List of birds of Kuwait

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This is a list of the bird species recorded in Kuwait. The avifauna of Kuwait include a total of 416 species, of which 8 have been introduced by humans. One species listed is extirpated in Kuwait.

This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the conventions of The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 2022 edition. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflect this taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family account. Introduced and accidental species are included in the total counts for Kuwait.

The following tags have been used to highlight several categories. The commonly occurring native species do not fall into any of these categories.

  • (A) Accidental - a species that rarely or accidentally occurs in Kuwait
  • (I) Introduced - a species introduced to Kuwait as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions
  • (Ex) Extirpated - a species that no longer occurs in Kuwait although populations exist elsewhere
  • (X) Extinct - a species or subspecies that no longer exists


Ostriches[edit]

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.

Common name Vernacular name Trinomial name Status in the country Global status Notes Image
Arabian ostrich النعامة
Al-Na3ama		 Struthio camelus ssp syriacus X Extinct Formerly widespread in the Arabian peninsula

Ducks, geese, and waterfowl[edit]

Order: Anseriformes   Family: Anatidae

Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Graylag goose Anser anser N Least concern Increase Winter visitor
Greater white-fronted goose Anser albifrons A Least concern ? Vagrant
Mute swan Cygnus olor A Least concern Increase Single vagrant record from 1997
Ruddy shelduck Tadorna ferruginea A Least concern ? Vagrant
Common shelduck Tadorna tadorna N Least concern Increase Scarce winter visitor
Garganey Spatula querquedula N Least concern Decrease Passage migrant and winter visitor
Northern shoveler Spatula clypeata N Least concern Decrease Winter visitor
Gadwall Mareca strepera N Least concern Increase Scarce winter visitor
Eurasian wigeon Mareca penelope N Least concern Decrease Winter visitor
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos N Least concern Increase Common winter visitor
Northern pintail Anas acuta N Least concern Decrease Winter visitor
Green-winged teal Anas crecca N Least concern ? Winter visitor
Marbled teal Marmaronetta angustirostris A Vulnerable Decrease Vagrant
Red-crested pochard Netta rufina A Least concern ? Vagrant
Common pochard Aythya ferina R Vulnerable Decrease Scarce migrant
Ferruginous duck Aythya nyroca N Near threatened Decrease Formerly a vagrant, now a rare established breeder
Tufted duck Aythya fuligula N Least concern Steady Rare winter visitor
Long-tailed duck Clangula hyemalis R Vulnerable Decrease Vagrant
Red-breasted merganser Mergus serrator A Least concern Steady Single vagrant record from 1997

Pheasants, grouse, and allies[edit]

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 vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
See-see partridge Ammoperdix griseogularis I Least concern Steady Introduced
Common quail Coturnix coturnix N Least concern Decrease Passage migrant
Chukar Alectoris chukar I Least concern Steady Introduced
Black francolin Francolinus francolinus A Least concern Steady Vagrant

Flamingos[edit]

Order: Phoenicopteriformes   Family: Phoenicopteridae

Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 m) tall, found in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. 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, uniquely, are used upside-down.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Greater flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus N Least concern Increase Common overwintering species; scarce breeder
Lesser flamingo Phoeniconaias minor A Near threatened Decrease Vagrant occasionally recorded, often alongside its more common relative

Grebes[edit]

Order: Podicipediformes   Family: Podicipedidae

Grebes are small to medium-large 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.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis N Least concern Decrease Resident
Horned grebe Podiceps auritus A Vulnerable Decrease Vagrant with 2 records
Red-necked grebe Podiceps grisegena A Least concern Decrease Vagrant
Great crested grebe Podiceps cristatus R Least concern ? Rare passage migrant
Eared grebe Podiceps nigricolis N Least concern ? Winter visitor

Pigeons and doves[edit]

