A trip to Jubail in late April was very
productive for Red-throated Pipits and Tree Pipits. The majority were
Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus
with up to thirty in small flocks in a couple of places. Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis was also seen but in
much smaller numbers of twos or threes. Red-throated Pipit is also a common
passage migrant to all areas of the Kingdom. Recorded from mid-March to May in
spring, with a noticeable peak in middle of April. Lower numbers are seen in
autumn between early-October and late-November when it is generally uncommon
with a few wintering in Central and eastern areas as well as Tabuk. A large
flock of 250 were seen at TADCO farm, 20 February 2009 in the north of the
country that may have been wintering birds or early migrants. Tree Pipit is a
common passage migrant to all areas of Saudi Arabia that are recorded in spring
mainly from mid-March to late-April, in numbers up to 20 birds, and in much
lower numbers, during autumn between September and October and also
occasionally November. Early birds are sometimes seen in January and February
and numbers fluctuate widely each year with sometimes very few and other years
hundreds.
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| Tree Pipit |