The Kuwait
Bird Report
2006
THE YEAR 2006
The year 2006 was a remarkable one for recording birds in Kuwait.
The Kuwaiti and expatriate members of the Bird Monitoring and
Protection Team (BMAPT) of the Kuwait Environmental Protection
Society (KEPS) and of the Voluntary Work Centre (VWC), worked hard
during the year to provide bird records and photographs from many
areas of Kuwait.
Employees of the
Environment Public Authority (EPA) and of the Kuwait Institute for
Scientific Research (KISR) continued their coverage of protected
areas of Kuwait producing valuable records and photographs.
Members of the
Photography Group of the VWC developed an interest in bird
photography and conservation through their field work at Sulaibikhat
Nature Reserve and the Sabah Al-Ahmad Natural Reserve.
Brian Foster,
brian_foster_uk@yahoo.co.uk, continued as the Country
Correspondent for the Ornithological Society of the Middle East (OSME).
The VWC continued its
work of managing the Sabah Al-Ahmad Natural Reserve, which continued
to regenerate its ground cover of vegetation. Additionally, it was
involved in a number of environmental clean-up operations.
Mike Jennings, the Coordinator of the Atlas of Breeding Birds of
Arabia (ABBA) and George Gregory visited Kuwait to carry out the 37th
ABBA Breeding Bird Survey from 15 to 31 March. They recorded much
new breeding data from different parts of the state. The Atlas, due
to be published in the next year or so, will include a number of
species that have bred in Kuwait and nowhere else in the Arabian
peninsula.
A group of three
birders from Finland covered many sites from 5 to 15 April. Their
visit overlapped with that of a group of four birders from Denmark
from 8 to 18 April. These groups provided many valuable records,
including the first Great Tit for Kuwait and several highest daily
counts ever in the state. In view of the success of the visits of
these groups from Europe, and of the increasing realisation that
Kuwait hosts a number of Western Palearctic bird species that are
difficult to see elsewhere in the region, planning for a number of
future visits by such groups was begun.
Several other
expatriate bird-watchers visited Kuwait during the year and
contributed valuable bird records and photographs.
As a result of this
greatly increased coverage, there was a corresponding increase in
the amount of bird data, including both field observations and
breeding records. Four species were added to the Kuwait Bird List:
Armenian Gull, Pallid Scops Owl, Forest Wagtail and Great Tit. Also,
there were new highest daily counts for many species.
Status reference, given after the scientific name, for each species
recorded in 2006
Abundant:
occurs annually in very large numbers (10,000+)
Very Common:
occurs annually in large numbers (1,000 - 9,999)
Common:
occurs annually in moderate numbers (100 - 999)
Uncommon:
occurs annually in small numbers (10 - 99)
Scarce:
occurs annually in very small numbers (1 - 9)
Rare:
does not occur annually but has occurred more than 10 times in total
Vagrant:
has occurred less than 10 times in total
Irregular:
occurs, not necessarily every year, in very variable numbers
Migrant:
passage through Kuwait in spring and autumn
Winter:
present in Kuwait from
November 1st to February 29th
Resident:
present in
Kuwait all year
Breeds:
breeds every year or most years
Has Bred:
breeding proved in the past but not recently
The 2006 report
contains a full list of all species seen in Kuwait and their status.
Contributing Observers during 2006
Kuwait-based for all or part of the year
Khalid Al-Ghanim KAG
Mishal Al-Jeriwi
MAJ
Khalid Al-Nasrallah
KAN
Hussain Al-Qallaf HAQ
Abdulrahman
Al-Sirhan AAS
AbdulMuhsen Al-Suraye’a
AMS
Gary Brown
GB
Edgardo Delima
ED
Pekka Fågel
PF
Brian Foster BF
George Gregory GG
Mohammed Kandari MK
Paul Lascelles PL
Mike Ling ML
Rosemary Ling ML
Mike Pope MP
Essa Ramadan ER
Mahmoud Shehab MS
Visitors
Simon Aspinall SA
David Bradford DB
Peter Cowan PC
Danish Group (Tommy
Frandsen, Andreas Hagerman, Jens Søgaard Hansen, Martin Poulsen)
DG
Finnish Group (Rami
Lindroos, Keijo Wahlroos, Illka Sahi) FG
Mike Jennings MCJ
Graham Langley GL
Charlie Moores CM
David White DW
Kay White KW
Initials are given for
the observers of all vagrant and rare species, and also for most of
the breeding records and highest daily counts for 2006.
Selected records of all species recorded during
2006
Greylag Goose (Anser
anser)
Rare winter visitor
A single bird was at
South Doha Nature Reserve (SDNR) on 6 February (BF, CM).
Common Shelduck
(Tadorna tadorna)
Common migrant and winter visitor
At least 100 were
present at Sulaibikhat Nature Reserve (SNR) on 15 December, and up
to 200, the highest count, were present further east in Sulaibikhat
Bay in late December.
Eurasian Wigeon
(Anas penelope)
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor
Small groups were
recorded in winter months at Jahra East Outfall (JEO) and Doha Spit.
Teal (Anas
crecca)
Common winter visitor
The highest counts
were 156 at the warm water outflow at North Doha Nature Reserve (NDNR)
on 6 February and 150 there on 8 December.
Mallard (Anas
platyrhynchos)
Common winter visitor
The highest ever count
for Kuwait was126 at NDNR on 6 February (BF, PF) 120 were there on 8
December. Other records were three at Sabah Al-Salem (SAS) on 23 May
and one at JEO on 10 November.
Garganey (Anas
querquedula)
Uncommon migrant
Birds were recorded at
JEO and SDNR only, with a highest count of two at the former site on
5 March.
Northern Pintail
(Anas acuta)
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor
The highest count was
8 at NDNR on 6 February and 8 December. The only other record was of
at least three at JEO on 18 March.
Northern Shoveler
(Anas clypeata)
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor
The highest winter
counts were 56 at NDNR on 6 February and 18 there on 8 December. In
spring birds seen at the Sabah Al-Ahmad Natural Reserve (SAANR),
Sulaibikhat Bay and JEO, peaking at the latter site at 25+ on 18
March. Also, in December two were at SNR on 15th.
Common Pochard (Aythya
farina)
Rare migrant and winter visitor
One was observed at
JPR on 7 December (KAG).
Ferruginous Duck
(Aythya nyroca)
Vagrant
One female/immature at
SAS pool from 14 to 24 December (PF, BF, MP, GG) was at least the
third record.
Common Quail (Coturnix
coturnix)
Common migrant; has
bred
12 in the SAANR on 17
March were the highest ever daily count (MCJ, GG). Others migrant
birds were seen at Pipeline Beach, SNR and JEO.
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus
ruficollis)
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor
There was confirmed
breeding at JPR in July, with an adult and four chicks observed on
23 July (KAG).
Black-necked Grebe
(Podiceps auritus)
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor
Single birds were
recorded at Abdali Farms on 14 December, and at SAS on 23 December.
Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
Very common winter visitor
This species was seen at most coastal sites with a highest count of
at least 2000 at Doha Spit on 8 December.
Socotra
Cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis)
Uncommon disperser
The highest count was
eight on a platform off Pipeline Beach on 16 April, and one was off
Fahaheel next day.
White Pelican
(Pelecanus onocrotalus)
Rare disperser; has bred
A single bird was seen
at JEO on 11 March (AAS).
Little Bittern
(Ixobrychus minutus)
Uncommon migrant; scarce breeder
The highest count was
a flock of nine migrating north along the Wadi Al-Batin sand berm,
100 kilometres inland across dry desert, an unusual sight at midday
on 14 April. Other inland records were in the SAANR on 27 April and
at Al-Abraq Al-Khabari (AAAK) on 14 May. At JEO up to seven birds
were present in June and July, and a juvenile present there on 5
June was confirmed breeding.
Black-crowned Night
Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Scarce migrant; has bred
Eight roosting adult
birds, the highest count, were shot by hunters at AAAK, an oasis
farm 100 kilometres inland, on 14 April. One to two were seen on
various dates in spring and autumn at SNR, SDNR and Shuwaikh.
Squacco Heron (Ardeola
ralloides)
Uncommon migrant; possible breeder
Birds were seen at all
wetland sites with a highest count of 69 around JEO on 6 March.
