Birds of Central Asia 071367038X, 9780713670387

Citation preview

Birds of

CENTRAL ASIA Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Afghanistan

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Helm field guides

Birds of

CENTRAL ASIA Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Afghanistan

Raffael Ayé and Manuel Schweizer with Tobias Roth

Illustrated by Dave Nurney Per Alström, Adam Bowley, Carl D’Silva, Kim Franklin, John Gale, Alan Harris, Ren Hathway, Christopher Schmidt, Brian Small, Jan Wilczur, Tim Worfolk and Martin Woodcock with contributions to the distribution maps from Arend Wassink

Christopher Helm London

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Authors’ note Raffael Ayé and Manuel Schweizer have contributed equally to this book.

This electronic edition published in 2018 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc First published in 2012 by Christopher Helm (an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing) Copyright © 2012 text by Raffael Ayé, Manuel Schweizer and Tobias Roth Copyright © 2012 illustrations by Dave Nurney 1–4, 6(part), 13(part)–14, 33 (part)–49, 57(part)–60(part), 62–70, 75–79, 81–88, 101–102, 104, 110–114, 118, 120, 122–127, 129–143; Per Alström 128; Adam Bowley 80, 103, 105(part)–106; Carl D’Silva 74(part); Kim Franklin 24(part)–25; John Gale 50–53, 56–57(part), 89; Alan Harris 11, 15–23, 26–29(part), 33(part), 60(part), 99–100, 115–117; Ren Hathway 105(part), 107–108; Christopher Schmidt 54–55; Brian Small 61, 90–98, 109, 119, 121; Jan Wilczur 5-6(part), 7–10, 12–13(part); Tim Worfolk 24(part), 29(part)–32, 71–73; Martin Woodcock 74(part) The right of Raffael Ayé, Manuel Schweizer and Tobias Roth to be identified as the authors of this work has been asserted by them in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means – photographic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or information storage or retrieval systems – without permission of the publishers. Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, 50 Bedford Square, London WC1B 3DP www.bloomsbury.com Bloomsbury Publishing, London, New Delhi, New York and Sydney A CIP catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Commissioning editor: Nigel Redman Project editor: Jim Martin Design by Julie Dando at Fluke Art ISBN (print) 978-0-7136-7038-7 ISBN (epub) 978-1-4081-4270-7 ISBN (epdf) 978-1-4081-4271-4 To find out more about our authors and books visit www.bloomsbury.com and sign up for our newsletters

Cover artwork Front: Saxaul Sparrows (Alan Harris) Back, top to bottom: Güldenstädt’s Redstart (Dave Nurney); Sociable Lapwing (Dave Nurney); Pallas’s Sandgrouse (John Gale); Black Lark (Bill Zetterström)

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CONTENTS

Plate

Page

Map of the region

7

Acknowledgements

8

Introduction

9

HOW TO USE THIS BOOK The plates Species accounts Maps Bird topography Glossary Taxonomy and nomenclature

10 10 10 13 14 16 17

geography and biogeography Topography Climate Biomes and habitats in Central Asia

20 20 20 22

organisations and websites

31

Species accounts Grouse, partridges and pheasants PHASIANIDAE 1–4 Geese, swans and ducks  ANATIDAE 5–13 Divers  gaviidae 13 Grebes  PODICIPEDIDAE 14 Flamingos  PHOENICOPTERIDAE 15 Storks  CICONIIDAE 15 Ibises and spoonbills  THRESKIORNITHIDAE 15 Bitterns, herons and egrets  ARDEIDAE 16–17 Pelicans  PELECANIDAE 18 Cormorants  PHALACROCORACIDAE 18 Falcons  FALCONIDAE 19–22 Hawks, buzzards and eagles  ACCIPITRIDAE 22–32 Bustards  OTIDIDAE 33 Cranes  GRUIDAE 33 Rails, crakes and gallinules  RALLIDAE 34–35 Jacanas  JACANIDAE 35 Stilts and avocets  RECURVIROSTRIDAE 36 Oystercatchers  HAEMATOPODIDAE 36 Ibisbill  IBIDORHYNCHIDAE 36 Thick-knees  BURHINIDAE 36 Lapwings and plovers  CHARADRIIDAE 37–40 Sandpipers and allies  SCOLOPACIDAE 40–48 Coursers and pratincoles  GLAREOLIDAE 49 Painted-snipe  ROSTRATULIDAE 49 Gulls  LARIDAE 50–53 Skuas  STERCORARIIDAE 53 Terns  STERNIDAE 54–55

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34–40 42–58 58 60 62 62 62 64–66 68 68 70–76 76–96 98 98 100–102 102 104 104 104 104 106–112 112–128 130 130 132–138 138 140–142

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Sandgrouse  PTEROCLIDAE Pigeons and doves  COLUMBIDAE Parakeets  PSITTACIDAE Cuckoos  CUCULIDAE Owls  STRIGIDAE Nightjars  CAPRIMULGIDAE Swifts  APODIDAE Rollers  CORACIIDAE Bee-eaters  MEROPIDAE Kingfishers  ALCEDINIDAE Hoopoes  UPUPIDAE Woodpeckers and wrynecks  PICIDAE Shrikes  LANIIDAE Bulbuls  PYCNONOTIDAE Drongos  DICRURIDAE Minivets  CAMPEPHAGIDAE Crows and jays  CORVIDAE Orioles  ORIOLIDAE Hypocolius HYPOCOLIIDAE Tits  PARIDAE Bearded Reedling  PANURIDAE Penduline-tits  REMIZIDAE Long-tailed tits  AEGITHALIDAE Swallows and martins  HIRUNDINIDAE Larks  ALAUDIDAE Cisticolas and prinias  CISTICOLIDAE Bush warblers  CETTIIDAE Grasshopper warblers  MEGALURIDAE Reed warblers  ACROCEPHALIDAE Leaf warblers  PHYLLOSCOPIDAE Sylvia warblers  SYLVIIDAE Babblers  TIMALIIDAE Paradise flycatchers  MONARCHIDAE Wallcreeper  TICHODROMADIDAE Nuthatches  SITTIDAE Treecreepers  CERTHIIDAE Wrens  troglodytidae White-eyes  ZOSTEROPIDAE Tit-warblers AEGITHALIDAE Goldcrests  regulidae Starlings and mynas  STURNIDAE Thrushes  TURDIDAE Robins, chats and flycatchers  MUSCICAPIDAE Sparrows and snowfinches  PASSERIDAE Accentors  PRUNELLIDAE Sunbirds  NECTARINIIDAE Dippers  CINCLIDAE Waxwings  BOMBYCILLIDAE Wagtails and pipits  MOTACILLIDAE

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56–57 57–59 60 60 61–63 64 65 66 66 67 67 68–70 71–73 74 74 74 75–78 78 79 79–81 81 82 82 83–84 85–88 89 90 90–91 90–94 95–98 99–100 101 101 101 102 102 103 103 103 103 104 105–108 109–119 120–122 123–124 125 125 125 126–130

144–146 146–150 152 152 154–158 160 162 164 164 166 166 168–172 174–178 180 180 180 182–188 188 190 190–194 194 196 196 198–200 202–208 210 212 212–214 212–220 222–228 230–232 234 234 234 236 236 238 238 238 238 240 242–248 250–270 272–276 278–280 282 282 282 284–292

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Finches  FRINGILLIDAE Waxbills  ESTRILDIDAE Buntings  EMBERIZIDAE

131–138 134 138–143

294–308 300 308–318

Appendix 1 Old vagrants, undocumented records and doubtfully recorded species

320

Appendix 2 Moult and ageing of large raptors

321

Appendix 3 Identifying gulls

322

references

324

Index

326

eni

Ish

im

To b

ol

Ur

al

sey

R U S S I A

h

Dary

Nukus

Amu

Tashken t

K Y R G Y Z S TA N

Bukhara

Dary

EN TI

Dushanbe

TA J I K I S TA N

a

I R A N

Almaty B i sh ke k Issyk-Kul

Shymke n t

T U R K M E N I S TA N

HIN

L

Lake Balkhash

a

Tashauz

50°

A

Syr

U Z B E K I S TA N

Ashgabat

Semey

Karagandy

Aral Sea

Caspian Sea

Irtys

A st a n a

K A Z A K H S TA N

USH DU K

N S H A 40°

C H I N A

Kabul

A F G H A N I S TA N

PA K I S TA N 60°

0

I N D I A

70°

1000

80°

30°

2000 Kilometres

Figure 1. Map of the region.

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ACKNOWLEDGeMENTS Our sincere thanks go to the great many people without whom the production of this field guide would not have been possible. Prof. Anatoliy Kovshar provided an initial species list for the birds of Central Asia. Steve Madge provided an annotated species list for Afghanistan. For the discussion of open questions about the identification, taxonomy or voices of species, we are particularly thankful to Per Alström, Oleg Belyalov, Andreas Buchheim, Edward C. Dickinson, Dick Forsman, Hannu Jännes, Johannes Kamp, Guy M. Kirwan, Antero Lindholm, Vladimir M. Loskot, Steve Madge, Nicolas Martinez, Urban Olsson, Evgeniy N. Panov, Mathias Ritschard, Magnus Robb, Kees Roselaar, Hadoram Shirihai, Lars Svensson, Till Töpfer and Arend Wassink. For the preparation of the distribution maps we received invaluable help from Johannes Kamp, Arend Wassink and Geoff Welch. The following persons provided access to museum collections or sent pictures or data from specimens: Mark Adams and Robert Prys-Jones (Natural History Museum, Tring), Edward Gavrilov, Fiodr Karpov and Sergey Yerokhov (Almaty), Gerald Mayr (Frankfurt), Roman Kashkarov, Maxim Mitropolskiy and Oleg Mitropolskiy (Tashkent), Alexander Peklo (Kiev), Eric Pasquet (Paris), Paul Sweet and Thomas J. Trombone (New York). We are further heavily indebted to many people who provided general information and support or commented on the texts, namely Adrian Aebischer, Florian Altermatt, Valentin Amrhein, Mario Camici, Oleg Belyalov, Axel Bräunlich, Michael Brombacher, Mike Evans, Jérôme Fischer, Iryna Garkusha, Andrey Gavrilov, Marcel Güntert, Gerald Heckel, Stefan T. Hertwig, Mark Hohn, Gulnaz Jalilova, Roman Kashkarov, Oleg Kashkarov, Peter Kennerley, Ben King, Edith Koshkin, Elena Kreuzberg, Stephan Lauper, Gholam Malikyar, David Marques, Christian Marti, Maxim Mitropolskiy, Wali Modaqiq, Werner Müller, Ben Pfäffli, Nigel Redman, Matthias Retter, Mathias Ritschard, Steve Rooke, Beat Rüegger, Eldar Rustamov, Michael Schaad, Heiko Schmaljohann, Derek Scott, Jevgeni Shergalin, Sergey Sklyarenko, Martin Spiess, Valentina Toropova, Raffael Winkler, Machiel Valkenburg, Paul Walser Schwyzer and Michael Westerbjerg Andersen. The following people helped us to organise memorable trips to Central Asia or accompanied us on such trips: Rustam Abdykov, Ayub Alavi, Florian Altermatt, Samuel Bachmann, Munavarra Baybabayeva, Oleg Belyalov, Ikar Borodikhin, Simon Busuttil, Roman Droux, Sergey Egorenko, Jonathan Etzold, Jan de Groot, Mahsuddin Ghoibov, Markus Hauser, Gulnaz Jalilova, Roman Kashkarov, Victoria Kovshar, Alexander Kreuzberg, Daniel Kreuzberg, Elena Kreuzberg, Stephan Lauper, William Lawrence, Dave Lawson, Natalya Marmazinskaya, Doris Matthes, Daniel Matti, Naqibullah Mostafawi, Stéphane Ostrowski, Hassan Pirov, Roqiya Pirova, Matthias Retter, Chris Shank, Boris Shcherbakov, Thomas Stalling, Sourat Toimastov and Paul Walser Schwyzer. We are very grateful to Prof. Oleg Mitropolskiy, Tamara Badasyants and Victoryia Filatova for their dedicated work on the database that helped to improve the distribution maps of some species. Some of our work was supported by the Basler Stiftung für biologische Forschung and the Schweizerische Vogelwarte/Arcatour Fonds. We further are indebted to our employers, Naturhistorisches Museum der Burgergemeinde Bern, Schweizer Vogelschutz SVS/BirdLife Switzerland, the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute and Hintermann & Weber AG, for their great support, understanding and flexibility. We owe a huge debt to all the artists who have produced the illustrations for this book. Most of the artwork was painted specially for the guide but a number of illustrations have been re-used from other guides, notably the Helm Field Guides from surrounding regions including East Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East and the Horn of Africa. Illustrations of some birds first appeared in various Helm Identification Guides, namely Sylvia Warblers, Reed and Bush Warblers and Pipits and Wagtails. We are very grateful to the authors and illustrators of all these books for permission to re-use this work. The huge task of compiling the plates and laying out the book was undertaken by Julie and Marc Dando whose considerable skills have transformed a wealth of text, maps and images into a glorious and attractive field guide. We are grateful to Ernest Garcia for proof-reading the final text, and at Bloomsbury Publishing our patient editors, Nigel Redman and Jim Martin, provided sound advice and much editorial input. Last but not least, we owe a huge debt of gratitude to our parents as well as to Iryna Garkusha, Mirjam Rieger and Phonepasong Soukhathammavong and we would like to thank them for their unconditional support, understanding and for being a source of motivation and encouragement.

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INTRODUCTION This book is the first comprehensive field guide to the birds of Central Asia. As used in this book, Central Asia comprises the former Soviet republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan as well as Afghanistan. This is more a pragmatic definition rather than a geographical, historical or even zoogeographical one. Different geographical regions have been referred to as ‘Central Asia’ in the literature and there is no unambiguous definition or usage. The traditional Russian zoological and geographical literature has used the term for the mountains and deserts from Jungaria and Kashgaria to Western Sayan, northern Mongolia, the Gobi desert and the Tibetan plateau (east Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to Baikal, Mongolia and western China), while ‘Middle Asia’ has been used for Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Southern Kazakhstan. In contrast, the usage ‘Central Asia’ for Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan is common in the English literature (these areas were formerly known as ‘Turkestan’). Such a definition has also been adopted by BirdLife International and the Ornithological Society of the Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia (OSME). As Afghanistan, which is neither in the Middle East nor in the Oriental Region, shares many species with the ‘Central Asian’ countries lying to the north, it has been included in this book. As can be expected for such a large region with a wide altitudinal range, a variety of different habitats and accordingly, a rich avifauna can be found in Central Asia. More than 635 species have been recorded in the region and are covered in this book. All three endemic species of the region are songbirds, namely Afghan Snowfinch Montifringilla theresae, Pander’s Ground Jay Podoces panderi and Zarudny’s Sparrow Passer zarudnyi. A fourth species, the possible breeding endemic Large-billed Reed Warbler Acrocephalus orinus, is also a passerine. Central Asia is located in the Palearctic ecozone or realm and lies just east of the border usually used to separate the Palearctic into an eastern and a western part. Hence, the avifauna of Central Asia can be basically characterised as Eastern Palearctic, though several typical Western Palearctic species occur in the region as well. Moreover, the ranges of many species typical of the Oriental or Indo-Malayan ecozone extend into Central Asia or just penetrate into the very east of Afghanistan. The varied avifauna of Central Asia includes species typical of the vast Eurasian steppe zone, high mountain specialists shared with the Tibetan Plateau and the Himalayas, species adapted to arid environments and characteristic of the SaharoSindian desert belt and even elements of the Holarctic boreal forests. Moreover, Central Asia constitutes an important stop-over site and corridor for migrating birds of the Central Asian flyway and an overwintering area for many species. Although we have tried to study as many taxa as possible in the field or in museum collections, and visited much of the region covered, this book relies heavily on the enormous and extraordinary research on the birds of Central Asia conducted by local scientists and ornithologists. Moreover, we strongly benefited from the wealth of articles on the identification and taxonomy of Asian birds in scientific journals and birdwatching magazines published during recent decades. Knowledge of the distribution, identification and taxonomy of birds constantly grows; some of the information given may consequently already be out of date by the time this field guide goes to print and, hence, field guides must be considered as work in progress. When the work on this book started, the Large-billed Reed Warbler, for example, was only known from the type specimen collected in north-west India and a bird trapped in Thailand. Nowadays, however, it is clear that this enigmatic species breeds in the mountains of the southern part of Central Asia and has been previously overlooked. Likewise, we may have missed important publications and mistakes may have crept in during the production process. Hence, we warmly welcome any new information, comments, corrections and suggestions for future editions of this field guide. Please send material for the attention of the authors to the publisher’s address. We hope that this book will help many birdwatchers, ornithologists, naturalists and conservationists to identify the birds they see. Our own interest in birdwatching was partly driven by the publication of marvellous field guides during our youth. We would see our goals fulfilled if this guide helped to attract more and more people to the fascinating hobby, profession or vocation of watching birds, and ultimately raised awareness of the importance of protecting the many threatened bird species and our natural heritage as a whole.

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HOW TO USE THIS BOOK The Plates

The plates in this book are approximately in family taxonomic order, following Dickinson (2003), but a few species appear out of sequence due to design constraints. Every species recorded in the region since 1950 has been illustrated in all its major plumages, including any sex, age and seasonal variation. Colour morphs have been depicted if relevant, and many distinct and identifiable subspecies have also been illustrated.

Species Accounts Names and species covered Each species is given an English and scientific name. See the ‘Taxonomy and Nomenclature’ section on p.17 for an explanation of the rationale for the taxonomic and nomenclatural approach applied in this book. Generally, all species recorded in the region since 1950 are included in the main part of the book but only records published up to mid-2011 could be considered. A few exceptions and species recorded prior to 1950 are listed in Appendix 1 on p.312. Some species for which no documented record exists, but whose future occurrence is considered likely, have been additionally included in the main part. We cannot exclude the possibility that we have missed some vagrant species that have recently been recorded and welcome any new information.

Measurements As an indication of the overall and comparative size of the bird, a measurement of the total length from bill- to tail-tip is given in centimetres. There is a lot of intraspecific size variation in birds and there are also differences between sexes, age-classes and populations in certain species. Moreover, length measurements are notoriously difficult to take and depend on how they were obtained. Nevertheless, we have chosen to give only a single figure rather than a range for the great majority of species, as this is mostly accurate enough for comparisons under field conditions. Only in exceptional cases is a range of values given for size. In species where there are large size differences between the sexes, separate measurements are given for males and females. For those species for which a notion of the wingspan seemed particularly useful for identification, we also give a range of measurements for wingspan. The measurements were taken from various authoritative sources including Rasmussen & Anderton (2005).

Geographical variation Many species are represented by different subspecies (or races). All subspecies that we consider valid and that occur in the region are listed within the respective species text, or it is indicated that the species is considered monotypic. The subspecies with the widest distribution in the region is listed first. Subspecies that we do not consider to be separable in the field are listed together. The breeding or wintering range for the subspecies with the widest distribution is best seen on the distribution maps (see below); approximate indications of the regional breeding range for additional subspecies are given in brackets after each subspecies name. Passage migrants (PM), winter visitors (WV) and vagrants (V) that do not breed in the region are identified as such by the corresponding abbreviation and often approximate information on their occurrence is also given. Subspecies that we consider distinct enough to be identifiable under field conditions are described in a separate section within the species text. Slight variations in coloration or size are not considered to be perceptible in the field; however, these are mentioned in several cases nevertheless. Although subspecies within some species show seemingly marked differences, it is often not possible to identify single individuals to subspecies level. It should also be noted that the distribution areas are not well known for many subspecies and the information given in standard literature is even contradictory in some cases. Where subspecific variation is clinal (i.e. where morphological differences from one subspecies to another change gradually across the range), the delimitation of the range of two subspecies may even be arbitrary. Thus, the ranges given are in many cases only approximate. The exceptions are some allopatric (non-overlapping) subspecies that are confined, for example, to distinct mountain regions. For some subspecies that are markedly distinct and have been proposed as potential splits or may be considered as incipient species, English names are given in ‘single quotation marks’.

