THE BIRDS OF THE DAHLAC ARCHIPELAGO

Abstract

SummaryThe Dahlac Archipelago, in the southern Red Sea, is described. Eighteen of its islands were visited by an expedition in August and September 1962, and 33 species, excluding migrants, were recorded. The distribution of these species between islands is summarized (Table 2), and observations are made on their habits, habitats, food, and liability to predation. Evidence of breeding is given for Sula leucogaster, Falco concolor, Larus hemprichi, L. leucopthalmus, Sterna bengalensis and Sauropatis Moris; breeding is also suggested for five further species.Particular attention is paid to Falco concolor, and existing knowledge of this species is summarized. Information is given about breeding biology, food, hunting methods, call and other habits, and the species is compared with F. eleonorae, from which it differs chiefly in the absence of colonial breeding.The breeding biology of Sula leucogaster is briefly discussed, and attention is paid to the differences between Larus leucopthalmus and L. hemprichi.