recorded two on 5 March and five on 15 March 1975. Slender-billed Gull Larus genei At Cheikh Zennad: an adult and a second-summer on 21 April 1996, a second-summer on 30 April and 12 May 1996, an adult on 22 March 1997 and nine adults on 5 April 1997. Very few previous records (Benson 1970). Audouin’s Gull Larus audouini At Cheikh Zennad: a second-summer and three immatures on 3 August 1996, one adult on 10 August 1996 and five on 25 August 1996. Stenhouse (1904) saw this species on Nakl Island (= Palm Island) on 4 July 1893 with one on 20 June 1895. On the second occasion, a colony of 15 nesting pairs with young almost ready to fly was present. Subsequently, there have been just two records: three on 3 October 1958 (Flach 1959, in Kumerloeve 1962) and 18 on Palm Island on 3 April 1973 (Tohmé & Neuschwander 1974). It is worth noting that Cheikh Zennad is 23 km north-east of Palm Island, where access is now controlled, and breeding is again a possibility. Armenian Gull Larus armenicus Eight seen at Cheikh Zennad on 22 March 1997 and one on 5 April 1997. Recently split from Herring L. argentatus and Yellow-legged Gull L. cachinnans which probably explains the lack of previous data for Lebanon. Shirihai (1996) reports that the species winters in the eastern Mediterranean Basin, including Lebanon, without giving further details for Lebanon, and four were at Tyre in October 1996 (G. Ramadan Jaradi pers. comm.). Black Tern Chilidonias niger Two records at Cheikh Zennad: singles on 8 September 1996 and 12 October 1996. Recorded in August and September 1974 at Qaraoun Reservoir (Macfarlane 1978). One over the Qaraoun Reservoir (southern Beka’a) on 15 August 1996 (pers. obs.). Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis One at Cheikh Zennad on 8 April 1996. Has bred at Anjar (Tohmé & Neuschwander 1974), but considered now as a rare winter visitor (G. Ramadan Jaradi pers. comm.). Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta Three at Cheikh Zennad on 1 November 1996. Kumerloeve (1962) indicates that although it is probably not a very rare migrant, substantiated records are few. Macfarlane (1978) mentions at least three at Ammiq on 17 and 19 March 1975. One at Dahr el Baidar (the col between Beirut and the Beka’a Valley) on 31 March 1996 (pers. obs.) is therefore also significant. 44 Thierry Bara Papers REFERENCES BENSON, S. V. (1970) Birds of Lebanon and Jordan area. 1.C.B.P., Warne, London. CRAMP, S. AND SIMMONS, K. E. L. (1982) The birds of the Western Palearctic. Vol. 3. Oxford University Press. EvANS, M. I. (1994) Important Bird Areas in the Middle East. BirdLife International (BirdLife Conservation Series no. 2). Cambridge, U.K. FLACH, B. (1959) Hostobservationer in Lebanon. Fauna och Flora 1959: 161-180. HOoLt.oM, P. A. D. (1959) Notes from Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Antioch. [bis 101: 183-200. KHAIRALLAH, N. H. (1991) Notes on the autumn raptor migration over the Lebanon in 1981. Sandgrouse 13: 34-41. KUMERLOEVE, H. (1962) Notes on the birds of the Lebanese Republic. Iraq Nat. Hist. Mus. Publ. 20/21: 1-81. KUMERLOEVE, H. (1972) Liste comparée des oiseaux nicheurs de Turquie méridionale, Syrie et Liban. Alauda 40: 353-366. MACFARLANE, A. M. (1978) Field notes on the birds of Lebanon and Syria 1974-1977. Army Bird-Watching Soc:, Per: Publ. no: 3: PORTER, R. F., CHRISTENSEN, S. AND SCHIERMACKER-HANSEN, P. (1996) Field guide to the birds of the Middle East. Academic Press, London. Scott, D. A. (1995) A directory of wetlands in the Middle East. International Union for the Conservation of Nature, Gland, Switzerland & International Wildfowl Research Bureau, Slimbridge, U.K. SHIRIHAL, H. (1996) The birds of Israel. Academic Press, London. STENHOUSE, J.H. (1904) The birds of Nakl Island on the coast of Syria. Ibis (VIII) 4: 29-32. TOHME, G. AND NEUSCHWANDER, J. (1974) Nouvelles données sur l’avifaune de la République Libanaise. Alauda 13: 243-258. TOHME, G. AND NEUSCHWANDER, J. (1978) Nouvelles précisions sur le statut de quelques especes nicheuses ou migratrices de l’avifaune libanaise. L’Oiseau et la Revue Francaise d’Ornithologie 48: 319-327. Thierry Bara, Chemin de l’Alzine, Chateau Roussillon, 66000 Perpignan, France. Gfrican Bird Club Membership benefits. ¢ acclaimed colour Bulletin sent twice a year with African regional news, identification articles, site guides, photographic profiles, reviews and more | e African ornithology literature supplement each year } ° you support ABC Conservation Fund projects Annual subscriptions: ¢ UK, Europe and Africa: £15, Rest of World: £17 e pay by sterling cheque, money order or VISA, Access, Mastercard or Eurocard (please send card number and type, cardholder’s name and address, expiry date, signature and amount payable) Please write to: African Bird Club, c/o BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 ONA, United Kingdom UK charity 1053920 http://www.africanbirdclub.org Thierry Bara 45 Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 The first Mute Swan Cygnus olor and Radde’s Accentor Prunella ocularis in Jordan ERIK HANSSON, ANDERS MAGNUSSON AND PER ERIKSSON URING DECEMBER 1997-January 1998, we made a 3.5 week birdwatching trip to Egypt, Israel and Jordan. Among the highlights was the discovery of two birds previously unrecorded in Jordan: Radde’s Accentor Prunella ocularis and Mute Swan Cygnus olor. Mute Swan Cygnus olor On the afternoon of 2 January 1998, we approached the Azraq qa’(a large mudflat) from the north, and whilst searching through the flocks of waders and 1000s of ducks feeding in the shallow water, we noticed four swans Cygnus sp. south-east of where we were standing. Due to the distance and unfavourable light, we could not identify them to species and so drove closer. From a point, c. 200 metres from the birds, we were able to identify them as first-winter Mute Swan. All four had the brownish grey plumage typical of first-winter swans. Their bills were dark with black bases and were held pointing slightly downwards. The species’ nearest breeding sites are in Turkey. It winters in Turkey, north Iran and irregularly on Cyprus, and has also been recorded south to north Egypt, Iraq and east Arabia. In Israel, it is an irregular winter visitor with occasional invasions, e.g. up to 300 birds in winter 1984-85 (Shirihai 1996). There is an unconfirmed report of this species from Azraq in winter 1968-69, but it has not been accepted onto the Jordan list (Andrews 1995). In addition, Sutari (1996) states that the species is an irregular and rare winter visitor to Azrag and the Jordan Valley but this is unsubstantiated by records. Radde’s Accentor Prunella ocularis On 31 December 1997, whilst searching for Syrian Serin Serinus syriacus in the terraced gardens near Dana village we noticed an accentor at the edge of one of the grass fields in the eastern part of the gardens. Our immediate impression was that it was a Radde’s Accentor. The bird was not shy, and we were able to observe it for ten minutes at ranges down to ten metres, whilst it fed on the ground near some small shrubs. It then flew off and disappeared into a hedge further down the slope. We immediately noted the black ear-coverts and crown, with a contrasting broad white supercilium. The belly and flanks were greyish brown, the mantle and back brown and it had darker streaks on the flanks, mantle and back. Closer inspection revealed that the throat was off white with no traces of black. There were, however, dark spots on the sides of the throat, forming an indistinct malar stripe. The breast was an unmarked orange-buff colour. Radde’s Accentor could be confused with first-winter Black-throated Accentor P. atrogularis, which can lack an obvious black throat (e.g. Alstr6m 1991, 1995). However, the white throat without any dark feathers, indistinct malar stripe and broad white supercilium bordered by all black ear-coverts and crown eliminates the latter species. The lack of any yellowish tones on the supercilia and throat excludes Siberian Accentor P. montanella. Radde’s Accentor breeds in south (Taurus) and east Turkey and Iran, in low shrub in rocky montane areas at 2000-3000 metres (BWP Concise). There is some dispersal south and to lower altitudes in winter. Since 1970, it has been a regular winter visitor, principally between 25 October-15 March (one mid-August record), to a small number of localities in northern Israel but with large annual variations and absences in some years (Shirihai 1996). It has also reached Syria at this season (BWP Concise). 46 Notes REFERENCES ALSTROM, P. (1991) Radde’s Accentor Prunella ocularis from Oman reidentified as Black-throated Accentor P. atrogularis. Sandgrouse 13: 106-108. ALSTROM. P. (1995) Identification of Siberian, Black-throated, Radde’s, Arabian and Brown Accentors. Birding World 8: 108-112. ANDREWS I. J. (1995) The birds of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Andrews, Mussleburgh. SHIRIHAI, H. (1996) The birds of Israel. Academic Press, London. SNow, D. W. AND PERRINS, C. M. (1998) The birds of the Western Palearctic. Concise edition. Vol. 2. Oxford University Press. SUTARL, A. (1996) The birds of Jordan. Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, Amman (In Arabic). Erik Hansson, Syster Emmas gata 9, S-413 24 Goteborg, Sweden. Anders Magnusson, Kroksliitts parkgata 55B, S-431 68 Molndal, Sweden. Per Eriksson, Erikslundsvdgen 11, S-611 61 Nyképing, Sweden. Breeding survey of White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala on the Central Plateau, Turkey KATHERINE ROBINSON, LUCY HOLT, YVONNE BUCKLEY, TIM PULLEN, KEREM BOYLA AND OKAN CAN HE BREEDING STATUS AND distribution of the White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala on Turkey’s Central Plateau has recently been reviewed (Kirwan 1994, 1995). Its population was initially believed to be at least 150 pairs, but this was subsequently considered over- optimistic, due to the drainage of Hotamis and Eregli marshes. During 7 July—21 August 1996, the authors counted this species at 19 wetlands in this region. White-headed Duck in Turkey, at this time, are resident breeders or non-breeders. Most sites were visited twice, with counts being made over at least two days on each occasion. Male, female and juvenile numbers were recorded separately. The results are summarised in Table 1 (adapted from Robinson et al. 1996). The survey suggests that the 1996 breeding population was lower than previous population estimates. However, juveniles were observed at Karamik and Eregli marshes, whose continued suitability for breeding has been questioned. Much further work is required to establish the degree of intra- and inter-season variation in counts, and to understand their causes. Intensive study of a few sites for at least one season would be particularly valuable, allowing the reliability of single counts as estimates of actual populations to be assessed. Burdur Golu was also surveyed. An estimate of more than 100 males and 25-50 females (13-16 August) was made. These birds were non-breeders or post-breeders, given the absence of breeding habitat around the lake. Many males at Kulu Golii are unlikely to have bred in the area and, as the water-level did not reach the reeds at Stileymanhaci Golt, birds there are also unlikely to have bred on site. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We owe the success of this survey to the help of many individuals and sponsors. We are particularly grateful to the following for advice: Murat Yarar, Janet Hunter, Baz Hughes and Guy Kirwan, and the following for substantial financial support: The Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust, Oxford University Exploration Club Trust Fund, Shell International Ltd. REFERENCES KIRWAN, G. (1995) Breeding status of the White-headed Duck in Turkey. Threatened Waterfowl Research Group Newsletter 8: 14-15. KiRWAN, G. M. (1994) The breeding status and distribution of the White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala on the Central Plateau, Turkey. Sandgrouse 16: 66-75. 47 Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 ROBINSON, K., HOLT, L., BUCKLEY, Y., PULLEN, T., BOYLA, K. AND CAN, O. (1996) A breeding survey of the White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala (Oxyurini) in the Central Plateau, Turkey. Unpublished report. Katherine Robinson, Lucy Holt, Yvonne Buckley, Tim Pullen, Kerem Boyla and Okan Can, c/o 4 Serpentine Road, Selly Park, Birmingham, B29 7HU, U.K. Table 1. Summary of survey results. Past records = previous published observations of juveniles. Max. count or potential = maximum number of males (m), females (f) and juveniles (j) observed or, where no White-headed Duck were seen, the potential of the site for breeding as determined by the presence of water and reedbeds (change in water-levels due to drainage schemes may lead to rapid change in status). * = difficulty distinguishing females from juveniles. Site Akkaya Baraji Aksehir Gol Bolluk Golu Col Golu Eber Gdlu Eregli marshes Esmekaya Golu Gogenc Golu Hotamis marshes Karamik marshes Kozanli Gokgol Kulu Golu Mogan Gol Samsam Golu Seyfe Golu Grid Reference 39° 12’N 34° 25E 38° sO N 312 25.E 38° 32’N 32° 56’E SIZ IGIN 32 53E | 38° 40’N 31° 10°E 37731 N 332 45:6 38 1OINGS2 28iE 382 11)N 327 38/5 BLOONS 2 OSE 38° 24’N 30° 45'E 39° 01’N 32° 50’'E 39° 05N/ 33 09: 39° 47’°N 32° 48°E 39° 05'N 32° 45'E 39° 12’N 34° 22°E Past records Max. count or potential yes no no yes no no yes 9m 10f 5; yes no no Om 4f 6j 7m 3f 7} 52m 21f 0j . 