The White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) has been recorded in Libya for the first time, according to a scientific study published in the Libyan Journal of Ecological & Environmental Sciences and Technology.

The bird was spotted during the last week of January 2025 in Wadi Al-Naqa Reserve, east of Derna. Researchers observed a single bird resting on an electric wire in an open area near a freshwater source, which is one of the habitats preferred by this species.

This is the first official record of the species in Libya, adding a new kingfisher species to the country’s bird list alongside the Common Kingfisher and the Pied Kingfisher. Scientists say this finding is important for improving knowledge about bird distribution in Libya.

Researchers believe the bird may have appeared outside its normal range by chance, or it could be a sign that the species is gradually expanding west across North Africa. The discovery also highlights the importance of eastern Libya as an important route for migratory and wild birds.

The study also highlighted the importance of continued field monitoring and environmental research, especially in wetlands and protected areas, to help document biodiversity and support wildlife conservation efforts.