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Identification and plumage terminology The species accounts usually begin with a characterisation of the general appearance and overall impression (‘jizz’) and identification features applicable in all plumages. Similar species are often first mentioned here. The plumage is described afterwards. If plumages vary between sexes and/or different ages classes, they are described separately, beginning with the different plumages of males, followed by females, juveniles and different immature plumages. We have usually refrained from describing plumages in detail and describe characteristics with regards to similar species, age-classes, sex or subspecific differences. However, more detailed descriptions are given in some cases. The main identification characters are usually mentioned first and key features are italicised. As such, the texts convey vital information on how reliable a difference that may be seen on the plate actually is for identification or to what degree it may be subject to variation. Even for criteria that are known or thought to be reliable, be aware that identification should never be based on a single character but rather relies on a combination of features. This is especially important for species that are difficult to identify. Plumages vary according to age and season. Every bird species has at least two different plumages, but several different plumages can be distinguished in gulls and big raptors, for example (see Appendices 2 and 3, respectively). Different plumages are usually attained by moult, i.e. the change of feathers by losing old ones and growing new ones. However, wear and bleaching of feathers can alter the appearance of plumages considerably. The first full contour plumage in birds is called the juvenile plumage (Juv). It is usually quickly replaced through the post-juvenile moult (post-juv moult) by the first-winter (1st-win) plumage. Especially in smaller birds, this plumage may no longer be distinguishable from the adult (Ad) or ad non-breeding (Ad Non-br) plumage. However, in most larger birds, several immature (Imm), i.e. non-adult, plumages follow. The first winter is then followed by the first-summer (1st-sum) plumage and this by the second-winter (2nd-win) plumage and so on. Large gulls as an example can usually be separated from older birds until their thirdsummer (3rd-sum). They are considered as adult from their fourth-winter (4th-win) onwards. First-year birds (1st-yr) are either in their first-winter or first-summer plumage, second-year birds (2nd-yr) in their secondwinter or second-summer plumage and so on. In some cases, the concept of calendar years is used. The term first calendar year (1stCY) refers to time period from hatching to 31st December of the same year. The second calendar year (2ndCY) defines the period from 1st January of the following year to 31st December. A bird in its first winter can thus either be in its first or second calendar year.

Voice Bird vocalisations can be very complex and differ in innumerable ways and parameters. Describing them in simple words is thus inherently difficult. Even more than differences in coloration and patterning, differences in vocalisations are perceived and described subjectively. Therefore, users of this book will need to invest time in learning at least the most common vocalisations in the field, listening to the birds and memorising their sounds. Nowadays, numerous recordings that are published on CDs or on the internet (see some useful links in the ‘Organisations and Websites’ section on page 31) help birdwatchers to familiarise themselves with vocalisations before going to the field or to compare what they have heard with recordings afterwards. With the development of mobile internet connections, comparisons can even be done directly while hearing the bird in the field in some areas. Despite the availability of recordings and advanced technology, we have decided to include voice descriptions with a certain level of detail in this guide. In fact, such descriptions are not replaced but rendered more useful by the widespread availability of recordings. The voice descriptions presented in this book will hopefully help the user in many instances to pick out the more constant differences between two species, when a few recordings available on the internet may suggest numerous differences, some of which are just a consequence of individual or geographical variation. We encourage readers to compare our descriptions with available recordings to get used to the inherently clumsy transcriptions and the meaning of the special characters used therein. It may also be useful to try and repeatedly pronounce the transcriptions, first slowly and then at what may be a more realistic pace. However, before doing so, users should study and memorise the following conventions.

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General aspects and technical terms The transcriptions are given in italics, while the rest of the voice descriptions is in normal script. We have avoided using many technical terms and instead tried to use words as generally understood. A phrase is a group of notes, elements or syllables that are repeated (two or more times).

Volume The transcriptions do not render the absolute volume of a vocalisation. Volume cannot be compared between different species on the same plate nor between different vocalisations of the same species. Rather, changes in volume within the same vocalisation are coded. Normal lower-case script has been used for the lowest-volume parts of a vocalisation or for the whole vocalisation if there are only moderate changes in volume. Lower case = lowest-volume (‘softest’) parts of a vocalisation small caps = distinctly louder parts of the same vocalisation UPPER CASE = much louder parts within a vocalisation

Pitch Obvious changes in pitch have been identified using slashes immediately before the note that rises or falls in pitch. Slight changes in pitch have not been marked with slashes. Be aware that the vowels used in transcriptions may also give a hint at slight changes in pitch. Very often the pitch influences the way we hear vowels in a vocalisation. The following vowels tend to be in a sequence of gradually higher-pitched vocalisations: oo, uu, aa, aeae, yy, ii, ee. / = following note (or part of a note, part of a syllable) distinctly rising in pitch \ = following note distinctly falling in pitch // = following note very strongly rising in pitch \\ = following note very strongly falling in pitch Note that /, \, // and \\ do not denote any pauses: /swee\yoo is one single tone that is first up- and then downslurred. In some cases, slashes have been used preceding a sign for a pause. In this case, the note following the pause is not slurred, it is either higher- or lower-pitched than the preceding one.

Pauses and other symbols Single apostrophes, hyphens, spaces and commas denote gradually longer pauses: tee’tee; tee-tee; tee tee; tee, tee represent increasing length of pauses between the two tee-notes. Brackets have been used to denote optional parts of a vocalisation. If, for example, tee-tee is sometimes but not always preceded by tit, this is denoted as: (tit-)tee-tee … indicates that a vocalisation continues in a similar manner.

Pronunciation of letters Most letters have been used as they are pronounced in standard British English. The following warrant a short explanation: ae – as in ‘bad’ pronounced with a German or New Zealand accent; often used for slightly nasal sounds i – as in ‘it’ ts – pronounced together as one sharp sound as in ‘wits’ y – pronounced like German ü z – as in ‘zealous’ zh – a ‘voiced’ sh-sound, similar to the second g in ‘garage’

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Habitat A brief description of habitat and altitudinal range is given for each species. If not stated otherwise, the habitat and altitude describes the breeding habitat. We use the term lowlands for altitudes below c. 600 m, foothills between 600 and 1800 m and mountains above 1800 m.

Abbreviations Ad Ad Br Ad Non-br Afg C cf. E Imm Juv Kaz Kgz m MB N PM S Tjk Tkm Uzb V W WV 1stCY 2ndCY 1st-win 2nd-win 1st-sum 2nd-sum 1st-yr 2nd-yr

adult adult individual in breeding plumage adult individual in non-breeding plumage Afghanistan central compare with East, eastern immature juvenile plumage Kazakhstan Kyrgyzstan metres migrant breeder North, northern passage migrant South, southern Tajikistan Turkmenistan Uzbekistan vagrant West, western winter visitor Individual in first calendar year Individual in second calendar year (later years accordingly) Individual in first-winter plumage Individual in second-winter plumage (later years accordingly) Individual in first-summer plumage Individual in second-summer plumage (later years accordingly) Individual in a plumage of its first year Individual in a plumage of its second year (later years accordingly)

Maps

A distribution map is provided for each species regularly breeding or wintering in the region. Usually, no maps are given for regularly occurring migrants that do not breed or winter, or for vagrants. The distribution maps are based on regional handbooks and monographs on the different species groups. Some of the most important references used for many species were Abdusalyamov (1971–77), Gavrin et al. (1962), Dolgushin (1960), Dolgushin et al. (1970; 1972), Gavrilov & Gavrilov (2005), Habibi (2007), Korelov et al. (1974), Kreuzberg-Muhina et al. (2005), Paludan (1959), Rustamov & Kovshar (2007) as well as Wassink & Oreel (2007). The website www.birds.kz compiled by Askar Issabekov and Vladilyen Karasev with many documented records from all over Kazakhstan provided helpful additional information for many species. Moreover, some of the maps benefited from data in travel reports published on the internet, data from the collections of the National University of Uzbekistan and the University of Samarkand and our own observations. Data from these sources were entered in a database by the authors, Prof. Oleg Mitropolskiy, Tamara Badasyants and Victoriya Filatova. All maps were corrected by one or several experts. However, we

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are certain that there will be a number of mistakes and that for many species, the distribution may change over the years. Information on possible amendments is always welcome. Inevitably, the maps are on a small scale and cannot provide all the details of the distribution of a given species. Therefore, species with a patchy distribution (e.g. because they breed in patchy habitats) are difficult to map. In order to keep the maps as clear as possible we only used the following distribution categories: Resident: indicates the area where the species is present all year round including when breeding. Breeding: indicates breeding range that is abandoned in winter. The range shown should not include places where the species is recorded during summer but not breeding. For some species summer distribution is tricky to distinguish from real breeding distribution; in such cases we also include areas where breeding is likely (i.e. nesting sites are available), but from which there are no breeding records. Winter: indicates the range where the species is present during winter (mainly December to February). Migration and non-breeding summer range: indicates areas where the species is a regular migrant. Lilac arrows indicate migration direction. Within the area indicated by the arrow, the species can be seen but not as regularly as in the shaded areas. Question marks may be used for areas where, based on the available evidence, it is uncertain whether a species occurs, or where the few observations of the species suggest irregular occurrence. Question marks are used in the respective colours to indicate possible occurrence during the breeding and wintering seasons, or year-round.

Bird Topography superciilium median crown-stripe Topography of a passerine, showing head and upperpart feather tracts.

lateral crown-stripe

lores

mantle scapulars tertials back rump

eye-stripe lesser coverts median coverts

uppertail-coverts

greater coverts alula primary coverts primaries secondaries

superciilium ear-coverts lesser coverts scapulars median coverts

moustachial stripe

greater coverts

submoustachial stripe

tertials

malar

Topography of a passerine, showing the main feather tracts of the body and wings.

breast flank belly primary coverts

thigh tarsus

primaries secondaries

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crown nape / hindneck

forehead lore

mantle upper scapulars lower scapulars greater coverts tertials

chin throat

primaries

Topography of a shorebird. lesser coverts

tail

median coverts

vent

undertail-coverts

tibia tarsus primaries greater primary coverts median primary coverts alula lesser coverts

carpal joint

Topography of a shorebird in flight.

median coverts

leading edge

greater coverts secondaries rump

uppertail-coverts carpal joint

ear spot eye crescent secondary bar inner wing or arm

mid-wing panel carpal bar

subterminal tail-band

Topography of a small gull in flight.

outer wing or hand white primary tip

mirror

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Glossary Albino  Individuals that are unable to produce any pigment due to a genetic defect are called albinos and are completely white. Allopatric  Two species are considered as allopatric if their ranges do not overlap. Opposite of sympatric. Arm  The inner part of the wing, closer to the body than the carpal joint. Bare parts  Parts of a bird without feathers (especially bill, legs and eyes). Bib  A small, conspicuously coloured patch on the chin and throat. Biome  Major ecological communities characterised by their climate and distinct fauna and flora. Broom  Splayed primary fingers. Carpal  The bend of the wing or ‘wrist’ joint. Conspecific  Belonging to the same species (e.g. subspecies or races). Crepuscular  Active at dusk or dawn (twilight). Diurnal  Active in the daytime. Eclipse plumage  Female-like plumage attained by moult after breeding, e.g. of male ducks and sunbirds. Endemic  Species (or other taxonomic units) restricted in their distribution to a particular region. Extralimital  Occurring outside the geographic region covered in this book. Gape  Fleshy corner at the base of the mandibles, particularly obvious in juveniles. Hand  The outer part of the wing, beyond the carpal joint. Hybrid swarm  A population whose individuals show mixed characters as a consequence of extensive hybridisation between different species. Immature  General term for all non-adult plumages. Juvenile  The first full contour plumage in birds is called the juvenile plumage. Leucistic  Unusually pale plumage due to a deficiency of pigmentation. Mandibles  Upper and lower parts of the bill. Melanistic  Individuals with an abnormally dark plumage. Morph  Colour variant, unrelated to season, age or sex and not geographically segregated as subspecies. Monotypic  In the context of this book, used for species for which no subspecies are recognised. Nail  Horny bump at tip of upper mandible of swans, geese and ducks, and some other birds. Oriental or Indo-Malayan  Term for the biogeographic region or ecozone ranging from Afghanistan and through the Indian subcontinent south of the Himalayan foothills and through China south of the Yangtze to Southeast Asia. Palearctic  Term for the biogeographic region or ecozone consisting of Europe, Asia north of the Himalayan foothills and the Yangtze river, northern Africa, and the northern and central parts of the Arabian Peninsula. It is divided into Eastern and Western parts along the Ural mountains and river and the western border of Iran. Parapatric  The ranges of parapatric species abut, but do not overlap. Polytypic  In the context of this book, used for species for which two or more subspecies are recognised. Primary projection  The extension of the primaries beyond the end of the tertials on the closed wing, expressed as a percentage of the visible part of the tertials. Race  An alternative name for a subspecies. Rectrices  Tail feathers. Remiges  Secondaries and primaries (i.e. flight feathers).

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Rictal spot  Spot at the sides of the bill near the gape. Speculum  Glossy panel across the secondaries in some ducks. Subadult  Almost adult; used for older immature birds. Sympatric  Two species are considered as sympatric if their ranges overlap. Opposite of allopatric. Tail-projection  The extension of the end of the tail beyond the tips of the closed wings. Tertials  The innermost secondaries. Wing-projection  The extension of the tips of the closed wings beyond the tail tip. Wing-bar  A stripe or bar on the upperwing, usually formed by pale tips of the greater coverts and often also by the median coverts (double wing-bars); can also be formed by pale or more often dark centres of the median coverts. Wing-stripe  A stripe or bar on the upperwing formed by pale bases to the rectrices. Usually only visible in flight.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

Since the wide use of DNA sequence data in phylogenetic research, the taxonomic world is in constant flux and new results are being published constantly. Consequently, any new taxonomy can be considered as already outdated by the time of its publication. For reasons of convenience, the taxonomy used in this book primarily follows Dickinson (2003). However, we have tried to incorporate firmly supported and broadly accepted new taxonomic results concerning species, subspecies and generic levels, which disagree with the above-mentioned source. In some cases, the results of recent or even as yet unpublished studies have been included. Decisions to accept or reject proposed splits or lumps should be accounted for; they may not always be devoid of subjectivity and may reflect an author’s preference in some cases. However, deviations from Dickinson (2003) are justified as follows: • We follow Collinson et al. (2006) and Sangster et al. (2005) and treat White-winged Scoter Melanitta deglandi, including the subspecies M. d. stejnegeri in our region, as specifically distinct from Velvet Scoter M. fusca. Moreover, Common Scoter M. nigra is treated as specifically distinct from Black Scoter M. americana and is thus considered as monotypic following Sangster et al. (2005). • We follow Ferguson-Lees & Christie (2001) and tentatively treat Altai Falcon Falco altaicus as a valid species, because this will make observers aware of its existence and may lead to a better understanding in the future. However, this ill-known taxon is sometimes considered either a morph or a subspecies of Saker Falco cherrug or Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus and is possibly of hybrid origin between the two. In order to express the uncertainty associated with the validity of the taxon, we include in brackets the species names of Saker and Gyrfalcon: Falco (cherrug/rusticolus) altaicus. • According to the results of molecular genetic and morphological studies (do Amaral 2009, Kruckenhauser et al. 2004, Riesing et al. 2003), we split Eastern Buzzard Buteo japonicus from Common Buzzard B. buteo. • We treat Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis as monotypic (Clark 2005). • We follow, for example, Sangster et al. (2005) for the generic treatment of eagles and include Hieraaetus in Aquila. • The generic treatment of gulls and the taxonomy of ‘large white-headed gulls’ follows Sangster et al. (2007); the generic treatment of terns is in accordance with the proposition of Sangster et al. (2005). • According to the results of Olsson et al. (2010), we split the Lanius-excubitor-meridionalis complex into three species in our region: Asian Grey Shrike Lanius lahtora including L. l. pallidirostris and L. l. aucheri; Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor including L. e. excubitor and L. l. homeyeri; and Northern Grey Shrike Lanius borealis including L. b. mollis and L. b. sibiricus. Within the latter, the taxon funereus is treated as a synonym of L. b. mollis (Svensson in prep.)

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• We follow Rasmussen & Anderton (2005) and treat the Large-spotted Nutcracker Nucifraga multi­ punctata as a separate species from Eurasian Nutcracker N. caryocatactes. • According to the recommendation of Knox et al. (2002) and Parkin et al. (2003), Hooded Crow Corvus cornix (with subspecies C. c. sharpii and C. c. cornix in the region) and Carrion Crow C. corone (with subspecies C. c. orientalis in the region) are treated as separate species. C. c. orientalis is sometimes considered to deserve species status; however, we tentatively keep it as a subspecies of C. corone. • Rasmussen & Anderton (2005) proposed splitting Indian Golden Oriole Oriolus kundoo from European Golden Oriole O. oriolus. We tentatively apply this treatment, although the evidence for this split is still scanty. • We follow the propositions of Gill et al. (2005) and Sangster et al. (2005) in the generic treatment of tits. The ‘cinereus-group’ of the ‘Parus major-complex’ is treated as specifically distinct from the ‘major-group’ and is split from the ‘minor-group’ as Parus cinereus (Päckert et al. 2005; Päckert & Martens 2008). Despite marked morphological differences, we include the ‘bokharensis-group’ in Parus major because the two only show low genetic and acoustic differences and there is evidence for introgression and hybridisation between them (Päckert et al. 2005; Päckert & Martens 2008). According to the recommendation of Päckert & Martens (2008), we tentatively lump Yellow-breasted Tit Cyanistes flavipectus with Azure Tit C. cyanus, and Spot-winged Tit Parus melanolophus with Coal Tit Periparus ater. • We follow, for example, Harrap & Quinn (1996) and split Black-headed Penduline Tit Remiz macronyx (with subspecies R. m. macronyx and R. m. neglectus) and White-crowned Penduline Tit R. coronatus (with subspecies R. c. coronatus and R. c. stoliczkae) from Eurasian Penduline Tit R. pendulinus (with subspecies R. p. jaxarticus and R. p. caspius in the region). • We treat the taxa henei, persica and leucophaea as belonging to a single species, Asian Short-toed Lark Calandrella cheleensis. However, according to preliminary genetic results, C. c. leucophaea might be treated as a distinct species, and C. c. henei, probably together with C. c. persica, might also be specifically distinct from the extralimital C. c. cheleensis (P. Alström in litt.) • The subspecies Locustella naevia mongolica of Grasshopper Warbler is treated as a synonym of the subspecies L. n. straminea (Kennerley & Pearson 2010). • Following the recommendations of Knox et al. (2002), we split the polytypic Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Iduna pallida from the extralimital monotypic Western Olivaceous Warbler I. opaca and consider I. rama as monotypic. But in contrast to Knox et al. (2002), we use the generic name Iduna instead of Hippolais for I. pallida, I. rama and I. caligata, following Dickinson (2003). This treatment is supported by recent molecular phylogenetic results (e.g. Fregin et al. 2009) and was also adopted by Kennerley & Pearson (2010). • Subspecific treatment of Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius is in accordance with Clement & Hathway (2000) and Rasmussen & Anderton (2005). • We follow Shirihai et al. (2001) for the recognition of subspecies in the Sylvia curruca complex. However, we include the desert and semi-desert populations of our region, formerly treated as S. c. minula, in S. c. halimodendri (Urban Olsson in litt.). • Following Shirihai et al. (2001), we treat Eastern Orphean Warbler Sylvia crassirostris (with subspecies S. c. jerdoni and S. c. balchanica in the region) as specifically distinct from the extralimital Western Orphean Warbler S. hortensis, and treat Asian Desert Warbler S. nana as a separate species from the extralimital African Desert Warbler S. deserti. • We follow Dickinson (2008) in accepting that the name golzii Cabanis 1873 has priority over the name hafizi for the easternmost populations of Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos. • We treat White-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus leucotis and Himalayan Bulbul P. leucogenys as two distinct species following, for example, Rasmussen & Anderton (2005). They are often lumped as White-cheeked Bulbul P. leucogenys.

