Working Party Birds

Egypt Birding Tours
Join our specialized research groups studying Egypt's extraordinary avian diversity through scientific fieldwork and conservation initiatives

About Working Party Birds

Egypt Birding Tours operates specialized Working Party (WP) programs that combine scientific research with exceptional birding experiences. Our WP initiatives focus on systematic study, monitoring, and conservation of Egypt's remarkable bird diversity.

Located at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, and Europe, Egypt serves as a critical corridor for millions of migrating birds and hosts unique resident species adapted to desert and Nile Valley environments.

Each Working Party brings together professional ornithologists, experienced birders, and passionate volunteers to conduct meaningful research while providing participants with unparalleled access to Egypt's avian treasures.

Scientific Excellence

Rigorous research protocols contribute to international ornithological databases and conservation planning

Conservation Impact

Direct contribution to bird conservation through habitat monitoring and species protection programs

Educational Value

Learn advanced birding techniques and field research methods from expert ornithologists

15
Active Working Parties
480+
Bird Species Monitored
35
Research Locations
12
Years of Data Collection
25,000+
Birds Ringed

Our Working Party Groups

Each Working Party specializes in specific bird families or ecological groups, conducting long-term studies that advance ornithological knowledge and conservation efforts.

WP Raptors

Birds of Prey Research

Specializing in Egypt's diverse raptor populations, from resident breeding species to the spectacular autumn migration bottlenecks that funnel millions of birds through the region.

  • Steppe Eagle migration monitoring at Gebel el-Zeit
  • Egyptian Vulture breeding colony surveys
  • Peregrine Falcon urban population studies
  • Honey Buzzard and Levant Sparrowhawk passage counts
  • Sooty Falcon cliff-nesting habitat protection
Primary locations: Gebel el-Zeit, Hurghada, Suez, Sinai Peninsula

WP Seabirds

Marine & Coastal Species

Monitoring seabird populations along Egypt's extensive Red Sea and Mediterranean coastlines, including endemic species and critical breeding colonies.

  • White-eyed Gull breeding colony monitoring
  • Sooty Falcon cliff-nesting surveys
  • Tern roost counts and habitat protection
  • Pelagic seabird offshore surveys
  • Coastal habitat impact assessments
Primary locations: Red Sea islands, Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Alexandria

WP Waders

Shorebirds & Wetland Species

Studying shorebird migration patterns and wintering populations across Egypt's crucial wetland habitats, from the Nile Delta to Red Sea coastal areas.

  • Nile Delta migration route monitoring
  • Red Sea coastal mudflat surveys
  • Oasis wetland population assessments
  • Spur-winged Plover breeding studies
  • Wetland habitat quality evaluations
Primary locations: Nile Delta, Lake Qarun, Siwa Oasis, Berenice

WP Desert Birds

Arid Zone Specialists

Researching the unique adaptations and ecology of Egypt's desert-dwelling species, including threatened species like the Houbara Bustard and various lark species.

  • Houbara Bustard population surveys and tracking
  • Desert Lark distribution mapping
  • Cream-colored Courser habitat studies
  • Sandgrouse morning flight monitoring
  • Desert adaptation research
Primary locations: Western Desert, Eastern Desert, Sinai, Wadi el-Rayan

WP Nile Valley

Riverine & Agricultural Birds

Monitoring bird communities in Egypt's agricultural heartland and along the Nile River system, including recovering populations and agricultural pest control species.

  • Sacred Ibis population recovery monitoring
  • Nile Valley Sunbird ecological studies
  • Agricultural pest control bird research
  • Riparian habitat quality assessments
  • Irrigation impact on bird communities
Primary locations: Nile Valley, Aswan, Luxor, Qena, Sohag

WP Migration

Migration Corridor Research

Comprehensive monitoring of the incredible bird migrations that pass through Egypt's strategic position between Europe, Asia, and Africa.

  • Autumn raptor migration counts
  • Spring warbler passage studies
  • Soaring bird corridor mapping
  • Weather impact on migration timing
  • Stopover site habitat assessments
Primary locations: Gebel el-Zeit, Suez, Sinai, Aswan, Kom Ombo

WP Larks & Pipits

Ground-dwelling Species

Specialized study of Egypt's diverse lark and pipit communities, including endemic subspecies and habitat specialists across different desert environments.

  • Temminck's Lark population surveys
  • Hoopoe Lark habitat preferences
  • Desert Lark subspecies studies
  • Pipit migration timing research
  • Ground-nesting bird protection
Primary locations: Sinai Peninsula, Western Desert, Eastern Desert

WP Bee-eaters & Rollers

Colorful Migrants

Focusing on the spectacular bee-eater and roller species that use Egypt as a migration corridor and breeding area, including the endangered European Roller.

