The Arabian Flyway runs from eastern Europe, through Turkey, Syria, Iraq, and Kuwait, before continuing into northern Gulf countries and Pakistan. Kuwait is home to only 20 species of birds that breed there, including four species of terns on Kubbar Island. Kuwait is best known for its wintering and migratory species, which include Crab Plover, Eastern Imperial Eagle, and Lesser Kestrel. There are also two globally threatened species, the Crab Plover and the Basra Reed Warbler.
363 species
The avifauna of Kuwait comprises 416 species, including 16 endemic and introduced species and one extirpated species. The taxonomic treatment and family accounts follow the Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 2021 edition. The total counts of all species in Kuwait include introduced and accidental species. The bird species of Kuwait are listed in Table A. Listed species are classified according to their common names, and include the smallest, most docile, and largest.
The smallest birds in Kuwait are the shrikes, a family of passerines that catch other birds and small animals, and impale uneaten body parts on thorns. There are 31 species of shrikes worldwide, including 6 in Kuwait. Various other species inhabit Kuwait, including crows, ravens, treepies, and nutcrackers. These birds are large and heavy, with strong legs, long toes, and short, rounded wings. They are slow-flying and difficult to observe due to their lack of wing spans. Kuwait is home to approximately 120 species of crows, gulls, and kittiwakes.
The avifauna of Kuwait is home to about 10% of the year-round residents, and the rest migrate. Several species of terns are migrant migrants to the region, and four breed on Kubbar Island. While Kuwait is not a member of many international area-based conservation conventions, it has signed the Biodiversity Convention and the Regional Convention on Protection of the Marine Environment from Pollution and the Action Plan for the Protection and Development of the Sea.
Other birds found in Kuwait are the finches and sparrows. Both species are small and terrestrial birds with strong beaks, but they are similar in structure and plumage. The finches are seed-eaters, but they also eat small insects. A list of these birds is not comprehensive and should not be considered complete. So, if you are looking to see some birds, be sure to check out the Kuwait bird dossier.
Migratory routes
The migration routes of Kuwaiti birds are largely influenced by the climate. While the Arabian Peninsula provides a mild climate in winter, many species migrate northward in the spring and autumn, passing through Kuwait to reach a cooler climate. These birds migrate from the arctic regions of Europe to the deserts of the Middle East, where they winter. During the winter, some northern species are forced to migrate further south, as temperatures are lower.
The country is a prime breeding ground for many migratory species, including birds of prey. Many of these species stopover in Kuwait’s coastal and island areas and breed there. To protect this diversity, we must provide a safe habitat for these birds. In addition, we should improve our hosting environment to create safe and stable flyways. We must also encourage the development of eco-tourism in Kuwait. This way, we can support the conservation of biodiversity and environmentalism.
The owls are another group of migratory species that pass through Kuwait. We have three resident owls in Kuwait. We also have four migratory owls. The European night-jar migrates to north Africa from parts of Europe, while the Egyptian night-jar moves from south west Asia to tropical Africa. The migration routes of Kuwaiti birds are highly complex, and identifying individual species can be difficult.
Whether you are planning a trip or a birding adventure in Kuwait, there is an e-book that can help you identify the species in the country. Birds of Kuwait have a wealth of information and photographs to share with others. The birding website offers real time photographic field guides that update regularly. A user-friendly and informative website can provide information on birds of Kuwait, its breeding habits, and how to spot them.
Habitat
The habitat of Kuwait is a significant place for the bird community. Birds migrate long distances to reach different parts of the world and they need a special habitat to survive. In Kuwait, the available habitat sanctuaries serve as a magnet for migratory birds and are vital staging points during mass bird movements. Many birds migrate to Kuwait to breed and live. This book provides information on the avian diversity of Kuwait.
The country has a rich avian diversity, with 10 percent of its species resident year-round. The summer brings several species of terns, including four species that breed on Kubbar Island. Kuwait has not joined any international area-based conservation conventions, but it has signed the Biodiversity Convention and the Regional Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Pollution. Kuwait also participates in the Action Plan for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment.
Wildlife species in Kuwait include fourteen species of birds. Only eight of these species were introduced by humans and one is extinct. The taxonomic treatment and family accounts of Kuwait’s birds are consistent with the Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 2021 edition. Species counts include both introduced and accidental species. However, the number of species is not comprehensive. It may still contain some species that are absent in Kuwait.
Although the country is predominantly desert, it has small oases and semi-desert areas. This has historically been an important grazing area for livestock and wildlife. A few small oases have also developed, which now serve as a sanctuary for local wildlife. However, the majority of the country is flat and uninhabitable, and is a place where wildlife can survive. The region is home to a wide variety of species, including several rare species that are not found anywhere else in the Western Palearctic.
Common species
The ostrich is the largest living species of bird. This flightless bird is renowned for its long neck and legs that enable it to run at high speeds. It breeds only in Kuwait and is considered a national symbol. Besides ostriches, Kuwait is also home to three other grebe species. Its size and flight capabilities make it one of the most popular birds in Kuwait. Here are some facts about the Kuwaiti ostrich.
The Sandgrouse is an irregular bird that migrates through Kuwait in the spring and fall. It has bred here in the past but did not show any signs of breeding in recent years. It is a major Western Palearctic rarity. The Asian Koel and the Ashy Drongo are also frequent visitors, and the Purple Sunbird breeds here. Besides ostriches, other migratory birds of Kuwait include the Asian Koel, the Arabian Fish Eagle, and the Oriental Pratincole.
Night-jars are another common species of Kuwaiti owls. They live in deserts and breed in small natural caves. In Kuwait, you can see three resident owls and four migrant owls. Even though they are nocturnal, they have always been the characters of superstitious stories. This is a fact that has made them highly sought-after by the local population.
The local population has become increasingly active in the field of birding in recent years, producing important records. Some of these individuals include Mahmoud Shehab Al-Ahmed, Khalid Al-Nasrallah, and Essa Ramadan. Other renowned Kuwaiti birders include AbdulMuhsen Al-Suraye’a, Khalid Al-Ghanem, and Mish’al Al-Jraiwi. Birders in Kuwait are becoming increasingly popular as more people develop their interest in wildlife photography.
Conservation efforts
As a country that lies on the flyway between Eurasia and Africa, Kuwait is a prime destination for migratory birds. Over 200 species of birds pass through Kuwait twice a year, making the country a valuable stopover for many of them. But their wellbeing is threatened by human activities, including pollution of natural habitats, bird hunting, and a lack of visibility during dust storms. The WMBD aims to highlight the importance of biodiversity and environmental tourism by promoting conservation efforts for birds.
This country is home to a rich avifauna, despite its arid climate. There are over 280 species of birds found in Kuwait, but only 16 breed regularly on the mainland, with many more arriving as migrant birds and winter visitors. Additionally, many species of birds originating in neighboring areas form minor components of the Kuwaiti avifauna, which may be even more important than the current records indicate.
The country is on the main migration routes for many species, but there is not a definitive checklist of its birdlife. A guide to Kuwaiti birds provides information on the status of each species, daily counts, and an overview of conservation efforts in Kuwait. It also contains a chapter about the history of ornithology in Kuwait. So, it’s worth checking out these resources to learn more about the region’s birds.
The golden jackal is another native species of Kuwait. Similar to the Arabian wolf, it lives in large groups. This omnivorous cat is a scavenger and a predator, and survives in Kuwait’s dry climate. In Kuwait, jackals feed mainly on rodents and insects, and hunt mice and rats. These creatures also feed on lizards and francolins.
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