The United Arab Emirates has the greatest diversity of bird species found anywhere in Arabia. Over 390 species occur, and of these over 80 species breed in the country.

A number of rare and threatened species can be found; while in contrast, the country s mudflats and lagoons host over 300,000 water birds at anyone time during the peak months August to March.

The country sits on one of the busiest migratory crossroad in Asia. Over 320 migrant species have been found, most passing throughout the country in spring and autumn on their long journeys between Siberia, Africa and other areas. Generally, the local authorities in each Emirate is showing great interest in protecting these areas and creating nature reserves.

Little Green Bee-eater.(Merops orientalis)

This charming U.A.E resident is one of the country s success stories. Its range is expanding as irrigation and landscaping pro- jects provide more food and habitat, particularly in the north and east of the country. The bird is very confiding allowing excellent views showing that the sub-species is the beautiful blue -throated from which occurs only in Arabia.

White collared King fisher.(Halcyon cholris)

Probably one of the rarest birds in the world, the sub-species which lives on the East Coast, is only 50 birds strong, and its numbers appear to be declining. This beautiful resident kingfisher has adapted well to old mangroves where it nests and thrives on the plentiful supply of tiny crabs which live in the muddy mangrove swamp. However its nesting areas are threatened by humandisturbance and encroaching development.

Crab Plover.(Dromas ardeola).

This unusual species, found only around the Arabian peninsula, nests in long burrows at only two known island locations in the U.A.E near Abu Dhabi including Abu al Abyaid. The bird s strong bill is well adapted to break open its crab prey ,of a type found around the inshore islands of Abu Dhabi and in the mud of its win- tering quarters around the island at Umm AI Quwain.

Indian Roller. (Coracias benghalensis)

Discreetly sitting high on a wire or branch, this bird explodes into brilliant blue as It takes flight. Resident around fields, large gardens and cultivation it is unmistakable when, in the breeding season, it gives an amazing rolling display, so giving its name. Sometimes 100s of birds congregate around fields in spring when larger moth and butterfly larvae are abundant.

Greater Flamingo.(Phoenicopterus ruber)

A common migrant found at sheltered mudlflats on the Arabian coast. A colony nested near Abu Dhabi in 1993 the first time in Arabia since 1922. Some of the largest flocks have occurred in Khor Dubai where up to 2000 birds have wintered in recent years.

This series of stamp is the first to feature the wild Birds of the U.A.E. They have been produced with the assistance of Mr. Colin Richardson, the author of the book called" The Birds of United Arab Emirates."