Bird Watching

We welcome solo bird watchers beginner or experienced, there can be many advantages in bird watching with an organized group of like-minded people under the guidance of an expert birder with local knowledge.

The birdlife of the island is incredibly diverse; supposedly over 450 species of birds recorded of which nearly 6 species are endemic to the island (Socotra rock Banting  (Emberiza socotran), Socotra Cisticola (Cisticola haesitata), Socotra Sparrow or“SOCOTRA GRACKLE” (Onychognathus frater), Socotra Starling, Socotra Sunbird (Nectarinia balfouri), and Socotra Warbler (Incana incana).

And about 11 are endemic sub-species for instance, Socotra Buzzard (Buteo buteo ssp). As well as more than 45 species of birds breeding on the island such as Forbes-Watson’s Swift, Somali Starling, Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus), Palm Doves (Streptopelia senegalensis), etc.

And provides a large number of migrant birds arrive to the island during winter and summer of which waders and other coastal birds make up a significant proportion like Greater Flamingoes (Phoenicopterus rubber), Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), Sooty-Gulls (Larus hemprichii), Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus), etc. Unfortunately, there is not enough data in regard to the migrant species.