of Breeding Birds in Jordan

القائمة الحمراء للطيور المعششة في الأردن

The publication of “The Red-list of Breeding Birds in Jordan 2026” by Jordan BirdWatch is a practical and foundational step forward for local wildlife conservation. By applying the standard IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria to a national level, this book provides a clearer, updated picture of the specific challenges facing birds that nest within the country’s borders.

The breeding populations of 168 bird species were assessed in Jordan. The best estimate of the proportion of Jordan’s threatened breeding bird species is 47.5%. This means that the risk of extinction for breeding bird populations in Jordan is high and requires urgent action.

Raptors are among the most imperiled because of persistent persecution, poisoning, disturbance, and the destruction of nesting sites, as well as habitat degradation that reduces prey availability.

Wetland-dependent breeding species are also highly vulnerable, particularly those reliant on marshes, reedbeds, and other well-vegetated aquatic habitats. Woodland and shrubland species in western Jordan are also among the most threatened, as their habitats are diminishing rapidly.

Illegal hunting continues to exert strong pressure on bustards, partridges, sandgrouse, and other game species, several of which are threatened or regionally extinct as breeders.

The highest concentrations of threatened and regionally extinct species in Jordan are in the western region, specifically within the Northern Rift Margins, Dead Sea Rift Margins, Southern Rift Margins, and Jordan Valley. Despite supporting high biodiversity, these areas are ecologically sensitive due to their complex mix of Mediterranean-type woodlands, shrublands, and cliffs. In contrast, the extensive deserts of central, eastern, and parts of southern Jordan generally experience lower threat intensity.

إن إصدار كتاب “القائمة الحمراء للطيور المعششة في الأردن 2026” من قِبل الجمعية الاردنية لمراقبة الطيور يُعد خطوة عملية وتأسيسية لحماية الحياة البرية الوطنية. فمن خلال تطبيق فئات ومعايير القائمة الحمراء للاتحاد الدولي لحفظ الطبيعة (IUCN) على المستوى الوطني، يقدم هذا الكتاب صورة أوضح وأكثر حداثة للتحديات التي تواجهها الطيور المعششة ضمن حدود الأردن.

تم تقييم 168 نوعًا من الطيور المُتكاثرة في الأردن. وتشير التقديرات إلى أن نسبة أنواع الطيور المُتكاثرة المُهددة في الأردن تبلغ 47.5% وهذا يعني أن خطر انقراض الطيور المُتكاثرة في الأردن مرتفع، ويتطلب اتخاذ إجراءات عاجلة.

تُعدّ الطيور الجارحة من بين أكثر الأنواع المُهددة بالانقراض بسبب الاضطهاد المُستمر، والتسمم، والإزعاج، وتدمير مواقع التعشيش، فضلًا عن تدهور الموائل الذي يُقلل من توافر الفرائس.

Syrian serin (serinus syriacus), a threatened bird in Jordan - photo © Ray Galea — Syrian serin (serinus syriacus), a threatened bird in Jordan – photo © Ray Galea

English name: Syrian Serin

Scientific name: Serinus syriacus

The Syrian Serin, a small passerine bird belonging to the finch family, is endemic to parts of the Levant, namely in southwestern Jordan, Syria and Lebanon. It breeds in semi-arid, rocky slopes at high altitudes above 900 m a.s.l. with open woodland containing a mix of conifers (e.g. junipers and/or cedars) and evergreen oak and other shrubs, which are important for nesting and roosting.

It frequents during autumn and winter more open steppe habitats (usually Artemisia steppe) with scattered trees or shrubs. Observations of Syrian Serins apparently migrating and overwintering in northwestern Jordan indicate that some populations (e.g. those breeding in Syria and Lebanon) are short-distance migrants, moving to lower areas for the winter.

The Syrian Serin is a rare species with a restricted geographical range; In Jordan, it breeds solely in the Dana Nature Reserve ( See Dana Biosphere Reserve… ). In 2022, Jordan Birdwatch researchers estimated around 450-490 pairs still remaining in part of the reserve, in an area not larger than 12 sq.km. The population and breeding area thus decreased by c. 30% during the last decades due to habitat destruction and degradation caused by a combination of overgrazing, prolonged drought, unregulated picnicking and wood cutting. Other recent threats include wind farm developments and plans to mine copper and other metals at or near its habitats.

Jordan BirdWatch made a recent assessment of the Syrian Serin in Jordan, and recommends upgrading the species category to “Critically Endangered” according to IUCN / Redlist criteria* (Criteria B1a, B1b) at the national level, and to “Endangered” at the global level (B2a, B2b).

In an attempt to raise awareness among decision makers and stakeholders, meetings and a workshop are being held to discuss the management of the threatened woodland where the species breeds. Posters were also printed and distributed to schools. The activities on Syrian Serin in 2022 in Jordan were supported by Global Greengrants Fund.