BIRDWATCHING IN JORDAN

WHERE BIRDS FROM THREE CONTINENTS CONVERGE

 Yarmouk

Burqu
Ajlun Reserve

Ajloun Jarash

Azraq Reserve
Rajel

Wadi Mujib
Shaumari Wildlife Reserve BIRDING IN JORDAN
Jordan has a unique location, nestled at the tip of the Arabian Peninsula
Wadi Ibn Hammad where the edges of three continents overlap: Asia, Africa and Europe. This
small country lies at the heart of major bird migratory routes and has a
Fifa
diverse geology and natural landscape as well, which hosts a large variety
Abu Rukbeh of flora and fauna including numerous bird species. Remnants of the rich
history of the area are scattered throughout the entire country, and thus
Dana Nature
most of the main birding sites in Jordan are within or near major tourism
Reserve
Bayer
attractions.
The people of Jordan are warm and hospitable, and they are keenly
Shobak aware of their rich natural heritage and go to great lengths to protect it
and ensure its continued well-being. For this reason, several large nature
JORDAN reserves have been set up and are professionally managed, in order to
minimize negative impacts on the natural habitats and rare species of
Rahmah
Jordan’s flora and fauna.
In Jordan, 27 Important Bird Areas (as per the Birdlife International
Qatar programme) have been identified by the Royal Society for Conservation
of Nature (RSCN), which is the BirdLife Partner in Jordan. These IBAs cover
an area of 7,600 km2 or 8.5% of Jordan’s surface area. The country’s IBAs
include a variety of natural habitats that should or are being conserved
Rum
to sustain significant bird populations in the country.

Aqaba
Mountains
SYRIAN SERIN PALESTINE SUNBIRD SINAI ROSEFINCH BLUE ROCK THRUSH

TEMMINCK’S LARK WHITE EYED GULL CREAM-COLORED COURSER GRIFFON VULTURE

PHARAOH EAGLE OWL THICK BILLED LARK

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

Jordan is a great destination for bird-lovers and dedicated birdwatchers.
Its remarkable variety of habitats, from rugged mountains and evergreen
woodlands to scrubby steppe, hot dry deserts and the subtropical Jordan
valley, provide the perfect environments for many species of indigenous
birds.
Located at the crossroad of Europe, Asia and Africa means that migrating
birds funnel through the rift valley from these three continents and can
sometimes be seen together in the same general area.
More than 435 species of birds have been recorded in Jordan, of which around
70 are resident, 21 are migrant and present during the non-breeding season,
and almost 350 are migratory, passing through between their breeding and
non-breeding grounds. Some of these migrant birds end their migration
journey in Jordan to breed. Migration is not limited to large birds; migratory
species passing over Jordan range from Imperial Eagles and White Pelicans to
Garden Warblers, White Wagtails and everything in between.
Two different migration periods can be distinguished. During the spring
migration, huge flocks of raptors can be observed, such as the Steppe
Buzzard, Honey Buzzard, Steppe Eagle and Levant Sparrowhawk. In the
autumn migration flocks of Steppe Eagle use the Jordan Valley to continue
their journey from Europe to Africa, in addition to hundreds of Montagu’s
Harrier and Pallid Harrier, which cross the eastern desert plateau.
LEVANT SPARROWHAWK‫‏‬ PIED KINGFISHER
 THE MAIN BIRDING SITES
Most places in Jordan offer opportunities for bird watching and with
major shifts in landscape and nature within short distances, there is
much diversity as you move around the country. However, there are a
number of key sites for bird watching that together host a wide cross-
section of the country’s breeding and migrant birds.
The birdwatching sites presented here are easily accessible and
represent the main habitat types found in Jordan. Birds highlighted to
look out for are specialties within the sites they are listed under and are
relatively easily seen. Those listed under “Be one of the few to record”
offer a challenge to the avid birdwatcher to spot, as they are rarer and
have been reported by bird observers and anthropologists.
AZRAQ WETLAND RESERVE
In the eastern desert of Jordan lies an oasis of wetland that
brings the arid basalt desert suddenly to life as you approach it.
While the wetlands are a fraction of the size they used to be due
to over-pumping of water, a reserve has been established here to
protect and rejuvenate this peaceful spot. Not only is it home to a
number of resident bird species, but it is also an important stop for
thousands of migrating birds crossing the dry lands surrounding
it. Thus, Azraq is one of Jordan’s most important birding spots,
offering an exciting and diverse range of species. Several water
bird species can be seen near the various ponds, and migrant
raptors fly over as well. Resident species in Azraq include Rufous-
tailed Scrub Robin and Hoopoe Lark. The White-eared Bulbul was
introduced here and is another one to look out for. The best time
to go looking for passerines is in the early hours of the day in the
spring and autumn when they are usually present in large numbers
after having arrived the night before to rest in the oasis after a long
journey over the Arabian Peninsula and Sinai.

Look out for: Passage migration and desert species including Honey Buzzard, Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin Marsh Harrier, Crane and the introduced White-cheeked Bulbul.
Be one of few to record: Menetries’ Warbler, Paddyfield Warbler, Blyth’s Reed Warbler, Grasshoppper Warbler and Moustached Warbler.
Seasons: All year round; autumn, winter and spring for migration, including water birds, and summer for breeders.
Recommended time in the field: 2 days.
Accommodation: Azraq lodge, a converted 1940s British military field hospital. It has an authentic atmosphere, combined with a modern twist, and provides comfortable
accommodation from which to explore the Eastern Desert.
Other attractions: Azraq Castle, desert castles.
Tips: Try Chechan dishes by the local community.
 SHAUMARI WILDLIFE
RESERVE
This is the first reserve to be established in Jordan, in 1975. Its main
purpose was to protect the habitat for reintroducing the Arabian
Oryx. Close to 80 bird species have been spotted here. These
include the Egyptian Vulture, Pallid Harrier, Eagle owl and Eastern
Imperial Eagle, along with several species of desert birds such as
Temminck’s Horned Lark, Hoopoe Lark and Thick billed lark. The
planted trees and the reserve’s relatively dense vegetation offer
perfect niches for a wide range of bird species including shrikes,
bee-eaters, flycatchers and even owls.

Look out for: Eastern Imperial Eagle, Cream-coloured Courser, Temminck’s Horned Lark and Eagle owl
Be one of few to record: Turkestan Shrike and Yellow-throated Sparrow.
Seasons: Throughout the year.
Recommended time in the field: 1/2 day.
Accommodation: Azraq lodge, a converted 1940s British military field hospital. It has an authentic atmosphere, combined with a modern twist, and provides comfortable
accommodation from which to explore the Eastern Desert.
Other attractions: Azraq Castle, safari trip in the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve.
Tips: As well as birds, you can observe the Arabian Oryx in its natural habitat.
BURQU
Deep in the eastern desert is a seasonal lake that has long attracted
wildlife. The Romans built a fort and dam to utilize this precious
resource and the remains still sit there today. The lake rarely dries
out in the summer and thus is a permanent water source throughout
the year for the area’s inhabitants and wildlife. In autumn, Burqu is
one of the best locations to look for wintering raptors such as Pallid
Harriers, Eastern Imperial Eagles and Steppe Eagles. In addition to
water birds that come to the lake itself, the area surrounding Burqu
provides a good opportunity to look for some of Jordan’s specialties
such as the Thick-billed Lark, the dark morph Desert Lark and the
Basalt Wheatear, which is endemic to the basalt deserts of Jordan
and Syria. Burqu is an important area for the wildlife of the desert
and is under review as a potential protected area.

