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.
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
[edit]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 | Found in Ras Abrouq, west coast |
Ducks, geese, and waterfowl
[edit]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 | 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 | Introduced | ||
Ruddy shelduck | Tadorna ferruginea | A | Least concern | ? | Scarce winter visitor | |
Common shelduck | Tadorna tadorna | N | Least concern | Scarce winter visitor | ||
Cotton pygmy-goose | Nettapus coromandelianus | A | Least concern | vagrant | ||
Garganey | Spatula querquedula | N | Least concern | Passage migrant and winter visitor | ||
Northern shoveler | Spatula clypeata | N | Least concern | winter visitor | ||
Gadwall | Mareca strepera | A | Least concern | Scarce winter visitor | ||
Eurasian wigeon | Mareca penelope | N | Least concern | winter visitor | ||
Mallard | Anas platyrhynchos | N | Least concern | Common winter visitor | ||
Northern pintail | Anas acuta | N | Least concern | Winter visitor | ||
Green-winged teal | Anas crecca | N | Least concern | ? | Winter visitor | |
Marbled teal | Marmaronetta angustirostris | R | Vulnerable | Vagrant recorded in 1985 | ||
Red-crested pochard | Netta rufina | A | Least concern | ? | Vagrant | |
Common pochard | Aythya ferina | R | Vulnerable | Overwintering | ||
Ferruginous duck | Aythya nyroca | N | Near threatened | Scarce resident | ||
Tufted duck | Aythya fuligula | N | Least concern | Common winter visitor in greywater and lagoons | ||
Long-tailed duck | Clangula hyemalis | R | Vulnerable | Vagrant. |
Guineafowl
[edit]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 | Vagrant |
Pheasants, grouse, and allies
[edit]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 | Introduced and established; resident | ||
Common quail | Coturnix coturnix | N | Least concern | Passage migrant |
Flamingos
[edit]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 | Resident breeder | ||
Lesser flamingo | Phoenicopterus minor | A | Near threatened | Vagrant recorded in 2013 |
Grebes
[edit]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 | Resident | ||
Great crested grebe | Podiceps cristatus | N | Least concern | ? | Resident | |
Eared grebe | Podiceps nigricolis | N | Least concern | ? | Winter visitor |
Pigeons and doves
[edit]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 | Domestic variants common everywhere, wild rock doves may be found near the coast | ||
Stock dove | Columba oenas | A | Least concern | Vagrant recorded in 2019 | ||
European turtle-dove | Streptopelia turtur | R | Vulnerable | Passage migrant | ||
Oriental turtle dove | Streptopelia decocto | A | Least concern | Vagrant recorded in 2022 | ||
Eurasian collared-dove | Streptopelia decocto | N | Least concern | Common | ||
African collared-dove | Streptopelia roseogrisea | A | Least concern | ? | Vagrant | |
Laughing dove | Streptopelia senegalensis | N | Least concern | Common | ||
Namaqua dove | Oena capensis | I | Least concern | Naturally established resident due to its nomadic nature | ||
Zebra dove | Geopelia striata | I | Least concern | Introduced in the northeast; small breeding population |
Sandgrouse
[edit]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 | Localised breeder | ||
Chestnut-bellied sandgrouse | Pterocles exustus | A | Least concern | Rare | ||
Crowned sandgrouse | Pterocles coronatus | A | Least concern | Vagrant |
Bustards
[edit]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 | May have been extirpated from the country due to overhunting, records nowadays generally considered captive or escaped |
Cuckoos
[edit]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 | Rare | ||
Pied cuckoo | Clamator jacobinus | A | Least concern | Vagrant | ||
Asian koel | Eudynamys scolopaceus | A | Least concern | Vagrant | ||
Common cuckoo | Cuculus canorus | N | Least concern | Passage migrant |
Nightjars and allies
[edit]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 | Passage migrant | ||
Egyptian nightjar | Caprimulgus aegyptius | R | Least concern | Rare passage migrant |
Swifts
[edit]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 | vagrant with 4 records | ||
Common swift | Apus apus | N | Least concern | Uncommon winter visitor | ||
Pallid swift | Apus pallidus | N | Least concern | Winter visitor | ||
Little swift | Apus affinis | A | Least concern | Vagrant |
Rails, gallinules, and coots
[edit]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 | Winter visitor. | ||
Corncrake | Crex crex | R | Least concern | rare passage migrant | ||
Spotted crake | Porzana porzana | N | Least concern | uncommon passage migrant | ||
Eurasian moorhen | Gallinula chloropus | N | Least concern | Common | ||
Eurasian coot | Fulica atra | N | Least concern | Resident and winter visitor | ||
