An introduction to the birds of the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

The United Arab Emirates may be a small, arid country but is home to a surprisingly diverse and interesting range of birds that occur as breeders, migrants and winter visitors. The majority of bird species in the UAE occur as migrants and/or winter visitors; of those that breed the majority are cosmopolitan or Saharo-Sindian in biogeographic origin. The country's avifauna can be broadly related to seven major habitats. To survive the extreme climatic conditions prevalent, birds show remarkable adaptations, both behavioural and physiological. Ornithology is an evolving science in the UAE and new discoveries continue to be made.