Bewick's Swan

Cygnus bewickii (Yarrell, 1830)

2014-04-27 Ust-Kamenogorsk sity, Ulba river	© Valentin Zenkov

Distribution

Occasionally occurs during migration in Naurzum Reserve, Volga-Ural region, in Utva-Ilek area, in Kustanay area, on Turgay and Ulkayak rivers, on Kurgaldzhino lakes, in areas adjacent to Northern Caspian Sea, on Aral Sea, Alakol depression at Tentek delta (25 and 27 April 2002), on Irtysh river and Markakol lake. One observed on 17 January 1900 at Dzharkent on Ile river.

Biology

Rare passage migrant seen in April – May, an exceptionally large flock of 120 birds observed 4 June 1986 in lower Turgay river. Generally observed in small groups and more often singly with other Swans. Regularly recorded end September – October.

References

Рябицев В.К., Ковшарь А.Ф., Ковшарь В.А., Березовиков Н.Н. "Полевой определитель птиц Казахстана", Алматы, 2014. Gavrilov E. I., Gavrilov A. E. "The Birds of Kazakhstan". Almaty, 2005. Э.И.Гаврилов. "Фауна и распространение птиц Казахстана". Алматы, 1999.