United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates occupies the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, where vast sand and gravel deserts meet the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Much of the interior forms part of the Rub' al Khali, with extensive dune systems and desert oases, while the eastern Hajar Mountains provide rugged peaks, wadis and rocky gorges. The coastline includes tidal flats, lagoons, mangroves and offshore islands. The climate is extremely hot and arid, particularly in summer, with somewhat cooler conditions in the mountains.
Overview
The UAE is one of the best-developed birding destinations in Arabia, combining desert species, rich coastal wetlands and large numbers of migrants. Al Wathba Wetland Reserve near Abu Dhabi is famous for breeding Greater Flamingos, while coastal sites attract Crab-plover, Broad-billed Sandpiper, gulls and terns. Desert areas hold Cream-coloured Courser, Greater Hoopoe-Lark, sandgrouse and wheatears, and the Hajar Mountains support Arabian Babbler, Sand Partridge and Egyptian Vulture. Migrants can concentrate at wetlands, parks and agricultural areas, occasionally producing major rarities. Excellent roads and extensive tourism infrastructure make most sites relatively easy to visit, although some reserves require advance booking or have restricted access. October to April is generally the most productive and comfortable birding period.
Top 10 target species
| Species | Annual frequency | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis | 66.0% | 61.9% | 64.7% | 65.9% | 68.5% | 70.8% | 69.7% | 66.1% | 71.1% | 67.0% | 65.0% | 58.4% | 63.1% |
| House Sparrow Passer domesticus | 65.6% | 60.6% | 64.2% | 67.3% | 71.6% | 74.6% | 74.6% | 66.7% | 64.7% | 63.2% | 62.7% | 56.7% | 60.4% |
| Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto | 61.7% | 56.4% | 60.0% | 61.7% | 62.2% | 67.0% | 65.6% | 62.0% | 68.3% | 63.9% | 62.2% | 55.0% | 56.7% |
| Common Myna Acridotheres tristis | 59.6% | 55.3% | 54.8% | 57.5% | 61.3% | 67.3% | 66.3% | 66.8% | 65.0% | 58.5% | 55.9% | 50.5% | 56.1% |
| White-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus leucotis | 58.6% | 54.4% | 56.4% | 60.1% | 63.5% | 64.1% | 61.0% | 58.1% | 58.3% | 57.2% | 58.1% | 54.4% | 57.5% |
| Rock Pigeon Columba livia | 45.0% | 41.4% | 42.7% | 43.3% | 44.2% | 47.8% | 51.0% | 49.2% | 52.5% | 42.2% | 44.5% | 39.2% | 41.9% |
| Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus | 42.2% | 35.9% | 39.7% | 42.8% | 44.5% | 46.7% | 49.7% | 46.7% | 41.2% | 45.7% | 41.0% | 36.9% | 35.7% |
| Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus | 41.0% | 34.0% | 39.6% | 44.6% | 49.6% | 50.8% | 48.4% | 44.0% | 37.4% | 36.1% | 38.3% | 33.5% | 36.4% |
| House Crow Corvus splendens | 37.4% | 35.8% | 35.1% | 37.2% | 41.1% | 46.1% | 39.9% | 39.5% | 39.0% | 33.3% | 34.1% | 32.0% | 35.4% |
| Delicate Prinia Prinia lepida | 35.3% | 32.9% | 35.3% | 37.2% | 40.2% | 41.5% | 40.1% | 36.0% | 35.1% | 30.8% | 30.4% | 30.3% | 34.1% |