  • European Bee-eater colony monitoring
  • Blue-cheeked Bee-eater nesting studies
  • European Roller migration tracking
  • Nesting habitat protection programs
  • Insect prey availability research
Primary locations: Nile Valley, Faiyum, Eastern Desert wadis

Research Activities

Our comprehensive research programs contribute to ornithological science and inform conservation strategies across Egypt and the broader region.

Bird Ringing & Tracking

Licensed bird ringing programs using standard protocols to track individual birds, study migration patterns, site fidelity, and longevity. Advanced GPS and satellite tracking for larger species.

Population Monitoring

Annual breeding bird surveys, winter population counts, and long-term trend analysis to monitor population changes and identify species of conservation concern.

Habitat Mapping

GIS-based habitat assessment and mapping using satellite imagery and field surveys to identify critical areas for conservation and monitor habitat changes over time.

Citizen Science

Engaging local communities, students, and international visitors in standardized data collection, building capacity for long-term monitoring and conservation awareness.

Genetic Studies

Collaborative genetic research to understand population connectivity, subspecies relationships, and evolutionary adaptations of Egyptian bird populations.

Climate Impact Research

Studying the effects of climate change on bird distributions, migration timing, and breeding success to inform adaptive conservation strategies.

Why Join Our Working Parties?

Participating in our WP programs offers unique benefits that combine scientific contribution with exceptional birding experiences.

Expert Training

Learn advanced field techniques from professional ornithologists, including bird identification, ringing methods, and data collection protocols.

Scientific Contribution

Make meaningful contributions to ornithological research and conservation, with your data contributing to scientific publications and conservation plans.

Exclusive Access

Access remote locations and protected areas normally off-limits to tourists, discovering Egypt's hidden birding gems with expert guides.

International Network

Connect with birders and researchers from around the world, building lasting friendships and professional relationships in the birding community.

Certification

Receive certificates of participation and training credentials that recognize your contribution to scientific research and conservation.

Rare Species

Higher chances of encountering rare and endemic species through targeted research activities and expert knowledge of optimal locations and timing.

Research Locations

Our Working Parties operate across Egypt's diverse ecosystems, from Mediterranean coastlines to desert oases and Nile Valley wetlands.

Gebel el-Zeit

Premier Raptor Migration Site

Egypt's most important raptor migration bottleneck, where millions of birds funnel through each autumn.

  • Peak migration: September-November
  • Over 30 raptor species recorded
  • Daily counts exceeding 50,000 birds
  • Steppe Eagle spectacular passages
  • Research station facilities

Red Sea Islands

Seabird Breeding Colonies

Critical breeding sites for endemic and regionally important seabird species.

  • White-eyed Gull breeding colonies
  • Sooty Falcon nesting sites
  • Tern roosting areas
  • Coral reef ecosystem studies
  • Marine protected areas

Nile Delta

Wetland Migration Hub

Egypt's most productive wetland system supporting millions of waterbirds and migrants.

  • Spring and autumn migration peaks
  • Breeding waterbird colonies
  • Agricultural bird communities
  • Wetland habitat restoration
  • Climate change impact studies

Siwa Oasis

Desert Oasis Biodiversity

Remote desert oasis supporting unique bird communities and serving as a crucial stopover site.

  • Desert specialist species
  • Oasis-dependent populations
  • Migration stopover studies
  • Traditional agriculture impacts
  • Conservation partnerships

Sinai Peninsula

Mountain & Desert Ecosystems

Diverse mountain and desert habitats supporting endemic subspecies and specialized communities.

  • High-altitude bird communities
  • Endemic subspecies studies
  • Bedouin traditional knowledge
  • Protected area management
  • Eco-tourism development

Lake Qarun

Faiyum Wetland System

Egypt's largest natural lake supporting diverse waterbird populations and serving as a key research site.

  • Wintering waterbird surveys
  • Breeding colony monitoring
  • Water quality impact studies
  • Fisheries interaction research
  • Community-based conservation

Join Our Working Parties

Whether you're a professional ornithologist, experienced birder, or passionate nature enthusiast, our Working Party programs offer unique opportunities to contribute to bird conservation while experiencing Egypt's incredible avian diversity.

Programs are available year-round with different intensities and durations to suit various experience levels and time commitments. All participants receive comprehensive training and work alongside experienced researchers.