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Raydah escarpment |
Tanumah and Shallal al Dahna.
Tanumah lies about 100km north of Abha and is connected by a fast and good road. It lies in area of broken granite hills covered with juniperus and acacia. Shallal al Dahna contains one of a few semi permanent waterfalls in the country and a pool. This area contained all the species seen at Raydah along with Asir Magpie and Arabian Woodpecker. At Tanumah Philby's and Arabian Partridge were seen along with both Arabian and Yemen Serins. Being less steep this site offers somewhat easier birding than Raydah. Griffon Vultures breed on the cliffs adjacent to our hotel. The added bonus was the crippling views of Spotted Eagle Owls and African Scops Owl.
Shallal al Dahna was a delight with the water pool attracting many species. Arabian Wheatear, Cinnamon breasted Bunting and Little Rock Thrush were all breeding. A further sighting of Arabian woodpecker, two Asir Magpies and a Hamerkop were a bonus. This was also one of the best sites to see the endemic Hamadryas Baboon Papio hamadryas, which is relatively abundant in the mountains. Other species recorded here included Brown Woodland Warbler, Arabian Waxbill, Pale Crag Martin, Red rumped Swallow, Long billed Pipit, Yemen Thrush, Little Swift, and Brown necked Raven.
Malaki Dam Lake and Wadi Jawah
A large lake at the edge of the Asir foothills, 15km directly east of Abu Arish. It is fed by four main wadis. At high water levels this lake spreads to c.10km2 . To the north the reservoir is bordered by basaltic lava plains and several rocky outcrops which form the edge of Wadi Jawah. The surrounding acacia and salvadora scrubland is interspersed with tamarix. The surrounding hills are grazed and cultivated.
Malaki Dam Lake |
Highlights here included: Abdims Stork, Pink-backed Pelican, White Stork, Squacco Heron, Glossy Ibis, Black shouldered Kite, Tawny Eagle, White-winged Black and Whiskered Terns, Spotted Thick-knee, Lichenstein's Sandgrouse, Abyssinian Roller, Helmeted Guineafowl, White throated Bee-eater, Rufous Bush Robin, Black crowned Finch Lark, Bruce's Green Pigeon , Red eyed Dove, White browed Coucal, African Silverbill, and Nile Valley Sunbird.
Other species recorded here but not seen by us include Bateleur, Gabor Goshawk and Nubian Nightjar.
Shuqaiq Mangroves
An area of mangrove on the southern Red Sea shore c.20km north of Shuqaiq. A shallow bay with a large intertidal mudflats, and stands of mangrove Avicennia.
There is a local shrimp farm with pools attracting many waders. The birds here were typical of many of our roadside stops between this site and Al Birk. The bay was however our best site for Crab Plover and held good numbers of Lesser crested Terns and Pink-backed Pelican and Terek Sandpiper. The adjacent shrimp farm held good numbers of passage waders and Sooty Gulls together with two Slender- billed Gulls
Red Sea coast - Al Birk.
The whole strip of coastline was excellent for birding. Long sandy strips of shore interspersed with stands of mangrove and muddy bays. Offshore are many small islands with breeding terns, probably Goliath Heron and perhaps Crab Plover. The whole coastline was shallow with magnificent coral reefs. The adjacent inland areas were a mixture of sandy and stony desert with scattered acacia.
Coast near Al Birk |
Brown Boobies, Al Birk |
Goliath Heron, Al Birk. |
White throated Bee-eater |
Wadi Muhayil |
hamerkop |
Asir Mountains below Muhayil |
Systematic Bird List
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) Recorded at Abha lake and Malaki Dam lake in good numbers, singles at Wadi Muhayil and Wadi Mahalah.
Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster) Frequently seen on Red Sea coast with many birds perched on offshore rocks at Al Birk.
Pink-backed Pelican (Pelecanus rufescens) Up to 20 birds at Malaki Dam lake. 30+ at Shuqaiq mangroves. Odd singles at other Red Sea sites.
