List of birds of Qatar

This is a list of the bird species recorded in Qatar. The avifauna of Qatar include a total of 352 species, of which 3 have been introduced by humans.

This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the conventions of The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 2021 edition. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflect this taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family account. Introduced and accidental species are included in the total counts for Qatar. Native species are marked with an "N". The global conservation status are displayed per the IUCN for each species alongside the population trend.

Additionally, the book Common birds of Qatar ^[1] covering 215 of the total 352 species in the country has been used to depict the species' frequency in the country, as well as habitat.

The following tags have been used to highlight several categories. The commonly occurring native species do not fall into any of these categories.

• (A/R) Accidental or infrequent – a species that rarely or accidentally occurs in Qatar
• (I) Introduced – a species introduced to Qatar as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions. Due to Qatar's harsh and generally resistant environment, none of the introduced species listed are considered invasive in the country.
• (Ex) Extirpated – a species that no longer occurs in Qatar although populations exist elsewhere
• (X) Extinct – a species or subspecies that no longer exists

Ostriches[]

Order: Struthioniformes   Family: Struthionidae

The ostrich is a flightless bird native to Africa. It is the largest living species of bird. It is distinctive in its appearance, with a long neck and legs and the ability to run at high speeds.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Arabian ostrich	Struthio camelus ssp syriacus	X	Extinct	N/A	Formerly widespread in the Arabian peninsula
Red-necked ostrich	Struthio camelus ssp camelus	I	Critically endangered		Found in Ras Abrouq, west coast

Ducks, geese, and waterfowl[]

Order: Anseriformes   Family: Anatidae

Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Graylag goose	Anser anser	N	Least concern		Winter visitor, found in Abu Nakhla and Al Khor's inland waters
Greater white-fronted goose	Anser albifrons	A	Least concern	?	Winter visitor, found in Abu Nakhla and Al Khor's inland waters
Whooper swan	Cygnus cygnus	A	Least concern	?	Presence uncertain; possible vagrant
Egyptian goose	Alopochen aegyptiaca	I	Least concern		Scarce, believed to be descended from feral introductions
Ruddy shelduck	Tadorna ferruginea	A	Least concern	?	Vagrant
Common shelduck	Tadorna tadorna	N	Least concern		Scarce winter visitor
Cotton pygmy-goose	Nettapus coromandelianus	A	Least concern		Possible vagrant
Garganey	Spatula querquedula	N	Least concern		Found in spring and winter. It can be found in Al Khor and Abu Nakhla
Northern shoveler	Spatula clypeata	N	Least concern		Regular winter visitor. It can be found in Al Khor and Abu Nakhla, as well as coastal waters
Gadwall	Mareca strepera	A	Least concern		Vagrant
Eurasian wigeon	Mareca penelope	N	Least concern		Found in wetlands; best opportunities for observation are in mid-winter
Mallard	Anas platyrhynchos	N	Least concern		Highly common in all water habitats throughout winter
Northern pintail	Anas acuta	N	Least concern		Winter visitor
Green-winged teal	Anas crecca	N	Least concern	?	Winter visitor
Marbled teal	Marmaronetta angustirostris	R	Vulnerable		Rare winter visitor; globally threatened
Red-crested pochard	Netta rufina	A	Least concern	?	Vagrant
Common pochard	Aythya ferina	R	Vulnerable		Despite its name, this duck is not as common as portrayed. It is a scarce winter visitor and threatened globally
Ferruginous duck	Aythya nyroca	N	Near threatened		A scarce resident that can be encountered in wetlands
Tufted duck	Aythya fuligula	N	Least concern		Common winter visitor in greywater and lagoons
Long-tailed duck	Clangula hyemalis	R	Vulnerable		Rare winter visitor; globally threatened.

Guineafowl[]

Order: Galliformes   Family: Numididae

Guineafowl are a group of African, seed-eating, ground-nesting birds which resemble partridges, but with featherless heads and spangled grey plumage.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Vulturine guineafowl	Acryllium vulturinum	A	Least concern		possible vagrant or feral bird

Pheasants, grouse, and allies[]

Order: Galliformes   Family: Phasianidae

The Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds which consists of quails, partridges, snowcocks, francolins, spurfowls, tragopans, monals, pheasants, peafowls and jungle fowls. In general, they are plump (although they vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Gray francolin	Francolinus pondicerianus	I	Least concern		Introduced and established; resident
Common quail	Coturnix coturnix	N	Least concern		Passage migrant; found on farmlands. Commonly bred in captivity

Flamingos[]

Order: Phoenicopteriformes   Family: Phoenicopteridae

Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 m) tall, found in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. Flamingos filter-feed on shellfish and algae. Their oddly shaped beaks are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume and, uniquely, are used upside-down.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Greater flamingo	Phoenicopterus roseus	N	Least concern		Resident; most frequently encountered in Al Thakhira during the winter months

Grebes[]

Order: Podicipediformes   Family: Podicipedidae

Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Little grebe	Tachybaptus ruficollis	N	Least concern		A resident of wetlands all over the country, this shy bird will be found close to reeds. Any ponds that have added small fishes are guaranteed to attract this bird
Great crested grebe	Podiceps cristatus	N	Least concern	?	This bird is a resident, particularly of wetlands like Abu Nakhla. Migratory can be spotted at the Ras Abrouq peninsula. Generally drab, the great crested grebe dons a spectacular attire during its breeding season, where its grey body becomes a rich black, and a dark chestnut "collar" develops at its neck. The crest becomes even more defined in this period
Eared grebe	Podiceps nigricolis	N	Least concern	?	Unlike the other two species, this bird is not a resident of the country, rather a winter visitor. Reduces to a grey in winter, the eared grebe is mostly seen in a drab grey. However in its last days in the country, it will take on a wonderful chestnut plumage, with dark wings and a dark neck and head. Behind its bright red eyes will be unique golden plumes that radiate outwards

Pigeons and doves[]

Order: Columbiformes   Family: Columbidae

Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Rock dove (and domestic variants)	Columba livia	N	Least concern		Domestic variants common everywhere, wild rock doves may be found near the coast
Stock dove	Columba oenas	A	Least concern		Not well-documented in the country, possibly an escaped captive bird a vagrant, or misidentification
European turtle-dove	Streptopelia turtur	R	Vulnerable		Rare visitor during early winter, may be observed in April. Globally threatened
Eurasian collared-dove	Streptopelia decocto	N	Least concern		Highly common year-round; increasing
African collared-dove	Streptopelia roseogrisea	A	Least concern	?	Vagrant
Laughing dove	Streptopelia senegalensis	N	Least concern		Common year-round. Individuals may breed and nest on windowsills
Namaqua dove	Oena capensis	I	Least concern		Introduced; increasing in the country
Zebra dove	Geopelia striata	I	Least concern		Introduced in the northeast; small breeding population

Sandgrouse[]

Order: Pterocliformes   Family: Pteroclidae

Sandgrouse have small, pigeon like heads and necks, but sturdy compact bodies. They have long pointed wings and sometimes tails and a fast direct flight. Flocks fly to watering holes at dawn and dusk. Their legs are feathered down to the toes.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global Status	Trend	Notes	Image
Pin-tailed sandgrouse	Pterocles alchata	A	Least concern		Vagrant
Chestnut-bellied sandgrouse	Pterocles exustus	A	Least concern		Vagrant
Crowned sandgrouse	Pterocles coronatus	A	Least concern		Vagrant

Bustards[]

