The Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis) is a large wading bird native to sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Madagascar. It is distinguished by its long, bright yellow bill, white body with a pinkish tinge, and black flight feathers. These storks are often found near wetlands, lakes, and rivers, where they hunt for fish, frogs, and small aquatic animals, using their long bills to probe shallow waters. Social birds by nature, Yellow-billed Storks often nest in colonies, sometimes alongside other wading birds. Despite being widespread, they are sensitive to habitat loss due to wetland degradation.

Stork

The Socotra Cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis) is a large, marine bird native to the coastal regions of the Arabian Peninsula, particularly around the Arabian Gulf and Socotra Island. It has a predominantly dark, almost black plumage with a greenish sheen and is known for its distinctive hooked bill. This species is highly social, forming large breeding colonies on islands. It feeds primarily on fish, diving into the water to hunt. The Socotra Cormorant is classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss and human disturbance in its breeding areas.

Cormorants

The African Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) is a large wading bird native to sub-Saharan Africa and parts of the Middle East. It is easily recognized by its striking black and white plumage, long curved bill, and bare black head and neck. Historically revered in ancient Egypt, where it was considered sacred and often depicted in hieroglyphics, this bird thrives in wetlands, marshes, and riverbanks. The African Sacred Ibis feeds on fish, frogs, insects, and crustaceans, playing a key role in controlling pests in its ecosystem. However, in some regions where it has been introduced, it is considered invasive due to its impact on local species.

Ibis

Is a large, slender heron with striking plumage. Reddish-brown neck with a black streak running down the front, and the head features a dark crown and a long, pointed bill that is yellowish-brown. The upperparts are dark gray with a purplish-brown hue, and the underparts are a mix of chestnut and buff. The wings are dark with reddish-brown edges, and the long legs are yellowish, ideal for wading through wetlands. Its overall appearance is more slender and elongated compared to other herons.

Herons

The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is a large, elegant wading bird. It has a predominantly gray body with a long, slender neck and a white face. A distinctive black stripe runs from above the eye to the back of the head, ending in long black plumes. The bill is long, sharp, and yellow, ideal for catching fish. Its wings are broad and gray, with black wingtips, and the legs are long and yellowish, perfect for wading through shallow waters. The overall appearance is graceful and statuesque.

Herons

The Striated Heron is a small, stocky heron with a compact build. It has a dark gray crown and a black cap, with a short, thick neck. The back and wings are bluish-gray, while the underparts are pale gray to white. It has a short, sharp, dark-colored bill, and its legs are yellowish to greenish, with long toes adapted for wading. The eyes are bright yellow, adding to its sharp, alert appearance.

Herons

A medium-sized heron comes in two main color morphs: Dark Morph: The bird has a uniform slate-gray body with a dark gray head, neck, and wings. The bill is long, slender, and dark, often appearing black. The legs are black, and the feet are yellowish.White Morph: The bird is entirely white with the same long, slender dark bill. The legs remain black, and the feet are yellow.In both morphs, the Western Reef Heron has a long, sharp bill and a slightly hunched posture.

Herons

A medium-sized heron comes in two main color morphs: Dark Morph: The bird has a uniform slate-gray body with a dark gray head, neck, and wings. The bill is long, slender, and dark, often appearing black. The legs are black, and the feet are yellowish.White Morph: The bird is entirely white with the same long, slender dark bill. The legs remain black, and the feet are yellow.In both morphs, the Western Reef Heron has a long, sharp bill and a slightly hunched posture.

Herons

A medium-sized heron comes in two main color morphs: Dark Morph: The bird has a uniform slate-gray body with a dark gray head, neck, and wings. The bill is long, slender, and dark, often appearing black. The legs are black, and the feet are yellowish.White Morph: The bird is entirely white with the same long, slender dark bill. The legs remain black, and the feet are yellow.In both morphs, the Western Reef Heron has a long, sharp bill and a slightly hunched posture.

Herons

A small, stocky heron with distinctive plumage. It has a buff-brown body with a creamy-white face, neck, and chest. During the breeding season, the neck feathers become elongated, forming a soft crest. The wings are white. The bill is short and pointed, bluish at the base, with a dark tip, and the legs are greenish-yellow. Its overall appearance is compact.

Herons

Is a medium-sized, stocky heron with a distinct, compact build. It has a black crown and back, with gray wings and a white to pale gray underbody. The eyes are large and red. The bill is short, thick, and black, well-suited for its nocturnal hunting habits. The legs are yellowish-green. Its overall appearance is robust, with a short neck and a somewhat hunched posture when at rest.

