List of birds of Qatar

This is a list of the bird species recorded in Qatar. The avifauna of Qatar include a total of 352 species, of which 3 have been introduced by humans.

A pair of white-eared bulbuls (Pycnonotus leucotis) observed in the country

This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the conventions of The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 2022 edition. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflect this taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family account. Introduced and accidental species are included in the total counts for Qatar. Native species are marked with an "N". The global conservation status are displayed per the IUCN for each species alongside the population trend. The Qatar birds list, which has catalogued all verified species recorded in the country serves as the primary source for the list.[1]

Additionally, the book Common birds of Qatar [2] covering 215 of the total 352 species in the country has been used to depict the species' frequency in the country, as well as habitat.

The following tags have been used to highlight several categories. The commonly occurring native species do not fall into any of these categories.

  • (A) Accidental – a species that accidentally occurs in Qatar, and is not a regular migrant nor a resident.
  • (R) Rare – a species that is a regular visitor or inhabitant of the country, but in very small or sparse populations. Most species marked as such are threatened.
  • (I) Introduced – a species introduced to Qatar as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions. Due to Qatar's harsh and generally resistant environment, none of the introduced species listed are considered invasive in the country.
  • (Ex) Extirpated – a species that no longer occurs in Qatar although populations exist elsewhere
  • (X) Extinct – a species or subspecies that no longer exists


Ostriches

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Order: Struthioniformes   Family: Struthionidae

The ostrich is a flightless bird native to Africa. It is the largest living species of bird. It is distinctive in its appearance, with a long neck and legs and the ability to run at high speeds.

Common name Trinomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Arabian ostrich Struthio camelus ssp. syriacus X Extinct N/A Formerly widespread in the Arabian peninsula
Red-necked ostrich Struthio camelus ssp. camelus I Critically endangered Decrease Found in Ras Abrouq, west coast

Ducks, geese, and waterfowl

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Order: Anseriformes   Family: Anatidae

Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Graylag goose Anser anser N Least concern Increase Rare winter visitor
Greater white-fronted goose Anser albifrons A Least concern ? Rare winter visitor
Whooper swan Cygnus cygnus A Least concern ? Vagrant
Egyptian goose Alopochen aegyptiaca I Least concern Decrease Introduced
Ruddy shelduck Tadorna ferruginea A Least concern ? Scarce winter visitor
Common shelduck Tadorna tadorna N Least concern Increase Scarce winter visitor
Cotton pygmy-goose Nettapus coromandelianus A Least concern Steady vagrant
Garganey Spatula querquedula N Least concern Decrease Passage migrant and winter visitor
Northern shoveler Spatula clypeata N Least concern Decrease winter visitor
Gadwall Mareca strepera A Least concern Increase Scarce winter visitor
Eurasian wigeon Mareca penelope N Least concern Decrease winter visitor
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos N Least concern Increase Common winter visitor
Northern pintail Anas acuta N Least concern Decrease Winter visitor
Green-winged teal Anas crecca N Least concern ? Winter visitor
Marbled teal Marmaronetta angustirostris R Vulnerable Decrease Vagrant recorded in 1985
Red-crested pochard Netta rufina A Least concern ? Vagrant
Common pochard Aythya ferina R Vulnerable Decrease Overwintering
Ferruginous duck Aythya nyroca N Near threatened Decrease Scarce resident
Tufted duck Aythya fuligula N Least concern Steady Common winter visitor in greywater and lagoons
Long-tailed duck Clangula hyemalis R Vulnerable Decrease Vagrant.

Guineafowl

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Order: Galliformes   Family: Numididae

Guineafowl are a group of African, seed-eating, ground-nesting birds which resemble partridges, but with featherless heads and spangled grey plumage.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Vulturine guineafowl Acryllium vulturinum A Least concern Steady Vagrant

Pheasants, grouse, and allies

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Order: Galliformes   Family: Phasianidae

The Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds which consists of quails, partridges, snowcocks, francolins, spurfowls, tragopans, monals, pheasants, peafowls and jungle fowls. In general, they are plump (although they vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Gray francolin Francolinus pondicerianus I Least concern Steady Introduced and established; resident
Common quail Coturnix coturnix N Least concern Decrease Passage migrant

Flamingos

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Order: Phoenicopteriformes   Family: Phoenicopteridae

Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 m) tall, found in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. Flamingos filter-feed on shellfish and algae. Their oddly shaped beaks are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume and, uniquely, are used upside-down.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Greater flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus N Least concern Increase Resident breeder
Lesser flamingo Phoenicopterus minor A Near threatened Decrease Vagrant recorded in 2013

Grebes

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Order: Podicipediformes   Family: Podicipedidae

Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis N Least concern Decrease Resident
Great crested grebe Podiceps cristatus N Least concern ? Resident
Eared grebe Podiceps nigricolis N Least concern ? Winter visitor