African swamphen | Porphyrio madagascarensis | I | Not recognised by the IUCN | 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 | Vagrant | ||
Baillon's crake | Zapornia pusilla | A | Least concern | ? | Vagrant |
Cranes
[edit]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 | Vagrant |
Thick-knees
[edit]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 | Passage migrant |
Stilts and avocets
[edit]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 | Common | ||
Pied avocet | Recurvirostra avosetta | N | Least concern | ? | Common in winter |
Oystercatchers
[edit]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 | Passage migrant |
Plovers and lapwings
[edit]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 | Common, found on coasts and shores | ||
European golden-plover | Pluvialis apricaria | R | Least concern | Vagrant with 5 records | ||
Pacific golden-plover | Pluvialis fulva | N | Least concern | Scarce passage migrant | ||
Northern lapwing | Vanellus vanellus | N | Near threatened | Winter visitor | ||
Spur-winged lapwing | Vanellus spinosus | R | Least concern | Rare passage migrant; breeding in 2023 | ||
Red-wattled lapwing | Vanellus indicus | N | Least concern | ? | Scarce breeding resident | |
Sociable lapwing | Vanellus gregarius | R | Critically endangered | 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 | Common year-round | ||
Caspian plover | Eupoda asiatica | N | Least concern | scarce passage migrant | ||
Kentish plover | Ochthodromus alexandrinus | N | Least concern | Resident breeder | ||
Kittlitz's plover | Ochthodromus pecuarius | A | Least concern | ? | Vagrant recorded in 2023 | |
Greater ringed plover | Charadrius hiaticula | N | Least concern | Common winter visitor | ||
Little ringed plover | Thinornis dubius | N | Least concern | ? | Breeding, leaves the country in winter | |
Eurasian dotterel | Eudromias morinellus | A | Least concern | Vagrant |
Painted-snipes
[edit]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 | Vagrant |
Jacanas
[edit]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 | Vagrant |
Sandpipers and allies
[edit]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 | Winter visitor | ||
Whimby | Numenius phaeopus | N | Least concern | Passage migrant | ||
Bar-tailed godwit | Limosa lapponica | N | Near threatened | Winter visitor | ||
Black-tailed godwit | Limosa limosa | N | Near threatened | Passage migrant | ||
Ruddy turnstone | Arenaria interpres | N | Least concern | winter visitor | ||
Great knot | Calidris tenuirostris | R | Endangered | vagrant | ||
Ruff | Calidris pugnax | N | Least concern | Winter visitor | ||
Broad-billed sandpiper | Calidris falcinellus | N | Least concern | Passage migrant | ||
Curlew sandpiper | Calidris ferruginea | N | Near threatened | 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 | winter visitor | ||
Little stint | Calidris minuta | N | Least concern | Winter visitor | ||
Jack snipe | Lymnocryptes minimus | N | Least concern | Scarce passage migrant | ||
Eurasian woodcock | Scolopax rusticola | A | Least concern | unverified vagrant records | ||
Common snipe | Gallinago gallinago | N | Least concern | winter visitor | ||
Pin-tailed snipe | Gallinago stenura | A | Least concern | ? | vagrant | |
Terek sandpiper | Xenus cinereus | N | Least concern | Resident | ||
Red-necked phalarope | Phalaropus lobatus | N | Least concern | Scarce passage migrant | ||
Common sandpiper | Actitis hypoleucos | N | Least concern | Very common throughout winter and late summer. | ||
Green sandpiper | Tringa ochropus | N | Least concern | Relatively common throughout winter and spring | ||
Spotted redshank | Tringa erythropus | N | Least concern | Common winter visitor | ||
Common greenshank | Tringa nebularia | N | Least concern | Common winter visitor | ||
Marsh sandpiper | Tringa stagnatilis | N | Least concern | Somewhat common winter visitor | ||
Wood sandpiper | Tringa glareola | N | Least concern | Common winter visitor | ||
Common redshank | Tringa totanus | N | Least concern | ? | Winter visitor |
Crab plover
[edit]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 | passage migrant and winter visitor |
Pratincoles and coursers
[edit]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 | Scarce resident and common migrant | ||
Collared pratincole | Glareola pratincola | N | Least concern | Passage migrant | ||
Black-winged pratincole | Glareola nordmanni | R | Near threatened | Vagrant | ||
Small pratincole | Glareola lactea | A | Least concern | ? | Vagrant. |
Skuas and jaegers
[edit]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 | rare winter visitor | ||
Arctic skua | Stercorarius parasiticus | N | Least concern | Rare winter visitor | ||
Long-tailed jaeger | Stercorarius longicaudus | A | Least concern | Vagrant |
