The Avifauna of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve, Gaza Strip -Palestine

Abstract

Palestine Wildlife Society (PWLS), Beit Sahour, Palestine, www.wildlife-pal.org Ψ The Palestinian Commission for Development and Environment Protection (PEDCOM), Beit Lahia, Gaza Strip, Palestine. Abstract: Birds are considered as good indicators of the degree of human disturbance to the various ecosystems. In this work, we present the birds of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve and its environs, drawing upon a two-year field survey from October 2002 to September 2004. Two different sites were addressed for carrying out this study. Site I is almost hydric and represents a unique wetland ecosystem. Site II is almost dry except for some stormwater ponds occurring during the rainy season. A total of 118 avifaunistic species belonging to 38 families and 11 orders were determined and listed. Aquatic birds comprised 49 (41.5%) of the species counted, while terrestrial birds comprised 69 (58.5%) species. The Passeriformes was the biggest order and comprised 41 (34.7%) of the recorded species. Non-passerines comprised 77 species (65.3%), of which Charadriiformes formed the biggest order and comprised 27 species. Eighty five (72.0%) of the bird species were migratory while the others were resident. The House Sparrow was the most common bird species in Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve. The common species were the Cattle Egret, Chukar, Moorhen, Coot, Spur-winged Plover, Rock Dove, Laughing Dove, Barn Swallow, Yellow-vented Bulbul, White Wagtail, Palestine Sunbird and Hooded Crow. The major potential threats to avifauna included over-population, urbanization, residential and agricultural encroachment on the expense of natural areas, habitat destruction and fragmentation, hunting and poaching, intensive pesticide use and human disturbance at nest sites. The Israeli Occupation is still adversely affecting bird ecology in the area by uprooting and demolishing vast vegetated areas. The authors recommend improving cooperation of different parties to rehabilitate Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve and its environs and to enhance public awareness and to implement environmental laws and legislations to protect wildlife and to ensure sustainability of the system for both humans and biota.

Full text

The Islamic University Journal (Series of Natural Studies and Engineering)
Vol. 15, No.1, pp 39-85 , 2007, ISSN 1726-6807, http// www.iugaza.edu.ps/ara/research
The Avifauna of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve,
Gaza Strip - Palestine
Abdel Fattah N. Abd Rabou
1Ψ
; Maged M. Yassin
1
; Mohammed R. Al-
Agha
2
; Dawi M. Hamad
3
and Abdel Karim S. Ali
4
1
Department of Biology, Islamic University of Gaza, Palestine
2
Department of Environment and Earth Sciences, Islamic University of Gaza, Palestine
(Currently acting as the Minister of Agriculture – Palestine)
3
Department of Zoology, University of Khartoum, Sudan
4
Department of Environmental Studies, Al-Neelain University, Sudan
Ψ
Palestine Wildlife Society (PWLS), Beit Sahour, Palestine, www.wildlife-pal.org
Ψ
The Palestinian Commission for Development and Environment Protection
(PEDCOM), Beit Lahia, Gaza Strip, Palestine.
Correspondence should be addressed to:
Dr. Abdel Fattah N. Abd Rabou arabou@iugaza.edu
Dr. Maged M. Yassin myassin@iugaza.edu
Abstract: Birds are considered as good indicators of the degree of human
disturbance to the various ecosystems. In this work, we present the birds of
Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve and its environs, drawing upon a two-year field
survey from October 2002 to September 2004. Two different sites were
addressed for carrying out this study. Site I is almost hydric and represents a
unique wetland ecosystem. Site II is almost dry except for some stormwater
ponds occurring during the rainy season. A total of 118 avifaunistic species
belonging to 38 families and 11 orders were determined and listed. Aquatic
birds comprised 49 (41.5%) of the species counted, while terrestrial birds
comprised 69 (58.5%) species. The Passeriformes was the biggest order and
comprised 41 (34.7%) of the recorded species. Non-passerines comprised 77
species (65.3%), of which Charadriiformes formed the biggest order and
comprised 27 species. Eighty five (72.0%) of the bird species were migratory
while the others were resident. The House Sparrow was the most common
bird species in Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve. The common species were the
Cattle Egret, Chukar, Moorhen, Coot, Spur-winged Plover, Rock Dove,
Laughing Dove, Barn Swallow, Yellow-vented Bulbul, White Wagtail,
Palestine Sunbird and Hooded Crow. The major potential threats to avifauna
included over-population, urbanization, residential and agricultural
encroachment on the expense of natural areas, habitat destruction and
fragmentation, hunting and poaching, intensive pesticide use and human
disturbance at nest sites. The Israeli Occupation is still adversely affecting
bird ecology in the area by uprooting and demolishing vast vegetated areas.
The authors recommend improving cooperation of different parties to
rehabilitate Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve and its environs and to enhance public
awareness and to implement environmental laws and legislations to protect
wildlife and to ensure sustainability of the system for both humans and biota.
Key Words: Avifauna, survey, threats, Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve, Gaza Strip.

The Avifauna of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve,
40
،ﺔﻴﻌﻴﺒﻁﻟﺍ ﺓﺯﻏ ﻱﺩﺍﻭ ﺔﻴﻤﺤﻤ ﻲﻓ ﺔﻴﺭﺒﻟﺍ ﺭﻭﻴﻁﻟﺍ ﺓﺯﻏ ﻉﺎﻁﻗ–ﻥﻴﻁﺴﻠﻓ
ﺹﺨﻠﻤ : ﺔﻴﺌﻴﺒﻟﺍ ﻡﻅﻨﻟﺍ ﻑﻠﺘﺨﻤ ﻰﻠﻋ ﺔﻴﺭﺸﺒﻟﺍ ﺕﺍﺭﻴﺜﺄﺘﻟﺍ ﻯﺩﻤﻟ ﺓﺩﻴﺠ ﻑﺸﺍﻭﻜ ﺭﻭﻴﻁﻟﺍ ﺭﺒﺘﻌﺘ . ﻩﺫﻫ ﻲﻓ ﻡﺘ
ﻥﻴﻤﺎـﻋ ﺓﺩـﻤﻟ ﻲﻨﺍﺩـﻴﻤ ﺢﺴﻤ لﻼﺨ ﻥﻤ ﺎﻬﺘﺎﺌﻴﺒ ﻭ ﺔﻴﻌﻴﺒﻁﻟﺍ ﺓﺯﻏ ﻱﺩﺍﻭ ﺔﻴﻤﺤﻤ ﺭﻭﻴﻁ لﻴﺠﺴﺘ ﺔﺴﺍﺭﺩﻟﺍ
) ﺭﺒﻭﺘﻜﺃ2002 – ﺭﺒﻤﺘﺒﺴ 2004 ( ﺘ ﺓﺯﻏ ﻱﺩﺍﻭ ﻲﻓ ﻥﻴﻌﻗﻭﻤ ﺔﺴﺍﺭﺩﻟﺍ ﺕﻟﻭﺎﻨﺘ ﺙﻴﺤ ﻊـﻗﻭﻤﻟﺍ ﻰﻠﻋ ﺏﻠﻐ
ﺎـﻤﻨﻴﺒ ﺔﻴﻠﺤﺎﺴﻟﺍ ﻥﻴﻁﺴﻠﻓ
ﻯﻭﺘﺴﻤ ﻰﻠﻋ ﻪﻋﻭﻨ ﻥﻤ ﺍﺩﻴﺭﻓ ﺎﺒﻁﺭ ﺎﻴﺌﻴﺒ ﺎﻤﺎﻅﻨ لﺜﻤﻴ ﻭ ﺔﻴﺌﺎﻤﻟﺍ ﺔﻌﻴﺒﻁﻟﺍ لﻭﻷﺍ
ﺔﻓﺎﺠﻟﺍ ﺔﻌﻴﺒﻁﻟﺍ ﻲﻨﺎﺜﻟﺍ ﻊﻗﻭﻤﻟﺍ ﻰﻠﻋ ﺏﻠﻐﺘ . ﺩﻭﺠﻭ ﺔﺴﺍﺭﺩﻟﺍ ﺕﺭﻬﻅﺃ118 ﻰـﻟﺇ ﻲﻤﺘﻨﺘ ﺭﻭﻴﻁﻟﺍ ﻥﻤ ﺎﻋﻭﻨ
38 ﻭ ﺔﻠﺌﺎﻋ 11 ﺎﻬﻨﻤ ﺔﻴﺌﺎﻤﻟﺍ ﺭﻭﻴﻁﻟﺍ ﺕﻠﺜﻤ ﺙﻴﺤ ،ﺔﺒﺘﺭ 49 ﺎﻋﻭﻨ )41.5 (% ﺭﻭـﻴﻁ ﺕﻠﺜﻤ ﻥﻴﺤ ﻲﻓ
ﺔﺴﺒﺎﻴﻟﺍ69 ﺎﻋﻭﻨ )58.5 .(%
ﺕﺎﻴﺭﻭﻔﺼﻌﻟﺍ ﺕﻠﺜﻤ)Passeriformes ( ﺕﻭـﺘﺤﺍ ﻭ ﺭﺒﻜﻷﺍ ﺔﺒﺘﺭﻟﺍ41
ﺎﻋﻭﻨ)34.7 (% ﻯﺭﺨﻷﺍ ﺏﺘﺭﻟﺍ ﺕﻠﺜﻤ ﻥﻴﺤ ﻲﻓ77 ﺎﻋﻭﻨ )65.3 (% ﺭﻭـﻴﻁﻟﺍ ﺔـﺒﺘﺭ ﺎـﻫﺭﺒﻜﺃ ﻥﺎﻜ
ﺔﻴﺭﺤﺒﻟﺍ ﻭ ﺔﻀﺌﺎﺨﻟﺍ)Charadriiformes ( ﺕﻠﻤﺸ ﻲﺘﻟﺍ27 ﺎﻋﻭﻨ . ﻥﺃ ﺔﺴﺍﺭﺩﻟﺍ ﺕﻨﻴﺒ72.0 % ﻥـﻤ
ﻭ ﺓﺭﺠﺎﻬﻤ ﺔﻠﺠﺴﻤﻟﺍ ﺭﻭﻴﻁﻟﺍ28.0 % ﻲﻟﺯﻨﻤﻟﺍ ﺭﻭﻔﺼﻌﻟﺍ ﻥﺃ ﻭ ﺔﻤﻴﻘﻤ)Passer domesticus ( ﻭـﻫ
ﺔﻴﻌﻴﺒﻁﻟﺍ ﺓﺯﻏ ﻱﺩﺍﻭ ﺔﻴﻤﺤﻤ ﺭﻭﻴﻁ ﻥﻴﺒ ﺎﻋﻭﻴﺸ ﺭﺜﻜﻷﺍ ﻉﻭﻨﻟﺍ . ﺎـﻬﻨﻤ ﻉﺍﻭﻨﺃ ﺓﺩﻋ ﺔﻌﺌﺎﺸﻟﺍ ﻉﺍﻭﻨﻷﺍ ﺕﻠﻤﺸ
ﺭﻔﻅ ﻭﺒﺃ ،ﺓﺭﻐﻟﺍ ،ﺀﺎﻤﻟﺍ ﺝﺎﺠﺩ ،ﺭﺎﻨﺸﻟﺍ ،ﻥﺍﺩﺭﻗ ﻭﺒﺃ) ﻲﻤﺎﺸﻟﺍ ﻕﺍﺯﻗﺯﻟﺍ( ﺎـﻤﺤﻟﺍ ،ﻱﺭﺨـﺼﻟﺍ ﻡﺎـﻤﺤﻟﺍ ، ﻡ
ﺏﺍﺭـﻐﻟﺍ ﻭ ﻲﻨﻴﻁـﺴﻠﻔﻟﺍ ﺱﻤﺸﻟﺍ ﺭﻭﻔﺼﻋ ،ﺀﺎﻀﻴﺒﻟﺍ ﺓﺭﻋﺫﻟﺍ ،ﺯﺠﻌﻟﺍ ﺭﻔﺼﺃ لﺒﻠﺒﻟﺍ ،ﻭﻨﻭﻨﺴﻟﺍ ،ﻙﺤﺎﻀﻟﺍ
ﻱﺩﻠﺒﻟﺍ . ﻑـﺤﺯ ،ﺭـﻀﺤﺘﻟﺍ ،ﻲﻨﺎﻜﺴﻟﺍ ﻡﺎﺤﺩﺯﻻﺍ ﺔﻘﻁﻨﻤﻟﺍ ﺭﻭﻴﻁ
ﻪﺠﺍﻭﺘ ﻲﺘﻟﺍ ﺔﻴﻠﻌﻔﻟﺍ ﺕﺍﺩﺩﻬﻤﻟﺍ ﺕﻨﻤﻀﺘ
ﻭ ﺓﺩﺭﺎـﻁﻤﻟﺍ ،ﺔـﻴﺌﻴﺒﻟﺍ ﻥﻁﺍﻭﻤﻟﺍ ﺔﺌﺯﺠﺘ ﻭ ﺭﻴﻤﺩﺘ ،ﺔﻴﻌﻴﺒﻁﻟﺍ ﻕﻁﺎﻨﻤﻟﺍ ﺏﺎﺴﺤ ﻰﻠﻋ ﺔﻋﺍﺭﺯﻟﺍ ﻭ ﻥﺍﺭﻤﻌﻟﺍ
ﺩﻴﺼﻟﺍ ، ﺵﻴﺸﻌﺘﻟﺍ ﻊﻗﺍﻭﻤﻟ ﻱﺭﺸﺒﻟﺍ ﺭﻴﻤﺩﺘﻟﺍ ﻭ ﺔﻴﺌﺎﻴﻤﻴﻜﻟﺍ ﺕﺍﺩﻴﺒﻤﻠﻟ ﻑﺜﻜﻤﻟﺍ ﻡﺍﺩﺨﺘﺴﻻﺍ . لﻼﺘﺤﻻﺍ لﺍﺯ ﺎﻤ
ﻥﻤ ﺔﻌﺴﺍﻭ ﺕﺎﺤﺎﺴﻤﻟ ﻩﺭﻴﻤﺩﺘ ﻭ ﺭﺎﺠﺸﻸﻟ ﻪﻋﻼﺘﻗﺎﺒ ﺔﻘﻁﻨﻤﻟﺍ ﻲﻓ ﺭﻭﻴﻁﻟﺍ ﺔﺌﻴﺒ ﻰﻠﻋ ﺎﺒﻠﺴ ﺭﺜﺅﻴ ﻲﻠﻴﺌﺍﺭﺴﻹﺍ
ﺀﺍﺭﻀﺨﻟﺍ ﻲﻀﺍﺭﻷﺍ .
ﺎﻤﺎﺘﺨ ، ﻹ لﻓﺎﺤﻤﻟﺍ ﻑﻠﺘﺨﻤ ﺩﻭﻬﺠ ﻑﺘﺎﻜﺘ ﺓﺭﻭﺭﻀﺒ ﻥﻭﺜﺤﺎﺒﻟﺍ ﻲﺼﻭﻴ لـﻴﻫﺄﺘ ﺓﺩﺎﻋ
ﻭ ﺕﺎﻌﻴﺭـﺸﺘﻟﺍ لـﻴﻌﻔﺘﻟ ﻭ ﻱﺭﻴﻫﺎـﻤﺠﻟﺍ ﻲﺌﻴﺒﻟﺍ ﻲﻋﻭﻟﺍ ﺓﺩﺎﻴﺯﻟ ﻭ ﺎﻬﺘﺎﺌﻴﺒ ﻭ ﺔﻴﻌﻴﺒﻁﻟﺍ ﺓﺯﻏ ﻱﺩﺍﻭ ﺔﻴﻤﺤﻤ
ﻲﻨﻴﻁﺴﻠﻔﻟﺍ ﻊﻤﺘﺠﻤﻠﻟ ﻲﺌﻴﺒﻟﺍ ﺓﺯﻏ ﻱﺩﺍﻭ ﻡﺎﻅﻨ ﺔﻤﺍﺩﺘﺴﺍ ﻥﻤﻀﺘ ﻭ ﺔﻴﺭﺒﻟﺍ ﺓﺎﻴﺤﻟﺍ ﻲﻤﺤﺘ ﻲﺘﻟﺍ ﺔﻴﺌﻴﺒﻟﺍ ﻥﻴﻨﺍﻭﻘﻟﺍ
ﺔﻴﺌﻴﺒﻟﺍ ﺀﺎﻴﺤﻷﺍ ﺔﻓﺎﻜ ﻭ.
ﺔﻴﺤﺎﺘﻔﻤﻟﺍ ﺕﺎﻤﻠﻜﻟﺍ:
ﻴﺒ ﺢﺴﻤ ،ﺭﻭﻴﻁﻟﺍﺓﺯﻏ ﻉﺎﻁﻗ ،ﺔﻴﻌﻴﺒﻁﻟﺍ ﺓﺯﻏ ﻱﺩﺍﻭ ﺔﻴﻤﺤﻤ ،ﺕﺍﺩﺩﻬﻤﻟﺍ ،ﻲﺌ .
Introduction
Palestine is located on major migration routes in the Palearctic region. Every
year, millions of migratory birds pass through the area following three main
migratory routes; the coast and coastal plain, the mountains and the Jordan
Valley. Its geography and climatic variations form a suitable environment
for numerous species. Despite its small area, more than 500 of the 9600 bird
species worldwide are found in Palestine (Ali- Shtayeh and Hamad, 1995
and 1997; The Palestinian Institute for Arid Land and Environmental
Studies – PIALES, 1996; The Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics –

A. Abd Rabou; M. Yassin; M. Al-Agha; D. Hamad and A. Ali
41
PCBS, 2000 and The United Nations Environment program – UNEP, 2003).
This number becomes significant when compared with far greater size
countries such as Britain, France or Spain in which only 400 to 440 species
can be found (Alon, 1978). What makes this avifaunistic diversity is the mix
of Mediterranean, Oriental and African desert influences. However, the
replacement of natural ecosystems by human-made and artificial
environments has been changing the structure of animal and plant
communities in Palestine, chiefly in relation to the composition and
abundance of bird species. Protection of wildlife resources seem to be of
low importance to Palestinians. In autumn, scores of fine nets are erected
each year along the Gaza coastline to illegally catch migratory birds such as
Quail Coturnix coturnix and many other species (Personal Observations).
Birds are among the best known parts of the Earth’s biodiversity, as they are
the most conspicuous groups in any fauna (Pomeroy, 1992 and Bibby et al.,
1998). However, birds are universal, penetrating the remote deserts, oceans
and mountains on Earth (Jonsson, 1992 and Forshaw et al., 1999). They are
considered as good indicators of the degree of human disturbance in the
various ecosystems worldwide. They have long served humans for game,
food, and feathers, as well as in their predatory capacity as destroyers of
insects and rodents (Collins, 1981). In Palestine, no place is deprived of
birds; they occupy all habitats extending from the Mediterranean coast in the
west to the mountainous, semi-tropical landscapes and the Dead Sea in the
east, and from the very productive ecosystems in the north to the very dry
Negev Desert and Red Sea coast in the south. Urbanization,
industrialization, the draining of wetlands and the wide spread use of
pesticides impose threat to birds (Donald and Gregory, 2002 and Liven-
Schulman et al., (2004).
The diversity of birds was surveyed and studied in forests of different
countries for different reasons including population assessment and
conservation, e.g. China (Wang et al., 2000), Tanzania (Baker, 2001) and
the United States of America (USA) (Francl and Schnell, 2002). In contrast
to forests, wetlands are considered the best areas to survey birds due to their
open nature and water domination (Pomeroy, 1992; Bibby et al., 1998 and
Forshaw et al., 1999) as the case in the wetland ecosystem of Wadi Gaza.
Wetlands support wide range of avifaunistic species of which waterfowls
are the most abundant (Kirby, 1995), where wetlands grasses and fishes are
the most important food for waterfowls (Middleton, 1988 and Degani et al.,
1998). Mamo and Bolen (1999) recorded 51 resident and migratory bird
species in Carolina bays, which are non-tidal palustrine wetlands in the
USA. Ashkenazi and Dimentman (1998) recorded 180 bird species

The Avifauna of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve,
42
including herons, dabbling ducks, kingfishers, waders, wagtails and raptors
in different habitats in a newly created Agmon wetland and surrounding
cultivated peat land in the Hula Valley, Palestine. Mishra and Humbert-Droz
(1998) identified 34 bird species in Tsomoriri Lake and the adjoining Nuro
Sumdo wetland in Ladakh, Indian trans-Himalaya. A study in Tunisian
oases indicated the presence of 19 bird species using theses habitats for
breeding (Selmi and Boulinier, (2003).
In Turkey, the work on avifauna seemed to be extensive including national
parks and nature reserves (Kirwan, 1998; Erdogdu, 2001; Aslan and
Kiziroglu, 2003; Karakas and Kilic; 2004; Sert and Erdogan, 2004 and
Perktas and Ayas, 2005). In Sudan, studies on avifauna and their seasonal
variation have been carried out by Hamad and Evans (1982) and Hamad
(1998) in various locations including the Dinder National Park. In Jordan,
Evans et al. (2005) recorded 142 avifaunistic species of which more than 34
species were actually breeders in the proposed Rum Wildlife Reserve.
Work on bird fauna in Palestine seemed to be very rare, fragmentary and not
comprehensive. Phillips (1915) described as many as 90 bird species
belonging to 30 families in Palestine and the Sinai Peninsula. The Ostrich
Struthio camelus which is completely extinct since decades in Palestine was
common at that times. Brett (1988) indicated the presence of about 40
raptors in Palestine which were threatened by pesticides and habitat
destruction. Al-Safadi (1997 and 1999) carried out studies on the behavior
and developmental stages of two resident bird species in the Gaza Strip; the
Spur-winged Plover Vanellus spinosus and the Chukar Alectoris chukar.
Recently, Yassin et al. (2005) surveyed about 86 bird species in the
Northern Governorate of the Gaza Strip. Moreover, Abd Rabou (2005)
studied the ecology of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve and pointed out the
presence of 154 terrestrial vertebrate species, of which avifauna was the
most conspicuous. In spite of that, the scarcity of scientific literature
concerning avifauna in Palestine promoted the conduction of the present
work which aims at (1) determining the bird species at the vicinity of Wadi
Gaza Nature Reserve; particularly its wetland ecosystem, in addition to their
seasonal variations and ecological habitats and thereby determining their
ecological status and abundance and (2) contributing to the knowledge of
the Palestinians about their avifaunistic resources. The determination of bird
species will help the conservationists to evaluate and compare the changes
in the bird fauna of the region in the future.

