No Synonyms

Description

Common, in places abundant breeding migrant. Inhabits forest-steppe and steppe zone with groves and riparian woods alternate with open areas. Appears in mid-April – early May, latest migrant observed near Arys station 10 May. Migrates in flocks and singly; visible migration poorly expressed. Breeds in loose colonies or in separate pairs. Nest is built in deciduous rarely coniferous trees, more often old Crow, Rook or Magpie nests used. Clutches of 2-6, usually 3-4 eggs end May – early June. Females incubate mostly, but males change them for short time (three brood patches develop) and sometimes feed her. Incubating begins from first egg and continues 28 days. At first time only male bring food, but later both parents. Juveniles hatch in end June – mid-July and fledge in end of July – late August. Autumn migration begins in August, intensive migration in flocks observed at Western Kazakhstan in first decade of September. Latest birds registered in mid-September. On Chokpak Pass singles recorded 10 and 30 September 2002-2003. Very rare singles linger until early October.

Distribution

Breeds in northern Kazakhstan south up to Urda, lower reaches of Ural river, middle current of Emba valley, Naurzum, Akmola, foothills of Western Altai, in western part of Kalbinskiy Altai, in valleys of Bukhtarma and Chernyy Irtysh rivers . On migration seen in southern areas including Chokpak Pass, a stray bird observed 27 April 1982 on Markakol’ lake.

References

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