Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is a country in West Asia and the Middle East. It covers the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula and has a land area of about 2,150,000 km2 (830,000 square miles), making it the fifth-largest country in Asia and the largest in the Middle East. It is bordered by the Red Sea to the west; Jordan, Iraq, and Kuwait to the north; the Persian Gulf, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to the east; Oman to the southeast; and Yemen to the south. The Gulf of Aqaba in the northwest separates Saudi Arabia from Egypt and Israel. Saudi Arabia is the only country with a coastline along both the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, and most of its terrain consists of arid desert, lowland, steppe, and mountains. The capital and largest city with nearly 8 million inhabitants is Riyadh; other major cities include Jeddah (5.5 million) and the two holiest cities in Islam, Mecca (over two million) and Medina (1.6 million). With a population of about 37.5 million, Saudi Arabia is the fourth most populous country in the Arab world.
Saudi Arabia occupies about 80% of the Arabian Peninsula (the world’s largest peninsula), but because the country’s southeastern and southern borders with the United Arab Emirates and Oman are not precisely marked, the exact size of the country is undefined. Saudi Arabia’s geography is dominated by the Arabian Desert, associated semi-desert, shrubland, steppes, several mountain ranges, volcanic lava fields and highlands. The 647,500 km2 (250,001 square miles) Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter) in the southeastern part of the country is the world’s largest contiguous sand desert. Though there are lakes in the country, Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the world by area with no permanent rivers. Wadis, non-permanent rivers, however, are very numerous throughout the kingdom. The fertile areas are to be found in the alluvial deposits in wadis, basins, and oases. There are approximately 1,300 islands in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.
The main topographical feature is the central plateau which rises abruptly from the Red Sea and gradually descends into the Nejd and toward the Arabian Gulf. On the Red Sea coast, there is a narrow coastal plain, known as the Tihamah, parallel to which runs along an imposing escarpment. The southwest province of Asir is mountainous and contains the 9849 feet Jabal Ferwa, which is the highest point in the country. Saudi Arabia is home to more than 2,000 dormant volcanoes. Lava fields in Hejaz, known locally by their Arabic name of harrat, form one of Earth’s largest alkali basalt regions, covering some 180,000 km2 (69,000 square miles).
Dormant Volcanoes – Public Domain
Except for the southwestern regions such as Asir, Saudi Arabia has a desert climate with very high day-time temperatures during the summer and a sharp temperature drop at night. Average summer temperatures are around 45 °C but can be as high as 54 °C. In the winter the temperature rarely drops below 0 °C with the exception of mostly the northern regions of the country where annual snowfall, in particular in the mountainous regions of Tabuk Province, is not uncommon. The lowest recorded temperature was −12.0 °C. In the spring and autumn the heat is temperate, temperatures average around 29 °C. Annual rainfall is very low. The southern regions differ in that they are influenced by the Indian Ocean monsoons, usually occurring between October and March. An average of 12 inches of rainfall occurs during this period, which is about 60% of the annual precipitation.
Saudi Arabia is home to five terrestrial eco-regions: Arabian Peninsula coastal fog desert, Southwestern Arabian foothills savanna, Southwestern Arabian montane woodlands, Arabian Desert, and Red Sea Nubo-Sindian tropical desert and semi-desert.
Wildlife includes some mammals such as Arabian leopard, Arabian wolf, striped hyena, mongoose, baboon, Cape hare, sand cat, and jerboa. Animals such as gazelles, oryx, leopards and cheetahs are present in low numbers. Reflecting the country’s dominant desert conditions, plant life mostly consists of herbs, plants, and shrubs that require little water. The date palm Phoenix dactylifera is widespread.
Al-Ahsa Oasis Date Palms – ©Ali Lajami, Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
Saudi Arabia is the largest economy in the Middle East and the 18th largest in the world. It has the world’s second-largest proven petroleum reserves and is the largest exporter of petroleum. The country has the world’s second-largest oil reserves and the sixth-largest proven natural gas reserves. This drives two thirds of the economy.