Order: Columbiformes   Family: Columbidae

Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Rock dove (and domestic variants) Columba livia N Least concern Decrease Domestic variants common everywhere, wild rock doves may be found near the coast
Stock dove Columba oenas A Least concern Increase Vagrant
Common wood-pigeon Columba palumbus N Least concern Increase Overwintering species
Turtle-dove Streptopelia turtur R Vulnerable Decrease Rare breeder
Oriental dove Streptopelia orientalis R Least concern Steady Scarce disperser, very prone to vagrancy and often found outside its defined migratory range
Eurasian collared-dove Streptopelia decocto N Least concern Increase Common
African collared-dove Streptopelia roseogrisea I Least concern ? Introduced; similar to the Eurasian relative; however, the tail has a different underside pattern
Laughing dove Streptopelia senegalensis N Least concern Steady Common
Namaqua dove Oena capensis N Least concern Increase Resident and scarce disperser

Sandgrouse[edit]

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.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global Status Trend Notes Image
Pin-tailed sandgrouse Pterocles alchata N Least concern Steady Increasingly rare overwintering species
Chestnut-bellied sandgrouse Pterocles exustus A Least concern Steady Vagrant
Spotted sandgrouse Pterocles senegallus N Least concern Steady Scarce passage migrant
Black-bellied sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis N Least concern Decrease Rare overwintering species

Bustards[edit]

Order: Otidiformes   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.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
MacQueen's bustard Chlamydotis macqueenii R Vulnerable Decrease Formerly a resident breeder, now an irregular winter visitor

Cuckoos[edit]

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. The Old World cuckoos are brood parasites.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Great spotted cuckoo Clamator glandarius R Least concern Steady Scarce disperser
Asian koel Eudynamys scolopaceus A Least concern Steady Vagrant, single record
Common cuckoo Cuculus canorus N Least concern Decrease Passage migrant

Nightjars and allies[edit]

Order: Caprimulgiformes   Family: Caprimulgidae

Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global Status Trend Notes Image
Eurasian nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus N Least concern Decrease Passage migrant
Egyptian nightjar Caprimulgus aegyptius R Least concern Decrease Rare passage migrant

Swifts[edit]

Order: Caprimulgiformes   Family: Apodidae

Swifts are small birds which spend 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 which resemble a crescent or boomerang.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Alpine swift Tachymarptis melba R Least concern Steady Rare passage migrant
Common swift Apus apus N Least concern Steady Uncommon winter visitor
Pallid swift Apus pallidus N Least concern Steady Winter visitor
Little swift Apus affinis A Least concern Increase Vagrant

Rails, gallinules, and coots[edit]

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, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Water rail Rallus aquaticus R Least concern Decrease Winter visitor
Corncrake Crex crex R Least concern Steady Rare passage migrant
Spotted crake Porzana porzana N Least concern Steady Uncommon passage migrant
Eurasian moorhen Gallinula chloropus N Least concern Steady Common
Eurasian coot Fulica atra N Least concern Increase Resident and winter visitor
Grey-headed swamphen Porphyrio poliocephalus N Not recognised by the IUCN ? Resident breeder
White-breasted waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus A Least concern ? Vagrant
Little crake Porzana parva N Least concern Steady Uncommon migrant
Baillon's crake Zapornia pusilla N Least concern ? Uncommon migrant

Cranes[edit]

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".

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Common crane Grus grus A Least concern Increase Vagrant
Demoiselle crane Grus virgo A Least concern Increase Vagrant

Thick-knees[edit]

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.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Eurasian thick-knee Burhinus oedicnemus N Least concern Decrease Passage migrant and overwintering

Stilts and avocets[edit]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Recurvirostridae

Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Black-winged stilt Himantopus himantopus N Least concern Increase Migrant and breeder
Pied avocet Recurvirostra avosetta N Least concern ? Common winter visitor

Oystercatchers[edit]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Haematopodidae

The oystercatchers are large and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global Status Trend Notes Image
Eurasian oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus N Near threatened Decrease Passage migrant

Plovers and lapwings[edit]

