Safeguarding Our native birds

Scattering rice in a courtyard or leaving food leftovers in a park for birds may seem like an act of kindness. However, the Environment Authority warns that such practices can disrupt the natural balance and harm the very birds people intend to help.
'Protecting Oman's birds starts with our daily behaviour,' said Munira al Balushi, Head of the Wildlife Management Section at the authority. 'Loving birds translates into practices that protect their diversity and the balance of their environment.'
This principle underpins the National Campaign to Combat Invasive Birds, which aims to protect native bird species and their habitats through monitoring, field operations, public awareness and community participation, guided by field data.
Invasive birds, Al Balushi explained, are species introduced by human activity beyond their natural geographical range that subsequently establish populations, breed and spread, threatening biodiversity.
However, not every bird arriving from elsewhere is considered invasive. 'Migratory birds that arrive naturally are part of biodiversity,' she said.
In Oman, the main target species are the common myna and the house crow. Their introduction and spread have been linked to maritime transport and the ornamental bird trade, as well as their expansion from neighbouring areas and countries where they have become established.
Nasr al Rahbi, Wildlife Management Technician at the authority, said these birds compete with native species for food and nesting sites. They may also attack nests and feed on eggs and chicks.
As their populations increase, native birds may have fewer opportunities to breed, potentially disrupting natural relationships between species. The extent of the impact, he added, depends on the species, its population density and the location.
The problem, Al Rahbi said, is particularly associated with indiscriminate feeding, including scattering food leftovers in public squares, gardens and residential neighbourhoods.
Such practices create a constant food supply that benefits invasive birds and encourages them to congregate. Crowding around contaminated food or in unhygienic locations can also facilitate the spread of disease.
For those who want to help birds, he recommends supporting their natural habitats instead. Planting native species that provide food and shelter, preserving trees and natural habitats, and observing or photographing birds without disturbing them or approaching their nests are among the suggested measures.
'Sustainable help starts with providing a suitable habitat,' he said.
Simple everyday actions can make a meaningful contribution to protecting birds, the environment and public health, Al Rahbi said.
These include reducing food waste, sealing leftovers in bags before placing them in bins, keeping bin lids closed and avoiding leaving rubbish bags beside them. People should also refrain from scattering bread, rice or leftover meals in open spaces.
Cleaning picnic and barbecue areas before leaving, maintaining cleanliness around restaurants, markets and fish-handling facilities, and reporting accumulated waste or uncovered bins are equally important.
Residents who notice gatherings of invasive birds can report them to the authority, providing the precise location, date, a description and an estimated number of birds. Photographs taken from a safe distance can also help where possible.
However, Al Rahbi urged the public to leave field interventions to specialist teams. Identifying species correctly and selecting appropriate control measures require expertise and experience.
Attempts by individuals to capture birds, remove nests or use baits and chemicals could inadvertently harm other species or pose risks to people and animals. 'The public's role is to monitor, report and reduce what attracts these birds,' he said.
The campaign forms part of Oman's commitments under the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, particularly its target of reducing the impact of invasive alien species. It also supports the country's progress towards achieving its national biodiversity targets by 2030.
The authority's National Platform for Monitoring and Controlling Invasive Birds tracks the activities of specialist teams across the governorates.
According to the platform, a total of 1,800,104 birds were removed between 2022 and October 29, 2026, including 168,606 during 2026.