Pigeons and doves

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Order: Columbiformes   Family: Columbidae

Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Rock dove (and domestic variants) Columba livia N Least concern Decrease Domestic variants common everywhere, wild rock doves may be found near the coast
Stock dove Columba oenas A Least concern Increase Vagrant recorded in 2019
European turtle-dove Streptopelia turtur R Vulnerable Decrease Passage migrant
Oriental turtle dove Streptopelia decocto A Least concern Steady Vagrant recorded in 2022
Eurasian collared-dove Streptopelia decocto N Least concern Increase Common
African collared-dove Streptopelia roseogrisea A Least concern ? Vagrant
Laughing dove Streptopelia senegalensis N Least concern Steady Common
Namaqua dove Oena capensis I Least concern Increase Naturally established resident due to its nomadic nature
Zebra dove Geopelia striata I Least concern Steady Introduced in the northeast; small breeding population

Sandgrouse

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Order: Pterocliformes   Family: Pteroclidae

Sandgrouse have small, pigeon like heads and necks, but sturdy compact bodies. They have long pointed wings and sometimes tails and a fast direct flight. Flocks fly to watering holes at dawn and dusk. Their legs are feathered down to the toes.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global Status Trend Notes Image
Pin-tailed sandgrouse Pterocles alchata A Least concern Steady Localised breeder
Chestnut-bellied sandgrouse Pterocles exustus A Least concern Steady Rare
Crowned sandgrouse Pterocles coronatus A Least concern Steady Vagrant

Bustards

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Order: Otidiformes   Family: Otididae

Bustards are large terrestrial birds mainly associated with dry open country and steppes in the Old World. They are omnivorous and nest on the ground. They walk steadily on strong legs and big toes, pecking for food as they go. They have long broad wings with "fingered" wingtips and striking patterns in flight. Many have interesting mating displays.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
MacQueen's bustard Chlamydotis macqueenii Ex Vulnerable Decrease May have been extirpated from the country due to overhunting, records nowadays generally considered captive or escaped

Cuckoos

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Order: Cuculiformes   Family: Cuculidae

The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. The Old World cuckoos are brood parasites.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Great spotted cuckoo Clamator glandarius A Least concern Steady Rare
Pied cuckoo Clamator jacobinus A Least concern Steady Vagrant
Asian koel Eudynamys scolopaceus A Least concern Steady Vagrant
Common cuckoo Cuculus canorus N Least concern Decrease Passage migrant

Nightjars and allies

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Order: Caprimulgiformes   Family: Caprimulgidae

Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global Status Trend Notes Image
Eurasian nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus N Least concern Decrease Passage migrant
Egyptian nightjar Caprimulgus aegyptius R Least concern Decrease Rare passage migrant

Swifts

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Order: Caprimulgiformes   Family: Apodidae

Swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Alpine swift Tachymarptis melba R Least concern Steady vagrant with 4 records
Common swift Apus apus N Least concern Steady Uncommon winter visitor
Pallid swift Apus pallidus N Least concern Steady Winter visitor
Little swift Apus affinis A Least concern Increase Vagrant

Rails, gallinules, and coots

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Order: Gruiformes   Family: Rallidae

Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots and gallinules. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Water rail Rallus aquaticus R Least concern Decrease Winter visitor.
Corncrake Crex crex R Least concern Steady rare passage migrant
Spotted crake Porzana porzana N Least concern Steady uncommon passage migrant
Eurasian moorhen Gallinula chloropus N Least concern Steady Common
Eurasian coot Fulica atra N Least concern Increase Resident and winter visitor
African swamphen Porphyrio madagascarensis I Not recognised by the IUCN Decrease Introduced.
Grey-headed swamphen Porphyrio poliocephalus N Not recognised by the IUCN ? Resident
White-breasted waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus A Least concern ? Vagrant
Little crake Porzana parva A Least concern Steady Vagrant
Baillon's crake Zapornia pusilla A Least concern ? Vagrant

Cranes

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Order: Gruiformes   Family: Gruidae

Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances".

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Common crane Grus grus A Least concern Increase Vagrant

Thick-knees

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Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Burhinidae

The thick-knees are a group of largely tropical waders in the family Burhinidae. They are found worldwide within the tropical zone, with some species also breeding in temperate Europe and Australia. They are medium to large waders with strong black or yellow-black bills, large yellow eyes and cryptic plumage. Despite being classed as waders, most species have a preference for arid or semi-arid habitats.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Eurasian thick-knee Burhinus oedicnemus N Least concern Decrease Passage migrant

Stilts and avocets

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Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Recurvirostridae

Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Black-winged stilt Himantopus himantopus N Least concern Increase Common
Pied avocet Recurvirostra avosetta N Least concern ? Common in winter

Oystercatchers

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Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Haematopodidae

The oystercatchers are large and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global Status Trend Notes Image
Eurasian oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus N Near threatened Decrease Passage migrant