Common Teal (Anas crecca) Single bird at Malaki Dam lake on 6/5Northern Pintail Anas acutaUp to 4 birds at Malaki Dam lake. Garganey Anas querquedula1 bird at Malaki Dam lake with Pintail
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata) 1 at Malaki Dam lake on 6/5 and 4 at Shuqaiq shrimp farm on 7/5.
Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) Up to 3 birds at Malaki Dam lake 6/5, 7/5
Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus rubber) 1 at Malaki Dam lake on 6/5. Singles or pairs in Al Birk area.
Lesser Flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor) 10 birds flew south just north of Al Birk
Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) Recorded in small numbers in the Tihamah plain with up to15 at Malaki Dam lake and 14 at Shuqaiq
Western Reef-Heron (Egretta gularis) Fairly common on the coast around Al Birk
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) Maximum count of25 at Malaki Dam lake on 7/5. A few on the coastal strip.
Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath) 1 superb immature seen just north of Al Birk seen on two occasions. Reported to breed on flat island 2km off shore 9km south of Al Birk
Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) 3 Malaki Dam lake on 6/5, 1 on the 7/5 at 1 at Al Birk.
Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) Common at Malaki Dam Lake. Elsewhere singles only
Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides) 2 at Abha lake on 4/5. Up to 10 at Malaki Dam Lake
Striated Heron (Butorides striatus) 1 at Jizan. 2 Al Birk.
Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) 1 Wadi Mahalah on 4/5. 10+ at Wadi Muhayil on 8/5
Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutes) 1 bird at Wadi Muhayil on 8/5Hamerkop Scopus umbretta2 at Wadi Muhayil on 8/5. 1 at Shallal ad Dahna on 11/5
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) 2 at Malaki Dam Lake on 7/5
Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) Up to 45 at at Malaki Dam Lake on 7/5. 4 Shuqaiq mangroves 7/5. 2 Al Birk area.8/5
Abdim's Stork (Ciconia abdimii) 2 came into Malaki Dam Lake on 6/5 evening and subsequently departed to the south.
White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) 1 at Malaki Dam Lake on 7/5.
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) Singles at Malaki Dam Lake on 6/5and 7/5. 1 at Shuqaiq mangroves on 8/5.
Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus caeruleus) Singles at Malaki Dam Lake on 6/5 and 7/5.
Black Kite (Milvus migrans) Common throughout in small numbers. Highest densities in Abha.
Eurasian Griffon (Gyps fulvus) 20+ at Tanumah breeding on cliffs below hotel on 10/5.
Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus) 1 at Raydah on 5/5. 2 at Wadi Masman on 11/5.
Marsh-Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)1 fem Malaki Dam Lake on 6/5.
Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus)1 fem Malaki Dam Lake on 7/5
Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) 1 Raydah escarpment on 4/5.
Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax) 1 at Malaki Dam Lake on 7/5. 2 adults together in Asir foothills en route to Muhayil.
Eurasian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) Recorded in small numbers at various localities in the Asir.
Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris) Up to 40 birds at Malaki Dam Lake on 7/5and 14 on 6/5.
Philby's Partridge (Alectoris philbyi) 1 seen and 2 heard at Raydah on 9/5. Singles at Tanumah on 10/5 and Wadi Masman on 11/5. This bird seen in more open habitat away from Juniper trees. Heard at dawn from upper slopes of Al Saha Park above the escarpment.
Arabian Partridge (Alectoris melanocephala) 10+ on road at Raydah on 5/5 early morning. 1 Tanumah 11/5
Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra) Counts of up to 130 on Abha lake on 4/5 with small numbers at Malaki Dam Lake
Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) 2+ on Abha on 4/5 and 5/5.
Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa) 2 at Shuqaiq mangroves on 7/5.
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) 2 at Jizan on 6/5 2 at Al Birkon 8/5.
Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)1 at Jizan on 6/5. 1 Al Birk on 8/5.
Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata) 1 of the long billed eastern race at Al birk on 8/5.
Spotted Redshank (Tringa erythropus) 1 at Al Birk on 7/5. 6 on 8/5.