Gulls, terns, and skimmers
[edit]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 | Vagrant | ||
Sooty gull | Ichthyaetus hemprichii | N | Least concern | Scarce winter visitor | ||
Pallas's gull | Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus | N | Least concern | 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 | 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 | Vagrant | ||
Lesser black-backed gull | Larus fuscus | N | Least concern | Winter visitor | ||
Bridled tern | Onychoprion anaethetus | N | Least concern | ? | Breeder and passage migrant | |
Little tern | Sternula albifrons | N | Least concern | Passage migrant | ||
Saunders's tern | Sternula saundersi | N | Least concern | Migrant breeder; this small tern is a frequenter of the coasts, especially in the East | ||
Gull-billed tern | Gelocheilodon nilotica | N | Least concern | 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 | 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 | 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 | Common | ||
Common tern | Sterna hirundo | N | Least concern | ? | Uncommon passage migrant | |
White-cheeked tern | Sterna repressa | N | Least concern | Common | ||
Great crested tern | Thalasseus bergii | N | Least concern | Passage migrant | ||
Sandwich tern | Thalasseus sandvicensis | N | Least concern | Winter visitor | ||
Lesser crested-tern | Thalasseus bengalensis | N | Least concern | Common |
Tropicbirds
[edit]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 | Only breeds on Halul Island, absent from the mainland |
Storks
[edit]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 | Winter visitor | ||
Yellow-billed stork | Mycteria ibis | A | Least concern | Vagrant, 1999 |
Cormorants and shags
[edit]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 | Common throughout winter | ||
Socotra cormorant | Phalacrocorax nigrogularis | E | Vulnerable | Endemic to the gulf and offshore Yemen. Breeds on islands like Hawar and Socotra; globally threatened |
Pelicans
[edit]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
[edit]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 | rare winter visitor | ||
Little bittern | Ixobrychus minutus | N | Least concern | 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 | Resident and migrant | ||
Great egret | Egretta alba | N | Least concern | ? | Overwintering | |
Intermediate egret | Egretta intermedia | A | Least concern | Vagrant | ||
Little egret | Egretta garzetta | N | Least concern | winter visitor | ||
Western reef-heron | Egretta gularis | N | Least concern | Uncommon resident, abundant winter visitor | ||
Cattle egret | Bubulcus ibis | N | Least concern | 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 | This bird is an uncommon resident | ||
Black-crowned night heron | Nycticorax nycticorax | N | Least concern | Winter visitor |
Ibises and spoonbills
[edit]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 | 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 | Vagrant | ||
Eurasian spoonbill | Platalea leucorodia | R | Least concern | ? | rare migrant |
Osprey
[edit]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 | Resident |
Hawks, eagles, and kites
[edit]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 | Rare | ||
Eurasian griffon vulture | Gyps fulvus | A | Least concern | Vagrant | ||
Egyptian vulture | Neophron percnopterus | R | Endangered | Vagrant | ||
European honey-buzzard | Pernis apivorus | R | Least concern | Rare passage migrant | ||
Oriental honey-buzzard | Pernis ptilorhynchus | N | Least concern | Scarce winter visitor | ||
Short-toed snake eagle | Circaetus gallicus | N | Least concern | Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor | ||
Booted eagle | Hieraaetus pennatus | A | Least concern | Vagrant | ||
Steppe eagle | Aquila nipalensis | R | Endangered | 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 | Rare passage migrant. A migrating individual in Qatar was killed by poachers in late 2022 | ||
Bonelli's eagle | Aquila fasciata | A | Least concern | Vagrant | ||
Greater spotted-eagle | Clanga clanga | N | Vulnerable | Scarce localised winter visitor; heavily persecuted in the country | ||
White-tailed sea eagle | Haliaeetus albicilla | A | Least concern | Vagrant recorded once in March 2022 | ||
Western marsh-harrier | Circus aeruginosus | N | Least concern | Winter visitor | ||
Pallid harrier | Circus macrourus | N | Near threatened | Winter visitor | ||
Montagu's harrier | Circus pygargus | N | Least concern | Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor | ||
Shikra | Accipiter badius | A | Least concern | Vagrant | ||
Levant sparrowhawk | Accipiter brevipes | A | Least concern | Vagrant | ||
Eurasian sparrowhawk | Accipiter nisus | R | Least concern | Scarce winter visitor | ||
Northern goshawk | Accipiter gentilis | A | Least concern | ? | Vagrant | |