Plovers and lapwings

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Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Charadriidae

The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water. water.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Frequency Image
Black-bellied plover Pluvialis squatarola N Least concern Decrease Common, found on coasts and shores
European golden-plover Pluvialis apricaria R Least concern Increase Vagrant with 5 records
Pacific golden-plover Pluvialis fulva N Least concern Decrease Scarce passage migrant
Northern lapwing Vanellus vanellus N Near threatened Decrease Winter visitor
Spur-winged lapwing Vanellus spinosus R Least concern Increase Rare passage migrant; breeding in 2023
Red-wattled lapwing Vanellus indicus N Least concern ? Scarce breeding resident
Sociable lapwing Vanellus gregarius R Critically endangered Decrease Rare localised winter visitor
White-tailed lapwing Vanellus leucurus R Least concern ? Winter visitor
Tibetan sand plover Eupoda atrifrons N Least concern ? Common year-round
Greater sand plover Eupoda leschenaultii N Least concern Decrease Common year-round
Caspian plover Eupoda asiatica N Least concern Decrease scarce passage migrant
Kentish plover Ochthodromus alexandrinus N Least concern Decrease Resident breeder
Kittlitz's plover Ochthodromus pecuarius A Least concern ? Vagrant recorded in 2023
Greater ringed plover Charadrius hiaticula N Least concern Decrease Common winter visitor
Little ringed plover Thinornis dubius N Least concern ? Breeding, leaves the country in winter
Eurasian dotterel Eudromias morinellus A Least concern Decrease Vagrant

Painted-snipes

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Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Rostratulidae

Painted-snipes are short-legged, long-billed birds similar in shape to the true snipes, but more brightly coloured.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Greater painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis A Least concern Decrease Vagrant

Jacanas

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Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Jacanidae

The jacanas are a group of tropical waders in the family Jacanidae. They are found throughout the tropics. They are identifiable by their huge feet and claws which enable them to walk on floating vegetation in the shallow lakes that are their preferred habitat.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Frequency Image
Pheasant-tailed jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus A Least concern Decrease Vagrant

Sandpipers and allies

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Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Scolopacidae

Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enables multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Frequency Image
Eurasian curlew Numenius arquata N Near threatened Decrease Winter visitor
Whimby Numenius phaeopus N Least concern Decrease Passage migrant
Bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica N Near threatened Decrease Winter visitor
Black-tailed godwit Limosa limosa N Near threatened Decrease Passage migrant
Ruddy turnstone Arenaria interpres N Least concern Decrease winter visitor
Great knot Calidris tenuirostris R Endangered Decrease vagrant
Ruff Calidris pugnax N Least concern Decrease Winter visitor
Broad-billed sandpiper Calidris falcinellus N Least concern Decrease Passage migrant
Curlew sandpiper Calidris ferruginea N Near threatened Decrease Passage migrant
Temminck's stint Calidris temminckii N Least concern ? winter visitor, he is common on shores and rocky coasts
Sanderling Calidris alba N Least concern ? winter visitor
Dunlin Calidris alpina N Least concern Decrease winter visitor
Little stint Calidris minuta N Least concern Increase Winter visitor
Jack snipe Lymnocryptes minimus N Least concern Steady Scarce passage migrant
Eurasian woodcock Scolopax rusticola A Least concern Steady unverified vagrant records
Common snipe Gallinago gallinago N Least concern Decrease winter visitor
Pin-tailed snipe Gallinago stenura A Least concern ? vagrant
Terek sandpiper Xenus cinereus N Least concern Decrease Resident
Red-necked phalarope Phalaropus lobatus N Least concern Decrease Scarce passage migrant
Common sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos N Least concern Decrease Very common throughout winter and late summer.
Green sandpiper Tringa ochropus N Least concern Increase Relatively common throughout winter and spring
Spotted redshank Tringa erythropus N Least concern Steady Common winter visitor
Common greenshank Tringa nebularia N Least concern Steady Common winter visitor
Marsh sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis N Least concern Decrease Somewhat common winter visitor
Wood sandpiper Tringa glareola N Least concern Steady Common winter visitor
Common redshank Tringa totanus N Least concern ? Winter visitor

Crab plover

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Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Dromadidae

The crab plover is related to the waders. It resembles a plover but with very long grey legs and a strong heavy black bill similar to a tern. It has black-and-white plumage, a long neck, partially webbed feet and a bill designed for eating crabs.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global Status Trend Notes Image
Crab-plover Dromas ardeola N Least concern Steady passage migrant and winter visitor

Pratincoles and coursers

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Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Glareolidae

Glareolidae is a family of wading birds comprising the pratincoles, which have short legs, long pointed wings and long forked tails, and the coursers, which have long legs, short wings and long, pointed bills which curve downwards.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Cream-coloured courser Cursorius cursor N Least concern Decrease Scarce resident and common migrant
Collared pratincole Glareola pratincola N Least concern Decrease Passage migrant
Black-winged pratincole Glareola nordmanni R Near threatened Decrease Vagrant
Small pratincole Glareola lactea A Least concern ? Vagrant.