The government launched an extensive programme to promote modern farming technology; to establish rural roads, irrigation networks and storage and export facilities; and to encourage agricultural research and training institutions. As a result, there has been a phenomenal growth in the production of all basic foods. Saudi Arabia is self-sufficient in numerous foodstuffs, including meat, milk, and eggs. The country exports dates, dairy products, eggs, fish, poultry, fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Dates, once a staple of the Saudi diet, are now mainly grown for global humanitarian aid. In addition, Saudi farmers grow substantial amounts of other grains such as barley, sorghum, and millet. As of 2016, in the interest of preserving precious water resources, domestic production of wheat, which it used to export, ended. As part of the country’s ongoing plan to plant 100 Mangrove seedlings along its coastlines, the National Centre for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has announced that it has planted 13M seedlings.
Birding Saudi Arabia
South West Arabia boasts a number of endemic birds. These are the Arabian Red-legged Partridge, Philby’s Partridge, the Arabian Woodpecker, Yemen Thrush, Yemen Warbler, Arabian Accentor; and the finches: Arabian Waxbill, Arabian Serin, Yemen Serin and Yemen Linnet. The 11th likely endemic is the South Arabian Wheatear, depending on its classification as a distinct species. The only area where all these species occur is in Yemen, but South West Saudi Arabia contains all except the Arabian Accentor. However, one bird is probably endemic to Saudi Arabia – Asir Magpie, which may just stray over the Yemeni border.
The South West offers a diverse habitat for birds, as different types of terrain occur alongside each other. At the summit of the Asir there are juniper-covered mountains, best observed from the peak of Mount Soudah. These steep craggy mountains attract predatory birds, such as the rare Verreaux’s (or Black) Eagle.
Al Sawda – ©marviikad, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Moving down from there, one can find a number of valleys and wadis, which can carry streams of water during the rainy season. Small passerine birds, such as the endemic finches will breed here along with partridges and doves. Because of its position the South West attracts a mix of bird species usually found in different continents. Palaearctic birds of Europe and Northern Asia can be seen alongside Afro-tropical birds from Africa. The doves commonly found here are actually from the latter group, examples of which include the African Collared Dove, Bruce’s Green Pigeon and the Dusky Turtle Dove.
More permanent watercourses lakes and coastal areas are attractive to herons and waders, sometimes ducks and the occasional Hamerkop and Stork, while raptors often hunt over looking for suitable prey. In the Asir Mountains there are several dams permanently holding water. One can be found on the edge of Abha itself, there is one in the Khamis Mushayt area, and a smaller one exists half way up from Abha to As Soudah. In the mountain foothills there are permanent streams where some birds particular to the altitude can be found with herons, waders and storks. Such birds include the African Grey Hornbill and the Black-crowned Tchagra, or Bush-shrike. The globally threatened Northern Bald Ibis has been known to occur around here.
(A word of warning: when venturing away from your vehicle in the general mountain area, beware of groups of baboons, which can look cute from the comfort of your car. They are aggressive monkeys, which are prone to attack if they feel threatened, although they will usually keep their distance if not disturbed. Their fascinating behaviour is best observed from a distance of a few dozen metres, and be sure you are near enough to your vehicle in case they approach.)
The stretch of plains between foothills and the coast is known as the Tihama. It is usually around 50 to 100km wide and exists all along the west coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Driving through, a lot of the area can look barren, but acacia groves can be found and many plantations have cropped up near towns and villages. Many more afro-tropical bird species prefer this habitat and some very rare Palaearctic birds are supposed to maintain a foothold, but they are very difficult to find. The Helmeted Guineafowl and Arabian Bustard have suffered from loss of suitable habitat as well as over-hunting, while the Little Button Quail is very secretive and rarely seen over its whole world range. Black Kites are abundant though, especially near built up areas. Colourful birds that breed here include the sky-blue coloured Abyssinian Roller, which is resident, and the multi-coloured and long-tailed White-throated Bee-eater, which arrives on these shores in the summer to breed.