Order: Otidiformes   Family: Otididae

Bustards are large terrestrial birds mainly associated with dry open country and steppes in the Old World. They are omnivorous and nest on the ground. They walk steadily on strong legs and big toes, pecking for food as they go. They have long broad wings with "fingered" wingtips and striking patterns in flight. Many have interesting mating displays.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Macqueen's bustard	Chlamydotis macqueenii	R	Vulnerable		Rare winter visitor; globally threatened. This bird may seldom be spotted in the country, frequenting open desert. This bird is a historical target for falcon-hunters, an action that remained heavily unregulated throughout the decades. Consequently, the populations of this bird have suffered greatly are incredibly sparse

Cuckoos[]

Order: Cuculiformes   Family: Cuculidae

The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. The Old World cuckoos are brood parasites.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Great spotted cuckoo	Clamator glandarius	A	Least concern		Not well-documented in the country, possibly a vagrant
Pied cuckoo	Clamator jacobinus	A	Least concern		Not well-documented in the country, possibly a vagrant
Asian koel	Eudynamys scolopaceus	A	Least concern		Not well-documented in the country, possibly a vagrant
Common cuckoo	Cuculus canorus	N	Least concern		Passage migrant

Nightjars and allies[]

Order: Caprimulgiformes   Family: Caprimulgidae

Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global Status	Trend	Notes	Image
Eurasian nightjar	Caprimulgus europaeus	N	Least concern		Despite being common in April and October, this bird’s elusive behaviour makes it difficult to locate. They might be seen in the day on lawns or under trees as they sleep through the day - they are nocturnal and are active at night.
Egyptian nightjar	Caprimulgus aegyptius	R	Least concern		A rare passage migrant, this bird is paler than its Eurasian relative

Swifts[]

Order: Caprimulgiformes   Family: Apodidae

Swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Alpine swift	Tachymarptis melba	R	Least concern		A rare passage migrant, the alpine swift is similar to others common in the country, albeit much larger.
Common swift	Apus apus	N	Least concern		An uncommon bird, the common swift may be seen from February to April. It may be seen over lagoons, however exclusively in flight as it spends the majority of its life on the wing.
Pallid swift	Apus pallidus	N	Least concern		The most common swift in the country, the pallid swift can be distinguished by the large patch of white on its throat and its lighter brown colouration than other species.
Little swift	Apus affinis	A	Least concern		Vagrant

Rails, gallinules, and coots[]

Order: Gruiformes   Family: Rallidae

Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots and gallinules. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Water rail	Rallus aquaticus	R	Least concern		This shy bird is found in winter, it is uncommon and is more frequently heard. It may be encountered at the wetlands in Al Khor and Abu Nakhla.
Corncrake	Crex crex	R	Least concern		A rare passage migrant, this bird resembles a quail, however its wings bear a chestnut tone and it has longer legs
Spotted crake	Porzana porzana	N	Least concern		An uncommon passage migrant, this elusive bird prefers to remain hidden in the reeds that outline its wetland habitats. The white spots on its grey-brown plumage are easy to recognise if seen, combined with its long yellow legs
Eurasian moorhen	Gallinula chloropus	N	Least concern		Very common in wetlands across the country, the moorhen is distinct. It is plump and has black plumage, with a white outline on its tail and folded wings. The beak is orange with a yellow tip, and a large cere can be seen. They are less shy than other rails and crakes
Eurasian coot	Fulica atra	N	Least concern		A common resident and abundant winter visitor, this duck-like bird is recognised by its sooty-black colour and its pure white beak
African swamphen	Porphyrio madagascarensis	I	Not recognised by the IUCN		This species was established in the wetlands of Abu Nakhla, possibly as an attempt to diversify the wildlife in the new habitat. This bird is vivid and remarkably large, outsizing all other rails in the country. It is a close relative of the takahē, a rare bird that is endemic to New Zealand. Its appearance is one that cannot be forgotten, as its plumage is blueish-purple all over with a greenish tail and white vent. It is complemented by the bird’s bright read beak.
Grey-headed swamphen	Fulica atra	A	Not recognised by the IUCN	?	Vagrant
White-breasted waterhen	Amaurornis phoenicurus	A	Least concern	?	Vagrant
Little crake	Porzana parva	A	Least concern		Vagrant
Baillon's crake	Zapornia pusilla	A	Least concern	?	Vagrant

Cranes[]

Order: Gruiformes   Family: Gruidae

Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances".

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Common crane	Grus grus	A	Least concern		Not well-documented in the country, possibly a vagrant

Thick-knees[]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Burhinidae

The thick-knees are a group of largely tropical waders in the family Burhinidae. They are found worldwide within the tropical zone, with some species also breeding in temperate Europe and Australia. They are medium to large waders with strong black or yellow-black bills, large yellow eyes and cryptic plumage. Despite being classed as waders, most species have a preference for arid or semi-arid habitats.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Eurasian thick-knee	Burhinus oedicnemus	N	Least concern		Also known as the stone-curlew, this bird is a scarce migrant in autumn, late winter and early spring. Unlike its aquatic counterparts, it prefers to inhabit arid deserts, especially the rocky cliffs

Stilts and avocets[]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Recurvirostridae

Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Black-winged stilt	Himantopus himantopus	N	Least concern		despite being very common in Qatar, the black-winged stilt is restricted to a few locations in the country, including the wetland of al khor and Abu nakhla. It has long red legs, black wings on a white body, and a slender tapering black beak.
Pied avocet	Recurvirostra avosetta	N	Least concern	?	Common in winter, this bird is frequently seen at the east coast of the country. It has a unique appearance, with bold black patterns on its white upper side, as well as its noticeably upturned beak. The legs are long and blue-ish

Oystercatchers[]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Haematopodidae

The oystercatchers are large and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global Status	Trend	Notes	Image
Eurasian oystercatcher	Haematopus ostralegus	N	Near threatened		Passage migrant; found on coasts from autumn till spring

Plovers and lapwings[]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Charadriidae

The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water. water.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Frequency	Image
Black-bellied plover	Pluvialis squatarola	N	Least concern		Common, found on coasts and shores
European golden-plover	Pluvialis apricaria	R	Least concern		Infrequent winter visitor
Pacific golden-plover	Pluvialis fulva	N	Least concern		Winter visitor and passage migrant
Northern lapwing	Vanellus vanellus	N	Near threatened		Winter visitor, identified by its crest and iridescent green wings.
Spur-winged lapwing	Vanellus spinosus	R	Least concern	?	Vagrant
Red-wattled lapwing	Vanellus indicus	N	Least concern	?	Common year-round, frequents wetlands and other aquatic habitats
Sociable lapwing	Vanellus gregarius	R	Critically endangered		Extremely rare; may only be found in restricted farmlands in late autumn. On the brink of extinction
White-tailed lapwing	Vanellus leucurus	R	Least concern	?	Vagrant
Lesser sand plover	Charadrius mongolus	N	Least concern	?	Common year-round
Greater sand plover	Charadrius leschenaultii	N	Least concern		Common year-round
Caspian plover	Charadrius asiaticus	N	Least concern		Infrequent passage migrant
Kentish plover	Charadrius alexandrinus	N	Least concern		Encountered year-round, breeding occurs in winter
Common ringed plover	Charadrius hiaticula	N	Least concern		Common year-round
Little ringed plover	Charadrius dubius	N	Least concern	?	Passage migrant, from February to October. Less shy than other plovers, they may allow people to approach at a closer distance. It may stay over summer to breed in the country.
Eurasian dotterel	Charadrius morinellus	N	Least concern		Infrequent visitor; vagrant

Painted-snipes[]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Rostratulidae

Painted-snipes are short-legged, long-billed birds similar in shape to the true snipes, but more brightly coloured.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Greater painted-snipe	Rostratula benghalensis	A	Least concern		Vagrant

Jacanas[]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Jacanidae

The jacanas are a group of tropical waders in the family Jacanidae. They are found throughout the tropics. They are identifiable by their huge feet and claws which enable them to walk on floating vegetation in the shallow lakes that are their preferred habitat.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Frequency	Image
Pheasant-tailed jacana	Hydrophasianus chirurgus	A	Least concern		Vagrant

