Over 300 great white pelicans spotted during 2026 autumn migration at King Salman Reserve

Field teams at King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve have recorded more than 300 great white pelicans during the 2026 autumn migration season, at one of five sites designated as globally important for birds and biodiversity.

Migratory birds use these sites along their routes as stopovers to rest and feed before continuing their journeys. The great white pelican is one of the largest flying birds in Saudi Arabia and ranks as the fourth heaviest bird worldwide, with a wingspan ranging from 226 to 360 centimeters.

King Salman Reserve lies along one of the world’s most significant bird migration corridors, with hundreds of thousands of birds passing overhead during the spring and autumn migrations. The reserve is the first stop for migratory birds arriving from Asia and Europe in autumn, and the last departure point for those returning from Africa in spring, making it a safe haven for resting, feeding, or overwintering in its diverse natural habitats.

The reserve includes five areas recognized as Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and a Key Biodiversity Area (KBA), reflecting its environmental significance and role in protecting migratory birds. Migratory species account for about 88% of all bird species recorded in the reserve, while resident birds make up 12%.

The reserve’s team conducts ongoing environmental monitoring programs to assess key sites for migratory birds and ensure their sustainability, helping to preserve this unique natural heritage.