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Irregularly nests in Southern Kazakhstan, in north to Turkestan and eastward to Merke. In lower Assa river one bird with stick in the bill observed early May 2002. Wandering birds were observed close to Mugodzhary Mts., near Ulanbel, in Andasai Reserve and on Kapchagay reservoir (8 May 1989), on Manas Island (Aral Sea), on lower reaches of Syrdarya river and on Kurgaldzhino area (September 18, 2013). On Chokpak singles recorded 24 March 1974, 8 September 1971, 29 September 1967, 25 September 1981 and 26 October 2000, a flock of 19 birds. A winter record (January 10th, 1992) of one bird near Taraz is known. Occasionally single birds observed in winter in south from Shymkent.

Biology

Rare breeding migrant. Inhabits the cultivated landscapes with with separate trees, meadows and small shallow lakes, pools or marshes. Appears in end of February –March. Nests in pairs fairly distanced from each other. The bulky nest located on the human constructions (ancient mosques, water towers, sheep-sheds, uninhabited buildings, electrical and telephone poles) or on trees (Elm, Mulberry, Russian Olive) at height 3.5-7 m above the ground. Nest is build by both partners from thick twigs; the inner cup is lined with dry grass, rags, pieces of paper and other soft material. If there is no disturbance, the nest is used for many years, only refreshed every year. Clutch of 3-5 eggs is produced in mid-March – April. Juveniles begin to fly in end June – mid-July. Autumn migration is in September – October.

References

Gavrilov E. I., Gavrilov A. E. "The Birds of Kazakhstan". Almaty, 2005. Э.И.Гаврилов. "Фауна и распространение птиц Казахстана". Алматы, 1999. В.К.Рябицев. "Птицы Урала, Приуралья и Западной Сибири". Екатеринбург. Изд-во Уральского университета, 2000.