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The
Kuwait
Bird Report
2005
Compiled by Brian Foster 2006 Kuwait
THE YEAR 2005
George
Gregory, who was instrumental in setting up BMAPT and had been
actively birding in Kuwait for 14 years, left Kuwait in April 2005.
His contribution to bird recording in Kuwait is immeasurable and the
publication of his new book, The Birds of the State of Kuwait, is
testimony to the work he has done. It is the definitive publication
on the status and records of birds in Kuwait. This book has been
used as the reference to assess the status of birds in this report
and the number of previous records of vagrants seen in 2005. George
will be returning to Kuwait in November 2006 on a six month contract
with the Voluntary Work Centre.
Two other resident
birders, Andrew Bailey and Pekka Fagel, left Kuwait in July 2005,
although Pekka Fagel returned on business on regular occasions and
found plenty of time for birding.
The Voluntary Work
Center took over management and development of the Nature Reserve at
Sulaibikhat Bay and the Sabah Al-Ahmed Natural Reserve (SAANR).
The Voluntary Work
Centre also organized a visit to Kubbar Island in June with about 45
participants to clear rubbish and erect conservation signs.
The Kuwait
Ornithological Rarities Committee (KORC) was re-established, the
members being Peter Cowan, Brian Foster, George Gregory and Thomas
Spencer.
The bird records of
the late Charles W.T. Pilcher, including a disc of computer records,
were found and are being explored by Peter Cowan and Thomas Spencer.
A number of important
breeding records were submitted to the Atlas of Breeding Birds of
Arabia (ABBA).
Four new species for
Kuwait were seen in 2005: Arctic Tern, Black Tern, Buff-bellied
Pipit and Grey-necked Bunting, plus a Long-tailed Shrike for 2004
After good winter
rains there was considerable regeneration of plant and animal life
in the Sabah Al-Ahmed Natural Reserve, Sulaibikhat Nature Reserve,
Jahra Pool Reserve and most of the oilfields, because fencing
prevented overgrazing. This resulted in an increase in bird life in
all of these places.
A study of spring
migration through Tulha in the SAANR was carried out by Brian Foster
and Pekka Fagel every weekend from 23 March 2005 to 2 June 2005.
Several visiting
birders contributed to the bird records for 2005.
The Annual Report 2004
was published and printed copies were distributed in Kuwait and the
United Kingdom.
Status reference, given after the scientific name, for each species
recorded in 2005
Abundant:
occurs annually in very large numbers (10,000+)
Very Common:
occurs annually in large numbers (1,000 - 9,999)
Common:
occurs annually in moderate numbers (100 - 999)
Uncommon:
occurs annually in small numbers (10 - 99)
Scarce:
occurs annually in very small numbers (1 - 9)
Rare:
does not occur annually but has occurred more than 10 times in total
Vagrant:
has occurred less than 10 times in total
Irregular:
occurs, not necessarily every year, in very variable numbers
Migrant:
passage through Kuwait in spring and autumn
Winter:
present in Kuwait from
November 1st to February 28th
Resident:
present in
Kuwait all year
Breeds:
breeds every year or most years
Has Bred:
breeding proved in the past but not recently
The 2005 report
contains a full list of all species seen in Kuwait and their status.
Contributing Observers during 2005
Kuwait-based for all or part of the year
Khalid Al-Nasrallah
KA-N
Abdullah Al-Fadhel
AA-F
Khalid Al-Ghanim
KA-G
Misha´l Al-Jeriwi
MA-J
Hussain Al-Qallaf
HA-Q
Musaad Al-Saleh
MA-S
Abdulrahman Al-Sirhan
AA-S
Abdulmuhsen Al-Suraye
AbA-S
Andrew Bailey AB
Pekka Fagel
PF
Brian Foster BF
George Gregory GG
Mike Ling ML
Rosemary Ling RL
Eisa Ramadan ER
Mahmoud Shihab MS
Visitors
Charlie Moores CM
Werner Muller WM
Mike Newey MN
Clive Templar CT
Jorma Tenovuo JT
Markku Varhimo MV
Initials are given for
the observers of all vagrant and rare species, and also for most of
the breeding records and highest daily counts for 2005.