A. Abd Rabou; M. Yassin; M. Al-Agha; D. Hamad and A. Ali
43
Methodology
Study Area
Wadi Gaza lies in the mid of the Gaza Strip and is bordered in the north-
west by the Mediterranean Sea, the south-east by the Al-Bureij Camp, the
south-west by Al-Nuseirat Camp, and the north by Al-Zahra City (Figure 1).
In recognition of its importance as a natural area and as the only coastal
wetland in Palestine, Wadi Gaza was declared a nature reserve in June 2000
by the Palestinian National Authority. Wadi Gaza springs from the Negev
Mountains and the Southern Heights of Hebron City in Palestine. The total
length of the Wadi is 105 km from its source to its end. The final portion of
the Wadi which lies in the Gaza Strip extends 9 km from the Truce line in
East Gaza to the coast where it discharges into the Mediterranean Sea. The
width of the Wadi varies from one place to another, and is widest near its
mouth where it forms a wetland or an estuary lake which is the most
important habitat for migratory and resident water birds. The wetland is
bordered by tall emergent plants like Phragmites australis and Arundo
donax. Tamarix nilotica covers considerable areas as part of the maritime
influence of the estuary lake. The maximum elevation of the Wadi is 30
meters above sea level, dropping to sea level where it reaches the
Mediterranean (The Project for the Conservation of Wetland and Coastal
Ecosystems in the Mediterranean Region - MedWetCoast, 2003).
Wadi Gaza has a typical semi-arid Mediterranean climate, hot in summer
and cold in winter. Peak months for rainfall are December and January.
Since the early 1970s and after the implementation of retaining dams and
diversion schemes by Israel on the upper course of the Wadi, the volume of
water reaching Wadi Gaza began to diminish considerably, and large flows
are restricted to occasional flash floods sweeping down the Wadi bed in wet
years (Awadallah, 2000). The resident population of the Wadi Gaza Nature
Reserve area accounts for approximately 10,000 people distributed in
discrete, extended family groups of variable densities (MedWetCoast,
2003).

The Avifauna of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve,
44
Figure 1: Wadi Gaza and its Location in the Gaza Strip (A), its site boundaries
(B) and its study design (C)
In the present work, the area of Wadi Gaza was divided into four parts each
with approximate length of 2-2.5 kilometers. Due to their topography, water
persistence and other demographic and environmental aspects, only two
parts were selected and surveyed for avifauna. These parts were denoted to

A. Abd Rabou; M. Yassin; M. Al-Agha; D. Hamad and A. Ali
45
as site I and site II starting from the west to the east (Figure 1). Site I
represents the western portion of the Wadi where the very important
wetland ecosystem (about 1000-1200 meters length, 150-250 meters width
and 1-2 meters depth) and many occasional or temporary storm water or
sewage ponds are present. Many wild trees especially those of Sycamore,
Zizyphus, Reeds, Tamarisk, Typha, and Palms and many agricultural fields
of grapeviness, figs, olives, citrus and vegetables are present in the areas
around, mainly the coastal sand dunes. This area provides a refuge to
wildlife including floral species. Site II is almost dry except for some storm
water ponds occurring during the rainy season. Site II harbors Tamarisk
trees in the bed and many other wild trees and agricultural fields that to a
high degree resemble those of site I. It is worth mentioning that the eastern
part of the Wadi which is very close to the political borders between the
Gaza Strip and Israel was unreachable or inaccessible by the surveyor due to
security reasons.
Field Methods and Tools Used
Frequent site visits and observations and discussions with local people were
used to determine avifaunistic species and their ecological importance in
Wadi Gaza. Observations started at 7:00 and ended at 18:00. However,
many visits were carried out in earlier hours and others extended to later
hours for monitoring some nocturnal species. The survey period covered
two years (October 2002–September 2004). Additional visits to the area
have been conducted after the study period for confirmatory purposes. Data
collected in the field were recorded in a special sheet designed for this
purpose. Field work was done by a qualified person who has a Ph.D. in
Environmental Studies and who used to teach the courses of ecology and
vertebrate and invertebrate zoology at the Biology Department, Islamic
University of Gaza - Palestine.
The use of survey tools was somewhat incomplete, inadequate and limited
due to the Israeli security measures and road closures. A field binocular
(Vivitar 35X7-15, made in Japan) and an N 90 Zoom Nikon camera were
used for observation and documentation. Mist nets and live traps and
aquatic nets were used as relevant and appropriate. Examination of dead
bird species or their parts; their eggs or frocks and identification of birds’
sound and tracks were also used to supplement the direct field observation
methods. Many hunters and local people in the area were good contributors
to this work through their provisions to live as well as dead specimens to the
surveyor. Road kills are good indicators for identifying such bird species.
Many captured and dead specimens were taken to the Biology Department

The Avifauna of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve,
46
at the Islamic University of Gaza for further taxonomy and preservation.
A variety of international, regional and even local guide books were used in
the present study to identify bird species (Vere Benson, 1984; Baha El-Din
and Atta, 1990; Disi and Hatoug-Boran, 1990; Richardson, 1992; Harrison
and Greensmith, 1993; Porter et al., 1996; Shirihai, 1996; Abu Shammalah
and Baha El-Din, 1999; Jonsson, 1999 and Cottridge and Porter, 2000). The
identification process for avian species was performed at the site or at the
Biology Department, the Islamic University of Gaza for captured and dead
specimens.
Bird Species Status and Abundance
Individuals’ count of different bird species was carried out during the site
visits. In most visits, counting started at sunrise and continued until sunset.
The possible status of recorded species is given as follows:
1. Resident (R): Virtually always present in Wadi Gaza
2. Winter Visitor (W): Present from November to March
3. Summer Visitor (S): Present from spring to late summer
4. Passage Migrant (PM): Only present in spring and/or autumn
migration periods
5. Vagrant (V): A category used for migratory species that swerved
from normal migratory routes
6. Unknown (?): The status of the species is not known
Moreover, the surveyor depended on the times the animals seen throughout
the study period in addition to the numbers recorded for each species in
order to display the abundance of each species as follows:
1. Very Rare (VR): The species seen once or twice throughout the year
or even the study period
2. Rare (R): The species seen in very low numbers in many visits
throughout the year or even the study period
3. Uncommon (U): The species seen in small numbers throughout the
year or throughout parts of the year
4. Common (C): The species seen in reasonable numbers throughout
the year or throughout parts of the year
5. Very Common (VC): The species seen in large numbers throughout
the year or throughout parts of the year

A. Abd Rabou; M. Yassin; M. Al-Agha; D. Hamad and A. Ali
47
Results
A total number of 118 bird species belonging to 38 families and 11 orders
were recorded in sites I and II of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve. The monthly
averaged numbers of birds seen in the Reserve were illustrated in figure 2.
The numbers of bird species slightly increased during seasonal migration
especially during 2004 spring passage. Aquatic birds comprised 49 (41.5%)
of the species counted, while terrestrial birds comprised 69 (58.5%) species
(Figure 3). The Passeriformes was the biggest order and comprised 41
(34.7%) of the recorded species. The second biggest order was the
Charadriiformes which comprised 27 species (22.9%). Non-passerines
comprised 77 species (65.3%) of the whole recorded species (Figure 4).
Forty eight (40.7%) bird species were seen restricted to site I only and 2
(1.7%) were seen in site II only. Sixty three (53.4%) species were seen in
both sites and 5 (4.2%) were neither seen in site I nor in site II, but they
were captured and brought by hunters to the surveyor. These were the Hen
Harrier Circus cyaneus, Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus, Golden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos or reared by farmers such as the Helmeted Guineafowl
Numida meleagris or preserved at local universities, such as the Pheasant
Phasianus colchicus, where 3 males and 1 female were seen there. It is
worth mentioning that the surveyor had never seen this species before and it
is probably found in the eastern parts of the Gaza Strip or imported from
outside. Eighty five (72.0%) were migratory while resident species
comprised 31 (26.3%). The two species; the Helmeted Guineafowl Numida
meleagris and the Pheasant Phasianus colchicus were not included in this
categorization because the first was domesticated and the other was not
recorded in the field (Figure 5). The recorded avifaunistic species in both
Wadi Gaza sites are listed in Table 1. Table 2 illustrated seasonal variations,
current status and relative abundance of bird species in Wadi Gaza Nature
Reserve. The species in the tables were arranged taxonomically according to
the available guides and textbooks.
From tables 1 and 2, it can be seen that the study area has quite a rich bird
fauna, especially during the migration seasons; spring and autumn. Herewith
is a brief description of each recorded bird species with its habitat in both
sites of the study area. Some documenting photos concerning certain bird
species are also provided.

The Avifauna of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve,
48
The monthly averaged numbers of bird species seen in Wadi Gaza Nature
Reserve (Oct. 2002 - Sep. 2004)
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb M ar Apr M ay June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb M ar Ap r M ay June July Aug Sep
2002 2003 2004
Months
Number of birds
Figure 2: A diagram showing the monthly averaged numbers of bird species observed in
Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve during the study period
41.5
58.5
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Percentage (%)
Aquatic birds Terrestrial birds
Aquatic and terrestrial bird species in Wadi Gaza area
Figure 3: A diagram showing the percentages of aquatic and terrestrial birds
observed in Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve and its adjacent areas

A. Abd Rabou; M. Yassin; M. Al-Agha; D. Hamad and A. Ali
49
Gruiformes; 3.4
Galliformes; 3.4
Anseriformes; 3.4
Pelecaniformes; 2.5
Coraciiformes; 5.9
Falconiformes; 2.5
Passeriformes; 34.7
Charadriiformes; 22.9
Ciconiiformes; 8.6
Columbiformes; 6.8
Accipitriformes; 5.9
Figure 4: The percentage of the orders Passeriformes and Charadriiformes in relation to the
other avian orders recorded in Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve and its adjacent areas
26.3
72
1.7
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
Percentage (%)
Resident species Migrant species Other species
Bird status in Wadi Gaza area
Figure 5: A diagram showing the percentages of bird status in Wadi Gaza
Nature Reserve and its adjacent areas

The Avifauna of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve,
50
Table 1: Avifauna recorded in the Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve and its environs.
Family Scientific Name Common Name Site* Arabic or Local
Name
Order Pelecaniformes
Phalacrocorax carbo Great Cormorant I ﺀﺎﻤﻟﺍ ﻕﺎﻏ– ﺏﺍﺭﻏ
ﺭﺤﺒﻟﺍ
Phalacrocora-
cidae
ﺔﻴﺑاﺮﻐﻟا
ﺔﻳﺮﺤﺒﻟا-
قاﻮﻐﻟا
Phalacrocorax aristotelis European Shag I ﺀﺎﻤﻟﺍ ﻕﺎﻏ
Pelecanidae
تﺎﻴﻌﺠﺒﻟا
Pelecanus onocrotalus Great White Pelican I ﺽﻴﺒﻷﺍ ﻊﺠﺒﻟﺍ
Order Ciconiiformes
Ixobrychus minutus Little Bittern I ﺭﻴﻐﺼﻟﺍ ﻕﺍﻭﻟﺍ
Nycticorax nycticorax Night Heron I لﻴﻠﻟﺍ ﺏﺍﺭﻏ
Butorides striatus Striated Heron I ﻥﻴﺯﺤ ﻙﻟﺎﻤﻁﻁﺨﻤ
Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron I ﻥﻴﺯﺤ ﻙﻟﺎﻤ
Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret I, II ﻥﺍﺩﺭﻗ ﻭﺒﺃ
Egretta garzetta Little White Egret I, II ﺽﻴﺒﺃ ﻥﻭﺸﻠﺒ
)ﻱﻭﻀﻴﺒ(ﻴﻐﺼ ﺭ
Egretta alba Great White Egret I ﺽﻴﺒﺃ ﻥﻭﺸﻠﺒﺒﻜ ﻴﺭ
Ardeidae
ﺒﻟاﺔﻴﻧﻮﺸﻠ
Ardea purpurea Purple Heron I
ﻲﻨﺍﻭﺠﺭﺃ ﻥﻴﺯﺤ ﻙﻟﺎﻤ
Ciconiidae
ﺔﻴﻘﻠﻘﻠﻟا
Ciconia ciconia White Stork I
ﺽﻴﺒﺃ ﻕﻠﻘﻟ
Threskiorn-
ithidae
تﺎﻴﺳرﺎﺤﻟا
Platalea leucorodia Spoonbill I
ﺔﻘﻌﻠﻤ ﻭﺒﺃ
Order Anseriformes
Anas strepera Gadwall I ﻁﺒ
Anas platyrhynchos Mallard I ﻱﺭﻴﻀﺨﻟﺍ
Anas querquedula Garganey I ﻁﺒ-ﻲﻔﻴﺼ ﻑﺫﺤ
Anatidae
ﺔﻴﻄﺒﻟا
Anas clypeata Shoveler I ﺵﻴﻜ–ﺭﻴﺸﺭﺸ ﻁﺒ
Order Accipitriformes
Milvus migrans Black Kite I,II ﺀﺍﺩﻭﺴﻟﺍ ﺓﺃﺩﺤﻟﺍ
Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier I ﺢﺌﺎﻁﺒﻟﺍ ﺓﺯﺭﻤ
Circus cyaneus Hen Harrier ? ﺝﺎﺠﺩﻟﺍ ﺓﺯﺭﻤ
Buteo buteo Common Buzzard I, II ﻡﺍﻭﺤ ﺭﻘﺼ
Buteo rufinus Long-legged
Buzzard
? ﺭﻘﺼ)ﻕﻤﻴﻤﺤ (لﻴﻭ
ﻁ
ﻥﻴﻗﺎﺴﻟﺍ
Aquila heliaca Imperial Eagle II ﻥﺎﺒﻘﻌﻟﺍ ﻙﻠﻤ
Accipitridae
ﺮﺳاﻮﻜﻟا
Aquila chrysaetos Golden Eagle ?
ﺔﻴﺒﻫﺫﻟﺍ ﺏﺎﻘﻌﻟﺍ

