Rakws Category: Birds

Scientific Name: Pandion haliaetus

Size: Length: 1.5 – 1.7 m

Habitat:  Found near still or slow-moving salt and fresh waters, including lakes, rivers, wooded swamps with open water, shorelines, cliffs as well as salt-flats.

Diet: Feeds on live fish but may also prey on small mammals, injured birds, reptiles, amphibians and crustaceans.

IUCN Status: Least Concern (LC)

Found almost in all parts of the world except Antarctica! This bird is one of the most striking raptors and an avid fish hunter at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. ​

Scientific Name: Butorides striata​​

Common Migrant​

Size: 44 cm long

Habitat: Forested water margins) such as mangrove-lined shores and estuaries, or ponds, rivers, lakes and streams.

Diet: Mainly of fish, but also feeds on insects, worms, crustaceans, frogs, reptiles and even other birds.

IUCN Status:  Least Concern (LC)

The striated heron may give a ‘keeuuk’ call in flight or when alarmed. Usually found alone and looking intentionally elsewhere like a private detective.​