Herons

(Alcedo atthis) is a small, vibrant bird known for its striking colors. It has a bright, iridescent blue back and wings, with a similarly vibrant blue cap on its head. The underparts are rich orange, and it has a white throat and neck patch. Its bill is long, straight, and black, perfect for catching fish. The legs and feet are bright red. The overall appearance is compact, with a short tail and a large head in proportion to its body, giving it a distinctive, eye-catching look.

Kingfishers

The Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) is a strikingly patterned bird with a bold black and white coloration. It has a white face and underparts with black streaks and a black line running from the beak through the eye. The back and wings are black with white spots, creating a striking contrast. Its bill is long and straight, and its legs and feet are dark. The Pied Kingfisher has a distinctive, slightly crested head and a relatively long tail with white edges.

Kingfishers

The White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) is a vividly colored bird. It has a striking blue back and wings, a bright chestnut-brown head, and a white throat and underparts. The bill is long, robust, and red, contrasting sharply with its plumage. The legs are also red. Its tail is blue with white edges, and the bird has a somewhat stout, upright posture. The White-throated Kingfisher's bold colors and large size make it easily recognizable.

Kingfishers

The Little-ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius) is a small, agile shorebird with a distinctive appearance. It has a sandy-brown back and wings with a white underside. The most notable feature is a single black ring around its neck, contrasting with the white throat. It also has a black line running from the beak through the eye. The bill is small and black, and its legs are orange. The Little-ringed Plover’s compact size, combined with its striking markings, make it easily identifiable among similar species.

Plovers

The Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) is a small, plump shorebird with distinctive markings. It has a sandy-brown back and wings with a white underbelly. A prominent black ring encircles its neck, which is contrasted by a white throat. It also features a black line running from the beak through the eye. The bill is short, yellowish with a black tip, and the legs are orange. The Common Ringed Plover's bold markings and relatively compact size make it easy to spot along shores and mudflats.

Plovers

The Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) is a small, elegant shorebird with a distinctive appearance. It has a pale sandy-brown back and wings with a white underbelly. The most notable feature is a black band around the neck, which is often broken or incomplete in some individuals, and a black patch on the chest. The bill is small and black, and the legs are pale yellowish or orange. Its overall appearance is compact and streamlined, making it well-adapted for life along sandy shores and mudflats.

Plovers

The Three-banded Plover (Charadrius tricollaris) is a small, striking shorebird known for its distinctive markings. It has a sandy-brown back and wings, with a white underside. The most notable feature is the three black bands across its chest: one around the neck, one around the upper chest, and one around the lower chest, which gives the bird its name. The bill is short, black, and slightly tapered, and the legs are pale or yellowish. Its compact size and bold patterns make it easily recognizable along riverbanks, wetlands, and sandy shores.

Plovers

The European Bee-eater is a medium-sized bird with vibrant plumage. It has a chestnut-brown head, a black eye mask, and a long, slightly curved black bill. Its back is golden-brown, wings are greenish-blue, and the underparts are turquoise-blue. The tail is greenish with elongated central feathers, and it has short, brownish-gray legs.

Bee-eaters

Is a small, slender bird with bright green plumage. It has a green head, a narrow black eye mask, and a slightly curved black bill. The underparts are pale green, and the wings are a vibrant green. The tail is long with central feathers that are elongated and pointed. The bird's legs are short and grayish, complementing its overall sleek appearance.

Bee-eaters

The White-eared Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucotis) is a medium-sized songbird native to the Middle East and parts of South Asia, including regions of Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. It is characterized by its distinctive white cheek patch, black head, and yellow vent area. The White-eared Bulbul thrives in a variety of habitats, from urban gardens to semi-desert environments, making it a common sight in cities, parks, and agricultural areas across the UAE. This species is known for its cheerful and melodious calls and is often seen foraging for fruits, nectar, and insects. Due to its adaptability, the White-eared Bulbul has successfully established itself in the UAE, becoming a familiar resident in both urban and rural settings.

Bulbuls

The Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer) is a medium-sized, robust songbird with a distinctive and colorful appearance. It has a mostly brown, speckled body with a darker head. The key feature is its bright red vent, which is the area under the tail, giving it its name. The underparts are pale brown to white, and the tail is dark with some red or orange undertones. The bill is short and dark, and the legs are dark brown. The Red-vented Bulbul's striking red underparts and speckled body make it a noticeable and attractive bird.