A. Abd Rabou; M. Yassin; M. Al-Agha; D. Hamad and A. Ali
51
Family Scientific Name Common Name Site* Arabic or Local
Name
Order Falconiformes
Falco naummani Lesser Kestrel I, II ﻭﻋﻴﻕﺴ
Falco tinnunculus Common Kestrel I, II ﻕﺴﻭﻋ – ﺭﻘﺼ
ﺩﺍﺭﺠﻟﺍ
Falconidae
ﺔﻳﺮﻘﺼﻟا
Falco subbuteo Eurasian Hobby I
ﺞﻨﻭﻜﻟﺍ-ﻥﻴﻬﻴﻭﺸﻟﺍ
Order Galliformes
Alectoris chukar Chukar I, II ﺭﺎﻨﺸ –ﻲﻤﻭﺭ لﺠﺤ
Coturnix coturnix Quail I ﺭﻓ–ﻥﺎﻤﺴ -ﻯﻭﻠﺴ
Phasianus colchicus Pheasant ? ﺝﺭﺩﺘﻟﺍ
Phasianidae
ﺔﻴﺟرﺪﺘﻟا
Numida meleagris Helmeted
Guineafowl
?
ﻥﻭﻋﺭﻓ ﺝﺎﺠﺩ–
ﻱﺩﺍﻭﻟﺍ ﺝﺎﺠﺩ
Order Gruiformes
Porzana porzana Spotted Crake I ﺔﻁﻘﻨﻤﻟﺍ ﺔﻋﺭﻤﻟﺍ
Gallinula chloropus Moorhen I ﺀﺎﻤﻟﺍ ﺔﺠﺎﺠﺩ
Porphyrio porphyrio Purple Gallinule I ﺔﻴﻨﺎﻁﻠﺴ ﺔﺨﺭﻓ
Rallidae
ﺔﻴﻘﻠﻔﺘﻟا
Fulica atra Coot I
ﻟﺍﺓﺭﻐ
Order Charadriiformes
Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt I لﺯﺎﻐﻤﻟﺍ ﻭﺒﺃ–
ﻉﻭﺴﺭﻜ
Recurvirostr-
idae
ﺔﻴﺗﺎﻜﻨﻟا
Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet I
ﺕﺎﻜﻨﻟﺍ–ﺀﺎﻤﻟﺍ ﺕﺎﻜﻨ
Burhinidae
تﺎﻴﻧاوﺮﻜﻟا
Burhinus oedicnemus Stone Curlew I, II
ﻱﻭﺍﺭﺤﺼ ﻥﺍﻭﺭﻜ –
ﻲﻠﺒﺠ ﻥﺍﻭﺭﻜ
Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover I ﻕﻭﻁﻤﻟﺍ ﺱﻭﺅﺭﻟﺍ ﻭﺒﺃ
Charadrius alexandrius Kentish Plover I ﺱﻭﺅﺭﻟﺍ ﻭﺒﺃ
ﻲﻨﺍﺭﺩﻨﻜﺴﻹﺍ
Hoplopterus
(Vanellus)
spinosus
Spur-winged Plover I, II ﻲﻤﺎﺸ ﻕﺍﺯﻗﺯ-ﺎﻁﻗ
-ﺭﻔﻅ ﻭﺒﺃ
Charadriidae
ﻃﺎﻘﻄﻘﻟاﺔﻴ
Vanellus vanellus Lapwing I
ﻲﻤﺎﺸ ﻕﺍﺯﻗﺯ- ﻭﺒﺃ
ﻁﻁﻴ
Calidris minuta Little Stint I ﺓﺭﻴﻐﺼ ﺔﺠﻴﺭﺩ -
ﺓﺭﻴﻁﻔﻟﺍ
Gallinago gallinago Common Snipe I ﻱﺩﺎﻋ لﻭﻠﻬﺠ-
ﺏﻘﻨﺸ
Philomachus pugnax Ruff I ﺔﻟﺍﻭﺠﺤ-ﻲﻘﺸﻟﺍ
Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank I ﻕﺎﺴﻟﺍ ﺭﻤﺤﺃ ﻱﻭﻁﻴﻁ
ﻁﻗﺭﻤ
Tringa totanus Redshank I ﻕﺎﺴﻟﺍ ﺭﻤﺤﺃ ﻱﻭﻁﻴﻁ
Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper I ﺽﺍﻭﺨﻟﺍ لﻤﺭﻟﺍ ﺭﺎﻤﺯ
Tringa ochropus Green Sandpiper I ﺭﻀﺨﻷﺍ لﻤﺭﻟﺍ ﺭﺎﻤﺯ
Scolopacidae
ﻲﻃﺎﻴﻄﻟا
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper I ﻊﺌﻠﺸﻟﺍ لﻤﺭﻟﺍ ﺭﺎﻤﺯ

The Avifauna of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve,
52
Family Scientific Name Common Name Site* Arabic or Local
Name
Larus melanocephalus Mediterranean Gull I ﺭﺤﺒﻟﺍ ﺱﺭﻭﻨ
ﻁﺴﻭﺘﻤﻟﺍ
Larus ridibundus Black-headed Gull I ﺱﺃﺭﻟﺍ ﺩﻭﺴﺃ ﺱﺭﻭﻨ
Larus fuscus Lesser black-backed
Gull
I ﺭﻬﻅﻟﺍ ﺩﻭﺴﺃ ﺱﺭﻭﻨ
ﺭﻴﻐﺼﻟﺍ
Larus argentatus Herring Gull I ﺱﺭﻭﻨ
Larus cachinnas Yellow-legged Gull I ﺱﺭﻭﻨ ﻡﺩﻘﻟﺍ ﺭﻔﺼﺃ -
ﻲﻀﻓ
Laridae
ﺔﻴﺳرﻮﻨﻟا
Larus marinus Great black-backed
Gull
I
ﺭﻬﻅﻟﺍ ﺩﻭﺴﺃ ﺱﺭﻭﻨ
ﺭﻴﺒﻜﻟﺍ
Gelochelidon nilotica Gull-billed Tern I ﻲﻠﻴﻨﻟﺍ ﻑﺎﻁﺨﻟﺍ
Sterna hirundo Common Tern I ﻊﺌﺎﺸﻟﺍ ﺭﺤﺒﻟﺍ ﻑﺎﻁﺨ
Sterna albifrons Little Tern I ﺭﻴﻐﺼﻟﺍ ﺭﺤﺒﻟﺍ ﻑﺎﻁﺨ
Chlidonias hybridus Whiskered Tern I ﺭﺤﺒ ﻑﺎﻁﺨ
Sternidae
ﻦﺷاﺮﺨﻟا
Chlidonias leucopterus White-winged Tern I ﻑﺎﻁﺨ
ﺽﻴﺒﺃ ﻱﺭﺤﺒ
ﺡﺎﻨﺠﻟﺍ
Apodidae
ﺔﻴﻣﺎﻤﺴﻟا
Apus apus Common Swift I, II ﺔﻤﺎﻤﺴﻟﺍ
Order Columbiformes
Columba livia Rock Dove (Pigeon) I, II ﻱﺭﺒ ﻡﺎﻤﺤ –ﻲﻨﺍﺭﻭﻁ
)ﻱﺭﺨﺼ(
Streptopelia decaocto Collared Dove I, II ﺔﻗﻭﻁﻤ ﺔﻤﺎﻤﻴ
Streptopelia turtur Turtle Dove I, II ﺔﻴﺭﻤﻗ ﺔﻤﺎﻤﻴ –
ﻱﺭﻤﻗ-ﻲﻁﻗﺭ ﻡﺎﻤﺤ
Columbidae
ﺔﻴﻣﺎﻤﺤﻟا
Streptopelia senegalensis Laughing (Palm –
Senegal) Dove
I, II
ﺔﻤﺎﻤﻴ) ﺔﻴﻟﺎﻐﻨﺴ(
ﺔﻜﺤﺎﻀ) ﻡﺎﻤﺠ (–
ﺔﻴﺴﺒﺩ–لﻴﺨﻨﻟﺍ ﺔﺘﺨﺎﻓ
Cuculidae
ﺔﻴﻗاﻮﻗﻮﻟا
Clamator glandarius Great Spotted
Cuckoo
I, II
ﻁﻗﺭﻤ ﻕﺍﻭﻗﻭ
Otus scops European Scops Owl II ﺓﺭﻴﻐﺼ ﺀﺎﻨﺫﺃ ﺔﻤﻭﺒ-
ﺞﺒﺜﻟﺍ
Athene noctua Little Owl I, II ﻕﻴﻭﻗ ﻡﺃ- ﺔﻤﻭﺒ
ﺓﺭﻴﻐﺼ
Strigidae
ﺔﻴﻣﻮﺒﻟا
Tyto alba Barn Owl I, II
ﻥﺭﺠﻟﺍ ﺔﻤﻭﺒ – ﺔﻤﻭﺒ
ﺀﺎﻀﻴﺒ
Order Coraciiformes
Halycon smyrnensis White-breasted
Kingfisher
I, II
ﺭﺩﺼﻟﺍ ﺽﻴﺒﺃ ﻙﺎﻤﺴﻟﺍ
-ﺩﻨﻭﺎﻘﻟﺍ
Alcedo atthis Common Kingfisher I ﻊﺌﺎﺸﻟﺍ ﻙﺎﻤﺴﻟﺍ-
ﻑﺍﺭﻓﺭ
Alcedinidae
ﺔﻳﺪﻧوﺎﻘﻟا
Ceryle rudis Pied Kingfisher I
ﻊﻘﺒﻷﺍ ﻙﺎﻤﺴﻟﺍ /
ﻁﻗﺭﻷﺍ
Merops apiaster European Bee-eater I, II ﻲﺒﻭﺭﻭﻷﺍ ﺭﺍﻭﺭﻭﻟﺍ