Common Redshank (Tringa tetanus) 3 singles recored Al Birk.
Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis)1 Shuqaiq mangroves shrimp farm on 7/5.
Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) 2 Malaki Dam Lake on 6/5.
Terek Sandpiper (Xenus cinereus) Fairly common all expose muddy shores up to 7 birds
Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) 30+ Shuqaiq mangroves 7/5 2 wadi en route to Jizan, singles Malaki Dam Lake and Wadi Muhayil
Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola) Small numbers recorded with 35 Al Birk including one flock of 20 in mangroves areas and 4+ Malaki Dam Lake
Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) Common in coastal areas.
Red Knot (Calidris canutus) 2 Jizan 6/5 and 2 Al birk 8/5.
Sanderling (Calidris alba) 10+ Jizan 6/5 and similar numbers at Al Birk.
Little Stint (Calidris minuta) 20+ Shuqaiq mangroves shrimp farm 7/5, 12+ Al-Birk.8/5
Dunlin (Calidris alpina) 1Jizan was the only sighting 6/5.
Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea) 10+ Jizan 6/5. Common in Al- Birk area 8/5.
Ruff (Philomachus pugnax) 4 Shuqaiq mangroves 7/5. 2 Al-Birk 8/5.
Crab Plover (Dromas ardeola) 6 birds together at Shuqaiq mangroves 7/5. 1 Al-Birk 8/5
Spotted Thick-knee (Burhinus capensis) 3+ Malaki Dam Lake 6/5 and 1 on7/5.
Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus) 2 Jizan 6/5. 2 Al-Birk 8/5
Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) 2 Malaki Dam Lake on 6/5 and up to 10 birds Shuqaiq mangroves 6/5.
Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) 4 Malaki Dam Lake 6/5 and 7/5.
European Golden-Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) 2 Jizan 6/5.
Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) 1 Jizan 6/5. 1 Shuqaiq mangroves 7/5, 2 Al Birk 8/5
Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula). A few records in coastal areas with max count of 10 at Jizan on 6/5, 1 Wadi Muhayil 8/5
Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) Commonly recorded in coastal areas
Lesser Sandplover (Charadrius mongolus) The commoner Sandplover with max count of 5 on 8/5.
Greater Sandplover (Charadrius leschenaulti) 2 birds with lessers at near Al Birk on 8/5.
Spur-winged Plover (Vanellus spinosus) 2 at Malaki Dam Lake on 7/5.
White-eyed Gull (Larus leucophthalmus) 1 fine adult was the only record at Al Birk on 8/5.
Sooty Gull (Larus hemprichii) The commonest gull species along the coast. Recorded at all sites. Max daily count of 30.
Heuglins Gull (Larus fuscus heuglini) 1 adult Jizan on 6/5 was the only record
Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) 1 Jizan on 6/5
Slender-billed Gull (Larus genei) 4 adults Shuqaiq mangroves on 7/5.
Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybridus) Up to 10 birds at Malaki Dam Lake 6/5and 7/5. 5+ birds Shuqaiq mangroves 7/5.
White-winged Black Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus) 10+ Malaki Dam Lake 6/5 and 5+ on 7/5
Gull-billed Tern (Sterna nilotica) 1 Malaki Dam Lake 6/5, 2 on 7/5, 6+ Shuqaiq mangroves 7/5
Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia) 14+ on coast around Shuqaiq 7/5 4+ Al Birk area.
Crested Tern (Sterna bergii) 15+ Al Birk 8/5
Lesser Crested Tern (Sterna bengalensis) 20+ en route to Shuqaiq. 100+ Shuqaiq mangroves and 30+ Al Birk area.