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.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Frequency Image
Black-bellied plover Pluvialis squatarola N Least concern Decrease Common, found on coasts and shores
European golden-plover Pluvialis apricaria R Least concern Increase Few annual records
Pacific golden-plover Pluvialis fulva N Least concern Decrease Winter visitor and passage migrant
Northern lapwing Vanellus vanellus N Near threatened Decrease Winter visitor
Spur-winged lapwing Vanellus spinosus ? Least concern Increase Uncertain
Red-wattled lapwing Vanellus indicus N Least concern ? Migrant and breeding resident
Sociable lapwing Vanellus gregarius R Critically endangered Decrease Considered a vagrant, though it seems to frequent some farms and reserves
White-tailed lapwing Vanellus leucurus R Least concern ? Winter visitor
Lesser sand plover Charadrius mongolus N Least concern ? Common year-round
Greater sand plover Charadrius leschenaultii N Least concern Decrease Common year-round
Caspian plover Charadrius asiaticus N Least concern Decrease Scarce passage migrant
Kentish plover Charadrius alexandrinus N Least concern Decrease Resident breeder
Common ringed plover Charadrius hiaticula N Least concern Decrease Common year-round
Little ringed plover Charadrius dubius N Least concern ? Breeding, leaves the country in winter
Eurasian dotterel Charadrius morinellus N Least concern Decrease Scarce and elusive winter visitor

Sandpipers and allies[edit]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Scolopacidae

Scolopacidae is 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 these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enables multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Frequency Image
Eurasian curlew Numenius arquata N Near threatened Decrease Winter visitor
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus N Least concern Decrease Passage migrant
Little curlew Numenius minutus A Least concern Steady Single vagrant record in 2007
Slender-billed curlew Numenius tenuirostris X Critically endangered Decrease Few records of this species have been obtained in recent times, and it is feared extinct
Bar-tailed godwit Limosa lapponica N Near threatened Decrease Passage migrant and winter visitor
Black-tailed godwit Limosa limosa N Near threatened Decrease Passage migrant and winter visitor
Ruddy turnstone Arenaria interpres N Least concern Decrease Passage migrant and winter visitor
Great knot Calidris tenuirostris R Endangered Decrease Rare migrant
Red knot Calidris canutus A Near threatened Decrease Vagrant with 9 records
Ruff Calidris pugnax N Least concern Decrease Common
Broad-billed sandpiper Calidris falcinellus N Least concern Decrease Passage migrant
Curlew sandpiper Calidris ferruginea N Near threatened Decrease Passage migrant and visitor in late winter
Temminck's stint Calidris temminckii N Least concern ? Passage migrant and winter visitor; common on shores and rocky coasts
Sanderling Calidris alba N Least concern ? Passage migrant and winter visitor
Dunlin Calidris alpina N Least concern Decrease Winter visitor
Purple sandpiper Calidris maritima A Least concern Decrease Vagrant
Little stint Calidris minuta N Least concern Increase Winter visitor
Pectoral sandpiper Calidris melatonos A Least concern Steady Single vagrant record in 2011
Jack snipe Lymnocryptes minimus N Least concern Steady Scarce and elusive winter visitor
Eurasian woodcock Scolopax rusticola A Least concern Steady Rare winter visitor
Common snipe Gallinago gallinago N Least concern Decrease Passage migrant and winter visitor
Great snipe Gallinago media R Near threatened Decrease Rare passage migrant
Pin-tailed snipe Gallinago stenura A Least concern ? Vagrant
Terek sandpiper Xenus cinereus N Least concern Decrease Resident
Red-necked phalarope Phalaropus lobatus N Least concern Decrease Scarce passage migrant
Red phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius A Least concern Decrease Rare winter visitor
Common sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos N Least concern Decrease Very common throughout winter and late summer
Green sandpiper Tringa ochropus N Least concern Increase Relatively common throughout winter and spring
Spotted redshank Tringa erythropus N Least concern Steady Common winter visitor and passage migrant
Common greenshank Tringa nebularia N Least concern Steady Common winter visitor and passage migrant
Marsh sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis N Least concern Decrease Somewhat common winter visitor and passage migrant
Wood sandpiper Tringa glareola N Least concern Steady Common winter visitor and passage migrant
Common redshank Tringa totanus N Least concern ? Winter visitor and passage migrant

Crab plover[edit]

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.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global Status Trend Notes Image
Crab-plover Dromas ardeola N Least concern Steady Migrant and breeder

Pratincoles and coursers[edit]

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.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Cream-coloured courser Cursorius cursor N Least concern Decrease Scarce resident and common migrant
Collared pratincole Glareola pratincola N Least concern Decrease Passage migrant
Oriental pratincole Glareola maldivarum A Least concern Decrease Single vagrant record in 2008
Black-winged pratincole Glareola nordmanni N Near threatened Decrease Passage migrant