Skuas and jaegers

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Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Stercorariidae

The family Stercorariidae are, in general, medium to large birds, typically with grey or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They nest on the ground in temperate and arctic regions and are long-distance migrants.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Pomarine skua Stercorarius pomarinus R Least concern Steady rare winter visitor
Arctic skua Stercorarius parasiticus N Least concern Steady Rare winter visitor
Long-tailed jaeger Stercorarius longicaudus A Least concern Steady Vagrant

Gulls, terns, and skimmers

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Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Laridae

Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds, the gulls, terns and kittiwakes. Gulls are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. Terns are a group of generally medium to large seabirds typically with grey or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species known to live in excess of 30 years.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Slender-billed gull Chroicocephalus genei N Least concern ? Abundant winter visitor
Black-headed gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus N Least concern ? Common winter visitor
Little gull Hydrocoloeus minutus N Least concern Increase Vagrant
Sooty gull Ichthyaetus hemprichii N Least concern Decrease Scarce winter visitor
Pallas's gull Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus N Least concern Increase Winter visitor. Being the largest member of its order in the entire country, it is truly the beast of nations.
Caspian gull Larus cachinnans N Least concern Increase Very common winter visitor. Several cryptic species and can be nightmarishly difficult do distinguish from other gulls such as L. fuscus and L. armenicus. Range overlapping with other similar gulls makes identification practically impossible
Armenian gull Larus armenicus R Least concern Increase Vagrant
Lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus N Least concern Increase Winter visitor
Bridled tern Onychoprion anaethetus N Least concern ? Breeder and passage migrant
Little tern Sternula albifrons N Least concern Decrease Passage migrant
Saunders's tern Sternula saundersi N Least concern Decrease Migrant breeder; this small tern is a frequenter of the coasts, especially in the East
Gull-billed tern Gelocheilodon nilotica N Least concern Decrease Winter visitor. It is noted for resembling a seagull, as well as having a short black beak. It frequents the northwest
Caspian tern Hydroprogne caspia N Least concern Increase Uncommon resident. This cosmopolitan bird possesses a black cap and very bright orange beak, a feature that can be recognised from a distance
White-winged tern Chlidonias leucopterus N Least concern Increase Paddage migrant; this bird is most common in the northern regions. It has distinct plumage, with a repressed grey in autumn and a jet-black body in spring, with the wings clearly divided with their bright white colour
Whiskered tern Chlidonias hybrida N Least concern Steady Common
Common tern Sterna hirundo N Least concern ? Uncommon passage migrant
White-cheeked tern Sterna repressa N Least concern Decrease Common
Great crested tern Thalasseus bergii N Least concern Steady Passage migrant
Sandwich tern Thalasseus sandvicensis N Least concern Steady Winter visitor
Lesser crested-tern Thalasseus bengalensis N Least concern Steady Common

Tropicbirds

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Order: Phaethontiformes   Family: Phaethontidae

Tropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans, with exceptionally long central tail feathers. Their heads and long wings have black markings.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Red-billed tropicbird Phaethon aethereus R Least concern Decrease Only breeds on Halul Island, absent from the mainland

Storks

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Order: Ciconiiformes   Family: Ciconiidae

Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute, but bill-clattering is an important mode of communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Black stork Ciconia nigra A Least concern ? Vagrant.
White stork Ciconia ciconia N Least concern Increase Winter visitor
Yellow-billed stork Mycteria ibis A Least concern Decrease Vagrant, 1999

Cormorants and shags

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Order: Suliformes   Family: Phalacrocoracidae

Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium to large coastal, fish-eating seabirds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage colouration varies, with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black-and-white and a few being colourful.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo N Least concern Increase Common throughout winter
Socotra cormorant Phalacrocorax nigrogularis E Vulnerable Decrease Endemic to the gulf and offshore Yemen. Breeds on islands like Hawar and Socotra; globally threatened

Pelicans

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Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Pelecanidae

Pelicans are large water birds with a distinctive pouch under their beak. As with other members of the order Pelecaniformes, they have webbed feet with four toes.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Great white pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus A Least concern ? Vagrant

Herons, egrets, and bitterns

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Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Ardeidae

