Ringing White-eared Bulbul – Sabkhat Al Fasl

Whilst ringing at Sabkhat Al Fasl recently I ringed a White-eared Bulbul. This was a new ringing species for me and was a bit of a surprise when I found it in the net. This species is common in the Eastern Province but has only been seen recently at this location in the last few months. Birds appear to be of the subspecies mesopotamia found in Iraq and Kuwait as they have very yellow eye rings and a bigger white ear patch. The subspecies that occurs elsewhere in Saudi Arabia including Riyadh, Tabuk, Wadi Dawasir, Sakaka and other areas in central and central western Saudi Arabia appear to be the Indian subspecies leucotis as birds are believed to have been introduced in these places. The species is widespread through much of the country although does not occur in the southwest around Jizan where the similar White-spectacled Bulbul is common. They are mainly a common resident breeding species where they occur.