A. Abd Rabou; M. Yassin; M. Al-Agha; D. Hamad and A. Ali
53
Family Scientific Name Common Name Site* Arabic or Local
Name
Merops apiaster European Bee-eater I, II ﻲﺒﻭﺭﻭﻷﺍ ﺭﺍﻭﺭﻭﻟﺍ Meropidae
ﺔﻳراورﻮﻟا
Coracius garrulus European Rollar I, II
ﻕﺭﻗﺭﺸﻟﺍ-ﻕﺍﺭﻘﺸﻟﺍ
Upupidae
ﺔﻳﺪهﺪﻬﻟا
Upupa epops Hoopoe I, II
ﺩﻫﺩﻫ
Picidae
ﺔﻴﺋاﻮﻠﻟا
Dendrocopos syriacus Syrian Woodpecker I, II
ﻱﺭﻭﺴﻟﺍ ﺏﺸﺨﻟﺍ ﺭﺎﻘﻨ
Passeriformes
Galerida cristata Crested Lark I, II ﺔﺠﻭﺘﻤ ﺓﺭﺒﻗ Alaudidae
ﺔﻳﺮﺒﻘﻟا
Alauda arvensis Skylark I, II
لﻭﻘﺤﻟﺍ ﺓﺭﺒﻨﻗ
Hirundinidae
ﺔﻴﻧﻮﻨﺴﻟا
Hirundu rustica Barn Swallow I, II
ﻭﻨﻭﻨﺴ – ﺭﻭﻔﺼﻋ
ﺔﻨﺠﻟﺍ
Motacilla flava Yellow Wagtail I, II ﺀﺍﺭﻔﺼ ﺓﺭﻋﺫ-
ﺔﻴﺭﻔﺴ
Motacilla citreola Citrine Wagtail I, II ﺓﺭﻋﺫ ﺔﻴﻨﻭﻤﻴﻟ-
ﺔﻴﺭﻔﺴ
Motacillidae
ﺔﻴﺣﺎﺘﻔﻟا
)تﺎﻳﺮﻋﺬﻟا(
Motacilla alba White Wagtail I, II ﺀﺎﻀﻴﺒ ﺓﺭﻋﺫ–ﺯﻜﺭﻜ
Pycnonotidae
ﺔﻴﻠﺒﻠﺒﻟا
Pycnonotus xanthopygos Yellow-vented
Bulbul
I, II
ﺯﺠﻌﻟﺍ ﺭﻔﺼﺃ لﺒﻠﺒ
Erithacus rubecula European Robin I, II ﺀﺎﻨﺤﻟﺍ ﻭﺒﺃ– ﻥﺤﻟﺍ ﻭﺒﺃ
- ﺔﻴﺭﻤﺤ
Luscinia svecica Bluethroat I, II ﺭﻬﺴﻤ–لﺤﺩ –
ﺭﻭﺯﻟﺍ ﺀﺎﻗﺭﺯ ﺔﺠﺯﺎﻫ
Phoenicurus phoenicurus Common Redstart I, II ﺀﺍﺭﻴﻤﺤﻟﺍ
Saxicola torquata Stonechat I, II ﻥﺎﻴﻋﺭﻟﺍ ﻕﻠﺒﺃ –ﻲﻌﻴﺎﻗ
ﺭﻤﺤﺃ
Oenanthe isabellina Isabelline Wheatear I, II ﻕﻠﺒﻷﺍ
Oenanthe oenanthe Northern Wheatear I, II ﻱﺩﺎﻴﺘﻋﻻﺍ ﻕﻠﺒﻷﺍ
Oenanthe hispanica Black-eared
Wheatear
I, II ﻥﺫﻷﺍ ﺩﻭﺴﺃ ﻕﻠﺒﻷﺍ
Turdus merula Blackbird I, II ﺭﻭﺭﺤﺸ–ﺝﺩ
Turdidae
تادﺮﻐﻤﻟا
Turdus philomelos Song Thrush I,II
ﺔﻴﻨﻐﻤﻟﺍ ﺔﻨﻤﺴﻟﺍ-
ﻥﻤﺴ
Prinia gracilis Graceful Prinia
(Warbler)
I, II ﺔﻴﺴﻓ-ﺓﻭﻴﺴﻓ Sylviidae
ﻊﺷﺎﻨﺨﻟا-
Acrocephalus scirpaceus European Reed
Warbler
I, II ﺏﺼﻘﻟﺍ ﺔﺠﺯﺎﻫ

The Avifauna of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve,
54
Family Scientific Name Common Name Site* Arabic or Local
Name
Hippolais pallida Olivaceous Warbler I, II ﻲﻨﻭﺘﻴﺯﻟﺍ ﻊﺸﻨﺨﻟﺍ
ﺕﻫﺎﺒﻟﺍ
Hippolais olivetorum Olive-tree Warbler I, II ﻥﻭﺘﻴﺯﻟﺍ ﺭﺠﺸ ﻊﺸﻨﺨ
Sylvia atricapilla Blackcap I, II ﺓﻭﺴﻨﻠﻗ ﻭﺒﺃ
ﻞﺧﺪﻟا
Phylloscopus collybita Chiffchaff I, II
ﺔﻴﺒﻫﺫ ﺓﺭﺸﻘﻨ-
ﺓﺭﺎﺸﻘﻨ
Muscicapidae
ﺔﻴﺑرﻮﺸﻟا
)تﺎﻴﺑﺎﺑﺬﻣ(
Muscicapa striata Spotted Flycatcher I, II
ﻤﻟﺍ ﺏﺎﺒﺫﻟﺍ ﻑﻁﺎﺨﻁﻘﻨ
Paridae
تﺎﻴﻔﻗﺮﻘﻟا
)ﺔﻳﻮﻌﺼﻟا(
Parus major Great Tit I, II
ﺭﻴﺒﻜ ﻑﻗﺭﻗ
Nectariniidae Nectarinia osea Palestine Sunbird I, II ﺱﻤﺸﻟﺍ ﺭﻭﻔﺼﻋ
ﻲﻨﻴﻁﺴﻠﻔﻟﺍ
Lanius senator Lesser grey Shrike I, II ﺭﻴﻐﺼ ﻱﺩﺎﻤﺭ ﺵﺎﻨﻗﺩ
Lanius nubicus Great grey Shrike I, II ﺭﻴﺒﻜ ﻱﺩﺎﻤﺭ ﺵﺎﻨﻗﺩ
Lanius senator Woodchat Shrike I, II ﻲﻤﺎﺸ ﺵﺎﻨﻗﺩ-ﺩﺭﺼ
Laniidae
دوﺮﺼﻟا
Lanius nubicus Masked Shrike I, II ﺩﺭﺼ
Corvidae
ﺔﻴﺑاﺮﻐﻟا
Corvus corone Hooded Crow I, II
ﻱﺩﺎﻤﺭ ﻱﺩﻠﺒ ﺏﺍﺭﻏ
Sturnidae
ﺔﻳروزرﺰﻟا
Sturnus vulgaris Starling I, II
ﺭﻭﺯﺭﺯﻟﺍ
Passer domesticus House Sparrow I, II ﻲﻟﺯﻨﻤ ﺭﻭﻔﺼﻋ-
ﻱﺭﻭﺩ
Passeridae
ﺔﻳرﻮﻔﺼﻌﻟا
Passer hispaniolensis Spanish Sparrow I, II
ﺭﻭﻔﺼﻋ ﻲﻨﺎﺒﺴﺃ–
ﻲﻨﺎﺒﺴﺃ ﻱﺭﻭﺩ
Fringilla coelebs Chaffinch I, II ﺞﻨﻐﺼﻟﺍ– ﺭﻭﻔﺼﻋ
ﻡﻟﺎﻅ-ﻲﻋﺭﺯ
Serinus serinus European Serin I, II ﻲﺒﻭﺭﻭﺃ ﺭﺎﻌﻨ-
ﺱﻭﺒﺴﺒ
Serinus syriacus Syrian Serin I, II ﻱﺭﻭﺴ ﺭﺎﻌﻨ
Carduelis chloris Green Finch I, II ﺭﻀﺨ -ﻱﺭﻴﻀﺨ
Carduelis carduelis Goldfinch I, II ﻲﺒﻫﺫ ﻥﻭﺴﺤ
Carduelis spinus Siskin I, II ﻙﻴﻟﺯﻁ
Carduelis cannabina Linnet I, II ﻭﻔﺼﻋﻲﺤﺎﻔﺘ ﺭ
Fringillidae
ﻦﻴﺳﺎﺴﺤﻟا
Rhodospiza obsoleta Desert Finch I, II
ﻱﻭﺍﺭﺤﺼ ﻥﻭﺴﺤ -
ﺩﺭﻫ
*Site: I= Site I, II= Site II, I, II= Both Sites

A. Abd Rabou; M. Yassin; M. Al-Agha; D. Hamad and A. Ali
Table 2: Seasonal status and abundance of avifauna recorded in the Wadi Gaza ecosystem and its environs.
2002 2003 2004
Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Apr Aug Sep Oct Nov Jan Apr Jun Jul Aug Sep
No. Common Name
1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2
Mar
12
May Jun Jul
1212121 2
Dec
12
Feb Mar
12
May
12
212
Status Abundance
1 Great Cormoran
t

4 3 3 6 2 WV R
2
E
uropean Shag

1 WV,V VR
3 Great White Pelican















2
00150


















PM VR
4
L
ittle Bittern

2 1 2 1 3 3 WV R
5
N
ight Heron















20










7


4








SV R
6 Striated Heron




























2








V VR
7 Squacco Heron













3


2













3

2






2

SV,WV

VR
8 Cattle Egre
t

15 23 27 17 40 14 40 25 14 4 13 30 20 50 52 35 22 55 30 55 30 50 25 6 55 70 3 R C
9
L
ittle White Egret 5 3

2 20 7 23


13 5 4 2 4 5 2 3 R U
10 Great White Egret

1 2 PM VR
11
P
urple Heron 1

2 31 4 3 WV VR
12
W
hite Stor
k

80
2
00 PM VR
13 Spoonbill

1 PM VR
14 Gadwall















1




3
















WV VR
15
M
allard

2 3 1 2 1 WV R
16 Garganey 3

5 4 4 3 8 4 4 3 5 2 4 3 2 2 R,PM U
17 Shovele
r

4 5 10 2 1 WV R
18
B
lack Kite 7





2






12





3




















R R
19
M
arsh Harrie
r

3 1 1 1 2 3 3 3 WV R
20
H
en Harrie
r

1 WV VR
21 Com
m
on Buzzard 1

3 1 1 1 WV VR
22
L
ong-legged Buzzard




1





1


























WV VR
23
I
mperial Eagle 2

2 3 2 WV VR
24 Golden Eagle

1 2 WV R
25
L
esser Kestrel

3 5222 2 R,WV R
26 Common Kestrel

1 2 2 3 1 1 1 2 4 4 SV R
27
E
urasian Hobby










1


2







1








1








WV,SV

VR
28 Chuka
r
10

40 10 15 9 3 12 10 6 9 6 10 11 10 9 26 R C
29 Quail 13

3 1 24 1131 3 14 20 WV U
30
P
heasant**



































? ?
31
H
elmeted Guineafowl*













4



2





3














D* ?
32 Spotted Crake

1 1 WV VR
55

56
The Avifauna of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve,
2002 2003 2004
Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Apr Aug Sep Oct Nov Jan Apr Jun Jul Aug Sep
No. Common Name
1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2
Mar
12
May Jun Jul
1212121 2
Dec
12
Feb Mar
12
May
12
212
Status Abundance
33
M
oorhen 40 23

32 20 15 20 50 40 6 40 20 20 25 28 50 40 30 20 28 34 40 20 63 50 15 515 25 46 41317 R C
34
P
urple Gallinule

122 2 1 WV,V VR
35 Coo
t
20 15

18 10 20 20 20 15 4 12 820 7 4 192020202223 20 35 20 30 20 25 1 R C
36
B
lac
k
-winged Stilt 6