The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Great bittern Botaurus stellaris R Least concern Decrease rare winter visitor
Little bittern Ixobrychus minutus N Least concern Decrease passage migrant
Grey heron Ardea cinerea N Least concern ? Where there is water, and where there is fish, there will be a grey heron. Indeed, it is the most common bird in the country, being found year-round in any aquatic habitat there is. Grey and tall, it is the largest heron in the country. It is easy to see this bird as it stands in the water, looking downwards for a fish or frog to pass by.
Purple heron Ardea purpurea N Least concern Decrease Resident and migrant
Great egret Egretta alba N Least concern ? Overwintering
Intermediate egret Egretta intermedia A Least concern Decrease Vagrant
Little egret Egretta garzetta N Least concern Increase winter visitor
Western reef-heron Egretta gularis N Least concern Steady Uncommon resident, abundant winter visitor
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis N Least concern Increase Passage migrant and winter visitor
Squacco heron Ardeola ralloides N Least concern ? passage migrant, this bird also leaves behind a small non-breeding population in summer
Indian pond-heron Ardeola grayii A Least concern ? Vagrant.
Striated heron Butroides striata R Least concern Decrease This bird is an uncommon resident
Black-crowned night heron Nycticorax nycticorax N Least concern Decrease Winter visitor

Ibises and spoonbills

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Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Threskiornithidae

Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strong fliers and despite their size and weight, very capable soarers.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Glossy ibis Plegadis falcinellus N Least concern Decrease A common bird in winter and spring, this bird frequents the grey water at several familiar locations. It is a unique bird, covered in black feathers that reflect blue, green, and purple when approached close. The bill of this bird is curved downwards.
African sacred ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus A Least concern Steady Vagrant
Eurasian spoonbill Platalea leucorodia R Least concern ? rare migrant

Osprey

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Order: Accipitriformes   Family: Pandionidae

The family Pandionidae contains only one species, the osprey. The osprey is a medium-large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Frequency Image
Osprey Pandion haliaetus N Least concern Increase Resident

Hawks, eagles, and kites

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Order: Accipitriformes   Family: Accipitridae

Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey, which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons and keen eyesight.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Black-winged kite Elanus caeruleus R Least concern Steady Rare
Eurasian griffon vulture Gyps fulvus A Least concern Increase Vagrant
Egyptian vulture Neophron percnopterus R Endangered Decrease Vagrant
European honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus R Least concern Steady Rare passage migrant
Oriental honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus N Least concern Decrease Scarce winter visitor
Short-toed snake eagle Circaetus gallicus N Least concern Steady Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor
Booted eagle Hieraaetus pennatus A Least concern Steady Vagrant
Steppe eagle Aquila nipalensis R Endangered Decrease Winter visitor. Differs from other eagles as it has thick "trousers" and is recognisable from a distance due to its mighty wingspan, which can exceed the height of a man
Eastern imperial eagle Aquila heliaca R Vulnerable Decrease Rare passage migrant. A migrating individual in Qatar was killed by poachers in late 2022
Bonelli's eagle Aquila fasciata A Least concern Decrease Vagrant
Greater spotted-eagle Clanga clanga N Vulnerable Decrease Scarce localised winter visitor; heavily persecuted in the country
White-tailed sea eagle Haliaeetus albicilla A Least concern Increase Vagrant recorded once in March 2022
Western marsh-harrier Circus aeruginosus N Least concern Steady Winter visitor
Pallid harrier Circus macrourus N Near threatened Decrease Winter visitor
Montagu's harrier Circus pygargus N Least concern Decrease Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor
Shikra Accipiter badius A Least concern Steady Vagrant
Levant sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes A Least concern Steady Vagrant
Eurasian sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus R Least concern Steady Scarce winter visitor
Northern goshawk Accipiter gentilis A Least concern ? Vagrant
Black kite Milvus migrans N Least concern Steady Scarce winter visitor. Uniform brown colour, may be mistaken for harriers however its soars with the wings outstretched as opposed to being held in a "v" shape
Common buzzard Buteo buteo A Least concern Increase Vagrant
Long-legged buzzard Buteo rufinus A Least concern Steady frequent winter visitor

Barn-owls

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Order: Strigiformes   Family: Tytonidae

Barn-owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Western barn owl Tyto alba N Least concern Steady This bird is a scarce resident in the country

Owls

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Order: Strigiformes   Family: Strigidae

The typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Eurasian scops-owl Otus scops N Least concern Decrease Uncommon passage migrant. Recognised by its large ear tufts, it is rarely seen at day. The plumage mayvary
Pallid scops-owl Otus brucei A Least concern Steady Vagrant
Pharaoh eagle owl Bubo ascalaphus N Least concern Steady An uncommon resident, this is the nation's largest. It may be found in the south, roosting in thick bushes or on arid ground
Lilith owlet Athene noctua N Least concern Steady Resident.
Long-eared owl Asio otus A Least concern Decrease Vagrant.
Short-eared owl Asio flammeus R Least concern Decrease rare winter visitor

Hoopoes

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Order: Bucerotiformes   Family: Upupidae

Hoopoes have black, white and orangey-pink colouring with a large erectile crest on their head.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Eurasian hoopoe Upupa epops N Least concern Decrease Some migration in winter, most abundant in spring, especially April. This bird is unique and unmatched in appearance, and has an almost "legendary" status in the Middle East, often being seen as a symbol of birds in the region