Cattle Egret
(Bubulcus ibis)
Uncommon disperser in autumn, winter and
spring
The two highest ever
daily counts for Kuwait were 200+ at Sulaibiya Pivot Fields on 21
March (GG, MCJ) and 50 at Wafra Farms on 25 March (GG, MCJ).
Western Reef Egret
(Egretta gularis)
Very common resident; breeds
Pairs were nesting in
mixed colonies on one metre high sand ridges within five metres of
the high tide mark on Bubiyan Island. Nest with eggs were present on
24 March.
Little Egret
(Egretta garzetta)
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor
Birds were recorded at
all wetland sites, with a highest count of four at JEO on 18 May and
25 November.
Great Egret
(Egretta albus)
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor
This species was
recorded only at JEO with the highest count there of seven on 8
October.
Grey Heron
(Ardea cinerea)
Common resident; breeds
Pairs were nesting in
mixed colonies on one metre high sand ridges within five metres of
the high tide mark on Bubiyan Island. Nest with eggs and young were
present on 24 March.
Purple Heron (Ardea
purpurea)
Uncommon migrant; rare winter visitor
The highest daily
count was seven at JEO on 20 September. Others were seen at SDNR,
Qaisat, Sewer Plant Reeds and Sulaibikhat Bay.
Black Stork (Ciconia
nigra)
Vagrant
The fifth record for
Kuwait was a single photographed by HAQ at SNR on 29 September, and
the sixth record was a single photographed by AAS at JEO on 3
December.
White Stork (Ciconia
ciconia)
Scarce migrant
Single birds were seen
at SDNR on 10 April and at JEO on 10 September.
Glossy Ibis
(Plegadis falcinellus)
Uncommon migrant
The highest count was
eight at JEO on 21 March. Others were seen at SAS and Doha South
Nature Reserve.
Eurasian Spoonbill
(Platalea leucorodia)
Uncommon resident; breeds
A highest count of 30
birds was recorded on Bubiyan Island on 24 March. Small numbers were
recorded in Jahra Bay in spring.
Greater Flamingo
(Phoenicopterus roseus)
Very common winter visitor
Birds were seen
regularly around Kuwait and Sulaibikhat Bays, with a highest count
of 3000+ at SNR on 15 December.
Black-shouldered
Kite (Elanus caeruleus)
Vagrant
One was seen by the
Abdali Road by PL, then presumably the same bird was photographed at
JPR by KAG, on 14 November (5th record).
Black Kite (Milvus
migrans)
Common migrant and winter visitor
This species was
recorded at many sites on passage and in winter, with a highest
count of 50+ at Sulaibiya Pivot Fields on 21 March.
Eurasian Griffon
Vulture (Gyps fulvus)
Scarce disperser
One was observed on a
dubh (Spiny-tailed Agamid) carcass near Khabari Al-Awazah in north
Kuwait on 28 March. Other singles were seen in the SAANR on 6 April,
near Subiya Power Station on 10 April, and in the SAANR on 9
November.
Short-toed Eagle
(Circaetus gallicus)
Uncommon migrant; rare winter visitor
A juvenile bird at
AAAK on 18 June presumably hatched in a nearby country. Small
numbers were also recorded at SAANR, Khiran and JEO.
Western Marsh
Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
Uncommon migrant and winter
The highest count was
five at JEO on 5 November. Others were recorded at SAANR, Wafra
Farms, SDNR, AAAK, Khiran, Jal Az-Zor and SNR, in winter, spring and
summer.
Pallid Harrier
(Circus macrourus)
Common migrant
Migrants were seen at
many sites in both spring and autumn, with a highest count of five
at Jal Az-Zor on 17 April.
Montagu's Harrier
(Circus pygargus)
Uncommon migrant
There was a good
spring passage with a new highest ever daily count of six over Jal
Az-Zor escarpment above Qaisat on 15 April (DG). Others were
recorded at Doha East, SAANR and Khiran.
Eurasian
Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)
Common migrant; uncommon in winter
A total of 29
migrating birds at JEO and Jal Az-Zor on 15 April was a new highest
daily count for Kuwait (DG). Other migrants and wintering birds were
seen at many sites.
Shikra
(Accipiter badius)
Scarce migrant and winter visitor
The only records were
one at the drinking pool at Tulha in the SAANR on 3 to 6 June, and
one juvenile at Abdali Farms on 31 December.
Levant Sparrowhawk
(Accipiter brevipes)
Rare migrant
One was observed at
Kabd on 12 April (SA).
Common Buzzard (Buteo
buteo)
Common migrant; scarce winter visitor
Surprisingly, only low
daily counts were achieved, with a peak of three in the SAANR on 9
April. Most of the passage was obviously missed.
Long-legged Buzzard
(Buteo rufinus)
Scarce migrant; uncommon winter visitor
Single birds were seen
on various dates at East Doha, SAANR, JEO, and near AAAK.
Greater Spotted
Eagle (Aquila clanga)
Uncommon migrant; scarce winter visitor
Wintering birds were
at JEO, East Doha, Sulaibikhat Bay and SAANR, and only one passage
bird, at Kuwait Airport on 8 April, was recorded.
Steppe Eagle
(Aquila nipalensis)
Common migrant; scarce winter visitor
Clearly, most passage
was missed since the highest count was only five in the SAANR on 9
April. Smaller numbers of migrants were seen at a number of other
sites.
Imperial Eagle
(Aquila heliaca)
Uncommon migrant; scarce winter visitor
Small numbers were
recorded at JEO, north-west Kuwait, SAANR and Sulaibikhat Bay in
spring and autumn.
Golden Eagle
(Aquila chrysaetos)
Vagrant
A second-year bird
photographed in the SAANR on 25 May was the 6th Kuwait
record (MAJ).
Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus
pennatus)
Scarce migrant
There was a good
spring passage with a new highest daily count of six over Qaisat on
9 April (DG). On 15 April three were over JEO and two were over the
Jal Az-Zor escarpment, while next day one was at Khiran.
Osprey (Pandion
haliaetus)
Scarce migrant; rare winter visitor
Single birds were
recorded at Qaisat, JEO and Jal Az-Zor in April, May and December.
Lesser Kestrel (Falco
naumanni)
Common migrant
A total of 100+ over
Subiya on 14 April represented the highest daily count for years.
Much smaller numbers were seen at many other sites, mostly in April.
Common Kestrel (Falco
tinnunculus)
Uncommon migrant; breeding resident
A total of 83 birds
recorded on 16 April from Pipeline Beach to Khiran was the highest
daily count for many years. Other birds were regularly seen at many
other sites.
Sooty Falcon (Falco
concolor)
Rare disperser
A single adult was
seen over Khiran Resort on 11 April and a second year bird over the
Jal Az-Zor escarpment on 15 April (DG). This species is now being
recorded increasingly in Kuwait.
Hobby
(Falco subbuteo)
Uncommon migrant
One to two birds were
seen in April at SAS, Khiran, Jal Az-Zor and Jahra Farms, while one
at JPR on 14 November was very late.
Merlin (Falco
columbarius)
Rare winter visitor
Single birds were seen
at Doha Spit on 16 February (BF) and 8 December (GG, BF, PF, MP) and
at JEO on 28 October and 24 and 25 November (AAS).
Saker (Falco
cherrug)
Rare passage migrant; has wintered
An approachable bird
at Sulaibikhat Bay on 16 March did not have jesses (GG, MCJ).
Peregrine (Falco
peregrinus)
Scarce disperser
One was observed on
Bubiyan Island on 24 March and another over Qaisat on 17 April. A
bird flew off the tower at Qaroh Island in the Arabian Gulf on 26
April, and the feathers and wings of various passerines were found
under the tower. Up to two birds were repeatedly seen in central
Kuwait City from mid November into 2007.
Water Rail (Rallus
aquaticus)
Uncommon migrant and resident; has bred
Single birds were
heard at most wetland sites in spring, autumn and winter.
Spotted Crake (Porzana
porzana)
Uncommon migrant and resident
Obvious migrants were
at Tulha in the SAANR on 4 May (two) and 7 May (one). Other birds
were seen or heard at SAS, SNR and JEO, the highest count being
eight at SAS on 13 April.
Little Crake (Porzana
parva)
Uncommon migrant and resident; breeds
There were
surprisingly few records this year, with singles recorded at SDNR
and SAS in March and April.