Bulbuls

(Pycnonotus xanthopygos) is a medium-sized, robust songbird with distinctive features. It has a mostly olive-brown body with a yellow underbelly. The most notable markings are the white “spectacles” around the eyes, which are bordered by a black line, giving the impression of glasses. The head is dark brown, and the bill is short and dark. Its legs are dark and the tail is relatively short and brownish. The White-spectacled Bulbul’s vibrant colors and distinctive facial markings make it a standout in its natural habitat.

Bulbuls

The Isabelline Wheatear (Oenanthe isabellina) is a small, attractive bird with subtle yet distinctive plumage.

Adult Male: The male has a pale, sandy-brown or isabelline-colored back and wings, with a white underbelly. It features a black mask around the eyes and a black line extending from the beak through the eye, and a black tail with white edges. The overall appearance is quite elegant and streamlined.

Adult Female: The female is generally paler and more subdued in color than the male. She has a sandy-brown or pale isabelline back with a more muted, less contrasting underbelly and less prominent black markings.

Both sexes have a relatively short tail and legs, and are often seen in arid or semi-arid habitats where they can be observed foraging for insects on the ground.

Wheatears

The Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe) is a small, striking bird with distinctive plumage.

Adult Male: During the breeding season, the male has a pale, sandy-brown back and wings, with a white belly and a black "mask" around the eyes. It features a prominent black line running from the beak through the eye, and its tail is white with a black base and tip. The overall appearance is crisp and contrasting.

Adult Female: The female is similar in shape but has more muted and less contrasting colors compared to the male. She has a more brownish back and a lighter, less defined underbelly.

Both sexes have a relatively short tail and legs, and they are often found in open, rocky habitats or tundra during migration. The Northern Wheatear is known for its distinctive call and agile foraging behavior.

Wheatears

The Pied Wheatear (Oenanthe pleschanka) is a striking small bird with distinctive black-and-white plumage.

Adult Male: The male is easily recognizable with its bold black and white pattern. It has a black head, throat, and chest, which contrasts sharply with its white underparts and belly. The back is grayish, and the tail is black with white edges. Its wings are dark with white spots. The overall appearance is dramatic and contrasting.

Adult Female: The female is less contrasting than the male. She has a more muted brownish-gray back with lighter underparts and less pronounced black markings. The tail is brown with white edges.

Both sexes have a relatively short tail and legs, and the Pied Wheatear is typically found in open, rocky areas or semi-desert habitats.

Wheatears

Black-eared Wheatear (Oenanthe hispanica) is a medium-sized, striking bird with distinctive black-and-white plumage.

Adult Male: The male has a striking appearance with a black head, throat, and chest, contrasting with white underparts and a pale gray back. The wings are dark with white spots, and the tail is black with white edges. It also features a notable black line from the beak through the eye, giving it a bold look.

Adult Female: Has a more subdued appearance compared to the male. She has a brownish-gray back and wings, with lighter underparts. The black markings are less pronounced, and she lacks the striking black head and throat.

Both sexes have a relatively short tail and legs, and they are commonly found in open, rocky or stony areas, often perched prominently as they search for insects.

Wheatears

A symbol of grace and adaptability in the avian world, commands attention with its sleek silhouette and remarkable fishing prowess. Found across continents, these masterful divers effortlessly glide through waters, their streamlined bodies perfectly adapted for underwater hunting. With striking black plumage contrasted by brilliant emerald eyes, Highly social beings, they often gather in large colonies, adding to the spectacle of their presence. Whether in solitary contemplation on a rocky outcrop or in dynamic flight formations against the sky.

Cormorants

The Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus) is a small, vibrant bird with striking iridescent plumage.

Males: During the breeding season, males are particularly eye-catching with a metallic purple or deep violet throat and chest, transitioning to a dark greenish or bronze color on the back and wings. The underparts are often a bright, iridescent purple. The bill is slender and curved, ideal for feeding on nectar.

Females: Females and non-breeding males have a more subdued appearance, with a duller olive-brown or greenish-brown body, a pale yellowish belly, and less iridescence overall.

Both sexes have a relatively short, straight bill and long, slender legs. The Purple Sunbird is known for its vibrant colors and agility in flight as it feeds on nectar from flowers.

Sunbirds

The Palestine Sunbird (Cinnyris osea) is a small, striking bird with vivid plumage.