The coast is the place for those who like to study waders and gulls, as good numbers occur. Look out for the extraordinary Crab Plover, specific to Arabia, and Pink-backed Pelican, which will stand out a mile away, either on the sea or in flight, due to its size, as it mixes with visiting ducks and resident gulls and terns. Saudi Arabia is a very much under watched country which is a great shame as it has a great deal to offer the birder.
Central Saudi Arabia is covered in desert and rocky escarpments and typical birds of such habitat can be found. From Riyadh, one can get to decent birding spots about half an hour away, such as the Riyadh River and the escarpments and farms at Dirab. A little further afield on the northern side is the KKWRC reserve at Thumamah, which usually contains a similar assortment of birds as the farms in Dirab, but you’ll need to apply well in advance for a permit to get in.
Arabian Desert – ©Aidas U., CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The Riyadh River is good for Herons and Egrets in particular. Look out for Least Bittern and Squacco Heron among the commoner species. White-cheeked Bulbuls are abundant, and you could get looks at various wintering or migrant birds in season, such as White-tailed Lapwing, Collared Pratincole, and various raptors.
In winter, and also early spring and late autumn, the Dirab area is a great place to bird. The farms here can contain lots of wheatears, including Pied, Hooded, Red-tailed, Desert, Isabelline, Mourning, Northern and Black-eared; and larks, though Crested and Desert are the most likely (Not far from here you can find Hoopoe Lark in any desert area, while Black-crowned Finch, Bar-tailed and Dunn’s are more local). Dirab is also good for Trumpeter and Desert Finch, and House Bunting; and in November, for Hypocolius. Desert and Scrub Warbler are resident, while Orphean, Barred and Marsh Warbler will join the more common Olivaceous, Reed, and Willow Warblers etc in spring. Other characteristic birds of the region include Black and Rufous Bush Chats, Blackstart, Indian Silverbill, Tawny Pipit and three species of Bee-eater.
The raptors though, will impress as much as anything here, as they winter in big numbers. Most are Steppe Eagles, but one can easily find Imperial Eagles amongst them, and there are also Spotted and Short-toed Eagles, Black Kites and the resident Long-legged Buzzards. Golden Eagle is also occasionally seen. Accipiters and Falcons are less commonly seen, except for Kestrel, which is common, but Harriers are usually around, including fairly good numbers of Pallid and Montagu’s.
Elsewhere Jeddah is good for seeing Demoiselle Cranes on migration, and perhaps not far from the breeding grounds of Sooty Falcon on the Red Sea coast. Haradh on the edge of the Empty Quarter in the east apparently attracts migrant Corncrakes in good numbers, and wintering Thick-billed Lark.
-
The Asir Highlands (Mountains of South-west Saudi Arabia)
Satellite ViewThe range of species to be seen in the South West is greater during the summer, when birds such as the White-throated Bee-eater and the Grey–headed Kingfisher arrive from Africa to breed. In winter though, there can be lots of wildfowl and gulls, which migrate south, away from the cold snap in their breeding territories.
-
Number of bird species: 558
(As at July 2024)
Number of endemics: 1
Asir Magpie Pica asirensis (Possibly also found in a small border area of Yemen)
-
Avibase
PDF ChecklistThis checklist includes all bird species found in Saudi Arabia , based on the best information available at this time. It is based on a wide variety of sources that I collated over many years. I am pleased to offer these checklists as a service to birdwatchers. If you find any error, please do not hesitate to report them. -
Birds of Saudi Arabia
ChecklistSaudi Arabia Bird Checklist Number of Species: 522 -
Wikipedia
Annotated ListThis is a list of the bird species recorded in Saudi Arabia. The avifauna of Saudi Arabia include a total of 555 species, of which 12 have been introduced by humans. 25 species are globally threatened. -
eBird
PDF ChecklistThis checklist is generated with data from eBird (ebird.org), a global database of bird sightings from birders like you. If you enjoy this checklist, please consider contributing your sightings to eBird. It is 100% free to take part, and your observations will help support birders, researchers, and conservationists worldwide.
