List of birds of Oman 1

List of birds of Oman

Indian Roller, a common and familiar bird innorthern Oman.

This is a list of the bird species recorded in Oman. The avifauna ofOman includes a total of 494 species, of which 5 have been introducedby humans, and 146 are rare or accidental. The Ostrich is extirpated inOman and is not included in the species count. 12 species are globallythreatened.

This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders,families, and species) and nomenclature (common and scientificnames) generally follow the conventions of Clements's 6th edition witha few changes following the list of the Ornithological Society of theMiddle East. The family accounts at the beginning of each headingreflect the Clements taxonomy, as do the species counts found in eachfamily account. Introduced and accidental species are included in thetotal counts for Oman.

The following tags have been used to highlight certain relevant categories, but not all species fall into one of thesecategories. Those that do not are commonly occurring, native species.• (A) Accidental A species that rarely or accidentally occurs in Oman.• (I) Introduced A species introduced to Oman as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions.• (Ex) Extirpated A species that no longer occurs in Oman although populations exist elsewhere.

Table of contents

Non-passerines: Ostriches . Grebes . Shearwaters and petrels . Storm-petrels . Tropicbirds . Pelicans . Boobies and gannets . Cormorants .Frigatebirds . Bitterns, herons and egrets . Storks . Ibises and spoonbills . Flamingos . Ducks, geese and swans . Osprey . Hawks, kites and eagles .

Falcons . Partridges and quails . Buttonquails . Cranes . Rails, crakes, gallinules, and coots . Bustards . Jacanas . Painted snipe . Crab Plover .Oystercatchers . Avocets and stilts . Thick-knees . Pratincoles and coursers . Plovers and lapwings . Sandpipers and allies . Skuas . Gulls . Terns .Skimmers . Sandgrouse . Pigeons and doves . Parrots . Cuckoos . Barn owls . Typical owls . Nightjars . Swifts . Kingfishers . Bee-eaters . Typical

rollers . Hoopoes . Woodpeckers and allies .

Passerines: Larks . Swallows and martins . Wagtails and pipits . Bulbuls . Grey Hypocolius . Accentors . Thrushes . Cisticolas and allies . OldWorld warblers . Old World flycatchers and chats . Monarch flycatchers . Babblers . Penduline tits . Sunbirds . White-eyes . Old World orioles .

Shrikes . Bushshrikes and allies . Drongos . Crows, ravens and magpies . Starlings . Weavers and allies . Waxbills and allies . Buntings, Sparrows .Finches . Sparrows .

See also       References

List of birds of Oman 2

OstrichesOrder: Struthioniformes. Family: StruthionidaeThe Ostrich is a flightless bird native to Africa. It is the largest living species of bird. It is distinctive in itsappearance, with a long neck and legs and the ability to run at high speeds.• Ostrich Struthio camelus (Ex)

Grebes

Little Grebe, breeds at a few wetland sites.

Order: Podicipediformes. Family: PodicipedidaeGrebes are small to medium-large sized freshwater diving birds. Theyhave lobed toes, and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, theyhave their feet placed far back on the body, making them quiteungainly on land. There are about 19 species worldwide and 3 specieswhich occur in Oman.

• Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis• Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus (A)• Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis

Shearwaters and petrels

Flesh-footed Shearwater, occurs offshore insummer.

Order: Procellariiformes. Family: ProcellariidaeThe procellariids are the main group of medium-sized 'true petrels',characterised by united nostrils with a medium septum, and a longouter functional primary. There are about 77 species worldwide and 7species which occur in Oman.• Jouanin's Petrel Bulweria fallax• Streaked Shearwater Calonectris leucomelas (A)• Cory's Shearwater Calonectris diomedea (A)• Flesh-footed Shearwater Puffinus carneipes

• Wedge-tailed Shearwater Puffinus pacificus• Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus (A)• Persian Shearwater Puffinus persicus

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Storm-petrels

Wilson's Storm-petrel, fairly common offshoreduring summer.

Order: Procellariiformes. Family: HydrobatidaeThe storm-petrels are relatives of the petrels, and are the smallest ofsea-birds. They feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish pickedfrom the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering andsometimes bat-like. There are about 20 species worldwide and 4species which occur in Oman.

• Wilson's Storm-Petrel Oceanites oceanicus• White-faced Storm-Petrel Pelagodroma marina (A)• Black-bellied Storm-Petrel Fregetta tropica (A)• Swinhoe's Storm-Petrel Oceanodroma monorhis

Tropicbirds

Red-billed Tropicbird, breeds on islands andcliffs.

Order: Pelecaniformes. Family: PhaethontidaeTropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans, withexceptionally long central tail feathers. Their heads and long wingshave black markings. There are 3 species worldwide and 1 specieswhich occurs in Oman.

• Red-billed Tropicbird Phaethon aethereus

Pelicans

Order: Pelecaniformes. Family: PelecanidaePelicans are large water birds with a distinctive pouch under the beak.As with other members of the order Pelecaniformes, they have webbed feet with four toes. There are about 8 speciesworldwide and 3 species which occur in Oman.

• Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus (A)• Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens (A)• Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus (A)

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Boobies and gannets

Masked Boobies, colonies breed on the AlHallaniyyat Islands.

Order: Pelecaniformes. Family: SulidaeThe sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups comprisemedium-to-large coastal sea-birds that plunge-dive for fish. There areabout 10 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Oman.

• Cape Gannet Morus capensis (A)• Masked Booby Sula dactylatra• Red-footed Booby Sula sula (A)• Brown Booby Sula leucogaster

Cormorants

Great Cormorant, a common winter visitor.

Order: Pelecaniformes. Family: PhalacrocoracidaeThe Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium-to-large coastal,fish-eating sea-birds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumagecolouration varies with the majority having mainly dark plumage,some species being black and white, and a few being colourful. Thereare about 39 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Oman.• Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo• Socotra Cormorant Phalacrocorax nigrogularis

Frigatebirds

Order: Pelecaniformes. Family: FregatidaeFrigatebirds are large sea-birds usually found over tropical oceans.They are large, black and white or completely black, with long wingsand deeply-forked tails. The males have inflatable coloured throatpouches. They do not swim or walk, and cannot take off from a flatsurface. Having the largest wingspan to body weight ratio of any bird,they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week. There are 5 species worldwide and 2 specieswhich occur in Oman.

• Great Frigatebird Fregata minor (A)• Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel (A)

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Bitterns, herons and egrets

Western Reef-Heron, common along the coast.

