Israel is home to many bird species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. From the majestic Bald Eagle to the colorful bee-eaters, Israel’s diverse bird population is a delight for birdwatchers of all levels.
With its varied climates, habitats, and geographical features, Israel is the perfect place to observe various bird species. We will explore the unique and interesting birds of Israel.
50 Birds Of Israel
Israel is a small country with a rich and diverse birdlife. Thanks to its location at the crossroads of three continents, Israel attracts many migratory birds and hosts resident species adapted to its varied habitats. From deserts to wetlands, from mountains to coasts, Israel offers a range of opportunities for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Here are 50 of Israel’s most interesting and beautiful birds.
1. Cranes
Cranes are majestic birds found on most continents except Antarctica and South America. They are in the Gruiformes group of birds and belong to the family Gruidae.
Cranes have long legs and long necks and stand out from other birds due to their impressive size.
When they fly, they do so with their necks outstretched rather than pulled back like many other similar-looking species like herons.
Fifteen species of cranes are divided into three genera: Antigone, Balearica, and Grus.
They are a sight to behold and will leave a lasting impression on anyone lucky to observe them in their natural habitat.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Superfamily | Gruoidea |
| Family | GruidaeVigors, 1825 |
2. Sandgrouse
Sandgrouse are birds of the order Pterocliformes, found mainly in Africa and Asia. Sixteen species belong to two genera – Syrrhaptes from central Asia and Pterocles from Africa and other Asian countries.
They inhabit treeless areas such as deserts, steppes, scrublands, or savannas and tend to be ground-dwelling birds that feed on seeds.
Sandgrouse have adapted special features for survival in their harsh environment.
They possess well-developed feet with four toes for walking over hot sand while keeping their body temperature cool by regulating heat loss through their legs.
Their feathers also act like a sponge, helping them absorb water before flying long distances back home, where they then expel it using specialized glandular secretions located near the wings so that chicks can drink directly from an adult’s breast plumage.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Columbimorphae |
| Order | Pterocliformes Huxley, 1868 |
| Family | Pteroclidae Bonaparte, 1831 |
3. Eurasian Griffon Vulture
The Eurasian griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) is an impressive Old World bird of prey. Its wingspan can reach up to 4.8 meters and is usually between 93 and 122 cm long.
Its body feathers are dark brown with lighter areas on its head, chest, and wings, while the underside of its tail and flight feathers are white.
This species feeds primarily on carrion but will also scavenge for food when necessary; they have been known to form large groups to increase their chances of finding a meal or being able to steal one from another group member.
The Griffon Vulture’s natural habitat ranges across Europe, Asia Minor, and North Africa into parts of India and some islands off the coast, such as Crete and Cyprus.
They nest fairly high up alone or in small colonies – often using old nests built by other birds like eagles or storks to save time.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Gyps |
| Species | G. fulvus |
4. Swifts
Swifts are small, aerial birds that belong to the Apodidae family. They look similar to swallows but aren’t related in any way.
Swifts have evolved differently from other passerines and instead share an order with hummingbirds – the Apodiformes.
The Hemiprocnidae also shares a close relationship with swifts, referred to as ‘treeswift’, due to their affinity for perching on trees rather than flying through the air like regular swifts do.
While these two species may appear quite similar at first glance, closer inspection will reveal vast differences between them which has come about over time via convergent evolution.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Apodidae Hartert, 1897 |
5. Bee-Eater
Bee-eaters are one of the most beautiful and vibrant birds in existence. They have a slender body, long wings, down-turned bills, and their signature elongated central tail feathers, which make them instantly recognizable from afar.
Their plumage is incredibly colorful, with shades ranging from blues to greens to reds that glisten when they fly through the air.
These stunning creatures can be found all over Africa, Asia, Southern Europe, Australia, and New Guinea, where they feed mainly on bees but also other insects like flies or wasps and small mammals such as lizards or rodents.
Bee-eaters live in colonies near rivers or wetlands, so they may easily hunt for food while staying close together for safety.
It also allows them to display their impressive courtship dances during mating season.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Meropidae Rafinesque, 1815 |
6. Hoopoes
Hoopoes are a fascinating species of bird found across Africa, Asia, and Europe. They have beautiful plumage with unique ‘crowns’ of feathers on their heads.
Three living and one extinct species exist – although, for some time, they were all classed as the same: Upupa epops. Some taxonomists still believe this to be true.
These birds are often associated with royalty due to the impressive crown-like crest atop their head, adding an extra element of mystery and exoticism to these creatures.
