Discover the Birds of Abu Dhabi
I arrived in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, for the IUCN World Conservation Congress, not for birding. But very quickly, I took out my binoculars, and wow… the city really hides incredible spots for birding. Over 7 days, I managed to see 69 species, including 44 lifers, and experienced moments that will stay with me forever.
For anyone planning birding in Abu Dhabi, I highly recommend checking out UAE Birding – Abu Dhabi Area. It’s an amazing resource for maps, directions, and timing for all the best sites.
Here are my 5 favorite birding spots in Abu Dhabi:
1️⃣ National Mangrove Park
A walk along the National Mangrove Park, between Dolphin Park and Eastern Mangroves Promenade. The city and mangroves blend into one!
An amazing spot for waders, especially at low tide.
I observed the Western Reef Heron (Egretta gularis), several waders, and even a Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) hunting over the mangroves.
💡 Tip: Go early in the morning with a scope if possible, especially at low tide.
2️⃣ Abu Dhabi City Golf Club
For me, the best morning of birding in Abu Dhabi. Ponds, shrubs, and more open areas.
I saw my first Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops), Black-winged Stilts (Himantopus himantopus), Southern Red Bishops (Euplectes orix), and for ducks, the Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca) is easily visible here. Also a very good spot for Indian Roller (Coracias benghalensis)!
💡 Tip: Morning light and cooler temperatures give the best chances to see everything active.
3️⃣ Heritage Park and the parks along the Corniche
The perfect spot for urban passerines.
I saw Masked Shrike (Lanius nubicus), Menetries’ Warbler (Sylvia mystacea), Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata), many Purple Sunbirds (Cinnyris asiaticus), and a good spot for Pale Crag Martin (Ptyonoprogne obsoleta).
💡 Tip: Walk through several small parks along the Corniche; each park offers surprises.
4️⃣ The Bay in front of Al Khaleej Al Arabi Park
The sunset here is magical. Terns, gulls, waders—all in the golden light.
I witnessed impressive gatherings of Caspian Terns (Hydroprogne caspia), Whiskered Terns (Chlidonias hybrida), Lesser Crested Terns (Thalasseus bengalensis), Gull-billed Terns (Gelochelidon nilotica), and Slender-billed Gulls (Chroicocephalus genei).
💡 Tip: Low tide and late afternoon = perfect moments for photos and observation.
5️⃣ Abu Dhabi–Al Kayt and Khor Maqta viewpoint
Hidden, not inviting at first glance, but a true treasure.
Greater Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) in the distance, a wide variety of waders, and the best place in the city to see Crested Lark (Galerida cristata).
💡 Tip: Bring a scope, go at low tide, and ideally have the sun at your back.
🔭 My Favorite Gear
I had the chance to test the ZEISS SFL 8×40 binoculars on this trip. Exceptional gear that took my birding to the next level.
I only had binoculars to move around and identify birds—no telescope—and honestly, it was a real game changer.
The quality is incredible, and the high definition allowed me to see all the identification features even in heat and humidity.
Truly amazing. I highly recommend trying them, as they completely changed my birding experience for this trip.
Conclusion
Abu Dhabi surprised me. Birds are everywhere if you know where to look, and each spot has its own atmosphere. Between lifers, flamingos, terns, and magical sunsets, it’s a city well worth visiting for birding.
For maps, access, and the most detailed information about Abu Dhabi birding, check out UAE Birding – Abu Dhabi Area— it’s a must-have for any birder visiting the city.
Alexandre Lajeunesse