Sandpipers and allies[]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Scolopacidae

Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enables multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Frequency	Image
Eurasian curlew	Numenius arquata	N	Near threatened		Winter visitor, frequents aquatic habitats. This bird can be distinguished from the nearly identical whimbrel by its call, which is often described as "haunting"
Whimbrel	Numenius phaeopus	N	Least concern		Passage migrant; frequents aquatic habitats. The whimbrel can be differentiated from the practically identical Eurasian curlew by its call, which is a barrage of rapid chirps resembling a sped-up seagull’s calls
Bar-tailed godwit	Limosa lapponica	N	Near threatened		Passage migrant & Winter visitor
Black-tailed godwit	Limosa limosa	N	Near threatened		Passage migrant & Winter visitor
Ruddy turnstone	Arenaria interpres	N	Least concern		Common passage migrant and winter visitor, coastal inhabitant
Great knot	Calidris tenuirostris	R	Endangered		Rare vagrant
Ruff	Calidris pugnax	N	Least concern		Common
Broad-billed sandpiper	Calidris falcinellus	N	Least concern		Passage migrant; frequents aquatic habitats in the spring
Curlew sandpiper	Calidris ferruginea	N	Near threatened		Passage migrant and visitor in late winter
Temminck's stint	Calidris temminckii	N	Least concern	?	Passage migrant and winter visitor, he is common on shores and rocky coasts
Sanderling	Calidris alba	N	Least concern	?	Passage migrant and winter visitor, found at Sandy shorelines and tidal mudflats
Dunlin	Calidris alpina	N	Least concern		Found in winter until spring, very common around beaches
Little stint	Calidris minuta	N	Least concern		Very common winter visitor near beaches
Jack snipe	Lymnocryptes minimus	N	Least concern		Occasional winter visitor and passage migrant. May be located at Al Khor and Abu Nakhla
Eurasian woodcock	Scolopax rusticola	A	Least concern		Vagrant
Common snipe	Gallinago gallinago	N	Least concern		Passage migrant and winter visitor; frequents lagoons
Pin-tailed snipe	Gallinago stenura	A	Least concern	?	Not well-documented; vagrant
Terek sandpiper	Xenus cinereus	N	Least concern		Sighted year-round, non-breeding sightings may be recorded in the Summer.
Red-necked phalarope	Phalaropus lobatus	N	Least concern		Scarce passage migrant, can be seen rotating in shallow water
Common sandpiper	Actitis hypoleucos	N	Least concern		Very common throughout winter and late summer.
Green sandpiper	Tringa ochropus	N	Least concern		Relatively common throughout winter and spring; frequents greywater.
Spotted redshank	Tringa erythropus	N	Least concern		Common winter visitor and passage migrant; frequents greywater.
Common greenshank	Tringa nebularia	N	Least concern		Common winter visitor and passage migrant; frequents greywater.
Marsh sandpiper	Tringa stagnatilis	N	Least concern		Somewhat common winter visitor and passage migrant; frequents greywater.
Wood sandpiper	Tringa glareola	N	Least concern		Common winter visitor and passage migrant; frequents greywater.
Common redshank	Tringa totanus	N	Least concern	?	Winter visitor and passage migrant; one of the most common waders in the country.

Crab plover[]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Dromadidae

The crab plover is related to the waders. It resembles a plover but with very long grey legs and a strong heavy black bill similar to a tern. It has black-and-white plumage, a long neck, partially webbed feet and a bill designed for eating crabs.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global Status	Trend	Notes	Image
Crab-plover	Dromas ardeola	N	Least concern		This relict is a winter visitor and passage migrant. It is found in the northeast, and is a distinct bird.

Pratincoles and coursers[]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Glareolidae

Glareolidae is a family of wading birds comprising the pratincoles, which have short legs, long pointed wings and long forked tails, and the coursers, which have long legs, short wings and long, pointed bills which curve downwards.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Cream-coloured courser	Cursorius cursor	N	Least concern		It is a rare resident, however may be common as a migrant in the typical winter and spring months. Despite being a wader, it is an inhabitant desert, an avid hunter of insects. The buff coloration of this bird’s body blends in with the sand. Despite being fully capable of flight, this bird prefers to run either when navigating the desert or escaping a perceived threat. It can be recognised in flight by the outer half of each wing, which is black	br/>
Collared pratincole	Glareola pratincola	N	Least concern		Migrant in early spring and late summer. This bird resembles a swallow in flight due to its forked tail, however the collar descending from its eyes and around its neck is a key feature.
Black-winged pratincole	Glareola nordmanni	R	Near threatened		This bird is a rare passage migrant, and is very much similar to the collared pratincole . In flight it is different by its wings that have a jet-black underside (collared pratincole have a rusty brown underside) and is generally darker on top. Smaller details may be noticed up close as its wings extend past the tail feathers when held, while in the collared its folded wings are equal lengths.
Small pratincole	Glareola lactea	A	Least concern	?	Vagrant.

Skuas and jaegers[]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Stercorariidae

The family Stercorariidae are, in general, medium to large birds, typically with grey or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They nest on the ground in temperate and arctic regions and are long-distance migrants.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Pomarine jaeger	Stercorarius pomarinus	R	Least concern		A rare winter visitor, the pomarine jaeger is a heavily-built bird that resembles a scaled-up dark brown seagull. It’s beak is silver, with a black tip. The central feather of its tail is shaped like a pin.
Arctic skua	Stercorarius parasiticus	N	Least concern		A winter visitor, this cosmopolitan bird frequents coastal habitats. It is an agressive predator, and will often chase seagulls for their prey
Long-tailed jaeger	Stercorarius longicaudus	A	Least concern		Vagrant

Gulls, terns, and skimmers[]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Laridae

Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds, the gulls, terns and kittiwakes. Gulls are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. Terns are a group of generally medium to large seabirds typically with grey or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species known to live in excess of 30 years.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Slender-billed gull	Chroicocephalus genei	N	Least concern	?	Abundant winter visitor. This seagull is a uniform white, with light grey wings and a black tail. The beak and legs are a distinct rusty colour
Black-headed gull	Chroicocephalus ridibundus	N	Least concern	?	Common winter visitor. Summer plumage is never seen in Qatar, with a black head being the gull's namesake. Individuals in the Middle East can be recognised by a small black dot before each eye and behind each ear
Little gull	Hydrocoloeus minutus	N	Least concern		Vagrant
Sooty gull	Ichthyaetus hemprichii	N	Least concern		Infrequent winter visitor. Perhaps the easiest seagull to identify, it is coated with a dark-grey plumage on its entire upperside
Pallas's gull	Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus	N	Least concern		Winter visitor to the Eastern coasts of Qatar. Being the largest seagull in the entire country, it is truly a beast of nations. The Pallas' gull possesses a dark head with a "blood mark" on its beak.
Caspian gull	Larus cachinnans	N	Least concern		Very common from mid-to late winter. Several cryptic species and can be nightmarishly difficult do distinguish from other gulls such as L. fuscus and L. armenicus. Range overlapping with other similar gulls makes identification practically impossible
Armenian gull	Larus armenicus	R	Least concern		Rare winter visitor. The bird is difficult to identify and only recently has begun to increase in numbers. They are believed to be fluctuating, as until 2021 the species was considered "near threatened"
Lesser black-backed gull	Larus fuscus	N	Least concern		Winter visitor. The only way to distinguish this species from Armenia and the Caspian gull is by its back, which tends to be darker and its white rump
Bridled tern	Onychoprion anaethetus	N	Least concern	?	Breeding migrant, found from April to December in Sealine, Al Wakra, and the northwest
Little tern	Sternula albifrons	N	Least concern		This small and active species is a passage migrant, frequenting coasts on the eastern side of the country from March till September
Saunders's tern	Sternula saundersi	N	Least concern		Migrant breeder; this small tern is a frequenter of the coasts, especially in the East
Gull-billed tern	Gelocheilodon nilotica	N	Least concern		Winter visitor. It is noted for resembling a seagull, as well as having a short black beak. It frequents the northwest
Caspian tern	Hydroprogne caspia	N	Least concern		Uncommon resident. This cosmopolitan bird possesses a black cap and very bright orange beak, a feature that can be recognised from a distance
White-winged tern	Chlidonias leucopterus	N	Least concern		Paddage migrant; this bird is most common in the northern regions. It has distinct plumage, with a repressed grey in autumn and a jet-black body in spring, with the wings clearly divided with their bright white colour
Whiskered tern	Chlidonias hybrida	N	Least concern		Common in the northwest in February-March and September-October. May also be encountered in inland water
Common tern	Sterna hirundo	N	Least concern	?	Uncommon passage migrant. Distinct forked tail and silver body, as well as the black cap
White-cheeked tern	Sterna repressa	N	Least concern		Common from April to October. It is distinct as it is the darkest member of its genus. Much like the common tern, it has two tail feathers that extend beyond the rest
Great crested tern	Thalasseus bergii	N	Least concern		Passage migrant; most common in late summer. It is distinct as a result of its great size which makes identification especially easy when in a group of multi-species terns, combined with its yellow beak and erectable crest that extends downwards from the back of its head
Sandwich tern	Thalasseus sandvicensis	N	Least concern		This achromatic bird is common in winter along the coasts. The bird is devoid of all colour, with the exception of a yellow top on its beak. It is uniform white, with grey wings and a black streak across its head
Lesser crested-tern	Thalasseus sandvicensis	N	Least concern		Greatly common year-round, and resembles its greater friend, albeit noticeably smaller and possessing a tint of orange on its beak as opposed to the latter's pure yellow