6824125 8 6 8 4 2 10 11 14 11 7 2 R U
37
A
voce
t

3 WV VR
38 Stone Curlew

50 15 1 7 2 3 22 12 3 R C
39
R
inged Plove
r

2 15 7 8 12 14 13 8 11 11 20 WV C
40
K
entish Plove
r

3 8 7 6 WV R
41 Spu
r
-winged Plover 35 25

40 22 30 60 30 300 40
2
00 40 35 40 18 25 30 40 50 60 40 40 35 40 33 35 60 15 30 30 25 35 33 35 15 R C,VC
42
L
apwing 2 WV VR
43
L
ittle Stin
t











  


1









 











WV VR
44 Common Snipe

79 5 7 3 4 2 6 7 3 4 WV U
45
R
uff












  



20




20


13


 











WV R
46 Spotted Redshan
k

3 7 V VR
47
R
edshan
k

7 42 373 1 47 3 4 10 10 4 WV U
48
M
arsh Sandpipe
r
2









7 9

8

  


20

4

3

10



10


12 10


18





7


7

WV,SV

U
49 Green Sandpipe
r












  












40











WV VR
50 Common Sandpipe
r












  


7


14







 

3

7

3







WV,SV

R
51
M
editerranean Gull

2 22 WV VR
52
B
lac
k
-headed Gull

12 30 4 10 5 3 15 44
2
00 35 2 WV U
53
L
esser Blac
k
-backed
Gull











3

  



12

1

1






5 1











WV R
54
H
erring Gull

23 WV VR
55
Y
ellow-legged Gull

1 1 WV VR
56 Great Blac
k
-backed
Gull









3 2

4

  











 











WV VR
57 Gull-billed Tern


3










  


4




4


1


 











WV VR
58 Common Tern












  











 
2


2 5








SV VR
59
L
ittle Tern









4 3

7

  
6



3








 

6



4







SV U
60
W
hiskered Tern












  


2









 











SV VR
61
W
hite-winged Tern












 
6

4

4









 











SV VR
62 Common Swif
t

7 4 8 12 SV R
63
R
ock Dove (Pigeon) 13 11

17 12 12 18 15 40 15 10 12 12 14 13 8 152022191917 10 16 7 10 10 87 20 10 8412 R C
64 Collared Dove












  












2











? VR
65 Turtle Dove

4 3 3 2 10 3 3 3 810 2 2 303 4 75 R U

57
A. Abd Rabou; M. Yassin; M. Al-Agha; D. Hamad and A. Ali
2002 2003 2004
Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Apr Aug Sep Oct Nov Jan Apr Jun Jul Aug Sep
No. Common Name
1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2
Mar
12
May Jun Jul
1212121 2
Dec
12
Feb Mar
12
May
12
212
Status Abundance
66
L
aughing Dove 12 14

25 11 22 20 33 14 3 16 23 11 20 12 30 30 2 202530252222 20 18 15 10 35 15 15 10 10 12 15 3 2 R C
67 Great Spotted Cuckoo

1 1 SV VR
68
E
uropean Scops Owl

1 1 SV,V VR
69
L
ittle Owl

1 1 1 1 1 R VR
70
B
arn Owl 2

2 3 4 10 2 4 4 9 3 R U
71
W
hite-breasted K. 3 4

5 2 8 4 7 524864 6 6 4 6 23 2 21 2 R U
72 Common Kingfishe
r
2

1 2 3 46 32 3 1 3256 R U
73
P
ied Kingfishe
r

2 2 3 1 1 3 2 R R
74
E
uropean Bee-eater 5













9





25







 

1

7








SV U
75
E
uropean Rolla
r












  











 
5



7








SV VR
76
H
oopoe 2

5 15541 5 1 3 3 10 4 7 7 10 3 6 7 6 6 5 2 4 R U
77 Syrian Wood-pecker





1







1
 

1




1




1


 











R R
78 Crested Lar
k
10

3 1 30 3 6 12 6 5105 4 5 7 3 33 7 15 7 20 2 21 R C
79 Skylar
k

334 3 1 WV VR
80
B
arn Swallow 25 15

40 20 25 35 40 25 30 45 4 3 35 40 40 40 50 22 35 35 50 20 25 50 30 40 35 70 10 16 13 8 R C
81
Y
ellow Wagtail

3 12 30 50 80 40 5 25 8 SV C
82 Citrine Wagtail

15 7 20 4 9 8 SV R
83
W
hite Wagtail 17

30 10 60 70 30 30 30 5 45 40 45 40 38 40 23 60 4 WV C
84
Y
ellow-vented Bulbul 8 8

13 8 45 8 15 8 100 8 10 8 13 10 20 22 8 302513171023 18 713 10 310 8 7 676 R C
85
E
uropean Robin

2 1 1015 4 10 1 1 WV R
86
B
luethroa
t
3

7 11 8 5 7 35 31 21 10 WV C
87 Common Redstart

55 SV VR
88 Stonecha
t

3 2 2 6 WV VR
89
I
sabelline Wheatea
r












  


2








 











? VR
90
N
orthern Wheatea
r












  

3

13

20

15

13







2









3

6

SV U
91
B
lac
k
-eared Wheatear

4 3 1 SV SV
92
B
lackbird

533 7 15 10 12 1 3 10 R U
93 Song Thrush

3 4 2 3 2 SV R
94 Graceful Warble
r
15 7 3 22 20 20 10 13 12 1 20 24 17 16 20 11 13 10 10 10 13 12 10 4 212 5 2 353 R C
95
E
uropean Reed Warble
r
6 12 13 7 5 5 10 915108 4121015 10 7 10 513 7 79 655 R C
96 Olivaceous Warble
r











6 2











4

 








6



SV VR
97 Olive-tree Warbler












2 2



11









3


3





4



SV R
98
B
lackcap








3



4

5

1

4










 
1

3

2








SV,WV

U

58
The Avifauna of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve,
2002 2003 2004
Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Apr Aug Sep Oct Nov Jan Apr Jun Jul Aug Sep
No. Common Name
1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2
Mar
12
May Jun Jul
1212121 2
Dec
12
Feb Mar
12
May
12
212
Status Abundance
99 Chiffchaff 3

7 2 3 5 10 22 7 7 7 7 9 7 3 3 13 8 34 2 R U
100 Spotted Flycatche
r












  


1

2








 

4


3








SV VR
101 Great ti
t









5 12


18

1












3 8

10


3





2



SV R
102
P
alestine Sunbird 7 2 5 7 3 279259 4 12 7 20 912 84 R C, Endemic
103
L
esser Grey Shrike

3 4 2 1 2 SV VR
104 Great Grey Shrike

1 2 3 2 SV VR
105
W
oodchat Shrike

31 2 6 2 SV R
106
M
asked Shrike

1 4 51 1 353 SV R
107
H
ooded Crow 11 8 25 7 8 30 7 23 15 20 30 25 10 6 30 18 8 324030222340 18 25 10 15 17 510 25 15 12 21 5 3 R C
108 Starling

2 13 2 1 4 WV VR,R
109
H
ouse Sparrow 60 50 50 50 50 95 55 60 70 70 80 60 70 70 45 70 100 80 80 100 70 50 50 80 120 80 50 80 60 30 30 80 100 50 80 40 100 R VC
110 Spanish Sparrow

10 10 2 13 8 12 15 R U
111 Chaffinch












  






9

1



7

 











WV R
112
E
uropean Serin

1 3 WV VR
113 Syrian Serin




4



2

1




  









2


 











WV VR
114 Green Finch 4

77 5 3 4 1 2 WV R
115 Goldfinch

12 3 3 WV VR
116 Siskin

65 10 6 WV VR
117
L
inne
t

42 4 3 WV VR
118
D
esert Finch

2 2 WV VR
*Helmeted Guineafowl is an introduced domestic species and was found to be reared by the community in Wadi Gaza area and other localities in the Gaza Strip.
**The Pheasant (3 males and 1 female) was found preserved at the Biology Department, Al-Azhar University – Gaza Strip.
PM = Passage migrant; R = Resident; SV = Summer visitor; WV = Winter visitor; V = Vagrant; ? = Unknown
VR = Very rare; R = Rare; U = Uncommon; C = Common; VC = Very common; ? = Unknown

A. Abd Rabou; M. Yassin; M. Al-Agha; D. Hamad and A. Ali
59
Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo: As many as 18 individuals of this
large bird were seen during the winter seasons of 2003 and 2004 in the
wetland of Wadi Gaza and in the Gaza beach on the Mediterranean. In
23.01.2003, about 10,000 individuals were seen navigating 1-2 meters over
the sea water at a distance of about 50-100 meters of the shore. The
direction of navigation was from north to south towards Egypt.
Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis: Only one individual of this species was
observed for about two hours swimming in the wetland swamp of Wadi
Gaza in 18.12.2003.
Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus: Two flocks of this species
ranging between 150-200 individuals were seen in the autumn of 2003
flying in the sky of Wadi Gaza in their way northward.
Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus: A total number of about 12 of the Little
Bittern (Figure 6A) was recorded in winter months. It prefers the well-
vegetated and reedy wetlands.
Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax: A maximum number of about 20 adult
and juvenile individuals was seen in 13.9.2003 resting in an area of dense
reeds and bushes at the wetland edge. Additional records (N=11) of the
species were reported in April and May months of 2004.
Striated Heron Butorides striatus: Two birds of the species were seen only
once in June, 2004 resting among the reeds of the wetland of Wadi Gaza.
Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides: About 12 individuals were seen as
singles or in twos during the months of May to September of 2003 and
2004. The species prefers reeds and well-vegetated margins of the wetland
ecosystem.
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis: Among other heron species, the Cattle Egret
(Figure 6B) is the commonest in the wetland ecosystem of Wadi Gaza and
the near agricultural fields or in dump places, landfills and other drier
habitats of both sites of Wadi Gaza. A maximum number of about 70
individuals in addition to many significant numbers (N≥30) were seen many
times throughout the year. Sometimes, the bird was seen flying in small
groups (N≥5) in the sky of Gaza to and from roost sites.
Little White Egret Egretta garzetta: The Little Egret was found mostly
among reedbeds of the shallow wetlands of Wadi Gaza and the nearby
wastewater ponds and occasionally in agricultural fields and garbage places.
The maximum numbers (N=20 and 23) of the species were recorded during
winter months of 2002 and 2003.
Great White Egret Egretta alba: The occurrence of the species (N=3) in
Wadi Gaza wetland was recorded as singles in two visits of summer months
only.

The Avifauna of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve,
60
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea: This species was recorded in winter
months in numbers ranging from 1 to 4 with a total number of 14
throughout the study period. It is often flushed from the reeds and other
dense vegetation such as Tamarix sp. of the edges of wetlands which it
prefers.
White Stork Ciconia ciconia: The bird was seen twice in flocks of about
80 and 200 individuals in May and August, 2003, respectively flying over
the vicinity of Wadi Gaza area.
Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia: It is a very rare species; only a single
individual was recorded in April, 2003 in the shallow open water of the
wetland of Wadi Gaza. The characteristic bill was the only key to
distinguish the species.
Gadwall Anas strepera: The species was recorded twice; one individual in
late September and 3 individuals in late November, 2003, swimming or
resting on the dense wetland vegetation.
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos: The Mallard was seen in winter months in
very few numbers (N=4) swimming or resting on the dense wetland
vegetation. The characteristic plumage of males was a good feature to
recognize the species.
Garganey Anas querquedula: This species seemed to be the most visible of
the four dabbling ducks year round. A maximum number of 8 individuals
was recorded in 8.8.2003, swimming in the open water of the wetland
together with other aquatic birds.
Shoveler Anas clypeata: A maximum number of about 10 individuals was
recorded in early January, 2003, swimming in the open water of the
wetland. The species was recorded in very low numbers in winter and spring
months.
Black Kite Milvus migrans: The Black Kite (Figure 6C) seems to be one of
those raptors occurring year round. The surveyor recorded this bird in few
numbers (N=24) during four visits conducted to site II of Wadi Gaza. The
maximum number of Black Kites recoded in Wadi Gaza was 12. Two trap
types named locally as “Maltash” and “Shabak Galab” (inverted net) were
used in hunting of raptor species including the Black Kite. A captured Black
Kite was sold in local currency which equals U.S. $ 35.
Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus: The Marsh Harrier (Figure 6D)
species prefers swamps and marshes rich in reeds. A total number of 19
individuals was seen flying and searching preys over the reedbed of site I
during winter months of 2002 and 2003. Two individuals were seen
captured and kept by hunters.

