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22 July 2015

Arabian Serin – Taif National Park

A visit to Taif National Park, a highland area with acacia scrubland and rocky hillsides allowed us good views of Arabian Serin a species that differs from Yemen Serin by having a less obviously streaked crown, darker cheeks, no dark moustachial stripe, greenish (not brown) rump, slightly darker underparts and a less sharply pointed bill without contrastingly paler lower mandible. They occur in dry, open rocky hillsides and mountain tops with trees, bushes and shrubs, as well as in areas of sparse vegetation, scattered shrubs, bushes or well-wooded areas and edges of cultivation manly from 1000 – 2800 metres. The mainly feed on seeds and Acacia pods and often forage on ground and in vegetation where they are often seen in pairs or small groups, possibly family parties. Other good birds seen in the National Park included Blackstart, Desert Lark and Arabian Babbler.
Arabian Serin
Arabian Serin
Arabian Serin
Arabian Serin
Arabian Serin
Arabian Serin
Arabian Serin
Arabian Serin
Blackstart
Blackstart