Hoopoes can also produce loud calls that sound like “hoo-poo,” which is why they’ve been given such an apt name.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Bucerotiformes |
| Family | Upupidae Leach, 1820 |
| Genus | Upupa Linnaeus, 1758 |
7. Black Kite
The black kite is one of the most abundant species of diurnal birds of prey in the world, with a global population estimated to be up to 6 million individuals.
It belongs to the family Accipitridae and has medium-sized body size. The wingspan can range from 150 cm – 180cm wide.
They have dark brown feathers on their back, light brown or grey underparts, and long forked tails that help them maneuver through.
Its environment includes hunting for food like insects, small mammals, reptiles, etc., and scavenging opportunities when available.
Black Kites are found across several continents, including Europe, Africa, Asia Minor & Australia, where they breed during spring in nests made among trees near wetlands or riversides;
migratory populations move southward away from winter cold temperatures as far east as India & Japan before returning home again next season.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Milvus |
| Species | M. migrans |
8. Bustard
Bustards are large, terrestrial birds that inhabit dry grassland areas and the steppes of the Old World. They are 40-150 cm long and belong to the family Otididae.
Bustards have an omnivorous diet consisting of leaves, buds, seeds, and fruit, as well as small vertebrates and invertebrates.
These birds usually live a solitary life but can be seen gathering around water sources or food during certain times of the year, such as mating season.
Due to their large size, they are vulnerable to predation by foxes or other animals, so they always remain alert.
When in open spaces, rely on camouflage for protection against predators when out in tall vegetation coverings.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Otidimorphae |
| Order | Otidiformes Wagler, 1830 |
| Family | Otididae Rafinesque, 1815 |
9. Desert Owl
The Desert Owl, also known as Hume’s owl or the Desert Tawny Owl, is a typical owl in the Strigidae family. It shares many features with its more widespread cousin -the Tawny Owl- and another range-restricted bird called Omani owl.
The only place where it breeds is Israel; however, some individuals have been sighted in other areas nearby, too.
This nocturnal creature has characteristic round facial discs that help it focus sound to locate its prey and large eyes that allow excellent night vision while hunting at dark hours.
An interesting fact about this species is how they use their wings to generate an intimidating noise by clapping them together during display flights while calling out loud like most other owls do when defending territories or courting mates
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Strix |
| Species | S. hadorami |
10. Long-Legged Buzzard
The Long-legged Buzzard is a large bird of prey found in many parts of Eurasia and North Africa.
Its long legs allow it to wade through shallow water or even snow when hunting for food.
The diet mainly consists of small mammals such as voles and includes amphibians, reptiles, and insects.
They are powerful birds that can easily fly up high into the sky due to their wide wingspan.
This species is often seen soaring on thermals or hovering over open areas, looking for potential meals below them.
With their spectacular eyesight, they can spot prey from great distances before swooping at incredible speeds to capture their meal.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | B. rufinus |
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11. Frigatebird
Frigatebirds are a beautiful and mysterious family of seabirds in tropical and subtropical oceans. The five extant species have glossy black plumage, long forked tails, and lengthy hooked bills.
During the breeding season, males display a bright red gular pouch, which they inflate to attract mates. Females have white underbellies year-round, giving them an elegant contrast against their darker feathers.
They spend most of their lives soaring with minimal effort over warm ocean waters, seeking food such as fish or squid taken from the surface or plucked out of midair by other birds.
Frigatebirds often nest on isolated islands due to lack of predators yet still manage to travel incredibly large distances between feeding grounds every day making them truly remarkable creatures.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Fregatidae Degland & Gerbe, 1867 |
| Genus | Fregata Lacépède, 1799 |
12. Lesser Spotted Eagle
The Lesser Spotted Eagle is a large Eastern European prey bird belonging to the Accipitridae family. It has a slender body shape, with males averaging around 3kg in weight and females weighing up to 4kg.
Its wingspan can reach up to 180 cm, making it one of Europe’s largest birds of prey. It has a distinctive dark brown upper plumage, pale beige underparts, and yellow legs with black ‘tiger’ stripes running along them.
The head is covered with white feathers, while its eyes are yellowish-brown or orangey-red colored, depending on age.
They feed mainly on small mammals such as voles but also take other smaller animals like reptiles or amphibians if nearby.
In recent years, their population numbers have declined due to habitat loss caused by human activities thus, conservation measures for this species must be taken into account so as not only to preserve these majestic creatures but also protect our environment at the same time
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Clanga |
| Species | C. pomarina |
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13. Eastern Imperial Eagle
The Eastern Imperial Eagle is a majestic bird of prey with striking features and sharp eyesight.