Males: During the breeding season, males display a striking metallic green or blue-green back and head, with a bright red or orange belly. The throat is often a brilliant iridescent purple or blue. The wings are dark and the tail is relatively long and slightly forked. The bill is slender and curved, adapted for feeding on nectar.

Females: Females have a more muted appearance with an olive-brown or dull greenish body, a pale belly, and a less vibrant coloration overall.

Both sexes have long, slender legs and a characteristic agile flight. The Palestine Sunbird is known for its beautiful colors and is often found in a variety of habitats, including gardens and open woodlands.

Sunbirds

The White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) is a large, graceful bird found across Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. It is easily recognized by its striking white plumage, contrasted with black flight feathers, long red legs, and a long, pointed red bill. White Storks are migratory birds, traveling thousands of kilometers between their breeding grounds in Europe and their wintering grounds in Africa.

Stork

The Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) is a large, striking bird found in parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Unlike its more familiar relative, the White Stork, the Black Stork has mostly dark, glossy black plumage with iridescent green and purple sheen on its back, wings, and neck, contrasting with its white belly. It also has long red legs and a red bill.

Stork

A medium-sized wading bird with a striking appearance, primarily recognized by its dark, iridescent plumage that shimmers with shades of green, bronze, and purple in the sunlight. Found in wetlands across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas, this ibis prefers marshes, swamps, and estuaries for feeding and nesting. Its long, curved bill is well-adapted for probing into soft mud, where it feeds on insects, crustaceans, small fish, and amphibians. During the breeding season, its plumage takes on an even richer, glossy sheen. Social and gregarious, the Glossy Ibis often gathers in large flocks and is known for its graceful, deliberate movements in shallow waters.

Ibis

The Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola), also known as the Black-bellied Plover in North America, is a medium-sized shorebird known for its striking seasonal plumage. During breeding, adults display a black face, belly, and underparts with mottled gray upperparts, while in winter, their plumage becomes pale gray and white, blending well with coastal environments. This bird inhabits mudflats, sandy beaches, and salt marshes, where it forages for invertebrates, using its sharp bill to pick prey from the surface.

Plovers

Wheatears

The Hume's Wheatear (Oenanthe albonigra) is a striking passerine bird found in arid and semi-arid habitats, such as rocky hills, wadis, and desert cliffs. Its bold black-and-white plumage makes it easily distinguishable, with males showing a contrasting white crown and rump, while females are slightly duller but equally elegant.

This species is a resident bird across its range, including the Middle East and South Asia, where it adapts well to harsh, barren landscapes. It feeds on insects and other small invertebrates, often seen perching prominently on rocks or darting to the ground to catch prey. The Hume’s Wheatear is a symbol of resilience, thriving in some of the most challenging environments, and is a rewarding sight for birdwatchers and photographers alike.

The Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca) is a medium-sized diving duck recognized for its rich chestnut-brown or ferruginous plumage, with males having a glossy, dark brown head and body, while females are slightly duller in color. This species has strikingly white undertail feathers and eyes, providing a sharp contrast that makes it easily identifiable in the water. Preferring calm freshwater habitats like lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers, the Ferruginous Duck is primarily found in Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. It feeds by diving for plant matter, insects, and small aquatic animals, showing strong adaptability to different diets based on available resources. Unfortunately, this beautiful duck is considered Near Threatened due to habitat loss, hunting, and environmental pollution, making conservation efforts critical for maintaining its populations.

Ducks

The Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) is an elegant dabbling duck recognized for its slender neck, pointed tail, and graceful appearance. The males are particularly striking, with a chocolate-brown head, white neck stripe, gray body, and long black tail feathers, while females are more subdued in mottled brown plumage. This species is highly migratory and widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, breeding in wetlands and tundra regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. During winter, it migrates to warmer regions, including South Asia, Africa, and parts of the Middle East.

In the UAE, the Northern Pintail is a common winter visitor, often seen in wetland habitats such as Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Al Wathba Wetland Reserve, and other freshwater bodies. It feeds primarily on seeds, aquatic vegetation, and small invertebrates, foraging by dabbling on the water's surface. The Northern Pintail's graceful flight and striking appearance make it a favorite among birdwatchers and photographers during the migration season.