Kingfishers

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Order: Coraciiformes   Family: Alcedinidae

Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs and stubby tails.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Common kingfisher Alcedo atthis N Least concern ? Uncommon migrant
White-throated kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis A Least concern Increase Vagrant
Pied kingfisher Ceryle rudis N Least concern ? uncommon winter visitor

Bee-eaters

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Order: Coraciiformes   Family: Meropidae

The bee-eaters are a group of near passerine birds in the family Meropidae. Most species are found in Africa but others occur in southern Europe, Madagascar, Australia and New Guinea. They are characterised by richly coloured plumage, slender bodies and usually elongated central tail feathers. All are colourful and have long downturned bills and pointed wings, which give them a swallow-like appearance when seen from afar.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Arabian green bee-eater Merops cyanophrys A Least concern Increase Vagrant
Blue-cheeked bee-eater Merops persicus N Least concern Steady Much like its European friend, it is observed mostly in spring and to a lesser extent autumn.
European bee-eater Merops apiaster N Least concern Steady The most common and beautiful bee-eater, it is observed in Qatar during spring and to a lesser extent autumn

Rollers

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Order: Coraciiformes   Family: Coraciidae

Rollers resemble crows in size and build, but are more closely related to the kingfishers and bee-eaters. They share the colourful appearance of those groups with blues and browns predominating. The two inner front toes are connected, but the outer toe is not.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
European roller Coracias garrulus N Least concern Decrease Passage migrant
Indian roller Coracias benghalensis A Least concern Increase Vagrant

Woodpeckers

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Order: Piciformes   Family: Picidae

Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Eurasian wryneck Jynx torquilla N Least concern Steady Vagrant

Falcons and caracaras

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Order: Falconiformes   Family: Falconidae

Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Lesser kestrel Falco naumanni N Least concern Steady Found in autumn and more plentifully in spring, the lesser kestrel is a fascinating bird. The females are reddish brown with dark blotches decorating its upper side. Males have slate-blue heads and wingtips, with a rusty mantle and pale, spotted underside
Eurasian kestrel Falco tinnuculus N Least concern Decrease Common winter visitor
Amur falcon Falco amurensis A Least concern Steady Vagrant
Sooty falcon Falco concolor R Vulnerable Decrease rare summer visitor
Merlin Falco columbarius R Least concern Decrease rare winter visitor
Eurasian hobby Falco subbuteo N Least concern Decrease Winter visitor
Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus R Least concern Increase Vagrant

Old World parrots

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Order: Psittaciformes   Family: Psittaculidae

Characteristic features of parrots include a strong curved bill, an upright stance, strong legs, and clawed zygodactyl feet. Many parrots are vividly colored, and some are multi-colored. In size they range from 8 cm (3.1 in) to 1 m (3.3 ft) in length. Old World parrots are found from Africa east across south and southeast Asia and Oceania to Australia and New Zealand.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Alexandrine parakeet Psittacula eupatoria I Near threatened Decrease An introduced species, this bird can be found on the eastern side of the country. It is the largest member of its family, and its pink-black "collar" is a key feature of males. Can be distinguished from the rose-ring by its larger size and red "epaulette" mark
Rose-ringed parakeet Psittacula krameri I Least concern Increase This introduced species is found in most urban environments, the capital Doha and Dukhan. Only males possess the characteristic "rose ring". Sightings of this bird are often preceded by a very loud screaming – in flight they are recognised by their cries and tail, which may be as long as the bird itself.

Old World orioles

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Order: Passeriformes   Family: Oriolidae

The Old World orioles are colourful passerine birds. They are not related to the New World orioles.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Eurasian golden oriole Oriolus oriolus N Least concern Steady Late spring visitor

Shrikes

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Order: Passeriformes   Family: Laniidae

Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A typical shrike's beak is hooked, like a bird of prey.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Red-backed shrike Lanius collurio N Least concern Decrease Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Recognised for its rusty upper wings. Females lack the "mask"
Red-tailed shrike Lanius phoenicuroides N Least concern Steady Passage migrant and winter visitor. Very similar to the formerly conspecific isabelline shrike, albeit darker in colour
Isabelline shrike Lanius isabellinus N Least concern Steady Passage migrant and winter visitor, recognised for its soft ruddy shade
Bay-backed shrike Lanius vitattus A Least concern Steady Vagrant; possibly from the nearby UAE
Long-tailed shrike Lanius schach A Least concern ? Vagrant
Great gray shrike Lanius excubitor
Lanius excubitor ssp. aucheri (Arabian grey shrike)
Lanius excubitor ssp. pallidirostris (Steppe grey shrike)
N Least concern Decrease The largest and most powerful shrike, the great grey shrike has 2 common subspecies in Qatar. The Arabian grey shrike may be observed year-round, while the steppe grey shrike is less common, being a passage migrant from Asia. The nominate subspecies has been recorded as a vagrant in the country.

