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List of birds of Saudi Arabia
Found in: Birds of Saudi Arabia
This is a list of the bird species recorded in Saudi Arabia. The avifauna of Saudi Arabia includes a total of 488 species, of which 5 have been introduced by humans, and 15 are rare or accidental. 1 species listed is extirpated in Saudi Arabia and is not included in the species count. 15 species are globally threatened.
This list's taxonomic treatment and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the conventions of Clements's 5th edition. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflects this taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family account. Introduced and accidental species are included in the total counts for Saudi Arabia.
The following tags have been used to highlight certain relevant categories. It must be noted that not all species fall into one of these categories. Those that do not are commonly occurring, native species.
(A) Accidental A species that rarely or accidentally occurs in Saudi Arabia.
(I) Introduced A species introduced to Saudi Arabia as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions.
(Ex) Extirpated A species that no longer occurs in Saudi Arabia although populations exist elsewhere.
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Ostriches
Order: Struthioniformes
Family: Struthionidae
The Ostrich is a flightless bird native to Africa. It is the largest living species of bird. It is distinctive in its appearance, with a long neck and legs and the ability to run at high speeds.
Ostrich Struthio camelus (Ex)
Grebes
Order: Podicipediformes
Family: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large sized freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes, and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. There are 20 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
Eared Grebe Podiceps nigricollis
Shearwaters and Petrels
Order: Procellariiformes
Family: Procellariidae
The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized 'true petrels', characterised by united nostrils with a medium septum, and a long outer functional primary. There are 75 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Jouanin's Petrel Bulweria fallax
Flesh-footed Shearwater Puffinus carneipes
Persian Shearwater Puffinus persicus
Storm-Petrels
Order: Procellariiformes
Family: Hydrobatidae
The storm-petrels are relatives of the petrels, and are the smallest of sea-birds. They feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like. There are 21 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Wilson's Storm-Petrel Oceanites oceanicus
Swinhoe's Storm-Petrel Oceanodroma monorhis
Tropicbirds
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Phaethontidae
Tropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans, with exceptionally long central tail feathers. Their heads and long wings have black markings. There are 3 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Saudi Arabia.
Red-billed Tropicbird Phaethon aethereus
Pelicans
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Pelecanidae
Pelicans are large water birds with a distinctive pouch under the beak. As with other members of the order Pelecaniformes, they have webbed feet with four toes. There are 8 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus
Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens
Boobies and Gannets
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Sulidae
The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups comprise medium-to-large coastal sea-birds that plunge-dive for fish. There are 9 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Masked Booby Sula dactylatra
Red-footed Booby Sula sula
Brown Booby Sula leucogaster
Cormorants
Order: Pelecaniformes
Family: Phalacrocoracidae
The Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium-to-large coastal, fish-eating sea-birds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage colouration varies with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black and white, and a few being colourful. There are 38 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
Socotra Cormorant Phalacrocorax nigrogularis
Bitterns, Herons and Egrets
Order: Ciconiiformes
Family: Ardeidae
The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large sized wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Unlike other long-necked birds suck as storks, ibises and spoonbills, members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted. There are 61 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Gray Heron Ardea cinerea
Goliath Heron Ardea goliath
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Great Egret Ardea alba
Western Reef-Heron Egretta gularis
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
Indian Pond-Heron Ardeola grayii (A)
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Striated Heron Butorides striata
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris
Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus
Hammerkop
Order: Ciconiiformes
Family: Scopidae
The Hammerkop is a medium-sized bird with a long shaggy crest. The shape of its head with a curved bill and crest at the back is reminiscent of a hammer, hence its name. Its plumage is a drab brown all over.