White-cheeked Tern (Sterna repressa) 20+ Al Birk area 8/5
Saunders' Tern (Sterna saundersi) 10+ Jizan 6/5, 10+ Shuqaiq mangroves 7/5, and 10+ al Birk area 8/5
Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse (Pterocles exustus) A party of 12 birds seen close to the road en route to Al Birk on 8/5
Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse (Pterocles lichtensteinii) 4 at Malaki Dam Lake 7/5
Rock Dove (Columba livia) Widespread
Olive Pigeon (Columba arquatrix) Seen in very small numbers at Raydah with max count of 4 on 4/5. A very shy bird and difficult to observe
Dusky Turtle-Dove (Streptopelia lugens) Fairly common at Raydah and Tanumah
Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis) Widespread resident at all altitudes. Not in areas occupied by Streptopelia lugens
Red-eyed Dove (Streptopelia semitorquata) 1 seen at Malaki Dam Lake on 7/5African
Collared-Dove (Streptopelia roseogrisea) Common around Jizan and Malaki Dam Lake
Namaqua Dove (Oena capensis) Fairly common around savannah habitats in the Tinamah maximum count 30+ in Wadi en route to Jizan.
Bruce's Green-Pigeon (Treron waalia) Seen in suitable habitat with a preference for fig trees. Maximum count of 20+ at Wadi Muhayil on 8/5.
White-browed Coucal (Centropus superciliosus) Up to 6 at Wadi Jawah on 7/5 with 1 seen+ heard Wadi Muhayil 8/5.
African Scops-Owl (Otus senegalensis) 1-2 birds heard and one seen at Tanumah 10/5.
Spotted Eagle-Owl (Bubo africanus) 2 superb birds seen well perched on street lights of hotel at Tanumah 10/5
Plain Nightjar (Caprimulgus inornatus) 2 pairs calling and displaying at Wadi Mahalah 4/5. 1 Nightjar sp. Seen at Wadi bin Hashbal.
African Palm-Swift (Cypsiurus parvus) Common in the Tihamah
Alpine Swift (Apus melba) 1 at Wadi Muhayil 8/5 and singles recorded at other sites around Abha.
Pallid Swift (Apus pallidus) Recorded in small numbers at Malaki Dam Lake and Shuqaiq mangroves.
Swift Sp. 2 large all dark Swift sp. Seen over Raydah on5/5 and 1 10/5. These appeared to be the same size as Alpine with fast powerful flight. The possibility of an isolated population of Mottled Swift Tachymarptis aequatorialis could not be ruled out.
Little Swift (Apus affinis) Common around Jizan and small numbers recorded throughout.
Grey-headed Kingfisher (Halcyon leucocephala) Up to 6 birds at Wadi Mahalah. Also seen at Wadi Muhayil . Away from the Asir mountains fairly widespread.
White-throated Bee-eater (Merops albicollis) Up to 15 birds at Malaki Dam Lake 6/5. Fairly widespread elsewhere in the Tihamah.
Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis) Recorded in small numbers at all altitudes.
Blue-cheeked Bee-eater (Merops persicus) 20+ in Wadi en route to Jizan on 6/5. 2 Wadi Muhayil 8/5.
European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) Passage observed in small numbers with the exception of 200+ overhead and feeding in 5k Wadi.
Abyssinian Roller (Coracias abyssinica) Max count 4 Wadi Jawah 7/5.
Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops) Common resident
African Grey Hornbill (Tockus nasutus) 10+ descending the escarpment on the Jizan road 6/5 were the only sightings.
Arabian Woodpecker (Dendrocopos dorae) A pair feeding young at Tanumah on 10/5 & 11/5. 2 at Wadi Masman and 2 Shallal al Dahna 11/5
African Paradise-Flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis) 2-3 birds recorded lower down the escarpment at Raydah on 4/5, 5/5.
Indian House Crow (Corvus splendens) Only recorded at Jeddah and Jizan. Feral populations
Black-billed Magpie (Asir) Pica pica(asirensis) Scarce with a single bird at Tala valley wadi 5/5. And 2 at Shallal al Dahna 11/5.This bird is superficially identical to Pica pica. Its call is very different being a mournful prolonged screech. A potential split by some authorities.
Brown-necked Raven (Corvus ruficollis) Common in suitable habitat.
Fan-tailed Raven (Corvus rhipidurus) Commonly recorded in the Asir mountains. A flock of 27 at Tanumah on 11/5.