Tropicbirds[]

Order: Phaethontiformes   Family: Phaethontidae

Tropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans, with exceptionally long central tail feathers. Their heads and long wings have black markings.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Red-billed tropicbird	Phaethon aethereus	R	Least concern		An inhabitant of coasts, this rare resident is unmistakable when encountered as unlike every other seabird in the country, adults boast an incredibly long tail feather. The bird is white, with black wingtips and marbling on its back, as well as a red beak.

Storks[]

Order: Ciconiiformes   Family: Ciconiidae

Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute, but bill-clattering is an important mode of communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Black stork	Phaethon aethereus	A	Least concern	?	Vagrant.
White stork	Ciconia ciconia	N	Least concern		A winter visitor, this bird is common on farmlands. It is white all over, with an orange beak and black wings. It is a familiar bird, with its long neck and spindly legs
Marabou stork	Ciconia ciconia	A	Least concern		Vagrant

Cormorants and shags[]

Order: Suliformes   Family: Phalacrocoracidae

Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium to large coastal, fish-eating seabirds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage colouration varies, with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black-and-white and a few being colourful.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Great cormorant	Phalacrocorax carbo	N	Least concern		Common throughout winter in coastal rocky regions.
Socotra cormorant	Phalacrocorax nigrogularis	E	Vulnerable		Endemic to the gulf and offshore Yemen. Breeds on islands like Hawar and Socotra; globally threatened

Pelicans[]

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Pelecanidae

Pelicans are large water birds with a distinctive pouch under their beak. As with other members of the order Pelecaniformes, they have webbed feet with four toes.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Great white pelican	Pelecanus onocrotalus	A	Least concern	?	Not well-documented in the country, possibly a vagrant

Herons, egrets, and bitterns[]

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Ardeidae

The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Great bittern	Botaurus stellaris	R	Least concern		A rare winter visitor, the cryptic patterns and excellent camouflage of this elusive animal ensure that it is heard by the ear more than it is seen by the eye
Little bittern	Ixobrychus minutus	N	Least concern		This spring-summer visitor is a curious bird, indeed it is the smalles heron of them all. Sexual dimorphism is very prevalent in this species. The female has a beige background, streaked with dark brown all over creating a great camouflage. The male is more flamboyant. He lacks the streaking, and atop his beige base is a black crown and back, making him instantly recognisable. When faced with a perceived threat, the bittern raises its head directly upwards and stands upright, its streaks enabling it to blend with the reeds it lives amongst
Grey heron	Ardea cinerea	N	Least concern	?	Where there is water, and where there is fish, there will be a grey heron. Indeed it is the most common bird in the country, being found year-round in any aquatic habitat there is. Grey and tall, it is the largest heron in the country. It is easy to see this bird as it stands in the water, looking downwards for a fish or frog to pass by.
Purple heron	Ardea purpurea	N	Least concern		Almost as common as the grey heron, this bird is a frequenter of wetlands and residents may stay after the migration seasons. The colour of this bird is subtle, but if seen up close it can be understood how this bird earned its name
Great egret	Egretta alba	N	Least concern	?	Arriving in late autumn and stating until spring, this cosmopolitan bird is instantly recognisable, especially on land. It is white in colour, with a rich yellow beak, black legs and a ridiculously long neck. This species was almost hunted to extinction in the past for its spring plumage
Intermediate egret	Egretta intermedia	A	Least concern		Vagrant
Little egret	Egretta garzetta	N	Least concern		This visitor may be found from winter to early spring. It is a somewhat sizeable bird and is white in colouration. It has a dark and somewhat slender beak, a detail that should be remembered by birdwatchers.
Western reef-heron	Egretta gularis	N	Least concern		Most common in winter, this migrant may be seen in summer as well albeit less frequently. Two forms may exist of this bird, the most known is a uniform slate colour with a slight bluish tint. The other is nearly fully white, and can easily be mistakes for a little egret. However the key difference is the beak, which is paler and noticeably thicker.
Cattle egret	Bubulcus ibis	N	Least concern		Passage migrant and winter visitor. Smaller than other herons, it can be recognised by its more compact body, longer legs and a generally short bill. Slightly brown feathers can be seen on the head and breast in the warmer months
Squacco heron	Ardeola ralloides	N	Least concern	?	A passage migrants, this bird also leaves behind a small non-breeding population in summer. This bird is pleasant to see, with its white underside and rich brown upper body decorated with dark brown streaks. In winter, when breeding occurs, it takes on a plain bright brown colour, with elongated tufts. It can be met in wetlands such as lagoons.
Indian pond-heron	Ardeola grayii	A	Least concern	?	Vagrant.
Striated heron	Butroides striata	R	Least concern		This bird is an uncommon resident. Above, the bird is grey with brown wing feathers, each outlined with a soft but noticeable gold. The legs of this bird are unique as well, with a slight greenish shade
Black-crowned night heron	Nycticorax nycticorax	N	Least concern		This common bird is seen in winter and spring. It is an inhabitant of lagoons and wetlands, as well as any aquatic habitat that holds the promise of food. This compact bird is found during all times of the day, however it is especially active in the darker hours. The bird is light grey, with a black crown and back as well as an especially short neck, differentiating it from the superficially similar male little bittern

Ibises and spoonbills[]

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Threskiornithidae

Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strong fliers and despite their size and weight, very capable soarers.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Glossy ibis	Plegadis falcinellus	N	Least concern		A common bird in winter and spring, this bird frequents the grey water at several familiar locations. It is a unique bird, covered in black feathers that reflect blue, green, and purple when approached close. The bill of this bird is curved downwards.
African sacred ibis	Threskiornis aethiopicus	A	Least concern		Vagrant
Eurasian spoonbill	Platalea leucorodia	R	Least concern	?	A rare migrant, this bird can be encountered in spring and winter near shores. It has the typical long-legged waterbird appearance, with white all over however one feature exists. The black beak of the bird, as the name suggests, is slender and flat, with a circular tip with greater girth than the rest of the bill.
African spoonbill	Platalea alba	I	Least concern		Much like its Eurasian counterpart, this introduced species possesses a distinct beak resembling the utensil it was named after. The face and legs of this bird are a rich magenta.