It breeds in southeastern Europe and throughout West and Central Asia before migrating south to winter in Africa, the Middle East, or South/East Asia.
This eagle belongs to the Accipitridae family – known for their well-feathered legs – allowing them great agility when hunting their prey, which includes rabbits, hares, and small mammals, among other birds.
They have brown wings bordered by white feathers, which gives them an elegant appearance that stands out from their environment.
In recent years, there has been some concern about declining numbers due to habitat loss or illegal poaching; however, conservation efforts are underway to ensure this beautiful species continues into future generations.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Aquila |
| Species | A. heliaca |
14. Stork
Storks are majestic birds, easily recognizable by their long necks and legs. They belong to the family Ciconiidae, making up the order Ciconiiformes.
Storks inhabit many areas worldwide but prefer drier habitats than other wading birds like herons or ibises, which have been moved to separate orders.
Despite being large, they can be graceful in flight and hunting for food, such as insects, small mammals, and reptiles near shallow waters.
During nesting season, stork pairs build nests on high trees or platforms made of sticks and twigs where they lay eggs that hatch after about a month of incubation by both parents sitting on them warmly until hatching day.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Aequornithes |
| Order | Ciconiiformes Bonaparte, 1854[1] |
| Family | Ciconiidae J. E. Gray, 1840[1] |
15. Skuas
Skuas are a group of predatory seabirds with seven species belonging to the genus Stercorarius.
They are also known as “Jaegers” in North America, and their name originates from the Faroese word for Great Skua – skúgvur.
These birds typically inhabit coastal areas or open oceans where they feed on fish, krill, and other marine creatures.
Skuas can be distinguished by their pointed wings, which help them fly long distances while hunting food.
Their distinctive coloration varies depending on age and habitat but generally includes greyish brown upperparts and white underparts with black streaks along their belly area.
The overall size ranges from 24-40 cm, making this one of the larger seabird species.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Suborder | Lari |
| Family | Stercorariidae Gray, 1871 |
| Genus | Stercorarius Brisson, 1760 |
16. Eurasian Penduline Tit
The Eurasian penduline tit is a passerine bird of the genus Remiz which can be found widely across the western Palearctic.
It migrates to more northern parts in summer while staying in its southern range during winter.
This species experienced an expansion of its breeding grounds throughout Western Europe between the 1980s and 1990s, thus increasing its population significantly.
The Penduline Tit has various striking features, like bright yellow underparts with black streaks on the sides.
Greyish-brown upper part with a white underside and pale eye line along head sides and a distinctive tail nest made from fibers and mosses hanging from trees or shrubs like a pendulum, hence their name ‘Penduline.’
These birds feed mainly on insects but also eat some seeds, especially sunflower seeds, making them popular garden visitors for many people.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Remizidae |
| Genus | Remiz |
| Species | R. pendulinus |
17. Great White Pelican
The Great White Pelican is a large bird from the Pelican family that breeds in southeastern Europe, Asia, and Africa. It inhabits shallow lakes and swamps where it can be seen foraging for food with its long bill.
These majestic birds have white feathers on their body, black wings, and tail feathers, along with an orange-colored pouch under their bill.
They are also known to form flocks of up to thousands of individuals when they migrate or gather at breeding sites in search of fish.
The IUCN Red List classifies them as a species of least concern due to stable populations across many regions worldwide.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Genus | Pelecanus |
| Species | P. onocrotalus |
18. Black Stork
The Black Stork is a majestic bird with glossy black feathers and long red legs. Its wingspan ranges from 57 to 61 inches, while it measures an average of 37 to 39 inches tall from beak tip to tail end.
The white underparts contrast perfectly against the dark plumage and are complimented by the vivid red beak.
First described in 1758 by Carl Linnaeus in his “Systema Naturae,” this species has become popular among bird watchers and naturalists alike for its beauty and gracefulness when flying through the sky.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Ciconiiformes |
| Family | Ciconiidae |
| Genus | Ciconia |
| Species | C. nigra |
19. Cormorants
Cormorants are a family of aquatic birds found around the world. They include 40 species, such as great cormorants and common shags.
In Britain, these two species are the most commonly seen in their natural habitats.
Cormorants have long necks and webbed feet and can be identified by their glossy black feathers, which they use to help them easily swim through water as they hunt for food like fish or crustaceans.
They have an impressive wingspan, often reaching up to five feet across when fully extended.
Despite being strong swimmers, these birds also enjoy spending time perched on rocks near rivers or shorelines, where they will preen themselves to keep clean and dry during cooler weather conditions
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae Reichenbach, 1850 |
20. White Stork
The White Stork is a majestic bird found in Europe, with white plumage and black wings. It has long, slender legs and beaks that are usually bright red.
