A range-restricted species, found in the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, Socotra and possibly off Eritrea. Although
numbers are quite high, it is listed as Vulnerable, as it is in decline, and the region itself is likely to give rise to oil pollution and warfare. Birds do wander somewhat, but
the Red Sea off Eritrea is the furthest known, and monitoring is difficult. We have seen large flocks off the coast of Oman, but the only photos are of juvenile birds in Dubai,
a pity since the all-dark adults are far more attractive, especially when breeding.
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