Black kite | Milvus migrans | N | Least concern | 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 | Vagrant | ||
Long-legged buzzard | Buteo rufinus | A | Least concern | frequent winter visitor |
Barn-owls
[edit]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 | This bird is a scarce resident in the country |
Owls
[edit]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 | 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 | Vagrant | ||
Pharaoh eagle owl | Bubo ascalaphus | N | Least concern | 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 | Resident. | ||
Long-eared owl | Asio otus | A | Least concern | Vagrant. | ||
Short-eared owl | Asio flammeus | R | Least concern | rare winter visitor |
Hoopoes
[edit]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 | 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
[edit]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 | Vagrant | ||
Pied kingfisher | Ceryle rudis | N | Least concern | ? | uncommon winter visitor |
Bee-eaters
[edit]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 | Vagrant | ||
Blue-cheeked bee-eater | Merops persicus | N | Least concern | 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 | The most common and beautiful bee-eater, it is observed in Qatar during spring and to a lesser extent autumn |
Rollers
[edit]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 | Passage migrant | ||
Indian roller | Coracias benghalensis | A | Least concern | Vagrant |
Woodpeckers
[edit]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 | Vagrant |
Falcons and caracaras
[edit]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 | 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 | Common winter visitor | ||
Amur falcon | Falco amurensis | A | Least concern | Vagrant | ||
Sooty falcon | Falco concolor | R | Vulnerable | rare summer visitor | ||
Merlin | Falco columbarius | R | Least concern | rare winter visitor | ||
Eurasian hobby | Falco subbuteo | N | Least concern | Winter visitor | ||
Peregrine falcon | Falco peregrinus | R | Least concern | Vagrant |
Old World parrots
[edit]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 | 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 | 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
[edit]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 | Late spring visitor |
Shrikes
[edit]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 | Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Recognised for its rusty upper wings. Females lack the "mask" | ||
Red-tailed shrike | Lanius phoenicuroides | N | Least concern | Passage migrant and winter visitor. Very similar to the formerly conspecific isabelline shrike, albeit darker in colour | ||
Isabelline shrike | Lanius isabellinus | N | Least concern | Passage migrant and winter visitor, recognised for its soft ruddy shade | ||
Bay-backed shrike | Lanius vitattus | A | Least concern | 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 | 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 | Uncommon passage migrant and autumn visitor. Has a larger "mask" than the similarly coloured great grey shrike. | ||
Masked shrike | Lanius nubicus | N | Least concern | Passage migrant and winter visitor | ||
Woodchat shrike | Lanius senator | N | Least concern | Passage migrant and winter visitor |
Crows, jays, and magpies
[edit]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 | Coloniser | ||
Brown-necked raven | Corvus rufficolis | A | Least concern | Vagrant |
Penduline-tits
[edit]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 | Vagrant |
Larks
[edit]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 | Resident | ||
Bar-tailed lark | Ammomanes cincturus | N | Least concern | resident breeder | ||
Desert lark | Ammomanes deserti | N | Least concern | Resident | ||
Black-crowned sparrow lark | Eremopterix nigriceps | N | Least concern | Resident | ||
Horned lark | Eremophila alpestris | A | Least concern | Vagrant. | ||
Greater short-toed lark | Calandrella brachydactyla | N | Least concern | ? | Winter visitor | |
Lesser short-toed lark | Alaudala rufescens | N | Least concern | 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 | rare winter visitor | ||
Calandra lark | Melanocorypha calandra | A | Least concern | Vagrant | ||
Arabian lark | Eremalauda eremodites | A | Least concern | Vagrant | ||
Turkestan short-toed lark | Eremalauda eremodites | N | Not recognised by the IUCN | 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 | Vagrant | ||
Eurasian skylark | Alauda arvensis | R | Least concern | scarce winter visitor | ||
Crested lark | Galerdia cristata | N | Least concern | Breeding resident |
Cisticolas and allies
[edit]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 | 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
