Return of flamingos give a touch of pink to Kuwait’s shores
The arrival of flamingo flocks at the end of August has brought a touch of pink to Kuwait’s shores, particularly the shallow waters of Kuwait Bay, as the migratory birds begin their autumn journey.
The Greater Flamingo is one of the most prominent migratory birds found in Kuwait during the winter season. Qassem Al-Bawi, a member of the bird monitoring team at the Kuwait Environment Protection Society, said the birds create a striking sight along the country’s coasts and mudflats.
Al-Bawi explained that flamingos usually begin arriving in Kuwait in August as part of their autumn migration from breeding grounds in North and West Asia, including Iran and Central Asia. They spend the winter in shallow coastal areas, particularly Kuwait Bay, the Jahra Reserve and Sulaibikhat Beach, where food is available.
Their numbers gradually increase during the autumn and winter months and have reached about 4,000 birds during some monitoring seasons. The numbers vary from season to season depending on climatic conditions, food availability and habitat conditions.
The return journey usually begins in late March and continues through April, when the flocks leave Kuwait and head north toward their breeding grounds. Kuwait is an important stopover and feeding point along the regional migration route.
The Greater Flamingo is the most common flamingo species in Kuwait. It can reach about 1.5 meters in length and is distinguished by white plumage with a pinkish tinge and a pink beak with a black tip. It is a common winter visitor, with only a few birds remaining during summer.
The Lesser Flamingo, meanwhile, is very rare in Kuwait, with only limited sightings recorded in the country. Beyond their striking appearance, flamingos are an important part of Kuwait’s coastal ecosystem. They feed on algae, microorganisms and crustaceans in shallow waters and intertidal flats. Their gatherings also indicate the availability of suitable feeding habitats for birds and wildlife.
Al-Bawi stressed the importance of protecting the coastal areas on which flamingos depend, reducing marine pollution and discarded nets and equipment, and avoiding disturbance of the birds in their feeding and resting areas.
Protecting the flamingos also helps preserve biodiversity and the health of Kuwait’s marine environment.
