Nine Rare Migratory Bird Species Recorded at Royal Reserve

The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority has documented nine rare migratory bird species in the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve for the first time following a year-long field survey conducted in partnership with King Saud University.

According to the authority, researchers used the internationally recognised systematic point-count method to monitor bird populations, recording species from five taxonomic orders and eight families, including terrestrial birds, waterbirds and species that had strayed from their usual migration routes.

The newly recorded species include the saker falcon, long-eared owl, rosy starling, yellow-throated sparrow, black-headed bunting, slender-billed gull, Eurasian dotterel, spur-winged lapwing and the greater flamingo. The announcement follows the reserve's recent documentation of the Arctic red phalarope, a rare inland sighting.

Covering more than 28,000 square kilometres, the reserve comprises vegetation-rich valleys, water bodies and artificial lakes created behind dams. The authority said these habitats, alongside conservation measures such as restrictions on hunting and grazing, have improved conditions for both resident and migratory wildlife by restoring local ecosystems.

The survey's findings have been published in the peer-reviewed journal Check List, which specialises in biodiversity and ornithological records.