Movement Patterns of the Black Kite (Milvus migrans) During Spring Migration over Rift Valley/Red Sea Flyway, Gulf of Suez, Egypt

Saber Riad,Mahmoud Al-Mongy,El-Sayed Abdel-Halim

doi:10.21608/eajbsz.2019.65676

Abstract

The aim of this study to follow up on the spring migration of the black kite (Milvus migrans) before crossing from the west bank of the Gulf of Suez opposite the South Sinai region, Egypt. Daily observations were carried out over the period 22 February - 12 May 2019, where 7,004 individuals (968 records) of BK were recorded. Most BK flight direction observed (46% NW and 17% SE) had a reversed direction of spring migration, which need to soar to gain height, and then return over and around the study area at higher altitudes to be able to cross the water barrier easily. The observed behavior of black kites is regularly shown in the study area despite long-term irregular weather conditions during the Spring, most of BK 66% were recorded during the prevailing northwardly wind. whereas, more than 43% of BK were recorded in low wind speeds, representing about 43% of all records, while less than 3% of birds recorded in high wind speeds, representing less than 6% of records.

Highlights

Egypt occupies the northeastern part of the African continent (Riad, 2019), it is of critical importance for the bird migration as it is located on the only land bridge between the Eurasian and African landmasses that links breeding grounds in Europe and Asia with wintering areas in Africa (Bergen 2007; Bergen 2013; CarlBro 2010)
The Gulf of Suez area lies at the heart of the Rift Valley / Red Sea Flyway and at its narrowest points that include several bottlenecks, which are internationally recognized as Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs)
This study aims to expand the knowledge of the migratory pattern of the black kite (Melvus migrans) in the Eastern Mediterranean route, by observing this type of species when flying through the Gulf of Suez in the Gabel Al-Zeit area Which is considered as the bottleneck for migratory soaring birds on the Rift Valley Road / Red Sea

Summary

Introduction

Egypt occupies the northeastern part of the African continent (Riad, 2019), it is of critical importance for the bird migration as it is located on the only land bridge between the Eurasian and African landmasses that links breeding grounds in Europe and Asia with wintering areas in Africa (Bergen 2007; Bergen 2013; CarlBro 2010).The Gulf of Suez area lies at the heart of the Rift Valley / Red Sea Flyway and at its narrowest points that include several bottlenecks, which are internationally recognized as Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs). The Important Bird Areas of Egypt, (Baha El Din, 1999), where each year millions of birds belonging to almost 200 species migrate from their breeding grounds in Eurasia to sub-Saharan Africa, where they spend the winter, returning in the following spring (Moreau 1972). These migrants face very harsh conditions as they cross large areas of unfavorable habitats, such as deserts and open seas, without the possibility of feeding or drinking. Smaller ones, perform direct and active flights, selecting the most direct route between the breeding and the wintering grounds

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