Baillon’s Crake
(Porzana pusilla)
Scarce migrant
One was seen at
Pipeline Beach on 12 April (DG).
Corn Crake (Crex
crex)
Uncommon migrant; rare winter
visitor
Single birds were seen
at Tulha in the SAANR on 29 April and 4, 6 and 14 May.
Common Moorhen (Gallinula
chloropus)
Uncommon resident; breeds
Birds were recorded at
most wetland sites, with highest counts of 24+ at SAS on 12 April
and at JEO on 13 April. Breeding was confirmed by a juvenile seen
with two adults at SAS on 23 May.
Purple Swamp-Hen
(Porphyrio porphyrio)
Scarce resident; has bred
Birds continued to be
resident at South Doha, with six individuals calling from late
February. However, breeding was still not confirmed.
Eurasian Coot (Fulica
atra) Uncommon
migrant and resident
Small numbers were
recorded at most wetland sites in most months.
Macqueen's Bustard
(Chlamydotis macqueeni)
Irregular winter visitor; has
bred
There were three
confirmed records. Single birds were seen flying over Power Plant
Reeds near Zour Port on 20 November (PF), in the
SAANR on 23
November (KAN), and at Liyah on 24 November.
Unsubstantiated
reports of many birds being shot or pursued by falconers are
worrying and there has been evidence of illegal entrance into
restricted areas in pursuit of this species.
Eurasian
Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)
Common migrant and
winter
A total of 64 birds at
JEO on 9 July was the highest count. Otherwise, birds were seen at
numerous coastal sites in winter, spring and autumn.
Black-winged Stilt
(Himantopus himantopus)
Common; small numbers breed
One pair bred in
Burgan Oil Field, with chicks observed in mid March (ED). The
highest count was 106 in the SAANR on 27 April.
Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra
avosetta)
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor
Up to 14 were present
on pools at the old Municipal Rubbish Tip during November and
December. Otherwise small numbers were seen at several coastal and
inland sites.
Crab Plover (Dromas
ardeola)
Common resident; breeds
Several pre-breeding
flocks totalling 2600 birds were seen on a visit to Bubiyan Island
on 13 April. The highest winter count was 332 in Sulaibikhat Bay on
5 January.
Stone-Curlew (Burhinus
oedicnemus)
Uncommon migrant; rare winter visitor
One was captured by
hunters for use with falcons near Khabari Al-Awazah on 27 March.
Single birds were seen at JEO on 28 May and at Sulaibikhat Bay on 21
October.
Cream-coloured
Courser (Cursorius cursor)
Common disperser; breeds
Fairly low numbers
were observed near AAAK, JEO, Salmi/Wadi Al-Batin and Shuwaikh in
winter, spring and autumn.
Collared Pratincole
(Glareola pratincola)
Common migrant; scarce in summer
A total of 200+ around
a flooded area in the SAANR on 27 April was the highest ever daily
count (BF). Lower counts were obtained at numerous other sites in
spring, while five in the SAANR on 2 November were a late record.
Black-winged
Pratincole (Glareola nordmanni)
Uncommon passage migrant
A highest ever daily
count of at least 74 birds were positively identified amongst the
Collared Pratincoles on 27 April after flooding in the SAANR (BF)
Other birds were seen at SDNR, JEO, Bubiyan Island, AAAK and from
several motorways in spring.
Little Ringed
Plover (Charadrius dubius)
Uncommon migrant
The highest count was
10+ at Shuwaikh Free Zone on 26 August (AAS). Birds were repeatedly
seen at JEO in June and July, indicating possible breeding (AAS).
Common Ringed
Plover (Charadrius hiaticula)
Common migrant and in winter
The highest count was
300 at JEO on 15 April. Otherwise birds were frequently recorded at
coastal and wetland sites.
Kentish Plover (Charadrius
alexandrinus)
Very common resident; breeds
Pairs bred far inland
in Burgan Oil Field and in the SAANR, with chicks observed in mid
March (ED, KAN, MCJ, GG). Eggshells were found about one kilometre
inland on Failaka Island on 26 March (MCJ, GG). The highest count
was of 120 in the Doha Spit high tide roost on 2 February.
Lesser Sand Plover
(Charadrius mongolus)
Common migrant and winter visitor
Birds were seen at
many wetland and coastal sites. The highest ever count was of 1400
in the Doha Spit high tide roost on 2 February (BF, PF).
Greater Sand Plover
(Charadrius leschenaultii)
Uncommon migrant and winter
Fairly small groups
were recorded at many coastal sites. The highest count was 30 at JEO
on 8 July.
Caspian Plover (Charadrius
asiaticus)
Uncommon migrant
The second highest
ever daily count was 12 in the SAANR on 16 March. The only other
record was 11 at Ratqa on 26 March.
Eurasian Dotterel
(Charadrius
morinellus)
Rare winter visitor
Three were observed
near AAAK on 11 November (AAS).
Grey Plover (Pluvialis
squatarola)
Common migrant and winter visitor
Birds were present for
most of the year at coastal sites, peaking at 95 at Doha Spit on 15
April.
Pacific Golden
Plover
(Pluvialis fulva)
A single bird
was at Sulaibikhat Bay on 6 October (BF, DW, KW).
Northern Lapwing
(Vanellus vanellus)
Scarce migrant and winter visitor
One was seen at JEO on
17 November.
Red-wattled Lapwing
(Hoplopterus indicus)
Scarce disperser; has bred
Several birds were
present at Abdali Farms for most of the year. Breeding was confirmed
there with the discovery of adult birds and 3 nests with nought, two
and three eggs on 10 April. Unfortunately a visit on 27 April only
found a dead adult bird near to the nest which had contained three
eggs. This bird was probably shot by hunters, a major problem facing
breeding and migrating birds in Kuwait even though it is supposed to
be illegal. The highest count was 10 elsewhere at Abdali Farms on 31
December. Other birds were seen at Qaisat, JPR, JEO and Rawdatain in
various months
White-tailed
Lapwing (Vanellus leucurus)
Uncommon migrant
Three birds were
present at JEO on 3 March, and singles were there on 25 March, 5, 7
and 12 June, and 16 September, then four on 18 September, two on 23
September, one on 30 September and two on 28 November.
Sanderling (Calidris
alba) Common
migrant and winter visitor
Birds were recorded in
generally low numbers at several coastal sites on passage and in
winter. The highest count was of 58 in the Doha Spit high tide roost
on 2 February.
Little Stint (Calidris
minutus)
Very common migrant and winter visitor
The highest daily
counts were 1000 in the Doha Spit high tide roost on 2 February, and
500 at JEO and Doha Spit on 17 and 21 April. Many other birds were
recorded at coastal and wetland sites in winter, spring and autumn.
Temminck's Stint
(Calidris temminckii)
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor
The highest count was
five at JEO on 17 April. Smaller numbers were observed at SAS and
Sulaibikhat Bay on several occasions.
Curlew Sandpiper
(Calidris ferruginea)
Common migrant
A total of 700 at Doha
Spit on 12 April was the highest ever daily count (BF, PF, MP). Many
other birds were observed at coastal and wetland sites on passage.
Dunlin (Calidris
alpina)
Abundant migrant and winter visitor
Regularly seen at
coastal and wetland sites in most months, peaking at 20000+ at Doha
Spit high tide roost on 2 February.
Broad-billed
Sandpiper (Limicola falcinella)
Common migrant and winter
visitor
The highest counts
were 500+ at Doha Spit on 2 February and 21 April. Others were
recorded at JEO, Sulaibikhat Bay, SNR and Shuwaikh in winter, spring
and autumn.
Ruff (Philomachus
pugnax)
Common passage migrant and winter visitor
Birds were commonly
recorded at wetland and coastal sites mostly on passage, with a
highest count of 156 on a flooded area in the SAANR on 27 April.
Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes
minimus)
Scarce migrant and winter visitor
The only records were
single birds at JEO on 18 March, and on 1 and 13 April.
Common Snipe (Gallinago
gallinago)
Common
passage migrant and winter
visitor
Generally low numbers
were recorded at wetland sites in winter, spring and autumn.
Black-tailed Godwit
(Limosa limosa)
Uncommon migrant; rare winter visitor
A single bird was
present on 27 April in the SAANR after the flood. A group of 14
photographed at JEO on 10 September was the highest ever daily count
in Kuwait (AAS). Four were at Shuwaikh Port on 26 August.