The average adult stands around 100 – 115 cm tall from beak to tail tip, while its wing span can reach up to 155-215 cm wide. There are two subspecies of the White Stork, which differ slightly in size.
They feed on small animals such as frogs, fish, or insects and nest near human dwellings due to the abundance of food available; they also build nests atop chimneys or roofs when given the chance.
These birds have been revered for centuries as symbols of fertility because their return each spring often coincides with an increase in births among humans living nearby – something superstitious people take great note of.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Ciconiiformes |
| Family | Ciconiidae |
| Genus | Ciconia |
| Species | C. ciconia |
21. Phasianidae
The Phasianidae family of birds contains many popular gamebirds, with 185 species divided across 54 genera.
These heavy ground-living birds include pheasants, partridges, junglefowl, chickens, and turkeys, among others like Old World quail and peafowl.
This large family was formerly split into two subfamilies known as the Phasianinae and Perdicinae, but this classification has since been changed to reflect more current scientific findings on them.
All these different types of birds have certain things in common, such as their strong legs for scratching through leaves or soil looking for food items, including insects, seeds, and other vegetation, which makes up most of their diet.
They also all tend to be quite colorful to attract mates during the breeding season, when males often display vibrant feathers or dance around females to attempt courtship ritual displays.
The majority are monogamous creatures, too, although some may form short-term pair bonds before going off alone again once mating has taken place – either way.
There tends to be very little parental care given by adults after eggs have hatched, so chicks need to fend for themselves immediately.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Superfamily | Phasianoidea |
| Family | Phasianidae Horsfield, 1821 |
22. Bonelli’s Eagle
Bonelli’s eagle is a majestic bird of prey named after the Italian ornithologist and collector Franco Andrea Bonelli. It can be found in parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia, inhabiting wooded hillsides or open mountain ranges.
The species has an impressive wingspan that reaches up to 6 feet across. They use their sharp talons to catch small animals, such as lizards and rabbits, which they hunt from high above the ground.
With its distinctive crestless head, streaked chestnut feathers on its back and white underparts this stunning raptor makes for quite a sight when soaring through the sky.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Aquila |
| Species | A. fasciata |
23. Cuckoos
Cuckoos are fascinating birds belonging to the Cuculidae family, the only taxon in Cuculiformes.
This family has many different species, such as common or European cuckoo, roadrunners, koels, malkohas, couas, and anis.
Some species may even be identified as separate families – Centropodidae and Crotophagidae.
These birds have been known for their unique features, such as loud calls heard consistently during certain times of day and night.
They also exhibit behavior like brood parasitism, where they lay eggs in other nests so that their chicks can get more food from host parents than their own.
All these traits make them one-of-a-kind creatures worth admiring.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Otidimorphae |
| Order | Cuculiformes Wagler, 1830 |
| Family | Cuculidae Leach, 1820 |
24. Northern Storm Petrels
Northern storm petrels are one of the smallest seabirds, inhabiting oceans worldwide.
They can hover over water and pick planktonic crustaceans and small fish from the surface.
Northern storm petrels belong to the genus Hydrobates in the family Hydrobatidae, part of the Procellariiformes order.
This species was once lumped with austral storm petrel, but recent studies show that they weren’t closely related, leading to them being split into two distinct species.
These birds can be identified by their dark grey upperparts and wings and white underparts when seen from afar while feeding on the ocean’s surface.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Hydrobatidae Mathews, 1912 |
| Genus | Hydrobates F. Boie, 1822 |
25. Procellariidae
Procellariidae is a diverse family of seabirds belonging to the bird order Procellariiformes.
These birds are called tubenoses and include fulmarine petrels, gadfly petrels, diving petrels, prions, and shearwaters.
They range in size from the small storm petrel, which measures around 18cm long, to the giant albatross, which can reach up to 3 meters long.
Depending on the species, they are generally found near oceans or coasts where they feed on fish, squid, and other marine life.
Many procellariids will also nest inland during the breeding season before returning out to sea for most of their lives.
Their wings have specially adapted feathers that give them incredible gliding abilities, allowing them fly with minimal effort over vast distances across oceanic regions
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae Leach, 1820 |
26. Nightjars
Nightjars are fascinating nocturnal or crepuscular birds belonging to the Caprimulgidae family. These medium-sized birds have long wings, short legs, and small bills.
They can be found across many parts of the world in forests, grasslands, and scrubland habitats.
Nightjars feed on insects such as moths, beetles, crickets, and cicadas, which they catch with their sharp eyesight during nighttime flights over open fields when hunting for food.
