The Kuwait Environment Protection Society (KEPS) confirmed on Saturday that Kuwait serves as a vital stopover point along major bird migration routes due to its network of protected habitats, including:

• Jahra Nature Reserve

• KISR's Kabd Research Station

• Abraq Al-Habari Protected Area

• Agricultural zones: Al Wafra, Al Sulaibiya, and Al Abdali farms

Migration Patterns Explained

Talal Al-Muwaizri, KEPS Bird Monitoring Team member, stated:

Spring Migration (Mid-Feb to Late May):

• Birds return north to Europe/Central Asia for breeding

• Marked by vibrant plumage displays

• Hoopees arrive first as "spring heralds"

• Followed by:
  • Small passerines (e.g., Zua'ra, Ilekiki, Salibi)
  • Raptors like Murdam, Matraq, Humeira Ras
  • Coastal species: Gulls, Terns, Plovers

Fall Migration (Aug-Oct):

• Birds flee northern winters via:
  ✓ Coastal routes
  ✓ Celestial navigation
  ✓ River corridors

• Destination: Africa/Indian subcontinent

Notable Species Spotlight

• First Arrival: Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops) signals spring

• Raptor Sequence:

  1. Qahafi shrikes

  2. Arabian Hammami

  3. Masked Shrike (Lanius nubicus), locally called Husseini

• Final Migrants (April-May):
  • Hasawi Hammami
  • Rumani buntings (season's end marker)

Conservation Context:
These patterns underscore Kuwait's role in the East Asia-Africa Flyway, with agricultural areas unexpectedly serving as crucial refueling stations for 250+ migratory species.