Look out for: Basalt Wheatear, Desert Lark (dark morph),Thick-billed Lark, Temminck’s Horned Lark.
Be one of few to record: Pin-tailed Sandgrouse and Cinereous Vulture.
Seasons: Best in the spring and autumn, and in the winter for raptors.
Recommended time in the field: 1 day.
Tips: This can be done as a trip from Azraq. A 4x4 vehicle is required to reach Burqu, which lies 20 kilometers off the road to Ruweished inside the desert. In autumn,
look for migratory raptors soaring along the highway on your way to Ruweished .
Other areas of this desert can also be explored for bird watching, including Safawi on the way.
 AJLOUN FOREST RESERVE
The rich vegetation of Ajloun, including rolling hills of evergreen
oak woodlands, offers a verdant respite from Jordan’s desert areas.
It is home to 40 bird species, including several Mediterranean
species in addition to some with Middle Eastern affinities. Birds
seen and heard here include the Blue Tit, Sardinian Warbler, Great
Tit, Short-toed Snake Eagle, Eurasian Jay, Long-legged Buzzard,
Wren, Greenfinch, Linnet, Blackbird, Chukar, Chaffinch, Tawny
Owl and Turtle Dove. The Eurasian Jay that can be seen in Jordan is
the black-capped subspecies atricapilla, which is restricted to the
Middle East.

Look out for: Sardinian Warbler, Short-toed Snake Eagle, Wren

Be one of few to record: Brambling and Hawfinch at Ajloun
Seasons: Best in the spring and summer.
Recommended time in the field: 2 days.
Accommodation: Ajloun lodge, Rasoun campsite and a number of small hotels in the city.
Other attractions: Tell Mar Elias, Ajloun castle, Jerash, hiking trails.
Tips: You can base yourself in Ajloun and spend more time there enjoying several nearby birding sites including Arayes pond, Dibeen and Yarmouk Forest Reserve .
DIBEEN FOREST RESERVE
Dibeen is the southernmost natural Aleppo Pine forest in the
world. It lies in the northern part of Jordan and is a common
location for the Blue Tit, the population of which in Jordan is
believed to be separated from other populations in the region.
Around 100 bird species have been recorded in Dibeen, including
wintering passerines such as Chaffinch, Hawfinch and Brambling.
The globally threatened Greater Spotted Eagle and the Siskin can
be seen here too. Due to its proximity to Ajloun and similarities in
vegetation, many of the same birds can be seen here. Other species
to look for include Eurasian Hobby, which breeds in the area. The
Syrian Woodpecker can often be heard calling or pecking on wood
in Dibeen, which is the best location to look for it in Jordan.

Look out for: Syrian Woodpecker, Blue Tit.

Be one of few to record: Brambling, Siskin and Hawfinch.
Seasons: Spring, summer and autumn.
Recommended time in the field: 1/2 day.
Accommodation: Ajloun hotels, camps, lodge.
Other attractions: Roman city of Jarash.
Tips: Combine this trip with a few days based in Ajloun.
 YARMOUK FOREST RESERVE
This protected area is the last bastion of the deciduous oak, the
national tree of Jordan. Undulating hills overlook the Yarmouk
River and roughly 100 bird species have been documented here.
These include a number of large migrant birds and globally
threatened birds of prey. Yarmouk lies directly on one of the
migration crossroads, where soaring birds come to join the main
migration ‘highway’ of the Great Rift Valley. This makes Yarmouk
a great place to spot all the types of migrant soaring birds that
pass through Jordan. These include Black Storks, Black Kites, White
Pelicans, Spotted Eagles, Booted Eagles and many others.

Look out for: Syrian Woodpecker, Short-toed Snake Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Goldfinch and Great Spotted Cuckoo.
Be one of few to record: Black-headed Bunting
Seasons: Spring, summer and autumn.
Recommended time in the field: 1 day.
Accommodation: Ajloun hotels, camps, lodge.
Other attractions: Ajloun castle, hiking trails, Um Qais Pella and Sharhabil bin Hassneh EcoPark.
Tips: Stop at the Bridal lake at Yarmouk Forest Reserve to watch migratory waders.
MUJIB BIOSPHERE RESERVE
This spectacular wadi in the Jordan Rift Valley is a unique landscape
that lies within three geographic zones. Seasonal and permanent
streams run through the reserve, ultimately pouring into the Dead
Sea. The nature reserve in Wadi Mujib is another important passage
for migratory birds. More than 220 species have been recorded here.
It is a breeding spot for birds of prey such as Bonelli’s Eagle, Barbary
Falcon, Eagle Owl and the globally threatened Lesser Kestrel, which
breeds in the eastern highlands of the reserve every spring. White
Storks pass through here, along with Black Storks, Buzzards, Honey
Buzzards and Levant Sparrowhawks.
Other birds that can be spotted here are Hooded Wheatear, Sand
Partridge, Little Green Bee-eater, Rock Martin, Black-eared
Wheatear, Roller, Black-eared Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Fan-
tailed Raven, Blackstart and Tristram’s Starling.

Look out for: Black Storks, Bonelli’s Eagle, Levant Sparrowhawk, Striolated Bunting, Fan-tailed Raven, Tristram’s Starling.
Be one of few to record: Barbary Falcon.
Seasons: Autumn is the primary season, with good sightings in the winter and spring.
Recommended time in the field: 1 day.
Accommodation: Mujib Chalets, Dead Sea hotels and Madaba hotels.
Other attractions: Nature reserve, wadi hike, Dead Sea
Tips: Several hotel resorts are about an hour’s drive away from Mujib Reserve Biosphere and are worth stopping at.
 FIFA NATURE RESERVE
Lying between the southern tips of the Dead Sea and Wadi Araba,
the Fifa Nature Reserve is one of the few remaining natural
breeding habitats of the Dead Sea Sparrow. The area contains fresh
water streams and snippets of sub-tropical vegetation, making it
a stop for migrating birds. In addition to the Dead Sea Sparrow
and Sand Partridge, the Nubian Nightjar, Little Green Bee-eaters,
shrikes, waders and ducks may be spotted.

Look out for Dead Sea Sparrow, Sand Partridge, Little Green Bee-eater.
Be one of few to record: Nubian Nightjar.
Seasons: Spring and autumn.
Recommended time in the field: 1/2 day.
Accommodation: Mujib Chalets and Dead Sea hotels
Other attractions: Dead Sea.
Tips: Base yourself by the Dead Sea to visit Fifa and nearby sites including Mujib.
DANA BIOSPHERE RESERVE
Covering 292 square kilometers of spectacular landscape of
varying altitudes, as steep wadis cut through majestic mountains,
Dana Biosphere Reserve is Jordan’s largest and most naturally
diverse, encompassing all four different bio-geographical zones in
the country. It is believed that the largest portion of the breeding
population of Syrian Serin in the world is found in Dana, and it
is also the best studied population of the species. Unfortunately,
habitat destruction is still causing a decline in the numbers of
this globally threatened species. More than 250 bird species
have been recorded in Dana, including Tristram’s Starling, Griffon
Vulture, Short-toed Snake Eagle, Verreaux’s Eagle, Bonelli’s Eagle,
Long-legged Buzzard, Chukar, and Palestine Sunbird. The area’s
population of Griffon Vultures is part of a larger one that reaches
neighbouring countries and may be linked to populations in Turkey
and the Balkans. Dana is one of the best places to catch a glimpse
of the Hume’s Owl and its distinctive call can be heard along the
upper section of the wadi in spring.

Look out for: Syrian Serin, Griffon Vulture, Hume’s Owl, Palestine Sunbird, Black-eared Wheater and Woodlark.
Be one of few to record: Macqueen’s Bustard. The name of the species has been changed and is now known as either Macqueen’s Bustard or Asian Houbara.
Seasons: Spring, summer and autumn.
Recommended time in the field: 2 days.
Nearby birding sites: Sad Al Tannur, Feynan, Petra, Shobak Castle.
Accommodation: Lodges, small hotels.
Other attractions: Nature reserve, hiking trails and Shobak Castle.
Tips: Enjoy the area’s beautiful hiking trails and look for Nubian Ibex in its natural habitat.
 QATAR NATURE RESERVE
Located in Wadi Araba in the south of Jordan, the Qatar Nature
Reserve protects the highest density of Acacia trees in the country.
These attract migratory passerines that roost in the area or stop
over during their migration. It is home to some desert breeding
species, such as the Sand Partridge, Hoopoe, Arabian Babbler and
Arabian Warbler. Other birds that can be seen here are the Desert
Lark, Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse, Crowned Sandgrouse, Little Green
Bee-eater and Desert Wheatear.

