Siberian Crane

Grus leucogeranus (Pallas, 1773)

2014-09-12 Naurzum rezerve, Kostanay obl 2014-09-12 Naurzum rezerve, Kostanay obl	© Aleksey Timoshenko © Aleksey Timoshenko

Distribution

On migration occasionally observed in different parts of Kazakhstan, but mostly in Naurzum reserve. In 6 September 1986 two birds observed on Markakol lake area. At Chokpak Pass where Cranes counted many years first bird observed at 2 May 2004 and two more at 18 April 2005 which flied in eastern direction with flock of 120 Demoiselle Cranes at altitude 200 m.

Biology

Very rare passage migrant. Occurs on fresh and salty lakes. Singles and small groups up to 5 birds were observed in spring in March – May, at autumn in second half of August – November.

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.