No Synonyms

Description

Rare breeding migrant. Inhabits flood plain forests, tree patches in steppes (deciduous or coniferous) near lakes. In southern areas appears mid-February, but mostly March, latest birds observed 7 May. In more northern areas first birds recorded in April. Nest is built in trees at 3-25 m above ground, from dry twigs, lined with old grass, bark pieces and rags and green twigs are found often in them. Used for some years, but nests of other raptors also used for breeding. Clutches of 1-2 eggs late April – May, juveniles hatch in June. Both parents feed them and they fledge end July – August. Brood remains together until mid-September. Autumn migration begins end August, but at Chokpak Pass mid-September.

Distribution

Breeding in middle reaches of Ural valley, in Ust'-Kamenogorsk area and on Syrdarya valley (Chiili – Kzyl-Orda). There are indications of sporadic nesting in Aman-Karagay pine forest and Naurzum pine forest; a fledgling caught in foothills of Narymskiy ridge. Also found in Western Ustyurt. In summer observed on Mugodzhary ridge. On migration and dispersal seen almost everywhere, including Southern Altai. Wintering in small numbers, recorded in December – February.

References

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