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• The populations of Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros from the Pamir-Alai mountains, with more extensive black on the upperparts than more northern birds, are included in P. o. phoenicuroides following Roselaar & Shirihai (in prep.) and are not included in the larger P. o. rufiventris from the Himalayas and central China. • According to the molecular phylogenetic results of Zink et al. (2009), and the recommendations of Urquhart (2002), we treat Eastern Stonechat Saxicola maurus as a separate species and tentatively include the subspecies S. t. variegatus in this species (Urquhart 2002). • We consider the different ‘colour variants’ found in Variable Wheatear Oenanthe picata as representing three subspecies (O. p. picata, O. p. opistholeuca, O. p. capistrata) which intergrade with each other in different regions, in accordance with Panov (2005). • We follow Rasmussen & Anderton (2005) and split Turdoides huttoni from Common Babbler T. caudata. • Following Svensson et al. (2005), we treat Taiga Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla as a distinct species from Redbreasted Flycatcher F. parva. • Indian Sparrow Passer indicus is tentatively treated as a distinct species from House Sparrow P. domesticus. Hybridisation seems to be limited or even negligible at the contact zone between P. i. bactrianus and P. d. domesticus with the former being a breeding migrant and the latter being more or less sedentary. However, in our region, the situation is more complicated in the south-western part of the range of Indian Sparrow where at least P. i. indicus intergrades with P. d. persicus (Gavrilov & Korelov 1968; Gavrilov 1965; Summers-Smith 1988; Vaurie 1956; Yakobi 1979). Further studies are needed. • Kirwan (2004) pointed out the morphological distinctiveness of Afghan Scrub Sparrow Passer yatii and that it could potentially deserve species status. We tentatively adopt treatment as a full species here. • Kirwan et al. (2009) suggested that Zarudny’s Sparrow Passer zarudnyi be specifically distinct from the extralimital Desert Sparrow P. simplex and we follow this treatment here. • We follow Alström et al. (2003) in the taxonomic treatment of pipits and wagtails. • In accordance with Rasmussen & Anderton (2005), we split Spotted Great Rosefinch Carpodacus severtzovi (with subspecies C. s. severtzovi, C. s. diabolicus and C. s. kobdensis) from the extralimital Caucasian Great Rosefinch C. rubicilla. We restrict the distribution of C. s. diabolicus to north-east Afghanistan. • The taxonomic treatment of Emberiza striolata follows Kirwan & Shirihai (2007).

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Geography and Biogeography Central Asia comprises a huge territory ranging from the Caspian Sea in the west to the Altai and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China in the east, and from the Sistan Basin and the mountains of Baluchistan in the south to the west Siberian lowlands in the north. A detailed geographic and biogeographic treatment of the region covered is beyond the scope of this book. Some general information is nevertheless given.

Topography Central Asia is characterised by several mountain ranges. The Tien Shan dominates Kyrgyzstan and penetrates into south-eastern Kazakhstan and north-eastern Uzbekistan. It marks the northern border of the Ferghana valley, while the latter’s southern delimitation is formed by the Pamir-Alay. This mountain range is usually divided into the Hissor-Alay of southern Kyrgyzstan, northern Tajikistan and south-eastern Uzbekistan, the Southern Tajik Mountains and the Pamir – often called the roof of the world – in eastern Tajikistan and extreme north-eastern Afghanistan. To the south, central and eastern Afghanistan is dominated by the Hindu Kush, which is subdivided into the Safed-Koh (Paropamisus) range in the north and the Koh-e Baba further south. Besides several smaller mountains, other major ranges reach peripherally into Central Asia: the Altai penetrates into north-eastern Kazakhstan, while the Tarbagatai, the Saur mountains and the Jungarian Alatau reach into eastern Kazakhstan. Moreover, the north-western part of the Kopet Dag (Turkmen-Khorasan mountain range) lies in the south-west of Turkmenistan. By far the highest among these mountain ranges are the Tien Shan, Hindu Kush and Pamir ranges, which reach 7439 m, 7485 m and 7495 m, respectively. Next comes the Hissor-Alay, reaching well above 5000 m in numerous places. The most extensive waterbodies in Central Asia include the Caspian Sea in the west and the Aral Sea on the border between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, Lakes Balkhash, Zaysan and Alakol in Kazakhstan, Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan and Qarakul in the Pamir in Tajikistan. The most famous rivers of Central Asia are the Syr Darya and the Amu Darya which both flow into the Aral Sea. The largest lakes of Afghanistan are the Sistan and Pouzak lakes in the Sistan basin. While the Syr Darya rises in the Tien Shan, the Amu Darya originates in the Pamir under the names of the Pamir and Panj rivers. The Ili is the major river feeding into Lake Balkhash. The Ural river flows from the north into the Caspian Sea. The Irtysh flows through northern Kazakhstan before merging with the Ob in western Siberia and its two largest tributaries, the Ishim and Tobol, run through northern Kazakhstan too.

Climate Central Asia generally has an arid and very continental climate with low rainfall over much of the area, and hot summers and very cold winters. As is typical for a continental climate, not only annual, but also daily temperature differences can be very high. The main periods of rainfalls are in winter in large parts of the region, but in late spring and summer in northern Kazakhstan. Annual rainfall in the region varies from less than 50 mm in some desert regions to around 1500 mm in the Western Altai (even around 2500 mm according to some sources). Apart from the Altai, the climate is most humid in the Tien Shan, on the northern slopes of the Hissor-Alay, in the Jungarian Alatau and the Tarbagatay, where annual precipitation can also exceed 1000 mm. In the named mountain ranges, precipitation falls year-round with a peak in late spring. Inner mountain areas like the plateau of the eastern Pamir (typically 100–200 mm precipitation per year) together with the true deserts are among the areas with lowest rainfall. In eastern Afghanistan, annual rainfalls are again higher than in the inner mountain areas, reaching 500 mm at lower altitudes and more than 1000 mm at high altitude.

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1

2 3

4

5

6 12

8

7

9 11 10

0

1

Altai

2

Saur mts.

3

Tarbagatai

4

Jungarian Alatau

4000 m

12

Kopet Dag

200

400

800 km

figure 2. Topography of Central Asia, showing the principal mountain ranges (produced by the authors based on data from CgiAR sRTm).

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Biomes and habitats in Central Asia

Central Asia comprises a huge range of altitudes and especially a wide latitudinal extension. As a consequence, the region is rich in different habitat types. A detailed description of all of them would be outside the scope of this book. However, a short description of the major biomes is given. Varying definitions for the term biome exist, but here biomes can be considered as major local ecological communities that are characterised by their climate and distinct fauna and flora. The biomes presented here correspond to the terrestrial biomes as defined by the Central Asian IBA Programme, based on the World Wildlife Fund’s Ecoregions scheme (Kashkarov et al. 2008; Olson et al. 2001; Sklyarenko et al. 2008) as far as the former Soviet republics are concerned. For Afghanistan, the biomes were adapted from these sources and classifications of the vegetation of Afghanistan (Breckle 2007).

12 11

14

13

16

17

4

5

3 15 9

2

6

1

10

7

8

Sino - Himalayan subtropical forest

Irano - Turanian mountains

Waterbody

Boreal forest

Eurasian steppe

Former waterbody

Sino - Himalayan temperate forest

Eurasian desert and semi-desert

Glacier

Eurasian high montane (Alpine and Tibetan)

Saharo - Sindian Desert

1. Caspian Sea; 2. Aral Sea; 3. Lake Balkhash; 4.Lake Zaysan; 5. Lake Alakol; 6. Issyk-Kul; 7. Lake Qarakul; 8. Sistan Lake; 9. Syr Darya; 10. Amu Darya; 11. Ural River; 12. Tobol River; 13. Ishim River; 14. Irtysh River; 15. Ili River; 16. Lake Markakol; 17. Lake Tengiz

Figure 3. Major biomes and waterbodies of Central Asia. Adapted from a map provided by BirdLife International and based on Breckle (2007), Kashkarov et al. (2008) and Sklyarenko et al. (2008).

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Coniferous forest, Altai, Kazakhstan (Raffael Ayé)

Open coniferous forest, near Marakol Lake, north-east Kazakhstan (Tobias Roth)

Boreal forest (taiga) This biome is only found in north-east Kazakhstan within our region and includes different forest types, such as coniferous, mixed broadleaf-coniferous and broadleaf deciduous. Moreover, it includes forest tundra and forest steppe as well as various types of wetlands. Characteristic species of this biome in our region are Hazel Grouse, Western Capercaillie, Swinhoe’s Snipe, Ural, Great Grey and Pygmy Owls, Siberian Jay, Siberian Tit and Pallas’s Rosefinch.

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Eurasian steppe, north Kazakhstan (Raffael Ayé)

Stipa steppe, north Kazakhstan (Raffael Ayé)

Eurasian steppe Most of northern Kazakhstan is dominated by this biome. It is defined by vast steppes and forest steppes, but also by wetlands like freshwater and saline lakes and marshes. Representative species of this biome include Pallid Harrier, Steppe and Eastern Imperial Eagles, Demoiselle Crane, Sociable Lapwing, Asian Dowitcher, Black-winged Pratincole, Great Black-headed and Relict Gulls, and White-winged and Black Larks.

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Kyzyl Kum desert, west Uzbekistan (Manuel Schweizer)

Zaysan depression, north-east Kazakhstan (Tobias Roth)

Eurasian desert and semi-desert Deserts and semi-deserts dominate much of the Central Asian landscape. Typical of this biome in Central Asia are tugai and saxaul forests. While the former is typical floodplain vegetation, the latter is a sparse forest in arid and semi-arid regions. This biome includes areas of semi-desert scrub, dunes, oases, salty deserts and clay, sand and gravel plains. Characteristic birds include Macqueen’s Bustard, Caspian Plover, Pallas’s Sandgrouse, Yellow-eyed Pigeon, White-winged Woodpecker, Turkestan Ground Jay, Sykes’s Warbler, Asian Desert Warbler, Saxaul Sparrow, Zarudny’s Sparrow and Red-headed Bunting.

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Saharo-Sindian desert on the Irano-Afghan border (Raffael Ayé)

Saharo-Sindian desert The Saharo-Sindian desert biome extends into the region of the Sistan Basin. In this typical desert biome, temperatures are mild in winter and even hotter in summer than in other parts of the region. Typical elements of the Saharo-Sindian avifauna are Spotted and Crowned Sandgrouse, Greater Hoopoe-Lark, Bar-tailed and Desert Larks, Grey Hypocolius, Streaked Scrub-Warbler, Trumpeter Finch and Afghan Scrub Sparrow.

High altitude habitat in the Kazakh Altai (Raffael Ayé)

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Chatyr Kul, a high altitude lake, south-east Kyrgyzstan (Manuel Schweizer)

Tash Rabat, south-east Kyrgyzstan (Manuel Schweizer)

Eurasian high montane (alpine and Tibetan) This biome covers the high-altitude sections of the regional mountain ranges, mostly above 2500–2800 m. Habitats include scrub and open vegetation above and at the tree-line, including grassland, rocky areas and montane wetlands as well as gravel and sand plains. Representative species found in this biome are Bar-headed Goose, Himalayan Vulture, Altai, Himalayan and Tibetan Snowcocks, Lesser Sand Plover, Ibisbill, Brown-headed Gull, Tibetan Sandgrouse, Snow Pigeon, Hume’s Lark, Brown and Altai Accentors, Sulphur-bellied Warbler, White-browed Tit-Warbler, White-tailed Rubythroat, Güldenstädt's Redstart, Plain and Brandt’s Mountain Finches, Red-mantled, Blyth’s, Great and Red-fronted Rosefinches and White-winged Grosbeak.

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Irano-Turanian mountains (with Eurasian steppe habitat outside the canyon) in south-east Kazakhstan (Manuel Schweizer)

Irano-Turanian mountains, Zeravshan range, south-east Uzbekistan (Manuel Schweizer)

Irano-Turanian mountains This biome is characterised by arid and semi-arid mountains with scrub and woodland and diverse rocky areas. Representative species include See-see Partridge, Upcher’s Warbler, Plain Leaf Warbler, Whitethroated Robin, Variable, Finsch’s and Red-tailed Wheatears, Eastern Rock Nuthatch, and White-capped and Grey-necked Buntings.

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Walnut forest, Arslanbob, south-west Kyrgyzstan (Tobias Roth)

Ala Archa, north Kyrgyzstan (Paul Walser)

Sino-Himalayan temperate forests This biome is found in Central Asia mainly between 1500 and 2700 m with representative habitats consisting of montane grasslands and different forest types including montane, broadleaf deciduous, mixed broadleafconiferous as well as coniferous forests. Characteristic species are Black-throated Accentor, Hume’s Leaf Warbler Western Crowned Warbler, Rusty-tailed Flycatcher, Blue-capped and Eversmann’s Redstarts, Black-breasted Tit and Bar-tailed Treecreeper.

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Margalla hills, Pakistan (Werner Müller, SVS/BirdLife Switzerland)

Margalla hills, Pakistan (Werner Müller, SVS/BirdLife Switzerland)

Sino-Himalayan subtropical forests This biome includes montane temperate, subtropical and subalpine forest, and associated grassland and scrub. It reaches into our region in a small area of Afghanistan, namely the Kabul river valley and the lowlying surroundings near Jalalabad. Much of the natural vegetation has been destroyed in this area. Birds characteristic of this biome are Slaty-headed Parakeet, Himalayan and Black Bulbuls, Blue-capped Rockthrush, Tickell’s Thrush, Striated Prinia and Black-headed Jay.

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Organisations and Websites Afghanistan Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) has a  country office in Afghanistan. WCS conservationists are working with local people in the central highlands of Bamiyan Province’s Hindu Kush mountain range and the Wakhan Pamirs to survey wildlife, set up monitoring programmes, and conduct studies on disease threats. They are conducting training workshops and environmental education classes to help communities find ways to manage their natural resources sustainably. WCS is also helping the communities to develop sustainable resource by-laws and is training village rangers to monitor wildlife and enforce these local regulations. Working closely with the Afghan government, WCS recently helped establish the country’s first national park. The park, known as Band-e-Amir, safeguards a series of six crystal-blue lakes and fragile, natural travertine dams. The area is considered eligible to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hosts a good population of the endemic Afghan Snowfinch. WCS staff also developed the park’s management plan and helped the Afghan government hire and train local rangers. The hope is that ecotourism can create opportunities for supplemental income and provide an incentive for villagers to preserve the park’s wildlife and ecosystems. WCS is also working towards transboundary cooperation in conservation in the Pamirs between Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and China. The endangered Marco Polo Sheep, Snow Leopard, and other species range across these national borders, so conservation measures must involve all four countries if they are to be successful over the long term. Contact information: WCS Afghanistan Country Program web: www.wcs.org and www.wcsafghanistan.org

Kazakhstan Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK) The Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK) is a not-for-profit organisation working in Kazakhstan since 2004. ACBK operates through its head office in the capital Astana and seven branch offices all over the country. In 2010 ACBK founded the Centre for Conservation Biology in Almaty for leading research and supporting ACBK conservation activities. ACBK focuses its activities on: Conserving species. The critically endangered Sociable Lapwing is one of BirdLife’s Preventing Extinctions Programme species. Since 2005 ACBK, together with the RSPB, has been successfully working on the breeding grounds in Kazakhstan and on the migration routes and wintering areas in the Middle East and Africa to determine why this enigmatic species has declined. Protecting sites. The Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative is a large-scale initiative aimed at conserving globally important biodiversity, critically endangered species and habitats in the area covering 3 to 4 million hectares across Kazakhstan’s steppe and semi-desert belt. Important Bird Areas. A total of 121 IBAs cover 5.5% of Kazakhstan, which is equal to 15 million ha. 31.4% of sites are fully or partly protected. Eight IBAs are regularly monitored by ACBK’s student clubs. ACBK lobbies for the legal protection of IBAs. Building capacity. ACBK supports a network of eight student clubs, based at universities across the country. More than 150 dedicated people are getting trained and involved in nature conservation projects. Raising awareness. Annually around 10,000 school children get involved in various educational campaigns. Contact information: ACBK head office 18, Beibitshilik str., office 406, 010000 Astana, Kazakhstan phone +7 7172 910044 e-mail: [email protected] web: www.acbk.kz

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Kyrgyzstan NABS Public Association in Kyrgyzstan The NABS Public Association in Kyrgyzstan was founded in 2002. Its aim is the conservation of biodiversity. An important element of the practical conservation work is to fight against poaching and illegal trafficking of wild animals. The confiscation of five Snow Leopards and the release of 127 Sakers in 2004 has received much recognition. Since 2002 NABS Kyrgyzstan has been running a rehabilitation centre for wild animals in Ananevo, from where each year dozens of confiscated animals are released into the wild. The same year the former zoo of Karakol was taken over. Since 1999 annual counts of the waterbirds at Issyk-kul have been conducted, and since 2004 counts have also been made in seasons other than winter and from other areas of the country. In addition, surveys of the population size of other vertebrate species have been carried out. As a result, the first checklist of vertebrates of Kyrgyzstan was published in June 2010. The checklist presents all vertebrate species in four languages, with current information on status and distribution. It is accessible online at www.wildlife.kg. Contributions in the form of new records or pictures are welcome from anyone. In December 2010 NABS was awarded the status of BirdLife Affiliate and thus now belongs to the BirdLife family. Contact information: NABS Kyrgyzstan Ul. Tabatshnaja 24, 72001 Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan e-mail: [email protected] web: www.wildlife.kg

Uzbekistan Uzbekistan Society for the Protection of Birds (UzSPB) The Uzbekistan Society for the Protection of Birds (UzSPB) was registered as a non-governmental, non-profit organisation in 2007 and works for the conservation and study of birds in Uzbekistan. UzSPB is the Birdlife Affiliate for this territory; it works through a head office in the capital Tashkent, three local branches and five local student clubs throughout Uzbekistan. The Society has 166 members and a staff of five people. UzSPB focuses its activities on: Conserving species: Numbers and distribution of the globally endangered Saker Falcon and Egyptian Vulture have been studied. Action plans are being prepared and first conservation work started. Protecting sites: A total of 48 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) cover 4.6% of Uzbekistan, which is more than 2 million ha. After the inventory, activities are lobbying to include IBAs in the national Protected Area law, the development of IBA action plans for priority sites and setting up a network of IBA caretakers, living close to IBAs. Fourteen IBAs are regularly monitored by UzSPB’s staff, ornithologists, student clubs and members/ volunteers. Building capacity: UzSPB supports a network of five student clubs, based at universities across the country. In 2011, more than 80 committed students were trained through an interactive education programme and are involved in projects. Raising awareness: UzSPB annually organises campaigns, such as the Bird of Year Campaign or the World Environmental Day, where around 200 school children are reached through education activities, drawing contests and field excursions. Contact information: UzSPB head office Institute of Zoology, A. Niyasov 1 Str., off. 89, 100095 Tashkent, Uzbekistan phone: +99871-2271402 e-mail: [email protected] web: www.uzspb.uz

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AviCA and Afghanistan Birds AviCA and Afghanistan Birds are an Internet-based spatial database about birds, their science and their distribution, that allows users from anywhere in the world to input and query Central Asia bird data. The system provides the facility to download data into Excel and analyse them for personal requirements. Afghanistan http://www.worldbirds.org/v3/afghanistan.php Kyrgyzstan: http://www.worldbirds.org/v3/centralasia.php?c=2 Kazakhstan: http://www.worldbirds.org/v3/centralasia.php?c=1 Tajikistan: http://www.worldbirds.org/v3/centralasia.php?c=3 Turkmenistan: http://www.worldbirds.org/v3/centralasia.php?c=4 Uzbekistan: http://www.worldbirds.org/v3/centralasia.php?c=5

Ornithological Society of The Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia The Ornithological Society of the Middle East was formed in April 1978 as a successor to the Ornithological Society of Turkey and was expanded in 2001 to cover the Caucasus and Central Asia. Its aims are as follows: • To collect, collate and publish ornithological data on birds of the Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia. • To encourage an interest in and conservation of birds of the Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia. • To assist environmental and conservation organisations and natural history societies in and concerned with ornithological studies and activities in the Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia Contact information: OSME, c/o The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, SG19 2DL, United Kingdom Web: www.osme.org

Databases of voice recordings Xeno-canto Asia A community database of shared bird sounds from Asia and New Guinea including the region covered in this book. Contact information: Web: http://www.xeno-canto.org/asia/

AVoCet Project AVoCet of Michigan State University aims to provide a global database of well-documented, downloadable bird sounds in aid of environmental and ornithological research, conservation, education and the identification and appreciation of birds and their habitats. Contact information: Web: http://avocet.zoology.msu.edu/

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PLATE 1: Grouse Willow Grouse Lagopus lagopus

39 cm

Two races in region: L. l. maior, L. l. brevirostris (NE Kaz). Very similar to Rock Ptarmigan. Both differ from Hazel and female Eurasian Black Grouse by white wings, black tail and feathered toes. Red eyebrow present all year, but most conspicuous in males in spring. Ad Br male In spring, head, neck and upper breast chestnut-brown almost without barring. White upperparts with some brown feathers with dark barring. Gradually acquires more brown feathers on upperparts. In summer, mainly chestnut-brown with dark and buff barring. Ad Br female Less chestnut-brown than ad br male; buffier or more ochraceous and more strongly barred. Ad Non-br Plumage completely white except black tail, red eyebrow and dark shafts to primaries. Juv Similar to ad br female, but remiges yellowish-buff with dark vermiculations. Voice Song is nasal, accelerating ko ko-ko’ko’kokorrr rising in pitch. Calls include nasal, gruff ko’/ wee a. Habitat Common in moderately moist areas rich in low shrubs, sometimes grain fields; from lowlands to foothills. L. l. brevirostris in alpine meadows, up to 2700 m.

