No Synonyms

Description

Rare breeding migrant. Inhabits mountain regions with meadows and shallow water nearby (not further than 10-15 km from nest), seldom visited by the people. Arrives end February – early March in southern areas, and end March – mid-April in northern ones, but in highlands of Western Altai at early May. Late migrants observed up to early June. Pairs nest separately. Birds with sticks in their bills were observed at Western Altai end April – early May. Nest built (and usually occupied for some years) on trees or in niches and on inaccessible rock-ledges, from thick twigs. Inner flat cup lined with dry grass, leaves and hair. Clutches of 2-5, rarely of 6 eggs early May – early July. Parents incubate 32-46 days and feed juveniles, which fledge mid-July – August. Autumn migration begins end August, most birds leave in September – October, in flocks of 40-50 birds. Singles occasionally winter in the south of Kazakhstan, on lower Keles river and on Chirchik river.

Distribution

Occupies mountainous areas of Tien Shan, Dzhungarskiy Alatau, Tarbagatay, Saur, Monrak, Southwest Altai, Kalbinskiy Altai and Kazakh uplands. Rarely breeds in Tentek river delta and in Charyn river valley. Nests were also found on Mugodzhary ridge. Widespread during migration. Unusual concentrations of 6-34 birds (at all 94) recorded 29 August – 7 September 1995 on Ters Asthibulak reservoir.

References

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