Birds of Oman

13

Voice

Calls and song are only given where a species occurs regularly in the region or where it might be helpful for

identification. Song is of course given for all species breeding in Oman, but many migrants also give at least

occasional bursts of song or sub-song on passage or in winter, even though moving on to breed elsewhere.

Where this is known to be the case in Oman then description of those songs is also given.

A large number of sound guides are now widely available, and given the limitations of phonetic

transcription we strongly recommend that one be purchased. The internet can also be checked for sound

recordings. There is no substitute for learning vocalisations or, if unable to commit them to memory, in

comparing recordings. However, use of the technology to record calls and songs has somewhat lagged

behind digital photography as a means for confirming the identity of a bird. Few of us use sonograms, but

the way forward certainly lies in this field. In our region, for example, the calls of the different subspecies

of Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita may only be separable by analysis in this way. Indeed, many

recently described new species of birds (and even some mammals) have been first noticed as such on the

basis of their different vocalisations.

There is also, as amply demonstrated by our own species, Homo sapiens, the matter of differing regional

dialects. Songs and calls of bird species commonly found in Western Europe may often sound quite different

in the Middle East. Even within the region, strong intraspecific variations can frequently be noticed.

Habitat

The habitats described in the text are those occupied in the Middle East and this may help in species

identification or at least narrow down the list of possible contenders, or direct you where to look for a

particular species. Habitats occupied by species visiting Oman in winter and/or on passage are detailed

when differing from those utilised in their Middle Eastern breeding grounds.

fingers

hand

trailing

edge

P10 (10th primary)

carpal

arm

leading edge

axillaries

pectoral band

gape flange

lower mandible

upper mandible

cere

ear-coverts

nape eye-ring

orbital ring

culmen

chin

iris

throat