Egyptian Nightjar Found Nesting in Saudi Arabia for First Time

The King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority has confirmed the first recorded nesting and breeding of the Egyptian Nightjar in Saudi Arabia, documenting the discovery in a peer-reviewed study accepted by the journal Applied Ecology and Environmental Research.

The Egyptian Nightjar, known locally as Mulhi Al-Ru'yan, is a rare and elusive nocturnal desert bird classified as Least Concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

The discovery was made through field monitoring at Umm Al-Dhiyabah, a seasonal wetland within the reserve. Survey teams recorded two eggs laid directly on bare ground, a breeding behaviour characteristic of the species. Around a week later, on April 15th, 2025, eggshell remains were found at the site, confirming that the chicks had successfully hatched.

Monitoring teams also recorded repeated sightings of the Egyptian Nightjar at several locations across the reserve from mid-October, indicating the species continues to use the habitat during specific seasons.

According to the authority, the findings upgrade the bird's status in Saudi Arabia from previous observations and suspected nesting to confirmed breeding, while contributing new data on the species' breeding range, distribution and ecological behaviour across the Arabian Peninsula.