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.
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| Arabian Serin |
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| Arabian Serin |
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| Arabian Serin |
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| Arabian Serin |
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| Blackstart |