Bar-tailed Godwit
(Limosa lapponica)
Common migrant and winter visitor
The highest counts
were 164 at Doha Spit high tide roost on 2 February and 150 there on
15 April. Smaller numbers were seen at sites in Jahra and
Sulaibikhat Bays.
Whimbrel (Numenius
phaeopus)
Common migrant; rare winter visitor
Passage birds were
seen in generally low numbers at coastal sites. One at SNR on 15
December was wintering. The highest count of 14 in the Doha Spit
high tide roost on 2 February was a good winter record.
Eurasian Curlew
(Numenius arquata)
Very common migrant and winter visitor
The highest count was
320 at Doha Spit on 24 October. Otherwise, birds were seen at
coastal and wetland sites in most months.
Spotted Redshank
(Tringa erythropus)
Scarce migrant; rare winter visitor
One was observed at
Sulaibikhat Bay on 14 April, and a breeding-plumaged bird was
present on 27 April in the SAANR after the flood.
Common Redshank
(Tringa totanus)
Very common migrant and winter visitor
Birds were present in
most months at wetland and coastal sites. The highest count was 400
in the Doha Spit high tide roost on 2 February.
Marsh Sandpiper
(Tringa stagnatilis)
Common migrant; uncommon winter
Generally low numbers
were recorded at many coastal and wetland sites in most months. The
highest count was 25 at JEO on 21 April.
Common Greenshank
(Tringa nebularia)
Common migrant; uncommon winter
The highest count was
10 at JEO on 21 April. Birds were frequently observed at most
wetland and coastal sites, mostly on passage.
Green Sandpiper
(Tringa ochropus)
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor
Birds were seen in
generally low numbers at wetland and coastal sites in most months.
Wood Sandpiper (Tringa
glareola)
Common migrant; rare winter visitor
The highest count was
120 in the SAANR on 27 April. Two birds at JEO as late as 3 December
were clearly wintering.
Terek
Sandpiper (Xenus cinereus)
Common migrant and winter visitor
Birds were recorded at
coastal and wetland sites on many occasions. The highest count was
400 on Bubiyan Island on 13 April.
Common Sandpiper
(Actitis hypoleucos)
Uncommon migrant; scarce in winter
The highest count was
50 at SNR on 3 July. Otherwise, generally small numbers were
observed at wetland and coastal sites in most months.
Ruddy Turnstone
(Arenaria interpres)
Common passage and winter visitor
The highest count was
200+ at JEO and Doha Spit on 21 April. Birds were recorded at mostly
coastal sites on many occasions.
Red-necked
Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus)
Uncommon migrant
An exceptionally large
flock of 83 at JEO on 21 April was the highest ever daily count (BF
et al). Remnants of this flock remained until 14 June.
Pomarine Skua (Stercorarius
pomarinus)
Uncommon migrant
One flew north
offshore from Fahaheel marina on 29 March with two Arctic Skuas, and
one was photographed at JEO on 13 and 17 July.
Arctic Skua (Stercorarius
parasiticus)
Uncommon migrant
Three were seen from
the ferry to Failaka Island on 26 March. From Fahaheel marina two
were observed on 29 March, and a single on 16 April, all moving
north.
Pallas’s Gull (Larus
ichthyaetus)
Uncommon winter visitor
Birds wintered at Doha
Spit from 1 January to 16 March with a high count of 18 on several
dates.
Black-headed Gull
(Larus ridibundus)
Abundant winter; uncommon summer
Birds were commonly
seen at many sites in most months. The highest daily count was 1000
Doha Spit on 2 February.
Little Gull (Larus
minutus)
Vagrant
A first winter bird,
the fourth record for Kuwait, was present and photographed at JEO on
23 February (BF, DW, KW).
Slender-billed Gull
(Larus genei)
Common resident; breeds
The highest count was
2000 on Bubiyan Island on 13 April. Birds were seen in most months
at all coastal sites.
Lesser Black-backed
Gull (Larus fuscus)
Common migrant and winter visitor
Birds were frequently
recorded mostly at coastal sites in winter, spring and autumn. The
highest count was 600 at Doha Spit on 2 February.
Caspian Gull (Larus
cachinnans)
Very common migrant and winter visitor
Passage and wintering
birds were observed regularly at coastal and wetland sites. The
highest count was 200 at Doha Spit on 2 February.
Armenian Gull (Larus
armenicus)
Vagrant
The first properly
authenticated record for Kuwait involved up to six individuals,
several of which were photographed, along the shore from Sulaibikhat
to the Free Zone at Shuwaikh from 23 August to 25 December (AAS).
Gull-billed Tern
(Gelochelidon nilotica)
Very common resident; breeds
An estimated 500 pairs
were breeding on Bubiyan Island. Nests with eggs were present on 24
March. Otherwise, birds were seen throughout the year at coastal
sites with a highest count of 120 in the Doha Spit high tide roost
on 2 February.
Caspian Tern
(Sterna caspia)
Common resident; breeds
Birds were fairly
regularly recorded in most months around Jahra and Sulaibikhat Bays.
The highest count was 56 at Doha Spit high tide roost on 2 February.
Greater Crested
Tern (Sterna bergii)
Common in summer; breeds
On Bubiyan Island
‘many’ were present on 24 March and 25 on 13 April. Smaller numbers
were seen from the Failaka ferry, and at Khiran, Sulaibikhat Bay and
Umm Al-Maradim Island in spring and autumn.
Lesser Crested Tern
(Sterna bengalensis)
Common in summer; breeds
The highest count was
115 at Khiran on 16 April. Smaller numbers were occasionally
recorded in spring and autumn at Doha Spit, Failaka Island, Umm Al-Maradim
and Sulaibikhat Bay.
Sandwich Tern
(Sterna sandvicensis)
Uncommon migrant
Birds were
occasionally observed at coastal sites, mostly on passage. The
highest count was 30 at Doha Spit on 15 April.
Common Tern
(Sterna hirundo)
Scarce migrant
Passage birds were
recorded only at Doha Spit and JEO, where the highest count was four
on 4 May.
White-cheeked Tern
(Sterna repressa)
Very common summer visitor; breeds
Small numbers were
seen at Doha Spit, Fahaheel and Khiran from spring to autumn.
Bridled Tern
(Sterna anaethetus)
Very common summer visitor; breeds
A total of 200 at
Khiran on 8 April was a high count for the mainland. Others were
seen at Umm Al-Maradim Island and Pipeline Beach several times in
spring.
Little Tern
(Sterna albifrons)
Common migrant; rare summer and winter
There were many
records this year at coastal and wetland sites in spring and autumn.
The highest count was 25 at Green Island on 8 April.
Saunders's Tern
(Sterna saundersi)
Uncommon migrant
Four birds were at
East Doha on 14 and 18 April. At Shuwaikh three were present on 25
August, one on 26 August and two on 9 September.
Little/Saunders’s
Tern (Sterna albifrons/saundersi)
At Shuwaikh a mixed
group of Saunders’s and Little Terns numbered 34+ on 8 July, 87 on
10 July, 7 on 14 July and 26 on 17 July. It was not possible to
obtain exact counts of each species.
Black Tern (Chlidonias
niger)
Vagrant
The second for Kuwait
was seen at SDNR on 4 June by AAS, who saw and photographed the
first record last year.
Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias
hybrida)
Uncommon migrant
This was a good year
for records. A single bird was in the SAANR on 27 April. At JEO
there were four on 28 May, one on 22 June, one on 8 July, three on
11 July and one on 26 July. At Sulaibikhat Bay were seen one on 28
July and six on 23 November. At JEO in November were one on 24, four
there next day, and one on 30.
White-winged Tern
(Chlidonias leucopterus)
Very common migrant; has bred
The highest ever daily
count of 2300 birds present on temporary lakes in the SAANR on 27
April was an amazing site in this desert environment (BF, KAN).
Also, single birds were found at AAAK, an oasis farm 100 kilometres
inland near the Iraq border, on 14 and 28 May, being found dead on
the latter date. There were many other records of passage birds at
coastal and wetland sites.
Pin-tailed
Sandgrouse (Pterocles alchata)
Irregular disperser
One male came to drink
at a storm drain by the Fahaheel highway 30, five kilometres south
of Fahaheel at the Ahmadi junction, on 14 December (MP).