Osprey[]

Order: Accipitriformes   Family: Pandionidae

The family Pandionidae contains only one species, the osprey. The osprey is a medium-large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Frequency	Image
Osprey	Pandion haliaetus	N	Least concern		This bird is common throughout the country. A specialised hunter of fish, the osprey can be seen in coastal habitats, using both natural and man-made heights to scout the shore for its prey

Hawks, eagles, and kites[]

Order: Accipitriformes   Family: Accipitridae

Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey, which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons and keen eyesight.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Black-winged kite	Elanus caeruleus	A	Least concern		Vagrant
Egyptian vulture	Neophron percnopterus	R	Endangered		Rare vagrant; endangered globally
European honey-buzzard	Pernis apivorus	A	Least concern		Vagrant
Oriental honey-buzzard	Pernis ptilorhynchus	A	Least concern		Vagrant
Short-toed snake eagle	Circaetus gallicus	N	Least concern		Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor
Booted eagle	Hieraaetus pennatus	A	Least concern		Vagrant
Steppe eagle	Aquila nipalensis	R	Endangered		Rare winter visitor and the largest bird-of-prey in the country. Different from other eagles as it has thick "trousers" and is recognisable from a distance due to its mighty wingspan, which can exceed the height of a man
Imperial eagle	Aquila heliaca	A	Vulnerable		Rare vagrant; threatened. Has more irregular markings than its steppe friend
Bonelli's eagle	Aquila fasciata	A	Least concern		Vagrant, smaller than other members of the genus
Greater spotted-eagle	Clanga clanga	N	Vulnerable		From autumn to spring, this eagle can be encountered in wetlands. White spots are more prominent in juveniles, though they tend to fade into adulthood
Western marsh-harrier	Circus aeruginosus	N	Least concern		The largest harrier, this species is common throughout winter. It is known for its habit of soaring low, with its wings held in a "V-like" position. Heavy sexual dimorphism is expressed. Females are larger, darker, and have a white head
Pallid harrier	Circus macrourus	N	Near threatened		Somewhat common throughout winter. It is known for its habit of soaring low, with its wings held in a "V-like" position. Heavy sexual dimorphism is expressed. Females are larger and pale-brown with a white vent, while males are light-grey with black wingtips
Montagu's harrier	Circus pygargus	N	Least concern		Scarce passage migrant and winter visitor. A low flier, this species is remarkably similar to the pallid harrier. Heavy sexual dimorphism is expressed. Females are larger and dark ruddy-brown with a white vent, while males are ash-grey with dark wingtips, with larger area than that of the pallid harrier
Shikra	Accipiter badius	A	Least concern		Vagrant
Levant sparrowhawk	Accipiter brevipes	A	Least concern		Vagrant
Eurasian sparrowhawk	Accipiter nisus	R	Least concern		Scarce winter visitor, found in farmlands. Females are larger, and males have ruddy cheeks
Northern goshawk	Accipiter gentilis	A	Least concern	?	Vagrant
Black kite	Milvus migrans	N	Least concern		Scarce winter visitor. Uniform brown colour, may be mistaken for harriers however its oars with the wings outstretched as opposed to being held in a "v" shape
Common buzzard	Buteo buteo	A	Least concern		Vagrant
Long-legged buzzard	Buteo rufinus	A	Least concern		A frequent winter visitor, this bird-of-prey prefers to inhabit deserts as opposed to farmland that most other accripitids can be found in. Their mantle is dark, with a pale chest and head as well as long legs, making it a distinct bird

Barn-owls[]

Order: Strigiformes   Family: Tytonidae

Barn-owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Barn owl	Tyto alba	N	Least concern		This bird is a scarce resident in the country. It is nocturnal and unlikely to be encountered in the day, however if seen roosting, recognition of the bird is instant. The heart-shaped face and its cream shades are unmistakable. At night when hunting, the barn-owl is completely silent and will not be heard in flight

Owls[]

Order: Strigiformes   Family: Strigidae

The typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Eurasian scops-owl	Otus scops	N	Least concern		Uncommon passage migrant. Recognised by its large ear tufts, it is rarely seen at day. The plumage mayvary
Pallid scops-owl	Otus brucei	A	Least concern		Vagrant
Pharaoh eagle owl	Bubo ascalaphus	N	Least concern		An uncommon resident, this is the nation’s largest. It may be found in the south, roosting in thick bushes or on arid ground
Lilith owlet	Athene noctua	N	Least concern		This owl is a resident, and is active in the darker hours. However, unlike other owls, it may be seen during the day as it prepares to hunt.
Long-eared owl	Asio otus	A	Least concern		Vagrant.
Short-eared owl	Asio flammeus	R	Least concern		A rare winter visitor, this low-flying owl is a daytime hunter.

Hoopoes[]

Order: Bucerotiformes   Family: Upupidae

Hoopoes have black, white and orangey-pink colouring with a large erectile crest on their head.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Eurasian hoopoe	Upupa epops	N	Least concern		Some migration in winter, most abundant in spring, especially April. This bird is unique and unmatched in appearance, and has an almost "legendary" status in the Middle East, often being seen as a symbol of birds in the region

Kingfishers[]

Order: Coraciiformes   Family: Alcedinidae

Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs and stubby tails.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Common kingfisher	Alcedo atthis	N	Least concern	?	An uncommon bird that can be seen in winter, the kingfisher truly stands out. Frequenting mangroves and reed ends, this bird has a distinct blue upper side and an pale orange underside, the beak of this bird, which is used as an effective fishing weapon is comically large. Sexual dimorphism is present, as the male's rich blue radiates in glory, while the female's blue takes on a greenish iridescence
White-throated kingfisher	Halcyon smyrnensis	A	Least concern		Vagrant
Pied kingfisher	Ceryle rudis	N	Least concern	?	Much like the common kingfisher, this bird is an uncommon winter visitor. This bird is an aerial hunter. In contrast to the brilliant blue of its counterpart, the pied kingfisher takes on an achromatic plumage.

Bee-eaters[]

Order: Coraciiformes   Family: Meropidae

The bee-eaters are a group of near passerine birds in the family Meropidae. Most species are found in Africa but others occur in southern Europe, Madagascar, Australia and New Guinea. They are characterised by richly coloured plumage, slender bodies and usually elongated central tail feathers. All are colourful and have long downturned bills and pointed wings, which give them a swallow-like appearance when seen from afar.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Green bee-eater	Merops orientalis	A	Least concern		Not well-recorded in the country, possibly a vagrant or misidentification
Blue-cheeked bee-eater	Merops persicus	N	Least concern		Much like its European friend, it is observed mostly in spring and to a lesser extent autumn.
European bee-eater	Merops apiaster	N	Least concern		The most common and beautiful bee-eater, it is observed in Qatar during spring and to a lesser extent autumn

Rollers[]

Order: Coraciiformes   Family: Coraciidae

Rollers resemble crows in size and build, but are more closely related to the kingfishers and bee-eaters. They share the colourful appearance of those groups with blues and browns predominating. The two inner front toes are connected, but the outer toe is not.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
European roller	Coracias garrulus	N	Least concern		Very beautiful bird with extremely bright underside, found in parks in spring and less commonly in autumn
Indian roller	Coracias benghalensis	A	Least concern		Not well-recorded in the country, possibly a vagrant or misidentification

Woodpeckers[]

Order: Piciformes   Family: Picidae

Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Eurasian wryneck	Jynx torquilla	N	Least concern		The only woodpecker in the country, this passage migrant is associated with trees. A trip to the local parks could reveal an individual. It has a particular taste for ants

Falcons and caracaras[]

Order: Falconiformes   Family: Falconidae

Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons.