Hamerkop Scopus umbretta
Storks
Order: Ciconiiformes
Family: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute; bill-clattering is an important mode of stork communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory. There are 19 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Black Stork Ciconia nigra
Abdim's Stork Ciconia abdimii
White Stork Ciconia ciconia
Ibises and Spoonbills
Order: Ciconiiformes
Family: Threskiornithidae
The Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strong fliers and despite their size and weight, very capable soarers. There are 36 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus
Waldrapp Geronticus eremita
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia
Flamingos
Order: Phoenicopteriformes
Family: Phoenicopteridae
Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually 3 to high, found in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. They are more numerous in the latter. Flamingos filter-feed on shellfish and algae. Their oddly-shaped beaks are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume, and are uniquely used upside-down. There are 6 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Saudi Arabia.
Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus
Ducks, Geese and Swans
Order: Anseriformes
Family: Anatidae
The family Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These are birds that are modified for an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating. There are 131 species worldwide and 20 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Mute Swan Cygnus olor (A)
Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus
Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons
Greylag Goose Anser anser
Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna
Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope
Gadwall Anas strepera
Eurasian Teal Anas crecca
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
Northern Pintail Anas acuta
Garganey Anas querquedula
Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata
Marbled Teal Marmaronetta angustirostris
Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina
Common Pochard Aythya ferina
Ferruginous Pochard Aythya nyroca
Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula
Smew Mergellus albellus
White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala
Osprey
Order: Falconiformes
Family: Pandionidae
The Pandionidae family contains only one species, the Osprey. The Osprey is a medium large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.
Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Hawks, Kites and Eagles
Order: Falconiformes
Family: Accipitridae
Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey and include hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight. There are 233 species worldwide and 33 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
European Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus
Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus
Black Kite Milvus migrans
Pallas's Fish-Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus
White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla
Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus
Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus
Rueppell's Griffon Gyps rueppellii
Eurasian Griffon Gyps fulvus
Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus
Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus
Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus
Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus
Western Marsh-Harrier Circus aeruginosus
Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus
Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus
Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus
Dark Chanting-Goshawk Melierax metabates
Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar
Shikra Accipiter badius
Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes
Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis
Eurasian Buzzard Buteo buteo
Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus
Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga
Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax
Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis
Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos
Verreaux's Eagle Aquila verreauxii
Bonelli's Eagle Aquila fasciatus
Booted Eagle Aquila pennatus
Caracaras and Falcons
Order: Falconiformes
Family: Falconidae
Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles, and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their feet. There are 62 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni
Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus
Amur Falcon Falco amurensis
Eleonora's Falcon Falco eleonorae
Sooty Falcon Falco concolor
Merlin Falco columbarius
Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo
Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus
Saker Falcon Falco cherrug
Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
Pheasants and Partridges
Order: Galliformes
Family: Phasianidae
The Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds which consists of quails, partridges, snowcocks, francolins, spurfowls, tragopans, monals, pheasants, peafowls and jungle fowls. In general, they are plump (although they may vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings. There are 156 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Chukar Alectoris chukar
Philby's Partridge Alectoris philbyi
Arabian Partridge Alectoris melanocephala
Sand Partridge Ammoperdix heyi
Black Francolin Francolinus francolinus (A)
Common Quail Coturnix coturnix
Harlequin Quail Coturnix delegorguei (A)
Guineafowl
Order: Galliformes
Family: Numididae
Guineafowl are a group of African, seed-eating, ground-nesting birds that resemble partridges, but with featherless heads and spangled grey plumage. There are 6 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Saudi Arabia.
Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris
Buttonquails
Order: Gruiformes
Family: Turnicidae
The buttonquails are small, drab, running birds which resemble the true quails.The female is the brighter of the sexes, and initiates courtship. The male incubates the eggs and tends the young. There are 16 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Saudi Arabia.