Skuas and jaegers[edit]

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.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Pomarine skua Stercorarius pomarinus N Least concern Steady Summer visitor
Arctic skua Stercorarius parasiticus N Least concern Steady Summer visitor
Long-tailed jaeger Stercorarius longicaudus A Least concern Steady Vagrant with 3 records

Gulls, terns, and skimmers[edit]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Laridae

Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds, the gulls, terns and kittiwakes. Gulls are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. Terns are a group of generally medium to large seabirds 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 known to live in excess of 30 years.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Black-legged kittiwake Rissa tridactyla A Vulnerable Decrease Vagrant
Sabine's gull Xema sabini A Least concern Steady Vagrant recorded in 2016
Slender-billed gull Chroicocephalus genei N Least concern ? Abundant winter visitor
Black-headed gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus N Least concern ? Common winter visitor
Brown-headed gull Chroicocephalus brunnicephalua A Least concern Steady Vagrant
Little gull Hydrocoloeus minutus A Least concern Increase Vagrant
Franklin's gull Leucophaeus pipixan A Least concern Increase Vagrant
Mediterranean gull Larus melanocephalus A Least concern Decrease Vagrant often recorded during passage migration seasons
White-eyed gull Larus leucophthalmus A Least concern Steady Vagrant recorded once in 2018
Pallas's gull Larus ichthyaetus N Least concern Increase Overwintering species
Mew gull Larus canus R Least concern ? Rare winter visitor
Caspian gull Larus cachinnans N Least concern Increase Overwintering species
Armenian gull Larus armenicus R Least concern Increase Rare visitor during winter months
Lesser black-backed gull Larus fuscus N Least concern Increase Overwintering species
Bridled tern Onychoprion anaethetus N Least concern ? Breeder and passage migrant
Little tern Sternula albifrons N Least concern Decrease Passage migrant
Saunders's tern Sternula saundersi N Least concern Decrease Migrant and breeder
Gull-billed tern Gelocheilodon nilotica N Least concern Decrease Overwintering species
Tschegrava Hydroprogne caspia N Least concern Increase Resident breeder
White-winged tern Chlidonias niger A Least concern Steady Passage migrant
Black tern Chlidonias leucopterus N Least concern Decrease Vagrant with several records
Whiskered tern Chlidonias hybrida N Least concern Steady Common
Common tern Sterna hirundo N Least concern ? Uncommon passage migrant
Arctic tern Sterna paradisaea A Least concern Decrease Vagrant recorded occasionally at Al Jahra bay
White-cheeked tern Sterna repressa N Least concern Decrease Common
Great crested tern Thalasseus bergii N Least concern Steady Passage migrant
Sandwich tern Thalasseus sandvicensis N Least concern Steady Winter visitor
Lesser crested-tern Thalasseus bengalensis N Least concern Steady Common

Tropicbirds[edit]

Order: Phaethontiformes   Family: Phaethontidae

Tropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans, with exceptionally long central tail feathers. Their heads and long wings have black markings.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Red-billed tropicbird Phaethon aethereus A Least concern Decrease Vagrant, last seen almost 50 years ago

Loons[edit]

Order: Gaviiformes   Family: Gaviidae

Loons, known as divers in Europe, are a group of aquatic birds found in many parts of North America and northern Europe. They are the size of a large duck or small goose, which they somewhat resemble when swimming, but to which they are completely unrelated.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Arctic loon Gavia arctica A Least concern Decrease Vagrant

Shearwaters and petrels[edit]

Order: Procellariiformes   Family: Procellariidae

The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized "true petrels", characterised by united nostrils with medium septum and a long outer functional primary.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Jouanin's petrel Bulweria fallax A Near threatened Decrease Vagrant with one record
Sooty shearwater Ardenna grisea A Near threatened Decrease Vagrant with 4 records
Short-tailed shearwater Ardenna tenuirostris A Least concern Decrease Vagrant
Tropical shearwater Puffinus bailloni A Least concern Steady Vagrant
Persian shearwater Puffinus persicus A Least concern Steady One record of about 25 birds in 1957, may be more abundant as the offshore waters of the nation are not frequented by birdwatchers