• Lesser kestrel, Falco naumanni
• Eurasian kestrel, Falco tinnunculus
• Amur kestrel, Falco amurensis (A)
• Sooty falcon, Falco concolor (A)
• Merlin, Falco columbarius (A)
• Eurasian hobby, Falco subbuteo
• Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus

Old World parrots[]

Order: Psittaciformes   Family: Psittaculidae

Characteristic features of parrots include a strong curved bill, an upright stance, strong legs, and clawed zygodactyl feet. Many parrots are vividly colored, and some are multi-colored. In size they range from 8 cm (3.1 in) to 1 m (3.3 ft) in length. Old World parrots are found from Africa east across south and southeast Asia and Oceania to Australia and New Zealand.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Alexandrine parakeet	Psittacula eupatoria	I	Near threatened		An introduced species, this bird can be found on the eastern side of the country. It is the largest member of its family, and its pink-black "collar" is a key feature of males. Can be distinguished from the rose-ring by its larger size and red "epaulette" mark
Rose-ringed parakeet	Psittacula krameri	I	Least concern		This introduced species is found in most urban environments, the capital Doha and Dukhan. Only males possess the characteristic "rose ring". Sightings of this bird are often preceded by a very loud screaming - in flight they are recognised by their cries and tail, which may be as long as the bird itself.

Old World orioles[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Oriolidae

The Old World orioles are colourful passerine birds. They are not related to the New World orioles.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Eurasian golden oriole	Oriolus oriolus	N	Least concern		In late spring, this remarkable bird can be spotted in parks and arid regions. It has a sunburst body, with its dark wings. However, it is a shy bird

Shrikes[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Laniidae

Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A typical shrike's beak is hooked, like a bird of prey.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Red-backed shrike	Lanius collurio	N	Least concern		Uncommon passage migrant and winter visitor. Recognised for its rusty upper wings. Females lack the "mask"
Red-tailed shrike	Lanius phoenicuroides	N	Least concern		Passage migrant and winter visitor. Very similar to the formerly conspecific isabelline shrike, albeit darker in colour
Isabelline shrike	Lanius isabellinus	N	Least concern		Passage migrant and winter visitor, recognised for its soft ruddy shade
Bay-backed shrike	Lanius vitattus	A	Least concern		Vagrant; possibly from the nearby UAE
Long-tailed shrike	Lanius schach	A	Least concern	?	Vagrant or misidentification
Great gray shrike	Lanius excubitor • Lanius excubitor ssp. aucheri (Arabian grey shrike) • Lanius excubitor ssp. pallidirostris (Steppe grey shrike)	N	Least concern		The largest and most powerful shrike, the great grey shrike has 2 common subspecies in Qatar. The Arabian grey shrike may be observed year-round, while the steppe grey shrike is less common, being a passage migrant from Asia. The nominate subspecies has been recorded as a vagrant in the country.
Lesser gray shrike	Lanius minor	N	Least concern		Uncommon passage migrant and autumn visitor. Has a larger "mask" than the similarly-coloured great grey shrike.
Masked shrike	Lanius nubicus	N	Least concern		Passage migrant and winter visitor.
Woodchat shrike	Lanius senator	N	Least concern		Passage migrant and winter visitor. Most common in April

Crows, jays, and magpies[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Corvidae

The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
House crow	Corvus splendens	I	Least concern		Initially starting in Halul island, the house crow has managed to spread throughout many parts of the country. It is fairly common in cities where it feeds on anything considered edible. The bird is unmistakable, a large black and glossy colour all over is its defining feature. It is one of the only birds to have colonised the country in recent times
Brown-necked raven	Corvus rufficolis	A	Least concern		Vagrant

Penduline-tits[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Remizidae

The penduline-tits are a group of small passerine birds related to the true tits. They are insectivores.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Eurasian penduline-tit	Remiz pendulinus	A	Least concern		Vagrant

Larks[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Alaudidae

Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds.

• Greater hoopoe-lark, Alaemon alaudipes
• Bar-tailed lark, Ammomanes cincturus
• Desert lark, Ammomanes deserti
• Black-crowned sparrow-lark, Eremopterix nigriceps
• Horned lark, Eremophila alpestris (A)
• Greater short-toed lark, Calandrella brachydactyla
• Bimaculated lark, Melanocorypha bimaculata (A)
• Calandra lark, Melanocorypha calandra (A)
• Arabian lark, Eremalauda eremodites (A)
• Turkestan short-toed lark, Alaudala heinei
• Wood lark, Lullula arborea (A)
• Eurasian skylark, Alauda arvensis
• Crested lark, Galerida cristata

Cisticolas and allies[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Cisticolidae

The Cisticolidae are warblers found mainly in warmer southern regions of the Old World. They are generally very small birds of drab brown or grey appearance found in open country such as grassland or scrub.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Frequency	Image
Graceful prinia	Prinia gracilis	N	Least concern		Winter visitor, found in Reed beds
Delicate prinia	Prinia lepida	A	Not recognised by the IUCN	?	Taxonomy disputed; it is considered part of the graceful prinia species complex by several authorities

Reed warblers and allies[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Acrocephalidae

The members of this family are usually rather large for "warblers". Most are rather plain olivaceous brown above with much yellow to beige below. They are usually found in open woodland, reedbeds, or tall grass. The family occurs mostly in southern to western Eurasia and surroundings, but it also ranges far into the Pacific, with some species in Africa.

• Sykes's warbler, Iduna rama (A)
• Eastern olivaceous warbler, Iduna pallida
• Upcher's warbler, Hippolais languida
• Icterine warbler, Hippolais icterina (A)
• Moustached warbler, Acrocephalus melanopogon (A)
• Sedge warbler, Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
• Paddyfield warbler, Acrocephalus agricola (A)
• Marsh warbler, Acrocephalus palustris
• Eurasian reed warbler, Acrocephalus scirpaceus
• Basra reed warbler, Acrocephalus griseldis (A)
• Great reed warbler, Acrocephalus arundinaceus
• Clamorous reed warbler, Acrocephalus stentoreus

Grassbirds and allies[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Locustellidae

Locustellidae are a family of small insectivorous songbirds found mainly in Eurasia, Africa, and the Australian region. They are smallish birds with tails that are usually long and pointed, and tend to be drab brownish or buffy all over.

• Savi's warbler, Locustella luscinioides (A)
• Common grasshopper-warbler, Locustella naevia (A)

Swallows[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Hirundinidae

The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base.

• Bank swallow, Riparia riparia
• Eurasian crag-martin, Ptyonoprogne rupestris (A)
• Rock martin, Ptyonoprogne fuligula (A)
• Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
• Red-rumped swallow, Cecropis daurica
• Common house-martin, Delichon urbicum

Bulbuls[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Pycnonotidae

Bulbuls are medium-sized songbirds. Some are colourful with yellow, red or orange vents, cheeks, throats or supercilia, but most are drab, with uniform olive-brown to black plumage. Some species have distinct crests.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Red-vented bulbul	Pycnonotus cafer	I	Least concern		Resident in parks and specific urban areas.
White-eared bulbul	Pycnonotus leucotis	I	Least concern		Found nationwide. Sightings of this bird are often met with its cheerful and distinct melody, that can be heard even at dawn

Leaf warblers[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Phylloscopidae

Leaf warblers are a family of small insectivorous birds found mostly in Eurasia and ranging into Wallacea and Africa. The species are of various sizes, often green-plumaged above and yellow below, or more subdued with greyish-green to greyish-brown colours.