Small Buttonquail Turnix sylvatica (A)
Cranes
Order: Gruiformes
Family: Gruidae
Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances". There are 15 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo
Common Crane Grus grus
Rails, Crakes, Gallinules, and Coots
Order: Gruiformes
Family: Rallidae
Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps, or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs, and have long toes which are well adapted to soft, uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and be weak fliers. There are 143 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Water Rail Rallus aquaticus
Corn Crake Crex crex
Little Crake Porzana parva
Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilla
Spotted Crake Porzana porzana
Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio (A)
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Eurasian Coot Fulica atra
Bustards
Order: Gruiformes
Family: Otididae
Bustards are large terrestrial birds mainly associated with dry open country and steppes in the Old World. They are omnivorous and nest on the ground. They walk steadily on strong legs and big toes, pecking for food as they go. They have long broad wings with "fingered" wingtips, and striking patterns in flight. Many have interesting mating displays. There are 26 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Great Bustard Otis tarda
Arabian Bustard Ardeotis arabs
Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata
Macqueen's Bustard Chlamydotis macqueenii
Crab Plover
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Dromadidae
The Crab Plover is related to the waders. It resembles a plover but with very long grey legs and a strong heavy black bill similar to a tern. It has black and white plumage, a long neck, partially webbed feet and a bill designed for eating crabs.
Crab Plover Dromas ardeola
Oystercatchers
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Haematopodidae
The oystercatchers are large and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs. There are 11 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Saudi Arabia.
Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus
Avocets and Stilts
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Recurvirostridae
Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and the stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. There are 9 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta
Thick-knees
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Burhinidae
The thick-knees are a group of largely tropical waders in the family Burhinidae. They are found worldwide within the tropical zone, with some species also breeding in temperate Europe and Australia. They are medium to large waders with strong black or yellow black bills, large yellow eyes and cryptic plumage. Despite being classed as waders, most species have a preference for arid or semi-arid habitats. There are 9 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Eurasian Thick-knee Burhinus oedicnemus
Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis
Pratincoles and Coursers
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Glareolidae
Glareolidae is a family of wading birds comprising the pratincoles, which have short legs, long pointed wings and long forked tails, and the coursers, which have long legs, short wings and long pointed bills which curve downwards. There are 17 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Cream-colored Courser Cursorius cursor
Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola
Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni
Plovers and Lapwings
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Charadriidae
The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels, and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water, although there are some exceptions. There are 66 species worldwide and 15 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
Spur-winged Plover Vanellus spinosus
Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus
Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius
White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus
Pacific Golden-Plover Pluvialis fulva
European Golden-Plover Pluvialis apricaria
Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola
Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
Snowy Plover Charadrius alexandrinus
Lesser Sandplover Charadrius mongolus
Greater Sandplover Charadrius leschenaultii
Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus
Eurasian Dotterel Charadrius morinellus
Sandpipers and allies
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Scolopacidae
The Scolopacidae are a large diverse family of small to medium sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. The majority of species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enable different species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. There are 89 species worldwide and 33 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola
Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus
Solitary Snipe Gallinago solitaria (A)
Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura (A)
Great Snipe Gallinago media
Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago
Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata
Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus
Common Redshank Tringa totanus
Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris
Red Knot Calidris canutus
Sanderling Calidris alba
Little Stint Calidris minuta
Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii
Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta
Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea
Dunlin Calidris alpina
Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus
Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis
Ruff Philomachus pugnax
Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus
Red Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius
Skuas and Jaegers
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Stercorariidae
The family Stercorariidae are, in general, medium to large birds, typically with grey or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They nest on the ground in temperate and arctic regions and are long-distance migrants. There are 7 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Pomarine Jaeger Stercorarius pomarinus
Parasitic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus
Gulls
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large birds seabirds and includes gulls and kittiwakes. They are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. There are 55 species worldwide and 15 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
White-eyed Gull Larus leucophthalmus
Sooty Gull Larus hemprichii
Mew Gull Larus canus
Herring Gull Larus argentatus
Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus
Heuglin's Gull Larus heuglini
Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans
Armenian Gull Larus armenicus
Great Black-headed Gull Larus ichthyaetus
Brown-headed Gull Larus brunnicephalus
