Pygmy Cormorant

Phalacrocorax pygmaeus (Pallas, 1773)

2014-07-26 South Kazakhstan, Chushkakol lake	© Yevgeny Belousov

Distribution

Previously nested on Syrdarya river valley and, probably, in delta of Ural river. Several birds observed in Ural river delta in 2000, and has probably bred close to Atyrau in 2002. Vagrant birds observed 16-21 April 1967 (2 and 4 birds) on Chu river and 12 birds on Sorbulak lake on 30 May 1995. In 2001 common in Syrdarya valley and on Chushkakol lakes, where also probably bred in 2002. One bird recorded on Kurgaldzhino Reserve 16 May 2001. In mild winters seen on Syrdarya river near Dzhulek village; in Tashkent area winters regularly in small groups or singly. On 18-21 December 2003 about 100 birds recorded on Chardara reservoir.

Biology

Rare breeding migrant. Inhabits fish lakes and river channels with rich reed-beds or riparian trees and bushes. Appears end February – early March. Breeding in small colonies, usually together with Cormorant, Grey Heron and Night Heron, or in single pairs. Nests are built in reeds, on bushes and trees from dry reed stems and leaves. Clutches of 4-6, less often 3 or 7 eggs discovered at end of May – mid-June. Both parents incubate and feed juveniles. Autumn migration not well marked.

References

Gavrilov E. I., Gavrilov A. E. "The Birds of Kazakhstan". Almaty, 2005. Э.И.Гаврилов. "Фауна и распространение птиц Казахстана". Алматы, 1999. "Птицы Казахстана" том 1. "Наука". Алма-Ата, 1960.