Selected records of all species recorded during 2005
Greater
White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)
Vagrant
Three flying over Ras
Subiya on 5.2.2005 (GG), with all diagnostic features
observed, was the first confirmed record of live birds for Kuwait.
In the past hunters have apparently shot and identified this
species.
Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna
ferruginea)
Rare migrant and winter visitor
This was an
exceptional year for this species. One seen from Sulaibikhat Nature
Reserve on 28.1.2005 (PF, BF) and a different bird at South Doha on
this date and 29.1.2005 (WM). Three birds were present at East Doha
from 3.3.2005 to 17.3.2005 (PF,BF) and probably the same three birds
at Jahra East Outfall on 31.3.2005, two remaining on 4.4.2006 and
one on 6.5.2005. One was again at Jahra East Outfall on 11.7.2005 (A.A-S).
This made a probable total of 6 different birds seen.
Common Shelduck
(Tadorna tadorna) Common
migrant and winter visitor
Early year maximum 120
at Sulaibikhat Bay on 28.1.2005 (WM). Late year maximum 116 at
Sulaibikhat Bay from the Nature Reserve on 20.12.2005 (HA-Q). This
flock remained into 2006. One on the shore at East Doha on 23.6.2005
was on an unusually late date.
Eurasian Wigeon
(Anas penelope) Uncommon
migrant and winter visitor
Wintered in small
numbers. Maximum 12 at Jahra East Outfall on 29.1.2005.
Gadwall (Anas
strepera)
Uncommon migrant and scare winter visitor
No spring
records. The only autumn record was 2 at Sabah Al-Salem pool on
23.9.2005 (BF, ML, RL).
Teal (Anas
crecca)
Common winter visitor
Wintered in small
numbers at South Doha and Sabah Al-Salem pools and at several
coastal sites. Maximum 156 at Doha Power Station warm water outflow
at North Doha on 17.12.2005 (BF).
Mallard (Anas
platyrhynchos) Common
winter visitor
Wintered in small
numbers at several coastal sites. Maximum 28 at Doha Power Station
warm water outflow at North Doha on 2.12.2005 (PF, BF).
Garganey (Anas
querquedula)
Uncommon migrant
Observed at several
wetland sites on passage. Spring maximum 7 (4 males + 3 females) at
Sabah Al-Salem pool on 24.5.2005 (BF). Autumn maximum 6 at Sabah
Al-Salem pool on 23.9.2005(BF, ML, RL).
Northern Pintail
(Anas acuta)
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor
Wintered in small
numbers. Maximum 9 (4m + 5f) at Sabah Al-Salem pool on 19.1.2005
(BF). Smaller numbers were observed at this site on several other
dates and on the sea at Jahra East Outfall where there were 7 on
10.5.2005.
Northern Shoveler
(Anas clypeata)
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor
Wintered in moderate
numbers. Maximum 104 at Doha Power Station warm water outflow at
North Doha on 4.2.2005 (PF, BF, GG).
Common Pochard (Aythya
farina)
Rare migrant and winter visitor
A pair at Doha South
pools from 28.11.2005 to 1.12.2005 (PF, BF) was the only record.
Ferruginous Duck
(Aythya nyroca)
Vagrant
Three birds at Jahra
East Outfall on 26.6.2005 (AA-S) and independently a single bird was
also found at Jahra East Outfall on 30.6.2005, with all
identification features noted by AB. The second record for Kuwait.
Tufted Duck (Aythya
fuligata)
Rare migrant and winter visitor
A drake seen
associating with the pair of Pochard at Doha South pools from 28.11
to 1.12.2005 (PF, BF) was the only record.
Common Quail (Coturnix
coturnix)
Common migrant; has
bred
Regular sighting of
flushed birds during both spring and autumn migration. One was
singing at Kabd on 17.3.2005 (GG) but breeding was not confirmed.