1 no no 3% 2UIN33 O5iE 3m 1f 0} 685 s2N 33) 30 no Sultansazligii 382 17/N 357 11/E Om 2f* 9" Uyuz Golu 397 IOIN S22 55 E 3m 3f* 3; 1 No White-headed Duck were seen during our survey but a juvenile was seen by Cem Kirac, July 1996. Suleymanhaci Golu Sultanhani marshes The first Great Knot Calidris tenutrostris in Yemen | AAT SCHAFTENAAR N THE EARLY MORNING of 15 October 1997, I was birdwatching the mudflats at Al Khawkhah, Yemen when I noticed a Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris resting amongst a group of gulls and terns. The bird’s size, long bill, dark centres to the mantle and scapular feathers and dark spotting on the flanks and breast, made identification as a Great Knot relatively straightforward, despite my lack of field experience of the species. From Hollom et al. (1988), I learned that there were no previous Yemen records and thus set about obtaining a description. The bird afforded good views from c. 25 metres in good light for c. 10 minutes before it flew off to join a large flock of waders on a nearby mudflat, where I was unable to re-locate it. ! searched for it again the following morning but the bird could not be re-found. Size and shape. Larger than nearby Curlew Sandpipers Calidris ferruginea and approximately the same size as Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva. Bill longer than head and apparently slightly decurved toward the tip. Recalled Red Knot Calidris canutus in overall shape but with seemingly longer legs, slimmer neck and more attenuated rear, giving a slightly more slender appearance. Wing-tip protruded beyond tail-tip. Head. Grey-white with brown spotting. Dark cap formed by larger brown spots on centre of crown. Upperparts. Generally dark due to dark centres to mantle and scapulars. Irregular pale grey spots on rest of upperparts suggesting moult into first-winter plumage. Rump white, in flight strongly contrasting with back. Uppertail pale grey and therefore providing less contrast with rump. 4§ Notes Underparts. White with prominent blackish spots on upper breast and flanks. More concentrated spots on breast forming broad breast band, and spotting even denser on breast sides and neck. Wings. Primaries black, tertials brown with cream white fringes. Coverts as tertials but with broader cream white fringes. Folded wing paler than mantle. In flight, a thin and inconspicuous wingbar was noted on the upperwing. Underwing not seen. Bare parts. Eye dark, contrasting with the otherwise relatively pale face. Bill dark brown, appearing black at distance. Legs grey tinged greenish. Call. No vocalisations heard. Great Knot breeds in north-east Siberia, east of the Lena River and is a long-distance migrant, primarily to southern Asia (from Pakistan east to New Guinea) and Australia (BWP Concise). Much smaller numbers migrate south-west to the Arabian Gulf, principally to Oman (max. 1100 in winter 1989-90: OBRC 1994) and the United Arab Emirates (max. 607 in September 1994: Richardson & Aspinall 1996), with two records from Bahrain (Hirschfeld 1995) and c. five in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia (max. 107 in Tarut Bay in April 1991: Evans & Keijl 1993). That a single should reach Yemen is relatively unsurprising, especially in the light of other Western Palearctic records from Britain, the Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Spain, Israel and Morocco (BWP Concise). REFERENCES EVANS, M. I. AND KEIL, G. O. (1993) Spring migration of coastal waders through the Saudi Arabian Gulf in 1991. Sandgrouse 15: 56-84. HIRSCHFELD, E. (1995) Birds in Bahrain: a study of their migration patterns 1990-92. Hobby Publications, Dubai. Hotiom, P. A. D., PorTER, R. F., CHRISTENSEN, S. AND WILLIS, I. (1988) Birds of the Middle East and North Africa. T. & A. D. Poyser, Calton. OBRC (OMAN BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE) (1994) Oman bird list. The official list of the birds of the Sultanate of Oman. OBRC, Muscat. RICHARDSON, C. AND ASPINALL, S. (1996) A checklist of the birds of the United Arab Emirates. Emirates Bird Records Committee, Dubai. SNow, D. W. AND PERRINS, C. M. (eds.) (1998) The birds of the Western Palearctic. Concise edition. Vol. 1. Oxford University Press. Aat Schaftenaar, Van Der Waalsstraat 10-2, 6706 JN Wageningen, The Netherlands. The first breeding record of Swift Tern Sterna bergii in Egypt PETER CASTELL N 20 JULY 1997, I chartered a boat and crew at Hurghada in order to visit some of the islands at the mouth of the Gulf of Suez, a journey of 5-6 hours. On the morning of 21 July, we landed on a spit at the south end of Gezirat Umm el Heimat, where there was a dense colony of c. 750 pairs of Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis. On closer approach, it became apparent there were also 25 pairs of Swift Tern Sterna bergii present. The terns occupied a narrow flat strip of higher sandy ground, c. two metres above sea-level and c. 20 x 5 metres in size, separated from the sea by a low, flat strip of sand and rock, c. 50 metres long by 15 metres wide. The latter was almost entirely covered in sticky tar and debris, melting in the late morning heat. At least 50 young terns were stuck in this, nearly all of them dead and wholly blackened. A few were barely alive, hopelessly trying to struggle free. The young of both species are very similar and it was not possible to positively identify these birds. The nest scrapes of the terns were c. 25-30 cm apart. Virtually all of the several hundred occupied Lesser Crested Tern scrapes contained one egg (or a single newly hatched young); c. eight contained two eggs. Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 al og jh Red Sea, Egypt, July 1997. Note the Plate 1. Swift Sterna bergii and Lesser Crested Terns S. bengalensis nesting on Umm el Heimat, tar/oil on the neck of one of the Swift Terns. (Peter Castell) Swift Tern lays much larger eggs than Lesser Crested Tern (62 x 43 mm compared to 52 x 36 mm: Cramp 1985). The 12 Swift Tern eggs in the mixed colony were, therefore, immediately and easily identified. Each scrape contained a single egg. They were all on the seaward edge of the colony, immediately adjacent to the tar beach. Three were very close together, the others were in a scattered line along the colony edge. The eggs of both species were extremely variable in colour and markings. Approximately half of the Lesser Crested Tern clutches had hatched, and several hundred young birds, all less than a week old, were gathered together, just north of the tar beach. There were also 12-13 young Swift Tern, each attended by an adult (or adults), c. 20 metres north of the main colony, principally on higher rocky ground; these were less than a week old. The nearest known colonies of Swift Tern are in the Arabian Gulf and the southern Red Sea, but they have long been suspected of breeding at the mouth of the Gulf of Suez and on the islands off Hurghada, although Jennings et al. (1985), in a major survey, found only circum- stantial evidence of breeding. In April-May 1983, a total of 139 adults—130 on Ghanim, four on the Ashrafi Islands, a pair on South Geisum, two on Gezirat Umm el Heimat, and one on Giftun el Saghir—were found. In September—October 1984, 45 adults—39 on the Ashrafi Islands, four on Gezirat Umm el Heimat, one on Gezirat Umm Magawish and one at sea—were present. It was concluded that breeding was likely on the Ashrafi Islands and possibly South Geisum. Hoath et al. (1997) also found no evidence of breeding but saw ten birds between 10-14 June 1994, four at the south tip of North Geisum and six on South Geisum, but they did not visit Gezirat Umm el Heimat. The circumstantial evidence suggests that Swift Terns have probably bred in small numbers on these islands for many years. The long boat journey from Hurghada requires a sturdy boat, but most islands are fringed with coral and a small inflatable is necessary for landing. This first definite breeding record demonstrates the vulnerability of young terns. An up-to- date survey, of the type conducted by Jennings ef al. (1985) but undertaken in the peak breeding season, is urgently required. 50 Notes Plate 2. Nest and egg of Swift Tern Sterna bergii, Umm el Heimat, Red Sea, Egypt, July 1997. (Peter Castell) ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank Peter Meininger for his comments on an earlier draft of this manuscript. REFERENCES CRAMP, S. (ed.) (1985) The birds of the Western Palearctic. Vol. 4. Oxford University Press. HOATH, R., RUSSELL, D., KHALIL, R. AND KHALIL, D. (1997) The birds of the islands at the mouth of the Gulf of Suez, Egyptian Red Sea. Sandgrouse £9 (1)7 22-29. JENNINGS, M. C., HEATHCOTE, P. C., PARR, D. AND BAHA EL DIN, S. M. (1985) Ornithological survey of the Ras Dib area and the islands at the mouth of the Gulf of Suez, Egypt. Oil Pollution Research Unit, Pembroke. Peter Castell, Fairlawn, 679 Chester Road, Great Sutton, South Wirral L66 2LN, U. K. Plate 3. Swift Tern Sterna bergii at c. 3-4 days old, Umm el Heimat, Red Sea, Egypt, July 1997. (Peter Castell) “FULL-COLOUR ADVERT RATES Full page: 240mm tall x 135. wide £200 Back cover: 245mm tall x 170 wide £300 “Flyers & meant: Please call for details Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus breeding in the Nile Delta, Egypt PETER L. MEININGER AND A. JANUS) VERKERK HE NILE DELTA LAKES in northern Egypt, in particular Lakes Burullus and Manzala, are the most important known wintering areas for Palearctic-breeding Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus (Goodman & Meininger 1989). Over 44,000 were counted in winter 1989-90 (Meininger & Atta 1994). Most birds depart the delta in March-April, but 100s are present until early May, and small numbers have been reported at Lake Manzala in July-August (Goodman & Meininger 1989). Although Ticehurst (1912) reported that several Whiskered Tern were at Lake Maryut on 15 May 1909 and according to local people ‘many arrive there towards the end of the month and breed in reed-beds’, Goodman & Meininger (1989) stated that there was no conclusive evidence that it had bred in Egypt. In spring 1990, 100s were present at several localities in the southern part of Lake Manzala until at least 24 May, when observations ceased. Although birds were seen displaying and carrying fish, there was no proof of breeding (Meininger & Atta 1994). On 7 June 1997, JV visited Lake Maryut in a small fishing boat, accompanied by a local fisherman. In a large, open and shallow (< 0.5 m) part of the lake, within two km of Alexandria city limits, the submerged aquatic vegetation, probably principally Potamogeton pectinatus became so dense, that the boat almost got stuck. Here, c. 12 Whiskered Tern appeared, vigorously alarming and regularly performing ‘attacks’ on the boat, approaching to within one metre. On returning, at least 30 birds were found attending c. 20 nests in a loose colony, built on floating aquatic vegetation. The nest contents were not examined, principally because JV was unaware that this would be the first documented breeding of the species in Egypt. Although the local guide gestured ‘eggs, good to eat’, the difficulty in accessing this site probably made it a relatively safe breeding place. Whiskered Tern bred in north Israel until the early 20th century (Shirihai 1996). The nearest regular breeding areas to the Nile Delta are in Turkey (Cramp 1985). This observation confirms that the species breeds, at least irregularly, in the Nile Delta. Breeding in other lakes seems likely. It lends support Ticehurst’s (1912) statement that the species bred at Lake Maryut nearly 90 years ago. The breeding fauna of these lakes is still very poorly known (Meininger et al. 1986, Goodman & Meininger 1989, Meininger & Atta 1994) and breeding Whiskered Tern (and perhaps other species) may have escaped notice. Unfortunately, throughout the delta lakes, habitat destruction through reclamation, urbanisation and pollution is occurring so rapidly that, in some cases, we will probably not even know what has disappeared. REFERENCES CRAMP, S. (ed.) (1985) The birds of the Western Palearctic.Vol. 4. Oxford University Press. GOODMAN, S. M AND MEININGER, P. L. (eds.) 1989) The birds of Egypt. Oxford University Press. MEININGER, P. L. AND ATTA, G. A. M. (1994) Ornithological studies in Egyptian wetlands 1989/90. FORE report 94-01 & WIWO report 40, Vlissingen & Zeist. MEININGER, P. L., S RENSEN, U. G. AND ATTA, G. A. M. (1986) Breeding birds of the lakes in the Nile Delta, Egypt. Sandgrouse 7: 1-20. SHIRIHAI, H. (1996) The birds of Israel. Academic Press, London. TICEHURST, C. B. (1912). The birds of Lower Egypt. The Zoologist. Ser. 4. 16: 41-59. Peter L. Meininger, Lisztlaan 5, 4354 KM Vlissingen, The Netherlands. A. (Janus) Verkerk, Roerdompstraat 86, 3291 VM Strijen, The Netherlands. 52 Notes Notes on the breeding and cooling behaviour of Hoopoe Lark Alaemon alaudipes in central Saudi Arabia MOHAMMED SHOBRAK HE DISTRIBUTION AND general biology of the Hoopoe Lark Alaemon alaudipes are reviewed by Cramp (1988); Jennings (1995) provides details of these behaviours in Arabia. Here, some observations of the breeding and cooling behaviour of the species are presented. The observations were made between 1992-1997 in the Mahazat as-Sayd reserve, a 2244 km* fenced area in the central-west region of Saudi Arabia, at 22° 00’—22° 30’N 41° 28’-42° 13’E. The majority of the habitat in the reserve is open sandy gravel plain. The reserve has been protected since 1989 primarily for reintroduction of the Arabian Oryx Oryx leucoryx (Greth & Schwede 1993). Breeding observations Male Hoopoe Larks displayed each year from late February—July, with an exceptional record of an adult carrying food to the nest in October 1992 (Newton & Newton 1997). This was due to exceptional rainfall in August that year, resulting in an extended breeding season. Felemban (1989) recorded similar extension of the breeding season after an exceptional rainfall on Farasan Island, south-west Saudi Arabia. In Mahazat as-Sayd reserve, most nests were recorded in February—June: two nests with three eggs were on the ground; four nests with 3-4 eggs were in vegetation (two on Panicum turgidum, a common grass in open sandy gravel habitat over much of the reserve); and two nests, containing one and three eggs, were in open sandy areas in Haloxylon saclicornium bushes. One pair was observed over two days, and visited twice a week subsequently, during which time copulation and nest-building were recorded. Copulation started when the female approached the display area of the male and stood 10-15 m away from him, stimulating the male to increase his display frequency. The female then crouched with wings partly open, then hovered, during which time the male came closer and mounted her back to copulate. Copulation took place several times daily, with a mean length of 3.7 seconds (n = five). After each copulation, the female ruffled her feathers and moved towards bushes within the male’s Plate 1. Hoopoe Lark Alaemon alaudipes, cooling by prostrating Plate 2. Hoopoe Lark Alaemon alaudipes, nesting in Panicum itself on Corchorus depressus, Mahazat as-Sayd reserve, grass, Mahazat as-Sayd reserve, central Saudi Arabia. central Saudi Arabia. (Mohammed Shobrak) (Mohammed Shobrak) Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 territory. The female selected a small clump of Panicum sp. grass and started to nest-build beside it, while the male continued displaying nearby. Males were observed incubating at two nests found between 12.00-14.00 hrs. As soon as the nests were approached by an observer the male left and started to display. In contrast, flushed females returned immediately to incubate the eggs without fear of human presence. Cooling behaviour Hoopoe Larks were recorded displaying and foraging throughout the day, even during summer when maximum ambient temperatures in the shade could reach 46°C. At midday, males nesting between displays were observed standing under Acacia bushes avoiding direct sunlight or on top of them avoiding ground-level heat. However, in summers 1992-1994, the species was occasionally observed prostrate and facing into the wind, for a few seconds at a time, on mat-like Corchorus depressus plants, between 12.00—16.40 hrs. Corchorus depressus is a prostrate perennial herb which grows very close to the ground forming dense mats Plate 4. Hoopoe Lark Alaemon alaudipes, resting on Corchorus depressus, Mahazat as-Sayd reserve, central Saudi Arabia. (Mohammed Shobrak) 54 Notes (Mandaville 1990). The dark green leaves are abundant and set on thick, sturdy branches. Their surface felt cooler than other plants in the area, as it appeared to generate a more humid microclimate. I interpret this behaviour to be a thermoregulatory cooling mechanism when the lark presses its body against the relatively cool, damp foliage. REFERENCES CRAMP, S. (ed.) (1988) The birds of the Western Palearctic. Vol. 5. Oxford University Press. FELEMBAN, H. M. (1989) Studies on the birds of