Order: Ciconiiformes. Family: ArdeidaeThe family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Heronsand egrets are medium to large sized wading birds with long necks andlegs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Unlike otherlong-necked birds suck as storks, ibises and spoonbills, members ofArdeidae fly with their necks retracted. There are about 63 speciesworldwide and 17 species which occur in Oman.

• Grey Heron Ardea cinerea• Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala (A)

• Goliath Heron Ardea goliath (A)• Purple Heron Ardea purpurea• Great Egret Ardea alba• Black Heron Egretta ardesiaca (A)• Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia• Little Egret Egretta garzetta• Western Reef-Heron Egretta gularis• Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides• Indian Pond-Heron Ardeola grayii• Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis• Striated Heron Butorides striata• Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax• Yellow Bittern Ixobrychus sinensis• Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus• Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris

Storks

Abdim's Stork, an irregular migrant from Africa.

Order: Ciconiiformes. Family: CiconiidaeStorks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long,stout bills. Storks are mute; bill-clattering is an important mode ofstork communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may bereused for many years. Many species are migratory. There are about 19species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Oman.• Black Stork Ciconia nigra (A)• Abdim's Stork Ciconia abdimii• White Stork Ciconia ciconia

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Ibises and spoonbills

Eurasian Spoonbils, common at coastal wetlands.

Order: Ciconiiformes. Family: ThreskiornithidaeThe Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birdswhich includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wingswith 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strongfliers and despite their size and weight, very capable soarers. There areabout 33 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Oman.

• Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus (A)• Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus• Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia• African Spoonbill Platalea alba (A)

FlamingosOrder: Phoenicopteriformes. Family: PhoenicopteridaeFlamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually 3 to 5 feet (1.5 m) high, found in both the Western and EasternHemispheres. They are more numerous in the latter. Flamingos filter-feed on shellfish and algae. Their oddly-shapedbeaks are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume, and are uniquely usedupside-down. There are about 6 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Oman.• Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus• Lesser Flamingo Phoenicopterus minor (A)

Ducks, geese and swans

Cotton Pygmy-goose, a winter visitor to thesouth.

Garganey, a common migrant especially in springand autumn.

Order: Anseriformes. Family: AnatidaeThe family Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl,such as geese and swans. These are birds that are modified for anaquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills and feathers that areexcellent at shedding water due to an oily coating. There are 159species worldwide and 26 species which occur in Oman.

• Fulvous Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna bicolor (A)• Lesser Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna javanica (A)• Mute Swan Cygnus olor (A)• Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus (A)• Bewick's Swan Cygnus columbianus (A)• Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons• Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus (A)• Greylag Goose Anser anser• Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus (A)• Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea• Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

• Comb Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos (A)

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• Cotton Pygmy-goose Nettapus coromandelianus• Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope• Gadwall Anas strepera• Eurasian Teal Anas crecca• Mallard Anas platyrhynchos• Northern Pintail Anas acuta• Garganey Anas querquedula• Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata• Marbled Teal Marmaronetta angustirostris (A)• Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina• Common Pochard Aythya ferina• Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca• Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula• Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator (A)

Osprey

Osprey, breeds on coastal cliffs and islands.

Order: Falconiformes. Family: PandionidaeThe Pandionidae family contains only one species, the Osprey. TheOsprey is a medium large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with aworldwide distribution.

• Osprey Pandion haliaetus

Hawks, kites and eagles

Egyptian Vulture, common around rubbish tips.

Order: Falconiformes. Family: AccipitridaeAccipitridae is a family of birds of prey and include hawks, eagles,kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have powerfulhooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerfultalons, and keen eyesight. There are about 240 species worldwide and29 species which occur in Oman.

• European Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus• Oriental Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus (A)• Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus (A)• Black Kite Milvus migrans• Pallas's Fish-Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus (A)

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Greater Spotted Eagle, a common winter visitor.

• Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus• Eurasian Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus• Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus (A)• Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus• Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus• Western Marsh-Harrier Circus aeruginosus• Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus• Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus• Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus• Shikra Accipiter badius (A)

• Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus• Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis (A)• White-eyed Buzzard Butastur teesa (A)• Eurasian Buzzard Buteo buteo• Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus• Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina (A)• Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga• Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax (A)• Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis• Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca• Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos• Verreaux's Eagle Aquila verreauxii• Bonelli's Eagle Aquila fasciatus• Booted Eagle Aquila pennatus

Falcons

Saker Falcon, declining in numbers.

Order: Falconiformes. Family: FalconidaeFalconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ fromhawks, eagles, and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead oftheir feet. There are about 64 species worldwide and 10 species whichoccur in Oman.• Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni• Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus• Amur Falcon Falco amurensis• Sooty Falcon Falco concolor• Merlin Falco columbarius (A)• Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo• Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus• Saker Falcon Falco cherrug• Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides• Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus

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Partridges and quails

Arabian Partridge, a local resident of northernand southern mountains.

Order: Galliformes. Family: PhasianidaeThe Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds which consists ofquails, partridges, snowcocks, francolins, spurfowls, tragopans,monals, pheasants, peafowls and jungle fowls. In general, they areplump (although they may vary in size) and have broad, relativelyshort wings. There are about 155 species worldwide and 6 specieswhich occur in Oman.

• Chukar Alectoris chukar• Arabian Partridge Alectoris melanocephala• Sand Partridge Ammoperdix heyi

• Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus• Common Quail Coturnix coturnix• Harlequin Quail Coturnix delegorguei (A)

ButtonquailsOrder: Gruiformes. Family: TurnicidaeThe buttonquails are small, drab, running birds which resemble the true quails.The female is the brighter of thesexes, and initiates courtship. The male incubates the eggs and tends the young. There are about 16 speciesworldwide and 1 species which occurs in Oman.• Small Buttonquail Turnix sylvatica (A)

Cranes

Common Crane, a winter visitor in smallnumbers.

Order: Gruiformes. Family: GruidaeCranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds. Unlike thesimilar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necksoutstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courtingdisplays or "dances". There are about 15 species worldwide and 2species which occur in Oman.• Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo• Common Crane Grus grus

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Rails, crakes, gallinules, and coots

Baiilon's Crake, a visitor to wetland areasbetween August and April.

Order: Gruiformes. Family: RallidaeRallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds whichincludes the rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules. Typically they inhabitdense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps, or rivers.In general they are shy and secretive birds, difficult to observe. Mostspecies have strong legs, and have long toes which are well adapted tosoft, uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and beweak fliers. There are about 135 species worldwide and 13 specieswhich occur in Oman.