Rock Ptarmigan Lagopus muta

35 cm

L. m. nadezdae. Very similar to Willow Grouse and best identified by voice. Bill is less heavy than in Willow. Ad Br male Like Willow in corresponding plumage, but lores black and chestnutbrown replaced by dark-grey with black and buff vermiculations and white speckling. Paler grey in summer than in spring. Ad Non-br male Differs from ad non-br Willow by black lores. Ad Br female Lacks dark lores of ad br male and is more yellowish than greyish and more strongly barred. Best separated from Willow by voice and smaller bill. Ad Non-br female Rarely shows some black on lores, otherwise plumage identical to ad non-br Willow. Juv Similar to ad br female, but remiges greyish-buff with dark vermiculations. Voice Song creaky arr-arr-kakarr, like pulling comb over wood. Calls have similar wooden creaking quality, quite different from Willow. Habitat Scarce on high alpine meadows.

Eurasian Black Grouse Lyrurus tetrix

40–55 cm

Two races in region: L. t. mongolicus, L. t. viridanus (N Kaz). Clearly smaller than Western Capercaillie. Males display in communal leks in spring and autumn. Ad male Overall black with greenish gloss in subspecies L. t. viridanus and more purplish-blue gloss in subspecies L. t. mongolicus. Conspicuous red eye-brow and white undertail-coverts; also shows white wing-stripe. Tail distinctly lyre-shaped. Tail is erected and fanned and undertail-coverts are fluffed during display. For short period in summer, shows brownish feathers especially on neck, sometimes also on mantle and wing-coverts and has white feathers on throat. Ad female Brownish with regular dark vermiculations overall; has white wing-stripe. Can be confused with ad female Western Capercaillie; see that species for differences. Ad br Rock Ptarmigan and Willow Grouse mainly differ by showing black tail and white wings. Juv Similar to ad female. Voice Song is a low bubbling series of roo-perroo-notes rising and falling in pitch, with far-reaching sizzling hisses in between. Call is fast, nasal cackling. Habitat Transition area between forests and open environments; from lowlands to mountains. Uncommon.

Hazel Grouse Tetrastes bonasia

36 cm

T. b. sibiricus. Smaller and more compact than Eurasian Black Grouse. Best identified by greyish rump and greyish tail with contrasting black subterminal band and narrow white end-band. When disturbed, takes flight early with fast and noisy wing-beats. Rather shy. Ad male Scaly with rufous markings especially on breast-sides and flanks and with white band on lower scapulars and neck-sides. Throat black bordered by broad white malar stripe. Has short erectile crest and inconspicuous red eyebrow. Ad female Has speckled instead of black throat, less distinct white malar stripe and shorter crest compared to ad male. Juv Duller than ad female, shows white throat and lacks black subterminal band in tail and white band on scapulars. Voice Song is rhythmical, thin and high-pitched seee\ee see-see’see-see\see. Call is a prolonged tsiiee. Habitat Mostly mixed coniferous-deciduous woodland; from foothills to mountains. Scarce.

Western Capercaillie Tetrao urogallus

60–87 cm

Two races in region: T. u. uralensis, T. u. taczanowskii (NE Kaz). Very large with males being c. 30% larger than females. Takes flight with noisy wing-beats. Males display in communal leks in spring. Ad male Unmistakable. Belly white with variable dark markings. Tail is cocked and spread during display. Long neck and long, rounded tail striking especially in flight. Ad female Bigger than similar Eurasian Black Grouse. Differs by longer and more rounded tail and unbarred yellow-buff throat and upper breast. Additionally, is overall paler with broader white markings on lower scapulars and underparts and lacks white wing-stripe. Juv Similar to ad female. Voice Displays with characteristic knocking double notes accelerating into a harsh gurgling. Habitat Coniferous woodland of foothills. Rather scarce.

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Willow Grouse 



breeding

breeding



breeding





non-breeding

breeding



non-breeding

Rock Ptarmigan

Eurasian Black Grouse



mongolicus viridanus





 

Western Capercaillie taczanowskii







Hazel Grouse

  

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PLATE 2: Snowcocks and Chukar Himalayan Snowcock Tetraogallus himalayensis

58 cm

Four races in region: T. h. sewerzowi, T. h. incognitus (S Tjk, N Afg), T. h. saurensis (NE Kaz), T. h. himalayensis (E Afg). Large and powerful. Shy, often runs away at a distance or takes flight and glides fast downhill whereby characteristic wing- and tail-pattern visible: white primaries with dark tips and white band on arm contrast with dark grey on the rest of the wing. White undertail-coverts are seen from a distance when tail is cocked while walking (especially in males). See Tibetan and Caspian Snowcocks for differences. Ad male Chestnut moustachial stripe extends onto foreneck and borders the white bib below. Head and neck-sides greyish, bordered by chestnut stripe running downwards from eye. Neck and breast pale grey to buffish, paler than rest of upper- and underparts. Breast with bold dark markings. Upperparts with buffish to rufous markings, flanks with chestnut streaks edged white and black. Ad female Smaller and duller than ad male, lacking short spur of the latter. Juv Similar to ad female, but smaller and less well marked. Full size reached in 2ndCY. Voice Song is a far-reaching, whistling oooo/eeee//’ hee\o similar to Eurasian Curlew in quality. Contact call guk guk-guk’guk…. Habitat Open slopes often along rocky ridges; from tree-line to snow-line. Common to uncommon.

Caspian Snowcock Tetraogallus caspius

56 cm

T. c. caspius. Similar to Himalayan Snowcock in habits and appearance, however, no range overlap. Ad male Lacks chestnut in head pattern and bold dark markings on breast of Himalayan. Shows dark-grey moustachial stripe contrasting with white bib and greyish to white head and neck-sides. Nape and crown dark-grey. Ad female Smaller, duller and less well-marked than ad male, lacking spur. Juv Smaller and duller than ad female. Full size reached in 2ndCY. Voice Very similar to that of Himalayan. Habitat Mountain slopes; from below tree-line to snow-line. Rare.

Tibetan Snowcock Tetraogallus tibetanus

51 cm

T. t. tibetanus. Resembles Himalayan Snowcock in habits and appearance, but shows white underparts with blackish longitudinal streaks and white in wing is restricted to distal part of secondaries. Further has reddish bill and legs. Ad male Greyish head and nape contrast with white bib and paler ear-coverts. Breast with two greyish bands and flanks with dark streaks. Upperparts sandy-grey with paler buff streaks. Ad female Smaller, duller than ad male with more diffuse head and breast-pattern with darker mottling. Lacks spur. Juv Smaller and duller than ad female with underparts almost unmarked lacking dark flank streaks. Full size reached in 2ndCY. Voice Similar to that of Himalayan. Habitat Open slopes above tree line up to permanent snow-line. Rare.

Altai Snowcock Tetraogallus altaicus

57 cm

Monotypic. Resembles other Snowcocks in habits and appearance, but differs by black area on vent and central belly separating white undertail-coverts and white flanks and upper belly. Shows less white on secondary-bases in flight than Himalayan Snowcock. Ad male Head, neck and breast greyish with paler forehead, ear-coverts and throat; black and white spots on breast. Upperparts greyish-brown with whitish to buffish streaks. Ad female Smaller than ad male lacking short spur. Voice Presumably similar to that of Himalayan, but poorly described. Habitat Alpine meadows up to snow-line. Rare.

Chukar Alectoris chukar

38 cm

Six races in region: A. c. subpallida (C Tkm, C and S Uzb, N Afg), A. c. falki (N Afg, Kgz, Tjk, SE Kaz), A. c. pallescens (NE Afg), A. c. koroviakovi (S and W Tkm, W Kaz, W and S Afg), A. c. dzungarica (E Kaz), A. c. chukar (E Afg). Medium-sized with plump body and small head. Runs away fast when disturbed or flies downhill with fast and stiff wing-beats interspersed with gliding phases. See See-see Partridge for differences. Ad Characterised by cream-white bib bordered by black band running from forehead through eye down to upper-breast. Further shows flanks with distinct black, cream-white and rufous streaks. Rufous tail-sides especially visible when flushed (cf. Grey and Daurian Partridges). Bill and legs red (cf. See-see). Subspecies are darker and browner in more humid areas and greyer and paler in more arid areas. Juv Smaller than ad, initially rather plain with pale spots on upperparts, soon develops characteristic flank and head-pattern. Voice A long series and rhythmic combination of chuck and ckuckARR notes: chuck chuck chuck-chuck-chuckARRchuckARR – not unlike a clucking chicken. Habitat Common to very common in stony semi-arid to arid areas with short grass and few shrubs; from lowlands to mountains.

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Himalayan Snowcock sewerzowi





Caspian Snowcock



Tibetan Snowcock 

 dzungarica

Chukar

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PLATE 3: Partridges and Francolin See-see Partridge Ammoperdix griseogularis

26 cm

Monotypic. Smaller than superficially similar Chukar, with which it shares rufous tail-sides, but lacks black band bordering creamy ear-coverts and bib as well as contrasting broad black-andwhite stripes on flanks. Bill orange and legs greenish-yellow as opposed to Chukar with red bill and legs. Ad male White cheek and loral patch contrast with black forehead, which extends as black supercilium behind eye. Rest of head and neck pale greyish speckled white on neck-sides. Underparts brownish-pink with undulating black and white lines running from flanks towards belly and breast. Upperparts brownish-pink becoming paler greyish towards rear end. Ad female Rather nondescript sandygrey to pinkish-buff with pale supercilium and pale undulating lines on flanks. Juv Head-pattern either similar as in ad male or rather plain as in ad female (apparently independent of sex). Otherwise similar to ad female. Voice Song is a far-reaching repeated buitt, similar to Spotted Crake. When flushed gives a series of buuitt elements. Habitat Dry and stony foothills with sparse vegetation, usually in lower and less vegetated areas than Chukar. Uncommon.

Grey Partridge Perdix perdix

30 cm

Two races in region: P. p. robusta, P. p. lucida (NW Kaz). Rather compact with small head. Very similar to Daurian Partridge; see that species for differences. Could be confused with Common Quail or juv Common Pheasant when flushed, but always differs by rufous tail-sides. Common Quail is also smaller with longer and more pointed wings, while juv Common Pheasant has a pointed and wedge-shaped tail. Shares rufous tail-sides with Chukar, but differs among other features by less uniform upperparts and lacks black-bordered pale bib. Note also pale grey bill and greyish legs. Ad male Orange face including forehead and supercilium characteristic. In breeding period, has small bare red patch behind eye. Underparts greyish vermiculated dark with a characteristic dark-brown patch on belly and broad brown streaks on flanks. Upperparts greyish with brown bars and pale streaks. Ad female Paler and more diffusely patterned than ad male with dark-brown belly patch smaller or sometimes even lacking. Juv Yellowish-brown to greyish-buff with pale streaks and dark barring on upperparts. Voice Song is a hoarse KIERR-ik-ik-ik, when flushed utters a sharp kip-ip-ip. Habitat Steppes and open arable areas, up to 2000 m. More in plains than Daurian. Rather common.

Daurian Partridge Perdix dauurica

30 cm

P. d. dauurica. Very similar to Grey Partridge. See that species for differences from Chukar, Common Quail and juv Common Pheasant. In autumn and winter with stiff feathers on sides of throat creating ‘beard’. Ad male Darker on upperparts than Grey with more chestnut markings and more conspicuous pale streaks. Unlike Grey, lower breast sandy-buff bordering dark patch on belly. The latter is blacker and less chestnut than in Grey. Upper breast often sandy-buff as well and in some throat to belly uniformly sandy-buff with only breast-sides greyish. Ad female Duller than ad male, belly patch smaller or sometimes even lacking. Juv Very similar to juv Grey. Voice Similar to Grey. Habitat Variety of open habitats from meadows to shrubby forest steppes. Usually higher (up to 3400 m) and in more vegetated areas than Grey. Scarce.

Black Francolin Francolinus francolinus

34 cm

Three races in region: F. f. francolinus (SW Tkm), F. f. bogdanovi (Afg), F. f. henrici (SE Afg). Slimmer than similar-sized Chukar often with rather upright stance. In flight characterised by black tail-sides. Ad male Unmistakable with chestnut collar and undertail-coverts, and black head with white patch on ear-coverts. Rest of underparts black with white spots on flanks. Upperparts brownish with dark markings. Ad female Rather brownish with extensive black markings overall, uniform buffish head-sides with dark border to ear-coverts and plain buffish undertail-coverts. Best identified by characteristic rufous nape patch and black tail-sides. Lacks single spur of ad male. Juv Duller than female with paler and less well-marked underparts. Voice Song is a penetrating and mechanic kreek/-KEEK-keke’keek; constantly repeated with few seconds between bouts. Usually silent otherwise. Habitat Cultivation, tall grass and scrub; from lowlands to foothills. Uncommon.

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



See-see Partridge 



juvenile

Grey Partridge



Daurian Partridge

 

Black Francolin

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PLATE 4: Quail AND Pheasants Common Quail Coturnix coturnix

20 cm

C. c. coturnix. Small and compact and very secretive, thus mostly only seen when flushed. Then best identified by small size, rather pointed wings and strong flight with fast wingbeats (cf. Grey and Daurian Partridges). Overall buffish to brownish with dark markings on upperparts, breast and flanks. Shows characteristic pale lines on upperparts and flanks. Ad male Differs from ad female by black on throat of variable extent and more contrasting head-pattern. Some have rufous face and throat-sides or show even completely rufous throat. Ad female Throat whitish and lacks ad male variant’s rufous on face and throat. Juv Similar to ad female, but shows plainer head, narrower pale lines on upperparts and has dark markings on flanks more barred than streaked. Voice The song is a hoarse quit-quip’uip repeated several times with few seconds between bouts. When flushed sometimes utters a soft whree. Habitat Open habitats, mainly steppes but also cultivations; from lowlands up to 3000 m. Common.

Common Pheasant Phasianus colchicus

Male 85 cm Female 60 cm

Occurs in three subspecies groups in the region in which males clearly differ (see below). Unmistakable due to combination of large size and long graduated tail with black bars. Tail is conspicuously longer in ad males than in ad females. Ad male Has characteristic bare bright red facial skin. See below for differences between subspecies groups. Ad female Overall sandybrown with black markings on crown, neck and upperparts and with distinct black angularshaped markings on flanks. Lacks short spur of ad male. Juv Similar to ad female, but flank pattern less conspicuous. Especially juv with not yet fully grown tail could be confused with Grey and Daurian Partridges. ‘White-winged Pheasant’ (principalis-chrysomelas group) P. c. principalis (SE Tkm, NW Afg), P. c. chrysomelas (W Uzb, N Tkm), P. c. zarudnyi (Amu Dar’ya valley of E Tkm), P. c. bianchii (SE Uzb, SW Tjk, NE Afg), P. c. zerafschanicus (Regions of Bukhara and Samarkand). Ad male Head blackish with greenish and purple gloss and a variable incomplete white collar (best developed in P. c. zerafschanicus). Otherwise copper-orange ground colour with blackish belly and vent. Neck, breast and flanks scaled black, mantle and scapulars with black and paler markings. Wing-coverts whitish (cf. other ssp.). ‘Khirgiz Pheasant’ (mongolicus group) P. c. mongolicus (SE Kaz, N Kgz), P. c. turcestanicus (Syr Dar’ya valley in S Kaz to Fergana Basin). Ad male Differs from ‘White-winged Pheasant’ by broader white collar, which is interrupted on the foreneck, and by bronzy green reflections on upperparts. ‘Black-necked Pheasant’ (colchicus group) P. c. persicus (SW Tkm). P. c. septentrionalis (NW Kaz). Ad male Lacks white collar and wing-coverts are buffish to brownish lacking white. Further, plumage is overall more purplish than in ‘White-winged Pheasant’. Voice Advertisement call is an abrupt ko’TOK repeated with long intervals. When flushed utters series of stressed KU’tukelements. Habitat Riparian forest, steppes, cultivations; up to 1800 m. Uncommon.

Himalayan Monal Lophophorus impejanus

72 cm

Monotypic. Large and stocky with blue orbital skin in both sexes. Ad male Unmistakable. Has distinct racket-like crest and very glossy head and upperparts (greenish to bluish and purple) with a contrasting white back. Half-collar on neck glossy bronze. Underparts velvet-black and tail conspicuously orange-rufous. Ad female Shows short crest and contrasting white throat extending on neck-sides. Plumage overall brownish with dark and buffish vermiculations and pale streaks. Longest uppertail covers white forming horseshoe (especially in flight). Rectrices brownish with dark bars and white tips. Lacks single spur of ad male. Can be confused with female Koklass Pheasant; see that species for differences. Juv Similar to ad female. 1st-yr male Like ad female, but with variable amounts of black on throat and dark glossy feathers on upperparts. Voice Advertisement call similar to Eurasian Curlew /kleeh-lieu, when disturbed sharper klee-wick. Habitat Open coniferous and mixed mountain forests; above tree-line in summer. Uncommon.