-
Birds of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East
| (A Photographic Guide) by Frédéric Jiguet & Aurélien Audevard | Princeton University Press | 2017 | Paperback | 447 pages, 2200 colour photos, colour distribution maps | ISBN: 9780691172439 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Birds of the Middle East
| By Richard Porter, Simon Aspinall, A Birch, John Gale, Mike Langman, Brian E Small | Helm | 2024 | Edition 3 | Paperback | 400 pages, 180 colour plates, 636 colour distribution maps | ISBN: 9781399401968 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
The Birds of Saudi Arabia: a Checklist
| By Michael C Jennings | M C Jennings | 1981 | Paperback | With some line drawings by C.J.F. Coombs | Out of Print | ISBN: 9780950740508 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
The Birds of the Middle East
| By AbdulRahman Al-Sirhan, Jens Eriksen & Richard Porter | Helm | 2022 | Paperback | 224 pages, 400 colour photos | ISBN: 9781472986757 Buy this book from NHBS.com
-
National Commission for Wildlife Conservation
InformationP0 Box 61681 Riyadh 11575 Saudi Arabia. + 966 1 4410369 ncwcd@zajil.net The National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD) is the BirdLife Affiliate for Saudi Arabia.
-
National Commission for Wildlife Conservation
DetailsThe NCWCD was established by a Royal Decree in 1986. Among other things, the Decree requires the Commission to Develop and implement plans to preserve wildlife in its natural ecology and to propose the establishment of proper protected areas and reserves for wildlife in the Kingdom, and to manage such areas -
OSME
Webpage -
Prince Saud al-Faisal Wildlife Research Center
InformationThe Saudi Wildlife Authority (SWA) was established in 1986 and is responsible for the conservation and development of wildlife in Saudi Arabia. It fulfils its mandate thanks to the continuous support from the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud; may God protect him. From its national strategy, the Commission announced fifteen areas for protection, covering about 85,000 Km², which is about 4% of the Kingdom’s land area. In order to breed some particular indigenous species in captivity and then reintroduce them into the wild, the Commission established two research centers: the Prince Saud al-Faisal Wildlife Research Center in Taif (PSFWRC previously NWRC: National Wildlife Research Center) and the King Khaled Wildlife Research Center in Thumamah (KKWRC). -
Saudi Birding
Facebook PageTrip reports, birdwatching hotspots, species profiles, ID challenges and more from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Like and follow Saudi Birding to learn more about the wonderful birds of Saudi Arabia and where to find them. -
Saudi Wildlife Authority (SWA)
WebsiteBirdLife Saudi Arabia: The National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD)
-
*List of protected areas of Saudi Arabia
InformationSatellite ViewThis is a list of protected areas of Saudi Arabia, some of which are managed by the Saudi Wildlife Authority -
IBA Harrat Al-Harrah - First National Reserve in Saudi Arabia
InformationSatellite ViewA huge desert area of northern Saudi Arabia, close to the border with Jordan, and 80 km north-west of Sakakah. Undulating, black, basalt boulder-fields with numerous volcanic cones and frequent low hills, interspersed with siltflats and some sabkhah. Wadis are generally shallow. Rainfall is seasonal (every winter) but varies greatly in amount between years. There is rarely any surface water except for a permanent reservoir at Dawmat al-Jandl (see site 002) near the southern edge of the reserve. Except for a very few stunted palms the vegetation is devoid of trees, and is sparse except after good winter/spring rains, although drainage features contain a reasonable cover of small shrubs (Artemisia, Haloxylon, Zilla).... -
