Birds of the UAE

United Arab Emirates4 November 2010Draft

Black-headed Gull (AED 1): an abundant winter migrant that arrives in large numbers from the end of November until March and is found on coasts, creeks and ports. Some spend the summer here. Crab Plover (150 fils): a resident with seasonal movements, also a passage migrant and winter visitor. Hundreds nest on Abu Al Abyadh island, laying eggs in May, with chicks appearing in June and July. It is common at Khor Al Baida from August to February. Grey Heron (AED 2): a common non-breeding migrant from August to April. It favours creeks, salt flats, lagoons and shallow waters that hold fish, and may be present in summer. Sooty Gull (AED 3): a resident in small numbers, increasing with the arrival of migrants that breed in spring. A small number nest on a few Gulf islands from mid-April to August. It is common near the shore before the nesting season and feeds on fish. Socotra Cormorant (450 fils): a resident that breeds abundantly and is found in huge numbers right by the shore. It nests in large colonies on some Gulf islands between September and February, the actual incubation period depending on the availability of food. Caspian Gull (550 fils): a passage migrant and winter visitor from September to early April. Small numbers stay all summer. Young birds greatly outnumber adults. It breeds in Central Asia. Size: 40 x 40 mm in sheets of 6 stamps.