Koklass Pheasant Pucrasia macrolopha

Male 61 cm Female 53 cm

P. m. castanea. Smaller than Himalayan Monal. Characterised by pointed crest, wedge-shaped blackish tail and short wings with rounded tips in flight. Ad male Unmistakable. Head glossy greenish-black with buffish crest and contrasting white patch on neck-sides. Shows characteristic long black ear-tufts that can stand upright. Neck, mantle, breast and belly chestnut, otherwise blackish with buffish-grey feather edges on upperparts. Ad female Brownish with dark streaks and pale shafts overall and dark bars on upperparts. Shows buffish white supercilium and white throat extending on neck-sides. Lacks single spur of ad male. Can be confused with ad female Himalayan Monal, but the latter lacks supercilium and shows blue orbital skin and barred rectrices with white tips and white horseshoe on uppertail-coverts (especially visible in flight). Juv Similar to ad female. Voice The song is a far-reaching kuo-kuo-kuok repeated several times with varying pause-length between bouts. When flushed usually utters a harsher kwock. Habitat Coniferous and mixed mountain forests up to tree-line. Current status in region unknown.

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Common Quail

adult



juvenile



rufous variant

 mongolicus



Common Pheasant

 persicus

 chrysomelas





Koklass Pheasant

Himalayan Monal

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



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PLATE 5: GREY Geese Bean Goose Anser fabalis

75 cm

Two subspecies groups: ‘Taiga Bean Goose’ A. f. fabalis, A. f. johanseni, A. f. middendorffi. Slightly bigger than Greater White-fronted Goose, slimmer than Greylag Goose. Typically, head-profile rather flat due to long bill with flat or slightly concave culmen and flat crown. Neck proportionally longer and slimmer than in Greylag and Greater White-fronted, which is also visible in flight. Has longer and slimmer wings than Greylag. Bill orange with blackish base and tip, legs orange. Ad Head and neck dark-brown, becoming paler towards breast; underparts pale, flanks darker. Upperparts dark brown with conspicuous pale feather-fringes (especially tertials, cf. Greater White-fronted). Can show narrow white band at bill-base (cf. ‘Tundra Bean Goose’). In flight, upper- and underwing rather uniformly dark. Much black in tail, unlike Greylag, but similar to Greater (and Lesser) White-fronted. Juv Pale feather fringes on flanks and upperparts give more scaly appearance than in ad and neck-side is less ribbed. See Greater White-fronted for differences. ‘Tundra Bean Goose’ A. f. rossicus. Smaller and more compact than ‘Taiga Bean Goose’, with shorter and thicker neck, more rounded head and stubbier bill (shorter, deeper-based with a more swollen lower mandible). Less often with white at bill-base and bill shows usually more black than in ‘Taiga Bean’ with orange restricted to a narrow subterminal band. Voice Call of ‘Taiga Bean’ is a rather deep and nasal yank-yank, ‘Tundra Bean’ is slightly higher pitched. Habitat Grassland near water. Rare.

Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons

72 cm

A. a. albifrons. Medium-sized goose. Smaller than Greylag Goose; with pinkish bill and orange legs. Easily confused with Lesser White-fronted Goose (which see). In flight, with slimmer wings and faster wing-beats than Greylag. Ad Overall darker than Greylag and easily distinguished from other geese except Lesser White-fronted by white blaze at bill-base and black markings on belly (the latter always more extensive than in Greylag). Pale fringes on wing-coverts, scapulars and tertials less distinct than in Greylag and Bean Geese. In flight, with more uniform upper- and underwing and more black in tail than Greylag. Juv Pale feather fringes on flanks and upperparts give more scaly appearance than in ad and neck-side is less ribbed. Bill with blackish nail. Similar to Bean and Greylag because it lacks white blaze and black belly markings of ad. Feathers around bill-base dark-brown, contrasting with paler head-sides, while Bean and Greylag show more uniform head. Moreover, pale feather edges on upperparts less distinct than in latter two species. See also differences in bare-part coloration. 1st-yr White blaze is developed during 1st-win, but black markings on belly do not appear before autumn of 2ndCY. Voice Typical goose-type kyo-lyok, higher pitched and less nasal than Bean or Greylag. Habitat Very common in grassland and marshy habitats.

Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus

59 cm

Monotypic. Very similar to Greater White-fronted Goose, but usually smaller, more compact with smaller head with steeper front, shorter neck and shorter, deeper-based bill. Wings project well beyond tail tip, whereas wing equal to tail-tip or only slightly longer in Greater Whitefronted. In flight, more compact with shorter neck and bill, slimmer wings and faster wing beats. Ad Darker than Greater White-fronted. White blaze at bill-base extends further onto crown reaching level of eyes, whereas it ends before eyes in Greater White-fronted. Further differs by less extensive black markings on belly and by prominent yellow orbital ring. However, be aware that some Greater White-fronted show narrow yellowish orbital ring as well. Juv Very similar to juv Greater White-fronted, best separated by yellow orbital ring and structure. Moreover, usually overall darker with less distinct pale fringes on upperparts and pale nail. 1st-yr Plumage development as in Greater White-fronted. Voice Similar to Greater White-fronted but faster and higher pitched. Habitat Grassland, usually drier than Greater White-fronted. Rather common.

Greylag Goose Anser anser

81 cm

A. a. rubrirostris. Rather large with thick neck and strong bill. Heavy flight; has pale pinkish bill and legs. Can be confused with juv Greater White-fronted Goose, see that species for differences. Ad Overall rather pale greyish-brown with darker upperparts. Some with dark markings on belly, but less extensive than in ad of Greater (and Lesser) White-fronted. In flight, with characteristic two-coloured wing: upperwing with dark primary-tips, secondaries and inner arm-coverts contrasting with paler bluish-grey rest of wing; underwing with pale forewing and dark hindwing similar to Bar-headed and dark-morph Snow Geese, but unlike other ‘grey geese’ which have more uniformly dark wings. Moreover, shows characteristic contrast between pale back and rump and darker mantle and scapulars and has broader white terminal tail-band than Bean, Greater and Lesser White-fronted. Juv Pale feather fringes on flanks and upperparts give more scaly appearance than in ad and neck-side is less ribbed. Furthermore, underparts more uniform, lacking dark markings. Nail usually blackish. Voice Loud and nasal KUANG’gah’gah, deeper than other ‘grey geese’. Habitat Breeds in a variety of habitats associated with water; from lowlands to mountains. In winter grassland and marshy habitats. Common.

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adult

adult

middendorffi rossicus

Taiga Bean Goose

Tundra Bean Goose

adult

adult

juvenile

Greater White-fronted Goose

juvenile

Lesser White-fronted Goose adult

juvenile

Greylag Goose

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PLATE 6: Geese and Swans Bar-headed Goose Anser indicus

75 cm

Monotypic. On average smaller than Greylag Goose, overall very pale with distinct headpattern and pale-orange bill and legs. Light bluish-grey upperparts and leg colour diagnostic even at distance. Ad Characteristic black crescents on rear head and white stripe on neck-sides. In flight, wings similar to Greylag, but upperwing-coverts more uniformly pale grey and lacks contrast between paler upperwing-coverts and darker mantle/scapulars. Juv Lacks black headcrescents of ad, instead shows dark crown and hindneck and dark loral stripe. Further, lacks darker rear flanks of ad. Voice Rather slow and low-pitched gyoo-lyoo. Habitat Lakes on highland plateaux; mainly at 3000 to 5000 m. Uncommon.

Swan Goose Anser cygnoides

87 cm

Monotypic (V). Slender with long neck. More brownish overall than other ‘grey geese’ with completely black bill. Head profile characteristic: long triangular bill forming a straight line with flat forehead, recalling Whooper Swan. Variable white band around bill-base. In flight, long neck and bill characteristic. Ad Dark-brown upper head and hindneck contrast with paler buffish foreneck and rest of head. Breast and underparts warm buff, upperparts dark brown with pale buffish feather edges. In flight, upperwing and underwing similar to Greater White-fronted and Bean Geese; best distinguished by structure and head pattern. Easily separated from Greylag Goose, which shows two-coloured under- and upperwing. Juv Lacks white band at bill-base of ad, pale feather fringes on flanks and upperparts give more scaly appearance than in ad. Voice Similar to domestic goose KAHAN’gah’gah’gah. Habitat Wetlands, preferably surrounded by grasslands.

Snow Goose Anser caerulescens

75 cm

A. c. caerulescens (V). Medium-sized, rather stocky and short-necked. Occurs in two colour morphs with intermediates being frequent. Bill and legs are pink in ad, dark greyish in juv. White-morph: Ad Plumage completely white except black primaries. Albino individuals of other geese superficially similar but lack black primaries. Juv Whitish with grey crown, nape and upperparts. Dark-morph (‘Blue Goose’): Ad Head and upper neck white, contrasting with dark grey rest of body (often with white rear end). In flight, underwing two-coloured, with dark remiges and paler coverts. Juv Slaty-grey overall. Voice Noisy, call is a rather nasal and high-pitched uk-uk-HUIK. Habitat Grassland near water.

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

152 cm

Monotypic. Biggest swan. Unlike Tundra and Whooper Swans, tail rather long and pointed and neck often held in S-shape. Threat display characteristic: wings half raised and neck held back in S-shape. In flight, feet do not project beyond tail tip. Ad Often with yellowish-orange to greyish wash on head and neck. Bill characteristic; knob at base bigger in male. Juv Plumage greyishbrown. Bill greyish-pink instead of orange, lacking knob at base. Some juv with white plumage and greyish-pink instead of black legs (immutabilis morph). Fully ad in second winter. Voice Less vocal than other swans, utters hisses but no honking calls. Habitat Mainly large lakes or marshes. Common.

Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus

122 cm

C. c. bewickii. Smaller than Whooper Swan, with proportionally shorter and thicker neck, rounder head and shorter, more massive, bill. Neck usually held straight. As in Whooper, feet slightly project beyond tail in flight. Ad Less often with yellowish or rufous wash on head and neck than in Whooper. Bill mostly black, amount of yellow at base variable, but always less than in Whooper. Unlike Whooper, yellow base does not run below nostrils and is square or round at fore-end and not tapering. Culmen at base variably coloured: black, yellow or black with a yellow spot (yellow in Whooper). Juv Usually paler than Whooper. Bill pattern mirrors that of ad: base yellowish, black parts of ad reddish (brighter than in Whooper), but cutting edge and tip already black. 1st-yr Reddish area on bill becomes gradually black during first year. Usually fully ad in second winter, but some with greyish feathers on head and neck. Voice Similar as Whooper kloo-kloo, but usually higher-pitched and elements usually repeated only in twos rather than in threes or fours. Habitat Lowland marshes, grasslands or agricultural fields. Rare. [Alt: Bewick’s Swan]

Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus

152 cm

Monotypic. Larger than Tundra Swan; see that species for differences. Has characteristic wedgeshaped head and bill profile; bill longer than in Mute Swan. Tail shorter than in Mute and with rounded tip; long neck usually held straight (cf. Mute). Unlike Mute, feet slightly project beyond tail in flight. Ad Often with yellowish to rufous wash on head and neck. Bill with yellow base running below nostrils, tip and cutting edge black. Juv Paler and less brownish than Mute. Bill with whitish base, pinkish area around nostrils and black tip and cutting edge. 1st-yr Whitish part of bill becomes gradually yellow and pinkish area turns black during first winter. Voice Very vocal and loud, utters usually a yelping KLAUkloo-kloo. Habitat Pools and lakes of shallow waters, preferably in wooded areas. In winter similar to Tundra. Common.

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adult

Swan Goose

Bar-headed Goose juvenile adult

adult

Snow Goose

adult white morph

Mute Swan

adult

adult

Tundra Swan immature

immature

Whooper Swan immature

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PLATE 7: Shelducks and Geese Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea

66 cm

Monotypic. Size and structure similar to Common Shelduck. Unmistakable due to bright orange-brown plumage with paler cream-coloured head, and black rump and tail. In flight, white wing-coverts contrast with blackish rest of upperwing. Secondaries with greenish gloss. Underwing shows similar contrast between underwing-coverts and flight feathers. Ad Br male Unlike female, with narrow black collar on lower neck. Ad female Usually less bright than male, with browner head and neck and more white on face. Male eclipse Lacks black collar of breeding plumage. Juv Duller than ad female, head neck and upperparts more greyish-brown. Voice Rather loud and nasal honking aah’onk. Habitat All kinds of waterbodies; from lowlands to mountains. Lower altitudes in winter. Common.

Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna

61 cm

Monotypic. Similar in size to Ruddy Shelduck. Rather long neck. Unmistakable; appears black and white from a distance. Greenish-black head and upper neck and broad chestnut breastband extending on upper mantle characteristic. Black scapulars and tail-tip, black line on belly running from breast-band to vent, and orange undertail-coverts. In flight, blackish remiges with greenish gloss on secondaries contrast with white wing-coverts. Ad Br male Bill bright red with knob at base. Ad Br female Bill less bright, lacking knob at base. Has white speckling on face, narrower breast band and paler undertail-coverts than male. Male eclipse Duller and more greyish than in breeding plumage, face and bill as in ad br female. Female eclipse Duller than male eclipse, with only faint breast-band and more white on face. Some similar to juv. Juv Lacks breast-band of ad. Nape, head-sides and crown greyish-brown, foreneck and rest of head whitish. Upperparts greyish-brown. Bill greyish-pink. Unlike ad, secondaries with white tips, which are retained until 1st-sum. Voice Male gives series of high whistles \tsiu’\tsiu...; female call is scolding go’go’go’go’go or ah-ank similar to Ruddy. Habitat Common in marshes in steppes and semi-deserts, usually more on saline water than Ruddy.

Red-breasted Goose Branta ruficollis

55 cm

Monotypic. Small goose with short neck, round head and tiny dark bill. Unmistakable given reasonable views, with white loral patch, chestnut breast and foreneck, and chestnut patch on ear-coverts surrounded by white. From distance, may appear uniformly dark, with contrasting white band on upper flanks and white vent, when it can be confused with Brent Goose, but is smaller with a more rounded head and smaller bill and more contrasting white band on flanks. In flight, differs from Brent by more conspicuous white band on flanks and more extensively black tail. Ad Rich chestnut on breast, foreneck and cheeks. Juv Duller than ad, head-pattern less contrasting, with smaller chestnut ear-patch. Upperwing-coverts with several fine pale bars whereas ad shows only two, but broader white bars. Voice Call is a shrill kii-yoik. Habitat Grassy steppes, usually close to water. Common.

Brent Goose Branta bernicla

59 cm

B. b. bernicla (V). Smaller than Barnacle Goose with small head. Ad Body uniform dark grey with contrasting white vent and uppertail-coverts. Head, neck and breast black. In flight, with shorter wings than Barnacle and differs by darker upperwings and lack of strong contrast between black breast and pale belly. See also Red-breasted Goose. Ad Has whitish markings on upper flanks and white patch on neck-sides. Juv Lacks white patch on neck-sides (until 1st-win) and shows white bars along tips of upperwing-coverts. Moreover, has more uniform flanks than ad. Voice Call is a gurgling raunk-raunk-raunk. Habitat Lakes and estuaries.

Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis

64 cm

Monotypic (V). On average larger that Brent Goose. Easily identified by white face contrasting with black lores, crown, rear head, neck and breast. Vent white, rest of underparts pale greyish contrasting with black breast. In flight, best identified by pale greyish upperwings and contrast between black breast and pale belly. See also Brent Goose. Ad White face, often with yellowish wash. Mantle, scapulars and wing-coverts pale greyish with broad black subterminal bars and white tips. Juv Differs from ad by lack of fine bars to rear flanks and less contrasting dark and buffish rather than black-and-white bars on upperparts. Pale face with less yellowish wash; black of head, neck and breast duller. Voice Call is variable yelping hog or kraw, often repeated. Habitat Large lakes and estuaries.

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Ruddy Shelduck 

breeding

 

breeding



juvenile



Common Shelduck

juvenile



adult

Brent Goose

Red-breasted Goose Barnacle Goose

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PLATE 8: DABBLING Ducks I Northern Pintail Anas acuta

56–74 cm

Monotypic. Characteristically slim, elegant with long neck and long pointed tail. In flight, has white trailing edge to secondaries and narrow bar on mid-arm, the latter rusty in males, whitish in females. Speculum metallic green in male, brownish with greenish gloss in female. Underwing dark with pale midband, similar to Eurasian Wigeon. Legs and feet dark grey, unlike Mallard, Gadwall and Northern Shoveler. Ad Br male Unmistakable. Ad female More uniform than Gadwall and Mallard, with rather plain pale orange-brownish head, and more scalloped pattern on flanks and upperparts. Belly whitish, bill dark with paler sides (cf. Gadwall and Mallard). Ad male eclipse Greyer overall than ad female, with finer markings on breast and flanks, longer scapulars. Juv Less clearly patterned than ad female and white trailing edge to secondaries narrower. Speculum brownish, in juv male with some greenish gloss. Voice Male gives a teal-like /pr’oop. Female call is weak quok. Habitat Shallow wetlands, well-vegetated lakes; mainly lowlands and foothills. Common and often numerous.

Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata

51 cm

Monotypic. Has diagnostically spatulate bill (not always obvious from a distance). In flight, huge bill gives front-heavy appearance; wings narrower than in Mallard. Has green speculum and white bar on mid-arm, lacks white trailing edge to secondaries (unlike Mallard and Northern Pintail). Rest of arm-coverts blue in males and grey in females. Ad Br male Yellow iris characteristic. Chestnut flanks and belly, white breast, metallic-green head and black-and-white scapulars. Ad female Separated from female Mallard by bill, wing-pattern and darker belly. Ad male eclipse Differs from ad female by rusty background colour on flanks, darker head and yellow iris. Often shows white sickle-shaped marking at bill-base. Juv Overall less rufous and darker than female. Speculum duller than in ad, often brownish in female. Male duller blue on arm than ad. Full ad plumage only attained in 2ndCY. Voice Rather silent. Male displays with hollow slug-uk; female has several quacking calls. Habitat Shallow wetlands with plentiful vegetation and muddy shores; mainly lowlands and foothills. Common and numerous.

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

61 cm

A. p. platyrhynchos. Big and heavy, with rather long bill and round head. In flight, characterised by a blue speculum bordered white in front and behind. Lacks contrasting white belly of Gadwall. Ad Br male Unmistakable. Central tail-feathers upcurled. Ad female Similar to female-type Gadwall, but apart from differences in belly and speculum, is usually browner (especially head) and bill dark with irregular orange markings extending towards culmen. See Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail and Falcated Duck for differences. Ad male eclipse Similar to ad female, but bill yellow, breast more rufous-brown. Moreover, head-pattern more contrasting and often with a slight greenish gloss and dark rear upperparts. Juv Similar to ad female, but underparts usually more streaked than spotted/scalloped. Voice Females more vocal than males. Male call is rasping krreet. Female call is a laughing QUACK-quak-quak \-quak-quak. Habitat Can occur on almost any shallow wetland; from lowlands to mountains. Common.

Gadwall Anas strepera

51 cm

A. s. strepera. Slightly smaller than Mallard, with shorter and narrower bill and more squareshaped head. Diagnostic white patch on inner secondaries (more extensive in male) often visible while swimming, but best seen in flight. In flight, further characterised by contrasting white belly (cf. Mallard). Ad Br male Greyish, with dark bill, contrasting black rear-end and characteristic chestnut median coverts. Ad female More greyish overall than female Mallard, especially on head. Bill dark with even orange sides, whereas Mallard shows irregular orange markings on bill-sides. See Falcated Duck for differences. Ad male eclipse Similar to ad female, but tertials grey and rest of wing like in ad br. Juv Breast more streaked than in ad female, with stronger contrast between greyish head and dark body and with dark spots on belly. Further, shows less white on inner secondaries. Voice Male call is a low-pitched aharck. Female call similar to Mallard but slightly more mechanical. Habitat Shallow lakes. Well-vegetated wetlands for breeding. Common.