Gray-headed Gull Larus cirrocephalus (A)
Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus
Slender-billed Gull Larus genei
Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus
Little Gull Larus minutus
Terns
Order: Charadriiformes
Family: Sternidae
Terns are a group of generally general medium to large sea-birds typically with grey or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species now known to live in excess of 25 to 30 years. There are 44 species worldwide and 17 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica
Caspian Tern Sterna caspia
Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis
Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis
Great Crested Tern Sterna bergii
Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii
Common Tern Sterna hirundo
Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea
Little Tern Sterna albifrons
Saunders's Tern Sterna saundersi
White-cheeked Tern Sterna repressa
Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus
Sooty Tern Sterna fuscata
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus
White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
Black Tern Chlidonias niger
Brown Noddy Anous stolidus
Sandgrouse
Order: Pterocliformes
Family: Pteroclidae
Sandgrouse have small, pigeon like heads and necks, but sturdy compact bodies. They have long pointed wings and sometimes tails and a fast direct flight. Flocks fly to watering holes at dawn and dusk. Their legs are feathered down to the toes. There are 16 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Pterocles alchata
Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles exustus
Spotted Sandgrouse Pterocles senegallus
Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis
Crowned Sandgrouse Pterocles coronatus
Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse Pterocles lichtensteinii
Pigeons and Doves
Order: Columbiformes
Family: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. There are 308 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Rock Pigeon Columba livia
Stock Pigeon Columba oenas
Common Wood-Pigeon Columba palumbus (A)
Rameron Pigeon Columba arquatrix
Eurasian Turtle-Dove Streptopelia turtur
Dusky Turtle-Dove Streptopelia lugens
Oriental Turtle-Dove Streptopelia orientalis
Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto
African Collared-Dove Streptopelia roseogrisea
Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata
Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis
Namaqua Dove Oena capensis
Bruce's Green-Pigeon Treron waalia
Parrots, Macaws and allies
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittacidae
Parrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak shape. Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skull and the have a generally erect stance. All parrots are zygodactyl, having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two back. There are 335 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria (I)
Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri (I)
Cuckoos and Anis
Order: Cuculiformes
Family: Cuculidae
The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. Unlike the cuckoo species of the Old World, North American cuckoos are not brood parasites. There are 138 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Pied Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus
Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius
Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus
Klaas's Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas
White-browed Coucal Centropus superciliosus
Barn owls
Order: Strigiformes
Family: Tytonidae
Barn owls are medium to large sized owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. There are 16 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Saudi Arabia.
Barn Owl Tyto alba
Typical owls
Order: Strigiformes
Family: Strigidae
Typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk. There are 195 species worldwide and 11 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Indian Scops Owl Otus bakkamoena
Pallid Scops Owl Otus brucei
African Scops Owl Otus senegalensis
European Scops Owl Otus scops
Eurasian Eagle-owl Bubo bubo
Pharaoh Eagle-owl Bubo ascalaphus
Spotted Eagle-owl Bubo africanus
Hume's Owl Strix butleri
Little Owl Athene noctua
Long-eared Owl Asio otus
Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus
Nightjars
Order: Caprimulgiformes
Family: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds with long wings, short legs and very short bills that usually nest on the ground. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves. There are 86 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Eurasian Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus
Egyptian Nightjar Caprimulgus aegyptius
Nubian Nightjar Caprimulgus nubicus
Abyssinian Nightjar Caprimulgus poliocephalus
Plain Nightjar Caprimulgus inornatus
Swifts
Order: Apodiformes
Family: Apodidae
Swifts are small aerial birds, spending the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings that resemble a crescent or a boomerang. There are 98 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
African Palm-Swift Cypsiurus parvus
Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba
Common Swift Apus apus
Pallid Swift Apus pallidus
Little Swift Apus affinis
Kingfishers
Order: Coraciiformes
Family: Alcedinidae
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. There are 93 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis
Gray-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala
Collared Kingfisher Todirhamphus chloris
Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis
Bee-eaters
Order: Coraciiformes
Family: Meropidae
The bee-eaters are a group of near passerine birds in the family Meropidae. Most species are found in Africa but others occur in southern Europe, Madagascar, Australia and New Guinea. They are characterised by richly coloured plumage, slender bodies and usually elongated central tail feathers. All are colorful and have long downturned bills and pointed wings, which give them a swallow-like appearance when seen from afar. There are 26 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Somali Bee-eater Merops revoilii
White-throated Bee-eater Merops albicollis
Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis
Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus
European Bee-eater Merops apiaster
Typical Rollers
Order: Coraciiformes
Family: Coraciidae
Rollers resemble crows in size and build, but are more closely related to the kingfishers and bee-eaters. They share the colourful appearance of those groups with blues and browns predominating. The two inner front toes are connected, but the outer toe is not. There are 12 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
European Roller Coracias garrulus
Abyssinian Roller Coracias abyssinica
Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis
Hoopoes
Order: Coraciiformes
Family: Upupidae
Hoopoes have black, white and orangey-pink colouring with a large erectile crest on their head. There are 2 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Saudi Arabia.
