RIYADH: Madinah’s rich natural landscapes are home to dozens of bird species, making the region a popular destination for birdwatching and ecotourism.

The Madinah Region Development Authority, in collaboration with experts and researchers, is working to raise awareness of the region’s bird diversity, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

The hope is that increased awareness will foster an appreciation for nature, encourage birdwatching and photography, and pave the way for investment in dedicated birdwatching sites across the region, according to the report.

The authority has recorded 26 common bird species and published a detailed reference guide featuring Arabic and English names, diagnostic characteristics, preferred habitats, and feeding patterns. 

Among the region’s notable species are “the bright yellow weaver bird, known for its intricate nests woven among tall tees such as jujube and palms; the white cow heron, often seen near livestock in areas such as Al-Bayda Park and Wadi Al-Aqiq; and the elusive sandgrouse, which breeds in valleys outside Madinah,” the SPA reported.

Other species commonly found in the region include the common myna, rose-ringed parakeet, laughing dove, eastern bee-eater, collared dove, rock pigeon, hoopoe, kingfisher, and black kite. 

Madinah’s diverse environments — from farms and valleys to coastal areas — “continue to serve as vital habitats supporting the region’s biodiversity, reflecting ongoing efforts by Saudi authorities to protect wildlife and promote sustainable ecotourism,” the SPA concluded.