an African Warbler, a songbird species native to Northwestern Africa, was spotted in a rare sighting on a beach in Haifa. The discovery was posted by Sagie Fox, a bird watcher, marking only the second time this species has been reported in Israel.
"This African Warbler is quite small, weighing less than ten grams and measuring between 11-12 cm. It typically inhabits dry, sandy deserts in Northwest Africa, stretching from the Western Sahara to Chad, " Dr. Yoav Perlman, who heads the Israeli Ornithological Center at the Society for the Protection of Nature said.
"The bird spends considerable time on sandy terrain, feeding mainly on insects and small spiders, and occasionally fruits and seeds when available. Its appearance here might be due to a migration error during its return north in the spring after migrating south in the winter."
Additional information from the Society for the Protection of Nature indicates that some African Warbler populations migrate post-nesting, although the exact destinations are unclear. The bird has occasionally been sighted in Southern Europe, in countries like Spain, Italy, and Malta, but sightings in Israel are a unique occurrence for the Eastern Mediterranean region.
The locale where the warbler was spotted is known for its natural richness. A survey by the Natural Survey Unit at the Society for the Protection of Nature revealed its high natural value.
Dr. Perlman emphasized the importance of preserving such areas. "Nearly no natural areas remain on the Mediterranean coast, which enhances the significance of the few areas that do remain, such as the coastal dunes south of Haifa where the warbler was found. We are currently in the peak of the migration season, and migrating birds use these sites to rest and gather energy. Due to the substantial challenges migrating birds face, including the destruction of breeding sites, climate change, and hunting, it's exceptionally important to preserve high-quality and rich resting sites in Israel."