The Mourning and Arabian Wheatears present one of Arabia’s most challenging ID problems. Subtle plumage differences, overlapping ranges, and shifting taxonomy mean misidentifications have been common, especially in southern Oman and southwest Saudi Arabia. This guide highlights key field marks, habitat preferences, and behavior to help birders separate the two and contribute valuable records to clarify their true status.

Saudi Arabia is the only country on the Arabian Peninsula where you can see all of the Arabian endemics—from Philby’s Partridge and Asir Magpie to Arabian Woodpecker and Yemen Serin—plus regional specialties and near-endemics like White-eyed Gull, Arabian Lark, and Arabian Golden Sparrow. Not just deserts, Saudi boasts dramatic mountains, wooded canyons, and productive wetlands. Add warm hospitality and rich culture, and Saudi is the Middle East’s top birding destination.

Contents Arranging an eVisa When to Visit Avian Specialties by Region The Eastern Region The Central Regions The Northwestern...

🌓 Update : Our main August 2027 Saudi Arabia eclipse tour is now fully booked. We are still offering, however, small-group (max 3...

Guest blog by Fraser Bell from Birding Ecotours For any serious world birder, or those wanting a unique experience in Arabia, birding in...

Tour Dates: April 18 - 26, 2025 Duration: 9 days Species Recorded: 238 Participants: Bert de Bruin, Miguel Demeulemeester, Arthur...

Tour Dates: February 15 - 28, 2025 Guests: Jonathan Angliss, John Bjorkman, Jeff Hopkins, Wayne Kidder, Cuneyt Ozdal, Bob Tallyn, Robert...

According to the Birds of the Middle East (3rd ed.), the native range of White-eared Bulbul (Pycnonotus leucotis) is from Iraq, Iran, to...

Owing to its high number of endemic flora and fauna, the Socotran Archipelago has been dubbed "the Gal á pagos of the Indian Ocean"....