Storks[edit]

Order: Ciconiiformes   Family: Ciconiidae

Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute, but bill-clattering is an important mode of communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
White stork Ciconia ciconia N Least concern Increase Uncommon passage migrant
Black stork Ciconia nigra A Least concern ? Rare visitor in late spring

Cormorants and shags[edit]

Order: Suliformes   Family: Phalacrocoracidae

Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium to large coastal, fish-eating seabirds 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.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo N Least concern Increase Common throughout winter
Socotra cormorant Phalacrocorax nigrogularis E Vulnerable Decrease Endemic to the region

Frigatebirds[edit]

Order: Suliformes   Family: Fregatidae

Frigatebirds are large seabirds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black-and-white or completely black, with long wings and deeply forked tails. The males have colored inflatable throat pouches. They do not swim or walk and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Lesser frigatebird Fregata ariel A Least concern Decrease Recorded once in 2008

Boobies and gannets[edit]

Order: Suliformes   Family: Sulidae

The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups are medium to large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Masked booby Sula dactylatra A Least concern Decrease Vagrant with 2 records
Brown booby Sula leucogaster A Least concern Decrease Vagrant

Anhingas[edit]

Order: Suliformes   Family: Anhingidae

Anhingas or darters are often called "snake-birds" because of their long thin neck, which gives a snake-like appearance when they swim with their bodies submerged. The males have black and dark-brown plumage, an erectile crest on the nape and a larger bill than the female. The females have much paler plumage especially on the neck and underparts. The darters have completely webbed feet and their legs are short and set far back on the body. Their plumage is somewhat permeable, like that of cormorants, and they spread their wings to dry after diving.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
African darter Anhinga rufa A Least concern Decrease Vagrant, a single record of a pair in 2009

Pelicans[edit]

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Pelecanidae

Pelicans are large water birds with a distinctive pouch under their beak. As with other members of the order Pelecaniformes, they have webbed feet with four toes.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Great white pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus R Least concern ? Scarce disperser, recorded occasionally around Jahra bay
Dalmatian pelican Pelecanus crispus R Near threatened Decrease Vagrant to the mainland, though it breeds on Bubyan Island

Herons, egrets, and bitterns[edit]

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Ardeidae

The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Great bittern Botaurus stellaris R Least concern Decrease Rare winter visitor
Little bittern Ixobrychus minutus N Least concern Decrease Passage migrant
Grey heron Ardea cinerea N Least concern ? Resident and migrant
Purple heron Ardea purpurea N Least concern Decrease Resident and migrant
Great egret Egretta alba N Least concern ? Overwintering
Little egret Egretta garzetta N Least concern Increase Winter visitor
Western reef-heron Egretta gularis N Least concern Steady Uncommon resident, abundant winter visitor
Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis N Least concern Increase Passage migrant and winter visitor
Squacco heron Ardeola ralloides N Least concern ? Passage migrant
Indian pond-heron Ardeola grayii A Least concern ? Vagrant
Striated heron Butroides striata A Least concern Decrease Vagrant
Black-crowned night heron Nycticorax nycticorax N Least concern Decrease Winter visitor

Ibises and spoonbills[edit]

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Threskiornithidae

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.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Glossy ibis Plegadis falcinellus N Least concern Decrease Overwintering species
African sacred ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus A Least concern Steady Vagrant with 2 records
Eurasian spoonbill Platalea leucorodia R Least concern ? Rare migrant

Osprey[edit]

Order: Accipitriformes   Family: Pandionidae

The family Pandionidae contains only one species, the osprey. The osprey is a medium-large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Frequency Image
Osprey Pandion haliaetus N Least concern Increase Resident

Hawks, eagles, and kites[edit]