• Water Rail Rallus aquaticus• Corn Crake Crex crex

• White-breasted Waterhen Amaurornis phoenicurus• Little Crake Porzana parva• Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilla• Spotted Crake Porzana porzana• Watercock Gallicrex cinerea (A)• Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio (A)• Allen's Gallinule Porphyrio alleni (A)• Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus• Lesser Moorhen Gallinula angulata (A)• Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata (A)• Eurasian Coot Fulica atra

BustardsOrder: Gruiformes. Family: OtididaeBustards are large terrestrial birds mainly associated with dry open country and steppes in the Old World. They areomnivorous and nest on the ground. They walk steadily on strong legs and big toes, pecking for food as they go.They have long broad wings with "fingered" wingtips, and striking patterns in flight. Many have interesting matingdisplays. There are about 26 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Oman.• Macqueen's Bustard Chlamydotis macqueenii• Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax (A)

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Jacanas

Pheasant-tailed Jacana, a winter visitor mainly tothe south.

Order: Charadriiformes. Family: JacanidaeThe jacanas are a group of tropical waders in the family Jacanidae.They are found worldwide in the Tropics. They are identifiable by theirhuge feet and claws which enable them to walk on floating vegetationin the shallow lakes that are their preferred habitat. There are 8 speciesworldwide and 1 species which occurs in Oman.

• Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus

Painted snipeOrder: Charadriiformes. Family: RostratulidaePainted snipe are short-legged, long-billed birds similar in shape to the true snipes, but more brightly coloured. Thereare 3 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Oman.• Greater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis (A)

Crab PloverOrder: Charadriiformes. Family: DromadidaeThe Crab Plover is related to the waders. It resembles a plover but with very long grey legs and a strong heavy blackbill similar to a tern. It has black and white plumage, a long neck, partially webbed feet and a bill designed for eatingcrabs.• Crab Plover Dromas ardeola

Oystercatchers

Eurasian Oystercatcher, large flocks winter atBarr al Hikman and Masirah Island.

Order: Charadriiformes. Family: HaematopodidaeThe oystercatchers are large and noisy plover-like birds, with strongbills used for smashing or prising open molluscs. There are about 11species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Oman.

• Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

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Avocets and stilts

Black-winged Stilt, a local breeding bird morewidespread in winter.

Order: Charadriiformes. Family: RecurvirostridaeRecurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes theavocets and the stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curvedbills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills.There are about 9 species worldwide and 2 species which occur inOman.

• Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus• Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

Thick-kneesOrder: Charadriiformes. Family: BurhinidaeThe thick-knees are a group of largely tropical waders in the family Burhinidae. They are found worldwide withinthe tropical zone, with some species also breeding in temperate Europe and Australia. They are medium to largewaders with strong black or yellow black bills, large yellow eyes and cryptic plumage. Despite being classed aswaders, most species have a preference for arid or semi-arid habitats. There are 9 species worldwide and 3 specieswhich occur in Oman.• Eurasian Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus• Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis• Great Thick-knee Burhinus recurvirostris

Pratincoles and coursers

Small Pratincole, small numbers occur fromNovember to February.

Order: Charadriiformes. Family: GlareolidaeGlareolidae is a family of wading birds comprising the pratincoles,which have short legs, long pointed wings and long forked tails, andthe coursers, which have long legs, short wings and long pointed billswhich curve downwards. There are 17 species worldwide and 4 specieswhich occur in Oman.

• Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius cursor• Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola• Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni (A)• Small Pratincole Glareola lactea

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Plovers and lapwings

Red-wattled Lapwing, a common resident in thenorth.

Order: Charadriiformes. Family: CharadriidaeThe family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels, and lapwings.They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short,thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in opencountry worldwide, mostly in habitats near water, although there aresome exceptions. There are about 66 species worldwide and 16 specieswhich occur in Oman.

• Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus• Spur-winged Plover Vanellus spinosus• Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus• Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius

• White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus• Pacific Golden-Plover Pluvialis fulva• American Golden-Plover Pluvialis dominica (A)• European Golden-Plover Pluvialis apricaria (A)• Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola• Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula• Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius• Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus• Lesser Sandplover Charadrius mongolus• Greater Sandplover Charadrius leschenaultii• Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus• Eurasian Dotterel Charadrius morinellus (A)

Sandpipers and allies

Little Stint, one of Oman's commonest waders.

Order: Charadriiformes. Family: ScolopacidaeThe Scolopacidae are a large diverse family of small to medium sizedshorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers,woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. The majority of specieseat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation inlength of legs and bills enable different species to feed in the samehabitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food.There are about 89 species worldwide and 39 species which occur inOman.

• Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola (A)• Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus• Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura• Great Snipe Gallinago media• Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago• Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus (A)• Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa• Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica• Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

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Red-necked Phalarope, large numbers occur atsea.

• Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenuirostris (A)• Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata• Far Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis (A)• Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus

• Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos• Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus• Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus• Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia• Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa nebularia (A)• Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis• Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola• Common Redshank Tringa totanus• Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres• Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris• Red Knot Calidris canutus (A)• Sanderling Calidris alba• Little Stint Calidris minuta• Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii• Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta• Baird's Sandpiper Calidris bairdii (A)• Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos (A)• Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata (A)• Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea• Dunlin Calidris alpina• Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus• Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis (A)• Ruff Philomachus pugnax• Wilson's Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor (A)• Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus• Red Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius

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Skuas

Pomarine Skua, a passage migrant offshore.

Order: Charadriiformes. Family: StercorariidaeThe family Stercorariidae are, in general, medium to large birds,typically with grey or brown plumage, often with white markings onthe wings. They nest on the ground in temperate and arctic regions andare long-distance migrants. There are about 7 species worldwide and 5species which occur in Oman.• South Polar Skua Stercorarius maccormicki (A)• Brown Skua Stercorarius antarctica (A)• Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus• Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus• Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus (A)

Gulls

Slender-billed Gull, large numbers occur aroundthe coast.

Order: Charadriiformes. Family: LaridaeLaridae is a family of medium to large birds seabirds and includesgulls and kittiwakes. They are typically grey or white, often with blackmarkings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills andwebbed feet. There are about 56 species worldwide and 12 specieswhich occur in Oman.

• White-eyed Gull Larus leucophthalmus (A)• Sooty Gull Larus hemprichii• Common Gull Larus canus• Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus

• Heuglin's Gull Larus heuglini• Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans• Steppe Gull Larus barabensis• Great Black-headed Gull Larus ichthyaetus• Brown-headed Gull Larus brunnicephalus (A)• Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus• Slender-billed Gull Larus genei• Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla (A)

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Terns

Bridled Tern, common breeder on offshoreislands.