Falcated Duck Anas falcata

51 cm

Monotypic (V). Stockier than Gadwall, with large head and slender, uniformly dark bill. In flight, rather compact and short-necked. Shows green speculum with broad white border in front and indistinct white trailing edge. Ad Br male Round head with full nape, head-pattern and elongated tertials diagnostic. Ad female Easily confused with female-type Gadwall but head darker and more uniform, full nape resembles head-shape of male. Furthermore, lacks contrasting white patch on inner secondaries and contrasting white belly. Separated from Northern Pintail by structure, greyish rather than warm brownish head and by darker bill. Ad male eclipse Darker than ad female with longer tertials and more uniformly grey upperwing-coverts. Juv More yellowish-brown compared to ad female, scapulars lack pale subterminal markings. Voice Usually silent. Habitat Lakes, ponds in open wetlands.

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 



Northern Shoveler



Northern Pintail

 

 



Mallard

  

  

Gadwall



Falcated Duck   



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PLATE 9: DABBLING Ducks II Garganey Anas querquedula

41 cm

Monotypic. Slightly larger than similar Common Teal, with longer tail, squarer head and stronger, longer bill. In flight, upperwing with rather broad white trailing edge to secondaries, but narrower white bar on mid-arm than in Common Teal. Speculum with greenish gloss, duller in female. Underwing dark with pale midband. See Baikal Teal for differences. Ad Br male Head-pattern diagnostic. In flight, pale greyish forewing and dark breast characteristic. Ad female Unlike female Common Teal, lacks white stripe below tail-side and bill never shows any orange. Head-pattern is more contrasting, with a paler supercilium, darker eye-stripe and dark band running from bill to ear-coverts. Usually has a characteristic pale spot at bill-base and unmarked whitish chin and throat. Ad male eclipse Differs from ad female by pale greyish forewing. Juv Trailing edge to secondaries narrower and belly darker than in ad female. Male has greyer forewing than female. Speculum of the latter dull brownish lacking any greenish gloss. Voice Male gives characteristic dry krrrk, like pulling a comb over the edge of a table. Habitat Well-vegetated swampy meadows, small ponds or pools. Common.

Baikal Teal Anas formosa

40 cm

Monotypic (V). Similar in size to Garganey, but bill smaller. Some females and juv rather similar to that species, but always told by narrow rufous bar on mid-arm in flight. Underwing dark with pale midband. Speculum with greenish gloss (less so in female). Ad Br male Unmistakable head pattern. Pinkish breast separated from greyish flanks by white vertical line. Vent black, lacking creamy patch of Common Teal. Ad female Bill never shows any orange, unlike Common. White stripe below tail-sides smaller and less distinct than in Common. Head-pattern similar to Garganey, but supercilium less striking and has incomplete dark loral stripe. White round patch at bill-base is framed with dark and thus more conspicuous than in Garganey. Dark band on earcoverts ends below eye and does not reach the bill. Unlike Garganey, can show white triangle running from white throat towards eye. Ad male eclipse Darker than ad female and more rufous-tinged, pale spot at bill-base less conspicuous. Juv Greyer overall than ad female. Voice Silent in region. Habitat Small lakes, pools and marshes.

Common Teal Anas crecca

38 cm

A. c. crecca. Smallest dabbling duck. In flight, with broad white bar on mid-arm and narrow white trailing edge to secondaries. Speculum shiny green, blackish on distal part. Underwing dark with pale midband. Ad Br male Unmistakable, due to distinct head-pattern, cream patches on vent-sides and horizontal black-and-white line on body-sides. Ad female Head more uniform than in Garganey and Baikal Teal, with supercilium and eye-stripe less contrasting and chin and throat more concolorous with rest of head and neck. Shows pale stripe below tail-sides, which is smaller and less distinct in Baikal and lacking in Garganey. Unlike Baikal and Garganey, bill-base often orange. Ad male eclipse Similar to ad female. Juv Darker than ad female, breast and especially flanks more streaked than scalloped. Voice Male has a bell-like, high-pitched and repeated /p’lip; female utters a feeble quaak \-quak-quak. Habitat Breeds in well-vegetated small wetlands; outside breeding season also ponds, lakes and rivers. Common.

Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope

49 cm

Monotypic. Compact with pointed tail and round head. Small greyish bill with black tip characteristic. In flight, rather long-winged, with contrasting white belly and dark underwing with pale midband (cf. Northern Pintail). Often shows white patch on inner secondaries, but always smaller than in Gadwall. Speculum greenish in males, dark grey in females. Ad Br male Identified by combination of black rear-end, pinkish breast, and characteristic head-pattern. White patch on arm distinct in flight and often appears as horizontal band while swimming. Ad female Rather variable rufous to greyish brown, with contrasting white belly and a dark shadow around eye. Ad male eclipse More reddish overall than ad female, with white patch on arm (see ad br male). Juv Similar to ad female, but median coverts on upperwing lack white tips. 1st-yr male Like ad br male, but arm-coverts on upperwing retained from juv plumage. Voice Male call is a whistling /pee\ oo. Female call is a growling guerrr. Habitat Shallow marshes and lakes, often grazes onshore; lowlands to mountains. Common.

Marbled Teal Marmaronetta angustirostris

48 cm

Monotypic. Rather small with long and narrow bill and fairly long tail and neck. May be confused with female Northern Pintail, but is smaller and always differentiated by dark mask around eye and big pale spots on flanks and upperparts as well as by small tuft. In flight with long wings, upperwing rather uniform with pale secondaries and pale patch at bend of wing. Unlike female Northern, underwing uniform and lacks white trailing edge to secondaries. Sexes similar, but male with more pronounced tuft and blacker bill. Juv Duller than ad, lacks tuft, pale spots more diffuse. Voice Usually silent, while displaying males give a squeaky jeevee. Habitat Well-vegetated pools and marshes in deserts and steppes. Rare.

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





Garganey 



Baikal Teal   









Common Teal 

 

Eurasian Wigeon adult



Marbled Teal



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PLATE 10: DIVING Ducks Common Pochard Aythya ferina

48 cm

Monotypic. Concave culmen and forehead and pointed crown characteristic. In flight, greyish wing-stripe is less contrasting than in other diving ducks. Ad Br male Unmistakable due to chestnut head and largely uniform grey body. Bill black with broad grey subterminal band. Red iris. Ad female Greyish-brown overall, with greyer flanks and upperparts (browner overall while breeding). Characterised by two diffuse pale spots at bill-base, pale eye-ring and downcurving pale eye-stripe behind eye. Bill dark, outside breeding season with variable pale greyish subterminal bar. Iris brown. Ad male eclipse Similar to female, but head uniform and more chestnut, iris red. Juv Similar to ad female, but lacks pale eye-stripe behind the eye and is more uniform brown overall. Bill all dark, iris yellowish-olive. Voice Usually silent. Habitat Well-vegetated swamps, marshes, lakes and slow-flowing rivers; from lowlands to mountains. Common.

Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca

41 cm

Monotypic. Slightly smaller than Tufted Duck with more compact body, longer bill and characteristic round head lacking tuft. In flight, with sharp contrast between chestnut breast and white belly as well as long and broad white wing-stripe; the latter wider and more conspicuous than in Tufted. Contrasting white vent and undertail-coverts characteristic, but duller in juv. Ad Br male Overall deep chestnut. Iris white, bill slaty-grey with black nail. Ad female Less chestnut than male, with brown iris. Bill darker, with more extended dark tip. Some femaletype Tufted also show white undertail-coverts, but usually less extensive and never as contrasting. Tufted moreover has less chestnut plumage, yellow iris (except juv), different head shape and broader black tip of bill. Ad male eclipse Similar to female, but still more chestnut and iris white. Juv Duller than female, with greyish-brown head-sides and less contrasting white vent and belly. Voice Rather silent. Female gives slightly higher-pitched err than Tufted. Habitat Shallow pools and marshes with abundant shoreline vegetation; mostly lowlands. Outside breeding season also in larger lakes. Rare. [Alt: Ferruginous Pochard]

Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

43 cm

Monotypic. Smaller than Greater Scaup, with shorter bill and less rounded head with steep forehead and flatter crown. Unlike Greater always shows a tuft, longest in ad br male and shortest in juv (sometimes difficult to see). Bill greyish with black tip and inconspicuous pale subterminal-bar, usually darker grey in female. In flight, with conspicuous white wing-stripe (greyer on outer wing), narrower than in Red-crested Pochard and Ferruginous Duck. Ad Br male Black with contrasting white flanks and belly. Ad female Dark chocolate-brown with pale belly and usually pale flanks. Some have white at bill-base and then recall female Greater Scaup, others with white on undertailcoverts recall Ferruginous Duck (see those species for differences). Iris usually darker yellow than in ad male. Ad male eclipse Duller and with smaller tuft than ad br male. Black replaced by dark-brown, flanks and belly greyish-brown. Juv Paler than ad female and with hint of a tuft only. Iris brown. Voice Males display with low bubbling; sometimes likened to soft Turkey-call. Females like other Aythya-species arr. Habitat Large and deep lakes; from lowlands to mountains. Common.

Greater Scaup Aythya marila

46 cm

A. m. marila. Larger than Tufted Duck, with more evenly rounded head always lacking tuft and with longer and broader bill. Only nail black, not entire bill-tip as in Tufted. In flight, wing-stripe as in Tufted. Iris yellow (more brownish in juv). Ad Br male Separated from Tufted by pale greyish upperparts with fine dark vermiculations. Head usually with greenish rather than purplish-bluish gloss as Tufted. In flight, shows dark grey forewing (black in male Tufted). Ad female Similar to female Tufted, best separated by structure, size and bill-pattern. Moreover, is paler, with grey vermiculations on flanks and upperparts. White at bill-base usually more extensive than even in most extreme Tufted. Unlike Tufted, often has pale spot on ear-coverts (especially in breeding season). Ad male eclipse More brownish tinged than ad br and flanks with grey-brown markings. May show white at bill-base and pale patch on ear-coverts. Juv Usually less white at bill-base than ad female. Often has pale patch on ear-coverts. Bill darker than in ad. Voice Usually silent. Habitat Large lakes. Rare.

Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina

54 cm

Monotypic. Large with big round head and steep forehead. In flight with characteristic broad white wing-stripe, wider than in Tufted Duck and Greater Scaup. Ferruginous Duck has similar amount of white in wing, but is smaller and deep chestnut with contrasting white belly-patch. Ad Br male Unmistakable. Ad female Overall rather brownish, with greyish head-sides contrasting with darker crown and nape. Superficially similar to female Black Scoter; see that species for differences. Bill grey with pinkish subterminal spot. Iris brown. Ad male eclipse Similar to ad female except for red bill and iris. Juv Bill all dark, otherwise like female. Voice Male displays with squeezed, wheezy brshaet. Habitat Rather deep and large lakes with abundant shoreline vegetation; mainly lowlands and foothills. Rather common.

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

with sc like h

  

   

Ferruginous Duck

eclipse



Common Pochard











immature

 

with scauplike head



 





eclipse

Greater Scaup

eclipse

Tufted Duck







Red-crested Pochard

001 BoCA.indd 53



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PLATE 11: Scoters and Goldeneye Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca

55 cm

Monotypic. Powerful, with characteristic slightly concave profile of forehead and bill. Very similar to White-winged Scoter; see that species for differences. Larger than Black Scoter, has proportionally shorter tail and is always readily distinguished by white secondaries. The latter are especially conspicuous in flight, but often visible while swimming and when diving with halfopen wings. Ad male Completely black (browner in summer) apart from white secondaries and white sub-ocular marking. Bill black and yellow, lacking an obvious knob at bill-base. Iris white. Ad female Dark-brown except white secondaries and two variable and diffuse pale spots on head (behind the eye and on loral area), which are often lacking or indistinct in fresh plumage. Bill greyish-black, iris brown. Juv Differs from ad female by pale belly, greyish-brown feather fringes on upperparts and wing-coverts, and often more conspicuous pale head-spots. 1st-yr male Plumage of ad gradually developed, but bill coloration of ad can appear earlier. Voice Usually silent in region. Habitat Irregular, possibly regular breeder on small lakes in forested areas; mainly foothills. Winters on large fresh or saltwater lakes. Rare.

White-winged Scoter Melanitta deglandi

51–58 cm

M. d. stejnegeri. Very similar to Velvet Scoter, but separated by combination of structure, plumage features and bill-pattern. Shape of feathering at bill-base is diagnostic: foremost feathering almost reaches the nostril and falls below it, whereas foremost feathering falls in horizontal line with the nostril and ends clearly before nostril in Velvet. Ad male The white subocular marking extends towards the crown behind the eye, whereas it does not extend above eye in Velvet. Moreover differs from Velvet by obvious knob at bill-base and by a circular nasal cavity, creating a stepped bill-profile with a straight line running from crown to bill-base (forehead and bill more concave, nasal cavity more oval in Velvet). Bill reddish-black with yellow line along cutting edge, while cutting edge blackish in Velvet. Ad female Apart from characteristic differences in feathering at base of bill, the bill-base is more swollen than in Velvet and thus forehead and bill less concave and more like a straight line. Crown further less rounded and flatter compared with Velvet. Juv Differs from ad female as in Velvet, but pale head spots can be even more striking. 1st-yr male See Velvet. Voice When displaying, male utters a nasal aah’er, female utters a harsh kraa-aah. Wings produce fine ringing whistle in flight. Habitat Small lakes in forested areas at 1700 to 2500 m. Localised.

Common Scoter Melanitta nigra

49 cm

Monotypic (N Kaz?; V). Smaller and more compact than Velvet and White-winged Scoter. Has rather long tail, which is often cocked. In flight, has rather uniform dark wings with paler primaries; lacks white secondaries. Unlike Velvet and White-winged, dives with small jump and closed wings. Ad male Almost entirely black, only primaries dark-brown. Bill dark, with yellow patch on culmen and with rounded knob at base. Ad female Dark brown with pale greyish head-sides. Bill dark, lacking basal knob of males. Superficially similar to female Red-crested Pochard, but the latter is larger and paler brownish overall. Moreover, Redcrested has a longer bill with pinkish patch near tip and a relatively shorter tail as well as a more contrasting wing pattern in flight. Juv Similar to female, but with paler belly. 1st-yr male Develops plumage and bill coloration of ad males during 1st-win, except for pale belly, which is retained until 1st-sum. Voice Usually silent in region. Habitat Lakes and large rivers.

Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula

46 cm

B. c. clangula. Compact with characteristic big triangular-shaped head and short bill. In flight, rather stocky, with short neck and fast wingbeats. Wings dark with much white on upper arm and contrasting white secondaries on underwing. Ad Br male Unmistakable. Head black with greenish gloss and contrasting white oval patch on lores. Rear end and upperparts black, lower scapulars with black-and-white pattern. Iris yellow, bill dark. Ad female Head brownish, bordered by diffuse white collar. Belly white, rest of body greyish. In flight, white on upper arm less extensive than in males and interrupted by two black bands. Bill dark with yellowish subterminal band. Iris dull yellow. In summer, duller overall, with all dark bill. Ad male eclipse Similar to ad female, but wing as in breeding plumage. Juv Duller than ad female. Juv males with pale yellow iris and similar amount of white in wing as ad female. Juv females have pale-brown iris and less white on upper arm. Females smaller than males. Voice When displaying, male utters different whistling notes and Garganey-like rattles. Males with whistling wingbeats. Female utters a rasping brrr. Habitat Rather common breeder on rivers and lakes in wooded areas (nest in tree cavities); mainly foothills and lower mountains. Outside breeding season, occurs on wider variety of rivers and lakes.

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



summer



Velvet Scoter







White-winged Scoter





Black Scoter







Common Goldeneye

 



001 BoCA.indd 55



22/6/12 15:18:22

PLATE 12: White-headed Duck AND SAWBILLS White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala

44 cm

Monotypic. Rather small and stocky. Tail long and often erected. Bill large with swollen base. In flight, upperwing greyish-brown, underwing greyish with whitish axillaries and median coverts. Ad Br male Bill diagnostically light-blue. Head white with black patch on crown and black around eye. Rest of plumage rufous-brown with dark vermiculations, neck usually blackish. Ad female Bill greyish. Duller than male, with more conspicuous dark vermiculations. Head whitish with dark cap, white stripe below eye and dark stripe on cheeks. Ad male eclipse (winter) Bill bluish-grey, dark patch on crown more extensive than ad br, often reaching eye and nape. Rest of plumage less rufous and more yellowish. Juv Similar to ad female. 1st-yr male Head with more extensive black markings than in ad male, may be completely black. Bill becomes bluish in 1st-sum. Voice Usually silent. Habitat Scarce in reedy wetlands in steppes and semi-deserts.

Smew Mergellus albellus

41 cm

Monotypic. Small and compact, slightly larger than Common Teal. In flight, wings dark, with broad white oval on arm and pale midband on underwing. Very fast wingbeats. Ad Br male Unmistakable. Head slightly crested, white with black mask and black line on nape. Rest of body white with black mantle, fine black lines on breast-sides and grey vermiculations on flanks. Ad female Head brown with darker lores, contrasting with white cheeks and throat. Body dark greyish with white belly. Superficially similar to female Common Goldeneye, but differs by white cheeks and throat and by smaller, less triangular-shaped head. Ad male eclipse Similar to female, but upperparts darker, white oval on upperwing broader. Juv Similar to ad female, but lores browner, belly mottled with grey. Voice Usually silent. Habitat River and lakes; from lowlands up to ca. 2300 m. Scarce.

Goosander Mergus merganser

66 cm

Two races in region: M. m. merganser, M. m. orientalis (E Tjk, Afg). Large, with long and slim body, long neck and tuft at back of head. Characteristc red hooked bill only shared with Redbreasted Merganser. In flight, with long neck, long and rather slim wings and typical fast and flat wing-beats. Female especially similar to Red-breasted Merganser; see that species for differences. Ad Br male Head and upper neck greenish-black. Mantle and upper scapulars black, back to uppertail-coverts greyish. Rest of body white, often with salmon-pink wash. In flight, almost completely white arm contrasts with black hand. Ad female Head and upper neck brown and sharply demarcated from greyish-whitish lower neck (cf. Red-breasted). Throat whitish. Lower neck, breast and belly whitish, often with salmonpink wash; rest of body greyish. In flight, white secondaries and greater coverts contrast with greyish rest of arm and with dark hand. Ad male eclipse Similar to ad female, but with more white on arm. Juv Similar to ad female, but bill and iris paler and whitish throat less sharply demarcated. Moreover, has brownish wash to upperparts and black and white loral stripes. Voice Usually silent. When displaying male gives frog-like kruorr-kraa, female gives a short skkrra. Habitat Lakes, pools and rivers, often in the vicinity of trees (may breed in tree cavities); mainly foothills and mountains. Uncommon to scarce. [Alt: Common Merganser]

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator

56 cm

Monotypic. Smaller and slimmer than Goosander, bill thinner and more upturned, tuft scrubbier. Iris brownish-red (female) to red (male) whereas it is dark in Goosander. Ad Br male Head and upper neck black with greenish gloss and contrasting white collar. Lower neck and breast rufous-brown with black streaks, breast-sides black with white markings. Lower scapulars white, contrasting with blackish upper scapulars and mantle as well as greyish vermiculated flanks. In flight, white on arm is interrupted by two black lines (cf. Goosander). Ad female Similar to female-type Goosander, but lacks sharp demarcation between brownish head and whitish neck. Moreover, differs by only diffusely paler throat and paler brownish head. Has black and pale loral stripes, similar to juv but unlike ad Goosander. Upperparts and flanks darker than in Goosander, with brownish wash. In flight, shows black line dividing white wing-panel in contrast with Goosander. Ad male eclipse Similar to ad female, but wing as in ad br. Juv Similar to ad female, but bill paler, belly less whitish and tuft shorter. Voice When displaying male gives cat-like ja-aah, female gives harsh prrak-prrak. Habitat On rather deep lakes and rivers, usually at lower altitudes than Goosander. Localised and nowhere common.

