The state of Qatar supports many globally threatened birds throughout the majority of the year. Threatened birds can be found using a variety of habitats in Qatar, from beaches to farmland to rawdahs (desert “gardens” caused by collecting water that supports the growth of vegetation).

                                                           Photo By ©Sameh Odeh

The Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus gregarious) is perhaps one of the most notable threatened birds found in Qatar, being the only Critically Endangered species. The recent emergence of large agricultural fields in the country—which replicate their natural habitat preferences as grassland specialists in the steppes of Central Asia—has led to a major increase in their presence. They can be found during the winter months, and spend the majority of their time in fields with short or even no vegetation, although they have been recorded in wetlands as well.

                                                        Photo By ©Sameh Odeh 

The Socotra Cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis) is another notable threatened bird in Qatar. They are resident breeders that are present all year round along the coast of Qatar. The Socotra Cormorant is unique in the fact that they are the only threatened species that is also a resident breeder in Qatar. During the breeding season they can be seen gathering in large flocks of up to thousands of birds.

To learn more about other threatened bird species, the “Conservation Status” filters under the “Explore Qatar Birds” can be used to filter all birds with an IUCN status of Vulnerable, Endangered, and Critically Endangered.