• Wood warbler, Phylloscopus sibilatrix (A)
• Yellow-browed warbler, Phylloscopus inornatus (A)
• Hume's warbler, Phylloscopus humei (A)
• Plain leaf warbler, Phylloscopus neglectus (A)
• Willow warbler, Phylloscopus trochilus
• Common chiffchaff, Phylloscopus collybita

Sylviid warblers, parrotbills, and allies[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Sylviidae

The family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. They mainly occur as breeding species, as the common name implies, in Europe, Asia and, to a lesser extent, Africa. Most are of generally undistinguished appearance, but many have distinctive songs.

• Eurasian blackcap, Sylvia atricapilla
• Garden warbler, Sylvia borin (A)
• Asian desert warbler, Curruca nana
• Barred warbler, Curruca nisoria
• Lesser whitethroat, Curruca curruca
• Eastern Orphean warbler, Curruca crassirostris
• Menetries's warbler, Curruca mystacea
• Greater whitethroat, Curruca communis

Starlings[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Sturnidae

Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. Their flight is strong and direct and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country. They eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
European starling	Sturnus Vulgaris	N	Least concern		Migratory; winter visitor
Rosy starling	Pastor roseus	A	Least concern	?	Not well-documented in the country, possibly an escaped captive bird or a vagrant
Common myna	Acridotheres tristis	I	Least concern		Introduced and established; extremely common throughout the country

Thrushes and allies[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Turdidae

The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs.

• Song thrush, Turdus philomelos
• Eurasian blackbird, Turdus merula (A)
• Fieldfare, Turdus pilaris (A)
• Ring ouzel, Turdus torquatus (A)
• Black-throated thrush, Turdus atrogularis (A)
• Red-throated thrush, Turdus ruficollis (A)
• Dusky thrush, Turdus eunomus (A)

Old World flycatchers[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Muscicapidae

Old World flycatchers are a large group of small passerine birds native to the Old World. They are mainly small arboreal insectivores. The appearance of these birds is highly varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global Status	Trend	Notes	Image
Black scrub-robin	Cercotrichas podobe	R	Least concern		Rare winter visitor. Recognised by the all-black body and noticeable tail, often held erect. Not found much as the country lacks its preferred habitat
Spotted flycatcher	Muscicapa striata	N	Least concern		Common passage migrants in spring and winter.
Rufous-tailed scrub-robin	Cercotrichas galactotes	N	Least concern		May be found from winter until spring. It is often spotted in open fields, scouting for insects and other small Arthropods. Its tail, often raised, bears a reddish-brown plumage exclusive to this species
European robin	Erithacus rubecula	A	Least concern		Vagrant
White-throated robin	Irania gutturalis	N	Least concern		Spring visitor. This bird is named for the small white sliver of white that lines the bird’s throat. It is slate-grey from the upperside, the female having a white underside, along with a few ruddy feathers. The male has a brilliant orange on his underside with the exception of a small sliver below his beak and his vent, both of which are white
Thrush nightingale	Luscinia luscinia	R	Least concern		Rare passage migrant
Common nightingale	Luscinia megarhynchos	N	Least concern		A scarce bird found in winter and autumn, the nightingale is a bird that can be encountered wherever there is dense vegetation to retreat to when threatened. It is lighter in colour than the thrush nightingale
Bluethroat	Luscinia svecica	N	Least concern		Very much common in winter, the bluethroat is easily the most identifiable member of its genus. True to its name, it possesses a bright blue "bib" decorated with white and Orange. It is a shy creature, spending most of its time hidden in the bushes however can be occasionally seen as it frolics on the outskirts of vegetation
Red-breasted flycatcher	Ficedula parva	N	Least concern		This uncommon bird is mostly seen in autumn. Their small size and shyness makes them difficult to observe. Sexual dimorphism is present as females are buff and white on the underside, while males are grey on top with a reddish breast
Semi-collared flycatcher	Ficedula semitorquata	R	Least concern		This rare bird can only be seen in March. It is a hunter of aerial insects and when encountered can be immediately recognised because of its pied black-and-white pattern. The population of this bird are very sparse
Rufous-backed redstart	Phoenicurus erythronotus	R	Least concern		This bird is a rare passage migrant, being found in fields or deserts if ever encountered.
Common redstart	Phoenicurus phoenicurus	N	Least concern		Unlike most migrants to Qatar, this bird doesn’t visit during winter. The genders are relatively similar in appearance, however the male had a darker upper side and much redder breast.
Black redstart	Phoenicurus ochruros	N	Least concern		A passage migrant, this bird is distinct. It can be found in trees, bushes, and surprisingly shores. The female is light brown with a red vent, while two morphs of males may exist. One of which is glossy black all over with the exception of a rufously-toned vent, and the other is similar with the exception of a bright Orange breast, with a black bib making it identifiable alongside its Common counterpart.
Blue rock thrush	Monticola solitarus	N	Least concern		Common passage migrants; rare throughout most of the winter. The genders are similar in appearance but the male is uniform in his slate-blue plumage while a slight brown shade is present on the female
Rufous-tailed rock thrush	Monticola saxtalis	N	Least concern		A Common passage migrant, this thrush has a preference for arid deserts and other areas with rocks. It resembles the blue rock thrush, with the key difference being the male’s brilliant orange underside
Whinchat	Saxicola ruberta	N	Least concern		This shy bird is an occasional passage migrant. The white stripe above this bird’s eye is key to identify it
European stonechat	Saxicola rubicola	N	Recognised as a subspecies of the common stonechat by the IUCN. Thus, no status exists for this species		This bird visits in winter and is a passage migrant. Sexual dimorphism is present as the male has a bright red breast. The bird’s habit of perching high on posts make it easily spotted
Siberian stonechat	Saxicola maurus	N	Recognised as a subspecies of the common stonechat by the IUCN. Thus, no status exists for this species		The Siberian stonechat is practically identical to the European stonechat, and is in fact still considered conspecific by several taxonomic authorities. The only noticeable differences to an observer is its white colouration which is more prevalent as well as the colour of its underparts being reduced
Pied bushchat	Saxicola caprata	A	Least concern		Vagrant
Northern wheatear	Oenanthe oenanthe	N	Least concern		Common passage migrant. The short tail is distinct in this frantic bird. The male is superficially similar in plumage to the great grey shrike but can be identified by its smaller body, slender beak and less strongly-built body
Isabelline wheatear	Oenanthe isabellina	N	Least concern		Very Common throughout winter and spring. It frequents gardens in search of insects, and its reddish underside combined with its grey-brown upperside and large size ensure identification
Hooded wheatear	Oenanthe monacha	R	Least concern		Rare winter visitor. The black body of the male paired with his white underside and cap are unmistakable. Females resemble isabelline wheatears, but their tail is rufous
Desert wheatear	Oenanthe deserti	N	Least concern		A winter visitor, this bird is striking. The male is sandy in colour, and is donned with a black "mask" on his face and throat. The female resembles an Isabelline wheatear, albeit darker
Pied wheatear	Oenanthe pleschanka	N	Least concern		Common visitor; prefers rocky plains and open perches
Pied wheatear	Oenanthe pleschanka	N	Least concern		Common visitor; prefers rocky plains and open perches
Variable wheatear	Oenanthe picata	A	Least concern		Vagrant
Hume’s wheatear	Oenanthe albonigra	A	Least concern		Vagrant
White-crowned wheatear	Oenanthe albonigra	A	Least concern		Vagrant
Finsch's wheatear	Oenanthe finschii	R	Least concern		Rare winter visitor.
Mourning wheatear	Oenanthe lugens	N	Least concern		A winter visitor, this scarce bird is named for its pattern as it appears to be dressed in black, much like a mourning cloak. The distinct feature that can be used to identify the bird is its vent, which is marked with light brown feathers. A look at a tree standing alone in open land may reveal this bird.
Kurdish wheatear	Oenanthe xanthoprymna	A	Least concern		Vagrant.
Persian wheatear	Oenanthe chrysopygia	N	Least concern		A common winter visitor, this bird is associated with rocky outcrops and arid regions. It can be observed as it perched high like other whetears. There is no distinct features aside from its reddish tail

Hypocolius[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Hypocoliidae

The hypocolius is a small Middle Eastern bird with the shape and soft plumage of a waxwing. They are mainly a uniform grey colour except the males have a black triangular mask around their eyes.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Hypocolius	Hypocolius ampelinus	N	Least concern	?	Uncommon Winter visitor; the presence of this bird is restricted to the west coast. This soft-grey bird is easy to identify, and is a shy creature preferring to be in regions thick with trees.