Their scientific name, ‘Caprimulgidae,’ is derived from an old folktale that claims these birds suck milk from goats.
In reality, though, they are harmless creatures who pose no threat to livestock whatsoever.
Nightjars make various calls throughout the night, ranging from whistles to chirps – adding further mystery to this amazing species.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes Ridgway, 1881 |
| Family | Caprimulgidae Vigors, 1825 |
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27. Grebes
Grebes are a type of diving bird found in freshwater habitats worldwide. They belong to the order Podicipediformes and have 22 species across six genera.
Some species can also be found in marine environments during their migration or winter season, and some even live flightless lives on stable lakes.
Grebes vary greatly between regions; for example, they range from 4-32 inches long with anywhere from 8-30 ounces of weight, depending on the species.
Their plumage may be black, browns/grays or whites but usually consist of bright colors such as yellows, blues and greens while underwater they use these feathers to help them streamline through the water quickly.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Neoaves |
| Clade | Mirandornithes |
| Order | Podicipediformes Fürbringer, 1888 |
| Family | Podicipedidae Bonaparte, 1831 |
28. Eurasian Hoopoe
The Eurasian hoopoe is a unique and stunning bird. Its cinnamon-colored body contrasts sharply with its black-and-white wings, while the tall erectile crest gives it an even more distinctive appearance.
It also has a broad white band and a long, narrow, downcurved beak across its black tail. When you hear this species of birds call, it’s typically “oop-oop-oop”, very soft yet unmistakable in tone.
This beautiful creature can be found throughout Europe, Asia, and northern Africa, where they mainly migrate for cooler climates during winter months.
The Eurasian hoopoe is one of nature’s most majestic creations – from their vibrant plumage to their mellow calls – making them unforgettable creatures that will never cease to amaze us all.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Bucerotiformes |
| Family | Upupidae |
| Genus | Upupa |
| Species | U. epops |
29. Egyptian Vulture
The Egyptian Vulture is a small Old World vulture known for its distinctive wedge-shaped tail and contrasting underwing pattern.
It has been found from the Iberian Peninsula through North Africa to India, making it one of the most widespread birds in that area.
This species eats mostly carrion but will also feed on eggs and small prey if they can find them. Its diet consists mainly of lizards, insects, other invertebrates, and fruit like figs, grapes, or mulberries when available.
The Egyptian Vulture plays an important role in ecosystems by helping to clean up carcasses that could otherwise spread disease or attract predators such as jackals into human settlements.
They are considered vulnerable due to threats including habitat destruction, electrocution from power lines, and accidental poisoning – all factors contributing towards their decline in numbers across their range
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Neophron Savigny, 1809 |
| Species | N. percnopterus |
30. Nubian Nightjar
The Nubian nightjar is found in East Africa and the Middle East. With its large eyes, beak, and wingspan of 20-22 cm, it stands out among other regional birds.
At night, this bird can often be seen flying close to the ground with its acute vision as it hunts for insects.
It has elegant grey, brown, and white plumage, which helps camouflage it during daylight hours when roosting on tree branches or lying flat against rocks or barren soil.
Furthermore, due to their nocturnal nature, they are quite hard to spot even when active, so if you want to catch a glimpse of one, make sure you’re up early at sunrise.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | C. nubicus |
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31. Shorebirds
Shorebirds, a diverse group of birds in the Charadriiformes order, are found near water on every continent except Antarctica.
These small to medium-sized birds feed mainly on invertebrates and other small animals but can also be pelagic seabirds or inhabit deserts.
Shorebirds use their long bills to probe mudflats for food like worms and mollusks, while some species plunge into the ocean’s depths in search of crustaceans such as crabs and shrimp.
They have strong legs equipped with webbed feet, which allow them to move quickly when searching for prey across wetlands, sandbars, beaches, and swamps.
Their feathers make them well adapted to life by land or sea due to its hydrophobic nature which helps reduce drag during swimming or flying through windy conditions making it easier for shorebirds survive tough environments around the world.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Infraclass | Neognathae |
| Clade | Neoaves |
| Clade | Gruimorphae |
| Order | Charadriiformes Huxley, 1867 |
32. Threskiornithidae
Threskiornithidae is a family of large wading birds which includes 36 species. These birds are traditionally divided into two subfamilies – the ibises and the spoonbills.
However, recent genetic analysis has shown that spoonbills belong to the Old World ibis group, while New World ibises form an early offshoot from this lineage.
Threskiornithidse members have long curved beaks with serrated edges used for catching fish in shallow water or mudflats and other aquatic invertebrates like crustaceans and mollusks.
