Observations on the Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor): nesting behaviour and distribution in Egypt

The main objective of this study was to improve understanding of the distribution and breeding areas of the Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor) in Egypt, in support of the implementation of the International Action Plan for the species. Between August 2023 and November 2024, we conducted a census of Sooty Falcon breeding colonies in the Egyptian Red Sea Islands, the White Desert, South Sinai, and the Nile Valley. Breeding pairs were counted, and nests were recorded where possible. We documented 182 breeding pairs in the Eastern Desert and Red Sea Islands, 123 pairs in the Western Desert, 20 pairs in South Sinai, and five pairs in the Nile Valley. In 2024, a previously unknown breeding colony was discovered in the Dakhla Oasis, comprising approximately 15 breeding pairs. A very small proportion of the population appears to reside in Egypt year-round, although their exact numbers remain poorly known. At Red Sea colonies, we recorded field evidence of breeding activity, including pellets and plucked feathers. In addition, a transitional-phase individual was observed during the first week of April near the Hamata mangrove. Securing long-term funding is essential to ensure the continuation of annual surveys, the exploration of additional potential breeding areas, and the effective monitoring of Sooty Falcon populations in Egypt. Such efforts will contribute to more accurate population estimates and improved assessment of distributional trends and conservation status.