the Farasan Islands. Report to NCWCD, Riyadh. GRETH, A. AND SCHWEDE, G. (1993) A brief history of the reintroduction of the Arabian Oryx Oryx leucoryx in Saudi Arabia. Int. Zoo Yearbook 32: 73-81. JENNINGS, M. C. (1995) An interim atlas of the breeding birds of Arabia. NCWCD, Riyadh. MANDAVILLE, J. (1990) Flora of eastern Saudi Arabia. Keegan Paul, London. NEWTON, S. F. AND NEWTON, A. V. (1997) The effect of rainfall and habitat on abundance and diversity of birds in a fenced protected area in the Central Saudi Arabian desert. J. Arid Environments 35: 715-735. Mohammed Shobrak, National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development, National Wildlife Research Centre, P. O. Box 1086, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The first Banded Martin Riparia cincta in Saudi Arabia | C. M. SAUNDERS AND G. G. WEBBON N 3 OCTOBER 1996 a Banded Martin Kiparia cincta was observed associating with a flock of hirundines—composed of Barn Swallows Hirundo rustica and Sand Martins Riparia riparia—tfeeding over alfafa fields c. four km south of the southern limit of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The bird was first noticed when the flock settled on an electricity cable, where it appeared noticeably bulkier than both other species perched on the same wire. The bird was watched for several minutes, through binoculars and a telescope, at a range of c. 15 metres. Description. Seen from behind, the bird appeared bulkier than an adjacent Sand Martin, although similarly proportioned. The general coloration was earth-brown, whilst the tail was square-tipped. When viewed from the side and front, the similarity to Sand Martin was reinforced by the overall proportions, shape and size of the head and bill and their coloration. It was estimated to be at least 2.5 cm longer than Sand Martin. The underparts were white, excepting a brown breast band. The main differentiating feature—a white triangular shaped patch above the eye—was clearly seen. When subsequently observed in flight, its pattern was straight and parallel to the ground, with the wingbeats deeper and slower than in Sand Martin. No calls were heard. Reference to Hollom et al. (1988) clearly identified the bird as Banded Martin, due to the bird’s size, tail shape, flight method, underparts pattern (although we did not note the white underwing-coverts) and white area above the eye. This is the first record in Saudi Arabia of a species which is a widespread resident and intra-African migrant, from Ethiopia south to Zambia and Malawi (Keith et al. 1992). There is one previous record in the Middle East: one at Bajil, Yemen in March 1982 (Cornwallis & Porter 1982). REFERENCES CORNWALLIS, L. AND PORTER, R. F. (1982) Spring observations on the birds of North Yemen. Sandgrouse 4: 1-36. Hottom, P. A. D., PORTER, R. F., CHRISTENSEN, S. AND WILLIS, I. (1988) Birds of the Middle East and North Africa. T. & A.D. Poyser, Calton. KEITH, S., URBAN, E. K. AND Fry, C. H. (eds.) (1992) The birds of Africa. Vol. 4. Academic Press, London. C. M. Saunders, Myrtle Place, Gosford Lane, Ottery St. Mary, Devon EX11 1NA, U.K. G. G. Webbon, 8 Springfield Road, Exmouth, Devon, U. K. nN 1S Sandgrouse 20 (1): 56-64 1998 Colour polymorphism in Eleonora’s Falcon Falco eleonorae D. RISTOW, C. WINK, M. WINK AND W. SCHARLAU! Approximately 70% of adult Eleonora’s Falcon are light-coloured and 30% dark-coloured. Only 2% of juvenile birds are dark morphs but a further 28% develop the dark coloration when one year old. Although coloration apparently represents a polygenic trait, dark and light plumage is inherited in a Mendelian fashion. ‘Dark’ figures as a dominant trait. Available data on the abundance of both morphs with respect to annual fluctuations, sex or geographical location do not permit an unequivocal statement on the adaptive value of morph polymorphism. Colour photographs illustrate the range of plumage polymorphism in Eleonora’s Falcon. This paper represents part 23 of a series on Eleonora’s Falcon . INTRODUCTION LTHOUGH ELEONORA’S FALCON Falco eleonorne is a regular migrant through the Middle East (Ristow et al. 1992), it is rarely observed probably because many have difficulties in identifying this rare species. Here, we aim to illustrate and quantify plumage variation in F. eleonorae in order to facilitate its identification in the field. At all seasons, individuals can be sexed morphometrically—as in all falcons, females are larger than males—but this is usually only possible when birds are captured (Wink ef al. 1982). At least during the breeding season, perched adult males can be distinguished in the field by telescope through their lemon-yellow eyerings and ceres and orange-yellow tarsi and toes, whereas in the female these features are dull grey or greenish yellow (Plate 1). Although it is generally accepted that Eleonora’s Falcon has two distinct colour morphs—light and dark—detailed analysis has revealed substantial variation within these phases (Kriiper 1864, Heinroth 1899, Vaughan 1961, Walter 1979, Clark 1981). Plumage variation in the undertail- and underwing-coverts has not been described in detail. This paper places particular emphasis on these characters. Naturally, those parts of the plumage—face, breast, belly, undertail-coverts, underwing-coverts— visible to the bird’s mate or competitor during ground display, vary to some degree between individuals. Patterns of streaks, spots and fringes gradually diminish from light female }) light male ) dark female t) dark male. For convenience, the description begins with light morph females. LIGHT MORPH ADULTS Typical light morph females (Plate 3a) show whitish cheeks, whilst the chin is cream- coloured finely streaked with dark. Ear-coverts are dark brown; the whitish area is never as large as in Hobby Falco subbuteo (compare Plate 3, Sandgrouse 18 (2): 42). Dark shaft streaks on the breast and belly have broad yellow or orange-buffish webs, the breadth of the shaft streaks being reduced on the flanks and in the transition area from belly to undertail-coverts. The base colour of the undertail-coverts is pale or cinnamon-brown, the shaft streaks terminating in subterminal triangular spots (reaching nearly to the edge of the web). The colourful sides of the greater underwing- coverts face the primaries, so from below only the grey base, concolorous with the primaries, is visible. Yellow buffish tips and spotted edges occur on both webs of the 56 D. Ristow, C. Wink, M. Wink and W. Scharlau Notes Hy aM Ly ay RM Ly a I} y j i Hy Hi j ve ihe PE a ' Ly a es ity | Pai fa reat Plate 1. Portraits of Eleonora’s Falcons Falco eleonorae: a) adult light morph male; b) adult light morph female; c) adult dark morph male, note colour of cere and eyerings is the same as in 1a; d) fledgling of the rare homozygous dark morph (‘DD’) with completely black mandibles. (Dietrich Ristow) D. Ristow, C. Wink, M. Wink and W. Scharlau o7 Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 outer primary coverts and on one web of the inner primary coverts, but only on the tips of the outer greater secondary-coverts. Nearer the axillaries, the tips become broader and a few spots appear along the feather edge. However, in the stretched wing, the greater underwing-coverts in the area of the secondaries are hidden beneath the median coverts. The median coverts by means of their dark base colour form a striking contrast line on the underwing, and their buffish tips and spots are much more obvious. Again, spot size and number decrease towards the carpal area, the same tendency being observed for the edges or fringes of the lesser underwing- coverts. At the axillaries, the buffish edge spots have increased to such a size and are spaced so regularly that they almost form a barred pattern. In some females, the ground colour is buffier. In others, the shaft streaks on breast and belly are broader, but the light edges on the webs are always present. Additionally, these individuals show less buff on the underwing-coverts. In a few females, only the two central undertail-coverts have a subterminal dark spot, or only a brown shaft section. Adult females commence moulting their remiges by shedding the fourth primary and fifth secondary in September. A moult gap in late autumn and winter indicates an adult (or a yearling?). When the adults return to the Mediterranean at the end of April, their plumage is fresh and they appear uniformly dark grey when seen from above, males only slightly blacker than females. With time, this colour gradually becomes slightly browner as it is bleached by the sun. Bleaching enhances the contrast within the faint barring of the uppertail-coverts, such pattern being much more obvious in females than in males of any morph. Light morph males typically lack the buffish component in their plumage. Thus the contrast between slate-grey, white, and cinnamon is increased compared to light morph females, giving the males a brighter appearance (Plate 2c). The missing buffish colour is the reason for the paler tail pattern of the males. The shaft streaks, present on breast and belly, disappear towards the tail. Leg feathers and undertail-coverts are red-cinnamon. The undertail-coverts in some birds are uniform in coloration, but more than half of males also show slate-grey tips or brown shaft streaks, especially on the two central feathers. Typically, the median underwing-coverts are black and become black-grey towards the axillaries; tips and spots are reduced and dirty brown compared to light morph females. In some males, the underwing quite closely resembles female coloration. In c. 3% of light morph males, the dark streaks on breast and belly become confluent, producing a black belly in extreme cases (Plate 2a). Some median underwing-coverts have buffish tips in these males, but spots are almost non- existent. DARK MORPH ADULTS A typical dark morph female, except for the cream-coloured chin, is completely dark brown or coal-black, and slightly lighter on the breast and belly having some buffish spots (Plate 3b). However, if lighter spots or even broad streaks can be discerned, then the moustachial stripe can also be recognized, characteristics which apply to more than 10% of dark females. All undertail-coverts may be uniformly dirty brown or barred, but the central ones can be dark grey whilst the outer ones show the broad subterminal triangular dark spot. Alternatively all may show a subterminal spot. These spots always reach the edge of the web, a detail relevant when determining the morph of nestlings (see below). The median underwing-coverts occasionally show the same distribution of fringes and spots as in light morph females, the buffish areas being darker. Most dark females have black median underwing-coverts, only the inner ones showing dark buffish tips and dark buffish spots on the axillaries. 58 D. Ristow, C. Wink, M. Wink and W. Scharlau Notes Typical dark morph males are blacker than dark females, appearing black when observed at distance. On closer view, some males show dark shaft streaks on the breast. Undertail coverts can be dirty brown with darker tips or simply black. The ereater underwing-coverts are grey as in light morph birds, but are lacking tips or spots. The median coverts are black and have no dots or only faint dots; in the latter case such dots are also present on the axillaries. Approximately 1% of dark morph males show an enlarged whitish chin area or are grey-brown all over making the dark ‘beard’ visible in the malar region (Plate 2b). Such a male might be mistaken for a dark morph female by an inexperienced observer, especially in case of a young bird when the yellow colour of the cere is relatively faint. Such males may be more common in the west of its range, as could be implied from Clark’s (1981) description. JUVENILES All fledglings have very characteristic pale buffish tips on back, wing and tail feathers (Plate 4a). The bars on the tail feathers reach across both webs, whereas in adults the bars are restricted to the inner web only. Generally, the central rectrices are uniform, although bars of varying contrast can be found in some birds (juveniles as well as adults). Colour of cere and eye-rings is similar to adult females. A geographical difference applies to juvenile tail feathers of birds from Crete and Morocco: the rufous bars of Moroccan birds have a stronger red component than those from Crete. A detailed description of how to classify juvenile Eleonora’s Falcons into the main morph categories has been given by Wink et al. (1978) and Clark (1981) who discovered independently that morph is inherited according to Mendelian laws, and that dark is the dominant trait. If the abbreviations D=dominant dark and |=recessive light are used, a simple genetic model would distinguish the genotypes ‘Il’, ‘ID’ and _ ‘DD’. ‘DD’ and ‘1D’ develop dark morph adults whereas Il produces only light birds. The general coloration of the ‘ll’-genotype (Plate 4b) is slightly paler than the ‘ID’- juvenile, a distinctive difference easily noted in the hand. In addition, the distribution of dark brown spots on the undertail-coverts of ‘ll’-juveniles varies considerably, but these stripes or triangular spots do not extend to the edge of the web. On the other hand, in ‘ID’-juveniles such bars extend to the feather edge so that their ends are visible in normal feather positions (Plate 4c). Within a colony, the frequency of ‘Il’-juveniles is c. 70% and that of ‘ID’-juveniles 28%. The remaining 2% of ‘DD’-juveniles can be easily identified as fledglings by their overall black appearance (ignoring the feather tips) (Plate 4d). Once again variation between individuals exists, the contrast of the bars on the undertail-coverts varies in intensity and the dark bars may be wide enough that the lighter stripes almost disappear. The mandibles are totally black (Plate 1d) whereas in all other morphs (at any age) only the tip of the bill is black. This conspicuous black bill colour develops at 10-12 days. A ‘DD’-chick may be a sibling to an ‘Il’-chick, a regular occurrence when both parents belong to the heterozygous dark ‘ID’-morph. DD-chicks have been noted throughout the breeding range of the species, from Cyprus to the Atlantic coast. To our knowledge, however, nobody has properly identified a ‘DD’-adult. Do they represent those few dark adults which we have seen in the field without barred tail? A ringed ‘DD’-juvenile male was found dead six years later in a Cretan colony, but unfortunately, the carcass was already too decomposed to allow a detailed colour determination. First moult is in May—September of the second calendar year when the yearlings attain adult plumage. Breast feathers moult prior to belly feathers. Birds with a dark D. Ristow, C. Wink, M. Wink and W. Scharlau 59 Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 Plate 2. Adult male Eleonora’s Falcons Falco eleonorae: a) exceptional light morph male with black belly; b) exceptional dark morph male with such soft coloration that the moustachial stripe is discernible; ¢) Typical light morph male. Intermediate forms to that shown in 2a, as well as that in 3a, are known. (Dietrich Ristow, except b, A. L. Clark) 60 D. Ristow, C. Wink, M. Wink and W. Scharlau Notes Hi) We, He Te Ha) ey Te He i Ay et wi Me TH Heh Hie i ity aa ee E Te bi ih i ff if Bal tie a HE CL oy a : ; a Pi ; ' Mi y iy i i MG Te a Hi i le a i ta i MRE Hip RPL i i i fi Ha NRE Uh Die ] _ / Has ae Ly . 