Arabian Golden-winged Grosbeak Rhynchostruthus
percivali was previously considered conspecific with Somali Golden-winged
Grsobeak R louisae and Socotran Golden-winged Grosbeak R socotranus but
morphological and plumage differences are thought sufficient to warrant
specific status. Occurs in southwest Saudi Arabia, west & east Yemen and
southwest Oman. Scarce breeding resident occurring where Euphorbias are common.
This is the most difficult of all the endemics to see in Saudi Arabia where
recent records have been near Taif and between Taif and Al Baha. These records
have included adults and juveniles so although the breeding population is
extremely low in Saudi Arabia birds are still breeding.