Lesser gray shrike Lanius minor N Least concern Decrease Uncommon passage migrant and autumn visitor. Has a larger "mask" than the similarly coloured great grey shrike. Lanîûs mînor
Masked shrike Lanius nubicus N Least concern Decrease Passage migrant and winter visitor
Woodchat shrike Lanius senator N Least concern Decrease Passage migrant and winter visitor

Crows, jays, and magpies

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Order: Passeriformes   Family: Corvidae

The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
House crow Corvus splendens I Least concern Steady Coloniser
Brown-necked raven Corvus rufficolis A Least concern Steady Vagrant

Penduline-tits

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Order: Passeriformes   Family: Remizidae

The penduline-tits are a group of small passerine birds related to the true tits. They are insectivores.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Eurasian penduline-tit Remiz pendulinus A Least concern Increase Vagrant

Larks

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Order: Passeriformes   Family: Alaudidae

Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Greater hoopoe-lark Alaemon alaudipes N Least concern Decrease Resident
Bar-tailed lark Ammomanes cincturus N Least concern Decrease resident breeder
Desert lark Ammomanes deserti N Least concern Increase Resident
Black-crowned sparrow lark Eremopterix nigriceps N Least concern Increase Resident
Horned lark Eremophila alpestris A Least concern Decrease Vagrant.
Greater short-toed lark Calandrella brachydactyla N Least concern ? Winter visitor
Lesser short-toed lark Alaudala rufescens N Least concern Decrease A defunct taxon, historically included in recent lists. It has been divided into two taxa, the Mediterranean and Turkestan larks. It is believed the latter inhabits Qatar.
Bimaculated lark Melanocorypha bimaculata R Least concern Steady rare winter visitor
Calandra lark Melanocorypha calandra A Least concern Decrease Vagrant
Arabian lark Eremalauda eremodites A Least concern Steady Vagrant
Turkestan short-toed lark Eremalauda eremodites N Not recognised by the IUCN Decrease Uncommon in the country, this species is more likely to be encountered in open deserts. A new derivative, this species was considered conspecific with the lesser short-toed lark until 2020.
Woodlark Lullula arborea A Least concern Increase Vagrant
Eurasian skylark Alauda arvensis R Least concern Decrease scarce winter visitor
Crested lark Galerdia cristata N Least concern Decrease Breeding resident

Cisticolas and allies

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Order: Passeriformes   Family: Cisticolidae

The Cisticolidae are warblers found mainly in warmer southern regions of the Old World. They are generally very small birds of drab brown or grey appearance found in open country such as grassland or scrub.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Frequency Image
Graceful prinia Prinia gracilis N Least concern Steady Winter visitor
Delicate prinia Prinia lepida A Not recognised by the IUCN ? Taxonomy disputed; it is considered part of the graceful prinia species complex by several authorities

Reed warblers and allies

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Order: Passeriformes   Family: Acrocephalidae

The members of this family are usually rather large for "warblers". Most are rather plain olivaceous brown above with much yellow to beige below. They are usually found in open woodland, reedbeds, or tall grass. The family occurs mostly in southern to western Eurasia and surroundings, but it also ranges far into the Pacific, with some species in Africa.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Syke's warbler Iduna rama A Least concern Steady Vagrant
Eastern olivaceous warbler Iduna pallida N Least concern Steady scarce passage migrant
Upcher's warbler Hippolais languida N Least concern Steady Winter visitor
Icterine warbler Hippolais icterina N Least concern Decrease Vagrant
Moustached warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon A Least concern Steady Vagrant. Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon by Dr. Raju Kasambe (2)
Sedge warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus N Least concern Steady Rare passage migrant
Paddyfield warbler Acrocephalus agricola A Least concern Decrease Vagrant.
Marsh warbler Acrocephalus palustris R Least concern Steady rare passage migrant
Eurasian reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus N Least concern Steady Uncommon
Basra reed warbler Eremalauda eremodites R Endangered Steady Vagrant recorded in the country in 2017.
Great reed warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus N Least concern Decrease Uncommon winter visitor
Clamorous reed warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus N Least concern Steady Winter visitor

Grassbirds and allies

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Order: Passeriformes   Family: Locustellidae

Locustellidae are a family of small insectivorous songbirds found mainly in Eurasia, Africa, and the Australian region. They are smallish birds with tails that are usually long and pointed, and tend to be drab brownish or buffy all over.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global Status Trend Notes Image
Savi's warbler Locustella luscinioides A Least concern Steady Vagrant.
Common grasshopper-warbler Locustella naevia A Least concern Steady Rare passage migrant.