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus
ruficollis)
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor
Wintered at South Doha
pools with a maximum 5 present on 2.12.2005 (PF, BF).
Great Crested Grebe
(Podiceps cristatus)
Rare migrant and winter visitor
One at Sabah Al-Salem
pool on 14.7.2005 (HA-Q) was the only record.
Black-necked Grebe
(Podiceps auritus)
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor
Two in breeding
plumage off Pipeline Beach on 16.3.2005. One at South Doha on
8.10.2005. Highest count of 3 present at South Doha pools throughout
December 2005 (PF, BF).
Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
Very common winter visitor
A
large flock wintered in Sulaibikhat Bay reaching a maximum 5000 on
17.12.2005 (BF), the highest ever daily count for Kuwait.
White Pelican (Pelecanus
onocratalus)
Rare disperser; has bred
One flew over East
Doha on 28.1.2005 (PF, BF) and a single bird was present at Jahra
East Outfall from 17.6.2005 to 16.9.2005 (AA-S, PF, BF).
Dalmatian Pelican
(Pelecanus crispus)
Vagrant
One found dead at
Jahra East Outfall on 6.3.2005 (GG) is the fifth record. Although
it was probably shot at this site it may have been washed in on the
high tide from elsewhere.
Great Bittern (Botaurus
stellaris)
Scarce migrant and winter
visitor
The only record this
year was of a single bird that flew over and into the reed bed at
Sewer Plant Reeds on 7.4.2005. It was seen by two of the three
observers present (PF, MV) much to the annoyance of BF who missed
it.
Little Bittern (Ixobrychus
minutus)
Uncommon migrant and scarce breeder
Present on passage at
most reed bed sites. One was also seen at the Tulha drinking pool in
the SAANR on 27.5.2005. Maximum daily count of 9 birds at South Doha
on 12.5.2005 (PF) and regularly calling there. Confirmed breeding at
a reed-fringed pool at Wafra Farms with 2 adults and 2 juveniles
present on 21.6.2005 (BF).
Black-crowned Night
Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Scarce migrant; has bred
Singles usually of
immature birds were seen at several wetland sites. An adult in reeds
on 23.6.2005 at South Doha pits was a possible breeder.
Squacco Heron (Ardeola
ralloides)
Uncommon migrant; possible breeder
Present at most
wetland sites on passage. The earliest spring record was on
24.2.2005 with 2 at East Doha and 3 at Sabah Al-Salem (GG, CM).
Maximum daily count 11 at Sabah Al-Salem. Breeding not confirmed
this year.
Cattle Egret (Bubulcus
ibis)
Uncommon disperser in autumn, winter and
spring
Small numbers were
seen at many sites in winter. Maximum 17 at Jahra Farms on 7.1.2005
(GG).
Western Reef Egret
(Egretta gularis)
Very common resident; breeds
Commonly seen at most
coastal sites with the highest counts in winter. Twenty pairs
observed nesting on Bubiyan Island on 28.4.2005, with eggs and pulli
observed (PF, BF).
Little Egret (Egretta
garzetta)
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor
Observed in small
numbers on most visits to Jahra East Outfall and South Doha.
Great Egret (Egretta
albus)
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor
Maximum 7 at Jahra
East Outfall on 4.2.2005 (PF, BF, GG) and regularly observed there.
Grey Heron (Ardea
cinerea)
Common resident; breeds
Observed nesting on
Bubiyan Island on 28.4.2005, with pulli seen (PF, BF). Maximum in
the high tide roost at the Sulaibikhat Nature Reserve was 221 on
10.3.2005. One leucistic bird was present there on 8.12.2005.
Purple Heron (Ardea
purpurea)
Uncommon migrant and rare winter visitor
Single birds were seen
at several wetland sites in spring and autumn. Maximum 3 at Sabriya
Farm on 19.3.2005 (GG) and 3 at Sabah Al-Salem on 26.3.2005 (BF).
One was present in winter at Jahra East Outfall on 8.11.2005.
