Invasion de Moineaux pâles en Israël en mai 2006

The breeding range of Pale Rock Sparrow (Hill Sparrow) in the Western Palearctic is limited to N Israel, Lebanon, SE Turkey, Armenia and parts of the Arabian peninsula (Snow D. et al. 1998). During the migration period, it may also occur in other parts of the Middle-east.
In Israel, Pale Rock Sparrow is a rare autumn and a rare to common spring passage migrant, particularly through eastern parts, and a scarce breeding summer visitor on Mt. Hermon, in altitudes of 1,250-1,800m. In the early 20th century, it also occasinally bred at the Jordan valley (Aharoni, 1942).
This year, flocks of hundreds invaded southern Israel deserts, possibly induced by very late rainfalls in these regions.
Starting from May 2nd, singletons to hundreds were noted at the Arava, Negev and northern Dead Sea, many of which displayed breeding behaviors.
On May 7th, a pair was observed building a nest at Halukim ridge, Sde-Boqer area (A. Tsairi).