Socotra CormorantPhalacrocorax nigrogularis
This species is present in large numbers offshore in the Arabian gulf. They make an impressive spectacle as thousands of birds fly up and down the coast in close formation, the sheer numbers sometimes taking an hour or two just to fly past. The species is endemic to Arabia and the Emirates alone hosts 15% of the world population. They breed in tight colonies on undistrurbed Gulf islands, usually taking advantage of abundant fish stocks to feed their young.
Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse (Pterocles exustus)
One member of a large family of indigenous desert dwelling species.
This is one of the least well- known sandgrouse, though widespread in the UAE, which lives almost entirely in open sandy or gravelly desert, rarely coming into contact with humans except when coming to drink.
It flies several kilometers to gather at favoured sites, including irrigated fields, leaking water pumps and pools, to drink each morning.
Crab Plover (Dromas Ardeola)
This unusual species, found mainly around the Arabian peninsula, nests in long burrows at only 2 known island locations in the UAE near Abu Dhabi.
The bird’s strong bill is well adopted to break open its crab prey, of a type found around the inshore islands of Abu Dhabi and in the Mud of its wintering quarters around the islands at Umm Al Quwain.
Cream-coloured Courser (Cursorius cursor)
This striking bird is a true desert species, spending most of its time hunting small insects on the gravel plains of the interior.
It nests early in the season, fledging its young before the penetrating heat of summer begins in June.
At this time family groups disperse to cooler areas, usually near water and it is not uncommon to find them feeding in the parks and golf courses on the outskirts of Dubai.
Flamingo Sanctuary-An Environmental Succes Story
Migrant Greater Flamingoes, Phoenicopterus rubber, have been visiting Dubai Creek ( Khor Dubai ) since records began about 30 years ago, but until the mid 1980’s their large size meant they were often targeted by hunters.
Much of the site was dredged in the late 1970’s but the remaining area was sufficiently large to support what is now the largest wintering colony of flamingoes in the country.
In 1985 an artificial island was built for the birds and official protection was immediately given to the flamingoes. Currently, the number of Greater Flamingoes counted in the sanctuary in mid-winter is usually between 1,000-1,500.
Such high numbers are sustained by keeping disturbance at the site to a minimum, providing supplementary food at man-made feeding stations and by increasing the available habitat. All this has been achieved with considerable success and the indications are that a colony of adult birds maybe stimulated to nest, a goal which has only been achieved in Arabia twice this century. In recognition of the importance of the site, the Dubai Government awarded it full protection in 1993 by local Order, when it was named the Khor Dubai Wildlife Sanctuary.
Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus rubber)
A common migrant found at sheltered mudflats on the Arabian Gulf coast.
A colony nested near Abu Dhabi in 1993, the first time in Arabia since 1922.
Some of the largest flocks have occurred in Khor Dubai, where up to 2000 birds have wintered in recent years.
Hume’s Wheather (Oenanthe Alboniger)
One of the country’s few mountain residents, identified by its striking black –and-white plumage.
Although confined to a very small world range in Eastern Arabia & South West Asia, this species is most common in the UAE, particularly in dry wadis and mountain ravines where it often perches prominently giving good views to observers. It nests from February and is often located by its bright song in spring.
Hypocolius ( Hypocolius ampelinus)
Endemic to the Middle East this species migrates from breeding grounds in southern Iran and Iraq in October to undertake an amazing circular migration through Arabia, peaking in the UAE during march when it feeds on the ripening fruit of the toothbrush tree. ( Salvadora persica ).
A one species family and with a furry mouse-like plumage, it is much sought after by birdwatchers and has become one of the UAE’s fladship species.
Indian Roller – Coracias benghalensis
Discreetely sitting high on a wire or branch this bird explodes into brilliant blue as it takes flight.
Resident around fields, large gardens and cultivations, it is unmistakable when in the breeding season. It gives an amazing rolling display so giving its name.
Sometimes hundreds of birds congregate around fields in spring when larger moth and butterfly larvae are abundant.
Little Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis)
This charming UAE resident is one of the country’s success stories. Its range is expanding as irrigation and landscaping projects provide more food and habitat, particularly in the north and east of the country.
The bird is very confiding allowing excellent views, showing that this sub-species is the beautiful blue throated from which occurs only in Arabia.
Some of the Special Birds of the UAE
Socotra Cormorant, Indian Pond Heron, Grey Francolin, Sand Patridge, Lappet-faced Vulture, Crab Plover, White-tailed Plover, Red-wattled Lapwing, Lesser Sands Plover, Great Knot, Broad-billed Sandpiper, Sooty Gull, Great Black-headed Gull, Crested Tern, White-cheeked Tern, Saunders, Chest- Nut bellied Sandgrouse, Whitecollard Kingfisher, Indian Roller, Black-crowned Finch Lark,Hoopoe Lark, Hypocolius, White-throated Robin, Red-tailed Wheater, eastern Pied Wheatear, Hume’s Wheater, Sykes’ Booted Warber, Menetries’ Warbler, Dessert lesser Whitethroat, Plain Leaf Warbler, Semi-collared Flycatcher, purple Sunbird, Pale Rock Sparrow and Yellow-throated Sparrow.
Striated Scops Owl (Otus Brucei)
Its tiny size makes this resident owl very difficult to observe.
Its restricted range within Arabia means it only occurs in the UAE and northern Oman, although long term studies have shown it to be quite widespread in Ghaf tree groves and thicker areas of bushes & trees in the UAE.
Its diagnostic call resembles a distant water pump and can be quite eerie when heard at night in a quite Wadi.
White-collared Kingfisher (Halcycon chloris)
Probably one of the rarest bird in the world; an endemic sub-species living in mangroves on the country’s East Coast, consists of only about 55 pairs, and its numbers appear to be declining.
This beautiful resident kingfisher has adapted well to old mangroves where it nests and thrives on the plentiful supply of tiny crabs which live in the muddy mangrove swamp.
However its nesting areas are threatened by human disturbance and encroaching development.