Falcons, vultures, kites, owls, hawks and crows of various kinds, francolins or black partridges, pelicans, wild-geese, ducks, teal, cranes, herons, kingfishers, and pigeons, are among the most common.

The sand-grouse (Pterocles arenarius) is occasionally found, as also are the eagle and the bee-eater.

Fish are abundant in the rivers and marshes, principally barbel and carp, which latter grow to a great size in the Euphrates.
Barbel form an important element in the food of the Arabs inhabiting the Affej marshes, who take them commonly by means of a fish-spear.

In the Shat-el-Arab, which is wholly within the influence of the tides, there is a species of goby, which is amphibious.

This fish lies in myriads on the mud-banks left uncovered by the ebb of the tide, and moves with great agility on the approach of birds.