Order: Accipitriformes   Family: Accipitridae

Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey, which includes 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.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Black-winged kite Elanus caeruleus R Least concern Steady Scarce disperser
Egyptian vulture Neophron percnopterus R Endangered Decrease Rare passage migrant
European honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus R Least concern Steady Rare passage migrant
Crested honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus N Least concern Decrease Winter visitor
Eurasian griffon Gyps fulvus N Least concern Increase Scarce winter migrant
Cinereous vulture Aegypius monachus R Near threatened Decrease Scarce winter visitor
Lappet-faced vulture Torgos tracheliotos A Endangered Decrease Single vagrant recorded in 2008
Short-toed snake eagle Circaetus gallicus N Least concern Steady Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor
Great spotted eagle Clanga clanga N Vulnerable Decrease Overwintering species. White spots are more prominent in juveniles, though they tend to fade into adulthood.
Lesser spotted eagle Clanga pomarina R Least concern Steady Rare passage migrant
Booted eagle Hieraaetus pennatus N Least concern Steady Scarce passage migrant
Golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos A Least concern Steady Vagrant
Steppe eagle Aquila nipalensis N Endangered Decrease Passage migrant
Eastern imperial eagle Aquila heliaca R Vulnerable Decrease Rare overwintering species
Bonelli's eagle Aquila fasciata A Least concern Decrease Rare autumn disperser
Western marsh-harrier Circus aeruginosus N Least concern Steady Winter visitor
Hen harrier Circus cyaneus R Least concern Decrease Scarce winter visitor
Pallid harrier Circus macrourus N Near threatened Decrease Winter visitor
Montagu's harrier Circus pygargus N Least concern Decrease Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor
Shikra Accipiter badius N Least concern Steady Uncommon winter visitor
Levant sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes A Least concern Steady Vagrant
Eurasian sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus R Least concern Steady Scarce winter visitor
Northern goshawk Accipiter gentilis A Least concern ? Vagrant
Black kite Milvus migrans N Least concern Steady Very common overwintering species
White-tailed sea eagle Haliaeetus albicilla A Least concern Increase Rare winter visitor
Common buzzard Buteo buteo N Least concern Increase Common passage migrant
Long-legged buzzard Buteo rufinus A Least concern Steady Frequent winter visitor

Barn-owls[edit]

Order: Strigiformes   Family: Tytonidae

Barn-owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Barn owl Tyto alba N Least concern Steady Scarce disperser

Owls[edit]

Order: Strigiformes   Family: Strigidae

The 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.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Eurasian scops-owl Otus scops N Least concern Decrease Uncommon passage migrant. Recognised by its large ear tufts, it is rarely seen at day. The plumage may vary.
Pallid scops-owl Otus brucei A Least concern Steady Vagrant
Pharaoh eagle owl Bubo ascalaphus N Least concern Steady Uncommon resident
Lilith owlet Athene noctua N Least concern Steady Resident
Long-eared owl Asio otus A Least concern Decrease Vagrant
Short-eared owl Asio flammeus R Least concern Decrease Rare winter visitor

Hoopoes[edit]

Order: Bucerotiformes   Family: Upupidae

Hoopoes have black, white and orangey-pink colouring with a large erectile crest on their heads.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Eurasian hoopoe Upupa epops N Least concern Decrease Autumn and spring migrant

Kingfishers[edit]

Order: Coraciiformes   Family: Alcedinidae

Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs and stubby tails.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Common kingfisher Alcedo atthis N Least concern ? Uncommon wintering species
White-breasted kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis N Least concern Increase Uncommon resident
Pied kingfisher Ceryle rudis N Least concern ? Uncommon winter visitor

Bee-eaters[edit]

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 colourful and have long downturned bills and pointed wings, which give them a swallow-like appearance when seen from afar.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
European bee-eater Merops apiaster N Least concern Steady Common passage migrant
Arabian bee-eater Merops cyanophrys A Least concern Increase Vagrant
Blue-cheeked bee-eater Merops persicus N Least concern Steady Common passage migrant

Rollers[edit]

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.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
European roller Coracias garrulus N Least concern Decrease Passage migrant
Indian roller Coracias benghalensis N Least concern Increase Scarce disperser

Woodpeckers[edit]

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.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Eurasian wryneck Jynx torquilla N Least concern Steady Passage migrant

Falcons and caracaras[edit]

