It is possible to see more than 540 bird species in Saudi Arabia, with its vast and varied terrains of desert, mountains and coastal areas. The number has risen gradually over the last few years as a result of greening programmes. During spring and autumn, about 320 species pass by on their migration from Siberia and Central Asia to warmer southern climates, and Arctic species gather in the Kingdom’s wetlands in their thousands.
Great Birding Spots
Areas of greenery and oases naturally attract a wide variety of birds, as do the wetlands and mudflats. Often you won’t need to go far to seek out fascinating species; keep your eyes open on telegraph wires and in parks and gardens, where improved irrigation has created new habitats that are attractive to birds because of the fruits, flowers and insects available.
The Kingdom has invested in creating reserves to protect and nurture birds, along with other wildlife. The nation’s coastline, the Arabian Gulf to the east and the Red Sea to the west, features offshore islands, Ashoura coastal tree forests, mudflats and lagoons, which attract species looking to feed and nest.
Birdwatching Locations
The Kingdom's unique geography encompasses many different types of landscapes, which each offer a very varied birding experience. BirdLife International, a partnership of conservation organisations that strives to conserve birds and their habitats globally, lists 39 Important Bird Areas in Saudi Arabia, stretching all across the country, and covering many different types of bird species. So, wherever you’re staying, you won’t have to travel far to find a good spot.
Al Ha’ir, in Riyadh, is a park with lakes not too far from the capital city, where you can enjoy waders such as black stilts, herons and egrets, as well as the resident Ferruginous ducks. Socotra cormorants can be spotted down the coastline with the Arabian Gulf, at Gulf Coral Islands and the Gulf of Salwah. Partridges, Arabian bustards and desert tawny owls have been sighted in the desert areas, overlooked by Egyptian, Bearded and Lappet-faced vultures. Steppe eagles are prolific over the Tuwayq escarpment.
The islands off the coast of Umluj, especially Libana, Ataweel and Um Sahar, attract migrants including cranes, kingfishers and white-tailed lapwings. Just north of Umluj’s main beach is a quieter spot with just a narrow strip of road separating the beach and an inlet lake, which may be a preferable spot for birders aiming to avoid the crowds.
If you make the trip to Al Ahsa Oasis, look out for the Eurasian hoopoe, bee-eaters, nightingales and bulbuls sheltering in the cool cave network in Al Qarah. Don’t miss a chance to venture onward to the Asfar Lake, the ‘yellow lake’, tucked away amid the desert dunes just outside the city. This spot, where the runoff from the surrounding farms accumulates, attracts winter breeders including the greater spotted eagle and moustached warbler.
Sabkhat al-Fasl reserve, near Jubail on the coast of the Arabian Gulf, attracts great flocks of flamingos during the winter months. The Asir Mountains in south-west Saudi Arabia and reaching into Yemen, is also an important site for endemic species.
FURTHER READING
Turn to the 'Natural World' section to find out more about the birds you may see in Saudi Arabia and where to find them.
The Environment
Saudi Arabia has a wealth of wildlife across its varied landscape of desert, mountains, coastal lagoons, Ashoura coastal tree forests, islands and coral reefs, as well as from its location in the centre of multiple migration routes for bird species.
In addition to birdwatching, wildlife lovers may see Saudi’s native baboons, gazelles, Cape hares and desert hedgehogs. As the Kingdom opens up for tourism, it is well aware of the need to protect its valuable biodiversity. It is already home to a large number of endangered species, including dugongs, sea turtles, the Arabian leopard, Arabian oryx and the Nubian ibex.
The nation’s environment faces many challenges as it continues to develop and grow its industries. The marine environment is threatened by fishing and an increase in marine transport, and many inland areas are affected by desertification and agricultural practices, while its forests face threats from pests, disease and invasive species.
In response, the Kingdom has outlined its National Environment Strategy, which aims to improve its management of the environment on all fronts. Among the measures being taken, there has been an increase in the number of designated protected areas and nature reserves to protect the nation’s environment and wildlife. It has bolstered its law enforcement with the Special Forces for Environmental Security (SFES), a dedicated taskforce established to take action against illegal poaching and logging; air, water and soil pollution; and other activities that could harm the natural ecosystems of mountainous land and coastal areas.
DOING YOUR BIT
Off-roaders currently have the freedom to travel almost anywhere in the countryside, but this depends on you being cautious, respectful and responsible.
- Wherever possible, travel on existing tracks. It’s not just visible flora and fauna that needs protection. Sensitive seeds, bulbs and wildlife exist on or just below the surface and this delicate ecosystem lies dormant for long periods, springing into life after sufficient rain and providing much-needed food for inhabitants of harsh environments
- Desert creatures can be shy and conceal themselves under rocks or stones to protect themselves from the sun or predators. Leave their precious habitat undisturbed and refrain from picking anything up
- In the desert, avoid what little plant life there is. This is better for your car too – desert plants often have roots that extend deep into the ground in search of water, and are fixed very firmly in place as a result
- Never throw litter from your vehicle or leave rubbish behind. Make sure you leave with everything you came with, or even more. There are plenty of bins along the roadside
- When camping in the mountains, if you stumble upon a perfect, flat area, it is possible that it's cultivated fields for crops. It is difficult enough to grow viable crops in this harsh climate without campers trampling over or pitching tents on arable land
- Graded tracks should be used with caution and at slow speeds. It is not uncommon to come across animals in the road, especially camels, or even hikers and cyclists. Driving at high speeds on bumpy, gravel surfaces, with unexpected twists and turns, is dangerous, and causes loose stones and dust to fly up in your wake