Order: Charadriiformes. Family: SternidaeTerns are a group of generally general medium to large sea-birdstypically with grey or white plumage, often with black markings on thehead. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off thesurface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, withseveral species now known to live in excess of 25 to 30 years. Thereare about 44 species worldwide and 18 species which occur in Oman.

• Brown Noddy Anous stolidus• Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris• Sooty Tern Onychoprion fuscatus• Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus• Little Tern Sternula albifrons

• Saunders's Tern Sternula saundersi• Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica• Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia• Black Tern Chlidonias niger (A)• White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus• Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus• Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii• Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea (A)• Common Tern Sterna hirundo• White-cheeked Tern Sterna repressa• Great Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii• Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis• Lesser Crested Tern Thalasseus bengalensis

SkimmersOrder: Charadriiformes. Family: RynchopidaeSkimmers are a small family of tropical tern-like birds. They have an elongated lower mandible which they use tofeed by flying low over the water surface and skimming the water for small fish. There are 3 species worldwide and1 species which occurs in Oman.• Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis (A)

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Sandgrouse

Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, large numbersgather at water sources.

Order: Pterocliformes. Family: PteroclidaeSandgrouse have small, pigeon like heads and necks, but sturdycompact bodies. They have long pointed wings and sometimes tailsand a fast direct flight. Flocks fly to watering holes at dawn and dusk.Their legs are feathered down to the toes. There are 16 speciesworldwide and 5 species which occur in Oman.• Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Pterocles alchata (A)• Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles exustus• Spotted Sandgrouse Pterocles senegallus• Crowned Sandgrouse Pterocles coronatus

• Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse Pterocles lichtensteinii

Pigeons and doves

Bruce's Green Pigeon, mainly a summer visitor tosouthern hills and wadis.

Order: Columbiformes. Family: ColumbidaePigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and shortslender bills with a fleshy cere. There are about 308 species worldwideand 11 species which occur in Oman.

• Rock Dove Columba livia• Stock Dove Columba oenas (A)• Common Wood-Pigeon Columba palumbus• Eurasian Turtle-Dove Streptopelia turtur• Oriental Turtle-Dove Streptopelia orientalis• Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto

• African Collared-Dove Streptopelia roseogrisea (A)• Red Collared-Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica (A)• Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis• Namaqua Dove Oena capensis• Bruce's Green Pigeon Treron waalia

List of birds of Oman 18

Parrots

Rose-ringed Parakeet, common in the north andincreasing in the south.

Order: Psittaciformes. Family: PsittacidaeParrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak shape.Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skulland the have a generally erect stance. All parrots are zygodactyl,having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two back.There are about 347 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs inOman.

• Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri (I)

Cuckoos

Dideric Cuckoo, a summer visitor to the south.

Order: Cuculiformes. Family: CuculidaeThe family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. Thesebirds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs.Unlike the cuckoo species of the Old World, North American cuckoosare not brood parasites. There are about 141 species worldwide and 7species which occur in Oman.

• Pied Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus• Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius• Common Hawk-Cuckoo Cuculus varius (A)

• Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus• Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus (A)• Dideric Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius• Asian Koel Eudynamys scolopacea

List of birds of Oman 19

Barn owlsOrder: Strigiformes. Family: TytonidaeBarn owls are medium to large sized owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have longstrong legs with powerful talons. There are about 16 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Oman.• Barn Owl Tyto alba

Typical owls

Spotted Eagle-Owl, a rare resident of woodedareas.

Order: Strigiformes. Family: StrigidaeTypical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. Theyhave large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak, and aconspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk.There are about 199 species worldwide and 9 species which occur inOman.

• Pallid Scops-Owl Otus brucei• African Scops-Owl Otus senegalensis• European Scops-Owl Otus scops• Pharaoh Eagle-Owl Bubo ascalaphus• Spotted Eagle-Owl Bubo africanus• Hume's Owl Strix butleri• Little Owl Athene noctua• Long-eared Owl Asio otus (A)• Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus

Nightjars

Eurasian Nightjar, a fairly common migrant.

Order: Caprimulgiformes. Family: CaprimulgidaeNightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds with long wings, short legsand very short bills that usually nest on the ground. Most have smallfeet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their softplumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves. There are about 91species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Oman.

• Eurasian Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus• Egyptian Nightjar Caprimulgus aegyptius• Nubian Nightjar Caprimulgus nubicus (A)

List of birds of Oman 20

SwiftsOrder: Apodiformes. Family: ApodidaeSwifts are small aerial birds, spending the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and neversettle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wingsthat resemble a crescent or a boomerang. There are about 100 species worldwide and 4 species which occur inOman.• Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba• Common Swift Apus apus• Pallid Swift Apus pallidus• Little Swift Apus affinis

Kingfishers

Grey-headed Kingfisher, a breeding migrant tothe south.

Order: Coraciiformes. Family: AlcedinidaeKingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long pointedbills, short legs, and stubby tails. There are about 93 species worldwideand 5 species which occur in Oman.• Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis• Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata (A)• Grey-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala• Collared Kingfisher Todirhamphus chloris• Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis (A)

List of birds of Oman 21

Bee-eaters

Green Bee-eater, common in northern andsouthern areas.

Order: Coraciiformes. Family: MeropidaeThe bee-eaters are a group of near passerine birds in the familyMeropidae. Most species are found in Africa but others occur insouthern Europe, Madagascar, Australia and New Guinea. They arecharacterised by richly coloured plumage, slender bodies and usuallyelongated central tail feathers. All are colorful and have longdownturned bills and pointed wings, which give them a swallow-likeappearance when seen from afar. There are about 26 species worldwideand 4 species which occur in Oman.

• White-throated Bee-eater Merops albicollis (A)• Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis• Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus• European Bee-eater Merops apiaster

Typical rollers

Order: Coraciiformes. Family: CoraciidaeRollers resemble crows in size and build, but are more closely relatedto the kingfishers and bee-eaters. They share the colourful appearanceof those groups with blues and browns predominating. The two innerfront toes are connected, but the outer toe is not. There are about 12species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Oman.

• European Roller Coracias garrulus• Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudata (A)• Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis

Hoopoes

Eurasian Hoopoe, a few breed in the north butlarger numbers numbers occur from autumn to

spring.

Order: Coraciiformes. Family: UpupidaeHoopoes have black, white and orangey-pink colouring with a largeerectile crest on their head. There are about 2 species worldwide and 1species which occurs in Oman.• Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops

Woodpeckers and allies

Order: Piciformes. Family: PicidaeWoodpeckers are small to medium sized birds with chisel like beaks,short legs, stiff tails and long tongues used for capturing insects. Somespecies have feet with two toes pointing forward, and two backward, while several species have only three toes.Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks. There are about 219 speciesworldwide and 1 species which occurs in Oman.• Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla

List of birds of Oman 22

Larks

Crested Lark, a very common resident.