Feral Pigeon
(Columba livia)
Abundant resident; breeds
Birds were commonly
recorded in almost all areas of the state in all months.
Common Woodpigeon
(Columba palumbus)
Scarce disperser
One flew over Dai’ya
in Kuwait City on 31 November.
Eurasian Collared
Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)
Common breeding resident
Birds were regularly
seen in all vegetated areas throughout the year.
African Collared
Dove (Streptopelia roseogrisea)
Scarce resident
At Kabd five were
recorded on 12 April and one on 18 April. Birds have been present at
this site for years.
European Turtle
Dove (Streptopelia turtur)
Common migrant; has bred
Small groups were
observed at many sites in spring and autumn, with a highest count of
20 at Kabd on 12 April.
Laughing Dove
(Streptopelia senegalensis)
Abundant resident; breeds
Birds were commonly
seen at all sites with trees during the year.
Namaqua Dove
(Oena capensis)
Uncommon resident; breeds
There was a big
increase in the number of records this year as the species increases
its population in the state. Every major site with trees and bushes
produced records. The highest count was six at Kabd on 12 April.
Breeding was proven in SNR by KAN who found a nest with 3 eggs, 2 of
which hatched and fledged in June.
Rose-ringed
Parakeet (Psittacula krameri)
Common resident; breeds
Birds were seen mostly
in winter, peaking at 50 at Jahra Farms on 10 November.
Great Spotted
Cuckoo (Clamator glandarius)
Rare passage migrant
One was at Kabd on 11
March (ED). A juvenile seen by AAS at Tulha in the SAANR on 6 August
was observed to be attacked by a worral (Desert Monitor Lizard).
Common Cuckoo (Cuculus
canorus)
Uncommon migrant
A hepatic female was
seen at Tulha in the SAANR on 12 May. Other single birds were seen
at Rawdatain, SAS, Jahra Farms, JEO and Khiran in spring and autumn.
Barn Owl (Tyto
alba)
Scarce disperser; has bred
One was observed at
Judailiyat on 25 August.
Pallid Scops Owl
(Otus brucei)
Vagrant
The first for Kuwait
was photographed at Tulha in the SAANR on 24 October (KAN, MP, BF).
European Scops Owl
(Otus scops)
Uncommon migrant
In April single birds
were seen at Tulha in the SAANR, Qaisat, Hujaijah and Pipeline
Beach.
Pallid/European
Scops Owl (Otus brucei/scops)
Due to the difficulty
of separating these two species in the field, even if photographed,
one at Tulha in the SAANR on 17 March, nine other birds there on 24
October, and six there and one at Liyah on 2 November, could not
safely be specifically identified.
Little Owl (Athene
noctua)
Uncommon resident; breeds
Single birds were seen
in the SAANR on 23 March, 9 April and 9 November.
Short-eared Owl
(Asio flammeus)
Rare winter visitor
Single birds were
present in the SAANR on 2 March (KAN), at JEO on 10 November (MK)
and (dead) at AAAK on 17 November (BF, PF, MP, GG).
European Nightjar
(Caprimulgus europaeus)
Uncommon migrant
This species was
clearly under-recorded this year, with just two records of single
birds at AAAK on 11 May and at Tulha in the SAANR on 6 August.
Egyptian Nightjar
(Caprimulgus
aegyptius)
Uncommon migrant and resident
Again this was a poor
year for records with just a single bird seen at Pipeline Beach on
12 April.
Alpine Swift (Apus
melba)
Scarce passage migrant
One flew over the
SAANR on 16 March.
Common Swift (Apus
apus)
Common migrant; rare in winter
This species was
clearly under-recorded during the year due to the difficulty of
distinguishing the eastern subspecies (A. a. pekinensis) from
the following species. Two were at Khiran on 12 April, but there
were clearly many other birds passing through.
Pallid Swift (Apus
pallidus)
Very common migrant and winter visitor
Both small and large
groups were seen at many sites from January to May, then again from
October to December.
White-throated
Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis)
Uncommon in winter;
breeds
This species was
recorded in most months, with one to three birds being observed at
SNR, Jahra Farms, JEO, Sulaibikhat Bay and Shuwaikh.
Common Kingfisher
(Alcedo atthis)
Scarce migrant and winter visitor
Single birds were at
JEO on 8 October, at SNR on 15 December and at Shuwaikh Free Zone on
22 December.
Pied Kingfisher
(Ceryle rudis)
Scarce winter visitor
One photographed at
SNR on 28 October, and another at Green Island on 16 December (MP),
were the only records.
Blue-cheeked
Bee-eater (Merops persicus)
Abundant migrant; has bred
Migrant flocks were
frequently encountered at many sites, with a highest count of 68 at
AAAK on 14 May.
European Bee-eater
(Merops apiaster)
Abundant migrant
Many migrant flocks
were seen, peaking at 135 at Pipeline Beach on 12 April.
European Roller
(Coracias garrulus)
Uncommon migrant
A juvenile bird at
Sulaibikhat Bay on 26 July once again gave rise to the suspicion
that this species breeds somewhere in the state. There were numerous
other records of migrants at many sites.
Indian Roller (Coracias
benghalensis)
Scarce disperser mainly in winter
Two birds wintering at
Jahra Farms were last seen on 20 January.
Eurasian Hoopoe
(Upupa epops)
Common migrant
Birds were frequently
seen on passage, with five even on Umm Al-Maradim Island on 11
April. The highest count was 30 at Khiran on 12 April.
Eurasian Wryneck
(Jynx torquilla)
Uncommon migrant
There were many
records of migrants at a number of sites, with a highest count of
five at Pipeline Beach on 11 April.
Black-crowned
Sparrow-lark (Eremopterix nigriceps)
Uncommon resident; breeds
This species was
observed to be common at Kabd during April, and there was confirmed
breeding there in May (GB), as well as in the SAANR with 10+ adults
with juveniles observed on 18 May. Unfortunately an adult female and
her 2 chicks were found dead in the nest after the flooding in the
SAANR on 26 April (KAN). Birds were also recorded at Salmi/Wadi Al-Batin,
Jal Az-Zor, Khiran and JEO.
Dunn's Lark
(Eremalauda dunni)
Uncommon resident; breeds
There was confirmed
breeding at the SAANR, Salmi/ Wadi Al-Batin area and Kabd (GB)
during March to May. At Kabd this species was observed to be common
on 29 March, with pairs and several singing males observed.
Bar-tailed Lark
(Ammomanes cinctura)
Common resident; breeds
Confirmed breeding was
obtained in the SAANR on 23 March, with a nest containing five eggs
observed, and at Salmi/ Wadi Al-Batin area when two fledglings were
seen on 2 and 7 April. The highest count was 70 in the SAANR on 9
November. Other records were at Liyah and near AAAK.
Desert Lark (Ammomanes
deserti)
Uncommon resident; breeds
Small numbers were
present and confirmed breeding at Salmi/ Wadi Al-Al-Batin area
during March to May. One was nearby, near AAAK, on 11 May.
Greater Hoopoe Lark
(Alaemon alaudipes)
Common resident; breeds
This species was
confirmed breeding at Salmi/ Wadi Al-Batin area on March 17 with a
nest and four eggs observed (KAG) and SAANR nest with 4 eggs on
February 25 (BF, DW, KW). The highest count was 11 near the SAANR on
15 December. There were many other records in open areas.
Thick-billed Lark
(Rhamphocoris clotbey)
Rare disperser in spring; has bred
Two birds were
observed at Salmi/Wadi Al-Batin several times in February but
breeding was not confirmed.
Bimaculated Lark
(Melanocorypha bimaculata)
Uncommon migrant; has bred
The highest count was
about 30 at Subiya on 19 March. The only other records were one at
Salmi/Wadi Al-Batin on 27 March, and one at Liyah on 2 November.
Greater Short-toed
Lark (Calandrella brachydactyla)
Common resident; breeds
The highest count was
60 in the SAANR on 27 March. Other birds were seen at Liyah, Salmi/Wadi
Al-Batin, Subiya and Umm Al-Maradim Island, mostly on passage.
Lesser Short-toed
Lark (Calandrella rufescens)
Common resident; breeds
The highest count was
50 in the Salmi/Wadi Al-Batin area on 10 November. Smaller groups
were also recorded at many other sites, mostly in winter.