Ducks

The Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) is one of the most widespread and recognizable duck species worldwide, known for its adaptability and vibrant plumage, particularly in males, which feature an iridescent green head, yellow bill, and chestnut-brown chest. Found in diverse habitats such as lakes, rivers, marshes, and urban ponds, Mallards are highly versatile, thriving in both freshwater and brackish environments. Omnivorous in diet, they forage for seeds, aquatic plants, insects, and small fish, often seen dabbling at the water’s surface. Known for their remarkable adaptability, Mallards are native to North America, Europe, and Asia, and have been introduced to many other regions. Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, Mallards are common across their range, though hybridization with other duck species has raised concerns about genetic diversity in some populations. Their resilience and adaptability make them a well-known and beloved species in natural and urban settings alike.

Ducks

The Eurasian Teal (Anas crecca) is a small dabbling duck commonly found across Europe, Asia, and northern Africa. Renowned for its striking plumage, the drake (male) boasts a chestnut-brown head adorned with an iridescent green eye patch, a cream-colored line below the patch, and a speckled gray body, while the female is mottled brown, offering excellent camouflage. Both sexes display the characteristic green speculum on their wings, which is visible during flight. Preferring shallow freshwater habitats such as marshes, lakes, and slow-moving rivers, the Eurasian Teal feeds on seeds, aquatic plants, and small invertebrates. It is a migratory species, spending its winters in milder regions, often forming large flocks. The Eurasian Teal is celebrated for its agility in flight and soft whistling calls, making it a favorite among birdwatchers.

Ducks

The Fulvous Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) is a striking waterfowl species known for its rich, warm-brown plumage with a distinctive golden hue along its sides and back. These ducks are named for the soft whistling sound they make, which can often be heard as they gather in small flocks around wetland habitats. Found in parts of Africa, South Asia, and the Americas, Fulvous Whistling-Ducks are highly social and prefer freshwater lakes, marshes, and flooded fields where they feed primarily on seeds and aquatic vegetation. They are unique among ducks for their upright posture and relatively long legs, which give them a distinctive silhouette. Known to be strong, graceful fliers, they migrate seasonally, moving to find optimal feeding grounds.

Ducks

Small, slender wader bird widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is easily recognized by its brown upper parts, white underparts, and a characteristic white crescent shape that curves up onto its shoulder. The bird exhibits a distinctive bobbing motion, known as "teetering," when it walks along shorelines, riverbanks, and wetlands where it typically feeds. This species is highly migratory, breeding in temperate regions and wintering in tropical and subtropical areas, including the UAE. The Common Sandpiper is known for its sharp "twit-twit" call and swift, low flight, often skimming just above the water's surface. During migration, it can be seen in a variety of habitats, ranging from coastal mudflats to inland lakes and rivers.

Sandpiper

Medium-sized wader that breeds in the Arctic tundra and migrates to coastal wetlands, estuaries, and tidal mudflats across the globe during the non-breeding season. It is easily recognized by its slightly down-curved bill, long legs, and reddish-brown breeding plumage, which turns pale gray in winter. A highly migratory species, it undertakes remarkable long-distance journeys between breeding and wintering grounds. The Curlew Sandpiper feeds on small invertebrates by probing soft mud or sand and is often seen in mixed flocks with other shorebirds. Its populations are declining due to habitat loss, making conservation efforts essential for this elegant traveler.

Sandpiper

Medium-sized wader that migrates through the UAE, primarily during spring and autumn. It is commonly found in wetlands, freshwater marshes, and the edges of lakes and ponds, where it actively forages for insects, small invertebrates, and aquatic prey. Recognizable by its long yellowish legs, slender bill, and distinctive speckled upperparts, this species is highly adaptable and often seen in both natural and man-made water bodies. While it does not breed in the UAE, some individuals may winter in the region before continuing their journey along migratory routes spanning between Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Sandpiper

A slender, long-legged wader that migrates through the UAE, primarily during spring and autumn, with some individuals overwintering in the region. Preferring shallow wetlands, mudflats, and the edges of lakes and lagoons, it is often seen foraging in small groups or alongside other waders, picking insects, crustaceans, and small aquatic prey from the water. Its delicate build, fine straight bill, and pale plumage distinguish it from similar species. As a long-distance migrant, the Marsh Sandpiper breeds in central Asia and Russia, traveling south to wintering grounds across Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.

Sandpiper

Medium-sized wader known for its unique upturned bill and long, bright yellowish-green legs. This bird is a frequent visitor to intertidal mudflats, estuaries, and mangroves during migration and winter, particularly in coastal regions of the UAE and South Asia. Its plumage is mostly grayish-brown above and white below, blending well with its environment.