Look out for: Sand Partridge, Arabian Warbler, Arabian Babbler, Cream-coloured Courser.
Be one of few to record: Dunn’s Lark, Thick-billed Lark, Hoopoe Lark, Nubian Nightjar.
Seasons: Spring and summer.
Recommended time in the field: 1 day.
Accommodation: Hotels in Petra, Feynan Eco Lodge.
Other attractions: The Nabataean city of Petra.
Tips: Combine a trip here with a stopover at Petra.
WADI RUM PROTECTED
AREA
A trip to the unique sandstone desert of Wadi Rum is a breathtaking
experience. The protected area within Wadi Rum is the largest in
the country and around 120 bird species have been seen here.
These include the Sinai Rosefinch, Hooded Wheatear, Trumpeter
Finch, Sooty Falcon and Brown-necked Raven.

Look out for: Sinai Rosefinch, Sooty Falcon, Hooded Wheatear, Long-legged Buzzard, Scrub Warbler, Trumpeter Finch.
Be one of few to record: Red-rumped Wheatear.
Seasons: Spring and autumn.
Recommended time in the field: 1 day.
Accommodation: Campsites.
Other attractions: Desert tours, sand dunes, hikes, camel treks, Bedouin culture
Tips: Spend the night at a Bedouin camp for a unique desert experience.
 AQABA BIRD OBSERVATORY
Aqaba is Jordan’s only outlet to the sea, the country’s port city and
Red Sea resort city on the tip of the Gulf of Aqaba. It was once a
natural oasis of palms watered by springs. Much of the coastline
is built up now with hotels, but some unspoilt areas remain. The
Aqaba Bird Observatory was established here to maintain the
habitats that attract migratory birds. The Aqaba Bird Observatory
is the first in Jordan, opened in 1987 as a water treatment station
for the city, and has since attracted migratory bird species. The site
is managed by the RSCN and one of its main goals is to sustain the
site’s migratory bird populations. More than 80% of the migratory
bird species found in Jordan use this site. The observatory has been
included within the annual national bird census, and since the
year 2000, 103 bird species have been recorded there, belonging
to 29 families. Jordan was identified as a key country for water
birds in the 1990s and the Aqaba Bird Observatory is part of efforts
to conserve or influence management of the important sites for
water birds in the country.

Migratory water birds, raptors and passerines cross through mainly

Look out for: Little Green Bee-eater, passage migration of soaring birds, Arabian during the spring and autumn migration. This major point along
Babbler, White -eyed Gull.
the Eurasian-African bird migration flyway attracts the Little Green
Be one of few to record: Black Bush Robin, Caspian Tern, Arminian Gull, Lesser Black back Gull,
Creasted honey Buzzard, Spotted eagle, Olive-backed Pipit. Bee-eater, Desert Lark, Blackstart, Hooded Wheatear, White-
Seasons: Spring and autumn. crowned Black Wheatear, Arabian Warbler, Sooty Falcon and
Recommended time in the field: 2 days. Lammergeier. White-eyed Gulls are a Red Sea specialty that can
Nearby birding sites: Wadi Rum, Rahmeh, Gatar. only be seen in Aqaba in Jordan.
Accommodation: Aqaba hotels.
Other attractions: Water sports, souk.
 NEARBY ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT
AJLOUN
The marvels of nature and the genius of medieval Arab military architecture have given northern Jordan
two of the most important ecological and historical attractions in the Middle East: the sprawling pine
forests of the Ajloun-Dibeen area, and the towering Ayyubid castle at Ajloun, which helped to defeat
the Crusaders eight centuries ago. Ajloun Castle was built by one of Saladin’s generals in 1184 AD
to control the iron mines of Ajloun, and to deter the Franks from invading. Ajloun Castle dominated
the three main routes leading to the Jordan Valley and protected the trade and commercial routes
between Jordan and Syria. It became an important link in the defensive chain against the Crusaders,
who unsuccessfully spent decades trying to capture the castle and the nearby village.

Amman
Amman is Jordan’s capital, and a fascinating city of contrasts, situated on a hilly area between the
desert and the fertile Jordan Valley. In the commercial heart of the city, ultra-modern buildings, hotels,
smart restaurants, art galleries and boutiques rub shoulders comfortably with traditional coffee shops
and tiny artisan workshops. Everywhere there is evidence of the city’s much older past. Due to the city’s
modern-day prosperity and temperate climate, almost half of Jordan’s population is concentrated in
the Amman area. The downtown area is much older and more traditional with smaller businesses
producing and selling everything from fabulous jewellery to everyday household items. The Roman
citadel and amphitheater is worth a visit and there are museums holding artifacts found in these sites.
The people of Amman are multi-cultural, multi-denominational, well-educated and extremely
hospitable. They welcome visitors and take pride in showing them around their fascinating and vibrant
city.
DEAD SEA
The Dead Sea sits more than 450m below sea level, making it the lowest point on the face of earth.
This vast stretch of water receives a number of incoming rivers and streams, including the River Jordan.
Although sparsely populated and serenely quiet now, the area is believed to have been home to five
Biblical cities: Sodom, Gomorrah, Adman, Zebouin and Zoar (Bela). The leading attraction at the Dead
Sea is the warm, soothing, mineral-rich water, which is some ten times saltier than seawater and rich
in chloride salts of magnesium, sodium, potassium, bromine and several others. The unusually warm
and incredibly buoyant waters have attracted visitors since ancient times, including King Herod the
Great and Queen Cleopatra.

DESERT CASTLES
Jordan’s desert castles are beautiful examples of early Islamic art and architecture and stand testament
to a fascinating era in the country’s rich history. Their fine mosaics, frescoes, stone and stucco carvings
and illustrations, inspired by the best in Persian and Graeco-Roman traditions, tell countless stories
of life as it was during the 8th century. Called castles because of their imposing stature, the desert
complexes actually served various purposes as caravan stations, agriculture and trade centres, resort
pavilions and outposts that helped distant rulers forge ties with local Bedouins. Quseir Amra, one
of the best-preserved monuments in Jordan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its interior walls and
ceilings are covered with lively frescoes, and two of the rooms are paved with colorful mosaics. Qasr
Al-Mushatta, Qasr Al-Kharrana, Qasr Al-Tuba and Qasr Al-Hallabat have been restored and are all in
excellent condition. The black basalt fort at Azraq, in continuous use since Late Roman times, was the
headquarters of Lawrence of Arabia during the Arab Revolt.
JARASH
The ancient city of Jarash boasts an unbroken chain of human occupation dating back more than
6,500 years. Conquered by General Pompey in 63 BC, Jarash came under Roman rule and witnessed its
golden age. It was known as Gerasa at that time, and the site is now generally acknowledged to be one
of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. Jarash reveals a fine example of the grand,
formal provincial Roman urbanism that is found throughout the Middle East, comprising paved and
colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theatres, spacious public squares and plazas,
baths, fountains and city walls pierced by towers and gates. Beneath its external Graeco-Roman
veneer, Jarash also preserves a subtle blend of east and west. Its architecture, religion and languages
reflect a process by which two powerful cultures meshed and coexisted - the Graeco-Roman world of
the Mediterranean basin and the traditions of the Arab Orient.

KARAK CASTLE
Whether you approach Karak from the ancient Kings Highway to the east or from the Dead Sea to the
west, you will see the striking silhouette of this fortified town and castle long before you reach it. An
ancient Crusader stronghold, Karak castle sits 900m above sea level and lies inside the walls of the old
city. Throughout the castle, dark and roughly-shaped Crusader masonry is easy to discern from the
finely-crafted blocks of lighter and softer limestone used in later Arab work. It took the Crusaders some
twenty years to erect their vast castle and once finished in 1161, it became the residence of the lord of
Transjordan, by then the most important fief of the Crusader kingdom. It withstood several sieges and
was eventually taken by Saladin, the ruler of Syria and Egypt, after the defeat of the Crusader army at
the Battle of Hattin.
PETRA
Although much has been written about Petra, nothing really prepares you for this amazing place.
Petra is without a doubt Jordan’s most valuable treasure and greatest tourist attraction. It is a vast,
unique city, carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans, an industrious Arab people who settled
here more than 2000 years ago, turning it into an important junction for the silk, spice and other trade
routes that linked China, India and southern Arabia with Egypt, Syria, Greece and Rome. Entrance to
the city is through the Siq, a narrow gorge, over 1km in length, and as you reach the end of the Siq
you will catch your first glimpse of Al-Khazneh (Treasury), a massive façade carved out of the sheer,
dusky pink rock-face and dwarfing everything around it. You will need at least four or five days to
really explore the hundreds of elaborate rock-cut tombs, intricate carvings, temples, altars, theatre
and colonnaded streets of Petra.