Eurasian Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus) 1 female inland from al Birk area. 8/5. 1 wadi Mahalah
Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) 1 Wadi Mahalah 4/5, 2 Wadi bin Hashbal 5/5.
Isabelline Shrike (Lanius isabellinus) 1 Wadi Jawah 7/5.
Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor) 1 bird only en route to Jizan 6/5.
Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator) 1 Raydah on 9/5.
Masked Shrike (Lanius nubicus) The commonest Shrike recorded, with max count of 5 at 5km wadi 9/5.
Little Rock-Thrush (Monticola rufocinereus) Common at Raydah and Tanumah
Yemen Thrush (Turdus menachensis) Very common at Raydah. Less so at Tanumah and recorded at Shallal al Dahna
Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos) 2 birds seen at Raydah (JG) 4/5.
Tristram's Starling (Onychognathus tristramii) Widespread residentAmethyst
Starling (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster) Widespread in small numbers at sites in the Asir mountains.
Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) Recorded at Jizan where common.
Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata) Recorded in Wadi en route to Jizan at least one bird of the darker eastern race. 2 at Shuqaiq mangroves with 7+ in mangroves near Al Birk.
Gambaga Flycatcher (Muscicapa gambagae) Commonly recorded in all wadis in the Asir mountains.
Rufous Bush-Robin (Cercotrichas galactotes) 3 Wadi Jawah 7/5.
Black Bush-Robin (Cercotrichas podobe) Widespread resident in Tinamah. Also recorded at Wadi Mahalah.
Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) Odd pairs seen in Asir mountains
Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) Common passage migrant in the Wadis and in coastal areas
Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra) 6+ in total all in the Asir mountains
Stonechat (Saxicola torquata) felix 6+ of the "felix" race observed on the approach roads to Raydah 4/5
Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)1 Al Birk area 8/5.
Arabian Wheatear (Oenanthe lugentoides) Common in the Asir mountains where recorded in stony scrub and semi cultivated habitat usually in pairs with full grown young at Wadi Mahalah
Botta's Wheatear (Oenanthe bottae) Less common than the above. A total of 7 sightings all in the Asir and showed more preference for semi cultivation.
Blackstart (Cercomela melanura) Pairs recorded at Wadi bin Hashmal, Jizan road, Wadi Mahalah and Wadi Muhayil
Sand Martin (Riparia riparia) Fairly common passage migrant.
Pale Crag-Martin (Hirundo obsolete) Recorded commonly on approach roads to Raydah and at Shallal al Dahna/ Tanumah.
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) Common and widespread.
Red-rumped Swallow (Hirundo daurica) 10+ on Raydah, 20+ Tanumah common and widespread.
Yellow vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus xanthopygos) Common and widespread.
White-breasted White-eye (Zosterops abyssinicus) Fairly common in the Asir mountains. Not confined to Juniper.
Fan-tailed Warbler (Cisticola juncidis) 1 on 6/5, 3+ 7/5 at Malaki Dam Lake
Streaked Scrub-Warbler (Scotocerca inquieta) 2 Wadi bin Hashmal 5/5
Graceful Prinia (Prinia gracilis) Small numbers recorded at sitesin the Asir mountains and in the Tihamah.
Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus) 1-2 recorded at Wadi Mahalah 4/5 and 9/5
Eurasian Reed-Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) 2 en route to Jizan.
African Reed-Warbler (Acrocephalus baeticatus) What was presumably this species very common in mangroves near Al Birk. Much paler than field guides suggest. Song distinctive, soft more rhythmic and less varied than reed warbler.
Marsh Warbler (Acrocephalus palustris) Singles at Wadi Mahalah on 9/5 and 5km Wadi 10/5. 1 Shallal al Dahna 11/5
Clamorous Reed-Warbler (Acrocephalus stentoreus) 2 Malaki Dam Lake on 6/5. Al birk mangroves on 8/5 and Wadi Mahalah on 10/5.