Black Stork (Ciconia
nigra)
Vagrant
One flew over Jahra
East Outfall on 25.10.2005 (AA-S). It was photographed and is the
fourth record for Kuwait.
White Stork (Ciconia
ciconia)
Rare migrant
This has been a good
year for records of this species. 19 were seen during spring
migration roosting on a long irrigation arm at Kabd on 14/15.3.2005
(GG). During autumn passage 14 landed at Jahra East Outfall for
about 15 minutes before circling and flying off high south on
15.9.2005 (PF, BF). The next day, 16.9.2005, AA-S observed 19 birds
again at Jahra East. Possibly these were the same 14 with 5
additions or a completely new flock of passage migrants?
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis
falcinellus)
Uncommon migrant
Several sightings were
made at Jahra East Outfall, Sabah Al-Salem and Doha East in spring.
Highest count was 23 on 17.3.2005 at Jahra East Outfall (PF, BF, GG).
Unusual winter records were of two at Jahra East Outfall on 30 and
31.1.2005 (WM) and one at Jahra East Outfall on 11.12.2005 (AA-S).
Eurasian Spoonbill
(Platalea leucorodia)
Uncommon resident; breeds
Two pairs observed
nesting on Bubiyan Island on 28.4.2005 (PF, BF).
Greater Flamingo
(Phoenicopterus roseus)
Very common winter visitor
Maximum 2346 wintering
in Sulaibikhat Bay on 17.12.2005 (BF). A small summering flock of 23
birds at Doha East contained 6 adults and 17 first summer birds on
several dates from 20.4.2005 to 21.6.2005.
European Honey
Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
Scarce migrant
Singles over Sabriya
Farm on 28.4.2005, Tulha on 6.5.2005, Jahra East Outfall on
12.5.2005 and the Sabah Al-Ahmed Natural Reserve (SAANR) on
13.9.2005 were the only records.
Crested Honey
Buzzard (Pernis ptilorhynchus)
Scarce migrant
One found long dead at
Al-Abraq Al-Khabari on 7.1.2005 (GG) was probably shot during the
autumn 2004 migration.
Black Kite (Milvus
migrans)
Common migrant and winter visitor
Regular on passage at
most sites and in winter at sites nearer the city. The highest
winter count was 60 at Amghara rubbish tip on 10.2.2005 (PF).
Egyptian Vulture
(Neophron percnopterus)
Scarce migrant
In spring an adult
flew over Jahra East Outfall on 6.4.2005 (PF, MV).
Eurasian Black
Vulture (Aegypius monachus)
Rare disperser
One present in the
SAANR on 14 and 15.3.2005 (MA-J) was photographed.
Short-toed Eagle
(Circaetus gallicus)
Uncommon migrant; rare winter visitor
Seen on several dates
during spring and autumn passage. One at South Doha on 28.1.2005
(WM) and one at Jahra Pool Reserve on 27.2.2005 were probably
over-wintering. Maximum 3 in the SAANR on 8.4.2005 (PF, BF, MV).
Western Marsh
Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
Uncommon migrant and winter
Observed regularly on
passage and in winter at wetland sites such Jahra East Outfall.
Usually one or two birds, the vast majority being females/immatures.
The maximum count was of 5 at Jahra East Outfall on 9.10.2005
(AA-S).
Hen Harrier
(Circus cyaneus)
Rare migrant
Two ringtails from the
Failaka ferry on 5.4.2005 (PF, MV) were the only record this year.
Pallid Harrier
(Circus macrourus)
Common migrant
The most numerous
harrier species during passage migration and seen on most days
birding at this time of year. The earliest spring record was in the
SAANR on 10.3.2005. Highest daily count was 10 in the SAANR on the
8.4.2005 (PF, BF).
Montagu's Harrier
(Circus pygargus)
Uncommon migrant
A male flying over the
SAANR on the 29.4.2005 (PF, BF) was the only confirmed sighting this
year. Several distant ringtails could not be identified to a
particular species.
