The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority announced the documentation of the first confirmed nesting record of Elanus caeruleus, commonly known as the Black-winged Kite, within the boundaries of the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Monday.
Providing new scientific evidence of the reserve's suitability as a natural habitat that supports wildlife settlement, breeding, and biodiversity conservation, the achievement aligns with the strategic objectives of the royal reserves and the Saudi Green Initiative in support of Saudi Vision 2030.
The nesting activity was recorded between January 20 and May 26, 2025, based on field surveys conducted in several natural meadows characterized by dense Sidr tree growth.
Adult and juvenile birds of the species were observed throughout the season, before researchers discovered an active nest on May 14, 2025, atop a Sidr tree approximately 2.9 meters high. The nest contained three eggs, providing direct evidence of local breeding within the reserve.
The Black-winged Kite is a bird of prey associated with open habitats that provide suitable nesting trees and reliable food sources.
Its documentation within the reserve reflects the authority’s efforts to protect and manage natural habitats and provide safe environments capable of supporting raptor populations, particularly in areas undergoing ecological recovery and improvements in vegetation cover.
The authority also holds scientific records confirming the expansion of the species’ breeding range within Saudi Arabia through a combination of field observations in the reserve and national records published in a global biodiversity database.
These findings indicate a seasonal pattern of occurrence that supports the hypothesis of local breeding synchronized with seasonal movements and dispersal across several regions of the Kingdom.
The findings were published in a peer-reviewed study in the international journal Zoology and Ecology. The study was conducted by a joint research team comprising researchers from the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority and King Saud University as part of efforts to promote scientific research and document biodiversity within the reserve in accordance with internationally recognized scientific standards.
The authority underlined the importance of continuing environmental monitoring and surveillance programs in the reserve, identifying new nesting sites and incorporating them into conservation programs. These efforts contribute to protecting natural habitats, supporting wildlife, and advancing scientific knowledge of biodiversity in Saudi Arabia.
