Birdwatchers in Dhofar were treated to two remarkable sightings recently, after a rare Common Kingfisher and the critically endangered Sociable Lapwing were documented in Salalah.
Nature photographer Amardeep Singh, based in Salalah, photographed the Common Kingfisher at the Ayn Garziz waterfall and spring area on January 27, 2026. The sighting is considered significant as the colourful bird has rarely been recorded in Dhofar Governorate in recent years, with the previous confirmed observation reported in 2021.
Amardeep returned to the site early the following morning and spent several hours scanning the area for the tiny but vividly coloured bird. Having previously photographed the species in India, he was familiar with its behaviour and appearance.
“I was actually photographing the Asian Paradise Flycatcher when suddenly the Common Kingfisher glided down towards a small water pond," Amardeep said. “From that moment, I kept my eyes fixed on the bird and continued observing and photographing its movements."
The bird was repeatedly seen hovering above the water before diving to catch insects — a characteristic hunting behaviour of the species. According to Amardeep, the Kingfisher remained in the Salalah area for nearly a month before moving on.
The Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) is a small but striking bird known for its bright electric-blue upper parts and rich orange underparts. Though widely distributed across Europe, Asia and parts of North Africa, it is considered an uncommon winter visitor in Oman, usually appearing near freshwater springs, lagoons, and wetlands where it feeds on insects and small aquatic prey. The bird is also known for its sharp, high-pitched whistle, often heard as it flies low over water.
The Ayn Garziz waterfall and spring area, located in the foothills near Salalah, is regarded as an important bird habitat and regularly attracts species such as the Asian Paradise Flycatcher, along with several raptors, including the Common Kestrel.
In another notable observation, Amardeep also recorded the presence of the Sociable Lapwing (Vanellus gregarius), a bird listed as Critically Endangered by global conservation authorities. The bird was spotted in the Garziz residential area behind the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment before eventually migrating out of Salalah.
The Sociable Lapwing breeds in the grassland steppes of Kazakhstan and southern Russia and migrates thousands of kilometres each year to wintering grounds in the Middle East, northeast Africa and the Indian subcontinent.
Its global population has declined sharply due to habitat loss and hunting along migratory routes, with fewer than 11,200 individuals estimated to remain in the wild.
The species is known for moving in small flocks and typically nests on bare ground or very short grass, rather than in concealed locations.
Local bird enthusiasts say such sightings highlight the ecological richness of Dhofar’s wetlands and open landscapes, which serve as seasonal refuges for migratory birds travelling across continents. They stress that protecting these fragile habitats remains essential to ensuring that rare and endangered species continue to visit the governorate.
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