Egyptian Vulture & Sinai Rosefinch (Bajda) – Bird records by Viv Wilson

Viv Wilson was out in the desert again last weekend at Bajda near Tabuk and found a number of good birds including Egyptian Vulture and Sinai Rosefinch. All the photographs below were kindly supplied by Viv Wilson and the copyright remains with him. I have not seen either of these species in Saudi Arabia as they are scarce or absent from the region I birdwatch. The Egyptian Vulture is a widespread breeding resident, migrant and winter visitor to Saudi Arabia. It is uncommon in the Eastern Province and does not occur in the large deserts of the Empty Quarter and Great Nafud. Its population and range are both declining in Saudi Arabia with the mainland population probably only about 10% of what it was 50 years ago.

Egyptian Vulture

Egyptian Vulture

Egyptian Vulture

Egyptian Vulture

The Sinai Rosefinch has a disjointed distribution with the nominate subspecies found in the northwest of Saudi Arabia. It can be locally common in its breeding range but is generally uncommon although widespread, with about 5000 pairs in total in Saudi Arabia. It is associated with Sandstone geology where it frequents gorges and cliff faces, although it can be found on the plains in small groups after the breeding season.

Sinai Rosefinch

Sinai Rosefinch

Sinai Rosefinch

Sinai Rosefinch