Muscat – To mark the World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD), which is celebrated on May 14 each year, the Environment Authority announced that more than 400 migratory bird species have been registered in Oman.

A statement issued by the Environment Authority, said, ‘The number of bird species registered in Oman stands at 535, with migratory birds representing 80 per cent of recorded birds or more than 400 species, while 20 per cent are resident species that remain in the country throughout the year.’

The annual migration of birds begins with the onset of winter as birds migrate from the cold northern regions to the warmer regions in the south. The migration path of West Asia-East Africa is the main path of bird migration in the sultanate.

The Bar al Hakman Wetland Reserve in Al Wusta Governorate is one of the most prominent sites for migratory birds in Oman. The site is visited by more than half a million birds during the winter season.

Many birds threatened with extinction globally are found in the sultanate, such as Sociable lapwing, Egyptian vulture, Great knot, Golden eagle, Collared kingfisher, Lesser white-fronted goose and Socotra cormorant.

‘Globally, artificial light is increasing at least 2 percent per year and is known to negatively affect many bird species. Light pollution is a major threat to migratory birds, causing disorientation in flight at night, colliding with buildings, disturbing their internal clocks, or interfering with their ability to make long-distance migrations,’ it stated.