رصد طائر «الصرد المُقنّع» عابر سماء الحدود الشمالية

The masked shrike (Lanius nubicus) has finally been spotted in the Northern Borders region, as part of seasonal observations that confirm the richness of the Kingdom's biodiversity and its importance as a stopover for migratory birds across the Arabian Peninsula.

This bird is known in Arabic by several names, including the masked shrike, the masked predator, and the Coptic shrike. It is considered one of the small migratory birds that attract attention due to its distinctive appearance, characterized by a white head with a black mark around the eyes extending to the ears, in addition to black wings adorned with elegant white spots.

The masked shrike feeds on insects and small invertebrates, and it may occasionally hunt small birds, taking advantage of its quick movements and sudden dives.

Its migratory route extends from Eastern Europe and Central Asia, passing through the Middle East - including the skies of the Kingdom - reaching the African continent where it spends the winter season.

Nasser Al-Majlad, the head of the Environmental Safety Association, explained that the sighting of this bird in the north of the Kingdom highlights the strategic importance of the Kingdom's location on the bird migration map, and its prominent role in embracing environmental diversity and providing rich natural habitats that support the continuation of these seasonal journeys.