NR 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid
InformationSatellite ViewIt has also been selected as being suitable for the re-establishment of herds of Arabian sand gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa marica), mountain gazelle (Gazella gazella) and ostrich (Struthio camelus), all of which have historically inhabited the area. -
NR Al-Khunfah Natural Reserve
InformationSatellite ViewThe reserve is a habitat to a diversity of birds such as lappet-faced vulture, sandgrouse, rock doves and houbara bustard. -
NR Al-Tubayq Natural Reserve
InformationSatellite Viewhe reserve is home to the Nubian Ibex as well as gazelles, wolves, foxes and hares. Birdlife inhabiting this reserve includes falcons, partridges, and eagles. -
NR Raydah Reserve
InformationSatellite ViewThe forest is a very important place for birds and other less conspicuous wildlife, ranging from mammals to molluscs. To date, just over 100 birds species have been recorded in the Reserve but, given that about 500 have been recorded in the Kingdom, diversity of species per se is not what attracts ornithologists… -
NR Saja Umm Ar-Rimth Natural Reserve
InformationSatellite ViewThe reserve is a destination for migrant Houbara. In 1998, the reserve is selected as a site for Houbara re-introduction. -
NR Shada Mountain Reserve
InformationSatellite ViewThe reserve is home to key plant and animal species including the endangered Arabian leopard. -
NR Wadi Turabah Nature Reserve
InformationSatellite ViewThe hamadryas baboon can be found here, as well as large carnivores such as the Arabian wolf, the red fox and the caracal. Wadi Turabah and Jabal Ibrahim have been designated as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area by BirdLife International. Trigger species for this include Philby's partridge, Arabian partridge, griffon vulture, Egyptian vulture, montane nightjar, Arabian woodpecker, brown woodland warbler, Arabian warbler, Tristram's starling, Yemen thrush, Arabian wheatear, Arabian waxbill, little rock thrush, Arabian serin, Yemen serin, Yemen linnet and cinereous bunting. Other bird species to be found here include Verreaux's eagle, grey-headed kingfisher and cinnamon-breasted bunting, and up to twenty black storks overwinter here.
-
eBird
SightingseBirding This Month
-
BirdFinders
Tour OperatorFortunately, Saudi Arabia started opening up for tourism in late 2019 but just as we were starting arrangements for a birdwatching tour the pandemic hit and the country closed as quickly as it opened, but now we have the opportunity to visit this amazing country. -
BirdQuest
Tour OperatorSAUDI ARABIA – Specialities of the Arabian desert, Asir highlands and Red Sea coast -
Birds of Kuwait
Tour OperatorIn this tour, we will be targeting the eighteen endemics where possible and the birds that are not regular or hard to find in the Western Palearctic, of which some are of African and/or Oriental origin. Hence, we will be targeting all these species which are listed with photographs at the end. -
Gregory Askew - Saudi Birding
Guide-Tour OperatorGo Birding with Saudi Birding -
Rockjumper
Tour OperatorEmbark on an unforgettable bird-watching expedition as we explore the diverse landscapes and rich avian habitats of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. -
Zoothera Birding
Tour OperatorArabian endemics & specialities from desert & mountains to the Red Sea coast.
