Synonyms

Mareca penelope

Description

Common breeding migrant. Inhabits forested and shrubby river valleys and mountain lakes up to 1600 m. Appears early March – April, main movement end March – first decade of April, but in more northern areas end April – early May. Latest records mid-May in southern Kazakhstan. Nest is built under canopy of bush or high grass near water, but in some cases up to 1 km away, in shallow hollow lined with dry grass stems and down. Clutches of 6-9 eggs recorded from late May – end June. Juveniles hatch mid-June, mainly July, and begin to fly mid-July – late August. Most males moult in shallow steppe lakes with reed-beds in Central and Northern Kazakhstan, where they also gather from Siberia and Kazakhstan (June – July). Autumn migration begins mid-August, peak movement September – beginning of October. Some birds linger to end November. Last years singles and small groups wintering on Sorbulak lake near Almaty and at more southern areas.

Distribution

Breeds in northern part of Kazakhstan, south to Ural'sk, Kurgaldzhino, Karaganda and Markakol’ lake. Probably, nests in Naurzum Reserve, but this not proved jet. Widespread during migration.

References

Gavrilov E. I., Gavrilov A. E. "The Birds of Kazakhstan". Almaty, 2005
Э.И.Гаврилов. "Фауна и распространение птиц Казахстана". Алматы, 1999.