Grey Hypocolius Hypocolius ampelinus

17 November 2004

On November 17th, Noam Weiss sighted a male Grey Hypocolius in the closed area of the Eilat International Birdwatching Center (IBRCE). Eventually, Dr. Reuven Yosef, the Center’s manager, trapped and ringed the bird.

This elegant bird breeds in Iraq, Iran and as far as Pakistan to the east and is an increasingly rare vagrant to Israel. The latest records were of singles in september 2001 and spring 2000, both in the Southern Arava.

The bird was not seen again after release, possibly because of the locust attack on the Eilat region.

Thanks to Noam Weiss for letting us use his images of this striking male.

Jonathan Meyrav and the birdingisrael team.     

Contact info

Daphna Abell
Program Coordinator
lotan-programs@lotan.ardom.co.il
Tel: +972 8 6356935;
Toll Free: 1800 2000 75 (when in Israel)