Order: Passeriformes. Family: AlaudidaeLarks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs anddisplay flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food isinsects and seeds. There are about 96 species worldwide and 14 specieswhich occur in Oman.• Singing Bushlark Mirafra cantillans• Black-crowned Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix nigriceps• Bar-tailed Lark Ammomanes cincturus• Desert Lark Ammomanes deserti• Greater Hoopoe-Lark Alaemon alaudipes• Thick-billed Lark Ramphocoris clotbey (A)• Bimaculated Lark Melanocorypha bimaculata• Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla• Blanford's Lark Calandrella blanfordi (A)• Lesser Short-toed Lark Calandrella rufescens• Dunn's Lark Eremalauda dunni• Crested Lark Galerida cristata• Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis• Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula

Swallows and martins

Barn Swallow, very common on passage and inwinter.

Order: Passeriformes. Family: HirundinidaeThe Hirundinidae family is a group of passerines characterized by theiradaptation to aerial feeding. Their adaptations include a slenderstreamlined body, long pointed wings and short bills with wide gape.The feet are designed for perching rather than walking, and the fronttoes are partially joined at the base. There are about 83 speciesworldwide and 11 species which occur in Oman.• Sand Martin Riparia riparia• Pale Sand Martin Riparia diluta (A)

• Plain Martin Riparia paludicola• Eurasian Crag-Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris• Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula• Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica• Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii (A)• Lesser Striped-Swallow Cecropis abyssinica (A)• Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica• Streak-throated Swallow Petrochelidon fluvicola (A)• Common House-Martin Delichon urbicum

List of birds of Oman 23

Wagtails and pipits

Yellow Wagtail, several subspecies occurbetween August and May.

Order: Passeriformes. Family: MotacillidaeThe Motacillidae are a family of small passerine birds with medium tolong tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They areslender, ground feeding insectivores of open country. There are about66 species worldwide and 16 species which occur in Oman.• Richard's Pipit Anthus richardi• Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis• Blyth's Pipit Anthus godlewskii (A)• Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris• Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis (A)

• Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus• Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni• Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis• Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta• Buff-bellied Pipit Anthus rubescens (A)• Golden Pipit Tmetothylacus tenellus (A)• Forest Wagtail Dendronanthus indicus (A)• White Wagtail Motacilla alba• Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava• Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola• Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

Bulbuls

White-spectacled or Yellow-vented Bulbul, acommon and familiar bird of parks and gardens.

Order: Passeriformes. Family: PycnonotidaeBulbuls are medium-sized songbirds. Some are colourful with yellow,red or orange vents, cheeks, throat or supercilia, but most are drab,with uniform olive brown to black plumage. Some species havedistinct crests.There are about 130 species worldwide and 3 specieswhich occur in Oman.• White-spectacled Bulbul Pycnonotus xanthopygos• White-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus leucotis• Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer (I)

List of birds of Oman 24

Grey Hypocolius

Hypocolius, a winter visitor in small numbers.

Order: Passeriformes. Family: HypocoliidaeThe Grey Hypocolius is a small Middle Eastern bird. They are mainlya uniform grey color, with males having a black triangular maskaround the eyes, and with the shape and soft plumage of the waxwings.• Hypocolius Hypocolius ampelinus

Accentors

Order: Passeriformes. Family: PrunellidaeThe accentors are in the only bird family, Prunellidae, which iscompletely endemic to the Palearctic. They are small, fairly drabspecies superficially similar to sparrows. There are 13 speciesworldwide and 2 species which occur in Oman.

• Radde's Accentor Prunella ocularis (A)

• Black-throated Accentor Prunella atrogularis (A)

Thrushes

Rufous-tailed Rock-thrush, a migrant most oftenseen in mountainous areas.

Order: Passeriformes. Family: TurdidaeThe thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in theOld World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sizedinsectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground.Many have attractive songs. There are about 176 species worldwideand 9 species which occur in Oman.

• Rufous-tailed Rock-Thrush Monticola saxatilis• Blue Rock-Thrush Monticola solitarius• Scaly Thrush Zoothera dauma (A)• Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus (A)• Eyebrowed Thrush Turdus obscurus (A)• Dark-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis• Dusky Thrush Turdus naumanni (A)• Song Thrush Turdus philomelos• Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus (A)

List of birds of Oman 25

Cisticolas and allies

Graceful Prinia, very common throughout exceptfor the central desert.

Order: Passeriformes. Family: CisticolidaeThe Cisticolidae are warblers found mainly in warmer southern regionsof the Old World. They are generally very small birds of drab brown orgrey appearance found in open country such as grassland or scrub.There are about 111 species worldwide and 3 species which occur inOman.• Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis (A)• Streaked Scrub-Warbler Scotocerca inquieta• Graceful Prinia Prinia gracilis

Old World warblers

Clamorous Reed-Warbler, breeds in reedbeds andmangroves.

Chiffchaff, common and widespread in winter.

Order: Passeriformes. Family: SylviidaeThe family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds.The Sylviidae mainly occur as breeding species, as the common nameimplies, in Europe, Asia and, to a lesser extent Africa. Most are ofgenerally undistinguished appearance, but many have distinctive songs.There are about 291 species worldwide and 40 species which occur inOman.• Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia• Eurasian River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis (A)• Savi's Warbler Locustella luscinioides (A)• Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon (A)• Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus• Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola (A)• Eurasian Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus• Blyth's Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum (A)• Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris• Great Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus• Clamorous Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus• Thick-billed Warbler Acrocephalus aedon (A)• Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata• Sykes's Warbler Hippolais rama• Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida• Upcher's Warbler Hippolais languida• Olive-tree Warbler Hippolais olivetorum (A)• Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina (A)• Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus• Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita• Plain Leaf-Warbler Phylloscopus neglectus

• Eastern Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus orientalis (A)• Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix

List of birds of Oman 26

• Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus (A)• Hume's Warbler Phylloscopus humei (A)• Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis (A)• Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides (A)

• Green Warbler Phylloscopus (trochiloides) nitidus• Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla• Garden Warbler Sylvia borin• Greater Whitethroat Sylvia communis• Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca• Small Whitethroat Sylvia minula• Hume's Whitethroat Sylvia althaea (A)• Asian Desert Warbler Sylvia nana• Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria• Eastern Orphean Warbler Sylvia crassirostris• Red Sea Warbler Sylvia leucomelaena• Menetries's Warbler Sylvia mystacea• Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala (A)

Old World flycatchers and chats

Rufous-backed or Eversmann's Redstart, a fewwinter on the Musandam Peninsula.