Hoopoe Upupa epops
Hornbills
Order: Coraciiformes
Family: Bucerotidae
Hornbills are a group of birds whose bill is shaped like a cow's horn, but without a twist, sometimes with a casque on the upper mandible. Frequently, the bill is brightly coloured. There are 57 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Saudi Arabia.
African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus
Woodpeckers and allies
Order: Piciformes
Family: Picidae
Woodpeckers are small to medium sized birds with chisel like beaks, short legs, stiff tails and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward, and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks. There are 218 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla
Arabian Woodpecker Dendrocopos dorae
Larks
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Alaudidae
Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds. There are 91 species worldwide and 16 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Singing Bushlark Mirafra cantillans
Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix nigriceps
Bar-tailed Lark Ammomanes cincturus
Desert Lark Ammomanes deserti
Greater Hoopoe-Lark Alaemon alaudipes
Thick-billed Lark Ramphocoris clotbey
Bimaculated Lark Melanocorypha bimaculata
Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla
Blanford's Lark Calandrella blanfordi
Lesser Short-toed Lark Calandrella rufescens
Dunn's Lark Eremalauda dunni
Crested Lark Galerida cristata
Wood Lark Lullula arborea
Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis
Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula
Temminck's Lark Eremophila bilopha
Swallows and Martins
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Hirundinidae
The Hirundinidae family is a group of passerines characterized by their adaptation to aerial feeding. Their adaptations include a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and short bills with wide gape. The feet are designed for perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. There are 75 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Bank Swallow Riparia riparia
Plain Martin Riparia paludicola
Eurasian Crag-Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris
Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica
Common House-Martin Delichon urbica
Wagtails and Pipits
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Motacillidae
The Motacillidae are a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country. There are 54 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
White Wagtail Motacilla alba
Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
Gray Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
Richard's Pipit Anthus richardi
African Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus
Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris
Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis
Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis
Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni (A)
Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis
Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus
Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta
Bulbuls
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Pycnonotidae
Bulbuls are medium-sized songbirds. Some are colourful with yellow, red or orange vents, cheeks, throat or supercilia, but most are drab, with uniform olive brown to black plumage. Some species have distinct crests.There are 130 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus (I)
White-spectacled Bulbul Pycnonotus xanthopygos
White-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus leucotis
White-cheeked Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys
Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer (I)
Grey Hypocolius
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Hypocoliidae
The Grey Hypocolius is a small Middle Eastern bird. They are mainly a uniform grey color, with males having a black triangular mask around the eyes, and with the shape and soft plumage of the waxwings.
Hypocolius Hypocolius ampelinus
Accentors
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Prunellidae
The accentors are in the only bird family, Prunellidae, which is completely endemic to the Palearctic. They are small, fairly drab species superficially similar to sparrows. There are 13 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Saudi Arabia.
