Races:
Buteo rufinus rufinus Cretzschmar, 1827

Synonyms

Buteo rufinus canescens Hodgson, 1836
Buteo rufinus longipes Jerdon, 1839
Buteo rufinus leucurus Naumann, 1853
Buteo rufinus nigricans Severtzov, 1873
Buteo rufinus raddei Loudon, 1912

Description

Common breeding migrant. Inhabits desert, dry steppe, low xerophytic mountains and foothills. Appears end February – early March, peak migration end March – mid-April. At Chokpak Pass last birds observed up to mid-May. Nest is built on rocks and in trees or bushes (saxaul, elm, tamarisk), on electricity poles, triangulation towers, graves, and on steep hill slopes; from dry twigs and grass stems, lined with old grass, hair, rags etc. Nests are used for some years, and repaired by both birds yearly. Clutches of 2-5 eggs in April – May. Incubation begins from first egg and continues approximately 40 days. Chicks hatch end May – June. Both parents feed juveniles, which begin flying end June – early August. Autumn migration at Chokpak Pass begins mid-August – early September; many birds observed in October (416 Long-legged Buzzard were counted 19 October 1969 between 09.50 - 11.00). Latest birds observed mid November. In more northerly areas it disappears end September.

Distribution

Breeds in southern half of Kazakhstan, north to Kamysh-Samarskiye lakes, Aktau mountains in Utva-Ilek region, Tersek pine forest in Naurzum Reserve, Aktobe, Karaganda, in Shortandy area, Kyzyltau Mts. at Zhosaly village, Semipalatinsk area and Zaysan depression. Summering and dispersing birds observed to the north. Widespread on migration in the above areas. Stray bird observed on Markakol’ lake 28 May 1983. Wintering in south of the Republic.

References

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