7 oo LC Plate 3. Adult female Eleonora’s Falcons Falco eleonorae: a) typical light morph female—slightly lighter coloured females with a buff background colour exist which show even clearer underwing patterns, and there are also slightly darker females with an intermediate plumage coloration as compared to the males of 2a and c; b) typical dark morph female, note that the bill and eyerings appear the same as in 1b and 3a, moustachial stripe not discernible and tail barring is similar to light morph birds in 2c and 3a—dark morph males show the same brown plumage as this bird (compare 1c) or are even blacker, their lower belly and undertail-coverts may be more rufous than in this female, or simply black; c) very rare female phenotype: this bird, which is at least three years old, is believed to be a dark morph because of its undertail-coverts—there are a number of dark morph females with face to belly coloration intermediate between this and the bird in 3b, and with underwing coloration similar to 2c. (Dietrich Ristow) D. Ristow, C. Wink, M. Wink and W. Scharlau 61 Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 mottled breast represent ‘ID’-yearlings, which are recognizable in this phase even at some distance. Because back feathers, uppertail-, undertail- and lesser underwing- coverts moult prior to remiges and rectrices, and the light buffish feather tips of the fledgling phase are usually abraded by this time, yearlings resemble adults quite closely in the breeding season. But as the tertials and their coverts are moulted last, for any morph the buffish bars at the transition from wing to back are indicative of yearlings until September. During the breeding season, yearlings disperse widely, sometimes far inland, thousands of miles from their breeding cliffs (Ristow et al. 1992). Therefore, their moult feathers with the conspicuous bars on the inner web of the remiges are rarely found in the breeding colonies. ADAPTIVE VALUE OF DARK OR LIGHT COLORATION? Certainly, coloration is a polygenic trait generating a diversity of intermittent types. However, the degree of plumage polymorphism in Eleonora’s Falcon allows dimorphism into ‘light’ and ‘dark’ as a simple, but adequate model for most purposes. As to the adaptive value of the morphs, our knowledge is very poor. It has been shown that morph frequency in juveniles is the same as in adults and that pairing systems of adults are statistically random with respect to morph (Wink et al. 1978). Morph ratio across the species’ breeding range appears relatively constant (Table 1); the exceptionally low dark morph frequencies recorded at the Columbretes and Morocco B3 locations, confirmed by different observer groups, are no doubt real, but we lack a plausible explanation. Long term observations on morph ratio and sex are available from only one location (Crete K8, a colony with >500 birds) (Table 2). The fluctuations over the years are larger than one would expect in a species for which territorial site tenacity and a possible maximum age of 16 years in the wild have been demonstrated (Ristow et al. 1979, Ristow et al. 1989). Basic questions such as morph frequency in relation to colony size, nest density, survival rate, breeding success, predator dependence, infestation with parasites or climatic conditions have not been addressed yet. As ‘dark’ is a dominant trait which seems to be in balance with ‘light’ under natural conditions, there should be a selective factor which favours the character ‘light’. The nature of this selection remains to be discovered in future research. | ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors are indebted to the Greek Ministry of Agriculture for permitting field studies in Crete. A. L. Clark kindly provided Plate 2b. REFERENCES BERNIS, F. AND CASTROVIEJO, J. (1968) Aves de las Islas Columbretes en primavera. Ardeola 12: 143-163. CLARK, A. L. (1981) Ecology of the Eleonora’s Falcon in Morocco. Doctoral Thesis, Cornell University. Dotc GARCIA, J. C. AND NACHO DIES, J. (1987) El Halcon de Eleonor (Falco eleonorae, Gene) en las Islas Columbretes. Consellaria d’Obres Publiques, Urbanisme i Transports, Valencia. HEINROTH, O. (1899) Uber die Kleider des Eleonorenfalken (Falco eleonorae Gene). Ornith. Monatsber. 7: 19-23. KRUPER, T. (1864) Beitrag zur Naturgeschichte des Eleonoren-Falken Falco eleonorae Gene. J. Orn. 12: 1-23. MakatTscu, W. (1958) Beobachtungen an einem Brutplatz des Eleonorenfalken. Vogelwelt 79: 40-47. MAYOL, J. (1977) Estudios sobre el Halcon de Eleonor Falco eleonorae en las Islas Baleares. Ardeola 23: 103-136. Moccr DEeMarrtIs, A. (1973) Recensement de la colonie de faucon d’ Eleonore Falco eleonorae de \’Tle de San Pietro (Sardaigne). Alauda 41: 385-402. Ristow, D., WINK, C. AND WINK, M. (1979) Site tenacity and pair bond of the Eleonora’s Falcon. Il-Merill 20: 16-18. Ristow, D., SCHARLAU, W. AND WINK, M. (1989) Population structure and mortality of Eleonora’s Falcon Falco eleonorae. In: Meyburg, B. U. and Chancellor, R. J. (eds.) Raptors in the Modern World. Proc. III World Conference on Birds of Prey and Owls, Eilat, Israel, 22-27 March 1987. World Working Group on Birds of Prey and Owls, Berlin. 62 D. Ristow, C. Wink, M. Wink and W. Scharlau Notes Ristow, D. AND WINK, M. (1992) Distribution of non-breeding Eleonora’s Falcon Falco eleonorae. Il-Merill 28: 1-10. SIELMANN, H. AND STRESEMANN, E. (1956) Bausteine zu einer Ornithologie von Kreta. j. Orn. 97: 44-71. VAUGHAN, R. (1961) Falco eleonorae. Ibis 103: 114-128. WALTER, H. (1979a) Eleonora’s Falcon. Adaptations to prey and habitat in a social raptor. Chicago University Press, Chicago. WALTER, H. (1979b) Breeding locations of Falco eleonorae: a world directory. University of California, Los Angeles. WINK, M., WINK, C. AND Ristow, D. (1978) Biologie des Eleonorenfalken (Falco eleonorae): 2. Zur Vererbung der Gefiederphasen (hell-dunkel). J. Orn. 119: 421-428. WINK, M., WINK, C. AND Ristow, D. (1982) Biologie des Eleonorenfalken (Falco eleonorae) 12. Biometrie des Sexualdimorphismus adulter und fliigger Falken. Die Vogelwelt 103: 225-229. Dietrich Ristow, Pappelstr. 35, D-85579 Neubiberg, Germany. Coralie and Michael Wink, Institut fiir Pharmazeutische Biologie, Universitit Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 364, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany. Winfried Scharlau, Ignatiusstr. 35, D-48329 Havixbeck, Germany. Table 1. Geographic variation of the frequencies of light and dark morphs in Eleonora’s Falcon Falco eleonorae. Location* Year Sample Light Dark Reference % % Cyprus 1957 15 25 Vaughan (1961) Crete K5 1944 70 30 Sielmann et al. (1956) 1957 80 20 Makatsch (1958) Crete K9 1985 76 24 unpubl. Crete K10 1985 71 Ristow et al. (1989) Crete K12 1981 19 unpubl. Sardinia 1972 83 Mocci Demartis (1973) - Balearic ls. 1975-6 80 Mayol (1977) Columbretes 1964 94 Bernis et al. (1966) 1985 97 Dolc Garcia et al. (1987) Morocco B3 1966 96 Walter (1979a) 1972 97 Clark (1981) Morocco B2 1959 74 Vaughan (1961) 1966 82 Walter (1979a) 1969 72 Walter (1979a) 1972-4 75 Clark (1981) *Following the 1978 resolution of the Raptor Research Foundation Inc., for conservation reasons precise breeding locations are omitted. Abbreviations as used by Walter (1979b) are given where appropriate. Table 2. Fluctuations of morph frequency within an Aegean colony (Crete K8) of Eleonora’s Falcon Falco eleonorae. Year Sample Light Dark Percentage of dark morphs n % % male female 1965 146 68 32 41 25 1969 55 73 Pai 23 30 1975 At 74 26 25 26 1977 137 66 34 45 26 1979 70 77 23 20 25 1980* 64 59 41 48 34 1981* 3/ 57 43 54 37 1982 81 70 30 43 22 1983 : 192 70 30 29 30 1985 316 12 28 30 26 1986 100 61 39 44 35 1988 310 68 32 30 34 1990* 27 74 26 20 29 1991 116 75 25 38 20 1997 163 75 25 37 17 * data perhaps biased due to unsystematic recording D. Ristow, C. Wink, M. Wink and W. Scharlau 63 Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 Plate 4. Fledgling Eleonora’s Falcons Falco eleonorae: a) juvenile sun-bathing—feather tip pattern of this homozygous light bird (‘Il’) is the same as in other morphs, but the pale buff colour becomes increasingly darker in heterozygous and homozygous dark juveniles: it is almost self-evident that the head pattern resembles that of adults 1a and 1b, as the face pattern of a juvenile Hobby Falco subbuteo resembles that of the adult; b) homozygous light juvenile, brown spots on the undertail-covert shafts are not normally visible—at one year old such juveniles moult into the plumage shown in 2c/3a; c) face and underwing pattern of heterozygous dark juveniles (‘ID’) is similar to 4b, but the shaft streaks on breast and belly are broader, with the brown bars on the undertail-coverts extending to the edge of the web— when one year old, this group will moult into the plumage depicted in 3c; d) homozygous dark juvenile (‘DD’), the dark central portion of breast and belly feathers is expanded in such a way that it almost occupies the entire feather, see 1d for bill details—the light tips to the rectrices in all juveniles (4b, c and d) help to identify this age group among birds flying overhead. (Dietrich Ristow) 64 D. Ristow, C. Wink, M. Wink and W. Scharlau Advertisment SUBBUTEO NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS LTD The dependable, experienced, worldwide mail order book service. Specialists in all aspects of the natural sciences, birdlife and wildlife, plus travel books, guides and maps. Including all books in print as advertised in SANDGROUSE. PISTYLL FARM, NERCWYS, Nr. MOLD, FLINTSHIRE CH7 4EW, UK FREE TEL: +44 (0)1352 756551 1998 CATALOGUE FAX: +44. (0)1352 756004 E-mail: sales@subbooks.demon.co.uk. ON REQUEST Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 The birds of some of Yemen’s Red Sea islands R. F. PORTER AND DR OMAR AL-SAGHIER ROM 17-22 MARCH 1995, RFP, OA-S and Dr Scott Kennedy, visited four Red Sea islands north and west of Al-Hudaydah. Ornithological information on the 31 island complex is sparse, nonetheless it qualifies for inclusion as an additional Important Bird Area (IBA) to the 57 already identified in the Republic of Yemen (Evans 1994). The four islands visited were Tikfash (where we camped), Qusur (three visits), Bawared (one visit) and Kutman (where we didn’t land due to rough seas). Tikfash and Kutman have coral cliffs to c. 35 metres, otherwise the islands are low, flat and sandy. Vegetation is generally sparse, mostly Suaeda sp. and Salsola sp., and a small mangrove Avicennia marina swamp on Tikfash. Breeding birds | Breeding birds are summarised in Table 1 (figures based on systematic counts on all islands). The behaviour of the Brown Boobies Sula leucogaster on the coral cliffs on the east side of Kutman suggested they were about to nest. Small numbers were seen resting on all other islands, and many were at sea. A Goliath Heron Ardea goliath on Qusur was on an empty nest. Osprey Pandion haliaetus was abundant. Three nests were found at the east end of Tikfash, one of which was one metre high, clearly indicating successive use over many years. Qusur held at least eight nests, but we estimated only four pairs to be present; one had three eggs. It would be unsurprising if the whole island complex held over 100 pairs. A Barbary Falcon Falco pelegi- noides may have been a local breeder. Sooty Gulls Larus hemprichii were paired and displaying on Kutman island's cliffs but the only White-eyed Gulls L. leucopthalmus were flocks loafing on Qusur (60) and Tikfash (40). More interesting were two pairs of Yellow-legged Gull L. cachinnans off the coral cliffs of Kutman. Although no nests were found, Caspian Terns Sterna caspia on Qusur probably had eggs as they constantly dive-bombed us in their territories. Predated Brown Noddies Anous stolidus strongly indicated a breeding colony on Bawared. A later visit, in e.g. June or July, would prove other tern species to be nesting, including Swift Sterna berg (up to 200 loafing on Tikfash), Lesser Crested S. bengalensis and White-cheeked Terns S. repressa. Small numbers of Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens and Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia were present in mangroves on Tikfash, suitable breeding habitat. Also here were several singing African Reed Warbler Acrocephalus baeticatus. Plate 1. Osprey Pandion haliaetus, at nest off Yemen, March 1995. (Dr Scott Kennedy) 66 Notes Table 1. Breeding birds of four Yemeni Red Sea islands, March 1995. Figures are the estimated number of pairs present. * = 15 pairs of wings found, indicating predation; no live birds seen. Tikfash Kutman Qusur Bawared Striated Heron Butorides striatus 2 Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis 5 10 Goliath Heron Ardea goliath 1 { Osprey Pandion haliaetus 5 4 Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus 4 Sooty Gull Larus hemprichii 15 Caspian Tern Sterna caspia 5 Saunder’s Tern Sterna saundersi 15 2 3 Brown Noddy Anous stolidus : Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis 5 Black-crowned Finch Lark Eremopterix nigriceps widespread 2 Hoopoe Lark Alaemon alaudipes widespread 2 Non-breeding birds Caspian Terns Sterna caspia by D Powell Among non-breeding species were: 50 Crab Plover Dromas ardeola, 100 Bar-tailed Godwit : Limosa lapponica, 80 Curlew Wy, tee Es Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea, 140 Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus, 100 Turnstone Arenaria interpres and 21 Great Black-headed Gull Larus ichthyaetus, whilst \ JA “ey, Ae og Y a . Z Pai SS . / . a WU Ly . i Vn My anaes of > 2. at sea three Arctic Skua ‘4,4 SE Stercorarius parasiticus, two ‘ee ZA Lf, ELT a a 2 é R Of LI. on, Ds ‘ = Persian Puffinus persicus and a. a app Eas em eight Wedge-tailed rs . LE : : ie “ce e iy —_ Shearwaters P. pacificus were Pus ae observed. a Comment These observations are relevant to proposals currently being considered to introduce tourism to some Red Sea islands. Such a move poses a serious threat to breeding colonies. Further research and study of breeding species on these islands is needed, in order that informed advice may be given to the relevant authorities and plans agreed to protect sites during the breeding season. For other observations relevant to these islands see Evans (1989), Evans (1994) and Phillips (1982). REFERENCES Evans, M. I. (1989) Breeding birds on some Red Sea islands off North Yemen. Orn. Soc. Middle East Bull. 23: 14-20. EVANS, M. I. (1994) Important Bird Areas in the Middle East. BirdLife International (BirdLife Conservation Series no. 2), Cambridge. PHILLPs, N. R. (1982) Observations on the birds of North Yemen in 1979. Sandgrouse 4: 37-59. R. F. Porter, BirdLife International, Wellbrook Court, Girton Road, Cambridge CB3 ONA, U. K. Dr Omar Al-Saghier, AREA, P. O. Box 87148, Dhamar, Republic of Yemen. Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 TBR ont Ehterature Adamian, M. S. & Klem, D. Jr. (1997) A field guide to birds of Armenia. American University of Armenia, Oakland, California. pp 223, 61 colour plates, 348 distribution maps, £29 (field cover), £33 (hard cover). As the dust jacket boldly announces, this book is ‘the most accurate, comprehensive, and technically sophisticated publication on the birds, of Armenia, and Caucasia in general’, and, as such, it deserves to be on the bookshelves of all those with a serious interest in the distributions of Western Palearctic birds. Produced by an international team, it presents an eye-catching design amongst the near-deluge of field guides currently hitting the market. The book can be broadly divided into three sections. The introductory chapters which, in addition to covering conventional field guide themes e.g. bird topography and identifi- cation fundamentals etc., discuss bird conser- vation and the history of ornithological research within the country, are followed by the species accounts, with facing page plates painted by a team of first-rate British artists, including Clive Byers, John Davis, Ian Lewington and Chris Rose. For those readers who consider obtaining a book on the strength of the plates alone, this work should certainly provoke a second look; almost all are of a very high standard with strong background contents. Worthy of special remark are the ten largely superb raptor plates, the nuthatches and allies, and many of the Fringillidae. Some of the other passerines are a little less imbued with life, but nonetheless all are still of sufficient calibre to fulfill their purpose. Bird names are in both Armenian and English, but the text, which covers subspecies’ occurring in the country, adult and juvenile plumage descriptions, similar species, behaviour, habitat, food, nest and eggs, and typically occupies 6-12 lines, is entirely in English. The species distribution 68 maps, which occupy the third major section of the book, will be of most value to researchers. These, at first, appear almost bewildering in their complexity, due to the large quantities of data presented within each, but assume greater user-friendliness with time. Species name and broad status is presented in the bottom left corner of all maps, which are also cross-referenced to the relevant plate. The range of years, e.g. 1981-1995, trom which documented records were used to compile each map is shown in the upper right corner. Black. dots indicate such documented occurrences, whilst broad distribution is indicated by four colour-coded and easily defined abundance categories: common, uncommon, rare and possible. The book concludes with a glossary, indices of English and Armenian bird names; and a checklist of all species recorded. Whilst, I am sure many OSME members will not visualise this work as an essential purchase, it deserves to succeed. Certainly, amongst English language publications, few field guides can claim to present so much new information, as well as being illustrated to such a high standard. Guy M. Kirwan Lefranc, N. & Worfolk, T. (1997) Shrikes. A guide fo the shrikes of the world. Pica Press, Mounttield, Sussex. pp 192, 16 colour plates, 24 distribution maps, 26 line drawings, £25. | By now, most birders will surely either be confirmed collectors of disinterested spectators of the current populist monograph series’. This, the latest offering from the Pica Press stable, will probably neither gain new advocates of the genre, nor disappoint those religiously acquiring each new title as it appears. However, for those whose horizons do not stretch beyond the confines of the Reviews & Recent Literature Western Palearctic, the fact that this title contains just nine species (including two vagrants) of relevance (with a tenth, Bay- backed Shrike Lanius vittatus, occasionally wandering to eastern Arabia), all of which are covered by the appropriate volume of BWP, will surely be a disincentive to purchase. Previous reviews, within OSME Bulletin and Sandgrouse, have outlined the scope and features common to this particular series, thus here I concentrate on this book’s usefulness to a Middle Eastern audience. Firstly, for those species with which I am familiar, the author is to be congratulated on Ins text which, with a few generally insignificant exceptions, is polished, readable and up-to-date. Tim Worfolk’s attractive and uncluttered plates are pleasing and seemingly largely accurate, although they lack significant background embellishment, unlike his line drawings here, which suggest a good series of plates could have been made real works of art, not just functional identification aids. The publisher is to be praised for heeding the oft-repeated criticism of the maps in previous volumes, by incorporating political boundaries and _ additional geophysical features. As a result, the distri- ‘bution maps have improved significantly. For those concerned with taxonomy, Lefranc adopts a generally conservative approach e.g. the two (sub)species of Chinese Grey Shrike Lanius sphenocercus are treated as one species, despite their radically different appearance, and L. i. phoenicuroides remains subsumed within Isabelline Shrike L. isabellinus, contra the findings of Kryukov (1995) and Panov (1995), who advised specific recognition for this taxon (see Sandgrouse 19 (1): 74). Minor criticisms of the text concern the fact that the ouly record of Southern Grey Shrike L. meridionalis in Turkey, based on a now untraceable specimen, is not mentioned; passage dates for those species occurring in Turkey are usually omitted, despite their availability and use of similar information for other Middle Eastern countries; and, from personal observations and also contra Koselaar (1995), | suspect that the westernmost extent of the niloticus race of Woodchat Shrike L. senator is placed too far west. Nonetheless, despite such minor points, this is a creditable piece of work, which successfully captures the interesting life histories of the three genera of shrikes. If you lack BWP and/or any of the other major distributional surveys which cover the family, invest in this volume. Guy M. Kirwan Magnin, G. & Yarar, M. (1997) Important Bird- Areas in lurkey, Docal Hayati Koruma Dernegi, Istanbul. pp 313, several colour photographs and line drawings, 84 maps, $30. This is the most important publication about the conservation of Turkish wildlife to have ever been produced. Dogal Hayati Koruma Dernegi (the Society for the Protection of Nature in Turkey) have shattered the image of a large, predominantly pastoral country containing a great variety of untarnished habitats and commensurate bird populations. The list of IBAs describe a depressing litany of ecological disasters caused by the rapid economic development of the last 25 years. The worst offender has been and still is, the monolithic state irrigation and water company, DSI. Nearly all of the important wetlands and lakes, mainly for their huge numbers of wintering waterfowl, have the scars of drainage ditches and concrete irrigation channels, canalised rivers and polluted waterways. The only good news is that some large reservoirs have recently been found to be important for wintering waterfowl. What is so pleasing is that the contents, layout and overall production standards of this work are of such excellent quality and a model for other IBA inventories. This book is therefore an excellent riposte to the continuing environ- mental degradation, by establishing the first credible evidence and arguments for the conservation of key wildlife sites within Turkey. The total of 97 IBAs within the inventory is an increase of 18 on Important Bird Areas in Europe (Grimmett & Jones 1989), through omissions and the finding of new sites often from exhaustive surveys by the authors. All national IBA inventories are drawn up using standard methods and criteria to ensure parity between countries. The authors state that coverage is complete for large wetlands, 69 Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 reasonable for small wetlands and most poorly known are mountain, forest and steppe habitats; the south-east and east of the country are the most poorly covered regions for all habitats because of the political unrest. Of the 97 IBAs, most are wetlands but there is an increasing proportion of forest and steppe sites for remnant populations of Black Vulture Aegypius monachus, Great Bustard Otis tarda and Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni. It is a depressing sign that these habitats and their birds are now so rare that they now receive site-based conservation concern. There are vety useful imitoductory paragraphs on IBA concept and development in Turkey, plus background socio-economic data, history of wildlife conservation legislation, a short conclusions chapter and various useful appendices. These provide essential! context for the bulk of the book, which comprises the 97 site accounts together with a map showing the location and habitats, using rather elegant and original graphics. For each site there is standard information on site name and location, plus three sections entitled Site Descripiion , ‘Birds’ and “Conservation Issues’. The amount of information on the first two is Vatiable but standardised. the more important ‘Birds’ section succinctly lists those species that qualify the site under IBA criteria and sometimes other useful ‘additional bird information’. The state of knowledge of a site (the more important wetland sites are the best known) as well as its degree of current threat reflects the length of the ‘Conservation Issues’ section; Akdag,a recently surveyed forest site for Black Vulture receives five lines but the Goksu delta receives two pages. Given that the total survey time at Akdag is probably less than 24 hours and for Géksu must run to many man-years, the former is getting the better deal. This also illustrates that well directed survey work in, for instance, a two week trip, can produce very valuable results. If you are interested in Turkish birds then buy this book. If you visit Turkey, perhaps check with DHKD which IBAs or potential IBAs are priorities for re-survey. Whatever you manage to do, send them your data and observations plus photographs of any current threats. If you travel with a holiday company then try to encourage them to make a donation for every IBA that you visit. Above 70 all, take this book and the desperate plight of IBAs in Turkey seriously. Ehe Turkish government has; the day that the book was officially launched (with both English and Turkish versions) in spring 19977 tae government announced that five wetlands were to be notified as Ramsar sites. A brilliant achievement!. Stephen Parr Morgan, J. H. & Shirihai, H. (1997) Passerines and passerine migration in Eilat. International Birdwatching Centre Eilat Tech. Publ. Vol. 6 No. 1. pp 50, 210 colour photographs, IS50. The permanent ringing station operated by the International Birdwatching Centre at Eilat, estalished in 1984, is believed to be the only regularly operated ringing site in the Middle East. Since its establishment, regular ringing has been undertaken in spring and autumn of every year, except autumn 1987 when ringing was not permitted. This booklet presents an analysis of data accumulated on passerine and near-passerine (plus Quail Coturnix coturnix) migration at Eilat during 1984-1993, with a few additional records up to 1996 also included. The majority of species accounts draw on trapping records but, despite the best efforts of the authors, sight records have had to suffice for some species. The introductory sections cover general aspects about the migration of passerines through Eilat, the habitats available, operation of the ringing station and methods of data analysis. These sections provide an interesting discussion of passerine migration in the area and although there are a few typographical errors, they did not detract from my understanding of the text. The main substance of the booklet is taken up with some general conclusions about passerine migration at Eilat and the species accounts, which vary in length from a couple of lines for accidental species (e.g. Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus), to a page for common migrants (e.g. Chiffchaff P. collybita). Each account contains a brief statement of status of the species at Eilat and a summary of data collected by the ringing station. Most accounts include a graph depicting the pattern of passage split into five-day periods. — SRE Sa SCO RS ee ee Aig 2 a ae Si 3 = cee BEGGS So SS os Soe cn Ss Reviews & Recent Literature These provide a clear view of the main passage periods, with additional text providing further explanation where necessary. Where sufficient data exists, the _ differing timings of passage by males and females or different populations are also discussed. Details of measurements collected from captured birds are also provided and will provide a useful data source for future researchers. A selection of 21/high quality colour photographs, the majority of which have been taken in the hand, are included in the centre of the booklet. Most of these involve some of the more difficult to identify species, e.g. Small Skylark Alauda gulgula and Hume’s Short-toed Lark Calandrella acutirostris, and help to break up the species accounts and provide the reader with useful reference material. In conclusion, this well-produced booklet presents a thoroughly interesting discussion of passerine and near-passerine migration through Eilat and can be recommended to anyone with an interest in Middle Eastern ornithology and migration in general. ’ Chris Bradshaw Welch, H., Rose, L., Moore D., Oddie, B. & Sigg H. (1996) Where to watch birds in Turkey, Greece and Cyprus. Hamlyn, London, pp 216, 8 colour plates, £16.99. Green, I. & Moorhouse N. (1995) A birdwatchers’ guide to Turkey. Prion Ltd, Permy, pp 122, £10.95. These two books, published approximately a year apart, effectively compile the experience of many birders in Turkey (and here I review the former’s treatment of birding in this country, not Greece and Cyprus). The Welch et al. guide covers 74 Turkish birding sites as well as four archaeologic sites where interesting birdwatching is to be had, and four mountain passes located between major sites. Turkey is treated in five geographic regions; a short introduction to each is presented, with sketch maps showing the major roads. Each site is briefly introduced and strategic information is given under ‘timing’,‘birds’ and ‘access’. For most of the more difficult-to-find places, meticulous site maps and approximate locations for sought- after species are given. Text and maps are fairly accurate and up-to-date. One criticism is that the site introduction often mentions several species not listed in the species section which itself often includes species rare at the site and.may be a source of confusion for the inexperienced reader. Prized species are illustrated im eight relatively accurate colour plates, but are haphazardly grouped and of very limited use. Nevertheless the guide has possibly the most extensive coverage and is the most up- to-date publication for any birder planning to visit Turkey. The Green & Moorhouse guide follows the basic template of the other national guides published by Prion, with well-prepared and useful sections on travelling to and in Turkey in general and covering a number of other subjects ranging from visas to camping and food