Blackstart, common in the southern mountains.

Order: Passeriformes. Family: MuscicapidaeOld World flycatchers are a large group of small passerine birds nativeto the Old World. They are mainly small arboreal insectivores. Theappearance of these birds is very varied, but they mostly have weaksongs and harsh calls. There are about 275 species worldwide and 34species which occur in Oman.• Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata• Asian Brown Flycatcher Muscicapa dauurica (A)• European Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca (A)• Semicollared Flycatcher Ficedula semitorquata• Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva• Blue-and-white Flycatcher Cyanoptila cyanomelana (A)• European Robin Erithacus rubecula (A)• Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia (A)• Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos• Bluethroat Luscinia svecica• White-throated Robin Irania gutturalis• Rufous-tailed Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas galactotes• Black Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas podobe (A)• Rufous-backed Redstart Phoenicurus erythronota• Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros

• Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus• Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maurus• Whinchat Saxicola rubetra• Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata (A)

List of birds of Oman 27

• White-tailed Wheatear Oenanthe leucopyga (A)• Hooded Wheatear Oenanthe monacha• Hume's Wheatear Oenanthe alboniger• Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe• Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens (A)• Arabian Wheatear Oenanthe lugentoides• Finsch's Wheatear Oenanthe finschii (A)• Variable Wheatear Oenanthe picata• Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka• Cyprus Wheatear Oenanthe cypriaca (A)• Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica (A)• Red-tailed Wheatear Oenanthe xanthoprymna• Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti• Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina• Blackstart Cercomela melanura

Monarch flycatchersOrder: Passeriformes. Family: MonarchidaeThe monarch flycatchers are small to medium-sized insectivorous passerines, which hunt by flycatching. There areabout 100 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Oman.• African Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis

Babblers

Arabian Babbler, often seen in parks and gardens.

Order: Passeriformes. Family: TimaliidaeThe babblers or timaliids are somewhat diverse in size and coloration,but are characterised by soft fluffy plumage. There are about 274species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Oman.• Arabian Babbler Turdoides squamiceps

Penduline tits

Order: Passeriformes. Family: RemizidaeThe penduline tits are a group of small passerine birds, related to thetrue tits. They are insectivores. There are about 13 species worldwideand 1 species which occurs in Oman.• Eurasian Penduline-Tit Remiz pendulinus (A)

List of birds of Oman 28

Sunbirds

Purple Sunbird, common in gardens in the north.

Order: Passeriformes. Family: NectariniidaeThe sunbirds and spiderhunters are very small passerine birds whichfeed largely on nectar, although they will also take insects, especiallywhen feeding young. Flight is fast and direct on their short wings.Most species can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, butusually perch to feed. There are about 131 species worldwide and 4species which occur in Oman.• Nile Valley Sunbird Hedydipna metallica• Palestine Sunbird Cinnyris oseus• Shining Sunbird Cinnyris habessinicus

• Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus

White-eyes

Oriental White-eye, recently found breeding onMahawt Island.

Order: Passeriformes. Family: ZosteropidaeThe white-eyes are small and are mostly of undistinguishedappearance, the plumage above being generally either some dull colorlike greenish olive, but some species have a white or bright yellowthroat, breast or lower parts, and several have buff flanks. As theirname suggests many species have a white ring around the eyes. Thereare about 96 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Oman.• White-breasted White-eye Zosterops abyssinicus• Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus

Old World orioles

Order: Passeriformes. Family: OriolidaeThe Old World Orioles are colourful passerine birds. They are notrelated to the New World orioles. There are about 30 speciesworldwide and 1 species which occurs in Oman.• Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus

List of birds of Oman 29

Shrikes

Isabelline Shrike, very common from August toMay.

Order: Passeriformes. Family: LaniidaeShrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching otherbirds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of theirbodies on thorns. A typical shrike's beak is hooked, like a bird of prey.There are about 30 species worldwide and 8 species which occur inOman.• Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio• Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus• Bay-backed Shrike Lanius vittatus (A)• Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach (A)• Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis

• Steppe Grey Shrike Lanius (meridionalis) pallidirostris

• Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor• Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus• Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator

Bushshrikes and alliesOrder: Passeriformes. Family: MalaconotidaeBushshrikes are similar in habits to shrikes, hunting insects and other small prey from a perch on a bush. Althoughsimilar in build to the shrikes, these tend to be either colourful species or largely black; some species are quitesecretive. There are about 46 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Oman.• Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegala

DrongosOrder: Passeriformes. Family: DicruridaeThe drongos are mostly are black or dark grey in colour, sometimes with metallic tints. They have long forked tails,and some Asian species have elaborate tail decorations. They have short legs and sit very upright whilst perched, likea shrike. They flycatch or take prey from the ground. There are about 24 species worldwide and 1 species whichoccurs in Oman.• Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus (A)

List of birds of Oman 30

Crows, ravens and magpies

House Crow, this species arrived on board shipsand is increasingly common.

Order: Passeriformes. Family: CorvidaeThe Corvidae family includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies,treepies, nutcrackers, and ground jays. Corvids are above average insize for the bird order Passeriformes. Some of the larger species showhigh levels of learning behavior. There are about 119 speciesworldwide and 4 species which occur in Oman.

• Eurasian Magpie Pica pica (A)• House Crow Corvus splendens• Brown-necked Raven Corvus ruficollis

• Fan-tailed Raven Corvus rhipidurus

Starlings

Tristram's Starling, common in the mountains ofthe south.

Order: Passeriformes. Family: SturnidaeStarlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. Their flight isstrong and direct, and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitatis fairly open country. They eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typicallydark with a metallic sheen. There are about 114 species worldwide and8 species which occur in Oman.• Bank Myna Acridotheres ginginianus (I)• Common Myna Acridotheres tristis (I)• Brahminy Starling Temenuchus pagodarum (A)

• Rosy Starling Pastor roseus• European Starling Sturnus vulgaris• Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea• Violet-backed Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster (A)• Tristram's Starling Onychognathus tristramii

Sparrows

Chestnut-shouldered Petronia, breeds in the northbut more widespread on passage.

Order: Passeriformes. Family: PasseridaeSparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to besmall, plump, brown or grey birds with short tails and short powerfulbeaks. Sparrows are seed-eaters, and they also consume small insects.There are 35 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Oman.