Eurasian
Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)
Common migrant; uncommon in winter
A commonly observed
passage migrant this year, usually single birds. Highest count of 6
at Al-Abraq Al-Khabari on 14.10.2005 (PF, BF).
Shikra
(Accipiter badius)
Scarce migrant and winter visitor
One was in the
Sulaibikhat Nature Reserve on 4.4.2005 (GG). A juvenile was at Al-Abraq
Al-Khabari on 14.10.2005 and was still present on 20.6.2005 (PF,
BF). Both observers were unsure of its identification as it seemed
rather large for Shikra but the identification was confirmed via
email by Dick Forsman from a photograph taken by PF. The Iranian
race A. b. cenchroides, probably the most likely to be seen
in Kuwait, is larger than races found elsewhere.
Levant Sparrowhawk
(Accipiter brevipes)
Rare migrant and winter visitor
An adult male at Al-Abraq
Al-Khabari on 14.10.2005 (PF, BF) was the only record.
Common Buzzard (Buteo
buteo)
Common migrant; scarce winter visitor
The race B. b.
vulpinus (Steppe Buzzard) was observed in small numbers during
both spring and autumn passage at several sites with a maximum count
of 4 at Al-Abraq Al-Khabari on 14.10.2005 (PF, BF).
Long-legged Buzzard
(Buteo rufinus)
Scarce migrant; uncommon winter visitor
Singles were seen at
many sites during passage and winter.
Lesser Spotted
Eagle
(Aquila pomarina)
Vagrant
One seen at Jahra East
Outfall on 25.3.2005 (AB, BF,GG) is the sixth record.
Greater Spotted
Eagle (Aquila clanga)
Uncommon migrant; scarce winter visitor
Four juvenile birds
wintered: 2 at South Doha and 2 at Jahra East Outfall. Singles have
been regularly seen on passage in the SAANR.
Steppe Eagle
(Aquila nipalensis)
Common migrant; scarce winter visitor
Seven over Jahra Pool
Reserve on 27.3.2005 (AB, BF, GG) was the highest daily count of
this regularly seen passage migrant.
Imperial Eagle
(Aquila heliaca)
Uncommon migrant; rare winter visitor
Two birds wintered at
Amghara rubbish tip and 1 or 2 per day were observed on several
dates during passage.
Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus
pennatus)
Scarce migrant
Only one record this
year was of a single bird flying over the Salmi Road at about
kilometre 75 on 27.3.2005 (BF, GG).
Osprey (Pandion
haliaetus)
Scarce migrant; rare winter visitor
Several sightings of
single birds. Maximum of 3 together at South Doha on 17.10.2005 (PF,
BF) and possibly the same 3 at Jahra East Outfall on 18.10.2005
(AA-S).
Lesser Kestrel (Falco
naumanni)
Common migrant
Regularly seen on
spring passage but less so during autumn. Maximum count of 22 over
Jahra Pool Reserve on 17.3.2005 (PF, BF, GG). Four or five birds
were seen over Jahra East Outfall on several dates in June (AA-S)
but there was no evidence of breeding.
Common Kestrel (Falco
tinnunculus)
Uncommon migrant and breeding resident
This species was
observed in a wide variety of habitats throughout the year. Maximum
count of 25 in the SAANR on 8.4.2005 (PF, BF) but breeding was not
confirmed.
Merlin (Falco
columbarius)
Rare winter visitor
A female wintering at
Kabd was observed on several occasions in January and February (GG).
Saker (Falco
cherrug)
Rare passage migrant; has wintered
The
only record was of one at Jahra East Outfall on 2.11.2005 (A.A-S).
Peregrine (Falco
peregrinus)
Rare disperser
One was seen on a
wrecked boat near Bubiyan Island on 28.4.2005 (PF, BF).
Water Rail (Rallus
aquaticus)
Uncommon migrant and resident; has bred
Small numbers were
resident at Sabah Al-Salem and at Jahra East Outfall, mostly located
by call.
Spotted Crake (Porzana
porzana)
Uncommon migrant and resident
One was singing at
Jahra Pool Reserve on 24.2.2005 (GG, CM, WM). Small numbers
were resident at Sabah Al-Salem, Jahra East Outfall and Doha East.