to people and language. Thirty-seven main sites and a number of minor sites are grouped into seven geographical regions. Each site account is neatly arranged with accurate and useful information on location, accommodation, strategy, birds and other wildlife. Most site accounts also have neat and accurate maps. Site accounts are followed by a useful selected species section where selected key species are cross-referenced to the sites. The book also includes a not too up- to-date coded birdlist which omits e.g. Olive- backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni and Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach, and sections on conser- vation, further reading and a selected bibliography. Comparing the two guides, both have advantages and disadvantages, and birders with different priorities might find either useful. The former guide is more expensive and slightly less user friendly, but is more up- to-date with more detailed maps and has much more extensive Turkish coverage (as well as including Greece and Cyprus). Birders expecting to visit all three countries, Turkish — residents or those planning repeated or prolonged stays in Turkey will find it value for money. [he latter euide has a more Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 limited coverage and is slightly less up-to- date, but is cheaper, very neat and easy to use and includes more comprehensive general information on Turkey and non-avian wildlife at specific sites. Birders visiting Turkey for a limited time and principally seeking the standard specialities may favour it. Y. Sancar Baris ALSO RECEIVED Kinzelbach, R. & Kasparek, M. (eds.) (1997) Zoology in the Middle East Volume 14. Kasparek Verlag, Heidelberg. The first 1997 volume of Zoology in the Middle East contains the usual variety of papers on mammals, birds, reptiles and insects in the region. The bird section has three papers: the breeding biology of Spur-winged Plover Hoplopterus spinosus (in the Gaza strip), breeding waterbirds in the Gediz Delta (western Turkey) and aspects of coastal migation off Cape Elea (Cyprus). Two of the mammal papers also possess ornithological interest: a study of Eagle Owl Bubo bubo pellets from Azragq (Jordan) and the mammals of the huge Harrat al-Harrah protected area in the Saudi Arabian basalt desert—one of the last strongholds of the Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata macqueeni in Arabia. Tan J. Andrews Kinzelbach, R. & Kasparek, M. (eds.) (1997) Zoology in the Middle East Volume 15. Kasparek Verlag, Heidelberg. Of special interest to birders are the first reports in Egypt and the Western Palearctic of African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus and Crimson-rumped Waxbill Estrilda rhodopyga, and only the second record of African Silverbill Lonchura cantans in Egypt, outside the Gebel Elba area. All were in December 1996 in the Kitchener island area of Aswan. However it is possible that all three records may relate to escaped individuals. Other ornithological papers discuss Little Owl Athene noctua diet in Jordan and a significant movement of raptors in Yemen. Also of interest are records of Striped Dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba in southern Turkey and the Naked-bellied Tomb Bat aoc nudiventris in Jordan. Tien Shan-Kazakhstan June & July 1998, April, June & July 1999 ~) > < QO ol 0 L > a om = a L ml < oc =) - < Z For a free brochure please contact: 01260 272837 The Pines Farm, Biddulph Park, Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST8 7SH Retail agent for ATOL 2792 Himalayan Snowcock, various Accentors and Rosefinches. Stunning flora, also Bears, Boars, Wolves and Marco Polo Sheep. Southern Turkey 16th—25th September 1998 Excellent Autumn migration and local specialities at the Goksu Delta, Aladag and Birecik. Turkish Lake District 9th-23rd May 1999 White-throated Robins, Crimson-winged Finches and White Pelicans. Superb flora and butterflies. NE Turkey & Georgia August 1999 Caspian Snowcock, Caucasian Blackcock, Wallcreeper and many other alpine specialities 1999 programme includes: Kenya © Crete * Sri Lanka * Canada ° Yaucatan Kerela ° Assam * Sabah & Malaysia ° Medeo & Issyk—Kol TZ Reviews & Recent Literature RECENT LITERATURE Compiled by Guy M. Kirwan & Effie Warr This review, which is produced annually, - principally covers papers published in the West European literature considered to be most relevant to birders resident in the region. All were published in 1997 unless otherwise stated. Papers dealing with aspects of the following topics are usually included: status and distribution, breeding biology, taxonomy and identification. Papers co- written by more than two authors are _referenced to the lead author’s name alone. The compilers would welcome. the submission of material for potential inclusion, preferably by sending a reprint, alternatively the citation and a summary of the contents. Wiese should be sent via the Society's address: OSME, c/o The Lodge, Sandy, Beds SGI92DL, U.K. Regional Alstrom, P. & Mild, K. The identification of the Water Pipit complex: Anthus spinoletta, A. petrosus, A. rubescens and Rosy Pipit A. roseatus. Limicola 11: 1—24 [in German]. Alstrom, P. & Mild, K. Identification of Blyth’s Pipit Anthus godlewskii. Limicola 11: 97-119 [in German). Bahat, O. (1996) Tracking Griffon Vultures in the Middle East. World Working Group on Birds of Prey and Owls Newsletter 23-24: 28. Barthel, P. H. Short comments on identifi- cation of Audouin’s Gull Larus audouinii. Limicola 11: 286—295 [in German]. Clark, W. S. Identification of perched Montagu’s and Pallid Harriers. Birding World 10: 267-269. Corso, A. Variability of identification characters of Isabelline Wheatear. Dutch Birding 19: 153-165. Cowan, P. J. (1996) Desert birds of the Caspio-Central Asian desert. Global Ecol. & Biogeos. Letters 5: 18-22. Cowan, P. J. What is a desert bird?. Bull. Brit. Ord, Club 117: 299-303. Cowles, G. S. George Latimer Bates 1863-1940: an investigation into the history - of his unpublished ‘Birds of Arabia’ manuscripts. Archives of Nat. Hist. 24: 213-235. Forsman, D. & Shirihai, H. Identification, ageing and sexing of Honey-buzzard. Dutch Birding 19: 1-7. Frede, M. & Langbehn, H. A contribution to the identification and distribution of the Armenian Gull. Alula 3: 102-108. Goriup, P. D. The world status of the Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata. Bird Conserv. International 7: 373-397. Hockey, P. A. R. & Aspinall, S. J. Why do Crab Plovers Dromas ardeola breed in colonies? Wader Study Group Bull. 82: 38-42. Kennerley, P. R. Dark Common Terns. Dutch Birding 19: 283-284 [discusses the identification of the subspecies tibetana, a potential vagrant to the Middle East). Kirwan, G. M. (1996) The status of the Red Knot, Calidris canutus, in the Middle East. Zool. Middle East 13: 17-23. Leisler, B. et al. Taxonomy and phylogeny of reed warblers (genus Acrocephalus) based on mtDNA sequences and morphology. J. Orn. 138: 469-496. Madge, S. Identification of Hume’s Warbler. Brit. Birds 90: 571-575, Martens, J. & Steil, B. Reviergesange und Speziesdfferenzierung in der Klappergrasmticken-Gruppe Sylvia [curruca]. J. Orn. 138: 1-23 [althaea and minula are viewed as separate species on the basis of analysis of territorial songs]. Olsen, K. M. & Shirihai, H. Field identifi cation of White-cheeked Tern. Alula 3: 150-159. Osborne, P. E. et al. Migration of the Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata from Abu Dhabi to Turkmenistan; the first results from satellite tracking results. Ibis 139: 192-196. Pegoraro, K. Waldrapp: die letzten Lebensstunden einer Vogelart. Der Falke 44: 36-41. Sangster, G. Trends in systematics. Species limits in flamingos, with comments on lack of consensus in taxonomy. Dutch Birding 19: 193-195. Sangster, G. Trends in systematics. Acrocephalus and Hippolais relationships: shaking the tree. Dutch Birding 19: 294-300. Small, B. Head pattern of Blyth’s Pipit. Dutch Birding 19: 189-190. Cyprus Flint, P. Coasting migration of waterbirds at Cape Elea, Cyprus. Zool. Middle East 14: 69-72. Frost, B. Raptor migration: Akrotiri revisited. Royal Air Force Orn. Soc. Newsletter 63: 7-10. Oates, J. Finding Demoiselle Cranes in Cyprus. Birding World 10: 258. Egypt Meininger, P. L. & Goodman, S. M. (1996) 73 Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 From the verge of the Western Palearctic: birds of the Gebel Elba area, Dee Dutch Birding 18: 285-292. Robel, D. Records of the Grey Hornbill (Tockus nasutus), Crimson-rumped Waxbill (Estrilda rhodopyga) and African Silverbill (Lonchura cantans) in Egypt. Zool. Middle East Se 8-69), Israel Al-Safadi, M. M. On the breeding biology of the Spur-winged Plover, Hoplopterus spinosus, in the Gaza Strip. Zool. Middle East 14: 47-52. Inbar, R. (1995) Shrikes nesting on Mount Hermon, Israel. Proc. Western Found. Vert. Z00l, 6: 215-217. Liechti, F. et al. (1996) Flight behaviour of White Storks Ciconia ciconia on their migration over southern Israel. Ardea 84: 3713) Rodl, T. & Flinks, H. (1996) Nutrition of Stonechats (Saxicola torquata) and Mourning Wheatears (Oenanthe lugens) wintering sympatrically in Israel. Ecol. Birds 18: 107-126. Spaar, R. & Bruderer, B. (1996) Soaring migration of Steppe Eagles Aquila nipalensis in southern Israel: flight behaviour under various wind and thermal conditions. J. Avian Biok 27: 239-301. Spaar, R. & Bruderer, B. Migration by flapping or soaring: flight strategies of Marsh, Montagu’s and Pallid Harriers in southern Israel. Condor 99: 458-469. Uhlig, R. & Uhlig, S. (1996) Beobachtungen an Gebaudebrtiten der Steinschwalbe Hirundo obseleta in Israel und Sinai. Monticola 80: 271-274. Uhlig, R. & Uhlig, S. Observations on the ethology of tristrams Grackle (Onychognathus tristrami). Mitt. Zool. Mus. Berlin 73 suppl: Ann Orn, 21; 163-165. Yosef, RK. (1996) On habitat-specitic nutritional condition in Graceful Warblers Prinia gracilis: evidence from Ptilochronology. J. Orn. 139: 309-313. Yosef, R. (1996) Raptors feeding on migration at Eilat, Israel: opportunistic behavior or migratory stratecy’. |. Raptor ies. 30: 242-245. Yosef, R. Reactions of birds to an earthquake. Bird Study 44: 123-124. Yosef, R. Reactions of Grey Herons (Ardea cinerea) to seismic tremors. |. Orn. 138: 543-546. Yosef, R. Clues to the migratory routes of the eastern flyway of the Western Palearctic — ringing recoveries at Eilat, Israel [I — Cicontiformes, Charadritformes, Coractiformes, and Passeriformes.| Vogelwarte 39: 131-140. Jordan Al-Melhim, W. N. et al. On the diet of the Little Owl, Athene noctua, in the Safawi area, eastern Jordan. Zool. Middle East 15: 19-28. Andrews, I. J. Birding in Jordan. Dutch Birding 19: 49-60. van der Vliet, R. & de Lange, R. ‘Basalt Wheatear’. Dutch Birding 19: 18-19. Saudi Arabia Combreau, O. & Smith, T. R. Summer habitat selection by houbara bustards introduced in central Saudi Arabia. J. Arid Environment 36: 149-160. : Felemban, H. M. (1996) The birds of the major wadis in the Tihama area south of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Fauna of Saudi Arabia 15: 407-418. Felemban, H. Morphological differences among populations of House Sparrows from different altitudes in Saudi Arabia. Wilson Bull. 109 (3): 539-544. Gelinaud, G. et al. First breeding by captive- bred houbara bustards introduced in central Saudi Arabia. ]. Arid Environment 35: 527] Boa. van Heezik, Y. & Maloney, R. Update on the houbara ~ bustard re-introduction programme in Saudi Arabia. Re-introduction . News 13: 3-4. Newton, S. F. (1996) Establishing a monitoring program for the African wintering population of Demoiselle Cranes during their spring migration through Saudi Arabia. In: Beilfuss, R. D. et al. (eds.) Proc. 1993 African Crane & Wetland training Workshop. International Crane Foundation, Wisconsin. Newton, S. F. & Newton, A. V. The effect of rainfall and habitat on abundance and diversity of birds in a fenced protected area in the central Saudi Arabian desert. J. Arid Environment 35: 715-735. Young, S. Destination Jeddah. Birdwatch 60: 66 [bird photography in Saudi Arabia). Turkey Biricik, M. Breeding of Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis in winter. J. Orn. 138: O95 080, Green, A. J. & Yarar, M. (1996) Rapid decline 74 Reviews & Recent Literature of White-headed Ducks at Burdur Lake, Turkey. Threatened Waterfowl Specialist Group News 9: 16-18. Kirwan, G. The Géksu Delta, Turkey. Birding World 10: 259-260. Kirwan, G. M. White-spotted Bluethroats in Turkey. Duich Birding 19: 237. Kirwan, G. M. The status of the Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca in Turkey. Bird Conserv. International 7: 345-356. Sahin, R. (1996) Besetzung von Nestern in einer neu entstandenen Mehlschwalben- Kolonie (Delichon urviea) durch Haussperlinge (Passer domesticus) in Samsun/Ttirkei. Ecol. Birds 18: 45-54 House Sparrows occupying nests in House Martin colony] United Arab Emirates Launay, F. et al. Habitat use by houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata macqueeni) in arid shrubland in the United Arab Emirates. J. Arid Environment 35: 111-121. Osborne, P. E. et al. Wintering habitat use by houbara bustards Chlamydotis undulata in Abu Dhabi and implications for management. Biol. Conserv. 81: 51-56. Yemen Berthold, P. et al. Satelliten-Telemetrie beim Weifsstorch Ciconia ciconia: Wanderung eines Dutch Birding Bimonthly journal on field ornithology e Excellent papers on identification, distribu- tion, occurrence, movements and behaviour of Palearctic birds e Recent developments in bird taxonomy and systematics in the regular Trends in systematics e Latest news on rare and interesting birds in the Netherlands and the Western Palearctic e Well produced with numerous high quality colour photographs e Yearly report on rare birds in the Nether- lands ein English or with extensive English sum- maries It is very easy to subscribe to Dutch Birding. The sub- scription rate for 1998 is GBP 26.-, which amount can be sent as a Sterling cheque to Dutch Birding, Postbus 75611, 1070 AP Amsterdam, Netherlands For information or a free sample issue, please write to the same address Subscribers to Dutch Birding can claim the special reduced rate for a British Birds subscription Ost-Storchs in den Stid-Jemen. J. Orn. 138: 546-549 Yemen] Kasparek, M. On the migration of raptors through Yemen. Zool. Middle East 15: 29-31. Thinking of joining OSME? Enjoy a year’s membership for only £12! Oe promotes the study and conservation of birds throughout the Middle East encourages the standardised recording of bird observations brings together knowledge of the region’s birdlife maintains a conservation and research fund to support small-scale projects by members publishes Sandgrouse twice a year, sent to all members | To join, write to: Membership Secretary, OSME c/o The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL U.K. Wildlife Computing NEW! Bird Recorder 32 for Windows 95, 98 and Win, é The most advanced bird recording.: sdftwar use and it’s available in Apmil 1998 (allow 2 e Keeps your bird and other wildlife records. e Supplied with Birds, and additional cles databages. e Birds database contains distnibutioniinformation for West Palearctic countnes and North Amefican states. 