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 talons.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Lesser kestrel Falco naumanni N Least concern Steady Passage migrant
Common kestrel Falco tinnuculus N Least concern Decrease Common winter visitor
Red-footed falcon Falco vespertinus A Vulnerable Decrease Vagrant
Amur falcon Falco amurensis A Least concern Steady Vagrant
Eleonora's falcon Falco eleonorae A Least concern Increase Vagrant recorded once in 2018
Sooty falcon Falco concolor R Vulnerable Decrease Rare summer visitor
Merlin Falco columbarius R Least concern Decrease Rare winter visitor
Eurasian hobby Falco subbuteo N Least concern Decrease Winter visitor
Lanner falcon Falco biarmicus R Least concern Decrease Scarce disperser in autumn and spring
Saker falcon Falco cherrug R Endangered Decrease Rare winter migrant
Peregrine falcon Falco peregrinus R Least concern Increase Scarce disperser

Old World parrots[edit]

Order: Psittaciformes   Family: Psittaculidae

Characteristic features of parrots include a strong curved bill, upright stance, strong legs, and clawed zygodactyl feet. Many parrots are vividly colored, and some are multi-colored. In size they range from 8 cm (3.1 in) to 1 m (3.3 ft) in length. Old World parrots are found from Africa east across south and southeast Asia and Oceania to Australia and New Zealand.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Rose-ringed parakeet Alexandrinus krameri I Least concern Increase Introduced

Old World orioles[edit]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Oriolidae

The Old World orioles are colourful passerine birds. They are not related to the New World orioles.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Eurasian golden oriole Oriolus oriolus N Least concern Steady Late spring visitor

Drongos[edit]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Dicruridae

The drongos are mostly black or dark grey in colour, sometimes with metallic tints. They have long forked tails, and some Asian species have elaborate tail decorations. They have short legs and sit very upright when perched, like a shrike. They flycatch or take prey from the ground.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Black drongo Dicurus macrocercus A Least concern ? Vagrant recorded once
Ashy drongo Dicurus leucophaeus A Least concern ? Vagrant recorded thrice

Shrikes[edit]

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.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Red-backed shrike Lanius collurio N Least concern Decrease Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor
Turkestan shrike Lanius phoenicuroides N Least concern Steady Common winter migrant
Isabelline shrike Lanius isabellinus N Least concern Steady Common winter migrant
Brown shrike Lanius cristatus A Least concern Decrease Vagrant with one record
Bay-backed shrike Lanius vitattus A Least concern Steady Vagrant
Long-tailed shrike Lanius schach A Least concern ? Vagrant
Great grey shrike Lanius excubitor
• Lanius excubitor ssp. aucheri (Arabian grey shrike)
• Lanius excubitor ssp. pallidirostris (Steppe grey shrike)		 N Least concern Decrease Overwintering species
Lesser grey shrike Lanius minor N Least concern Decrease Uncommon passage migrant Lanîûs mînor
Masked shrike Lanius nubicus N Least concern Decrease Passage migrant and winter visitor
Woodchat shrike Lanius senator N Near threatened Decrease Passage migrant

Crows, jays, and magpies[edit]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Corvidae

The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
House crow Corvus splendens I Least concern Steady Introduced
Rook Corvus frugilegus A Least concern Decrease Vagrant with 3 records
Brown-necked raven Corvus rufficolis R Least concern Increase Scarce disperser
Hooded crow Corvus cornix A Not recognised by the IUCN Steady Vagrant with one record in 2012
Western jackdaw Coloeus monedula A Least concern Steady Recorded in 2023

Tits, chickadees, and titmice[edit]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Paridae

The Paridae are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Sombre tit Poecile lugubris A Least concern Steady Vagrant with a single record in 2009
Great tit Parus major A Least concern Increase Vagrant with a single record in 2006

Penduline-tits[edit]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Remizidae

The penduline-tits are a group of small passerine birds related to the true tits. They are insectivores.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Eurasian penduline-tit Remiz pendulinus N Least concern Increase Uncommon winter visitor

Larks[edit]