Crested Lark
(Galerida cristata)
Very common resident; breeds
This species was
commonly observed almost everywhere with some low vegetation
throughout the year. A total of 100 at Tulha in the SAANR on 18
August was the highest count.
Wood Lark
(Lullula arborea)
Rare winter visitor and passage migrant
Single birds seen at
Fahaheel Park on 5 October (BF) and Tulha in the SAANR on 26
November (AAS) were the first records for several years.
Eurasian Skylark
(Alauda arvensis)
Common winter visitor
Birds were regularly
seen at Liyah, the SAANR, Salmi/Wadi Al-Batin area and JEO during
the winter months, with a highest count of 200 in the SAANR on 16
November.
Oriental Skylark
(Alauda gulgula)
Scarce winter visitor
The only record was of
a single bird in the SAANR on 9 November.
Temminck's Lark
(Eremophila bilopha)
Common disperser; breeds
Three chicks were
observed on 1 March (KAG) and three separate pairs, each feeding
grass seeds taken from live plants to newly fledged young, in the
Salmi/Wadi Al-Al-Batin area on 16 March. Two adults plus two pulli
were seen near AAAK on 14 April.
Sand Martin (Riparia
riparia)
Abundant migrant
Birds were commonly
observed in spring and autumn at many sites.
Eurasian Crag
Martin (Ptyonoprogne rupestris)
Scarce passage migrant
Single birds were
observed at JEO on 21 October and at Pipeline Beach on 27 October.
Barn Swallow (Hirundo
rustica)
Abundant migrant; rare summer
Small and large groups
were commonly recorded at many sites in most months.
Red-rumped Swallow
(Hirundo daurica)
Common migrant
Once again this
species was only observed in spring, with records from SAANR, AAAK,
East Doha, Fahaheel Park, JEO and SNR.
Common House Martin
(Delichon urbica)
Abundant migrant
This species was
frequently seen, though generally in small numbers, in spring and
autumn at many sites
Hirundine Passage
On 26 April BF
recorded an average of 12 Sand Martins, 46 Barn Swallows and 6 House
Martins per minute flying north past his classroom window at The
English School, Fahaheel for several hours from 0800 to 1400 hours.
This passage was also observed by KAN in the SAANR and continued
till dusk at Fahaheel shore (BF). Hundreds of thousands of
hirundines passed through Kuwait on this day. On the following day
the passage had slowed considerably with about 500 Barn Swallows
seen over the SAANR.
Richard's Pipit
(Anthus richardi)
Rare migrant
Two were present at
JEO on 31 May, with a single there next day (AAS).
Tawny Pipit (Anthus
campestris)
Common migrant and winter visitor
Birds were observed at
many sites in winter, spring and autumn, with a highest ever daily
count of 35 in the SAANR on 7 April (FG).
Meadow Pipit (Anthus
pratensis)
Scarce winter visitor
The only records were
of one at AAAK on 10 November, four there next day, and one at JEO
on 25 and 28 November.
Tree Pipit (Anthus
trivialis)
Common migrant; rare winter visitor
Migrant birds were
seen in fairly small numbers at many sites.
Red-throated Pipit
(Anthus cervinus)
Very common migrant; scarce winter
This species was
recorded at SAS, SAANR, JEO, AAAK, Sewer Plant Reeds, Khiran, Qaisat,
SDNR, Pipeline Beach and East Doha, mostly in spring. The highest
count was a total of 70 at various sites on 10 April. One at JEO in
late November was probably wintering.
Water Pipit (Anthus
spinoletta)
Common migrant and winter visitor
Birds were observed in
fairly low numbers at JEO, AAAK, East Doha and SNR, mostly in
winter. There seem to be many fewer birds recorded in the state
compared to previous years.
Forest Wagtail (Dendronanthus
indicus)
Vagrant
A bird photographed at
AAAK on 10 November was the first not only for Kuwait but also for
the Western Palearctic (MP, BF, PF).
Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla
flava)
Very common migrant; rare summer visitor
Migrants were
frequently observed at all areas with fresh water, peaking at 100 at
various sites on 12 April. Small numbers lingered at JEO into June,
but there was no other evidence of breeding.
Citrine Wagtail
(Motacilla citreola)
Scarce migrant
This was a good year
for records, with one at JEO on 6 and 11 March, two juveniles in the
SAANR on 17 August, one there on 26 and 27 August, and one at JEO on
25 and 30 November.
Grey Wagtail (Motacilla
cinerea)
Uncommon migrant; scarce winter visitor
Small numbers were
seen on passage at JEO, SAANR, Rawdatain, Jahra Farms and Pipeline
Beach.
White Wagtail (Motacilla
alba)
Abundant migrant and winter visitor
This species was
commonly recorded at many sites on passage and in winter.
White-eared Bulbul
(Pycnonotus leucogenys)
Very common resident; breeds
Birds were easily seen
at almost all urban and suburban sites with trees throughout the
year.
Red-vented Bulbul
(Pycnonotus cafer)
Uncommon resident; breeds
The only records were
from Green Island, where up to four were seen throughout the year.
Grey Hypocolius
(Hypocolius ampelinus)
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor
The highest count was
a flock of 24 near Green Island on 12 April. Smaller numbers were
seen at Jahra Farms, SNR, Tulha in the SAANR, Pipeline Beach, Abdali
Farms, Dai’ya and AAAK in spring, autumn and winter.
Black Scrub Robin
(Cercotrichas podobe)
Vagrant
The second record and
the first live bird for Kuwait was found by KAN at Tulha in the
SAANR on 26 April and remained until the 6 May, causing a successful
twitch for expatriate (GB, BF) and Kuwaiti birders.
Rufous-tailed Scrub
Robin (Cercotriches galactotes)
Common migrant; breeds
Migrant birds were
frequently seen at many sites, with a highest count of 15 at Tulha
in the SAANR on 21 April.
European Robin (Erithacus
rubecula)
Uncommon winter visitor
This was a poor year
for records, with just two at AAAK on 10 November and one there on
17 November.
Thrush Nightingale
(Luscinia luscinia)
Uncommon migrant
Single birds were
observed at Tulha in the SAANR on 2 and 9 September.
Common Nightingale
(Luscinia megarhynchos)
Uncommon migrant
Migrant birds were
recorded at Tulha in the SAANR, Pipeline Beach, Umm Al-Maradim
Island and Power Plant Reeds, mostly in spring, with a highest count
of eight at Tulha on 27 April.
Bluethroat (Luscinia
svecica)
Common migrant and winter visitor
Small numbers were
frequently observed at many sites with bushes or reeds, usually near
fresh water, in winter, spring and autumn.
White-throated
Robin (Irania gutturalis)
Uncommon migrant
There was an
exceptional spring passage of this species. New highest ever daily
counts were 25 at Pipeline Beach on 11 April (DG) followed by 60 at
Kabd on 12 April (SA, GB). Lower numbers were recorded at many other
sites in both spring and autumn.
Eversmann’s
Redstart (Phoenicurus erythronotus)
Vagrant
A male and a female at
Sabriya Farm on 22 and 23 December were the sixth Kuwait record (GG,
AAS).
Black Redstart (Phoenicurus
ochruros)
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor
A female at Tulha in
the SAANR as late as 17 June was remarkable for a spring bird. Other
single birds were seen at Liyah, Qaisat and Abdali Farms in winter
and spring.
Common Redstart
(Phoenicurus phoenicurus)
Very common migrant
Migrant birds were
frequently seen at many sites in spring and autumn. A total of 103
at Pipeline Beach, Umm Al-Maradim Island and Power Plant Reeds on 11
April was the highest count. Three at AAAK on 11 November were quite
late.
Whinchat (Saxicola
rubetra)
Uncommon migrant; rare in winter
A total of 80 birds at
Pipeline Beach, Khiran and Umm Al-Maradim Island on 11 April was the
highest ever daily count (DG). Smaller numbers of migrant birds were
recorded at many other sites.
Common Stonechat
(Saxicola torquatus)
Uncommon migrant and in winter
Generally small
numbers were seen at SNR, JEO, AAAK, SAANR, SDNR, East Doha, Jahra
Farms and Sulaibikhat Bay, in winter, spring and autumn.
Isabelline Wheatear
(Oenanthe isabellinus)
Very common migrant and winter visitor
This species was very
commonly observed at almost all sites. A single bird lingered near
Tulha in the SAANR until 17 June, and one was there as early as 4
July. The highest count was 18 in the SAANR on 21 August.
