Egyptian Nightjar breeding confirmed for first time at King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve

A significant scientific and environmental achievement has been recorded at the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve in Saudi Arabia with the first-ever confirmed nesting and breeding of the Egyptian Nightjar, locally known as Mullahi Al-Ru'yan. This discovery adds to the Kingdom's ongoing wildlife conservation efforts and has been documented in a peer-reviewed scientific paper accepted for publication in the international journal Applied Ecology and Environmental Research.

The Egyptian Nightjar, though listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, is a rare nocturnal desert bird that proves difficult to observe. The study focused on detailed field monitoring at Umm Al-Dhiyabah, a unique seasonal wetland habitat within the reserve. Environmental teams observed two eggs laid directly on the ground, a characteristic nesting behavior for the species, without a conventional nest structure.

Confirmation of successful breeding came on April 15, 2025, when eggshell remains were found at the site, indicating that the chicks had hatched. Subsequent monitoring revealed repeated sightings of the Egyptian Nightjar in multiple locations across the reserve from mid-October onwards. This suggests the species continues to utilize the habitat and can adapt to local environmental conditions during specific seasons.

This finding elevates the Egyptian Nightjar's status in Saudi Arabia from occasional presence to confirmed successful breeding. It contributes valuable data to understanding the species' breeding range across the Arabian Peninsula. The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve is increasingly recognized as a vital ecosystem supporting diverse habitats and specialized desert species, highlighting the importance of continued environmental monitoring and expanded nighttime surveys for biodiversity conservation.