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Hubara Bustard (Chlamydotis Undulata)
Israel's bustard is rare and confined to the Negev. It breeds all over the desert regions of Arabia, where it is hunted by falcons. In Israel it can sometimes be seen in small flocks, feeding on the young shoots of desert plants in spring, and on beetles, lizards, and locusts. It is much smaller than other bustards, but still an imposing bird, and easily distinguished from the others by a black fringe of feathers running down both sides of the neck. The Hubaras will close their ranks and fight against enemies from the air.
This tiny owl breeds only in Galilee, where its clucking call can be heard all night. In the rest of Israel it is a passing migrant in spring and autumn. It feeds mainly on insects. Being no larger than a starling, but with ear tufts and the huge eyes common to all owls, it looks more like a child's plaything rather than a real owl. It nests in holes, sometimes in rock clefts, in ancient buildings and, rarely, in abandoned nests of other birds.
Israel has a great many herons - a bird also mentioned in the Bible. Some of them are residents, some winter visitors, and some summer breeders. Among them is the beautiful large bird known as the Purple Heron, although it is red only under the wings and, unless in flight, appears slate-brown colored. It makes its nest in sedge and reeds, and is common wherever there are carp ponds or lakes. Thus, the bird has increased in numbers because of the many carp ponds found in Israel, which are surrounded by reeds or sedge.
