Birds are the most visible wildlife in Egypt with about 470 species, of which ± 150 species are resident and ± 320 are migrants, passing through on the long journey between their breeding grounds in Eurasia and their winter quarters in Africa. Many of these birds stay for varying periods of time and some species, particularly water birds such as ducks, herons and small waders, spend the winter in Egypt. The country is not only situated on major migration routes but the Isthmus of Suez is one of the most important bottlenecks in the world for migratory soaring birds especially birds of prey, but also White storks, Ciconia ciconia, Cranes, Grus grus, and White pelicans, Pelecanus onocrotalus.
The Eastern Desert is home to numerous passerines and the Red Sea islands are important breeding grounds for seabirds and the Sooty falcon, Falco concolor. In the southeastern corner of the country the Gebel Elba Protected Area is blessed with plentiful vegetation; precipitation on Gebel Elba itself is among the highest in the country. It is the most important area for birds in Egypt and is home to the Lappet-faced vulture, Torgos tracheliotus, and the Rosy-patched shrike, Rhodophoneus cruentus, among others.
The Western Desert is less hospitable to birds but the White-crowned black wheatear, Oenanthe leucopyga, is to be found there, as is the Hoopoe lark, Alaemon alaudipes; both of these birds seem to be able to live on the mere memory of water.

Lappet-faced vulture, Torgos tracheliotus

Brown-necked raven, Corvus ruficollis

Crowned Sandgrouse, Pterocles coronatus