Rare Pectoral Sandpiper Recorded At Saudi King Abdulaziz Reserve

Post by : Mumtaaz Qadiri

The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority announced an exciting discovery: the documentation of a rare waterbird called the pectoral sandpiper (Calidris melanotos). This bird was spotted at Rawdat Umm Al-Thiyabah, a seasonal wetland located inside the reserve. What makes this discovery so special is that it is the first confirmed record of the species inside a Saudi reserve and only the third confirmed sighting nationwide.

Importance Of The Sighting

The appearance of the pectoral sandpiper is considered a rare and unusual event for Saudi Arabia. This waterbird is known as a migratory passage species in the Arabian Peninsula, which means it does not stay long but passes through while traveling between continents. The bird’s presence in Saudi Arabia highlights the importance of the country as a natural stopover point for many species of migratory birds.

Where The Bird Comes From

The pectoral sandpiper has one of the most fascinating migration patterns in the world. It breeds in the Arctic tundra regions of Canada, Alaska, and parts of Siberia. After the breeding season, it begins a very long journey south, traveling thousands of kilometers. During winter, it can be found in the southernmost parts of South America. Along the way, it crosses several continents, stopping at wetlands and reserves to rest and feed.

Diet And Lifestyle Of The Bird

This bird is small but highly adaptable. Its diet mainly includes small crustaceans, aquatic invertebrates, and insects. Seasonal wetlands like Rawdat Umm Al-Thiyabah are the perfect places for it to find food while on migration. The bird uses these stopovers not only for food but also to regain energy for the long flight ahead. This makes such wetlands crucial for its survival.

Saudi Arabia As A Migratory Stopover

Saudi Arabia, because of its geographical location, plays a vital role in international migratory bird flyways. The Arabian Peninsula lies between Asia and Africa, two continents connected by important bird migration routes. For species like the pectoral sandpiper, reserves such as King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve provide safe resting areas on their long journey. This discovery confirms the global importance of Saudi ecosystems in protecting biodiversity.

The Scientific Documentation

The finding of the pectoral sandpiper was not just a casual observation. It was documented in a scientific paper published last week in "Check List," a peer-reviewed online journal of biodiversity data. According to the study, two adult pectoral sandpipers were seen on May 2, 2025, along the water’s edge at Rawdat Umm Al-Thiyabah. The researchers described the sighting as “rare and exceptional” for the region, underlining its scientific value.

The Role Of Rawdat Umm Al-Thiyabah

Rawdat Umm Al-Thiyabah is a seasonal wetland that becomes active with life during certain times of the year. It is particularly rich in biodiversity, especially bird species. Many migratory birds stop here to rest and feed during their journeys. The pectoral sandpiper’s arrival is a sign of how important such ecosystems are for supporting international bird populations.

International Recognition Of The Sighting

The rare discovery was not only noted in Saudi Arabia but also received international attention. The U.S. newspaper Herald Leader reported that spotting the pectoral sandpiper in the Kingdom is considered an “unusual occurrence” for the region. At the same time, it highlighted the environmental value of Saudi reserves, especially in helping scientists track and understand the global movement of migratory birds.

Contribution To Biodiversity Knowledge

Each rare sighting like this adds to global biodiversity records. It helps scientists map the paths that birds take, understand how migration routes are shifting, and study the impact of climate change on bird behavior. For Saudi Arabia, the documentation of this bird shows that its reserves are not only protecting local wildlife but also contributing to international scientific knowledge.

Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s Conservation Role

The discovery highlights the growing role of Saudi Arabia in wildlife conservation. Through the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve and other protected areas, the Kingdom is showing its commitment to preserving natural habitats. These reserves protect not only local species but also international migratory species that depend on Saudi ecosystems during their journeys.

The Global Migration Story

The journey of the pectoral sandpiper is an amazing story of survival and adaptation. From the frozen landscapes of the Arctic to the warm regions of South America, this small bird crosses thousands of kilometers each year. The fact that it was spotted in Saudi Arabia shows how interconnected the natural world is. A bird born in Alaska may stop in Riyadh before reaching South America, linking distant regions through migration routes.

Why The Discovery Matters

Documenting the pectoral sandpiper in Saudi Arabia is not just about adding another species to the list of birds in the region. It also provides valuable evidence that Saudi reserves are effective stopovers for global bird migration. It highlights the ecological richness of Saudi wetlands and the importance of protecting them for future generations.

This rare sighting could encourage more scientific studies, birdwatching activities, and conservation projects in Saudi Arabia. It also reminds people of the importance of protecting wetlands, reserves, and other habitats that support biodiversity. The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, by documenting this bird, has shown how important its work is in the global effort to safeguard migratory species.

The documentation of the pectoral sandpiper at Rawdat Umm Al-Thiyabah inside the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve is a historic first for Saudi reserves and only the third nationwide. The bird’s long migration from the Arctic to South America, with Saudi Arabia as a stopover, shows how vital the Kingdom’s ecosystems are for global biodiversity. This rare and exceptional sighting proves the scientific, environmental, and conservation value of Saudi reserves in supporting migratory birds and protecting nature’s delicate balance.

Rare bird sighting, Saudi nature reserve, Migratory bird route