UM QAYS
Site of the famous miracle of the Gadarene swine, Gadara was renowned in its time as a cultural
centre. It was the home of several classical poets and philosophers, including Theodorus, founder of a
rhetorical school in Rome, and was once called “a new Athens” by a poet. Perched on a splendid hilltop
overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Sea of Galilee, Gadara is known today as Um Qays, and boasts
an impressive colonnaded street, a vaulted terrace, and the ruins of two theatres. You can take in the
sights and then dine on the terrace of a fine restaurant with a breathtaking view.
 9
Yarmouk

8
Burqu
Ajlun
Reserve
Jarash
Ajloun
SUGGESTED ITINERARY #1
6

HISTORY,
Azraq
Reserve
7
Rajel

NATURE AND Shaumari Wildlife Reserve

BIRDS OF
Wadi Mujib

Wadi
Ibn Hammad

JORDAN Fifa

1
Abu Rukbeh

To truly explore Jordan and discover its diversity

Dana Nature
and its exquisite avifauna you will need at 2 Reserve
Bayer
least ten days. This itinerary highlights a route Feynan
around the country, reaching most corners Shobak
and giving you the opportunity to see much of 5
what Jordan has to offer. Petra

Rahmah
JORDAN
Qatar
4
3 Rum

Aqaba
Mountains
DAY 1
Spend the morning at the Mujib Biosphere Reserve, walking along a steep river gorge looking for the Bonelli’s Eagle, Little Green Bee-eater, Blue Rock Thrush and others. A
short drive south in the late morning will take you to the Fifa Nature Reserve, where you can look out for the scarce Dead Sea Sparrow. Then continue south to Dana village and
enjoy a late afternoon walking tour around the village. This trail winds above Dana Village through the terraced gardens, pistachio groves and orchards. Seek out the Syrian
Serin, Woodchat Shrike, Eastern Olivaceaous Warbler, Masked Shrike and Steppe Buzzards overhead. At sunset take a walk to look for Hume’s Owl that is regularly heard where
it nests in the sandstone mountains. Camp at Rummana Campsite, which lies amid dramatic escarpments of the Jordan rift valley.

DAY 2
Starting from the luscious highlands of Dana Biosphere Reserve before winding through the rocky slope plains, the serenity is interrupted only by the sound of birdsong, as the
scents of flowers permeate the crisp, cool air of the valley. Many birds can be seen throughout the valley including Tristram’s Starling, Griffon Vulture, Short-toed Snake Eagle,
Long-legged Buzzard, Chukar, White-crowned Wheatear and Desert Lark and more. After a 14km downhill hike you will reach Feynan where you can relax and spend the night
at the candle-lit eco lodge there.

DAY 3
Spend the morning birdwatching in the Feynan area at the western edge of Dana Biosphere Reserve. En-route to Aqaba, your next birding destination, several stops can be
made to watch birds of the Wadi Araba area, including stopping at Qatar Nature Reserve, the home of many desert breeding species such as the Sand Partridge, Hoopoe, Arabian
Babbler and Arabian Warbler. You may be lucky enough to watch migratory passerines that roost in the area or stop during their migration. By the late afternoon you will arrive
at Aqaba on the Red Sea, where you will have the opportunity to witness many birds roosting within the Aqaba mountains and watch Red Sea birds such as the White-eyed
Gull at the south beach area as well as Slender-billed Gulls.

DAY 4
Bird migratory pathways converge in Aqaba and millions of migratory birds cross over here as it is a junction between three continents. Spend the morning at the Aqaba Bird
Observatory. Around 200 different species of birds have been recorded here,including some rare species for Jordan. You can find plenty of waders, herons and egrets on their
northward journey, and migrant birds such as Collared Flycatcher, Thrush Nightingale and the White-crowned Black Wheatear, Arabian Warbler, Arabian Babbler and Graceful
Prinia, then head to Wadi Rum to spend the night.
DAY 5 DAY 8
Spend the day wandering through the majestic desert of Wadi Rum, visiting the attractions This day is spent in the eastern desert, admiring the black basalt desert
of this protected area. Around 120 bird species have been seen here. These include the Sinai of the area. Today you will need 4x4 transportation to get to the best
Rosefinch, Hooded Wheatear, Trumpeter Finch, Scrub Warbler and Sooty Falcon. Following locations to watch the exotic dark morph Desert Lark along with other
a picnic lunch in the desert, transfer to Petra. At the top of the southern rift mountain desert species, including the Hoopoe Lark. You will pass through the area
range is Little Petra where you can go for a short walk and have the opportunity to watch of al Safawi, Tareek al Wesad and al Beqa’awyah to look for Black Bellied
hundreds of soaring birds during the migration season, including the Steppe Buzzard and Sandgrouse and Basalt Wheatears. Pass through the water dam for a
Honey Buzzards, depending on the time of your visit, and enjoy spectacular views of Wadi chance to find several kinds of waders. At the sand dunes of al Hazeem
Araba. After dinner, at an overnight Bedouin camp, you can take a short walk to hear and you will have the chance to find the Hoopoe Lark. Then take a two-hour
maybe see the rare Hume’s Owl, which is regularly heard here. drive to Ajloun where you will spend the night at the Ajloun Forest
Reserve. After dinner, find the Tawny Owl that is resident at the reserve.

DAY 6
Spend the day exploring the ancient city of Petra. There are many hiking routes in the site
where you will have the chance to enjoy the incredible and unique architecture and watch DAY 9
the Sinai Rosefinch, Fan-tailed Raven and Tristram’s Starling, then head to Amman for the Spend the early morning within the rolling hills of evergreen oak
night. woodlands. Birds that can be seen here are several Mediterranean species
and some Middle Eastern affinities including Linnet, Blackbird, Chukar,
Chaffinch and Eurasian Jay. Transfer to Yermouk Forest Reserve, where
DAY 7 you can enjoy a pleasant easy hike where roughly 100 bird species can be
After breakfast drive to the eastern desert. Your first stop for birdwatching is at Wadi al Butum found. Several globally threatened birds of prey and large migrants have
to find shrikes, flycatchers and warblers. Visit the nearby Qasr Amra, a UNESCO World Heritage been recorded migrating over the reserve and along the Yarmouk Valley,
Site that is best-known of the desert castles and an excellent example of early Islamic art and which is considered an important ‘sidetrack’ leading to the major flyway
architecture. Then head to Azraq lodge for lunch and check in. In the afternoon, head to the of the Rift Valley. These species include Pallid Harrier, Honey Buzzard,
nearby Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, which is rich with desert bird species such as Temminck’s White Stork, Black Stork, and Black Kite among others. There are also
Horned Lark, Isabelline Wheatear, Cream-coloured Courser and Short-toed Larks. Then on to typical Mediterranean woodland species such as the Syrian Woodpecker
the Azraq Wetland Reserve which attracts passage migration and desert species including and Greater Spotted Cuckoo. Finally, stay overnight in Amman.
Honey Buzzard, Little Crake Marsh Harrier, Crane and the introduced White-eared Bulbul.
 Yarmouk

