Whilst birding the Dhahran Cricket field recently I saw a Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush perched on a tall post. It was a long wat away bit fortunately for me if saw a beetle and flew down onto the ground just next to the car to eat it. This allowed me some very close views and photos and as the light was good it appeared extremely brightly coloured. The Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush breeds from north-western Africa and southern Europe to Mongolia and winters in eastern Africa. It has a status as an uncommon passage migrant though Saudi Arabia with most birds occurring in April during spring migration where it is seen more commonly than in autumn. They can occur in almost any habitat but seem to prefer jebals and other rocky areas. They feed mainly on insects and other invertebrates, such as worms and snails, as well as small lizards and beetles.
