The country of Jordan is home to many rare birds. Some of the most common species are listed below. You can also find information on their Habitat, Range, and Migratory patterns.
You can also find information on the birds’ range by reading this article. It will help you plan a Jordanian birding trip. Read on to learn more!
And be sure to visit the Jordan Bird Sanctuary to view even more birds. It is located near the border, so you may have to ask permission to view it.
What will I learn?
Migrating birds
The spring and autumn migration of 500 billion birds crosses the Middle East and North Africa, with Jordan being a key stopover. Many birds use Jordan as a stopping point en route to Europe.
Although there are 435 species of birds in Jordan, more than 300 of them are migratory. During the migration, many predatory birds come through Jordan on their way to Europe.
There are some estimates that suggest that as many as one million birds pass through the country each year.
The Jordan Valley serves as a stopover point for these migratory birds, with an estimated 1.5 million passing through each year. The Jordan Valley lies in the lowest part of the Great Rift Valley.
Rising air currents make this a beneficial area for birds as they fly southwards. The Jordan Valley represents a bottleneck in bird populations, and many of these species are endangered or threatened.
In addition to these migratory birds, the valley also provides habitat for raptors, falcons, and eagles.
The country is a great place to observe these beautiful species. The Jordan highlands are home to a rich diversity of bird communities. This is because the region is a crossroads between Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Some of the species that migrate through Jordan are spotted owls, larks, wheatears, and sandgrouse. In addition to these species, the country is also home to the famous hammada desert and the basalt desert.
Here is the Video About: Birds of Jordan
Common species
The diverse range of Jordan’s flora and fauna attracts various bird species. The country is home to a number of waterfowl and wading birds.
A vast suite of song birds lives in the country’s mountains and deserts. There are also raptors, game birds, swifts, and nighthawks. Of course, the most interesting sightings come from Jordan’s many protected areas.
The number of birds in Jordan is impressive, with around 434 species. These include breeding birds that spend part of the year in the country.
Other species spend part of the year in the country, including the Imperial Eagle, Dotterel, and various pipit species. Various species of birds also migrate through Jordan during winter and spend part of the year there.
A range of endemic species makes the country an excellent destination for birdwatchers.
The western highlands are a haven for migratory and breeding birds. Here, Syrian Serins nest. In the southern mountains, several wheatear species breed. You may also spot the Levant Sparrowhawk.
There are several color guides for Jordan’s flora and fauna. You can also enjoy birdwatching in the arid region of the country. The country is home to many endangered species, including hummingbirds, owls, and falcons.
There are several RSCN reserves in Jordan. These reserves encompass a variety of habitats and ecosystems that support a large number of different species.
The websites of the organizations that operate these reserves offer information on visiting the country. Besides the richness of Jordan’s fauna and flora, its cultural heritage is also noteworthy.
Petra and Jerash are known for their stunning beauty. If you have a passion for birds, this country may be the perfect destination for you.
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Habitat
The diversity of bird life in Jordan is diverse enough to allow you to observe the birds throughout the year. This Middle Eastern country is home to a wide range of species including Common Cranes and Dotterel, which are found in the eastern deserts.
During winter, the country is home to several nocturnal species, including the Egyptian Nightjar, Pallid owl, and the Egyptian vulture. Other birds that can be seen in Jordan during winter include the Hawfinch and the White-throated Robin.
The houbara bustard was extinct in Jordan until recently, but is now being restored to the country through a project that will last until 2022.
This is a joint project between the Royal Society for Conservation of Nature and the International Fund for Houbara Conservation. These efforts are making progress.
The houbara bustard has been considered a symbol of the Arabian desert and have become a focus of conservation in the country.
In Jordan, hunters have left several local bird species in danger because of the hunting sport. Handal, a conservation group, works to bring this problem to the attention of policymakers.
In 2016, the Ministry of Agriculture banned the hunting of chukars and sand partridge, citing studies that revealed declining bird populations and the destruction of nests by hunters.
The organization’s efforts have been a success, and more activities are planned to protect the birds.
Range
The country is home to a number of globally threatened species. Of those, seven are introduced by humans. The remaining 22 are considered endangered. This list follows the taxonomic treatment in the Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 2021 edition.
It includes native and introduced species, and tags highlight several subcategories. Commonly occurring native species are not included. The species’ range includes much of the region.
Near Jordan Pond, you’ll find the Common Loon, Spotted Sandpiper, and Common Yellowthroat. During the breeding season, you can also spot the Peregrine Falcon nesting on the Jordan Cliffs.
Other rare birds to find near the capital include Pacific Golden Plover, Grey-headed gull, and American Crow. Getting a good look at the rare birds in Jordan is an exciting experience.
The country’s climate makes it an excellent destination for birdwatching. The mountains and deserts offer a unique ecosystem with many animal species. Jordan’s varied landscape supports some 220 species of birds.
There are over 2000 plant species, many of which flourish near bodies of water. Jordan’s climate and topography make it an ideal place to view migratory birds. The country’s rocky terrain makes birdwatching easy.
The Jordan Lake bird count circle is a popular destination. The scenic lake views and the Jordan Pond House Restaurant are popular drawcards, but the area is also home to several species of songbirds.
Birders can explore the area in several ways, including hiking around the lake, scanning trees in the parking lot, and walking along carriage roads. If you’d prefer an active birding experience, try climbing the nearby mountain. The scenery and wildlife are well worth the effort.
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Species of birds
Species of birds in Jordan are diverse. They are found across different habitats, from scrubby steppe to rugged mountains. Jordan’s Great Rift Valley serves as an important crossroads for migratory birds, passing through the country from Eastern Europe to Asia.
Species of birds in Jordan include the Palestine Sunbird, Egyptian vulture, and the Syrian serin. The following are some of the species that are globally endangered and therefore protected in Jordan:
Motacillidae – A family of passerine birds, including finches, wagtails, and longclaws, these birds are highly aquatic and highly capable swimmers.
Their long legs and waterproof feathers make them excellent swimmers. During the breeding season, they stick to the shore to feed on berries and seeds. Species of birds in Jordan include coots, which are small, brown, and yellow with prominently contrasting bill colors.
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Conservation efforts
The Royal Society for Conservation of Nature (RSCN) celebrates World Migratory Day on October 9, which celebrates the protection of migratory birds.
The Royal Society for Conservation of Nature (JRST) and BirdLife International promote Jordan’s conservation efforts for birds.
The country’s RSCN has helped rehabilitate injured birds, and the organisation works to reintroduce these birds to their natural habitats. In fact, Jordan is considered a world leader in the conservation of migratory birds and signed the Conventions on Migratory Species and Biodiversity.
The Royal Society for Conservation of Nature (RSCN) and other organisations work closely to ensure that the conservation of birds and wildlife is managed effectively.
The Jordanian government also acknowledges the importance of proper hunting regulation and has introduced several institutions to help regulate it.
In 1956, the government introduced the concept of game species, and in 1966, regulations on hunting guns were introduced. In 2007, the Royal Jordanian Hunting Club was reorganized and given a de facto role in wildlife management.
The government of Jordan has ambitious plans to reduce primary energy consumption by 20% by 2020. The country also plans to install wind farms in the Tafilah region, where migratory birds make their way.
However, it is vital to observe bird movement, and a monitoring system has been established. In this region, Eco Consult employs an ecological research manager, Laith El Moghrabi, to observe birds and monitor potential threats.
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