Ajlun Burqu
Reserve

Jarash
Ajloun

4 5 Azraq
Reserve

SUGGESTED ITINERARY #2
Rajel

JORDAN
Shaumari Wildlife Reserve
Wadi Mujib

BIRDING IN Wadi
Ibn Hammad

BRIEF Fifa
Abu Rukbeh

1
If you can only manage a shorter trip to Jordan, Dana Nature
Reserve
this 5-day itinerary will give you a taste of the Bayer

country and a visit to its main birding sites. Feynan

Shobak
2
Petra JORDAN
Rahmah

Qatar

3 Rum

Aqaba
Mountains
DAY 1 DAY 4
Spend the morning at the Mujib Biosphere Reserve, walking along a steep river gorge looking for the Bird migratory pathways converge in Aqaba and millions of
Bonelli’s Eagle, Little Green Bee-eater, Blue Rock Thrush and others. A short drive south in the late migratory birds cross over here, as it is a junction between three
morning will take you to Fifa Nature Reserve, where you can look out for the scarce Dead Sea Sparrow. continents. Spend the morning at the Aqaba Bird Observatory.
Then continue south to Dana village and enjoy a late afternoon walking tour around the village. This Around 200 different species of birds have been recorded here,
trail winds above Dana Village through the terraced gardens, pistachio groves and orchards. Seek out and an estimated more than 200,000 birds pass here each year
the Syrian Serin, Woodchat Shrike, Eastern Olivaceaous Warbler, Masked Shrike and Steppe Buzzards including some rare species for Jordan. You can find plenty of
overhead. At sunset, take a walk to look for Hume’s Owl that is regularly heard where it nests in the waders, herons and egrets on their northward journey, along
sandstone mountains. Camp at Rummana Campsite, which lies amid dramatic escarpments of the with migrant birds such as the Collared Flycatcher, Thrush
Jordan rift valley. Nightingale, the White-crowned Black Wheatear, Arabian
Warbler, Arabian Babbler and Graceful Prinia. Then transfer to
Amman for the night.
DAY 2
Starting from the luscious highlands of Dana Biosphere Reserve before winding through the rocky slope
plains, the serenity is interrupted only by the sound of birdsong, as the scents of flowers permeate the DAY 5
crisp, cool air of the valley. Tens of birds can be seen throughout the valley including Tristram’s Starling, Today’s day trip is to Azraq in the eastern desert of Jordan.
Griffon Vulture, Short-toed Snake Eagle, Long-legged Buzzard, Chukar and Desert Lark and more. In Your first stop for birdwatching is at Wadi al Butum to find
the late afternoon transfer to Petra and spend the night at a Bedouin camp in Beidha. After dinner, shrikes, flycatchers and warblers. Visit the nearby Qasr Amra,
you can take a short walk to hear and maybe see the rare Hume’s Owl, which is regularly heard here. the best-known of the desert castles and an excellent example
of early Islamic art and architecture. Then head to Azraq lodge
for lunch. In the afternoon you can go to the nearby Shaumari
DAY 3 Wildlife Reserve, which is rich with desert bird species such as
In the morning, head to Wadi Rum where you can spend the day wandering through the majestic desert Temminck’s Horned Lark, Isabelline Wheatear, Cream-colored
and visit its attractions. Around 120 bird species have been seen here, including Sinai Rosefinch, Hooded Courser and Short-toed Lark. Then on to the Azraq Wetland
Wheatear, Trumpeter Finch, Scrub Warbler and Sooty Falcon. In the late afternoon head to Aqaba for Reserve which attracts passage migration and desert species
overnight. including Honey Buzzard, Little Crake Marsh Harrier, Crane,
and White-eared Bulbul. Finally, head back to Amman.
 4
Burqu

SUGGESTED ITINERARY #3
3
DESERT BIRDS
Azraq
Reserve
1 Al Wisad

OF JORDAN 2 Rajil Dam Rajel

Wasad Area
This trip takes you on several days of Shaumari
birdwatching to look for unique birds that Wildlife Reserve
adapted to the arid environment of the semi-
desert. You will spot birds that are scattered
among the gravel plains, boulders and rocks of
the basalt desert and within the multitude of
vegetated wadis.

JORDAN
DAY 1 DAY 4
Depart Amman with your first stop for bird watching at Wadi al Butum. Here you can find the last Spend the day birdwatching within the vast basalt desert,
remaining wild Atlantic Pistachio Pistacia atlantica in the desert. At the wadi you may see several exploring several wadis and mudflat areas. You might be
passerine species, shrikes, flycatchers and warblers. Visit the nearby Qasr Amra, the best-known of lucky to spot the rare Pin-tailed Sandgrouse and the Cinereous
the desert castles and an excellent example of early Islamic art and architecture. Then head to Azraq Vulture here. You will also get the chance to watch some of
lodge for lunch. In the afternoon you go to the nearby Azraq Wetland Reserve, which attracts passage Jordan’s specialties, the dark morph Desert Lark and the Basalt
migration and desert species including Honey Buzzard, Water birds, Egyptian Night Jar, Little Crake Wheatear, which is endemic to the basalt deserts of Jordan and
Marsh Harrier, Crane, White-eared Bulbul. Spend the nightat Azraq Lodge. Syria. Continue the 4x4 drive towards Burqu. On the way are a
number of birdwatching spots, including a stop at the Lawrance
Dam/ Fedat al Shalan area, a seasonal dam surrounded by
DAY 2 Tamarix trees where you can see warblers and other passerines.
In the morning you return to the Azraq Wetland Reserve to continue your birdwatching. Then spend the After this you will reach the seasonal lake that has long
rest of the day at Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, which is rich with desert bird species such as Temminck’s attracted wildlife at Burqu and where the Romans built a fort
Horned Lark, Isabelline Wheatear, Cream-coloured Courser and Short-toed Lark, Eagle owl, Harriers and and a dam to utilize this precious resource, the remains of which
Bee-eaters. You will also be able to see indigenous desert fauna, such as oryx and onagers that can are still there. The lake rarely dries out in the summer and thus
often seen roaming freely in their large desert grassland enclosure. This day includes walking in the is a permanent water source throughout the year for the area’s
reserve and around Wadi al Shaumari at the borders of the reserve.Spend the night at Azraq Lodge. inhabitants and wildlife. In winter Burqu is one of the best
locations to look for wintering raptors such as Pallid Harriers,
Imperial Eagles, Marsh Harrier and Steppe Eagles. In addition
DAY 3 to waterbirds that come to the lake itself, the area surrounding
Take a 4x4 drive along the eastern desert to stop at several remote locations such as Wadi Al Dahek, Al Burqu provides a good opportunity for the last chance to watch
Hazeem and Rajel Water Dam. Enjoy the changing landscape as you approach Al Bejea’awyeh where you some of Jordan’s specialties such as the Thick-billed Lark and
can visit the legendary pistachio tree which is believed to have shaded Prophet Muhammad - as a young Temminck’s Horned Lark. Camp overnight at Burqu.
boy - as he rested under its branches on his journey from Mecca to Damascus with his uncle, Abu Talib.
The tree has a small water source at its base, and scores of cloth ribbons have been tied to its branches by
worshippers. Throughout the day several desert birds can be seen including, Cream-coloured Courser and DAY 5
Hoopoe Lark, and in the evening the majestic Pharaoh Eagle Owl. Camp in the Wasad area overnight. Return to Amman or Azraq.
 FOOD
Food is a cornerstone of Jordanian society, whether you are having mansaf with the Bedouins, or exploring the souqs with their
aromas of cardamom, cumin and za’atar. Popular desserts include knafeh and baklava pastries
in a myriad of forms. If you bump into a Bedouin in the remotest corner of Wadi Rum, you
will doubtless receive an invite to his tent to eat and drink sweet tea with sage or mint. Make
sure not to leave Jordan without trying a few local dishes, such as mansaf, magloubeh, falafel,
shawerma , assortments of mezza’s and knafeh.

ACCOMMODATION
Plenty of accommodation is available in Jordan, from 5-star hotels on the coast to campsites in the desert.

Ajloun Forest Cabins: These cabins occupy a large grassy clearing, enclosed by oak, pistachio and

USEFUL strawberry trees and offer beautiful views of the reserve and as far as Jebel Sheikh in Lebanon.
There are 5 newly built cabins with private facilities and small terraces open all year round.

INFORMATION
Azraq Lodge: A 1940s British military field hospital was renovated into this lodge in the eastern
desert and a short distance away from the Azraq and Shaumari reserves. There are 16 fully
equipped rooms overlooking the vast mud and sand flats of the Azraq Basin. The kitchen and
restaurant are under the management of a local family, providing a variety of Chechen food and
delights. The Azraq Lodge is open all year.

