Winter Wildlife You Can Actually See in Qatar

Even in a country known for its deserts and modern skyline, Qatar has its surprising wildlife that comes during winter. Cooler weather brings out migratory birds, small mammals, and other desert creatures that are usually hard to spot. Spending winter in Qatar is the best time to discover this hidden side of nature.

These are the animals and their behaviors that make Qatar’s wildlife in winter a hidden wonder:

1. Arabian Sand Gazelle (Reem Gazelle)
Reem or Sand Gazelles are often seen in small groups of females and their young, while males stay alone. Cooler weather makes them more active, though they spend less time feeding and walking. Winter is also when mothers care for their young, making it a perfect time to observe their social behavior. Found mainly in places like the Al Reem Biosphere Reserve, these gazelles reveal a hidden side of Qatar’s wildlife and they roam during early mornings and late afternoons.

2. Rüppell’s Sand Fox
Rüppell’s Sand Fox is mostly nocturnal, but during winter, they are active and occasionally visible during twilight or even early morning. The lower temperatures reduce the extreme desert heat, allowing the fox to roam farther in search of food like insects, small mammals, and lizards. Winter also coincides with a period when prey is more abundant and easier to catch in daytime heat is manageable, increasing their movement and making sightings slightly more likely in protected desert areas.

 3. Winter Migratory Birds
During winter, Qatar becomes a key stopover for a wide variety of migratory birds. These include flamingos visiting the Al Thakira Mangroves, while Western Ospreys, Socotra Cormorants, and smaller desert birds like larks, sandgrouse, and shrikes can be seen across the country. Wetlands like Al Karaana Lagoon and Umm Al Afaei attract ducks and waders. Winter brings a wide variety of birds, making it a great season for birdwatching in Qatar.

4. Reptiles Become Visible
Reptiles in Qatar are easier to spot as they soak up the mild winter sun such as Dhubs (spiny-tailed lizards) can often be seen sunning themselves during the day, Geckos emerge at sunset, and sandfish skinks move beneath the sand. While they avoid the cold desert nights, winter is the perfect time to observe these normally elusive creatures.

5. Arabian Camels in Their Natural Habitat
Winter is the peak season for Arabian camels in Qatar, when herds roam widely across the deserts and graze freely near areas like Rawdat Al Faras, Shahaniyah, and various desert farms. Cooler temperatures make the camels more active, allowing them to travel longer distances in search of food. This season also marks the main camel racing period, drawing photographers and wildlife enthusiasts who want to observe these iconic animals up close.

6. Desert Owls 
During winter, desert owls like the Pharaoh Eagle Owl and the Little Owl become more active at night, especially around rocky outcrops, old farms, and abandoned structures where they like to perch and hunt. With winter nights being quieter, their deep hoots and sharp calls carry farther, making these mysterious birds easier to notice for anyone exploring the desert after sunset.

7. Arabian Jerboa & Small Mammals
Jerboas, known for their hopping movement, often appear in the early evening, leaving small tracks near dunes and sabkhas. The cooler weather also brings other tiny desert animals out to search for food, making it easier to spot these shy creatures.