Rare flamingo sighting signals early return of migratory birds

Kuwait Times

3 days ago

KUWAIT: The recent sighting of a small flamingo in Kuwait during the summer months has drawn attention from birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, as such an occurrence is considered rare. The bird was photographed last Saturday by Kuwaiti wildlife photographer Abdulmajeed Al-Shatti, marking an unusual early appearance ahead of the typical migratory season. It remains unclear whether the flamingo will remain in the country until next March, which is usually the end of the migratory period for such birds. However, its presence during the height of summer has been viewed as a possible indication of moderating temperatures.
The flamingo—known in Arabic as 'na'am al-rumi'—is a strikingly beautiful and large wading bird. The species most commonly observed in Kuwait is the greater flamingo, characterized by its impressive height of up to 1.5 meters, white and pink plumage, and a pink beak with a black tip. A less common species, the lesser flamingo, is smaller in size—reaching about one meter—and distinguished by its pink coloration and dark brown beak.
As mid-summer approaches, small numbers of migratory seabirds—including flamingos—begin to return to Kuwait. According to previous records, flamingos have been sighted in limited numbers between late July and early August. These birds typically remain in the country until late March, feeding on small marine organisms abundantly found in Kuwait Bay. The appearance of migratory birds such as the flamingo highlights the ecological importance of Kuwait's coastal habitats and reinforces ongoing efforts to protect and document the country's rich biodiversity. — KUNA