Dana Guesthouse: Perched on the edge of Wadi Dana, this beautifully styled building offers
breathtaking views of the reserve, comfortable rooms, traditional Arabic food, and friendly
service. It contains nine bedrooms, most with private terraces, as well as facilities for courses and
conferences. The guesthouse is open all year round.
 Feynan eco-Lodge: Situated deep within the remote landscape of Wadi Araba, the Feynan Lodge forms the western gateway of the Dana
Biosphere Reserve, and provides an unparalleled experience in desert accommodation having been listed as one of the National Geographic
Best 25 Eco lodges found across the world. This unique candle-lit eco-lodge provides 26 uniquely designed rooms for tourists wishing to
explore an undiscovered and archeologically rich area of Jordan.

Mujib Chalets: Situated along the Dead Sea, 15 chalets provide a cool retreat for visitors with stunning sea-views. These beautiful chalets are
an ideal place from which to explore the unique landscape of the Mujib Biosphere Reserve or to enjoy the medicinal properties of the Dead
Sea. They are open.

Rummana Campsite: Situated on a small plateau, overlooking the dramatic escarpment of the Jordan Rift Valley, the campsite has 20 large
tents with a capacity of 60 persons, two Bedouin tents, an outdoor dining room area, a kitchen and showers/toilets. The campsite is open from
1st March to 31st October.

For a complete list of hotels in Jordan visit www.visitJordan.com.

VISA REQUIREMENTS
The cost of one entry visa for all nationalities is 40 JOD (approximately TOUR OPERATORS
56 USD) and can be easily obtained at all airports. Multiple entry visas There are hundreds of professional and experienced tour operators who
are valid for six months and cost 60 JD (approximately $85); they can can help you plan your trip and connect you with experienced birding
be obtained at the embassy or consulate. Certain nationalities require tour guides.
that an entry visa be obtained prior to travel. It is recommended that
you check with the Jordanian diplomatic mission in your country prior
to travel to ensure that you have all the necessary paperwork for travel,
or visit www.visitJordan.com for more information.