[edit]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 | Vagrant | ||
Eastern olivaceous warbler | Iduna pallida | N | Least concern | scarce passage migrant | ||
Upcher's warbler | Hippolais languida | N | Least concern | Winter visitor | ||
Icterine warbler | Hippolais icterina | N | Least concern | Vagrant | ||
Moustached warbler | Acrocephalus melanopogon | A | Least concern | Vagrant. | ||
Sedge warbler | Acrocephalus schoenobaenus | N | Least concern | Rare passage migrant | ||
Paddyfield warbler | Acrocephalus agricola | A | Least concern | Vagrant. | ||
Marsh warbler | Acrocephalus palustris | R | Least concern | rare passage migrant | ||
Eurasian reed warbler | Acrocephalus scirpaceus | N | Least concern | Uncommon | ||
Basra reed warbler | Eremalauda eremodites | R | Endangered | Vagrant recorded in the country in 2017. | ||
Great reed warbler | Acrocephalus arundinaceus | N | Least concern | Uncommon winter visitor | ||
Clamorous reed warbler | Acrocephalus stentoreus | N | Least concern | Winter visitor |
Grassbirds and allies
[edit]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 | Vagrant. | ||
Common grasshopper-warbler | Locustella naevia | A | Least concern | Rare passage migrant. |
Swallows
[edit]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 | Common in both late summer and winter | ||
Eurasian crag-martin | Ptyonoprogne rupestris | R | Least concern | Rare winter visitor | ||
Pale crag-martin | Ptyonoprogne fuligula | R | Least concern | Rare winter visitor | ||
Barn swallow | Hirundo rustica | N | Least concern | A frequent and abundant passage migrant | ||
Wire-tailed swallow | Hirundo smithii | A | Least concern | Vagrant recorded in 2023 | ||
Red-rumped swallow | Cecropis daurica | N | Least concern | Passage migrant | ||
Common house-martin | Delichon urbicum | N | Least concern | uncommon |
Bulbuls
[edit]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 | Resident in parks and specific urban areas. | ||
White-eared bulbul | Pycnonotus leucotis | I | Least concern | Found nationwide |
Leaf warblers
[edit]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 | Vagrant | ||
Yellow-browed warbler | Phylloscopus inornatus | A | Least concern | Vagrant | ||
Hume's warbler | Phylloscopus humei | A | Least concern | Vagrant | ||
Plain leaf warbler | Phylloscopus neglectus | A | Least concern | Vagrant | ||
Williw warbler | Phylloscopus trochilus | N | Least concern | Common in spring and autumn | ||
Common chiffchaff | Phylloscopus collybita | N | Least concern | Alike the willow warbler, but more common in the winter. |
Sylviid warblers, parrotbills, and allies
[edit]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 | Passage migrant | ||
Garden warbler | Sylvia borin | A | Least concern | rare passage migrant | ||
Asian desert warbler | Curruca nana | N | Least concern | 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 | Uncommon passage migrant | ||
Lesser whitethroat | C. curruca | N | Least concern | Common during spring migration and winter | ||
Eastern Orphean warbler | Curruca crassirostris | N | Least concern | rare passage migrant | ||
Menetries's warbler | Curruca mystacea | N | Least concern | passage migrant | ||
Greater whitethroat | Curruca communis | N | Least concern | common migrant |
Starlings
[edit]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 | Migratory; winter visitor | ||
Rosy starling | Pastor roseus | A | Least concern | ? | Vagrant | |
Common myna | Acridotheres tristis | I | Least concern | Introduced and established; extremely common throughout the country |
Thrushes and allies
[edit]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 | Overwintering | ||
Redwing | Turdus iliacus | A | Near threatened | First record in late 2023 | ||
Eurasian blackbird | Turdus merula | A | Least concern | Vagrant | ||
Fieldfare | Turdus pilaris | A | Least concern | Vagrant. | ||
Ring ouzel | Turdus torquatus | A | Least concern | 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 | Vagrant recorded in 2022 |
Old World flycatchers
[edit]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 | Rare winter visitor | ||
Spotted flycatcher | Muscicapa striata | N | Least concern | Common passage migrant in spring and winter. | ||
Rufous-tailed scrub-robin | Cercotrichas galactotes | N | Least concern | Overwintering | ||
European robin | Erithacus rubecula | A | Least concern | Vagrant | ||
White-throated robin | Irania gutturalis | N | Least concern | Spring visitor | ||
Thrush nightingale | Luscinia luscinia | R | Least concern | Rare passage migrant | ||
Common nightingale | Luscinia megarhynchos | N | Least concern | Winter visitor | ||
Bluethroat | Luscinia svecica | N | Least concern | Common in winter | ||
Red-breasted flycatcher | Ficedula parva | N | Least concern | This uncommon bird is mostly seen in autumn |