Northern Wheatear
(Oenanthe oenanthe)
Common migrant
The highest count was
10 in the SAANR on 9 April. One at JEO on 9 November was late.
Smaller numbers were seen as usual in spring and autumn.
Pied Wheatear
(Oenanthe pleschanka)
Very common migrant and winter visitor
There was a good
spring passage, with birds recorded at many sites and one as late as
15 June at JEO. The highest count was 20 in the SAANR on 24 October.
Black-eared
Wheatear (Oenanthe hispanica)
Uncommon migrant
The highest count was
six near AAAK on 15 December, a late record. Other birds were seen
in the SAANR, Pipeline Beach, Khiran, Umm Al-Maradim Island, Salmi/Wadi
Al-Batin and JEO in spring and autumn.
Desert Wheatear
(Oenanthe deserti)
Common migrant and winter visitor
Birds were frequently
recorded at a number of sites in winter, spring and autumn. The
highest count was 10 at AAAK on 10 November.
Finsch's Wheatear
(Oenanthe finschii)
Scarce migrant and winter visitor
Single birds wintered
in the SAANR and at Doha Spit until 20 February. One was in the
SAANR on 17 December
Mourning Wheatear
(Oenanthe lugens)
Uncommon winter visitor
Single birds were seen
in the SAANR on 24 October and 9 November. Two were at Liyah on 2
November with one there next day. Single birds were observed at SNR
on 16 November and 15 December.
Red-tailed Wheatear
(Oenanthe chrysopygia)
Uncommon winter visitor
Three separate birds
wintering in the SAANR were last seen on 30 March, and single birds
were seen there between 24 October and 11 November.
Kurdish Wheatear
(Oenanthe xanthoprymna)
Scarce winter visitor
A single bird was seen
in the SAANR on 24 October.
Rufous-tailed Rock
Thrush (Monticola saxatilis)
Uncommon migrant
In spring single birds
were seen at Pipeline Beach, SAANR, Power Plant Reeds, Zour, Salmi/Wadi
Al-Batin, Khiran, SAS and AAAK between 9 April and 4 May. There was
just one autumn record, a single bird at Tulha in the SAANR on 10
September.
Blue Rock Thrush
(Monticola solitarius)
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor
The only records were
three at Tulha in the SAANR on 9 September, one there on 24 October
and one at Liyah on 2 November.
Common Blackbird
(Turdus merula)
Scarce winter visitor
Four at AAAK on 17
November were the highest daily count ever for Kuwait.
Redwing (Turdus
iliacus)
Rare winter visitor
The visiting Finnish
group found one at Qaisat on 9 April but it was not present the next
day.
Song Thrush (Turdus
philomelos)
Common migrant and winter visitor
Birds were recorded at
many sites with trees in winter, spring and autumn, but numbers were
lower than in recent years. One was on Umm Al-Maradim Island on 11
April.
Cetti's Warbler
(Cettia cetti)
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor
One at AAAK on 10
November was the only bird recorded, although others were no doubt
present but skulking at various sites.
Graceful Prinia
(Prinia gracilis)
Common resident; breeds
Throughout the year
birds were seen at JEO, SNR, SDNR and SAS. The highest ever daily
count was 40 at several sites on 6 April (FG).
Common Grasshopper
Warbler (Locustella naevia)
Scarce migrant
Single birds
were observed at Failaka Island on 26 March and at Tulha in the
SAANR on 17 August.
Savi's Warbler
(Locustella lusciniodes)
Uncommon migrant
Three birds were
singing at SDNR on 17 March, as were two birds on 26 March. This
species is suspected of breeding in Kuwait, but confirmation has
never been obtained.
Moustached Warbler
(Acrocephalus melanopogon)
Uncommon breeder
Two or three at SAS on
23 May were the only record, although others were no doubt present
at various sites but unobserved due to skulking habits.
Sedge Warbler
(Acrocephalus schoenobaenus)
Common migrant
One to two migrant
birds were seen at wetland and other sites, mostly in spring, with a
single bird as late as 17 June at Tulha in the SAANR.
European Reed
Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)
Very common migrant; breeds
Several were singing
at SAS on 23 May, and birds were present at all reed-bed sites from
April to June. However, confirmation of breeding was not obtained
this year. There was a light autumn passage, mostly in August.
Marsh Warbler
(Acrocephalus palustris)
Common migrant
The first arrival was
a single bird at AAAK on 14 April. 20 birds at Tulha in the SAANR on
12 May and at AAAK on 14 May were the highest counts. Other spring
records were from Pipeline Beach.
Basra Reed Warbler
(Acrocephalus griseldis)
Uncommon migrant
Several were seen on
passage and probably breeding at SAS reed-bed with a bird collecting
hairs from a dead goat for nesting material on 27 April (GB, BF),
and two singing on 28 April (DB, BF). Others were seen at SDNR, the
SAANR and Pipeline Beach.
Clamorous Reed
Warbler (Acrocephalus stentoreus)
Uncommon migrant
One to two birds were
singing at SDNR on 16 March and at Sewer Plant Reeds on 20 and 25
March. Other spring records were one at Bubiyan Island on 13 April
and at SAS on 23 May.
Great Reed Warbler
(Acrocephalus arundinaceus)
Common migrant; breeds
Birds were observed in
spring at many wetland and other sites, with a peak of 12 in the
SAANR on 27 April. There was a light autumn passage at a few sites.
Eastern Olivaceous
Warbler (Hippolais pallida)
Common migrant; breeds
There were frequent
records at many sites in spring and autumn, peaking at 10 at
Pipeline Beach on 11 April.
Sykes's Warbler
(Hippolais rama)
Scarce migrant
Single birds were seen
at Tulha in the SAANR on 21 and 27 April, 4, 8 and 12 May, and at
AAAK on 14 May.
Upcher's Warbler
(Hippolais languida)
Uncommon migrant
One to three birds
were recorded at many sites in both spring and autumn. A wintering
individual at Jahra Farms on 30 December was remarkable.
Icterine Warbler
(Hippolais icterina)
Scarce passage migrant
On 12 April a single
bird was seen in trees behind villas north of Pipeline Beach and
four at Kabd, the latter being the highest daily count since 1961.
Blackcap (Sylvia
atricapilla)
Very common migrant
The highest count was
20 at AAAK on 14 April. Birds were frequently recorded at many sites
on passage.
Garden Warbler
(Sylvia borin)
Common migrant
This was a fairly
disappointing year for this species, with a highest count of only
five at Tulha in the SAANR on 9 September. Otherwise only one or two
were observed at a few sites on passage.
Barred Warbler
(Sylvia nisoria)
Common migrant
Birds were frequently
seen at many sites in spring and autumn, peaking at 10+ at Tulha in
the SAANR on 9 September.
Lesser Whitethroat
(Sylvia curruca)
Common migrant
The highest count was
20 in the SAANR on 27 April. Migrants were fairly frequently seen at
many sites in both spring and autumn. Single individuals probably
referable to
Hume’s Lesser Whitethroat (S. c. althaea) were recorded at
Pipeline Beach on 11, 12 and 16 April, and at AAAK on 14 April.
Eastern Orphean
Warbler (Sylvia crassirostris)
Uncommon migrant
On 12 April there were
two at Khiran and one at Zour. These were followed by single birds
at AAAK on 14 April and at SAS on 28 April. Further single birds
were seen at Tulha in the SAANR on 4, 7 and 12 May. In autumn there
were again single birds at Tulha on 2 and 10 September.
Common Whitethroat
(Sylvia communis)
Very common migrant
The highest count of
24 was recorded in the SAANR on 27 April. Lower numbers were
frequently observed at many sites on passage.
Asian Desert
Warbler (Sylvia nana)
Common migrant and scarce winter visitor
Small numbers were
seen at various sites, mostly in April and November.
Ménétries’s Warbler
(Sylvia mystacea)
Common migrant; scarce winter visitor
Generally low numbers
were recorded at many sites in spring and autumn. The highest ever
daily count was six at AAAK on 14 April (DG, FG, BF).
Yellow-browed
Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus)
Rare passage and winter
A single bird was
seen in trees behind villas north of Pipeline Beach on 12 April (DG,
FG).
