Whilst in the southwest of Saudi Arabia Phil and I visited Sallal
al-Dahna an upland valley at 1955 metres above sea level on the outskirts of
Tanoumah. This is a good location to see Arabian (Asir) Magpie that is
generally regarded as a sub-species of Eurasian Magpie but sometimes treated as
a separate species. They are becoming increasingly rare with the total
population estimated to be between 135-500 birds. The valley holds mature
acacia and Juniper trees and has a permanent water supply at one end. Our visit
was to try to get good views and photos of the Arabian Magpie. You normally
locate the species by hearing its loud contact calls that to my ears sounds
very different to the calls of Eurasian Magpie, and this was the case on both
days we visited the site. We saw the birds late one evening and again after
lunchtime and although we got reasonable views we did not get really close to
the birds. There were at least two birds present and possibly three with one
being a well grown youngster with browner overall plumage. Other birds seen In
the valley included House Sparrow, Palestine Sunbird, Shining Sunbird, Gambaga
Flycatcher, Grey-headed Kingfisher, Arabian Babbler, Brown Woodland Warbler,
White-spectacles Bulbul, Yemen Thrush, Abyssinian White-eye, Fan-tailed Raven
and Long-legged Buzzard.
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| Arabian Magpie |
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| Arabian Magpie |
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| Arabian Magpie |
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| Arabian Magpie |
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| Arabian Babbler |
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| Grey-headed Kingfisher |