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White-headed Duck







Smew   

 

Goosander





Red-breasted Merganser 

 



001 BoCA.indd 57

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PLATE 13: Long-tailed Duck, COTTON PYGMY-GOOSE AND DIVERS Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis

42 cm

Monotypic. Rather compact with round head and short bill. Unmistakable, but seasonal plumage variation complex, with three moults yearly in ad. In flight, combination of all-dark pointed wings, white sides to rump and tail, and fast wing beats characteristic. Bill all dark in females, whereas males show pink band (can be lacking in summer). Ad male winter Elongated central rectrices. White and light grey, with brownish-grey mask and black patch on ear-coverts, the bottom of the ear-coverts bordered with chestnut. Breast, wings and tail black, contrasting with grey elongated scapulars and grey flanks. Ad male spring Head, neck and breast blackish with grey and white mask around eye. Scapulars black with rufous-brown fringes. Ad male summer Scapulars shorter than in spring male. Ad male autumn Like winter, but head whitish, patch on ear-coverts blackish-grey. Ad female winter Lacks elongated rectrices of male. Head and neck white, with blackish-brown patch on crown and ear-coverts. Feathers of upperparts blackish with rufous-brown fringes. Breast greyish-brown, rest of underparts whitish. Ad female summer Duller than in winter, with shorter scapulars. Head and neck blackish-brown with paler area on head-sides, whitish stripe behind eye and whitish collar. Juv Similar to female summer, but pale parts on head brownish-grey and more diffuse. Male develops pink band on bill and first signs of ad plumage during 1st-win. Voice Male rather noisy, gives gruff, nasal ow-ow’we/’ dee. Both sexes utter weak kuwaa. Habitat Usually on large and deep lakes. Rare but commoner in Caspian region.

Cotton Pygmy-goose Nettapus coromandelianus

33 cm

N. c. coromandelianus. Unmistakable. Tiny with small bill. Ad Br male Black crown and collar distinctive. Upperparts black with greenish gloss. Grey flanks contrast with dark rear end. In flight from above and below with white trailing edge to arm, broadening onto primaries and contrasting with dark rest of wings and dark primary-tips. Iris red. Ad female Dark areas browner than in male, with only a slight greenish gloss. Dark eye-stripe. Greyish-brown mottling and dark vermiculations on breast. In flight, wings dark with a narrow white trailing edge on secondaries. Iris brownish. Ad male eclipse Similar to ad female, but upperparts darker, head and breast paler and wings as in ad br. Juv Duller than female, lacks gloss on upperparts. Barring on breast and neck darker and eye-stripe broader. Voice Male utters a nasal wuk-wirrawuk, female utters a week quack. Habitat Well-vegetated deep pools and lakes. Rare.

Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata

61 cm

Monotypic. Smaller than Black-throated Diver, with smaller bill with straighter culmen and characteristically uptilted lower mandible. Has sloping, rather than peaked forehead as Blackthroated, and neck is usually held straighter and bill more upwards. In flight, with uniformly dark upperwings (cf. Grebes) and pale underwings with dark trailing edge (all dark in cormorants). Wings more set behind centre compared with Black-throated, neck slimmer and longer, feet shorter. Moreover, usually has faster wing-beats, moves head vertically and gives more hunchbacked impression. Ad Br Head and upper neck mainly greyish with longitudinal rufous patch on foreneck and blackand-white streaking on hindneck and breast-sides. Bill dark. Ad Non-br Shows more extensive white on neck- and head-sides than Black-throated with white usually surrounding eye. While swimming, lacks characteristic white patch on rear flanks of Blackthroated, instead shows more uniformly narrow white band along flanks. Unlike Black-throated upperparts have white speckles and are not darker than hindneck. Bill greyish (cf. Black-throated). Juv Darker overall than ad non-br due to dark streaking on head- and neck-sides as well as foreneck. Therefore lacks contrasting white foreneck of non-breeding Black-throated. Voice Usually silent in region. Habitat Along sheltered shores of Caspian Sea, occasionally elsewhere. Rare.

Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica

65 cm

G. a. arctica. Bigger than Red-throated Diver and has more curved necked and fuller chest, more dagger-like bill and peaked forehead (see Red-throated for further structural differences). Usually has characteristic isolated white patch on rear flanks while swimming (cf. Red-throated). Has uniformly dark upperwings in flight (cf. Grebes) and pale underwings with dark trailing edge (dark in cormorants). Swimming Great Cormorant can be similar from a distance, but has typically hooked bill and sloping rear end due to long tail. Ad Br Greyish head and hindneck with black-and-white streaking on neck-sides and lower throat contrasting with black patch on foreneck. Upperparts blackish with regular rectangular white markings on scapulars and mantle and white spots on wing-coverts. Bill dark. Ad Non-br Similar to Red-throated, but white on head and neck sides less extensive and eye usually dark surrounded. Demarcation between white and dark-grey on neck-sides typically enhanced by darker line. Upperparts with some paler rectangular markings, usually darker than hindneck (cf. Red-throated). Bill greyish with dark culmen and tip. Juv Browner overall than ad non-br with pale scaling to upperparts. Shows less extensive dark bill-tip than ad non-br, thus more similar to Red-throated. Voice Gives loud aaah’oh aaah’oh or croaking knarr-knorr. Habitat Breeds on freshwater lakes up to 2200 m in Altai. In winter along sheltered shores of large lakes. Rather rare.

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

Long-tailed Duck

winter



summer



winter



winter



winter



 juvenile

Cotton Pygmy-goose



eclipse





breeding

breeding non-breeding

juvenile non-breeding

Red-throated Diver

breeding breeding

Black-throated Diver

non-breeding non-breeding

001 BoCA.indd 59

juvenile

22/6/12 15:18:25

PLATE 14: Grebes Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

27 cm

T. r. capensis. Smallest Grebe with characteristic fluffed rear-end. Differs from Black-necked and Slavonian Grebes by dark or occasionally yellow iris (red in the latter). Compared with Black-necked, forehead less steep, neck and bill shorter. In flight, white wing-panel restricted to secondaries and less extensive than in Black-necked. Ad Br Characterised by pale yellow patch at gape and chestnut head-sides, throat and upper foreneck. Otherwise dark brown with paler flanks. Ad Non-br Has dark-brown cap, hindneck and upperparts contrasting slightly with buffish head-sides, foreneck and flanks. Lacks the contrasting head-pattern of Black-necked and Slavonian. Bill paler than in breeding plumage, but yellow gape-patch still a reliable feature. Juv Differs from ad non-br by dark stripes on head-sides and rufous tinge on foreneck. Voice Utters a long wavering and twittering kiri-kiri-kiri-kiririririri. Habitat Uncommon in a wide range of wetlands, typically fairly small and shallow.

Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena

45 cm

P. g. grisegena. Slightly smaller than Great Crested Grebe with shorter and thicker neck and bill. Differs from other Grebes by yellowish base to otherwise dark bill. In flight, appears less elongated and slimmer than Great Crested and lacks the latter’s white shoulder-patch. Ad Br Unmistakable. Greyish-white head-sides contrast with blackish cap and rufous-red foreneck and breast. Ad Non-br Blackish cap includes eye and lores unlike ad non-br Great Crested. Unlike the latter, shows a characteristic pale upward hook at rear head. Moreover, differs by less extensive white head-sides with greyish wash on ear-coverts and dark wash on foreneck. Head pattern superficially recalls ad non-br Slavonian Grebe, but dark cap is less clearly demarcated and lacks pale loral spot of Slavonian. Juv Similar to ad non-br but often with rufous wash on foreneck recalling dull version of ad br, but shows black stripes on head-sides and pale outer iris (like pale eye-ring). 1st-win/1st-sum Still differs from ad by pale outer iris. Voice Typically, utters a loud gull-like huooh uoooh uooh. Habitat Typically fairly small and shallow water bodies. Rather common.

Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus

49 cm

P. c. cristatus. Largest Grebe with a characteristic long and slender neck and body as well as long bill. Appears slim and long-necked in flight. Differs from all other grebes by white shoulderpatch. Ad Br Head-pattern distinct. Head plumes can be raised and fanned especially during courtship display. Bill dark pinkish. Ad Non-br Differs from other non-breeding Grebes by more extensive white face with contrasting dark-brown lores and by pale pinkish bill (see also Red-necked Grebe). Juv Differs from ad non-br by variable blackish stripes on head sides. Voice Gives guttural gorr and barking brek-brek. Habitat Common on ponds and lakes, also artificial water bodies.

Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus

34 cm

P. a. auritus. Similar to Black-necked Grebe, but slightly bigger; has flatter forehead and crown with angled rear head and flatter body with less fluffed rear end (recalls miniature Great Crested). Crown-peak clearly behind eye, while it is usually above eye in Black-necked. Bill dark with pale tip and rather straight (completely dark and slightly uptilted in Black-necked). In flight, differs from Black-necked by less extensive white wing-panel restricted to secondaries. Unlike Blacknecked, usually with white patch on lesser coverts. Shares red iris with Black-necked. Ad Br Distinctive golden-yellow ear-tufts are connected as a yellow stripe with bill. Black-necked has drooping and fanned yellow eartufts restricted behind eye and uniformly black neck, whereas Slavonian has dark rufous foreneck and breast. Ad Non-br Differs from similar ad non-br Black-necked by more contrasting head-pattern with sharper and more horizontal and even demarcation between black cap and white head-sides; dark of cap does not extend onto ear-coverts as in Black-necked. Connection between black cap and hindneck is thinner than in Black-necked (visible from behind) and unlike the latter, shows a diagnostic pale loral patch. Juv Browner than ad non-br; head-pattern less contrasting, with variable greyish stripes on head-sides. Voice Utters different guttural oarrh and nasal Little Grebe-like trills. Habitat Typically fairly small water bodies. Rare. [Alt: Horned Grebe].

Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis

33 cm

P. n. nigricollis. Slightly smaller than similar Slavonian Grebe; see that species for differences. Has rather small head with characteristic steep forehead and central crown peak and uptilted bill. Fluffed rear-end recalls Little Grebe. In flight, white wing-panel more extensive than in Slavonian extending to inner primaries, but always lacks white on lesser coverts contrary to Slavonian. Shares red iris with Slavonian. Ad Br Usually unmistakable with black head and neck contrasting with drooping and fanned yellow ear-tufts behind eye. Ad Non-br Similar to ad non-br Slavonian especially from a distance. See that species for differences. Juv Browner than ad non-br with buffish wash on head-sides and foreneck. Voice Gives a plaintive pew-ee and different shrill trills. Habitat Wide range of wetlands, typically fairly small and shallow. Rather common.

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Little Grebe breeding

juvenile

breeding non-breeding

juvenile

breeding

non-breeding

non-breeding

Red-necked Grebe

Great Crested Grebe non-breeding breeding

non-breeding

juvenile

Slavonian Grebe non-breeding

breeding

juvenile non-breeding

Black-necked Grebe

non-breeding

breeding

001 BoCA.indd 61

non-breeding juvenile

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PLATE 15: Flamingo, Storks, Ibis and Spoonbill Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber

110 cm Wingspan 140–165 cm

P. r. roseus. Unmistakable. Large and tall with very long legs and thin long neck. Bill shape characteristic: rather thick, short and strongly bent. In flight, beats pointed wings rather rapidly and is characterised by very long outstretched neck of about equal length to legs. Dark remiges contrast with paler rest of wings. Ad Pale pinkish with red markings on coverts and bright-red underwing-coverts. Bill pinkish with black tip, legs pinkish. Male larger and often brighter pinkred than female. Juv Greyish-brown with greyish bill and legs. Neck and legs shorter than in ad. Imm 2ndCY mainly whitish with dark remiges, brown mottling on wing-coverts and pale greyish head and neck. Pinkish and red colours are gradually attained with age from second year onwards. Voice Honking gah-gah, similar to Greylag Goose. Habitat Saline lakes in lowlands. Locally abundant.

Black Stork Ciconia nigra

98 cm Wingspan 165–180 cm

Monotypic. Usually unmistakable. Dark overall, except for white axillaries and lower breast to undertail coverts. Upperwing-coverts may look white due to reflection of strong sunlight, then recalls White Stork, but always separated among others by black tail and neck. Neck thicker than in herons and is held straight in flight. Ad Dark parts black with metallic gloss. Legs, bill and naked area around eye red. Juv Dark parts dull black. Legs, bill and eye-ring greyish-green. Voice Usually silent. At nest, a repetition of a raptor-like whistle and a rasping note: ky/ly’kshshky/ly’kshsh…. Habitat Open woodlands, but also steppes, feeds usually in marshes and pools. Rare.

White Stork Ciconia ciconia

105 cm Wingspan 175–195 cm

C. c. asiatica. Large, slender, predominantly white with black remiges, greater upperwingand primary-coverts, and red bill and legs. Unmistakable when seen well. Under certain light conditions in flight, similar to Black Stork or Great White Pelican; see those species for differences. Neck thicker than in herons and is held straight in flight. Ad Deep scarlet bill and legs. Juv Black distal part of bill grading into red towards base. Legs paler than in ad. Voice Usually silent, except for rapid bill-clattering at nest. Habitat Open areas, steppes and wetlands; mainly in foothills. Scarce.

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus

60 cm Wingspan 80–95 cm

Monotypic. Large, all-dark with heavy head and long, curved, rather sturdy bill. In flight, may recall Pygmy Cormorant from distance, but has longer, thinner neck and long bill. Legs protrude far beyond tail in flight. Has faster wingbeats than Great Cormorant. Often flies in undulating line. Unlike herons, neck is held straight in flight. Ad Br Body, scapulars, neck and head rich chestnut. Has bare skin on lores bordered with white. Wings with metallic gloss. Ad Non-br Head and neck greyish-brown with thin white streaks. White border to lores is reduced or missing. Juv Similar to ad non-br, but duller overall, metallic gloss on wings much reduced. Voice Usually silent, except for croaking calls at breeding colony. Habitat Shallow wetlands; mainly lowlands. Locally rather common.

Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia

82 cm Wingspan 115–130 cm

P. l. leucorodia. From distance, may recall Great Egret, but neck thicker, body heavier and often held more horizontal. When foraging, moves bill sidewards with characteristic, regular movement. At closer range, long spoon-shaped bill is characteristic. Unlike Great Egret, neck is held straight in flight and slightly downcurved bill may be noticed even from a distance. Ad Br Yellow-orange bib, yellowish breast-patch and dense crest on nape. Ad Non-br All white. Juv Has narrow black wingtip and black tips to primary coverts. Bill flesh-coloured to pinkishgrey, gradually darkening until 2ndCY. Wingtip turns white in autumn of 2ndCY. Voice Usually silent. Habitat Usually large shallow wetlands; mainly lowlands. Rare.

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adult

adult

juvenile juvenile

adult

Black Stork

Greater Flamingo

immature

adult

White Stork juvenile adult juvenile non-breeding breeding

breeding

adult

juvenile

Glossy Ibis

Eurasian Spoonbill

juvenile

breeding

001 BoCA.indd 63

breeding

juvenile

22/6/12 15:18:28

PLATE 16: Bitterns and small Herons Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris

71 cm Wingspan 125–135 cm

B. s. stellaris. A rather large, compact heron; plumage buff and brown with black vermiculations and streaks, well camouflaged against reeds. May be confused with juv Black-crowned Night Heron, but has contrasting dark crown, warm buff sides to head and neck, and lacks white drop-shaped streaks on upperparts. In flight (often low above reeds), looks broad-winged and large-headed with feet protruding beyond tail. Bill held straight or slightly upwards (typically pointing downwards in Night Heron). Ad Crown and submoustachial stripe black. Juv Crown and submoustachial stripe dark brown. Voice Song is a very low-pitched and far-carrying whoom, repeated every 2–3 seconds, for 3–4 times. Habitat Shallow wetlands with extensive reedbeds; mainly lowlands. Rather common. [Alt: Eurasian Bittern]

Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus

36 cm Wingspan 52–58 cm

I. m. minutus. A small heron, more often seen in flight above marshy vegetation than perched. Climbs skilfully in reeds. In flight, pale wing-coverts contrast with dark rest of upperparts. Ad male Black on crown, scapulars and from mantle to tail. Greyish face merges into yellowishbuff breast and belly. Pale wing-panel conspicuous. Ad female Upperparts dark brown with pale feather edges; face and sides of neck sandy-brown with rufous hue. Foreneck and underparts with dark streaks. Wing-panel sandy-brown, less contrasting than in male. Juv Less contrastingly patterned than ad of either sex. Crown and upperparts medium-brown. With brown streaks on head- and neck-sides, breast and wing-panel. Voice Song is a groogh, reminiscent of distant barking dog and repeated every 2 seconds usually for a long period. Call harsh kekeke(ke) or kre. Habitat Wetlands with reedbeds or other dense vegetation; mainly lowlands and foothills. Common.

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax

58 cm Wingspan 105–112 cm

N. n. nycticorax. Medium-sized, very compact and rather short-necked. Most active at dusk and dawn. Iris red. Ad Unmistakable. Black crown, scapulars and mantle contrast with light grey wings (both in flight and when perched) and greyish-white underparts. Juv Grey-brown to brownish overall with pale spots and streaks. Characteristic white drops on upperwing form wing-bars in flight. Can be confused with Great Bittern or ad non-br Squacco Heron, but differs by white spots on upperparts and lacks white wings of Squacco. 1st-sum Dark brown lores and crown, whitish forehead. Sides of breast and neck with grey-brown streaks. Bleached juv wing-feathers gradually replaced during summer. 2nd-sum Similar to ad, but plumage duskier, less neat. Voice Calls with frog-like quAAGH, often given in flight also from nocturnal migrants. Habitat All kinds of wetlands, usually with some trees for resting; mainly lowlands and foothills. Common.

Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides

46 cm Wingspan 80–92 cm

Monotypic. Rather small, compact heron, predominantly salmon to warm brown when perched, but shows white wings, tail and belly in flight. Has yellowish or greenish naked area on lores. In flight, may be confused with Cattle Egret, but scapulars and body above solidly warm buffbrown contrasting with white wings. Ad non-br and juv very similar to corresponding plumage of Indian Pond and Chinese Pond Herons. Ad Br Base of bill turquoise to blue during courtship. Head and feathers on nape streaked black-and-white. Lower scapulars and breast-sides salmoncoloured. Ad Non-br Upperparts uniform warm brown. Has dark streaks from head to nape and breast (usually very thin on neck-sides). Juv On average, more heavily streaked than ad non-br and with slightly darker and greyer upperparts. Unlike ad, with fine dark markings on primary-tips. Voice Usually silent. Utters a harsh krag in flight. Habitat Lowland wetlands. Localised.

Chinese Pond Heron Ardeola bacchus

52 cm Wingspan 75–90 cm

Monotypic (V Kgz). Slightly larger and longer-billed than Indian Pond and Squacco Herons. Often not separable from Squacco and Indian Pond in non-breeding plumages. Ad Br Body slaty-black above, breast and head maroon. Ad Non-br and Juv Like corresponding plumages of Indian Pond and Squacco. Pattern on lores seems to be variable, with many birds like Squacco, but others showing a dark horizontal line similar to Indian Pond. Voice Similar to Squacco. Habitat Swamps, ponds and riverbanks.

Indian Pond Heron Ardeola grayii

46 cm Wingspan 75–90 cm

Monotypic (V Kaz). Size and structure like Squacco Heron, from which it may be impossible to separate in non-breeding plumages. Ad Br Body deep chestnut above, with violet hue, much darker than Squacco. Head pale sandy. Lores yellow. Bill yellow with broad black tip. Ad Non-br and Juv Very similar to corresponding plumages of Squacco and Chinese Pond Herons. Dark streaks broader than in Squacco, especially on lower neck-sides. However, this feature may overlap with some juv Squacco. Usually shows prominent but narrow dark horizontal line (and sometimes second line below) on lores, forming dark wedge pointing towards bill. If solidly dark, this marking is considered diagnostic for this species. Voice Similar to Squacco. Habitat A wide variety of wetlands such as marshes, lakes and rivers.