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.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Greater hoopoe-lark Alaemon alaudipes N Least concern Decrease Resident
Bar-tailed lark Ammomanes cincturus N Least concern Decrease Resident breeder
Desert lark Ammomanes deserti N Least concern Increase Resident
Black-crowned sparrow lark Eremopterix nigriceps N Least concern Increase Resident
Temminck's lark Eremophila bilopha N Least concern Decrease Uncommon disperser
Greater short-toed lark Calandrella brachydactyla N Least concern ? Winter visitor
Bimaculated lark Melanocorypha bimaculata R Least concern Steady Rare winter visitor
Calandra lark Melanocorypha calandra A Least concern Decrease Vagrant
Arabian lark Eremalauda eremodites A Least concern Steady Vagrant
Turkestan short-toed lark Eremalauda eremodites N Not recognised by the IUCN Decrease Uncommon in the country, this species is more likely to be encountered in open deserts. A new derivative, this species was considered conspecific with the lesser short-toed lark until 2020.
Woodlark Lullula arborea A Least concern Increase Vagrant
Eurasian skylark Alauda arvensis R Least concern Decrease scarce winter visitor
Oriental skylark Alauda gulgula R Least concern Decrease Scarce winter visitor
Crested lark Galerdia cristata N Least concern Decrease Breeding resident

Cisticolas and allies[edit]

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.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Frequency Image
Graceful prinia Prinia gracilis N Least concern Steady Winter visitor
Delicate prinia Prinia lepida A Not recognised by the IUCN ? Taxonomy disputed; it is considered part of the graceful prinia species complex by several authorities
Zitting cisticola Cisticola juncidis A Least concern Steady Vagrant with 5 records

Laughingthrushes and allies[edit]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Leiothrichidae

The members of this family are diverse in size and colouration, though those of genus Turdoides tend to be brown or greyish. The family is found in Africa, India, and southeast Asia.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Frequency Image
Afghan babbler Argya huttoni N Not recognised by the IUCN ? Scarce resident
Arabian babbler Argya squamiceps A Least concern Steady Vagrant

Reed warblers and allies[edit]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Acrocephalidae

The members of this family are usually rather large for "warblers". Most are rather plain olivaceous brown above with much yellow to beige below. They are usually found in open woodland, reedbeds, or tall grass. The family occurs mostly in southern to western Eurasia and surroundings, but it also ranges far into the Pacific, with some species in Africa.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Booted warbler Iduna caligata A Least concern Increase Vagrant
Syke's warbler Iduna rama A Least concern Steady Vagrant
Eastern olivaceous warbler Iduna pallida N Least concern Steady Scarce passage migrant
Upcher's warbler Hippolais languida N Least concern Steady Winter visitor
Olive-tree warbler Hippolais olivetorun A Least concern Steady Vagrant recorded once in 1972
Icterine warbler Hippolais icterina N Least concern Decrease Vagrant
Moustached warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon A Least concern Steady Vagrant Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon by Dr. Raju Kasambe (2)
Sedge warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus N Least concern Steady Rare passage migrant
Paddyfield warbler Acrocephalus agricola A Least concern Decrease Vagrant
Blyth's reed warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum A Least concern Increase Vagrant with 3 records
Marsh warbler Acrocephalus palustris R Least concern Steady Rare passage migrant
Eurasian reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus N Least concern Steady Uncommon
Basra reed warbler Eremalauda eremodites E Endangered Steady Endemic breeding species
Great reed warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus N Least concern Decrease Uncommon winter visitor
Oriental reed warbler Acrocephalus orientalis A Least concern Decrease Vagrant
Clamorous reed warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus N Least concern Steady Winter visitor

Grassbirds and allies[edit]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Locustellidae

Locustellidae are a family of small insectivorous songbirds found mainly in Eurasia, Africa, and the Australian region. They are smallish birds with tails that are usually long and pointed, and tend to be drab brownish or buffy all over.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global Status Trend Notes Image
River warbler Locustella fluviatilis A Least concern Decrease Vagrant
Savi's warbler Locustella luscinioides N Least concern Steady Winter visitor
Common grasshopper-warbler Locustella naevia N Least concern Steady Winter visitor

Swallows[edit]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Hirundinidae

The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base.

Common name Binomial name Status in the country Global status Trend Notes Image
Bank swallow Riparia riparia N Least concern Steady Common in both late summer and winter
Brown-throated martin Riparia paludicola A Least concern Decrease Vagrant
Grey-throated martin Riparia chinensis A Least concern Decrease Vagrant
Pale sand martin Riparia diluta A Least concern ? Vagrant
Eurasian crag-martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris R Least concern Steady Rare winter visitor

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