• House Sparrow Passer domesticus• Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis• Chestnut-shouldered Petronia Petronia xanthocollis• Pale Rockfinch Carpospiza brachydactyla

List of birds of Oman 31

Weavers and alliesOrder: Passeriformes. Family: PloceidaeThe weavers are small passerine birds related to the finches. They are seed-eating birds with rounded conical bills.The males of many species are brightly coloured, usually in red or yellow and black, some species show variation incolour only in the breeding season. There are about 116 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Oman.• Rueppell's Weaver Ploceus galbula

Waxbills and allies

Indian Silverbill, a common resident in the north.

Order: Passeriformes. Family: EstrildidaeThe estrildid finches are small passerine birds of the Old World tropicsand Australasia. They are gregarious and often colonial seed-eaterswith short thick but pointed bills. They are all similar in structure andhabits, but have a wide variation in plumage colours and pattern. Thereare about 141 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Oman.

• African Silverbill Euodice cantans• Indian Silverbill Euodice malabarica• Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata (I)

Finches

Common Rosefinch, small numbers pass throughOman in spring and autumn.

Order: Passeriformes. Family: FringillidaeFinches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderatelylarge and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species verylarge. All have 12 tail feathers and 9 primaries. These birds have abouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closedwings, and most sing well. There are 137 species worldwide and 7species which occur in Oman.

• Brambling Fringilla montifringilla• Golden-winged Grosbeak Rhynchostruthus socotranus• Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus• Eurasian Siskin Carduelis spinus (A)• European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis (A)• Yemen Serin Serinus menachensis• Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githaginea

List of birds of Oman 32

Buntings

Black-headed Bunting, a passage migrant insmall numbers.

Order: Passeriformes. Family: EmberizidaeThe emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They areseed-eating birds with a distinctively shaped bill. In Europe, mostspecies are named as buntings. In North America, most of the speciesin this family are known as Sparrows, but these birds are not closelyrelated to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae.Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns. There are about329 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in Oman.• Grey-necked Bunting Emberiza buchanani (A)• Cinereous Bunting Emberiza cineracea (A)• Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana

• Cretzschmar's Bunting Emberiza caesia (A)• House Bunting Emberiza striolata• Cinnamon-breasted Bunting Emberiza tahapisi• Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla (A)• Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica (A)• Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola• Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala• Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps (A)• Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus (A)• Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra

References• Blair, Mike; Richard Porter, Steve Preddy & Simon Aspinall. "OSME regional list of birds" [1]. Ornithological

Society of the Middle East. Archived from the original [2] on 26 July 2008. Retrieved 10 September 2008.• Clements, James F. (2007). The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World. Cornell University Press. ISBN

978-0-8014-4501-9.• Eriksen, Hanne & Jens Eriksen (2008) "Additions and Corrections to the Oman Bird List, Edition 6 [3]".

Retrieved 10 September 2008.• Lepage, Denis. "Checklist of birds of Oman" [4]. Bird Checklists of the World. Avibase. Retrieved 10 September

2008.• Sargeant, Dave E., Hanne Eriksen & Jens Eriksen (2008) Birdwatching guide to Oman, 2nd ed., Al Roya

Publishing, Muscat. ISBN 978-9948-03-643-2

References[1] http:/ / web. archive. org/ web/ 20080726163624/ http:/ / www. osme. org/ ORL/ intro. html[2] http:/ / www. osme. org/ ORL/ intro. html[3] http:/ / www. birdsoman. com/ obl6-update. html[4] http:/ / www. bsc-eoc. org/ avibase/ avibase. jsp?region=om& pg=checklist& list=clements

Article Sources and Contributors 33

Article Sources and ContributorsList of birds of Oman  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=519616600  Contributors: AK456, Aclayartist, BD2412, Biochemza, BrownHairedGirl, Canis Lupus,CommonsDelinker, Hmains, JamesAM, John of Reading, Muhammad Mahdi Karim, Niceguyedc, Pvmoutside, Rich Farmbrough, Rjwilmsi, SP-KP, Salam32, Snowmanradio, Spidey104,Superk1a, Tigershrike, Woohookitty, Yomangani, Zvar, 1 anonymous edits