They also feed on plant matter, such as grains and seeds found close to wetlands areas where they live.
This diverse diet makes them important scavengers in their ecosystems, helping maintain healthy native wildlife populations by controlling insect numbers and dispersing energy-rich seeds throughout wetland habitats.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Suborder | Ardei |
| Family | Threskiornithidae Richmond, 1917 |
33. Crab-Plover
The crab-plover is an exceptional bird belonging to its family, Dromadidae. It appears closely related to the waders and other Charadriiformes, such as auks, gulls, and thick-knees.
This bird species has a unique look: white with black markings on its head and wings. Its long bill helps them dig for food in sand or mudflats.
They can also fly up into the air when disturbed by predators or people too close for comfort.
The crab plover spends most of its life near beaches, feeding on crabs, fish eggs, and small insects.
These birds are highly social during the breeding season but solitary at other times throughout their annual cycle, making them difficult creatures to spot in the wild but well worth trying.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Suborder | Lari |
| Family | Dromadidae GR Gray, 1840 |
| Genus | Dromas Paykull, 1805 |
| Species | D. ardeola |
34. Sociable Lapwing
The Sociable Lapwing is an impressive wading bird of the plover family. It breeds in Kazakhstan and migrates to spend its winter months in areas such as the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Sudan.
Historically known as Black-bellied lapwing due to its black lower body feathers that contrast with white upper parts, it has a unique social behavior which earned it the name ‘Sociable’.
This species often gathers together in large flocks during migration but also forms smaller groups while breeding or searching for food.
The male’s courtship display involves making loud calls from high places like rocks before diving down onto his chosen mate.
These birds are protected under international law since they have been hunted almost to extinction for their meat and feathers over the past centuries.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Vanellus |
| Species | V. gregarius |
35. Stone-Curlew
Stone-curlews, also known as dikkops or thick-knees, are a family of birds that have adapted to live in tropical and temperate regions worldwide.
They can be found in Africa, Asia, and Australia, with two or more species per region. Despite being classified as waders, most prefer dry, arid habitats over moist wetlands.
Stone curlews typically have long legs, which help them navigate through their preferred terrain efficiently; some species even stand at impressive heights when standing on those long legs.
Additionally, they feature cryptic plumage, which helps them blend into their surroundings while hunting for prey such as insects and small mammals like rodents.
These unique birds’ calls are easily recognizable; it has been said that hearing one is similar to listening to someone whistling ‘Keee We.’
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Suborder | Chionidi |
| Family | Burhinidae Mathews, 1912 |
36. Shrike
Shrikes are small passerine birds of the family Laniidae, with 34 species in four genera. They get their name from the Old English word “scrīc,” which refers to their shriek-like call.
These birds have earned the nickname ‘butcherbirds’ due to their feeding habits; they impale prey on thorns or barbed wire fences for later consumption.
Shrikes also tend to be aggressive predators and hunt various animals, such as insects, small reptiles, rodents, and even smaller bird species.
In terms of physical appearance, these songbirds can vary greatly depending on the specific genus. They usually boast a large hooked bill atop an impressive crest and bright colors like gray, black, or brownish hues across their feathers.
It’s clear shrike is quite remarkable creature that has gained notoriety for both hunting prowess and distinctive vocalizations.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Corvoidea |
| Family | Laniidae Rafinesque, 1815 |
37. Falcons And Caracaras
Falcons and caracaras are birds of prey that belong to the family Falconidae. They have impressive sharp talons, hooked beaks, and keen eyesight, which makes them excellent hunters.
Falcons can reach up to 200 miles per hour when diving for their prey, while caracaras use running and flying to hunt small mammals such as rabbits or rats.
Both falcons and caracaras live in various areas worldwide, from grasslands, deserts, forests, wetlands, or even urban areas, where they nest on cliffs or tall buildings.
The diet mainly consists of insects but also includes larger animals like reptiles or other birds, which they catch by surprise with fast dives out of the sky.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae Leach, 1820 |
38. Lappet-Faced Vulture
The Lappet-faced Vulture is a large bird of prey in the Accipitriformes order. It has an unmistakable look, with its bare head and neck, white body, and brown wings.
This species is native to Africa and can be found in dry areas such as deserts or semi-deserts. They feed mainly on carrion but also eat small animals like lizards or rodents if needed.
Their strong bill helps them tear through tough hides while their long legs help them find food easier by allowing them to walk around looking for it instead of relying solely on soaring high up into the sky like other vultures do to locate carcasses from afar.
