New observations of four waterbird species in Algerian Sahara

Abstract

The range mapping and phenological status of four waterbird species was studied in Ghardaïa and El‐Ménéa regions between 2017 and 2021. Seasonal waterbird censuses were conducted throughout Ghardaïa and El‐Ménéa by individual counts or visual estimation. During these counts, four species were reported for the first time in this region, three passage visitors, European golden plover Pluvialis apricaria, black stork Ciconia nigra and Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis, and one winter stopover, common crane Grus grus. Observations on the species in Ghardaïa and El‐Ménéa regions are new for southern Algeria.

Avifaunistic Diversity of Merine Forest, North-West Algeria

“…Counts were undertaken by direct observation using a Sonny HV 400 camera. Counts were performed on a regular basis, with weekly/fortnightly, reinforced by additional surveys especially during the main postnuptial and prenuptial migration seasons of birds (Chedad et al 2021c). Identification of bird species was facilitated by ornithological guidebooks (Heinzel et al, 2004;Svensson, 2010).…”

First record of grey plover pluvialis squatarola in the sahara and an update on its distribution in algeria

“…In Kef Doukhane wetlands (Algerian Sahara), several species were discovered for the first time: Black stork (Ciconia nigra), Western Reef Heron (Egretta gularis), and Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) [16,17] , in addition to expanding the nesting range of many other species, including the Little Egret (Egretta garzetta), Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides), and Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) [14,18,20] . In general, the Algerian Sahara is noted whenever there are range expansions or new records for some waterbird species, such as the Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus) at Djamaa [21] , the Common Crane (Grus grus), and the European Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria) in Ghardaï a and El Mé né a [18] , the Red Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicarius) in Illizi [22] , the Striated Heron (Butorides striata) in Illizi and Tamanrasset [23,24] , the Whiteheaded Duck (Oxyura leucocephala) in Oued Righ at Touggourt [25] , and the African Crake (Crecopsis egregia) at Bé ni Abbè s and Illizi [26,27] .…”

Maghreb Magpie Pica pica mauritanica winters in two oases, at the mouth of the Sahara at Aurès Mountains (Biskra and Batna, Algeria)

“…In parallel, the expansion has also affected some waterbirds species such as European golden plover Pluvialis apricaria, Black stork Ciconia nigra, Western reef heron Egretta gularis, and Common crane Grus grus [18]. Fig.…”

“…This study was carried out in North Biskra at El Kantara oases, located in the extreme south of Aurès Mountains, (Fig 02 ), which is part of the semi-arid bioclimatic. Counts were undertaken by direct observation using a Canon 7d camera, during the period between 2016 and 2021, with seasonal surveys, reinforced by additional surveys especially during the migration seasons of birds [7]. Identification of bird species was facilitated by ornithological guidebooks [8].…”