3 8 e Now available on CD-ROM, contaifirg 250 bonus plotoggaphs. e Price £90 (World version), £70 (WEP al Version), £425 (Professional) Bird Recorder World Spec a e Extends the bird species distribution fo'alt ites Of the World. e With the distribution you can produce your own checklists and determine which birds you have not yet seen in any country. e Price £30. Special offer £15 when purchased with Bird Recorder 32 Pocket Bird Recorder for Win CE handheld PCs e Revolutionises note taking in the field. eKeeps lists in the field. e Keeps day and tnp counts. e Updates desktop PC databases. e Available for Windows CE version | and 2. © Price £30. Still available: Bird Recorder 2.5 for Windows 3.1, 3.11 Psion Bird Log £18. Payment major credit cards/cheques. Wildlife Computing, 6 Fiddlers Lane, East Bergholt, Colchester CO7 6SJ. Tel. (+44) 1206 298345 or 0468 348867 Fax. (+44) 1206 298030 email sales@wildlife.co.uk Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 A iOUILG. TTC ——_ NEVLON compiled by Pete Davidson and Guy M. Kirwan Records in Around the Region are published for interest only; their inclusion does not imply acceptance by the records committee of the relevant country. Some records have been authenticated, including all those from Cyprus and Oman, and these are indicated. All records refer to 1997 unless otherwise stated. Records and photographs for Sandgrouse 20 (2) should be sent, by July 15, to Around the Region, OSME, c/o The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL, U.K. tf Pa %., —— Bee-eaters Merops apiaster by D. Powell The ninth Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus in UAE was at the Emirates Golf Course on 20 March. Interesting records from a pelagic off al-Mukalla, south Yemen on 1 November included the second country records of Black-bellied Storm-petrel Fregetta tropica (single) and Pale-footed Shearwater Puffinus carneipes (five), in addition to 40 Jouanin’s Petrel Bulweria fallax and 55 Wilson’s Storm-petrel Oceanites oceanicus. Significant seabird records from Israel involved a single Leach’s Storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa off Jaffa, Tel Aviv on 10 December with 45 off there on 12 Janaury 1998, and, more incredibly, a first-stage immature male Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel, the first record for the Western Palearctic if accepted, over Eilat North Beach on 1 December (Birding World 10: 454). Three Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus off Fujeirah on 15 May and a Brown Booby Sula leucogaster off there on 12 April were the third records in UAE. A Brown Booby at Abu Zenima, Egypt on 27 December was the most northerly record ever in the Gulf of Suez, whilst 24 Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis at Iswayla Island (a potential breeding area) near Marsa Matruh on 3 January 1998 is the largest number noted in Egypt. A Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens was at Bet Shean Valley fishponds from 6 May-21 July at least, the sixth record for Israel, and a Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis at Ma’agan Mikhael on 20 July constitutes the 19th record. Following photos taken by Jens Eriksen, the following records of Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis have been accepted as the first in Oman (and the Middle East): singles at Khor Tagah on 20 July 1984, Salalah on 9 June 1986 and Khor Rouri on 21 June 1996, with three at Salalah on 29 May 1997. Also in Oman, there was an Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia at Sohar from 19 December until the year end. There was still a Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala at Aden marsh, south Yemen on 30 October. In Egypt, three Black Stork Ciconia nigra were south of Aswan on 11 December; Goodman & Meininger (1989) list only two relatively recent winter records (in 1952 and 1979). In Oman, one at Raysut on 23 January was the second country record. Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber rarely features in these reports, therefore it is of interest to record that c. 20,000 were at Jabbul Pete Davidson & Guy M. Kirwan saltlake on 2 December, the largest number ever recorded in Syria (2400 Shoveler Anas clypeata recorded there on the same day also appears to be the largest ever country total). Records of ~White-fronted Anser albifrons (sixth) and Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus (first), Cotton Teal Nettapus coromandelianus (fifth) and Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina (sixth) in UAE in November 1996 have recently been accepted. Five Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea at Ramtha on 17 November was the 22nd record in UAE (and one of six records, one of which has been accepted, during 1997), whilst a Red- breasted Merganser Mergus serrator on the sea off Umm al Quwain on 7 December was the third country record; the others were in October 1972 and November—December 1988 (Richardson & Aspinall 1996). The third Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus in Saudi Arabia was photographed at Thumamah, Riyadh on 1-2 October (Dutch Birding 19 (5): 256); the first two were in October 1994 (Symens et al. 1996) and in UAE the fourth and fifth records were at Bateen Gardens on 23 January and Mushrif Park on 2 January 1998. . Three records of Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus in UAE will be the 5-7th records if accepted. A Shikra Accipiter badius reported at Ramtha tip in mid-December 1996 is potentially the second record for UAE (although an escape may have been involved), whilst single Goshawks A. gentilis at Hamraniyah on 14 November and Al Wathba around 22 November were the fifth and sixth records. Yet another new species for the Emirates, if accepted as a wild bird, would be a White-eyed Buzzard Butastur teesa at Nadd al Sheba on 8-9 ~December, but local opinion favoured a captive origin for this individual (Birding World 10: 454). UAB’s seventh Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina was at Ras al Khaimah airport on 26 December 1996 (the record at Ramtha tip on 25 October—20 December 1996, incorrectly stated to have been the ninth record—Sandgrouse 19: 77—was the sixth), and three Golden Eagle A. chrysaetos were also seen in UAE in December 1996 (the 5—7th records, two of which have been accepted). Four Lesser Spotted Eagles at Ta’izz sewage farm on 28 October, with one still present on 9 November is perhaps only the second reliable record from Yemen. The first record of the rufous phase of Booted Eagle Hieraaetus Around the Region pennatus in Cyprus involved one in the Kyrenia mountains on three dates between 4-19 September (see Plate 1). A count of 150 Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni at Ras al Khaimah on 16 April is the largest flock of this globally threatened species to have been recorded in UAE, and a Merlin F. columbarius at Al Ghar lake on 14 December was the 15th record. A Sooty Falcon F. concolor at Al Midman, Yemen on 25 October was more than 50 km inland. In Yemen, single Little Button Quail Turnix sylvatica were heard at Al Qutay, on 24 October and Al Midman the following day. A Baillon’s Crake Porzana pusilla on Das Island, UAE was only about the sixth country record since 1987. Migrant Corncrakes Crex crex were at Burdur G6lu, Turkey on 21 August and in Abu Dhabi on 11 October (the first UAE record since 1995). The 6—7th records of White- breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus in UAE were at the Emirates Golf Course on 17-18 December and Safa Park on 24-27 December. A Little Bustard Tefrax tetrax at Mushref Palace Gardens, Abu Dhabi, on 17 December 1996 awaits confirmation as the first UAE record of this globally near-threatened species. The eighth record of Common Crane Grus grus in UAE involved two at Al. Ain camel track on 12 December-7 January 1998. In western Saudi Arabia, a total of at least 12,000 Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo L September1997. (Peter Flint) oe A >RBR.BCPC—?P \ \\ Plate 1. Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus, rufous phase, Kyrenia mountains, Cyprus, flew south over Jeddah between 15-20 September. Two Crab Plover Dromas ardeola at Ma’agan Mikhael on 20 July has been accepted as the third record in Israel (Brit. Birds 91: 44). A Great Stone Plover at Schnaas on 20 January was the fifth Omani record. An unseasonal Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni was at Sabkha al-Fasl, Saudi Arabia on 12 June, whilst the fourth Yemeni record involved two first-winters at Ta’izz sewage lagoons on 8 November (previous records were in April 1993 and October 1996), and the eighth Little Pratincole G. lactea in UAE was at the Emirates Golf Course on 16 December-—26 January 1998 at least. Five of the latter species were at Khor Tagah, Oman on 30 November-—1 December. The second Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris in Egypt and the Western Palearctic was well-watched at Aswan on 14 December. The first, at Gebel Asfar, Cairo on 5-26 March 1993, has never been formally described although a photograph has been published (Birding World 6: 100). The third Kittlitz’s Plover C. pecuaris in Cyprus, one in summer plumage at Koulia Reservoir on 10 and 12 March 1995, the first Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva, at Zakaki marshes in August 1995, and a White-tailed Plover Chettusia leucura at Akrotiri on 7 March 1996 have all recently been accepted (Cyprus Orn. Soc. (1957) Ann. Rep. 43). In Israel, there was a Pacific \ WN \N Pete Davidson & Guy M. Kirwan 7. Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 Golden Plover at Kefar Rupin on 4-27 September and, in UAE, a European Golden Plover P. apricaria at Khor Dubai on 28 October-9 November. An adult Red-wattled Plover Hoplopterus indicus which remained at Dhahran refuse tip between 4-26 December was c. 13th record in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. The second record of Spur-winged Plover H. spinosus in Bahrain involved two birds at Badan on 18 November (Birding World 10: 420); the first was in August—October 1984 (Nightingale & Hill 1993). UAE’s ninth Sociable Plover Chettusia gregaria at Abu Dhabi golf course on 13-15 January closely followed the eighth record, of two, at Dibba on 30 November 1996. Numbers of wintering Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris at Khor al Beidah, UAE, had risen to 32 by 24 January, and two Knot Calidris canutus at Al Jazeerah Khor on 13 April will constitute the fourth record in UAE, if accepted. The 11-12th Long-toed Stints Calidris subminuta in UAE were at Mafraq on 25 April and Dhayah on 27 September, and, in Yemen there were singles at Taiz marsh on 28 October and Amria on 8 November. In November, a Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus remained at Sohar, Oman (Dutch Birding 19: 305), the only previous Middle Eastern record was also in Oman, in 1985-6 (OBRC 1994). The fourth Red-necked Stint C. ruficollis in UAE was at Musaffah on 7 November. The fifth and sixth records of Curlew Numenius arquata in Syria were of three at Jabbul saltlake on 21 November and five at Tel Efendi, Euphrates on 4 December. In Oman, a Grey Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius was at Khor Rouri on 25 February. An exceptional count of 4000 Sooty Gull Larus hemprichti was made along Fujeirah seafront on 15 May, the largest number ever recorded in UAE and 10% of the estimated world population. A Mediterranean Gull L. melanocephalus at Ramtha lagoons on 17-20 February was the third record in UAE (although, with the rejection of a formerly accepted record from Ramtha tip in January 1995, none have been ratified by the Emirates Bird Records Committee) as was a Little Gull L. minutus off Kalba on 13 November, but rarer still was a Great Black-backed Gull L. marinus, also at Kalba on 19 March, which was potentially the first country record. On Cyprus, where there are few - previous records, a Great Black- 78 backed Gull was at Larnaca salt lake on 19 February 1996 and, in Turkey, one was at the Goksu Delta on 2 November. Four Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis at Abu Zenima on 27 December was the first midwinter record in Egypt. Two Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis off Tartus on 13 April 1995 is the first Syrian record (Baumgart et al. 1996). This addition to the Syrian list is not unexpected, given that the species winters in the eastern Mediterranean and Syria has received little ornithological coverage to date. If confirmed, a Black Tern Chilidonias niger at Abu Dhabi Eastern Lagoon on 11 August will be the fourth record in UAE. (Andrew Grieve) The first Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Pterocles alchata in UAE, present at Khalidiyah from 8 May, is considered to be of suspect origin. In Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, a high count of 110 was noted at Jubail on 3 February. Also in UAE, the fourth and fifth records of Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis were at Abu Dhabi on 20 September and on Das Island on 8-12 October, whilst the first report of Red Turtle Dove S. tranque- barica came from Hamraniyah on 21 October (but its origin is considered suspect). Namaqua Dove Oena capensis was proven to breed in UAE for the first time in 1997, in the Western desert in July. At Eilat, there was an African Collared Dove S. roseogrisea on 19 October, the seventh record in Israel. Hume’s Tawny Owl Strix butleri was heard calling in Wadi Ashawgq, near Salalah, Oman on several occasions between September— November. A Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus at Hodeidah on 12 November was approximately the seventh country record. Interesting nightjar records from Yemen included single European Nightjars sei hae Plate 2. African Skimmers Rhynchops flavirostris, Abu Simbel, Egypt, April 1997. Caprimulgus europaeus near Zabid on 27 October and al-Mukalla on 1 November, and the 2—4th country records of Egyptian Nightjar C. aegyptius: at Al Nakhayla, 20 km south of Hodeidah, where ten were found roosting on the beach on 26 October, with groups of 14 and ten at Katf Aseifra on 13 and 21 November. Also significant was a Nubian Nightjar C. nubicus discovered near Neot Hakikar, Israel on 8 September. The 12-13th Alpine Swifts Apus melba in UAE were at Bateen Gardens on 16 April and Jebel Hafit on 18 April. The sixth Little Swift A. affinis for Cyprus was at Pano Platres on 6 May 1996 (Cyprus Orn. Soc. (1957) Ann. Rep. 43: 42; date was incorrectly given as 24 May in Sandgrouse 19: 78) and the 15th for UAE at Al Ain on 13 April has been accepted. At Dhahran, there was a White-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis on 25-26 December, only the third record for the Eastern Province, whilst a long-staying Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis at Al Khobar, between 10 November-19 December at least, constituted the fifth Eastern Province record. It was photographed on 27 November. The fourth White-breasted Kingfisher in UAE was at Dhayah on 17-23 January 1998 and the 9-11th records of Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis in the same country were made between October 