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Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus: Only one individual was found hunted by a
bird hunter in 14.11.2002. This species has never been seen in the area after
this date.
Common Buzzard Buteo buteo: Seven individuals of this species have
been encountered throughout the study period in both sites of Wadi Gaza
during winter months. A maximum number of three individuals was seen
during January, 2003 in cultivated areas near the wetland of Wadi Gaza.
Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus: The Long-legged Buzzard (Figure
6E) species was seen twice as singles in December, 2002 in an agricultural
field in site II, and as hunted in 8.3.2003.
Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca: This bird species seems to winter in
Palestine. Nine individuals were recorded mainly in site II.
Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos: It is a huge raptor rarely seen in the open
landscapes of the eastern parts of Wadi Gaza (site II and eastward). Only
one and two individuals were recorded in October, 2003 and March, 2004,
respectively.
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni: The Lesser Kestrel (Figure 6F) was
recorded (N=34) in both sites in summer months of 2003 and 2004. The
maximum recorded number was 22 in September 2003 in site II over an
agricultural area rich in olive and citrus orchards.
Common Kestrel Falco tinnunuculus: The Common Kestrel (Figure 6G)
is probably a resident species in Wadi Gaza (N=21). The maximum number
recorded was 4 in both January and February months of 2004. The bird
occurs mostly in cultivated fields and meadows. Both the Lesser Kestrel and
the Common Kestrel are highly hunted.
Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo: The Eurasian Hobby was rarely seen in
summer months (N=5). The bird was recognized by its red vent.
Chukar Alectoris chukar: The Chukar (Figure 7A) occurs throughout the
year in Wadi Gaza. Flocks of 7-14 individuals were recorded in various
agricultural and natural habitats in both sites of Wadi Gaza (N>190). A
maximum number of about 40 individuals was noticed in one visit to
grapevine fields located on the sand dunes surrounding the wetland of Wadi
Gaza. The bird is breeding and building the nest on the ground. Chukar is
threatened by intensive hunting because of its delicious meat.
Quail Coturnix coturnix: Scattered flocks of Quails usually come to the
Gaza Strip coast through the Mediterranean Sea during their migration path
from Europe to Africa at the beginning of autumn season. Hundreds of
Quails are captured along the Gaza Sea coast by illegal erection of scores of
fine nets (Figure 7B). Hunters usually benefit from the captured birds as a
source of food or money. A pair of the Quail costs U.S. $ 3-4. Quails

The Avifauna of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve,
62
usually prefer low-growing crops and rough grasslands in Wadi Gaza area
to live in.
Pheasant Phasianus colchicus: This bird species was not recorded during
the field studies. Only three males and one female of the bird were found
stuffed in the small museum of the Biology Department, Al-Azhar
University, Gaza Strip.
Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris: The bird seems to be not
common locally in the wild. However, many Palestinians were found
rearing the bird in their own agricultural fields in Wadi Gaza.
Spotted Crake Porzana porzana: The Spotted Crake is very secretive and
shy. It was very rarely seen among reedbed on the margin of the wetland.
During the study period, two individuals were encountered separately. The
first was in October, 2003, and the second was seen captured one month
later.
Moorhen Gallinula chloropus: Moorhens are familiar water birds in Wadi
Gaza. Adults and juveniles were recorded among reedbeds, Tamarisk trees
and even the close agricultural fields. A maximum number of about 63
individuals was recorded in January, 2004. Its presence may be known by
its characteristic loud voice.
Purple Gallinule Porphyrio porphyrio: The occurrence of this species
seemed to be very limited to 3-4 individuals in the whole wetland ecosystem
in winter months of 2003 and 2004.
Coot Fulica atra: The Coot (Figure 7C) is one of the common birds in the
wetland ecosystem of Wadi Gaza. A maximum number of 35 individuals
(adults and juveniles) was recorded in January, 2004. The Coot was hunted
using ground mist nets as a food source for many poor people or to feed
captured raptors. At the beginning of the second half of the year 2004, a
great destruction to their wetland habitats took place and as a result, a
drastic decrease in its populations was noted.
Black-winged (necked) Stilt Himantopus himantopus: The bird is seen in
the wetland ecosystem of Wadi Gaza throughout the year in numbers
ranging between 7 and 14. The bird occurs mostly in coastal lagoons,
shallow ponds and the Wadi Gaza mouth into the Mediterranean.
Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta: It is a very rare wetland bird preferring
estuaries, flat shores and very shallow waters with low vegetation in Wadi
Gaza. Only 3 individuals were seen once in November, 2003 in site I of
Wadi Gaza.
Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus: The Stone Curlew (Figure 7D) is
uncommon, seen all year around. A maximum number of about 50
individuals was counted in 19.11.2002 resting in the grapevine fields near

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63
Wadi Gaza. In 17.2.2003, about 15 individuals were seen in an area rich in
shrubs adjacent to the wetland. The bird is local breeder and nests are built
on ground, and each contains two eggs with stones usually around. As told
by local people, the eggs and nests are usually destroyed by children and
shepherds.
Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula: It is usually seen during winter
months on the beach of the Mediterranean and the shallow shores of the
wetland of Wadi Gaza. It is commonly seen in groups mixing with other
waders ranging from 7 to 14 individuals.
Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus: The habitat is somewhat similar
to that of the Ringed Plover. A maximum number of 8 was recorded in
January 2003.
Spur-winged Plover Hoplopterus spinosus: The Spur-winged Plover
(Figure 7E) is one of the common bird species in Wadi Gaza. It occurs
besides wetlands, marshes and even dry areas of low scrubby vegetation.
Tens or sometimes hundreds of the bird were seen in nearly 95% of the
visits. A maximum number of about 300 individuals was encountered in
23.1.2003 in the wetland area. Ground nests containing 4 eggs (Figure 7F)
were sometimes found near the wetland of Wadi Gaza (N=6). These nests
were commonly threatened by local people, children and shepherds. As a
means of defending its breeding territory, the bird usually releases loud calls
against intruders including man.
Lapwing Vanellus vanellus: This beautiful bird is unique among waders
with its long wispy crest and green back. Only two individuals were seen in
5.11.2003 in a shallow wastewater pond in Wadi Gaza.
Little Stint Calidris minuta: It is a very scarce bird, with only one
individual seen captured in 13.9.2003 by a child in the area of Wadi Gaza
wetland.
Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago: The Common Snipe was easily
distinguished in winter months by its long bill pronounced head markings.
The bird prefers muddy areas of wetlands and wastewater lagoons with low
grasses and vegetation. It was commonly observed as singles or in small
groups (N≤5) in Wadi Gaza wetland.
Ruff Philomachus pugnax: This wader occurs in groups each of about 20
individuals in damp and stony areas with scarce and low vegetation beside
the wetland of Wadi Gaza in winter months.
Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus: The bird was seen in only two visits
to the wetland region of Wadi Gaza in October and November, 2003.
Redshank Tringa tetanus: This wader is characterized by its orange-red
legs. It occurs in winter months in the area of the open wetland and shallow

The Avifauna of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve,
64
shores. It was uncommonly seen and a maximum number of 10 individuals
was observed in February 2004.
Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis: This bird is a winter and summer
visitor or probably resident. It was seen in the shore of wetlands and
wastewater pools in Wadi Gaza. A maximum number of 20 individuals was
seen in September, 2003.
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus: About 40 individuals were seen in one
group in March, 2003 in the wetland margins with muddy substrates.
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos: The bird was seen in groups
ranging from 3 to 14 individuals wading in the vegetated muddy shores of
the wetland ecosystem of Wadi Gaza. The species was encountered in
summer and early autumn months.
Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus: All gull species encountered
in the Gaza Strip are coastal birds with some that may occur in inland
sewage and wetland waters. The Mediterranean Gull was encountered
scarcely in very low populations in the wetland ecosystem of Wadi Gaza.
Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus: This is the most commonly gull
species seen in Wadi Gaza wetland particularly in winter. The most
encountered number was 200 individuals in 29.10.2003, which was a windy
day with scattered clouds. They were seen flying forth and back between the
Mediterranean and the wetland of Wadi Gaza. However, many individuals
were seen swimming for short time or roosting in the wetland of Wadi
Gaza.
Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus: This bird was seen scarcely in
very low populations during some winter months. The maximum number
encountered was 12 individuals in 18.9.2003 in the wetland, sewage lagoons
and the seacoast.
Herring Gull Larus argentatus: Only two and three individuals of the bird
were seen in January and February of 2004, in the Mediterranean coast and
Wadi Gaza wetland respectively.
Yellow-legged Gull Larus cachinnans: Only two individuals of this
species were seen in two separate visits to the wetland of Wadi Gaza in
winter months.
Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus: Very few individuals (2-4) were
seen during winter months of 2004 on the seacoast of the Mediterranean.
Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica: It is seen in low numbers (4 or
less) in winter of 2002 and 2003 near the coast or flying over of the wetland
of Wadi Gaza.

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Figure 6: Birds of Wadi Gaza: (A) Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus; (B) Cattle Egret
Bubulcus ibis; (C) Black Kite Milvus migrans; (D) Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus;
(E) Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus; (F) Lesser Kestrel Falco naummani and (G)
Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

The Avifauna of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve,
66
Figure 7: Birds of Wadi Gaza: (A) Chukar Alectoris Chukar; (B) Common Quail
Coturnix coturnix; (C) Coot Fulica atra; (D) Stone Curlew Burhinus oedicnemus; (E-
F) Spur-winged Plover Hoplopterus spinosus and its ground nest; (G) Turtle Dove
Streptopelia turtur and (H) Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis – juvenile

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67
Figure 8: Birds of Wadi Gaza: (A) Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius; (B)
European Scops Owl Otus scops; (C) Barn Owl Tyto alba – juveniles; (D) Yellow-
vented Bulbul Pycnonotus xanthopygos; (E-F) The female and male of Northern
Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe; (G) Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus and (H) European
Serin Serinus serinus
Common Tern Sterna hirundo: This species was rarely seen in three visits
to the wetland and near Mediterranean coast during summer months
(April-June, 2003).

The Avifauna of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve,
68
Little Tern Sterna albifrons: This species is a summer visitor where a
maximum number of 7 birds was seen in late April, 2003 in the wetland of
Wadi Gaza and the near coastal areas.
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus: Only two individuals of this species
were seen in 13.9.2003, swimming in the wetland of Wadi Gaza.
White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus: Very few numbers
(4-6) of this species was seen in three separate visits during July to
September, 2003 in the wetland of Wadi Gaza and the near coastal area.
Common Swift Apus apus: A maximum number of 12 individuals was
seen in site I of Wadi Gaza in May, 2004.
Rock Dove (Pigeon) Columba livia: This species is one of the commonly
seen birds throughout the year in Wadi Gaza mainly in flocks. The numbers
usually seen ranged between 8 and 40. The habitats included agricultural
fields, public buildings and places, near places of stored crops and in rocky
mountainous and terrains.
Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto: Only two individuals of this species
were seen in 25.3.2004 near the wetland of Wadi Gaza.
Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur: The Turtle Dove is commonly seen in low
numbers throughout the year in Wadi Gaza two sites. A maximum number
of about 30 individuals was seen in 22.4.2004. The species is common in
cultivated fields with open woods, clumps of trees and gardens. In
19.9.2004, an individual was seen captured using the same mist nets used to
catch Quails Coturnix coturnix (Figure 7G).
Laughing (Palm or Senegal) Dove Streptopelia senegalensis: The
Laughing Dove (Figure 7H) is commonly seen year round with an average
number of about 25 birds per visit. This species occurs in cultivations,
villages and buildings, rocky and flat areas in the vicinity of Wadi Gaza.
The nests are built on Tamarisk, citrus and olive trees and usually
containing two eggs. Similar to the Turtle Dove, the eggs, fledgling and the
adults of this species are really under threat due to egg collection, nest
destruction and over-hunting of adults for meat.
Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius: Only two individuals of the
Great Spotted Cuckoo were seen as singles in April and May, 2004 in
agricultural orchards lying in site II of Wadi Gaza. Recently, one juvenile
individual was hunted in site I and brought to the Biology Department,
Islamic university of Gaza in 28.5.2005 (Figure 8A).
European Scops Owl Otus scops: The European Scops Owl (Figure 8B)
was not seen in the field, but single individuals were brought by Wadi Gaza
resident to the Biology Department, Islamic University of Gaza in April and
May, 2004 and in April, 2005.

