Irania gutturalis, aka the white-throated robin, makes migration stop in the southern Israeli resort town of Eilat; sighting considered very rare in Israel, as the bird is indigenous to none other than Iran.

"There is no need to worry about any security breach," Shanni, of the Eilat and Arava Bird-Watching Center, stressed in an amused tone. "This is a very pleasant surprise and we consider the home front to be exceptionally ready for more Irania sightings."-

A White-throated robin (Irania gutturalis) was recently spotted in Israel's southern resort town of Eilat, marking a rare sighting on an unusual visitor, as the bird is indigenous to none other than Iran.

The unofficial representative of the Islamic Republic was spotted by a local photographer, as it was hopping around a local park.


Itai Shanni, of the Eilat and Arava Bird-Watching Center, told Ynet that the photographer contacted him after "suspecting" the little bird was the Irania – which is a rare songbird.


Shanni explained that Irania sightings in Israel are rare, but stressed that while the bird is considered endangered in Israel, the species itself faces no danger worldwide.


"This was a young bird, probably making a rest-stop en route south," he said. Scarce numbers of the white-throated robin nest on the slopes of Mount Hermon, he said, adding that the National Birding Center has been able to band one bird, but there is still much that is unknown about it.



The Irania gutturalis was first discovered in 1843 in Ethiopia. It matures to a size of about 20cm and feeds mostly on insects.


"There is no need to worry about any security breach," Shanni stressed in an amused tone. "This is a very pleasant surprise and we consider the home front to be exceptionally ready for more Irania sightings."






http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4268690,00.html