Saudi Birding’s recent Arabian Endemics Tour delivered memorable encounters with the unique birdlife of southwest Saudi Arabia, including Asir Magpie, Arabian Grosbeak, Yemen Thrush, and Arabian Woodpecker. Explore the misty highlands, rugged escarpments, and rich biodiversity that make the Kingdom one of the Middle East’s most exciting birding destinations.

Update (August 9, 2026): A Yellow-billed Egret (Ardea brachyrhyncha) transitioning out of breeding plumage was documented and reported by Ferdinand Binuya at Al Sadd Lake in the Jazan Region on August 7, 2026. The individual still retains the bright green lores and light-colored tibias characteristic of breeding-plumaged birds. It also lacks the black tip to the bill often seen in non-breeding birds. Taken together, these features confirm this as the first unambiguous record

Tour Dates: July 1 - 7, 2023 Participants: Max Berlijn, John Clark, Rob Dobson, Tim Doran, Enno Ebels, and Rob Leighton Leader: Gregory Askew Co-leader: Ibrahim Al Shwamin Avian Highlights: Helmeted Guineafowl Sand Partridge Harlequin Quail Arabian Partridge Philby's Partridge Rameron Pigeon Red-eyed Dove Nubian Nightjar Plain Nightjar Red-knobbed Coot Greater Painted-Snipe Small Buttonquail Crab-Plover White-eyed Gull Abdim's Stork Hamerkop Intermediate Egret Oriental Honey-

Highlights: Harlequin Quail (Arabian) (E ssp) Arabian Partridge (E) Philby's Partridge (E) Nubian Nightjar Abyssinian (Montane) Nightjar Crab-Plover White-eyed Gull (NE) African Openbill Abdim's Stork Black-headed Heron Intermediate Egret Tawny Eagle Arabian Scops-Owl (E) Arabian Eagle-Owl (E) Abyssinian Roller Arabian Woodpecker (E) Asir Magpie (E) Thick-billed Lark Arabian Lark (NE) Rufous-capped Lark (NE) "Mangrove Reed Warbler" Yemen Warbler (E) Arabian Warbler (NE) "Mang

In celebration of Global Bird Weekend and World Migratory Bird Day, on Saturday, October 9th, birdwatchers in Saudi Arabia took part in...