Yemen Accentor Prunella fagani
Thrushes and allies
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Turdidae
The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs. There are 335 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Rufous-tailed Rock-Thrush Monticola saxatilis
Little Rock-Thrush Monticola rufocinereus
Blue Rock-Thrush Monticola solitarius
Yemen Thrush Turdus menachensis
Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus
Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula
Dark-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis
Dusky Thrush Turdus naumanni
Fieldfare Turdus pilaris
Redwing Turdus iliacus
Song Thrush Turdus philomelos
Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus
Cisticolas and allies
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Cisticolidae
The Cisticolidae are warblers found mainly in warmer southern regions of the Old World. They are generally very small birds of drab brown or grey appearance found in open country such as grassland or scrub. There are 111 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis
Streaked Scrub-Warbler Scotocerca inquieta
Graceful Prinia Prinia gracilis
Old World warblers
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Sylviidae
The family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. The Sylviidae mainly occur as breeding species, as the common name implies, in Europe, Asia and, to a lesser extent Africa. Most are of generally undistinguished appearance, but many have distinctive songs. There are 291 species worldwide and 43 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia
Eurasian River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis
Savi's Warbler Locustella luscinioides
Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon
Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
Eurasian Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus
African Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus baeticatus
Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris
Great Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus
Clamorous Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus
Basra Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus griseldis
Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata (A)
Sykes's Warbler Hippolais rama
Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida
Upcher's Warbler Hippolais languida
Olive-tree Warbler Hippolais olivetorum
Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina
Brown Woodland-Warbler Phylloscopus umbrovirens
Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus
Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita
Plain Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus neglectus
Western Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli
Eastern Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus orientalis
Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix
Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus
Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus
Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis (A)
Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides
Yemen Warbler Sylvia buryi
Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla
Garden Warbler Sylvia borin
Greater Whitethroat Sylvia communis
Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca
Small Whitethroat Sylvia minula
African Desert Warbler Sylvia deserti
Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria
Eastern Orphean Warbler Sylvia crassirostris
Red Sea Warbler Sylvia leucomelaena
Rueppell's Warbler Sylvia rueppelli
Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans
Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala (A)
Cyprus Warbler Sylvia melanothorax
Menetries's Warbler Sylvia mystacea
Old World flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Muscicapidae
Old World flycatchers are a large group of small passerine birds native to the Old World. They are mainly small arboreal insectivores. The appearance of these birds is very varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls. There 274 species worldwide and 34 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata
Gambaga Flycatcher Muscicapa gambagae
Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis
Semicollared Flycatcher Ficedula semitorquata
Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva
European Robin Erithacus rubecula
Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia
Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos
Bluethroat Luscinia svecica
White-throated Robin Irania gutturalis
Rufous-tailed Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas galactotes
Black Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas podobe
Rufous-backed Redstart Phoenicurus erythronota
Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus
White-winged Redstart Phoenicurus erythrogaster
Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maura
Whinchat Saxicola rubetra
European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola
Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata
White-tailed Wheatear Oenanthe leucopyga
Hooded Wheatear Oenanthe monacha
Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens
Finsch's Wheatear Oenanthe finschii
Red-rumped Wheatear Oenanthe moesta
Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka
Cyprus Wheatear Oenanthe cypriaca
Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica
Red-tailed Wheatear Oenanthe xanthoprymna
Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti
Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina
Red-breasted Wheatear Oenanthe bottae
Blackstart Cercomela melanura
Monarch flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Monarchidae
The monarch flycatchers are small to medium-sized insectivorous passerines, which hunt by flycatching. There are 99 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Saudi Arabia.
African Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis
Babblers
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Timaliidae
The babblers or timaliids are somewhat diverse in size and coloration, but are characterised by soft fluffy plumage. There are 270 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Saudi Arabia.
Arabian Babbler Turdoides squamiceps
Penduline tits
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Remizidae
The penduline tits are a group of small passerine birds, related to the true tits. They are insectivores. There are 13 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Saudi Arabia.
Eurasian Penduline-Tit Remiz pendulinus
Sunbirds and Spiderhunters
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Nectariniidae
The sunbirds and spiderhunters are very small passerine birds which feed largely on nectar, although they will also take insects, especially when feeding young. Flight is fast and direct on their short wings. Most species can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, but usually perch to feed. There are 131 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Nile Valley Sunbird Hedydipna metallica
Palestine Sunbird Cinnyris oseus
Shining Sunbird Cinnyris habessinicus
White-eyes
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Zosteropidae
The white-eyes are small and are mostly of undistinguished appearance, the plumage above being generally either some dull color like greenish olive, but some species have a white or bright yellow throat, breast or lower parts, and several have buff flanks. As their name suggests many species have a white ring around the eyes. There are 96 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Saudi Arabia.
