Exotic birds thrive here

I find many exotic birds thriving here. During the last 17 years, the common myna, pied myna, rose-ringed parakeet, Alexandrine parakeet, bank myna, superb starling, bulbuls, house crow, etc, have established themselves in such a way that we only see these birds in the city limits of the UAE. Local species such as the laughing or palm dove, graceful prinia, Arabian babbler, have taken a back seat.

Blame ourselves

For this we must blame ourselves. First, we have brought in these exotic birds as pets and then released some of these imports. Some of the species established themselves in our parks, gardens, homesteads and the foothills.

Second, we have provided them food, water and breeding places in building crevices and holes. Parks and gardens attract insects which in turn attract birds. In summer most of these birds relish the fruits of various trees. They drink water from pools, fountains and lakes. So all of them get food, shelter and breeding places from us.