Bird Watching

The birdlife of the Island is incredibly diverse. The bird list of Socotra counts 225 species, but keen observers often make new records. Most are coastal, seabirds, or other migratory species that found safe passage through Socotra. About 50 resident bird species have actually been confirmed to breed. Ten bird species are endemic to the islands, while one very rare swift is considered a near-endemic. Socotra is the only place where one can see the beautiful Socotra Sunbird (Chalcomitra balfouri), the endangered Socotra Buzzard (Buteo socotraensis), or hear the Socotra Scops Owl (Otus socotranus) calling at night near a mountain stream. Socotra is a true avian diversity hotspot – the Island has a higher concentration of endemic bird species than any area of comparable size in Africa and the Middle East. In addition, the islands harbor globally important populations of the Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) and the Socotra Cormorant (Phalacrocorax nigrogularis), which, despite its name, is not unique to Socotra. Because of its global importance for bird conservation, Socotra counts several Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and hosts Yemen’s only Ramsar Site. We at Socotra Poinner Tours have professional guides who were Trained under the UNDP project on the flora and Fauna of Socotra Island.