Explore our visual guide designed to help you distinguish between similar-looking bird species. Featuring side-by-side photographic comparisons of various bird families—such as Herons, Kingfishers, and Sunbirds—from Lebanon and the UAE, this resource highlights key physical differences and similarities. Ideal for bird enthusiasts and wildlife photographers, it serves as an educational tool to improve bird identification and deepen understanding of these species in their natural habitats.

Photographic Field Guide to Middle Eastern Birds: Side-by-Side Comparisons of Species in Lebanon and the UAE

  • Birds of UAE

    Yellow-billed Stork - UAE

    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.

  • birds of lebanon

    White Stork - Lebanon

    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.

  • birds of lebanon

    Black Stork - Lebanon

    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.

NOT EVALUATED
DATA DEFICIENT
LEAST CONCERN
NEAR THREATENED
VULNERABLE
ENDANGERED
CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
EXTINCT IN THE WILD
EXTINCT