Greenish Warbler
(Phylloscopus trochiloides)
Rare migrant
One at AAAK on 14
April (DG) was amazingly still present in the same area when the
site was next visited on 14 May (BF, PF).
Mountain Chiffchaff
(Phylloscopus sindianus)
Rare migrant
The only record was a
single bird at Liyah on 3 November (BF, MP).
Common Chiffchaff
(Phylloscopus collybita)
Abundant migrant and winter visitor
Birds were frequently
recorded at many sites in winter, spring and autumn, but in
generally lower numbers than usual, the highest count being 50 at
AAAK on 10 November.
Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus
trochilus)
Abundant migrant; rare winter visitor
As usual, this species
was commonly observed in spring, with a highest count of 250 at
Khiran on 12 April, and less commonly in autumn.
Spotted Flycatcher
(Muscicapa striata)
Very common migrant
The highest count was
20 at Tulha in the SAANR on 4, 11 and 20 May and at AAAK on 14 May.
There were many other spring records at various sites. One at Tulha
on 5 November was quite late.
Red-breasted
Flycatcher (Ficedula parva)
Scarce migrant
October records were a
single bird at Tulha in the SAANR on 17th, and two at SNR on 21st.
In November two were seen at Tulha on 5th, one at SNR on 9th,
two at AAAK on 10th, one there on 11th and
three there on 17th. As in almost all previous years
there were no spring records.
Semi-collared
Flycatcher (Ficedula semitorquata)
Uncommon migrant
As usual, the only
records were in spring. Records were from the SAANR, Hujaijah,
Rawdatain, AAAK, SNR, SAS and Jahra Farms. There was a new highest
daily count of 16 on 19 March at some of these sites (PF).
Common Babbler (Turdoides
caudatus)
Vagrant
The 5th and
6th records were a group of three at Tulha in the SAANR
(KAN et al) and a group of up to eight at Abdali Farms from 31
December into 2007 (GG et al).
Great Tit (Parus
major)
Vagrant
The first for Kuwait
was seen and heard singing on Green Island on 12 April by the
visiting Danish Group. This species has not been seen for sale at
the local Friday bird market, and it is a resident breeder some 200
kilometres NE in Iran. It was not relocated during a two-hour search
early morning on 20 April.
Eurasian Golden
Oriole (Oriolus oriolus)
Common migrant; has bred
A male was singing at
AAAK on 14 April, two females were at Tulha in the SAANR as late as
4 June, and a first-summer/adult female was also at Tulha on 20
June, but no further evidence of breeding was obtained this year.
Isabelline Shrike
(Lanius isabellinus)
Common migrant and winter visitor
This species was very
commonly recorded in winter, spring and autumn at all suitable
sites. The highest count was 20 at Khiran on 12 April.
Red-backed Shrike
(Lanius collurio)
Common migrant; rare in winter
Birds were frequently
observed in spring and autumn at many sites, with a highest count of
24 in the SAANR on 27 April.
Long-tailed Shrike
(Lanius schach)
Vagrant
The second for Kuwait,
an extensively photographed bird, was at SNR from 14 October into
2007 (HAQ et al).
Lesser Grey Shrike
(Lanius minor)
Uncommon migrant
The highest count was
three at Khiran on 17 April. Other single birds were seen at the
SAANR, AAAK, Pipeline Beach, Power Plant Reeds and JEO, mostly in
spring.
Southern Grey
Shrike (Lanius meridionalis)
Common migrant and winter visitor
This species was
recorded in generally small numbers at many sites in winter or on
passage, with a peak of four near AAAK on 15 December.
Woodchat Shrike
(Lanius senator)
Uncommon migrant
Small numbers were
observed at sites with trees or bushes in spring and autumn. The
highest count was 12 at Tulha in the SAANR on 9 April.
Masked Shrike (Lanius
nubicus)
Common migrant
The highest count was
six at Tulha in the SAANR on 27 April. Otherwise only single birds
were recorded at many sites, mostly in spring. One at Jahra Farms on
10 November was a late bird.
House Crow (Corvus
splendens)
Uncommon resident; breeds
The highest count was
16 at Shuwaikh Free Zone on 28 December. Eight were seen beside the
4th Ring Road on 13 December.
Rook (Corvus
frugilegus)
Vagrant
A single bird
photographed at Shuwaikh Free Zone from 23 December into 2007 (AAS
et al) was only the 3rd record for Kuwait, and the first
since 1963.
Common Starling
(Sturnus vulgaris)
Very common winter visitor; common migrant
In November small
groups were observed at JEO on several occasions.
The wintering
population in recent years seems to be much lower than in the 1980s
and1990s.
Rosy Starling (Sturnus
roseus)
Scarce migrant
At Tulha in the SAANR
were one on 6 August, two on 17 August and a single on 25 August.
Common Myna (Acridotheres
tristis)
Very common resident; breeds
This species was
commonly observed in all urban areas throughout the year.
Bank Mynah (Acridotheres
ginginianus)
Uncommon resident; breeds
There was confirmed
breeding with a pair feeding three newly fledged chicks at Jahra
Farms on 14 April. This is the site for the only known Western
Palearctic Bank Mynas.
House Sparrow
(Passer domesticus)
Abundant resident; breeds
Groups were very
commonly observed in many areas throughout the year.
Spanish Sparrow
(Passer hispaniolensis)
Common resident; breeds
At least 500 pairs
were found nesting in the SAANR on 17 March. Smaller numbers were
also nesting at Sulaibiya Farms and Abdali Farms on 21 March. In
winter flocks of 100 or more were frequently observed at SNR, Jahra
Farms and Sulaibikhat Bay.
Pale Rockfinch
(Petronia brachydactyla)
Uncommon migrant; has bred
There was an
exceptional spring passage with a flock of 200 birds in the SAANR on
17 March being a new highest daily count (MCJ, GG). About 100 were
still there on 30 March. Other good counts were 6 on Failaka Island
on 26 March and 22 at Pipeline Beach on 12 April. Other birds were
seen at Subiya, Hujaijah, Power Plant Reeds, AAAK and Khiran.
Chestnut-shouldered
Sparrow (Petronia xanthocollis)
Uncommon migrant; breeds
The only records were
at Tulha in the SAANR: one on 23 April, four on 27 April, two on 11
May, and one on 2 August.
Indian Silverbill
(Euodice malabarica)
Uncommon resident; has bred
The only records were
four at SAS on 17 April, and one there on 27 October.
Brambling (Fringilla
montifringilla)
Rare winter visitor
Single birds were
observed at SNR on 9 November (PF, BF, MP) and at AAAK on 10
November.
Trumpeter Finch
(Bucanetes githagineus)
Uncommon resident; may breed
One was seen near Wadi
Al-Al-Batin on 28 March and two were there on 2 April.
Desert Finch (Rhodospiza
obsoleta)
Vagrant
A group of eight birds
at Kabd on 12 April (SA, GB) and one drinking at Tulha in the SAANR
on 15 May (MAJ) were the fifth and sixth Kuwait records. This
species is likely to colonise the state in the future.
Ortolan Bunting
(Emberiza hortulana)
Common migrant
There was a heavy
spring passage with a highest count of 200 at Khiran on 17 April.
Other high counts were 150 in the SAANR on 13 April and 100 there on
9 April.
Cinereous Bunting
(Emberiza cineracea)
Scarce migrant
There
was a good spring passage. A total of six were seen in late March
and early April, with three at Tulha in the SAANR on 24 March, and
single birds there on 7 April, at Khiran Resort on 8 April, at
Pipeline Beach on 11 April, and at Khiran on 17 and 18 April.
Red-headed Bunting
(Emberiza bruniceps)
Rare passage and winter
One was seen at Tulha
in the SAANR on 18 July (AAS).
Black-headed
Bunting (Emberiza melanocephala)
Uncommon migrant
At Tulha in the SAANR
two were seen on 11 May, one on 20 June, 2 on 18 July, 2 on 8 August
and one on 17 August.
Corn Bunting (Milaria
calandra)
Uncommon migrant; common winter visitor
The only records were
small numbers at Tulha in the SAANR: six on 17 March, one on 7 and
11 May, two on 12 and 21 May, and five on 26 November.
Additional Record for 2005
Black
Stork (Ciconia nigra)
Vagrant
The
fourth record for Kuwait was of a bird photographed at JEO on 25
October (AAS, MAJ).
|