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Little Owl Athene noctua: In spite of the fact that single individuals (N=4)
of the species were rarely seen by the surveyor in scattered months, the bird
seems to be found throughout the year as mentioned by residents in Wadi
Gaza area. The bird inhabits holes found in trees or even the cliffs on either
banks of Wadi Gaza, mainly in site II. In a very recent visit conducted in
7.6.2005, a Little Owl was found standing at the gate of a hole in the eastern
cliffs of Wadi Gaza.
Barn Owl Tyto alba: This nocturnal Barn Owl seems to be the commonest
owl species in Wadi Gaza, although it is usually seen in very low numbers.
The presence of the species may be identified by the male’s distinctive call
at night. A yearly average number of 7 individuals were brought by students
and local people to the Biology Department, Islamic University of Gaza.
The nests are built in cavities of tree holes, barns and old buildings. In
1.5.2005, a newly discovered nest was identified by the surveyor with the
help of the building’s owner in an un-used downstairs in Wadi Gaza
(Figure 8C).
White-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis: The White-breasted
Kingfisher could be detected in an area by hearing its loud and distinctive
calls.It was recorded throughout the year as it was uncommon in agricultural
fields, wetlands and other water bodies and streams. A maximum number of
8 individuals was seen during two visits to Wadi Gaza conducted in May
and September, 2003. Two birds were seen dead in Wadi Gaza as well. It
nests in holes made in earth cliffs near the wetland and in the eastern parts
of Wadi Gaza.
Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis: The bird is uncommonly found year
round. In most positive visits for this species, a number of 2-6 individuals
were mostly recorded in sewage channels in Wadi Gaza. In one visit carried
out in 5.9.2004, the surveyor was able to count about 25 individuals. The
bird was seen sitting for long periods on branches hanging out over the
water. It occurs mostly in flowing streams, ponds, wetlands and small
ditches.
Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis: This resident and uncommon species was
seen in very low numbers ranging from one to three per positive visit. The
species was known for its white and black plumage when perching on a
solid object or a shrub in open waters or the vegetated shores of the Wadi
Gaza wetland.
European Bee-eater Merops apiaster: This beautiful bird species was
recorded in both Wadi Gaza sites in small numbers in winter and summer
months throughout the year, with highest count of 25 individuals on
1.10.2003. The nests are built in excavated holes in earth banks, hillsides

The Avifauna of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve,
70
and steep eroded faces. The bird occurs in agricultural fields and shrubby
wetland of Wadi Gaza.
European Rollar Coracius garrulous: Only 5-7 birds were seen
throughout the study period, moving between different perches including
trees of citrus orchards and telephone and power lines.
Hoopoe Upupa epops: This beautiful bird was found nearly in all months
and in both sites of Wadi Gaza. It is a rare bird, common in cultivated areas
with a mixture of open woods, parks, gardens, pastures and olive plantations
which are very common in the Gaza Strip. The bird was usually found as
singles, with a maximum number of about 10 individuals was counted twice
on 8.8.2003 and 4.9.2003.
Syrian Wood-pecker Dendrocopos syriacus: This bird was observed five
times throughout the study period as singles in gardens, parks and around
clumps of trees. It nests in holes made inside tree trunks and dry stems.
Crested Lark Galerida cristata: This is a common bird species found in
Wadi Gaza both sites throughout the year; mainly in open and dry
landscapes, farmlands and newly cultivated areas. The Crested Lark is
hardly seen due to its camouflaging plumage with the background or the soil
color it stands on, but it is easily identified by its loud and musical calls. The
bird was usually seen in pairs or small parties; with a maximum number
seen was 30 in January, 2003.
Skylark Alauda arvensis: This species was seen in numbers ranging
between 3 and 4 in winter months of 2003, though a single bird was seen in
May, 2004.
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica: This is a common species in Wadi Gaza
and other rural and urban areas of the Gaza Strip. The bird was commonly
seen flying or roosting on reeds or Tamarisk plantations or on telephone
wires in groups near the wetland of Wadi Gaza. Maximum records of the
bird ranged between 50 and 70 in various months throughout the year.
Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava: The Yellow Wagtail reaches the area at
the beginning of spring and may extend to autumn months. It is commonly
found in the Wadi bed, pastureland, shrubby areas and agricultural fields
adjacent to Wadi Gaza. A maximum number of about 80 individuals was
counted in September, 2003. Like other wagtail species, the bird was
usually seen feeding actively on the ground.
Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreole: The Citrine Wagtail is a summer
visitor, though uncommon, inhabiting the wetland, the Wadi bed and
agricultural areas. A maximum number counted was 20 in March, 2004.
White (Pied) Wagtail Motacilla alba: The White Wagtail is the most
commonly seen Wagtail species in Wadi Gaza ecosystem in terms of

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71
numbers. It is a winter visitor inhabiting most habitats such as wetlands,
open areas, agricultural areas, pastureland and the Wadi Gaza banks. The
maximum counted number was 70 during December, 2002. This species is
usually hunted by children in the Gaza Strip.
Yellow-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus xanthopygos: The Yellow-vented
Bulbul (Figure 8D) is a common bird species in Wadi Gaza throughout the
year. With its songs, it is a characteristic bird of gardens, orchards and
shrubby wetlands in the Gaza Strip. Three nests, each containing 3 purple-
colored eggs were found in an olive orchard in Wadi Gaza. The bird is
considered as a pest by local farmers due to its habit of feeding on fruits. A
maximum number of about 100 individuals was counted in February, 2003.
Many of these birds were found hunted or dead with their heads cut.
European Robin Erithacus rubecula: The bird is a winter visitor usually
seen hopping on the ground. A maximum number of 15 was seen on
18.12.2003, while other numbers ranging between 1-10 were seen in other
winter months. The bird inhabits grassy lands, shrubby wetlands and
agricultural fields of Wadi Gaza.
Bluethroat Luscinia svecica: The bird was more obvious in reedbeds and
dense vegetation bordering wetlands of Wadi Gaza. Maximum counted
numbers ranging between 30 and 35 birds were encountered during
November, 2003. Many Bluethroats were seen either hunted by children or
dead with their heads cut.
Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus: This bird was seen in Wadi
Gaza among Tamarix bushes and shrubs and the low vegetation bordering
the wetland and in agricultural fields. The bird is a winter visitor with
highest counts of 5 individuals in two occasions during October and
November, 2003.
Stonechat Saxicola rubetra: This bird was seen in four visits to Wadi Gaza
among bushes and the low vegetation bordering the wetland and in
agricultural fields. A highest count of six individuals was recorded in
15.2.2004.
Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina: Only two individuals of this
species were identified during an early morning visit to the seacoast of the
Mediterranean near Wadi Gaza in September 2003, where hunters trapped
them together with Quails using mist-nets.
Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe: The Northern Wheatear (Figure
8E and F) was seen inhabiting pastures, agricultural fields, heaths and Wadi
beds. The bird was recorded in autumn and winter months, with highest
count of 20 on September 2003.

The Avifauna of Wadi Gaza Nature Reserve,
72
Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica: It is rarely seen in the field
with a maximum count of 4 was recorded in June 2003. Other counts of 3
and 1 were recorded in September 2003 and 2004, respectively.
Blackbird Turdus merula: The bird seems to be familiar to most
inhabitants of Wadi Gaza. It is found year round, inhabiting gardens, parks,
dense agricultural fields and citrus orchards and sedges. It breeds in all types
of woodland with rich undergrowth, with the nest containing 4 blue-colored
eggs as seen many times by the surveyor. A maximum count of 15 was seen
in June 2003.
Song Thrush Turdus philomelos: This species has nearly the same size,
feeding habits and habitats of the Blackbird, but the difference is its summer
distribution. The maximum counted numbers of the species were 4 in both
May 2003 and April 2004.
Graceful Prinia (Warbler) Prinia gracilis: In spite of its small size, the
Graceful Warbler is well known to Wadi Gaza inhabitants year round. In
both sites of Wadi Gaza, the species was found as singles or in small groups
(N≤6), inhabiting areas with scrubby ground vegetation and often at marsh
edges with rushes and tamarisks. The maximum counted number of the
species was 24 in August 2003.
European Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus: This species was seen
in most months year round in Wadi Gaza, mainly at the marsh reedy edges
and the tamarisk bushes. Usual counts of the species ranged between 5 and
13, with maximum counts of 15 individuals were recorded in August and
November, 2003.
Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida: This rare Warbler species was seen
in Tamarisk bushes and agricultural orchards with olive plantations in Wadi
Gaza. The highest counts of the bird were 6 in May, 2003 and August, 2004.
Olive-tree Warbler Hippolais olivetorum: It is similar to the Olivaceous
Warbler in terms of habitat, status and rarity. A maximum count of 11
individuals was recorded in September, 2003.
Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla: The highest count of this species was 5
individuals in May, 2003, although other counts ranging between 1 to 4
were recorded in other months extending from February to August. The bird
occurs and conceals in agricultural lands and wild shrubby habitats of
Tamarisks in both Wadi Gaza sites.
Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybitta: This common species was recorded in
numbers ranging from 2 to 10, nearly in most months in Wadi Gaza, with
maximum count of 22 in 8.8.2003. The bird inhabits mixed tree and shrub
species at the marsh edges.

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Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata: This species was seen as singles in
Wadi Gaza during summer, with highest count of 4 individuals in April,
2004. Only 10 individuals were recorded throughout the study period. The
bird occurs on different trees, shrubs and vegetated areas in Wadi Gaza.
Great Tit Parus major: This species is a summer visitor, occurring and
breeding in agricultural fields and citrus, almond, and fruit orchards in Wadi
Gaza. In 1.5.2005, a nest containing about 8 juveniles was noticed built inside
a carpet left coiled on a citrus tree. The maximum counted number of the
species was 18 on 16.5.2003.
Palestine Sunbird Nectarinia osea: The Palestine Sunbird is the only
endemic bird species in the Gaza Strip. It takes nectar from flowering trees
and shrubs; mainly the Tree Tobacco Nicotiana glauca, which is very
common in Wadi Gaza. The nest (N=7) of this species containing three white
small eggs was found hanging among the small leaves of an olive tree in
orchards bordering Wadi Gaza. The bird was usually seen in pairs throughout
the year. The maximum counted number was 20 individuals in March 2004.
Some children were found to catch some of these birds for fun.
Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor: This species was rarely seen in Wadi
Gaza both sites during summer months. It was found in cultivated areas with
trees and shrubs. The maximum recorded number of the species was 4 in July
2003.
Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor: It resembles the Lesser Grey Shrike in
occurrence, habitat and rarity where the highest count was 3 in April 2004.
Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator: