Changes in the breeding avifauna of Israel during 2003–2016

Abstract

Based on information obtained from publications, online material and experienced birdwatchers we describe changes in the breeding avifauna of Israel between 2003 and 2016. We provide details on nine species that were found breeding in Israel during this period for the first time (Common Shelduck, Great Cormorant, Black-winged Kite, Caspian Tern, White-cheeked Tern, Common Wood Pigeon, Black Bush Robin, Basra Reed Warbler, Chiffchaff); two species that were found breeding in Israel after they were not documented breeding for more than 50 years (Great Crested Grebe, Pallid Scops Owl), one species that significantly extended its breeding range in Israel (Striated Heron), and two exotic species that have recently established populations in Israel (Monk Parakeet, Vinous-breasted Starling). This brings the number of bird species breeding in Israel in 2016 to 220. We also report here that out of six new breeding species reported in 2003, three species established breeding populations in Israel, while the other species did not continue to breed in Israel regularly.

Keywords:

• Breeding birds
• range extensions
• alien species
• native species
• exotic species

Acknowledgements

We express our thanks to all Israeli birdwatchers who shared their observations with us: Nili Avni-Magen, Amir Ben Dov, Daniel Berkowic, Olga Chagina, Gabriel Friedman, Dror Galili, Ohad Hatsofe (Israeli Nature and Parks Authority), Tzvi Hertz, Lior Kislev, Ariel Shamir, Gert Ottens, Itai Shanni, Nitzan Segev, Ohad Sherer, Eyal Shochat, and Noam Weiss. Special thanks to David Murdoch and Mike Duckham for providing information about the status of Chiffchaff in Syria and Lebanon. Many thanks to Dan Alon, director of the Israel Ornithological Center, who supported much of the fieldwork that uncovered the new breeding species reported here. Many thanks to Nir Sapir, Katherine Rogerson and Laya Labi for their comments on an early version of this manuscript.

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.