Sunbirds and spiderhunters[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Nectariniidae

The sunbirds and spiderhunters are very small passerine birds which feed largely on nectar, although they will also take insects, especially when feeding young. Flight is fast and direct on their short wings. Most species can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, but usually perch to feed.

• Purple sunbird, Cinnyris asiaticus (A)

Weavers and allies[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Ploceidae

The weavers are small passerine birds related to the finches. They are seed-eating birds with rounded conical bills. The males of many species are brightly coloured, usually in red or yellow and black, some species show variation in colour only in the breeding season.

• Streaked weaver, Ploceus manyar
• Black-breasted weaver, Ploceus benghalensis

Waxbills and allies[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Estrildidae

The estrildid finches are small passerine birds of the Old World tropics and Australasia. They are gregarious and often colonial seed eaters with short thick but pointed bills. They are all similar in structure and habits, but have wide variation in plumage colours and patterns.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Red avadavat	Amandava amandava	A	Least concern	?	Vagrant
Indian silverbill	Eudoice malabarica	I	Least concern		This cheerful bird is a uniform brown and white colour, making its namesake, its reflective grey beak, even more pronounced. They have a confident personality, making them popular with photographers as they will generally tolerate people at a far closer distance than other birds find comfortable

Old World sparrows[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Passeridae

Old World sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or grey birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed eaters, but they also consume small insects.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
House sparrow	Passer domesticus	N	Least concern		Perhaps the most common bird in the nation, if not the entire world. This bird is associated with human habitat, and has an immense presence in the old world. It has been introduced to a cosmopolitan extent, causing issues in non-native habitat. However, in its native Eurasia including Qatar, this curious bird is declining. Sexual dimorphism is prevalent, as females are light browns, while males have a chestnut upper side, grey cap and lightly coloured ears.
Spanish sparrow	Passer hispaniolensis	N	Least concern		Similar to the astronomically more common house sparrow, the Spanish sparrow is a visitor of farmlands. The main difference is the breast of the bird, which is mottled with dark grey plumes as opposed to the house sparrow's pure grey feathers .
Yellow-throated sparrow	Gymnoris xanthocollis	A	Least concern		Vagrant .
Pale rockfinch	Carpispiza brachydactyla	N	Least concern		This elusive bird may be spotted in rocky habitats. Coloured much like the sand it lives on, this sparrow is difficult to encounter, especially since the only window of opportunity to spot one is in April.

Wagtails and pipits[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Motacillidae

Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Gray wagtail	Motacilla cinerea	N	Least concern		This bird is the least common wagtail in the country, being located in farmlands during winter to early spring. Despite being known as grey, it is not as unattractive as its name may convey. Indeed it is grey, however its underside bears a wondrous yellow plumage that stands out greatly against its grey background
Yellow wagtail	Motacilla flava	N	Least concern		This passage migrant is common, and is a very enthusiastic consumer of insects. A habitat with plenty of insect life is guaranteed to attract one of these birds. The bird has a head whose pattern differs per race, as it may be grey, black, or yellow. The bird is yellow all-over, with a reduced shade on the wings and a brilliant yellow on the underside
Citrine wagtail	Motacilla citreola	A	Least concern		Uncommon in the country, it can be mistaken for its yellow counterpart. The key difference is that it has a yellow head, with a topped grey pattern. The yellow wagtail either lacks a yellow head or has a fully coloured one.
White wagtail	Motacilla alba	N	Least concern		The most common wagtail in the country, the white wagtail is recognised easily even from a distance due to its grey wings, black "bib", and nearly luminous white head. Common throughout winter, a look through any patch of grass could reveal this cheerful bird. It is confident, capable of tolerating a small distance from humans as it pretend itself and sings its sweet melodies.
Richard's pipit	Anthus richardi	A	Least concern		Vagrant
Long-billed pipit	Anthus similis	A	Least concern		Vagrant
Tawny pipit	Anthus campestris	N	Least concern		A common bird, this winter visitor is a frequenter or farmlands. Pipits are cryptic, and are only easily distinguished by behaviour. This bird prefers flat open ground, and does not reside in trees. It is often upright, a detail that will aid identification
Meadow pipit	Anthus pratensis	N	Near threatened		Uncommon winter visitor. The small size, pale breast and streaked underparts distinguish this bird
Tree pipit	Anthus trivialis	N	Least concern		Arriving in Qatar in small amounts, the tree pipit is similar to its meadow counterpart. The main differences are the shorter pink legs and its reduced streaking on the underside
Red-throated pipit	Anthus cervinus	N	Least concern		Found in autumn and spring, this farm dwelling bird is cryptic in its colder month plumage. The name of the bird is derived from its attire in spring, with a reddish-brown breast. It can be identified in autumn via its very bold streaking on the underside.
Water pipit	Anthus spinoletta	N	Least concern		Common in winter, this large pipit is easy to identify as it has black legs. It frequents wetlands, as suggested by its name.
American pipit	Anthus rubescens	A	Least concern		Vagrant.

Finches, euphonias, and allies[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Fringillidae

Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well.

• Common chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs (A)
• Brambling, Fringilla montifringilla (A)
• Hawfinch, Coccothraustes coccothraustes (A)
• Common rosefinch, Carpodacus erythrinus
• Trumpeter finch, Bucanetes githagineus (A)
• Desert finch, Rhodospiza obsoleta (A)
• Eurasian linnet, Linaria cannabina (A)
• Eurasian siskin, Spinus spinus (A)

Old World buntings[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Emberizidae

The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with distinctively shaped bills. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns.

Common name	Binomial name	Status in the country	Global status	Trend	Notes	Image
Black-headed bunting	Emberiza melanocephala	R	Least concern	?	A rare passage migrant. Females are nondescript and sparrow-like, while males have a black head, chestnut upper side and a yellow breast
Corn bunting	Emberiza calandra	N	Least concern		The largest bunting, this bird is an uncommon breeder as well as a winter visitor. It may be confused with a female house sparrow, but it is considerably larger and is streaked on its underside
Cinereous bunting	Emberiza cineracea	R	Near threatened		This passage migrant is not only rare in the country but also globally. It is seldom found and is a distinct bird, bearing an ash-grey body with a greenish yellow plumage on its face
Ortolan bunting	Emberiza hortulana	N	Least concern		Pulling up to the table at early winter and early spring, this cheerful bird can be found among other birds in meadows. Its brown patterns may make it look indistinct but the yellow markings on this bird’s face will confirm its identification
Cretzschmar's bunting	Emberiza caesia	R	Least concern		Vagrant
Rustic bunting	Emberiza rustica	A	Vulnerable		Vagrant; globally threatened

See also[]

• List of mammals of Qatar
• List of Lepidoptera of Qatar
• List of birds
• Lists of birds by region

References[]

• Lepage, Denis. "Checklist of birds of Qatar". Bird Checklists of the World. Avibase. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
• Clements, James F. (2000). Birds of the World: a Checklist. Cornell University Press. p. 880. ISBN 0-934797-16-1.