Image Sources, Licenses and ContributorsFile:Indian Roller I2m IMG 9934.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Indian_Roller_I2m_IMG_9934.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0 Contributors: J.M.GargFile:Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)- breeding plumage- in Hyderabad, AP W IMG 7648.jpg  Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Little_Grebe_(Tachybaptus_ruficollis)-_breeding_plumage-_in_Hyderabad,_AP_W_IMG_7648.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike  Contributors: J.M.GargFile:Flesh footed shearwater.JPG  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Flesh_footed_shearwater.JPG  License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported Contributors: Duncan WrightFile:Oceanites oceanicusPCCA20070623-3634B.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Oceanites_oceanicusPCCA20070623-3634B.jpg  License: Creative CommonsAttribution-Sharealike 2.5  Contributors: Patrick Coin (Patrick Coin)File:Phaethon aethereus.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Phaethon_aethereus.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0  Contributors: MocolosFile:Maskedboobys.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Maskedboobys.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: KelsonFile:Great Cormorant Mai Po.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Great_Cormorant_Mai_Po.jpg  License: Public domain  Contributors: Sfan00 IMGFile:Western Reef heron (Egretta gularis).JPG  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Western_Reef_heron_(Egretta_gularis).JPG  License: Creative CommonsAttribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported  Contributors: KaippallyFile:Abdim's stork.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Abdim's_stork.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Christiaan KooymanFile:3 spatole bianche.JPG  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:3_spatole_bianche.JPG  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Iacopo.leaFile:Cotton Pgymy Goose I2- Kolkata IMG 4808.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Cotton_Pgymy_Goose_I2-_Kolkata_IMG_4808.jpg  License: Creative CommonsAttribution-Sharealike 3.0  Contributors: J.M.GargFile:Garganey duck.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Garganey_duck.jpg  License: GNU Free Documentation License  Contributors: Conscious, Engineer111, PetwoeFile:Osprey with fish.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Osprey_with_fish.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution 2.0  Contributors: Mike Baird, bairdphotos.comFile:Egyptian vulture.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Egyptian_vulture.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported  Contributors: KousikNandyFile:Great spotted Eagle I2 IMG 8358.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Great_spotted_Eagle_I2_IMG_8358.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike3.0  Contributors: J.M.GargFile:Falco cherrug (Marek Szczepanek).jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Falco_cherrug_(Marek_Szczepanek).jpg  License: GNU Free Documentation License Contributors: Marek SzczepanekFile:Alectoris melanocephala 2.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Alectoris_melanocephala_2.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported Contributors: User:HaplochromisFile:Grus grus 1 (Marek Szczepanek).jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Grus_grus_1_(Marek_Szczepanek).jpg  License: GNU Free Documentation License Contributors: Marek SzczepanekFile:Baillon's crake.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Baillon's_crake.jpg  License: GNU Free Documentation License  Contributors: Jason GirvanFile:Pheasant tailed Jacana (Non-breeding) I IMG 8638.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Pheasant_tailed_Jacana_(Non-breeding)_I_IMG_8638.jpg  License:Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0  Contributors: J.M.GargFile:Haematopus_ostralegus_-Scotland_-8.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Haematopus_ostralegus_-Scotland_-8.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Contributors: John Haslam from Dornoch, ScotlandFile:Black winged Stilt I MG 9747.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Black_winged_Stilt_I_MG_9747.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0 Contributors: J.M.GargFile:Small pranticole.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Small_pranticole.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.5  Contributors: Kousik Nandy andSumana PaulFile:Red-wattled Lapwing I IMG 9198.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Red-wattled_Lapwing_I_IMG_9198.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike3.0  Contributors: J.M.GargFile:Little Stint.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Little_Stint.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.5  Contributors: Andreas TrepteFile:Ab bird 019.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Ab_bird_019.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0  Contributors: User:ButkoFile:Stercorarius pomarinusPCCA20070623-3985B.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Stercorarius_pomarinusPCCA20070623-3985B.jpg  License: CreativeCommons Attribution-Sharealike 2.5  Contributors: Patrick Coin (Patrick Coin)File:Larus genei.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Larus_genei.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported  Contributors: GabrielBuissartFile:Bridled Tern flight LEI jan08.JPG  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Bridled_Tern_flight_LEI_jan08.JPG  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0 Contributors: AvicedaFile:Pterocles exustus.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Pterocles_exustus.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution 2.5  Contributors: Original uploader wasDeomurari at en.wikipediaFile:Bruce's green pigeon Kédougou.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Bruce's_green_pigeon_Kédougou.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0 Contributors: ChriKoFile:Rose-ringed Parakeet I IMG 9797.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Rose-ringed_Parakeet_I_IMG_9797.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike3.0  Contributors: J.M.GargFile:Diederik cuckoo.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Diederik_cuckoo.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0  Contributors: Tom TarrantFile:Spottedeagleowl.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Spottedeagleowl.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: David Erickson, self, Original uploader wasBror.00 at en.wikipediaFile:Paukstelis.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Paukstelis.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.5  Contributors: b.gliwaFile:Greyheadkingfisher.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Greyheadkingfisher.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0  Contributors: Tom TarrantFile:Merops orientalis.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Merops_orientalis.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.5  Contributors: Kilom691,Paulbe, Ranveig, Roland zh, Shyamal, Warburg, 2 anonymous editsFile:Common Hoopoe (Upapa epops) at Hodal I IMG 9216.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Common_Hoopoe_(Upapa_epops)_at_Hodal_I_IMG_9216.jpg License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0  Contributors: J.M.GargFile:Crested Lark (Galerida cristata) at Sultanpur I Picture 118.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Crested_Lark_(Galerida_cristata)_at_Sultanpur_I_Picture_118.jpg License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0  Contributors: J.M.GargFile:Landsvale.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Landsvale.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution 2.5  Contributors: Malene Thyssen

Image Sources, Licenses and Contributors 34

File:Yellow Wagtail (Male- beema race) Im IMG 9617.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Yellow_Wagtail_(Male-_beema_race)_Im_IMG_9617.jpg  License:Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0  Contributors: J.M.GargFile:Pycontus xanthopygos.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Pycontus_xanthopygos.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.5  Contributors: NirOfirFile:Hypocolius-Arpit.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Hypocolius-Arpit.jpg  License: GNU Free Documentation License  Contributors: Hunadam, Kilom691, Liné1File:Monticola saxatilis1.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Monticola_saxatilis1.jpg  License: Free Art License  Contributors: KatpatukaFile:Graceful Prinia I IMG 9480.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Graceful_Prinia_I_IMG_9480.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0 Contributors: J.M.GargFile:Clamorous Reed Warbler I IMG 0191.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Clamorous_Reed_Warbler_I_IMG_0191.jpg  License: Creative CommonsAttribution-Sharealike 3.0  Contributors: J.M.GargFile:Siberian Chiffchaff I IMG 9454.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Siberian_Chiffchaff_I_IMG_9454.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0 Contributors: J.M.GargFile:Rufous-backed Redstart.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Rufous-backed_Redstart.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 2.0  Contributors:Flickr user Alastair Rae . Photo uploaded to commons by user ltshearsFile:Blackstart-2006.01.04 m217.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Blackstart-2006.01.04_m217.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported Contributors: Mehmet Karatay, Ofer FFile:Turdoides squamiceps1 cropped.JPG  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Turdoides_squamiceps1_cropped.JPG  License: Public Domain  Contributors: YoavdFile:Purple Sunbird (Nectarinia asiatica)- Male (Breeding) on Kapok (Ceiba pentandra) in Kolkata I IMG 1893.jpg  Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Purple_Sunbird_(Nectarinia_asiatica)-_Male_(Breeding)_on_Kapok_(Ceiba_pentandra)_in_Kolkata_I_IMG_1893.jpg  License: Creative CommonsAttribution-Sharealike 3.0  Contributors: J.M.GargFile:Oriental White Eye- Bhopal I IMG 0759.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Oriental_White_Eye-_Bhopal_I_IMG_0759.jpg  License: Creative CommonsAttribution-Sharealike 3.0  Contributors: J.M.GargFile:Lanius isabellinus2.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Lanius_isabellinus2.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported  Contributors:MPF, PurpleHzFile:House crow Bangalore India.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:House_crow_Bangalore_India.jpg  License: unknown  Contributors: H005, Muhammad MahdiKarimFile:Tristram's Starling by David Shankbone.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Tristram's_Starling_by_David_Shankbone.jpg  License: GNU Free DocumentationLicense  Contributors: David Shankbone (attribution required)File:Chestnut-shouldered Petronia (Petronia xanthocollis) at Bharatpur I IMG 5262.jpg  Source:http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Chestnut-shouldered_Petronia_(Petronia_xanthocollis)_at_Bharatpur_I_IMG_5262.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0 Contributors: J.M.GargFile:Silverbill.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Silverbill.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported  Contributors: Ravi VaidyanathanFile:Common Rosefinch I IMG 3959.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Common_Rosefinch_I_IMG_3959.jpg  License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0 Contributors: J.M.GargFile:BG-black-headed-bunting-male.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:BG-black-headed-bunting-male.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Original author anduploader was Ivan Petrov at bg.wikipedia

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