New Records of Birds in Bahr Al-Najaf Depression, Iraq

Document Type : Original Article

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Abstract

     In this study, cross-sectional survey techniques and direct observation techniques were used to monitor birds in the Bahr al-Najaf depression and its significance as a home for several living organisms, including endemic and migratory birds. The aim of this paper was to document additional records of bird species in the Bahr Al-Najaf depression throughout a seven-month period from October 2023 to April 2024. Transect walks and direct observation methods were deployed for the birds' survey by using  8x42mm binoculars and an 8x spotting scope , while a Nikon Coolpix P1000 camera with a 24– 3000mm lens was used to take pictures. Eight new migratory bird species have been discovered in the Bahr al-Najaf depression's water bodies. One of them is a new record in Iraq, which is the swan goose (Anser cygnoides). This raises the total number of birds known from the Bahr al-Najaf depression to 176.

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