Migration of demoiselle Cranes Across Saudi Arabia

a wingspan measuring approximately 1.85 m. Given a clear view,

field identification is straightforward, as this small crane is

the only one showing a uniformly black head and neck, except for

the elongated white ear tufts. As with all cranes, this species

is monogamous and is believed to have a lifelong pair bond, which

is reinforced each breeding season with an attractive ‘dancing’

display. Although highly gregarious on migration, cranes are generally

territorial and solitary at breeding time, when up to two young

are raised. The crane’s preferred breeding habitat is undisturbed

steppe, but the birds will feed in adjacent cultivation.

The west Asian Demoiselle Crane population appears to have declined

significantly in recent decades. This is mirrored by the situation

further west. In Morocco, cranes bred regularly in the Middle

Atlas area until the 1930s but now may have completely disappeared

as a breeding species.

Shooting of cranes around Jeddah is a real problem, especially

during autumn migration; a situation that is being monitored by

the NCWCD authorities. Shooting incidents have occurred at wetlands

despite the posted No Hunting signs. From a conservation viewpoint,

these cranes should neither be disturbed on their breeding grounds

nor hunted during their tough migration route. Education of the

public regarding the protection of threatened species needs more

attention, now.

In summary, Jeddah is a beautiful, cosmopolitan city on the Red

Sea and it is an excellent location for bird watching. I have

many super bird watching memories of my five years’ residence

in the city. The high point of this bird watching ‘hot spot’is

certainly the annual crane passage, when virtual armchair bird

watching can be enjoyed. Crane watching from a comfortable chair

by the compound pool certainly takes some beating! I always look

forward to future visits to this exciting city.