Bird Records
Help us in recording new bird’s species in Jordan. If you record any birds that are not listed in Jordan’s bird list, please fill in the Rare Bird Record Form,
which you can find at www.jordanbirds.wordpress.com.
 JORDAN’S BIRDS SPECIALTIES
Jordan is a special place for bird watching as a result of its position along the Great
Rift Valley on one side and at the edge of the Mediterranean and Arabia on the
other. Its unique landscapes also play a role, with the Sharah and Rum mountains in
the south, the Dead Sea in the west and the Basalt Desert in the East. Thus several
species are specialties to Jordan and were selected as such based on a combination
of factors. All species on the list are special to the country, the Levant or West Asia
and/or can be relatively easily seen in certain parts of the country. The order of the
list follows the order in Collins Bird Guide Second Edition (Svensson, 1999), one of
the most widespread field bird guide books used in Jordan, if not the region.
Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter Sooty Falcon Falco concolor White-eyed Gull Larus
Migratory, mainly a wintering species in brevipes Seen in late spring and leucophthalmus
Jordan Seen from late April to summer Seen all year
This near-threatened early May It arrives later than other round
duck species has It can be seen across migrants and breeds in It can be spotted in
been recorded the country during the southern highlands and Aqaba only. Look for it along the south of
regularly in Aqaba this limited period margins including Petra, Aqaba.
over the past two decades, but the largest of the migration season. Rum, Rahmah and Dana.
numbers are found at the Tannour Dam, Good locations to look for it are along the Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles
between Karak and Tafileh, during winter. rift valley and in Azraq. Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus orientalis
Seen all year round All year around,
Sand Partridge Ammoperdix heyi Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus It can be seen all across the rift better in spring and
Seen all year round Seen during migration and in winter margins and highlands. Dana winter
Look out for it along the While it can be seen remains the only confirmed A nomadic species that
southern rift margins from anywhere throughout breeding location in the can be seen more during good
Mujib all the way to Aqaba migration seasons, the country. wet seasons in any flooded area
Mountains, including Dana best locations are in the of the eastern desert. The best time to look
and Rum. eastern desert in areas Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius for it is in the early hours of the day when it
like Burqu and Safawi. cursor comes to drink.
Chukar Alectoris chukar Seen in spring and summer, and in less
Seen all year round Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni numbers in autumn and winter Namaqua Dove Oena capensis
Dana is the best place to Seen in spring and summer This can be seen in all arid habitats in the Seen all year round
look for it where you may It breeds along the rift margins, mostly in country in the It is believed that this
get the impression that it is the southern ones eastern desert and species is expanding its
a widely common species. around Dana, Wadi Araba. Shaumari, distribution. Aqaba and
However it is difficult to spot Shobak and Petra. Ber Madhkur and Aqaba Azraq are probably the
outside the reserve due to It can also be seen near are also good locations to best locations to look
hunting. Its call is probably agricultural fields in the look for it. for it.
one of the sounds you will hear plains east of the highlands
most frequently in Dana. while foraging.
Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator subspecies. Breeding of this White-Throated Kingfisher Halcyon Syrian Woodpecker Dendrocopos
glandarius other subspecies ascalaphus smyrnensis syriacus
Seen in spring and has been confirmed around All year round Seen all year round
summer Tel El-Rumman in the A resident along the Jordan In the northern highlands
It is probably more northern part of the country. Valley north of the Dead restricted to arboreal
widespread than initially Other northern records Sea, more easily seen in water habitats. The best locations to
thought. The best spots to from Irbid and Amman most reservoirs, like Karameh Dam but it look for it would be Yarmouk
look for it are in dense arboreal probably belong to the latter can even be seen along the main roads. and Dibeen.
habitats in the northern highlands subspecies
including Dibeen, King Talal Dam Note: The species has been divided into two: Eurasian Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis Dunn’s Lark Eremalauda dunni
and Yarmouk. and Pharaoh. The Eurasian Eagle Owl, referred to All year round Seen all year round but most notably in
as the Eagle Owl (scientific name Bubo bubo) is no Less common than the White- spring
Hume’s Tawny Owl Strix butleri longer considered to be in Jordan. It is the Pharaoh throated Kingfisher but Not the easiest lark
Eagle Owl (scientific name Bubo ascalaphus) that is
Seen all year round they share almost the species to be spotted in the
currently present in various parts of the country, and
Around the southern this is divided into two subspecies, both of which are same distribution in the country country as Jordan represents
sandstone highlands. It believed to be present in Jordan. along the Jordan Rift Valley, north its northernmost global
is regularly heard along of the Dead Sea (Al-Ghor). More distribution. Most of the few
the upper part of Wadi Nubian Nightjar Caprimulgus nubicus restricted to water bodies, recent records were from the
Dana, which is probably All year round such as Kafrein and Ziglab Dams. southern part of the country around Aqaba.
where you will have the best It has long been
chance of seeing it in Jordan. believed that this Little Green Bee-eater Merops Temminck’s Horned Lark Eremophila
Other locations include Little species should orientalis bilopha
Petra and Wadi Rum. be more common Seen all year round Seen all year round
than already documented. Fifa has recently It is found in the southern rift This is probably the most
Pharaoh Eagle Owl Bubo ascalaphus become the best location to look for it, valley from the shoreline of common lark species in
Seen all year round, but more noticeable in most preferably at dusk. the Dead Sea all the way the eastern desert. The
breeding season in February and March and to the Red Sea, around easiest place to look for it is
in the eastern desert in winter. Hoopoe Upupa epops acacia trees. Mujib and Aqaba are Shaumari, but it can be seen
Jordan is likely located on the junction Seen all year round probably the best locations to look for in various other locations
between both subspecies of the species. It is widespread along the rift it but it can still be seen anywhere with including the plains to the
Southern and eastern records from Rajil, margins and highlands and acacia trees along the Wadi Araba road. east of the southern highlands.
Azraq and Rum most probably belong becomes easy to spot when it is
to the subspecies desertorum, which most active during the breeding season in
looks smaller and paler than the other the spring.
Thick-billed Lark Ramphocoris clotbey Blue Rock Thrush Monticola Hooded Wheatear Oenanthe monacha Arabian Warbler Sylvia leucomelaena
Seen all year long, but more in solitarius Seen all year round Seen all year round
spring and winter Seen in spring and summer This is one of the least It is probably less
Another nomadic This bird can be seen all along the common wheatears in abundant today
species that follows southern rift margins in Madaba, the country, but it can compared
water. It is more Karak, Dana and Petra. still be seen regularly to a couple
widespread and commoner in Dana and Mujib of decades ago, most probably due to
than initially thought. It can be spotted White-throated Robin Irania in habitats similar to woodcutting in Wadi Araba. Specific
on any water pond in the eastern desert, gutturalis those of the White-crowned Wheatear. locations to look for it are Ghwaiebh, Ber
including Shaumari and Safawi. Seen during migration in spring Madhkur and Qatar.
and autumn White-crowned Wheatear Oenanthe
Desert Lark – Dark Morph It is probably more common leucopyga Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida
Ammomanes deserti than initially thought, but Seen all year round Spring, summer and autumn
Seen all year round Azraq still provides the best It is quite common within It is widespread and
This is restricted to the opportunity to look for it. its habitat, which includes common along the
basalt desert in the east. It sandstone cliffs in the southern margins
has been regularly spotted Blackstart Cercomela melanura southern highlands along and highlands in
in Wadi Rajil. Seen all year round Petra, Rum and Mujib. arboreal habitats,
All along the rift margins especially around acacias.
Bar-tailed Desert Lark Ammomanes from Yarmouk to Aqaba, Striolated Bunting Emberiza striolata
cincturus but more easily found in the All year round but more noticeable in spring Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus
Seen all year round arid southern rift margins and and early summer during breeding season Seen in spring and summer
It is found in the Eastern Wadi Araba. This species has been Look out for it all along the rift margins and
Desert in sandy wadis and separated from the highlands throughout the
areas with sandy patches. Basalt Wheatear Oenanthe deserti House Bunting to migration and summer.
It has also been recorded Seen all year round become a stand-alone
along Wadi Araba. This is endemic to the Basalt desert of species. A southern
Jordan, Syria and Saudi Arabia Jordan speciality, it can
Hoopoe Lark Alaemon alaudipes but it is not a common species. be seen in Petra, Dana and
Seen all year round It is mainly spotted on piles of Mujib along the shorelines of the Dead Sea.
It can be seen in the eastern basalt rocks around Safawi and
desert in sandy areas around Wasad.
Hazeem and Shaumari.
 White- Spectacled Bulbul Pycnonotus xanthopygos Dead Sea Sparrow Passer moabiticus
Seen all year round Seen all year round
It is widespread and can be seen in any area with bushes and trees in Jordan, It has been facing a decline in its distribution due to mega-
including large cities as Amman. development projects along the Dead Sea, and specifically in Sweimeh.
Fifa has become its major stronghold in Jordan, and it is relatively easy
Palestine Sunbird Nectarinia osea to spot it there.
Seen all year round
This is widespread and its distribution is probably expanding. It can be seen Syrian Serin Serinus syriacus
all along the country’s highlands, including the greener parts of Amman. Seen all year round
Dana hosts the largest portion of the global population of this
Arabian Babbler Turdoides squamiceps species and is thus the best place to see it, specifically in spring.
Seen all year round
It is restricted to the rift valley in Jordan and is most likely to be spotted near acacia trees Sinai Rosefinch Carpodacus synoicus
in Wadi Araba. They are usually seen in flocks and not individually. They can often be Seen all year round
seen at Feynan, Rahmah, Ghwaibeh and Qatar, all in Wadi Araba. Relatively abundant in the southern sandstone highlands of the south; Petra and
Wadi Rum are the perfect places to look for it.
BIRDS OF JORDAN CHECK LIST
 Bird Name Scientific Name Bird Name Scientific Name
Ostrich Struthio camelus Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus
Black-throated Loon Gavia arctica Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Striated Heron Butorides striata
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Soft-plumaged Petrel Pterodroma mollis Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis
Atlantic Petrel Pterodroma incerta Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia
Streaked Shearwater Calonectris leucomelas Great White Egret Egretta alba
Flesh-footed Shearwater Puffinus carneipes Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala
Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Wilson’s Storm-petrel Oceanites oceanicus Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Red-billed Tropicbird Phaethon aethereus Goliath Heron Ardea goliath
Brown Booby Sula leucogaster Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis
Gannet Morus bassanus Black Stork Ciconia nigra
White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus White Stork Ciconia ciconia
Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia
Pygmy Cormorant Phalacrocorax pygmeus Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus
Darter Anhinga melanogaster Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus
Lesser Frigatebird Fregata ariel Mute Swan Cygnus olor
Bittern Botaurus stellaris Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus
 Bird Name Scientific Name Bird Name Scientific Name
Bean Goose Anser fabalis White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala
White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus
Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus
Greylag Goose Anser anser Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus
Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus
Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea Black Vulture Aegypius monachus
Shelduck Tadorna tadorna Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos
Cotton Pygmy-goose Nettapus coromandelianus Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca
Wigeon Anas penelope Steppe Eagle Aquila Aquila nipalensis
Falcated Duck Anas falcata Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga
Gadwall Anas strepera Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina
Teal Anas crecca Verreaux’s Eagle Aquila verreauxii
Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus
Pintail Anas acuta Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus
Garganey Anas querquedula Bonelli’s Eagle Aquila fasciatus
Shoveler Anas clypeata Black Kite Milvus migrans
Marbled Duck Marmaronetta angustirostris Red Kite Milvus milvus
Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
Pochard Aythya ferina Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus
Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus
Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus
Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis Steppe Buzzard Buteo buteo
 Bird Name Scientific Name Bird Name Scientific Name
Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus Quail Coturnix coturnix
Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus Water Rail Rallus aquaticus
Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus Spotted Crake Porzana porzana
Crested Honey Buzzard Pernis ptilorhynchus Little Crake Porzana parva
Goshawk Accipiter gentilis Baillon’s Crake Porzana pusilla
Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus Corncrake Crex crex
Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Osprey Pandion haliaetus Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni Coot Fulica atra
Kestrel Falco tinnunculus Crane Grus grus
Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus Siberian White Crane Grus leucogeranus
Merlin Falco columbarius Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo
Hobby Falco subbuteo Macqueen’s Bustard Chlamydotis Macqueenii
Eleonora’s Falcon Falco eleonorae Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis
Sooty Falcon Falco concolor Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus
Lanner Falco biarmicus Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
Saker Falco cherrug Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta
Peregrine Falco peregrinus Crab Plover Dromas ardeola
Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus
Chukar Alectoris chukar Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius cursor
Sand Partridge Ammoperdix heyi Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola
Black Francolin Francolinus francolinus Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni
 Bird Name Scientific Name Bird Name Scientific Name
Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus
Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Ruff Philomachus pugnax
Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus
Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii Snipe Gallinago gallinago
Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus Great Snipe Gallinago media
Dotterel Charadrius morinellus Pintail Snipe Gallinago stenura
Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva Woodcock Scolopax rusticola
European Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica
Spur-winged Plover Hoplopterus spinosus Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Black-headed lapwing Vanellus tectus Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenuirostris
Red-wattled Plover Vanellus indicus Curlew Numenius arquata
Sociable Plover Vanellus gregarius Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus
White-tailed Plover Chettusia leucura Redshank Tringa totanus
Lapwing Vanellus vanellus Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis
Knot Calidris canutus Greenshank Tringa nebularia
Sanderling Calidris alba Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
Little Stint Calidris minuta Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus
Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Dunlin Calidris alpina Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus
 Bird Name Scientific Name Bird Name Scientific Name
Red (Grey) Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius Heuglin’s Gull Larus heuglini
Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus
Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica
Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus Caspian Tern Sterna caspia
South Polar Skua Stercorarius maccormicki Crested Tern Sterna bergii
Sooty Gull Larus hemprichii Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis
White-eyed Gull Larus leucophthalmus Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis
Pallas’s Gull Larus ichthyaetus Common Tern Sterna hirundo
Little Gull Larus minutus Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea
Sabine’s Gull Larus sabini White-cheeked Tern Sterna repressa
Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus
Grey-headed Gull Larus cirrocephalus Little Tern Sterna albifrons
Slender-billed Gull Larus genei Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus
Audouin’s Gull Larus audouinii Black Tern Chlidonias niger
Common Gull Larus canus White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse Pterocles lichtensteinii
Yellow-legged Gull Larus cachinnans Crowned Sandgrouse Pterocles coronatus
Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus Spotted Sandgrouse Pterocles senegallus
Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles exustus
Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis
Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Pterocles alchata
Armenian Gull Larus armenicus Rock Dove Columba livia
 Bird Name Scientific Name Bird Name Scientific Name
Stock Dove Columba oenas Egyptian Nightjar Caprimulgus aegyptius
Woodpigeon Columba palumbus Swift Apus apus
African Collared Dove Streptopelia roseogrisea Pallid Swift Apus pallidus
Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto Alpine Swift Apus melba
Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur Little Swift Apus affinis
Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis
Namaqua Dove Oena capensis Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
Ring-necked Parakeet Psittacula krameri Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis
Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius Little Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis
Cuckoo Cuculus canorus Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops superciliosus
Barn Owl Tyto alba Bee-eater Merops apiaster
Pallid Scops Owl Otus brucei Roller Coracias garrulus
Scops Owl Otus scops Hoopoe Upupa epops
Pharaoh Eagle Owl Bubo ascalaphus Wryneck Jynx torquilla
Brown Fish Owl Ketupa zeylonensis Syrian Woodpecker Dendrocopos syriacus
Little Owl Athene noctua Black-crowned Sparrow-lark Eremopterix nigriceps
Tawny Owl Strix aluco Dunn’s Lark Eremalauda dunni
Hume’s Tawny Owl Strix butleri Bar-tailed Desert Lark Ammomanes cincturus
Long-eared Owl Asio otus Desert Lark Ammomanes deserti
Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus Hoopoe Lark Alaemon alaudipes
Nubian Nightjar Caprimulgus nubicus Thick-billed Lark Ramphocoris clotbey
Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra
 Bird Name Scientific Name Bird Name Scientific Name
Bimaculated Lark Melanocorypha bimaculata Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola
Lesser Short-toed Lark Calandrella rufescens Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
Crested Lark Galerida cristata White Wagtail Motacilla alba
Woodlark Lullula arborea White-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys
Skylark Alauda arvensis White-spectacled Bulbul Pycnonotus xanthopygos
Temminck’s Horned Lark Eremophila bilopha Wren Troglodytes troglodytes
Sand Martin Riparia riparia Dunnock Prunella modularis
Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula Radde’s Accentor Prunella ocularis
Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Rufous Bush Robin Cercotrichas galactotes
Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica Black Bush Robin Cercotrichas podobe
House Martin Delichon urbica Robin Erithacus rubecula
Richard’s Pipit Anthus richardi Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia
Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos
Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis Bluethroat Luscinia svecica
Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni White-throated Robin Irania gutturalis
Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus
Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus Blackstart Cercomela melanura
Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta Whinchat Saxicola rubetra
Buff-bellied Pipit Anthus rubescens japonicus Stonechat Saxicola torquatus
 Bird Name Scientific Name Bird Name Scientific Name
Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina Scrub Warbler Scotocerca inquieta
Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia
Cyprus Wheatear Oenanthe cypriaca River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis
Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides
Basalt Wheatear Oenanthe deserti Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon
Finsch’s Wheatear Oenanthe finschii Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola
Red-rumped Wheatear Oenanthe moesta Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
KurdishWheatear Oenanthe xanthoprymna Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris
Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus
Hooded Wheatear Oenanthe monacha Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola
White-crowned Wheatear Oenanthe leucopyga Blyth’s Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum
Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus
Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus
Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida
Blackbird Turdus merula Booted Warbler Hippolais caligata
Fieldfare Turdus pilaris Upcher’s Warbler Hippolais languida
Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Olive-tree Warbler Hippolais olivetorum
Redwing Turdus iliacus Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina
Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata
Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans
Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis Ménétries’s Warbler Sylvia mystacea
Graceful Prinia Prinia gracilis Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala
 Bird Name Scientific Name Bird Name Scientific Name
Cyprus Warbler Sylvia melanothorax Great Tit Parus major
Rüppell’s Warbler Sylvia rueppelli Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria
Desert Warbler Sylvia nana Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus
Arabian Warbler Sylvia leucomelaena Palestine Sunbird Nectarinia osea
Orphean Warbler Sylvia hortensis Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus
Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria Turkestan Shrike Lanius phoenicuroides
Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus
Whitethroat Sylvia communis Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio
Garden Warbler Sylvia borin Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach
Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor
Bonelli’s Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor
Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator
Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus
Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus Jay Garrulus glandarius
Goldcrest Regulus regulus Jackdaw Corvus monedula
Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Indian House Crow Corvus splendens
Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva Rook Corvus frugilegus
Semi-collared Flycatcher Ficedula semitorquata Hooded Crow Corvus corone
Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis Brown-necked Raven Corvus ruficollis
Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca Raven Corvus corax
Arabian Babbler Turdoides squamiceps Fan-tailed Raven Corvus rhipidurus
Blue Tit Parus caeruleus Tristram’s Starling Onychognathus tristramii
 Bird Name Scientific Name Bird Name Scientific Name
Starling Sturnus vulgaris Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus
Rose-coloured Starling Sturnus roseus Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus
Bank Myna Acridotheres ginginianus Sinai Rosefinch Carpodacus synoicus
Common Myna Acridotheres tristis Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes
House Sparrow Passer domesticus Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos
Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella
Dead Sea Sparrow Passer moabiticus Rock Bunting Emberiza cia
Pale Rock Sparrow Petronia brachydactyla Striolated Bunting Emberiza striolata
Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia Cinereous Bunting Emberiza cineracea
Yellow-throated Sparrow Gymnoris xanthocollis Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana
Indian Silverbill Lonchura malabarica Cretzschmar’s Bunting Emberiza caesia
Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica
Brambling Fringilla montifringilla Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla
Red-fronted Serin Serinus pusillus Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus
Serin Serinus serinus Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala
Syrian Serin Serinus syriacus Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra
Greenfinch Carduelis chloris
Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis
Siskin Carduelis spinus
Linnet Carduelis cannabina
Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra
Desert Finch Rhodospiza obsoleta
 START YOUR BIRDING HOLIDAY IN JORDAN
THE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE CONSERVATION OF NATURE (RSCN) AND WILD JORDAN
RSCN is a non-governmental organization devoted to the conservation of Jordan’s natural environment. Created in 1966 under the patronage of His Majesty the late King Hussein, the Society has
been given responsibility by the Jordanian government for protecting the country’s wildlife and wild places. ‘Wild Jordan’ is a division of RSCN and the trading name for the Society’s eco-tourism
and handicraft enterprises. Protection of natural areas help create and improve livelihoods for poor rural communities. By purchasing any RSCN product or by visiting any of Jordan’s nature
reserves, you are directly contributing to the protection of nature in Jordan.