The Lappet-faced Vulture is crucial in cleaning up carcasses that otherwise would spread diseases quickly throughout African ecosystems.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Torgos Kaup, 1828 |
| Species | T. tracheliotos |
39. Sooty Falcon
The Sooty Falcon is a medium-sized bird of prey found in the arid regions of northeastern Africa and the southern Persian Gulf region. The name comes from its dark soot colored plumage, which provides camouflage while hunting.
It belongs to the order Falconiformes, family Falconidae and genus Falco. This species is known for its strong flight capabilities; they often soar high, looking for food sources, such as small birds or rodents on the ground below them.
They also have sharp talons and powerful beaks to capture their prey easily.
These raptors are an important part of local ecosystems by controlling rodent populations and providing people with opportunities for falconry sport (hunting).
In addition, due to their attractive coloring, they are popular amongst birdwatchers who appreciate these majestic creatures when seen in nature.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae |
| Genus | Falco |
| Species | F. concolor |
40. Painted-Snipe
Painted snipes are beautiful and unique wading birds found in the Rostratulidae family. They have short legs, long bills, and a striking plumage, distinguishing them from true snipes.
Males tend to be smaller than females, with duller overall coloration. There are three species of painted snipe.
The Greater Painted Snipe, Lesser Painted Snipe, and Australian Painted Snipe all have different habitats ranging from wetland pools to grasslands or mangroves, depending on their region.
These birds feed mainly on earthworms but consume insects, crustaceans, and plant material when available.
As they rely heavily on wetlands for breeding purposes, we must protect these precious habitats so that this special bird can continue to thrive.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Suborder | Thinocori |
| Family | Rostratulidae Coues, 1888 |
41. Sulids
Sulids are a medium-large family of coastal seabirds that includes both gannets and boobies. They hunt by diving into the water to catch their prey, such as fish, squid, or crustaceans.
These birds have long wings, which they use to soar gracefully while searching for food. Sulids also possess webbed feet and strong beaks designed to snatch prey from below the sea’s surface.
Members of this family vary in size; some species can grow over 3ft tall with a wingspan reaching 5 ft. The ten different species all belong either to Sula (boobies) or Morus (gannets).
It’s easy to tell them apart due to differences in coloration, behavior, and DNA sequences between each type.
In summary, sulids are impressive hunters who plunge dive after food at sea but still manage to remain graceful aviators despite their large size.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Sulidae Reichenbach, 1849 |
42. Stilts And Avocets
Stilts and avocets are two distinct birds belonging to the Recurvirostridae family. They range in length from 30-46 cm (12-18 inches) and weigh between 140 – 435 g (4.9 – 15.3 ounces).
Males usually have slightly larger bodies than females, with long, thin legs, necks, and bills.
Avocet bills curve upwards uniquely, while stilt beaks remain straight most times.
These wading birds live mainly near shorelines or wetlands where they feed on aquatic invertebrates like brine shrimp, insects, etc. occasionally supplementing their diet with seeds or small fish.
Stilts also inhabit open fields searching for food sources, such as earthworms or grasshoppers during the non-breeding season.
Both groups migrate over large distances for warmer weather when it gets cold outside.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Suborder | Charadrii |
| Family | Recurvirostridae Bonaparte, 1854 |
43. Glareolidae
Glareolidae is a family of wading birds of four genera and 17 species. They are distinguished from other charadrii by their long bills, which have a slight downward curve.
Glareolidae live around open grasslands and deserts, where they hunt for insects using the bill to probe into soil or vegetation.
Most species are found in Africa, but two pratincoles inhabit parts of Europe and Asia.
Coursers tend to be larger than pratincoles with longer legs, allowing them to run quickly across sandy dunes while feeding on small animals like lizards or spiders.
Pratincoles feed mainly on flying insects, snatching them out of midair with great agility during flight.
All glareolids share unique features such as large eyes that help it spot prey at night easily making this group one interesting bird family.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Suborder | Lari |
| Family | Glareolidae CL Brehm, 1831 |
44. Old World Orioles
Old World orioles are a family of passerine birds found in the Old World. It comprises four genera: piopios, figbirds, pitohuis, and the original genus Oriolus.
The African black-headed species have sometimes been removed from this latter group due to their distinct characteristics and other proposed splits for Oriolus.
These colorful birds can be identified by their bright yellow or orange plumage, often featuring darker markings on wings and head areas. However, some species may also display a blue hue or stripes across the body feathers.
They typically feed on insects such as caterpillars and grasshoppers but will supplement with small fruits when available, making them beneficial additions to gardens.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Orioloidea |
| Family | Oriolidae Vigors, 1825 |
45. Austral Storm Petrels
Austral Storm Petrels are the smallest seabirds, belonging to the family Oceanitidae and order Procellariiformes.