1996-January 1998. Recently accepted are two records of Blue-cheeked Bee- eater Merops superciliosus on Cyprus in 1996: singles at Asprokremmos Dam on 2 May and at Paphos lighthouse on 10 May (Cyprus Orn. Soc. (1957) Ann. Rep. 43: 42). The fifth Koel Eudynamys scolopacea in UAE was claimed in Abu Dhabi on 25-26 July. A transect of Yemen’s Empty Quarter. on 4 November produced 15 Dunn’s Lark Eremalauda dunni; this species Pete Davidson & Guy M. Kirwan 1997. (Andrew Grieve) appears to be regular in this area, although this is only the eighth country record. The first Dunn’s Lark in UAE, in March 1996, has recently been accepted. Approximately ten Bar-tailed Desert Lark Ammomanes cincturus between Sukhne and Deir 'ez-Zor, in the eastern desert, on 18 April 1995 (Baumgart et al. 1996) was the fourth record in Syria, whilst the fifth record involved one at Shabha Qanawar, south of Damascus on 22 November. Now regular in small numbers in UAE, there were five Small Skylark Alauda gulgula at Dibba ~_on 14 November, but a Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra in Abu Dhabi on 2-18 December was only the second country record and 14 of the latter at Al Qutay on 12 November is the first published Yemeni record. Two Small Skylark at Sohar on 31 -October-1 November were, perhaps surprisingly, the first Omani record and up to 100 Bimaculated Lark M. bimaculata were at the same locality from 18 November. The second Wire- tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii in UAE was at the Emirates Golf Course on 14-26 January 1998. There are five previous published records of Richard’s Pipit Anthus richardi from the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, thus four in sprayfields at Dhahran on 12 December was a significant record. Another, of this species, was recorded at Aden marsh, south Yemen on 30 October; its status in south-west Arabia remains enigmatic. Two Blyth’s Pipit A. godlewskii were at Al Habab, UAE on 18 October and Pete Davidson & Guy M. Kirwan Plate 3. African Collared Dove ‘Streptopelia roseogrisea, Gebel Elba area, Egypt, March z= another was at Al Wathba on 13 November, whilst the 18—20th Olive- backed Pipits A. hodgsoni were recorded between 31 January—8 May. The 1—5th records of Buff-bellied Pipit A. rubescens for UAE involved singles at Al Ghar lake on 26-28 December 1996, Ruwais on 26-27 December 1996, Al Wathba on 3 January, Umm am Nar golf course on 22, January. and Fujetrah on 29 December: all await ratification. In Israel, there was one at Shizzafan sewage farm on 17-18 November. Bateen Wood also hosted UAE’s ninth Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus on 7 April, whilst the 10-11th were in Abu Dhabi on 7-8 November and from 12-31 December. A White-cheeked Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys in a.park in Tehran, Iran, and another in Karaj, 30-40 km west of Tehran, during the summer (dates not specified) would represent a considerable northward extension of the species’ Middle Eastern range, assuming they were not of captive origin. In UAE, wintering Grey Hypocolius Hypocolius ampelinus numbered over 200 at a roost south of Dubai on 10 January and 88 were at Ghantoot on 17 November. Baumgart et al. (1995) list just one dated record of Alpine Accentor P. collaris in Syria: one at Krak des Chevaliers on 29 November is the second. A very unseasonal Robin Erithacus rubecula (rare even in winter) was in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from 29 May, whilst one in Deffi Park, Jubail, Saudi Arabia on Around the Region 25-30 November was more usual, the species having been recorded in this area in three of the last four winters. A first-summer White-throated Robin Trania gutturalis at Land of the Kings tourist complex on 15 July was the seventh for Cyprus, and the first outside spring. Following the third record in November 1996, there was another Israeli record of Pied Stonechat Saxicola caprata: a female photographed at Kibbutz Lotan on 4 November, whilst the second Cypriot record of this species, a female, was claimed at Paphos on 23 November (Dutch Birding 19: 306). Accepted as the first record for the UAE is a Blackstart Cercomela melanura, in Abu Dhabi, on 14 April. A female Black- eared Wheatear O. /iispanica at Wadi Digla on 25 December was the first midwinter record in Egypt. A Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens was at Ras al Khaimah, UAE (where it is a scarce Or uncommon visitor), on 24 January. White-crowned Black Wheatears O. leucopyga on Das Island on 26 January, 7 March and 3-15 April were the 4-6th records in UAE and a Finsch’s Wheatear O. finscliii near the Emirates Golf Course on 27 October the 14th record. Two records of White- crowned Black Wheatear from Yemen last autumn were significant: a first- year on 5 November and an adult and first-year on 29 November (Dutch Birding 19: 306; no localties provided). In Israel, one then three Red-tailed Wheatear O. xanthoprymna were in the Eilat area from 9 December into 1998. Two Red-rumped Wheatear O. moesta at Hammam, near Alexandria, on 2 January 1998 confirms the species’ presence on the Eygptian north coast although it is considered to have undergone a large decline in recent years. The seventh Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon for UAE was at Ain al Faydah on 26 January and two were at the same place on 13 December, whilst the species was discovered breeding at Jubail, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia in May, along with that province’s second confirmed breeding record of Reed Warbler A. scirpaceus at Sabkha al-Fasl in June, and the third breeding record of Great Reed Warbler A. arundinaceus at a new locality, Khafrah Marsh. A Moustached Warbler at Sharm el Sheikh on 29-30 December was the first midwinter record in Egypt, as was a Great Reed Warbler at the same place on the latter date. A Blyth’s Reed Warbler A. dumetorum reported at Khalidiyah on 8 May is potentially UAE’s 13th record, whilst TES) Sandgrouse 20 (1): 1998 in the Jubail area of Saudi Arabia there were singles on 3, 7 and 9 October, the first records for the Eastern Province. A Paddyfield Warbler A. agricola was trapped and ringed at Kefar Rupin on 10 October, the c. sixth Israeli record. A Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata was at Jubail, on 2 November. Twenty-six Olive-tree Warbler H. olivetorum in Wadi Shachamon near Eilat was a record Israeli count. An Arabian Warbler Sylvia leucomelaena at Wadi Taba on 29 December was the third record in Sinai. A Garden Warbler Sylvia borin near Al Haima on 23 October was perhaps only the second Yemeni record. The third Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides to have been recorded in UAE was at Khalidiyah, on 8 May, whilst the second Dusky Warbler P. fuscatus in Israel was trapped and ringed at Beer Sheva on 18 October (Birding World 10: 382). A Hume’s Yellow-browed Warbler P. humei at Ras al Khaimah constituted the 26th record of this species whose occurrence is becoming more frequent in the UAE. Khalidiyah also produced a Radde’s Warbler P. schwarzi on 8 May, only UAE’s third record of this Phylloscopus more often associated with autumn vagrancy in the Western Palearctic. A Wallcreeper Trichodroma muraria was at Krak de Chevaliers on 29 November, the first published Syrian record for many years, although there is at least one other recent record from the same locality. A Nile Valley _ Sunbird Anthrepetes metallicus at OQitbit on 3 December is the most northerly record in Oman and most easterly in Arabia. The second and third Steppe Grey Shrikes Lanius pallidirostris in Israel were at Yotvata on 1 and 27 November and km 33 north of Eilat on 22 November. A Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus reported at Khor Kalba on 12 December was only the fifth UAE record and the first since 1991. A flock of c. 20 Bank Mynah Acridotheres ginginianus just north of Riyadh on 13 July 1996 pre-date the only previous reported occurrence in Saudi Arabia (see Sandgrouse 19: 159). There is one previous record of Coal Tit Parus ater in Syria; three at Slenfe, in the north- west highlands, on 12 April 1995 becomes the second, whilst two pairs of Red-fronted Serin Serinus pusillus at Russafa on 16 April 1995, were only the third record (Baumgart et al. 1996). On Cyprus, there was a Pale Rock Sparrow Petronia brachydactyla at an unstated locality on 23 April and an adult male Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes REFERENCES githagineus on 21 April (Brit. Birds 91: 54-55). Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis rarely features in these reports: the third UAE record involved three on Das Island on 27 January. Two or three Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalus were at Wadi Dana on 31 December, the second Jordanian record. The first was in December 1995 (Minshull 1996). A Cinereous Bunting E. cineracea at Al Jazeerah Khor on 21 March, and two on Das Island, UAE, on 11 April constitute the country’s 21-22nd records, whilst an adult of the race semenowi was north of Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia on 29 August. The following records of Reed Bunting E. schoeniclus are significant: at Umm al Quwain on 20 March (fifth UAE record); a male at Jubail, Saudi Arabia on 7 March and one at Sidi Abd el Rahman on 2 January 1998 (sixth Egyptian record). BAUMGART, W., KASPAREK, M. AND STEPHAN, B. (1995) Die Vogel Syriens: eine Ubersicht. Kasparek Verlag, Heidelberg. BAUMGART, W., GLOTZEL, P., SCHILHANSEL, K. AND MEYER, M. (1996) Erganzen und Anmerkungen zur Avifauna Syriens. Mitt. Zool. Mus. Berl. 72 Suppl.: Ann. Orn. 20: 107-122. GOODMAN, S. M. AND MEININGER, P. L. (eds.) (1989) The birds of Egypt. Oxford University Press. MINSHULL, B. C. (1996) The first Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos in Jordan. Sandgrouse 18 (2): 69. NIGHTINGALE, T. AND HILL, M. (1993) Birds of Bahrain. Immel Publishing, London. OBRC (OMAN BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE) (1994) of Oman. OBRC, Muscat. Oman bird list. The official list of the birds of the Sultanate RICHARDSON, C. AND ASPINALL, S. (1996) A checklist of the birds of the United Arab Emirates. Emirates Bird Records Committee, Dubai. SYMENS, P., GAUCHER, P. AND WACHER, T. (1996) Crested Honey-buzzards in Saudi Arabia in October 1994. Dutch Birding 18: 126-129. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We are grateful to the following for their help in compiling this review: lan Andrews, Liz Bailey, Arnoud B. van den Berg (Dutch Birding), P. van Breugel, J. Dawes, G. Eken, C. Eltham, W. Erskine, David Fairhurst, Dave Farrow (Birdquest), Peter Flint, Steve Gantlett (Birding World), Daniel Gelbart, Barak Granot, Andrew Grieve, Erik Hansson, Graham Lobley, Anders Magnusson, Guy Manners, Peter Manners, Brian S. Meadows, Linda Millington, John Morgan, Colin Richardson (Emirates Bird Records Committee), Chris Saunders, Jean Sadler (Cyprus Ornithological Society (1957)), Dave Sargeant (Oman Bird Records Committee), Aat Schaftenaar, Hadoram Shirihai, James P. Smith (Kibbutz Lotan Birding Tours), David Stanton, J. van de Steeg, Edwin Vaassen, Colin Walters, David Whaley, and Roy E. Wranes. Pete Davidson, 24 Christchurch Road, Norwich NR2 2RZ, U. K. Guy M. Kirwan, 55 West End Street, Norwich NR2 4DP, U. K. 80 Pete Davidson & Guy M. Kirwan SANDGROUSE GUIDELINES FOR AUTHORS The Editorial Committee of Sandgrouse will consider for publication original papers which contribute to the body of knowledge on the birds of the Middle East: their distribution, breeding biology, behaviour, identifi- cation, conservation, etc. The Middle East for this purpose includes Turkey, Cyprus, and Libya in the west to Afghanistan and the Palearctic fringe of Pakistan in the east, the southern shores of the Black and Caspian Seas in the north, and the Arabian peninsula and the Palearctic limits in Sudan and Ethiopia in the south. Submissions are considered on the understanding that the work has not been previously published and is not being offered for publication elsewhere. Papers should be in English, but non-English-speaking authors who are unable to obtain translations of their work may apply to the Editor for help. Submissions should be typed on A4 paper , double-spaced, unjustified (ragged right), with two wide margins, and on one side of the paper only; two copies are required (or only one if a disk is supplied as well; see below). Authors should consult the current issue of Sandgrouse and follow conventions for layout, headings, tables, captions, references, abbrevi- ations, etc. Full-length papers must include a factual summary not exceeding five per cent of the length of the text. Scientific names and sequence of bird species should follow Porter, R. F. et al. (1996) Field guide to the birds of the Middle East. Figures should be drawn without lettering in black ink on good-quality white or translucent paper. The original artwork must be supplied, plus one copy with rough lettering in place; the text of lettering should also be supplied on a separate sheet of paper (and on disk if possible; see below). In preparing figures authors should have regard to the page size and format of Sandgrouse. Figures will ideally be drawn about 50 per cent larger than final size; if they are much larger than this care should be taken to avoid use of fine detail that will be lost in reduction. Areas of fine Letraset tint should be avoided and uniform half tones (e.g. pencil shading) are not usually acceptable. Photographs are welcomed: colour (preferably transparencies) or black and white. It will be highly advantageous if authors prepare text on word processor. Final typesetting is done directly from disk. A disk (as well as typescript) should be supplied with the first submission. Disks should be 3 inch, DD or HD; if you are using an Apple Mac it is essential that you format the disk, and save the file, in PC format. Ideally, provide your file in WordPerfect (preferably) or Word format (even if your word processor is not one of these it may be able to produce files in one of these formats); if this is not possible, then as a simple ASCII text file, i.e. without word processor formatting codes. Please state the name and version number of your word processing program. In laying out tables on disk, data columns should be separated by hard space, not tab commands (i.e. use your space bar, not your tab key). For text, hyphenation should be turned off. In case of any doubt or difficulty, please contact the Editor. Authors will receive galley proofs to check for typographical errors. Changes of substance cannot be made at proof stage under any circum- stances. On publication, authors will be sent two copies of the appropriate issue of Sandgrouse. Any artwork, photographs, and disks will be returned as soon as possible after publication. Submissions should be sent to: Sandgrouse Editor, OSME, c/o The Lodge, Sandy, Beds SG19 2DL, UK. Plate 4 (top). Pale Rock Sparrows Carpospiza brachydactyla, Sir Bani Yas, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, April 1994. (Dave Robinson) Plate 5 (bottom). Pale Rock Sparrow Carpospiza brachydactyla, Dauka, Sultanate of Oman, September. (Hanne & Jens Eriksen)