-
2021 [01 January] - Gregory Askew
PDF ReportMy family and I spent a fantastic week and half exploring the Tabuk region and the Al Ula Governate in Saudi’s northwest from December 23 to January 2. The birding highlights were Chukar, Sand Partridge, Arabian Partridge, Cream-colored Courser, White-eyed Gull, Black-winged Kite, Common Buzzard, Steppe Eagle, Hen Harrier, Barn Owl, Little Owl, Desert Owl, Arabian Lark, Sardinian Warbler, Western Black Redstart, Hooded Wheatear, Kurdish Wheatear, Hypocolius, Palestine Sunbird, Sinai Rosefinch, Arabian Serin, and Syrian Serin. -
2021 [05 May] - Gregory Askew
ReportThe most interesting sighting here was a possible Blyth's Reed Warbler foraging in the lower shrubs--hopefully the images I managed to capture (below) will confirm the ID. African Collared-Doves called from deep within the trees and African Palm-Swifts passed just overhead. At one point I had a flyby Abdim's Stork. From this graveyard, I looked back over the wall towards the other and spotted two Arabian Golden Sparrows among a few Ruppell's Weavers, but I couldn't relocate them when I passed by a short time later. -
2022 [04 April] - Markus Lagerqvist
PDF Report...Along the stretch are several small beaches which held 19 species of shorebirds, including many Crab-plovers. Among ten species of tern and gulls, two Saunders’s Tern were a highlight and Sooty Gull was found to be common... -
2022 [04 April] - Oscar Campbell
PDF ReportThis report details an 11-day birding trip to southwestern Saudi Arabia, undertaken in March–April 2022. The areas visited were Abha and Tanoumah on the plateau, Jazan (Jizan) on the Red Sea coast (including the Farasan Islands) and Tihama farmlands and foothills inland including Al Sadd Lake. We found Saudi Arabia to have terrific birding, with a fascinating and prolific mix of southwest highland endemics, northeast African specials, widespread Arabian residents and Palearctic-bound migrants. Arrangements were surprisingly easy to make, food and hotels were good value, and, quite a lot of the time, the landscape and scenery was superb. -
2022 [08 August] - Oscar Campbell
PDF Report...we racked up 171 species between us including almost all those targeted. Some of the key species we found easily are only present in the summer (late April to October) so not available on winter / spring trips. As well as the breeding birds, we had masses of migrant shorebirds along the coast and some early but interesting early autumn passerines in the wadis and mountains... -
2023 [05 May] - Erik Wahlgren & Raúl Vicente
PDF Report...First birds of the trip: white-spectacled bulbuls and crested larks began to sing in the parking lot... -
2023 [05 May] - Zoothera Birding
Report...we headed an hour north to Rawdat Nourah, the alleged hotspot for Arabian Lark... -
2023 [07 July] - Max Berlijn
PDF ReportDiary & List -
2023 [10 October] - Gregory Askew
ReportOur seven-day tour of Saudi's southwest netted all 15 Arabian endemics currently recognized by the eBird taxonomy as well as all of the potential splits and near-endemics also found in the region. A small pre-tour contingent from our group even got Arabian Lark in Riyadh... -
2024 [04 April] - ABDULRAHMAN AL-SIRHAN
ReportWe were fortunate to see all the possible endemic species. The Arabian Lark was not targeted as it doesn’t occur in Asir and Jazan area and couldn’t be included due to time constraints. The tour began in Jeddah and concluded in Jazan. Given the lengthy drive time on this route, I plan to change the route for future tours to start either from Al Bahah to Jazan or the reverse, from Jazan to Al Bahah. -
2024 [05 June] - Gregory Askew
Report...We saw a total of 167 species in eight days, only two less than October's tour and there were no migrants this time! We came so close to the full sweep of Arabian endemics, but after a really strong start we struggled and failed to connect with Arabian Grosbeak but not for a lack of trying... -
2024 [05 May] - ABDULRAHMAN AL-SIRHAN
ReportWe were fortunate to see all the possible endemic species. The Arabian Lark was not targeted as it doesn’t occur in Asir and Jazan area and couldn’t be included due to time constraints.
-
Birds of Saudi Arabia
WebsiteJem's Birding & Ringing Exploits in the Eastern Province and elsewhere in Saudi Arabia
-
Birds of Saudi Arabia - Jem Babbington's Birding Exploits in Dhahran
BLOGI am a keen birder and ameteur photographer currently located in Dhahran, Eastern Saudi Arabia which is just across the causeway from Bahrain. I arrived in Saudi Arabia in late August 2010 but was not able to start birding until early 2011. I was born in England and started birding at about ten and am still actively doing so 39 years later. I was a keen ‘twitcher’ and local patch birder when I lived in the UK but have been outside the country now for almost twenty years and am now a serious local patch birder. I have travelled to many different countries bird-watching and I try to go out at least once a day, family commitments permitting, and will post all the interesting images and blog as and when time allows…