Maximum daily count and the highest ever Kuwait daily count was 9 at
East Doha on 9.4.2005 (PF, BF, MV).
Little Crake (Porzana
parva)
Uncommon migrant and resident; breeds
Small numbers resident
at Doha East and Sabah Al-Salem and singing from both sites from
February onwards but breeding was not confirmed in 2005. Highest
count was of 6 at East Doha on 9.4.2005 (PF, BF, MV)
Baillon’s Crake
(Porzana pusilla)
Scarce migrant
A dead bird found at
Al-Abraq Al-Khabari on 27.3.2005 (GG) had probably been shot within
the previous two weeks.
Corn Crake (Crex
crex)
Uncommon migrant; rare winter
visitor
Two spring records:
one confiding individual was at the Tulha drinking pool in the SAANR
from 6.5.2005 to 13.5.2005 (AB, PF, BF) and a second at Doha South
on 20.5.2005 (BF).
Common Moorhen (Gallinula
chloropus)
Uncommon resident; breeds
Resident at most
wetland sites. Maximum 24 at Doha East on several dates in May.
Breeding confirmed at East Doha and Sabah Al-Salem with juveniles
seen.
Purple Swamp-Hen
(Porphyrio porphyrio)
Scarce resident; has bred
A single bird first
observed at South Doha on 12.5.2005 (PF), then resident at South
Doha with up to 6 birds seen and heard on many dates but
frustratingly breeding could not be confirmed.
Eurasian Coot (Fulica
atra)
Uncommon migrant and resident
Seen on most visits to
South Doha and Sabah Al-Salem. Confirmed breeding at Sabah Al-Salem
with two non-flying juveniles observed on 6.5.2005 (PF, BF).
Macqueen's Bustard
(Chlamydotis macqueeni)
Irregular winter visitor; has
bred
One in the Sabah
Al-Ahmed Natural Reserve on 1.12.2005 seen by the head ranger, Fawzi,
but could not be relocated later the same day.
Eurasian
Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)
Common migrant and
winter Seen in
moderate number on passage and in winter especially at the Doha Spit
high tide roost and Jahra East. The maximum count was 158 at the
Doha Spit high tide wader roost on 17.12.2005 (BF).
Black-winged Stilt
(Himantopus himantopus)
Common; small numbers breed
Observations were made
throughout the year in varying numbers at both fresh water pools and
coastal mudflats. The following breeding records were made.
At South Doha distraction display indicating the presence of young
birds nearby was observed on 20.5.2005. Sixteen fledged juveniles
were present with 46 adults at East Doha on 17.6.2005 (BF, PF).
Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra
avosetta)
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor
Observations were made
at sites in Sulaibikhat Bay on many dates during passage and winter.
Maximum count was 18 at East Doha on 11.3.2005 (PF, BF). A fully
fledged juvenile at East Doha on 17.6.2005 (AB, BF) was evidence of
possible breeding.
Crab Plover (Dromas
ardeola)
Common resident; breeds
About 1500 pairs on
nesting beaches on Bubiyan Island 28.4.2005 (PF, BF), probably the
largest breeding population in the world. Up to 350 birds wintered
in Sulaibikhat Bay.
Stone-Curlew (Burhinus
oedicnemus)
Uncommon migrant and rare winter visitor
Four present on the
sand berrn bordering Wadi Al-Batin on 27.3.2005 (BF, GG) and
2 in Sulaibikhat Nature Reserve on 26.9.2005 (JT) were the
only records this year.
Cream-coloured
Courser (Cursorius cursor)
Common disperser; breeds
Sightings were made in
desert location on several dates but breeding was not proven. At
Jahra East Outfall birds were present from 25.5.2005 to 11.7.2005
reaching a maximum count of 96 on 29.6.2005 (AA-S).
Collared Pratincole
(Glareola pratincola)
Common migrant; scarce in summer
This species was a
regularly observed passage migrant in many different habitats. The
maximum count was 14 over the 7th Ring Road on 27.3.2005.