Sandpiper

A medium-sized dabbling duck known for its distinctive spatula-shaped bill, which it uses to filter food from the water. This species has a wide distribution, breeding in North America, Europe, and Asia, and migrating to warmer regions, including the UAE, during the winter. Males are easily recognized by their striking plumage, featuring an iridescent green head, white chest, and rusty-red flanks. Females are more subdued, with mottled brown plumage, but they share the characteristic wide, flat bill.

Ducks

The Slender-billed Gull (Larus genei) is a medium-sized gull known for its distinctive long, thin, slightly downcurved bill, which sets it apart from other gull species. It has a pale gray upper body, white underparts, and long, slender wings that give it an elegant appearance in flight. During the breeding season, adults develop a subtle pinkish hue on their chest. This species is commonly found in coastal lagoons, salt flats, and wetlands across southern Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. In the UAE, the Slender-billed Gull is a regular visitor to coastal areas and saltpans, particularly in winter. It primarily feeds on small fish and invertebrates, often foraging in shallow waters. Unlike some other gull species, it has a more delicate flight pattern and is less aggressive in feeding behavior.

Gulls

The Sooty Gull (Larus hemprichii) is a striking seabird found primarily along the coasts of the Arabian Peninsula, the Red Sea, and parts of East Africa. This medium-sized gull has a distinctive dark plumage, with a sooty-brown body and a contrasting white head and underparts. Its wings are long and pointed, often showing a black edge. The Sooty Gull's diet is varied, consisting mainly of fish, crustaceans, and scavenged food from human settlements. It is often seen in coastal habitats, including sandy beaches, rocky shores, and estuaries. The bird's loud, harsh call is a common sound in its range, especially during the breeding season, when it nests on islands or cliffs, usually in small colonies. It is also known for its adaptability to urban environments, frequently found near ports or fishing areas.

Gulls

The Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) is a medium-sized gull known for its striking seasonal appearance. During the breeding season, it displays a distinctive chocolate-brown head, which contrasts beautifully with its white body and pale gray wings. Outside of breeding, the brown head fades, leaving only a dark spot near the eyes. These adaptable and opportunistic birds are often found in coastal regions, wetlands, and even urban areas, scavenging for food or foraging in shallow waters. With their graceful flight and piercing calls, Black-headed Gulls are a familiar and captivating sight across much of Europe, Asia, and northern Africa.

Gulls

A medium-sized tern known for its distinctive short, thick bill, which sets it apart from other terns. Unlike many of its relatives that primarily hunt over water, the Gull-billed Tern is versatile in its feeding habits, often foraging over fields, marshes, and even dry land. It preys on a variety of food, including insects, small fish, amphibians, and sometimes even small mammals. This adaptability allows it to thrive in diverse habitats, from coastal regions to inland wetlands. During the breeding season, it nests in colonies, often on sandy shores or salt marshes, laying eggs in simple scrapes on the ground. Although its population is stable in some areas, habitat loss and disturbance remain threats in other parts of its range.

Terns

A small, graceful seabird commonly found in coastal and estuarine habitats. It is easily recognized by its slender wings, black cap, and bright yellow bill tipped with black. An agile flier, it hunts small fish and crustaceans by skillfully diving into the water. During the breeding season, it nests in colonies on sandy beaches, gravelly areas, or salt flats, laying its well-camouflaged eggs in shallow scrapes.

Terns

The largest tern species in the world, instantly recognizable by its robust body, striking black cap, and vibrant red-orange bill. This elegant bird is often seen gliding over coastal waters, lakes, and rivers, searching for fish to dive after with precision. Known for its loud, harsh calls, the Caspian Tern has a widespread range, spanning continents from North America to Europe, Asia, and Australia. With its commanding presence and powerful flight, it stands out as a true master of both air and water in the avian world.

Terns

A medium-sized seabird with a slender, elegant build. It has pale gray upperparts, white underparts, and a distinctive black cap that extends from its forehead to the back of its head during the breeding season. Its most striking feature is its bright orange bill, which helps differentiate it from similar tern species. Lesser Crested Terns are commonly found along tropical and subtropical coastlines, breeding in colonies on sandy islands and feeding primarily on small fish, which they catch by plunge-diving. They are regular visitors to the UAE’s coastal areas, particularly around offshore islands and sandbanks, making them an exciting species for birdwatchers and photographers in the region.

Terns