They have a cosmopolitan distribution across all oceans, with their flight being fluttering and sometimes bat-like in appearance.
These birds feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish that they pick from the surface while hovering over it.
Their plumage is mostly dark grey or blackish brown above; underparts may be white or mottled gray.
The feet vary between species but usually have pale yellow webs and claws, which help them move easily through water when searching for food.
Austral storm petrels often make nests on remote islands where these birds can breed safely during their nesting season without human disturbances.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Oceanitidae Forbes, 1881 |
46. White-Spectacled Bulbul
The White-spectacled Bulbul is a bird of the bulbul family. It can be found in fruit plantations, gardens, and cities across Israel, Lebanon, and Turkey – especially along coastal Mediterranean areas.
At 20-25cm long with a wingspan to match, it has white spectacles around its eyes, which gives this species its distinctive name.
The most common member within its family in Israel and Lebanon, they are also very adaptable birds who have even been spotted living in urban environments such as towns or cities.
These social creatures love being part of noisy flocks where they eat fruit, insects, or small lizards while singing their beautiful melodies all day.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Pycnonotidae |
| Genus | Pycnonotus |
| Species | P. xanthopygos |
Also Featured In: Endemic Sri Lanka Birds,
47. Asian Green Bee-Eater
The Asian green bee-eater is a near-passerine bird in the bee-eater family. It’s native to parts of Asia, stretching from Iran to Vietnam.
These birds are resident but tend to migrate seasonally and can also be found in Africa and Arabia.
They have bright green feathers on their upper parts with yellowish underparts, making them easy to spot when flying around, looking for insects like bees, wasps, and dragonflies.
They usually nest in burrows dug into sandy ground or riverbanks, laying up to five eggs at once.
The Asian green bee-eater is an exciting species that has been popular among ornithologists since its discovery hundreds of years ago.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Meropidae |
| Genus | Merops |
| Species | M. orientalis |
48. Palestine Sunbird
The Palestine Sunbird is a small passerine bird of the sunbird family, found in parts of the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa.
With its distinctive orange tuft and bright plumage, it has become recognized as an important national symbol for the Palestinian Authority.
It feeds on nectar from flowers or insects such as flies and beetles caught while flying in low shrubbery.
Due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and other human activities that have taken away their natural habitat over time, these birds are considered vulnerable species by the IUCN Red List.
Conservation efforts must be increased to protect this beautiful creature from further destruction so future generations may still enjoy it.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Nectariniidae |
| Genus | Cinnyris |
| Species | C. osea |
49. Barn Owl
Barn owls are a beautiful and fascinating species of bird found around the world, except for polar and desert regions, most of Indonesia, and some of the Pacific Islands.
They have large eyes, thin legs, and long wings that help them to hunt silently in low-light conditions.
Their white coloring helps them blend into their surroundings, making it easier for them to catch prey.
Barn owls are nocturnal hunters using their impressive hearing capabilities to locate rodents moving within vegetation or underground tunnels.
They also feed on insects such as beetles, moths etc., which they can detect from high up in flight using their excellent vision even at night.
The barn owl plays an important role in balancing ecosystems by controlling rodent populations, which is why they should be protected wherever possible so that this vital service continues uninterruptedly.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Tytonidae |
| Genus | Tyto |
| Species | T. alba |
50. Common Kingfisher
The Common Kingfisher is a small, sparrow-sized bird that can be found across Eurasia and North Africa. It has the typical short tail and large head of kingfishers, with seven different subspecies recognized in its range.
They are mainly resident birds but will migrate away during winter when rivers freeze over. The species usually live near bodies of water such as streams or lakes.
They hunt for fish by diving from above into the water after spotting their prey below them.
These brightly colored birds have an unmistakable vibrant blue plumage, orange underparts, and white patches on their wings, making them easy to recognize amongst other similar-looking species.
Their call is loud and shrill, making it one of the most recognizable sounds heard around European wetlands.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Subfamily | Alcedininae |
| Genus | Alcedo |
| Species | A. atthis |
Conclusion
The diverse avian species in Israel represent a rich tapestry of biodiversity, ranging from native residents to migratory visitors. This list of 50 birds highlights the abundance and variety of birdlife in the country’s diverse habitats, including forests, wetlands, deserts, and urban areas.
The presence of these birds not only adds to Israel’s natural beauty but also plays crucial roles in ecosystem functioning, such as pollination, seed dispersal, and insect control.
Conservation efforts to preserve these avian populations and their habitats are essential to ensuring the continued existence and well-being of these birds and their ecosystems.