Jazan: Flocks of migratory birds cross the skies of Jazan Region in a scene reflecting the region's location along one of the main bird migration routes across the Red Sea, linking nesting areas in Europe and West Asia with wintering sites in Africa.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Jazan forms a transit and ecological hub in the annual journey of migratory birds, with its natural diversity combining coasts, islands, valleys, and highlands, providing birds with water, food, vegetation cover, and opportunities for rest and energy recovery before continuing their route.
In a scientific reading of this scene, Faculty Member at the Department of Biology, College of Science, Jazan University Dr. Zarraq Al-Faifi noted that Jazan Region is considered one of the globally recorded stations for migratory bird landings, particularly along the West Asia-East Africa route extending along the Red Sea, receiving millions of birds during the period from March to October.
He noted that this environmental richness is reflected in the diversity of natural habitats, as the Farasan Islands Reserve is a key wintering site hosting more than 10,000 water birds representing around 45 species, including large numbers of flamingos. Al-Faifi pointed out that the coasts extending from Al-Birk in Aseer Region, passing through Al-Shaqiq to Al-Madaya in Jazan Region, with their mangrove forests, are ideal environments for shorebirds, gulls, storks, and birds of prey during the spring and autumn seasons.
According to Al-Faifi, the seasonal timing of migration reflects the dynamic nature of this scene, as the spring and autumn periods (from March to October) witness dense crossings of birds, especially birds of prey and quail, while winter (from November to February) sees a large influx of water birds and gulls that take the coasts of Jazan as a temporary habitat.