The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MoECC) observed World Migratory Bird Day on October 10, underscoring its ongoing efforts to protect migratory bird species, their habitats, and migration pathways across Qatar. The ministry also called on the public, particularly birdwatching enthusiasts, to assist in monitoring bird populations and reporting sightings to enhance the national biodiversity database and support scientific research.

Qatar, situated along major Afro-Eurasian and Central Asian migratory routes, serves as a critical stopover and wintering ground for many birds traveling from Europe, northern Asia, Siberia, and Central Asia to their destinations in Africa and South Asia. The autumn migration season, which intensifies in September and October, brings a diverse array of species including warblers, flycatchers, wagtails, swallows, birds of prey, seabirds, and various land birds.

Notable species appearing early in the season include the blue-cheeked bee-eater (locally known as Al Saqraaqaq), golden oriole (Al Saffara), and European roller (Al Khudairi). While some birds rest temporarily in Qatar to regain energy, others remain throughout the winter months.

The ministry highlighted Qatar’s varied natural environments as vital to supporting these migratory birds. Al Thakhira Nature Reserve, with its mangroves, mudflats, and salt flats, provides essential habitats for species such as the osprey. Bin Ghanam Island and surrounding coastal areas are key sites for flamingos and other shorebirds. Additionally, Qatar’s northern coast offers important resting locations after birds cross the Arabian Gulf.

Tidal salt flats and mudflats are crucial feeding grounds for wading birds like sandpipers and plovers, supplying them with worms, mollusks, and crustaceans necessary to replenish energy before continuing migration.

The MoECC also emphasized adherence to the 2026 hunting regulations, which began on September 1 and will remain in effect until February 15, 2027. Ministerial Decision No 7 of 2026 outlines the permitted species and authorized hunting methods. The list includes hobaea bustards, coursers, ducks, blue rock thrushes, song thrushes, golden orioles, crested larks, desert wheatears, mourning wheatears, and northern wheatears. Hunting of any other wild animals, birds, or reptiles outside this list is prohibited.

Hunters are urged to comply strictly with the approved species, dates, and methods, avoid using electronic devices to imitate bird calls, and refrain from disturbing bird congregations or damaging natural habitats. The ministry’s initiatives reflect its commitment to balancing biodiversity conservation with regulated hunting practices during the migratory season.