RSCN is the BirdLife International partner in Jordan. Currently RSCN is implementing the national component of the Regional Migratory Soaring Birds Project (MSB) that is funded by GEF,
supported by UNDP and implemented by BirdLife International. The MSB project aims to mainstream the conservation of migratory soaring birds among different sectors (waste management,
hunting, energy, agriculture and tourism) across the Rift Valley -Red sea flyway that is the second most important flyway in the world for soaring birds.
www.migratorysoaringbirds.undp.birdlife.org
For general information, maps and booking arrangements for any of RSCN’s eco-tourism facilities, please contact Wild Jordan’s tourism office.
RSCN phone: +962 6 4616523
General enquiries and bookings: [email protected]
Website: www.rscn.org.jo

WildJordan phone: +962 6 4616523

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.wildjordan.com

JORDAN TOURISM BOARD

Phone: It is open daily (08:00-16:00) except on Fridays. +962 6 5678444
Website: www.visitJordan.com
 BIRDWATCHING IN JORDAN
WHERE BIRDS FROM THREE CONTINENTS CONVERGE

RSCN phone: +962 6 4616523

General enquiries and bookings: [email protected]
Website: www.rscn.org.jo

WildJordan phone: +962 6 4616523

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.wildjordan.com

We would like to recognize the many partners who have contributed to the project outlined in this publication, the United Nations Development Programme (www.undp.org) and the Global Environment Facility (www.thegef.org) along with Jordan Tourism Board, The Royal Society for The Conservation of Nature and
BirdLife International for their support and financial contribution to this project.