Little Ringed
Plover (Charadrius dubius)
Uncommon migrant
A regularly observed
passage migrant by freshwater pools. The maximum count was 7 at
Jahra East Outfall on 5.9.2005 (AA-S).
Common Ringed
Plover (Charadrius hiaticula)
Common migrant and in winter
Observed at sites in Sulaibikhat Bay, Jahra Bay and freshwater
wetlands on many dates during passage and winter. The maximum count
of 240 at East Doha on 6.5.2005 (PF, BF) was a new maximum daily
count for Kuwait.
Kentish Plover (Charadrius
alexandrinus)
Very common resident; breeds
Recorded throughout
the year in varying numbers at both freshwater pools and coastal
mudflats. During a study of breeding birds at the Sulaibikhat Nature
Reserve by KA-N, 122 nests were found most containing 3 eggs, none
containing 4, eleven 2 and three 1 egg. About a third of the nests
were nocturnally predated by Long-eared Hedgehogs.
Lesser Sand Plover
(Charadrius mongolus)
Common migrant and winter visitor
Observed throughout
the year in varying numbers at fresh water pools, coastal mudflats
and sandbars. The maximum count was 550+ at the Doha Spit high tide
wader roost on 15.4.2005.
Greater Sand Plover
(Charadrius leschenaultii)
Uncommon migrant and winter
This species was
regularly observed throughout the year in varying numbers at fresh
water pools, coastal mudflats and sandbars. The maximum count was
100+ at Jahra East Outfall on 22.6.2005 (AA-S).
Caspian Plover (Charadrius
asiaticus)
Uncommon migrant
One in the SAANR on
1.7.2005 (AbA-S) was the only record this year.
Eurasian Dotterel
(Charadrius morinellus)
Rare migrant and winter visitor
Five were present in
the SAANR on 15.12.2005 (HA-Q). This was the only record this year.
Grey Plover (Pluvialis
squatarola)
Common migrant and winter visitor
This species was
regularly observed at sites in Sulaibikhat Bay, Jahra Bay and
freshwater wetlands on many dates during passage and winter. The
maximum count was 550+ at the Doha Spit high tide wader roost on
15.4.2005 (PF, BF). This was a new maximum daily count for Kuwait.
Northern Lapwing
(Vanellus vanellus)
Scarce migrant and winter visitor
A new highest daily
count for Kuwait was 43 seen flying over at Kabd on 24.1.2005 (GG).
A single bird flying over South Doha on 28.1.2005 (WM), 2 over Kabd
on 11.2.2005 (GG) and 11 in the Sabah Al-Ahmed Natural Reserve on
the seaward side during November 2005 (HA-Q) were the only other
records.
Red-wattled Lapwing
(Hoplopterus indicus)
Scarce disperser; has bred
One present at Jahra
Pool Reserve on 27.2.2005 (KA-G, BF, GG) was the only record this
year.
White-tailed
Lapwing (Vanellus leucurus)
Uncommon migrant
This species was an
irregularly observed passage migrant on several dates at East Doha
and Jahra East Outfall. The maximum count was 2 at East Doha on
3.3.2005 (PF, BF).
Great Knot (Calidris
tenuirostris)
Uncommon winter visitor
Eight were seen on the
western side of Bubiyan Island on 10.2.2005 by GG and the KISR team
during bird survey work. A single bird was also at Jahra East
Outfall on 6.3.2005 (GG).
Sanderling (Calidris
alba) Common
migrant and winter visitor
This species was
regularly observed at sites in Sulaibikhat Bay, Jahra Bay and sandy
beaches on many dates during passage and winter. The maximum count
was 128 at Sabah Al-Salem on 26.3.2005 (BF).
Little Stint (Calidris
minutus)
Very common migrant and winter visitor
Seen in large numbers
at sites in Sulaibikhat Bay, Jahra Bay and freshwater wetlands on
many dates during passage and winter. The maximum count was 1000+ at
East Doha high tide wader roost on 11.3.2005 (PF, BF). This was a
new highest daily count for Kuwait.
Temminck's Stint
(Calidris temminckii)
Uncommon migrant and winter visitor
This species was a
regularly observed passage migrant in small number by freshwater
pools. A late record was of one at Jahra East Outfall on 10.11.2005
(AA-S). The maximum count of 10 at Jahra East Outfall on 6.4.2005
(PF, MV) was a new highest daily count for Kuwait.
Curlew Sandpiper
(Calidris ferruginea)
Common migrant
Seen in large numbers
on passage at both coastal mudflats sites and freshwater pools. The
highest spring passage count was 254 at the Doha Spit high tide
wader roost on 5.5.2005 (PF, BF), a new highest daily count for
Kuwait.
Dunlin (Calidris
alpina)
Abundant migrant and winter visitor
Seen in large numbers
throughout the year at fresh water pools, coastal mudflats and
sandbars. The maximum count was 10,000+ at the Doha Spit high tide
wader roost on 17.12.2005 (BF).
Broad-billed
Sandpiper (Limicola falcinella)
Common migrant and winter
visitor
Observed at sites in
Sulaibikhat Bay on many dates during passage and winter. Maximum
count was 124 at East Doha on 5.5.2005 (PF, BF), a new highest daily
count for Kuwait.
Ruff (Philomachus
pugnax)
Common passage migrant and winter visitor
Recorded throughout
the year in varying numbers mainly at freshwater pools but also in
smaller numbers on coastal mudflats. Maximum count was 150+ at Jahra
East Outfall on 12.5.2005 (PF). This was a new highest daily count
for Kuwait.
Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes
minimus)
Scarce migrant and winter visitor
Maximum 3 at Sabah
Al-Salem south reed bed on 4.1.2005 (GG) and 1 remaining there on
31.1.2005. One flushed at South Doha reeds on 30.1.2005 (WM) and one
flushed at Jahra East Outfall on 1.11.2005 (A.A-S).
These were the only
records this year.
Common Snipe (Gallinago
gallinago)
Common
passage migrant and winter
visitor
Commonly seen during
passage and winter at all freshwater wetland sites. The maximum
count 40 at Jahra Pool Reserve on 20.3.2005 (PF) was a new highest
daily count for Kuwait
Black-tailed Godwit
(Limosa limosa)
Uncommon migrant; rare winter visitor
Recorded on a few
dates at freshwater pools. The maximum counts were of 2 at Jahra
East Outfall on 6.4.2005, 9.4.2005 (PF, MV) and 9.10.2005 (AA-S).
Bar-tailed Godwit
(Limosa lapponica)
Common migrant and winter visitor
Moderate numbers were
seen on coastal mudflats during passage and winter. The maximum
count was of 200+ at Jahra East Outfall on 6.4.2005 (PF, MV).
Whimbrel (Numenius
phaeopus)
Common migrant; rare winter visitor
Observed at sites in
Sulaibikhat Bay and Jahra Bay on many dates during passage. The
maximum count was 123 at East Doha on 29.4.2005 (PF, BF). This was a
new highest daily count for Kuwait.
Eurasian Curlew
(Numenius arquata)
Very common migrant and winter visitor
Recorded throughout
the year in varying numbers on coastal mudflats. The maximum count
was of 250+ at Jahra East Outfall on 6.4.2005 (PF, MV).
Common Redshank
(Tringa totanus)
Very common migrant and winter visitor
Commonly seen
throughout the year in varying numbers at freshwater pools and
coastal mudflats. The maximum daily count was a total of 1000+ at
Sulaibikhat Bay sites on 20.1.2005 (BF). This was a new highest
daily count for Kuwait.
Marsh Sandpiper
(Tringa stagnatilis)
Common migrant; uncommon winter visitor
Small numbers were
seen on coastal mudflats and freshwater pools during passage and
winter. The maximum count was of 10 at Jahra East Outfall on
9.4.2005 (PF, MV).
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