Olivaceous Warbler (Hippolais pallida) 10 + in total mainly in Asir wadis but 1 in wadi en route to Jizan 6/5
Upchers Warbler (Hippolais languidi) 2 in wadi en route to Jizan on 6/5.
Brown Woodland-Warbler (Phylloscopus umbrovirens) Recorded commonly in Juniper forest at Raydah, Tanumah and Shallal al Dahna. 1 away from Juniper at 5K wadi 10/5.
Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) A few migrants recorded in wadis.
Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita) 1 in wadi en route to Jizan.
Yemen Warbler (Sylvia buryi) Fairly common in Juniper forest both at Tanumah and Raydah. Many easily located as in song from tops of Junipers.
Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla) Very common passage migrant at most sites, presumably northern populations.
Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin) 3 Wadi bin Hashmal 5/5. singles elsewhere in the Asir.
Barred Warbler (Sylvia nisoria) Fairly common passage migrant in the Tihamah.
Arabian Warbler (Sylvia leucomelaena) Widespread in small numbers. 6+ at 5km wadi on 10/5 was highest count.
Arabian Babbler (Turdoides squamiceps) Fairly common in small numbers at most wadi sites
Black-crowned Finch-Lark (Eremopterix nigriceps) Single in flight between Jizan and Malaki Dam Lake. 2 at Malaki Dam Lake 6/5.
Desert Lark (Ammomanes deserti) 2 birds recorded at Malaki Dam Lake7/5 and Wadi Masman 11/5. Single at Wadi Muhayil 8/5Crested Lark Galerida cristataSmall numbers recorded in cultivated areas.
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) Common resident.
Arabian Golden-Sparrow (Passer euchlorus) 5 recorded at nesting colony between Abha and Jizan from main road north of Sabya .6/5. 2 Malaki Dam Lake on 7/5
Arabian Waxbill (Estrilda rufibarba) Small number recorded at Wadi Mahalah on 4/5, 6 at 5K wadi 10/5 and Shallal al Dahna on 11/5
African Silverbill (Lonchura cantans) 2 at Wadi Mahalah on 4/5 20+ at Wadi Jawah on 7/5. 8+ Shuqaiq mangroves 7/5.
Black headed Wagtail (Motacilla feldegg) 6+ at Wadi Mahalah on 9/5. 1 Shallal al Dahna 11/5
Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava) A superb lutea at Wadi Muhayil on 8/5. 4+ beema in fields on approach road to Raydah on 4/5. 20+ flava wags at Malaki Dam Lake on 6/5, 7/5. 2 cinerocapilla in wadi en route to Jizan an 2 Shuqaiq 7/5.
Long-billed Pipit (Anthus similes) Common resident.
Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis) A single bird in wadi en route to Jizan
Red-throated Pipit (Anthus cervinus) A single sum plum. At Wadi Mahalah on 9/5
Ruppell's Weaver (Ploceus galbula) Very common resident and recorded at many sites.
Nile Valley Sunbird (Anthreptes metallicus) Common at low altitudes but recoded as high as Abha at 5km wadi.
Palestine Sunbird (Nectarinia osea) Common resident the only sunbird at altitude
Shining Sunbird (Nectarinia habessinica) Less common than the above and tending to be a lower altitudes.
Olive-rumped Serin (Serinus rothschildi) The commoner Serin most often seen in pairs at various sites in the Asir mountains. Always near trees.
Yemen Serin (Serinus menachensis) Only definite sightings were 2 at Wadi Mahalah on 9/5 and a pair at Tanumah 10/5. Always recorded in more barren rocky habitat.
Golden-winged Grosbeak (Rhynchostruthus socotranus) A single bird seen briefly (TO) at Wadi Muhayil 8/5. This site was full of Euphorbia, this species preferred habitat.
Yemen Linnet (Carduelis yemenensis) Extremely common resident in the Asir mountains especially Raydah and Tanumah.
Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana) A single male at Tala valley on 5/5.
Cinnamon-breasted Bunting (Emberiza tahapisi) Fairly widespread resident most sightings in the Asir mountains with max count of 10+ at 5K wadi on 10/5.