White-breasted White-eye Zosterops abyssinicus
Old World Orioles
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Oriolidae
The Old World Orioles are colourful passerine birds. They are not related to the New World orioles. There are 29 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Saudi Arabia.
Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus
Shrikes
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Laniidae
Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A typical shrike's beak is hooked, like a bird of prey. There are 31 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio
Rufous-tailed Shrike Lanius isabellinus
Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus
Southern Gray Shrike Lanius meridionalis
Lesser Gray Shrike Lanius minor
Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus
Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator
Bushshrikes and allies
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Malaconotidae
Bushshrikes are similar in habits to shrikes, hunting insects and other small prey from a perch on a bush. Although similar in build to the shrikes, these tend to be either colourful species or largely black; some species are quite secretive. There are 46 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Saudi Arabia.
Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegala
Crows, Jays, Ravens and Magpies
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Corvidae
The Corvidae family includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers, and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size for the bird order Passeriformes. Some of the larger species show high levels of learning behavior. There are 120 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Eurasian Magpie Pica pica
Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
Eurasian Jackdaw Corvus monedula (A)
House Crow Corvus splendens
Rook Corvus frugilegus
Carrion Crow Corvus corone
Brown-necked Raven Corvus ruficollis
Fan-tailed Raven Corvus rhipidurus
Starlings
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Sturnidae
Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. Their flight is strong and direct, and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country. They eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen. There are 125 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Common Myna Acridotheres tristis
Rosy Starling Pastor roseus
European Starling Sturnus vulgaris
Violet-backed Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster
Tristram's Starling Onychognathus tristramii
Weavers and allies
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Ploceidae
The weavers are small passerine birds related to the finches. They are seed-eating birds with rounded conical bills. The males of many species are brightly coloured, usually in red or yellow and black, some species show variation in colour only in the breeding season. There are 116 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Saudi Arabia.
Rueppell's Weaver Ploceus galbula
Waxbills and allies
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Estrildidae
The estrildid finches are small passerine birds of the Old World tropics and Australasia. They are gregarious and often colonial seed-eaters with short thick but pointed bills. They are all similar in structure and habits, but have a wide variation in plumage colours and pattern. There are 141 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Arabian Waxbill Estrilda rufibarba
Red Avadavat Amandava amandava (I)
Zebra Waxbill Sporaeginthus subflavus
African Silverbill Euodice cantans
White-throated Munia Euodice malabarica
Buntings, Sparrows, Seedeaters and allies
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Emberizidae
The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with a distinctively shaped bill. In Europe, most species are named as buntings. In North America, most of the species in this family are known as Sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns. There are species 275 worldwide and 13 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos
Cinereous Bunting Emberiza cineracea
Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana
Cretzschmar's Bunting Emberiza caesia
House Bunting Emberiza striolata
Cinnamon-breasted Bunting Emberiza tahapisi
Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla
Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica
Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola
Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala
Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps
Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus
Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra
Siskins, Crossbills and allies
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Fringillidae
Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have 12 tail feathers and 9 primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well. There are 137 species worldwide and 14 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
Brambling Fringilla montifringilla
Golden-winged Grosbeak Rhynchostruthus socotranus
Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus
Pale Rosefinch Carpodacus synoicus
European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris
Eurasian Siskin Carduelis spinus
European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis
Eurasian Linnet Carduelis cannabina
Yemen Linnet Carduelis yemenensis
Olive-rumped Serin Serinus rothschildi
Yemen Serin Serinus menachensis
Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githaginea
Desert Finch Rhodospiza obsoleta
Sparrows
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Passeridae
Sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or grey birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed-eaters, and they also consume small insects. There are 35 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Saudi Arabia.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis
Dead Sea Sparrow Passer moabiticus
Arabian Golden Sparrow Passer euchlorus
Chestnut-shouldered Petronia Petronia xanthocollis
Bush Petronia Petronia dentata
Pale Rockfinch Carpospiza brachydactyla
See also
List of birds
Lists of birds by region
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article List of birds of Saudi Arabia
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