Swallows

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Order: Passeriformes   Family: Hirundinidae

The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Bank swallow R. riparia N Least concern Steady Common in both late summer and winter
Eurasian crag-martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris R Least concern Steady Rare winter visitor
Pale crag-martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula R Least concern Steady Rare winter visitor
Barn swallow Hirundo rustica N Least concern Decrease A frequent and abundant passage migrant
Wire-tailed swallow Hirundo smithii A Least concern Increase Vagrant recorded in 2023
Red-rumped swallow Cecropis daurica N Least concern Steady Passage migrant
Common house-martin Delichon urbicum N Least concern Decrease uncommon

Bulbuls

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Order: Passeriformes   Family: Pycnonotidae

Bulbuls are medium-sized songbirds. Some are colourful with yellow, red or orange vents, cheeks, throats or supercilia, but most are drab, with uniform olive-brown to black plumage. Some species have distinct crests.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Red-vented bulbul Pycnonotus cafer I Least concern Increase Resident in parks and specific urban areas.
White-eared bulbul Pycnonotus leucotis I Least concern Decrease Found nationwide

Leaf warblers

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Order: Passeriformes   Family: Phylloscopidae

Leaf warblers are a family of small insectivorous birds found mostly in Eurasia and ranging into Wallacea and Africa. The species are of various sizes, often green-plumaged above and yellow below, or more subdued with greyish-green to greyish-brown colours.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Wood warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix A Least concern Decrease Vagrant
Yellow-browed warbler Phylloscopus inornatus A Least concern Steady Vagrant
Hume's warbler Phylloscopus humei A Least concern Steady Vagrant
Plain leaf warbler Phylloscopus neglectus A Least concern Steady Vagrant
Williw warbler Phylloscopus trochilus N Least concern Decrease Common in spring and autumn
Common chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita N Least concern Increase Alike the willow warbler, but more common in the winter.

Sylviid warblers, parrotbills, and allies

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Order: Passeriformes   Family: Sylviidae

The family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. They mainly occur as breeding species, as the common name implies, in Europe, Asia and, to a lesser extent, Africa. Most are of generally undistinguished appearance, but many have distinctive songs.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Eurasian blackcap Sylvia atricapilla N Least concern Increase Passage migrant
Garden warbler Sylvia borin A Least concern Decrease rare passage migrant
Asian desert warbler Curruca nana N Least concern Steady A common winter visitor, this small round bird is recognised by its grey body, ruddy tail and yellow eyes. This bird has a special relationship with the desert wheatear, and follows it if alerted by a predator.
Barred warbler Curruca nisoria N Least concern Steady Uncommon passage migrant
Lesser whitethroat C. curruca N Least concern Steady Common during spring migration and winter
Eastern Orphean warbler Curruca crassirostris N Least concern Increase rare passage migrant
Menetries's warbler Curruca mystacea N Least concern Steady passage migrant
Greater whitethroat Curruca communis N Least concern Increase common migrant

Starlings

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Order: Passeriformes   Family: Sturnidae

Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. Their flight is strong and direct and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country. They eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
European starling Sturnus vulgaris N Least concern Decrease Migratory; winter visitor
Rosy starling Pastor roseus A Least concern ? Vagrant
Common myna Acridotheres tristis I Least concern Increase Introduced and established; extremely common throughout the country

Thrushes and allies

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Order: Passeriformes   Family: Turdidae

The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Song thrush Turdus philomelos N Least concern Increase Overwintering
Redwing Turdus iliacus A Near threatened Decrease First record in late 2023
Eurasian blackbird Turdus merula A Least concern Increase Vagrant
Fieldfare Turdus pilaris A Least concern Decrease Vagrant.
Ring ouzel Turdus torquatus A Least concern Steady Vagrant
Black-throated thrush Turdus atrogularis A Least concern ? Vagrant
Red-throated thrush Turdus ruficollis A Least concern ? Vagrant
Dusky thrush Turdus eunomus A Least concern ? Vagrant
White's thrush Zoothera aurea A Least concern Decrease Vagrant recorded in 2022

Old World flycatchers

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Order: Passeriformes   Family: Muscicapidae

Old World flycatchers are a large group of small passerine birds native to the Old World. They are mainly small arboreal insectivores. The appearance of these birds is highly varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global Status Trend Notes Image
Black scrub-robin Cercotrichas podobe R Least concern Steady Rare winter visitor
Spotted flycatcher Muscicapa striata N Least concern Decrease Common passage migrant in spring and winter.
Rufous-tailed scrub-robin Cercotrichas galactotes N Least concern Steady Overwintering
European robin Erithacus rubecula A Least concern Increase Vagrant
White-throated robin Irania gutturalis N Least concern Steady Spring visitor
Thrush nightingale Luscinia luscinia R Least concern Steady Rare passage migrant
Common nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos N Least concern Steady Winter visitor
Bluethroat Luscinia svecica N Least concern Steady Common in winter
Red-breasted flycatcher Ficedula parva N Least concern Increase This uncommon bird is mostly seen in autumn