No Synonyms

Description

Rare breeding and a common passage migrant. Inhabits wet meadows in river valleys and near steppe lakes, or lake saline soil shores with high grass. On migration visit shore of various reservoirs, stubble fields or steppe far from water. Appears in March – early April in southern areas, but in April – early May in northern ones, in small groups or flocks of 30-50, up to some hundred birds. Males migrate at first and begin to mating-dance in northern half of Kazakhstan in mid – end May. Latest males leave in early June. Nest is built by female on tussock, among meadow or on island in colony of terns and waders, in shallow hole lined with dry grass. Clutches of 4 eggs in third decade of May – early June. Female incubates for 21 days and cares for juveniles alone. Autumn migration begins by males, which appear at end June with moulting collar feathers and inner primaries, and flight to winter quarter gradually. At mid July females begin migrate and juveniles at last. Main flight in August – early September, latest birds recorded in mid-September at northern areas, and up to early November at southern ones. On Kyzykol’ lake 1-2 September 2005 near 20 thousand Ruffs observed.

Distribution

Breeds in north-western Kazakhstan, south up to Chapaevo village, between Emba river and Mugodzhary ridge, at lower reaches of Turgay river. May be breeds also between Ob’ and Irtysh valleys to the south up to Semipalatinsk, but this not proved up to present. On migration occurs in plain areas everywhere, excepting mountains.

References

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