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Great Bittern  

adult

adult

Little Bittern  juvenile

juvenile



juvenile

Black-crowned Night Heron

adult

adult juvenile juvenile

non-breeding

courtship

breeding

breeding

Squacco Heron breeding

courtship breeding

Chinese Pond Heron

non-breeding

Indian Pond Heron

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PLATE 17: large Herons and Egrets Grey Heron Ardea cinerea

96 cm Wingspan 160–175 cm

A. c. cinerea. Large size and predominantly greyish coloration characteristic. Typical heron-flight, with slow, heavy wing-beats on arched wings (raised arm and drooping hand describing a bow). In flight, neck bent in S-shape, only rarely held straight (for instance when landing). Ad Head white with black lateral crown-stripes, the latter extending into ornamental feathers on rear head. Has black band on flanks and breast sides, which is partly covered by wings when perched. Greyishyellow bill turns bright yellow during the breeding season. Juv/1st-win Has grey crown and necksides. Lacks black band on flanks and breast-sides. 1st-sum As 1st-win but bleached, may appear rather pale in strong sunlight. 2nd-yr/3rd-yr Variable. Intermediate between juv and ad, showing pale grey crown-stripe, small ornamental feathers and a black band from flanks to breast-sides. Sometimes even older birds may show grey on crown. Voice Utters a harsh, grating kah’AARK in flight. Noisy croaking series at colony. Habitat Any type of shallow water; from lowlands to about 2000 m. Common.

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea

86 cm Wingspan 120–150 cm

A. p. purpurea. Similar in size to Grey Heron, but with longer, thinner neck and thinner, more tapering bill. In flight, lower edge of S-shaped neck reaches further down and looks more angular compared to smoothly bent S-shape in Grey, noticeable even from distance and in bad light. Toes larger and more prominently spread than in Grey. Ad Unmistakable if seen well. Appears dark grey above from a distance with rich rufous-brown rear neck and contrasting rufous elongated scapulars. Lesser and median underwing-coverts deep chestnut. Juv Rufousbrown above with grey-brown feather centres, giving scalloped impression. Face and hindneck rufous-brown with fine blackish streaks and blackish crown (smaller than in juv Grey). 1st-sum Similar to ad, but duller and with browner upperparts, especially the worn and bleached juv wing-coverts. Voice Flight call kraakh, slightly higher-pitched and less resonant than in Grey. Habitat Shallow wetlands with dense marshy vegetation; mainly lowlands and foothills. Uncommon.

Great Egret Ardea alba

90 cm Wingspan 140–170 cm

A. a. alba. Large size, pure white plumage, yellow bill (except in spring) and dark feet characteristic. Tibia often yellowish, but may be dark, too. Legs and neck longer than in similarsized Grey Heron, legs extending considerably beyond tail in flight. Wing-beats slightly faster than in Grey Heron, but much slower than in Little Egret, Lacks the latter’s bright yellow feet and never has ornamental feathers on head like ad br Little. Moreover, neck is proportionately longer and wings more arched in flight. Differentiated from leucistic or albino Grey Heron by structure and details of bill and leg coloration. Plumage of leucistic Grey Heron looks like very pale version of normal plumage. Ad Br Shows dark bill with bluish to greenish base for a short period in spring. Ornamental scapulars reach beyond tail. Voice Usually silent except at breeding colonies. Gives a rather dry rattling krrrrah when flushed. Habitat All types of wetlands; mainly lowlands and foothills. Common.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

63 cm Wingspan 90–105 cm

E. g. garzetta. Medium-sized, graceful white heron. May be confused with Great and Cattle Egrets. Thin, tapering, all-dark bill and black legs with bright yellow feet characteristic (cf. Great). Neck and legs longer than in Cattle, legs protruding further beyond tail in flight. Lacks orange-buff wash on head and upper breast of ad br Cattle. Ad Br Lores yellowish to orange. Ornamental feathers on rear crown are diagnostic. Juv Has green-brown legs and pinkish base to lower mandible. Voice Usually silent. Call a Rook-like aaahk. Habitat Lowland wetlands. Uncommon.

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

51 cm Wingspan 90–96 cm

B. i. ibis. Small, predominantly white heron. Can be confused with Little Egret and in flight with Squacco Heron; see that species for differences. Shorter-legged, stockier and with shorter neck than Little Egret and lacks Little’s contrasting yellow feet. Bill characteristic, rather short and yellow (except juv). Ad Br Distinct pinkish to apricot hue to breast, rear scapulars and crown. Ad Non-br All white. Juv Similar to ad non-br, but bill dusky to flesh-coloured. Voice Usually silent, but sometimes gives a rather soft ruhg in flight. Habitat Lowland wetlands and grassland. Localised.

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adult courtship

Grey Heron

adult

adult

juvenile

juvenile

adult

Purple Heron

juvenile

juvenile adult

Great Egret non-breeding

Little Egret breeding

Cattle Egret non-breeding

courtship non-breeding non-breeding

breeding non-breeding breeding

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PLATE 18: Pelicans and Cormorants Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus

83 cm Wingspan 234–309 cm

Monotypic. Very large, rather short-legged; bill long with large pouch. Soars on long and broad wings, often in formation (unlike White Stork). Wingbeats slow and heavy. Differentiated from Dalmatian Pelican by pink naked area around dark eye with tapering forehead-feathering, more yellowish bill-pouch, pinkish feet and solidly dark remiges from below. Ad Br Pinkish to apricot hue to white plumage (greyer in Dalmatian, especially on head and neck). Has shaggy crest on nape and forehead is often ‘swollen’. Yellowish breast-patch. In flight, black remiges from below contrasting with pure white underwing coverts. Ad Non-br Similar to ad br, but lacks pinkish hue to plumage; yellow-pinkish legs are not as red and bill-pouch less bright. Juv Upperparts, parts of neck and lower cheeks brown-grey, in fresh plumage darker than juv Dalmatian. Later fading to whitish and best told from Dalmatian by bare face with dark eye. In flight with dark brown remiges, especially from below. Underwing-coverts have off-white bars. Voice Usually silent, except at breeding colonies, where it gives low-pitched and grunting sounds. Habitat Lakes in lowlands. Rare.

Dalmatian Pelican Pelecanus crispus

183 cm Wingspan 310–345 cm

Monotypic. Can only be confused with Great White Pelican, see that species for differences. Shows diagnostic white band on mid-wing from below which contrasts with otherwise slightly darker underwing. Has characteristic curly or tufted nape feathering and plumage does not look as ‘clean’ as in Great White. Ad Br With light grey plumage, yellow breast-patch and bright orange bill-pouch. Ad Non-br Lacks breast-patch and shows greyish-pink bill-pouch. Juv Upperparts with grey feather centres, looking dirty from distance. Voice Usually silent, except at breeding colonies where voice is similar to, but often higher-pitched than Great White’s. Habitat Lakes in lowlands. Rare.

Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo

80 cm Wingspan 130–160 cm

P. c. sinensis. Has rather elongated body, long neck and characteristic hooked bill. Much larger than Pygmy Cormorant with relatively shorter tail. Often seen perched with wings stretched out for drying. Swims low in water with upright neck and bill held upwards. Could be confused with divers, but differs in typically hooked bill and sloping rear end due to long tail. Jumps into water for diving unlike divers. Recalls a goose in flight, but has longer tail, less straight neck. Ad Br Mainly blackish with greenish-bluish gloss on neck and underparts and bronze gloss on scaly upperparts. Yellow bare skin at bill-base is bordered white (cf. Pygmy). Band of white feathering from neck to crown variable in extent. Further shows white patch on rear flanks. Ad Non-br Overall duller and lacks white on neck and crown and white patch on flanks. Juv/Imm Overall browner than ad non-br, with variable amount of whitish and brown mottling on underparts. Voice Variable guttural calls at breeding colonies and roosts. Otherwise silent. Habitat Open water bodies in lowlands. Common.

Pygmy Cormorant Phalacrocorax pygmeus

51 cm Wingspan 80–90 cm

Monotypic. Much smaller than Great Cormorant, with shorter bill and neck, but relatively longer tail. Head and neck appear reptile-like. Lacks yellow bare skin at bill-base of Great. Flies with fast wingbeats interspersed with short gliding-phases. May recall Glossy Ibis in flight, but the latter has longer, thinner neck and longer bill. Ad Br Glossy black overall with more brownish head and neck. In fresh plumage, is spotted with white filoplumes on head, neck and body. Ad Non-br Dark brownish-black overall, with whitish throat. Juv Similar to ad non-br, but can have rather whitish underparts with browner breast. Imm Similar to ad non-br. Voice Low croaks and grunts at nest site. Otherwise silent. Habitat Lakes, canals and slow flowing rivers in lowlands. Scarce, but locally numerous.

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Great White Pelican

adult

juvenile

breeding

adult

juvenile breeding

Dalmatian Pelican

breeding

Great Cormorant

Pygmy Cormorant

non-breeding

not to scale

juvenile non-breeding non-breeding

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PLATE 19: Falcons I Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus

43 cm Wingspan 79–114 cm

Two races in region: F. p. peregrinus (Kaz?; visitor throughout region). Similar to Barbary Falcon, but slightly larger and bulkier, with broader wing-base and slightly shorter tail. See also similar Saker and Gyrfalcon for differences. Ad Crown and nape solidly black without rufous of Barbary and moustache broader and shorter. Juv Upperparts browner than in ad, with pale featherfringes. Hood less distinct due to paler forehead and indication of supercilium. Underparts streaked, not barred like in ad and lacking contrast of ad between white upper breast and marked lower breast and belly. See juv calidus for differences from other large falcons. F. p. calidus (PM, WV). Ad Lighter bluish-grey above with narrower black moustache and larger cheek-patch than peregrinus. Juv Whiter below with finer streaking; with narrower moustache, more distinct supercilium and more extensive pale forecrown than juv peregrinus. Similar to juv Saker, but moustache still broader than in Saker and solidly black-brown, usually darkest feature on head. Moustache sometimes interrupted below eye in Saker. Moreover, underwing more uniform, lacking contrast between darker greater coverts and paler remiges of Saker, Laggar, Altai Falcon and Gyrfalcon. Pattern of undertail-coverts variable, cross-bars to chevron-markings. Barred undertail-coverts are typical of juv Peregrine and Barbary, shared with some Altai and ad Gyrfalcon only. See similar juv Barbary for differences. Voice Song is a variable /yaak-/yaak-/yaak… or wrek-wrek-wrek… at breeding site. Habitat Very wide range of open habitats, from deserts to mountains. Needs cliffs for breeding. Scarce visitor.

Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides

40 cm Wingspan 76–102 cm

F. p. babylonicus. Medium-sized to large falcon, rather similar to Peregrine. Has full chest, broadbased, pointed wings and broad-based shortish tail. When perched, wingtips almost reach tail-tip, unlike Saker and Gyrfalcon (cf. Laggar). Rump and inner tail usually palest parts above, tail-bars gradually broader and darker distally. These two features shared with Peregrine only. Underwings uniformly patterned like Peregrine but unlike Saker, Gyrfalcon and Laggar. See the latter three for further differences. Ad Light blue-grey above, with dark barring. Rather variable below sparsely marked, light cinnamon to buff with limited spotting on breast and barring on flanks. Has long and rather narrow moustache, large, square, off-white cheek-patch and rich rufous areas on supercilium, rear crown and nape (cf. Peregrine). Underwing uniformly patterned, but greater primary-coverts often slightly duskier, forming (faint) dark crescent, lacking in Peregrine. Juv Has warm sandy-buff underparts with fine streaking. Very similar to juv Peregrine especially of subspecies calidus. But the latter differs by blacker streaking on whiter underparts (beware, Barbary may bleach with time), whiter supercilium and lack of warm buff on neck often present in juv Barbary. See Peregrine of subspecies calidus for differences from other large falcons. Voice Similar to Peregrine, but slightly higher-pitched. Habitat Similar to Peregrine; mainly foothills and mountains. Scarce.

Gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus

56 cm Wingspan 105–131 cm

Monotypic (V). Largest of all falcons, with wings even broader than in Saker and relatively shorter. On perched birds, wings fall well short of tail-tip (even more so than in Saker). Wings more round-tipped than in Peregrine. Three colour morphs: white, grey and dark. In region only grey occurs, which is sometimes similar to Saker, but head less contrasting with broad moustache and indistinct, streaked cheek-patch. Lacks rufous feather-fringes or bars of Saker above (including crown/nape). Remiges uniform greyish with less distinct barring, lacking light flash on hand from below. Ad Upperparts usually distinctly barred grey. Markings on underparts variable, spotted, but often with bars on flanks, thighs and undertail-coverts. On underwing, greater coverts are darker than remiges, forming a visible contrast that is lacking in Peregrine and Barbary. Juv Base-colour browner than in ad, but still greyish. Darkest birds lack pale spots above, showing only narrow pale fringes, and are rather uniformly darkheaded. Dark juveniles often show incomplete barring of tail only. Paler juv have paler heads with more prominent supercilium, sometimes reminiscent of Saker. However, underwing contrast weak and underparts never show solidly dark areas as in some Saker. Upperparts uniform with paler upper-tail and small, only slightly darker area on wingtip. Saker has tail more concolourous with upperparts and more contrasting dark wingtip extending over whole hand. Told from juv Peregrine and Barbary by bluegrey feet, more uniform head-sides with less distinct moustache and dark band across greater coverts on underwing. Voice Usually silent in region. Habitat Wide range of open habitats such as steppes and agricultural land.

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peregrinus

calidus

peregrinus

adult adult

Peregrine Falcon

adult

juvenile

Barbary Falcon

juvenile

adult

adult

juvenile

adult grey morph adult grey morph

adult grey morph

juvenile

Gyrfalcon

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PLATE 20: Falcons II Saker Falcon Falco cherrug

52 cm Wingspan 97–126 cm

Two races in region: F. c. milvipes. Large, with full breast, but overall slim. Long-winged and long-tailed. Can be extremely difficult to differentiate from other large falcons, especially from Laggar (see below). Wings longer (especially arm) than in other large falcons, rounder than in Peregrine and Barbary Falcons. Tail protrudes about 2–5 cm beyond wingtip, unlike Laggar, Peregrine and Barbary, which show smaller tail-projection. In flight below secondaries more heavily marked than primaries and poorly marked bases of outer primaries often form light flash (stronger in juv). Unlike most Peregrine and Barbary greater underwing-coverts much darker than remiges. Shows characteristic contrast on upperwing between darker wingtip and paler coverts reminiscent of Common Kestrel. Oval pale spots (rather than complete bars) in tail diagnostic if present. Plumage very variable, individually and due to different colour morphs. Sometimes with solidly dark thighs, which rule out Peregrine, Barbary and Gyrfalcons. Ad Has whitish underparts with varying amount of spots on breast and belly and blackish barring on flanks and thighs. Upperparts diagnostically barred rufous and dark brown. Moustache distinct, rather narrow but often solidly dark; sometimes interrupted below eye, which is diagnostic for this species. Juv Slimmer than ad. Streaked below, rather than spotted or barred as ad, and generally more heavily marked, including underwing. Cere and legs blue-grey rather than yellow as in ad. F. c. cherrug (W and N region). Upperparts usually with no or limited barring, but with rufous feather fringes, especially in fresh plumage (autumn). Flanks and thighs heavily streaked, lacking barring of milvipes. Barring in tail reduced and central rectrices usually unbarred, while pale bars often very coarse in milvipes. Moreover, head much paler with paler crown and mottled moustache broken below eye. ‘Saceroides’-type has greyish upperparts with variably rufous-tinged barring. Markings on underparts similar to milvipes but reduced. Crown often distinctly rufous. Voice Similar to Peregrine, but gruffer. Habitat Steppes, sometimes wooded, usually with cliffs or canyons; from lowlands to high mountains. Scarce.

Altai Falcon Falco (cherrug/rusticolus) altaicus

53 cm Wingspan 100–122 cm

Monotypic. Poorly-known taxon, sometimes considered morph of Saker or possibly of hybrid origin between Saker and Gyrfalcon. Size and structure probably somewhat intermediate between Saker and Gyrfalcon. Ad Three colour morphs described: grey, rufous and intermediate. Rufous birds especially very similar to subspecies milvipes of Saker, but underparts more heavily marked on average and head darker. In grey and intermediate morphs, upperparts darker greybrown, sometimes with blue-grey cast. Dark markings on head and underparts more extensive than in Saker, more like head markings of Gyrfalcon. Cheek-patch streaked and less well-defined than in Saker. Undertail-coverts barred, probably more so than in Saker. Other birds can be very similar to Gyrfalcon, being almost as grey above. Head markings on average darker, usually concolorous with mantle and often with almost blackish moustache. Underwing with stronger contrast between dark coverts and paler remiges than typical Gyrfalcon. Juv Rather uniform darkbrown above and heavily streaked below. Very similar to juv Saker and identification unclear. Possibly pale feather edges above are less obvious than in juv Saker. Never shows pale head like many juv Sakers. Voice Similar to Peregrine. Habitat Probably similar to Saker; mainly foothills. Very rare.

Laggar Falcon Falco jugger

45 cm Wingspan 88–107 cm

Monotypic. Most similar to Saker, but smaller, not as full-breasted. Wings not quite as broadbased as in Saker. When perched, wingtips fall slightly short of tail-tip (not considerably as in Saker). Ad White throat, breast (often finely streaked) and variably streaked central belly contrast more strongly with heavily marked and often solidly dark flanks and trousers than in Saker. Undertail-coverts pale and often poorly marked. Upperparts dark grey-brown with narrow pale feather edges. Contrasting head pattern with very large white cheek-patch and long, narrow and very distinct moustache. Broad dark eye-stripe extends onto nape. Mostly dark underwing-coverts contrast with white leading edge and paler remiges. Secondaries gradually darker and with reduced white barring towards body. Juv Greyish cere and legs (yellow in ad). Heavily marked below and often solidly dark from sides of breast to rear belly. Vent and undertail-coverts pale with dark streaks/arrow-heads. Very similar to darkest juv Saker. However, tail usually unbarred from above. Cheek-patch typically oval and horizontal, usually smaller than more triangular cheek-patch of juv Saker, which often extends closer to eye or onto eye-stripe at rear of ear-coverts; however variable in both species. Some juv or imm show interrupted moustache like typical Saker. Voice Usually silent, shrill whee-ee-ee at nesting site. Habitat Arid to semi-arid areas including extensive cultivations; mainly foothills. Rare.

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Saker Falcon

milvipes

milvipes adult

adults

cherrug adult

Altai Falcon adult grey morph

adult

adult intermediate morph

adult adult

juvenile

adult juvenile

Laggar Falcon

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PLATE 21: Falcons III Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni

34 cm Wingspan 62–73 cm

Monotypic. Female-type birds especially very similar to Common Kestrel, but wings slightly rounder: outermost primary slightly longer than or equal to third outermost and just slightly shorter than second outermost. Outermost primary clearly shorter in Common, but beware of variation and moulting birds. Tail slightly shorter than in Common. When perched, wingtips reach into dark subterminal tail-band on central rectrices, while in Common wingtips usually do not reach subterminal tail-band. Tail often slightly wedge-shaped due to longer central rectrices (round in most Common). Claws pale grey to yellowish (usually black in Common). Hovers less, flocks more often than Common. Ad male Unlike Common, has unmarked deep chestnut upperparts contrasting with blue-grey greater coverts and tertials. Head deeper grey than in Common lacking distinct light cheeks and moustache. Ad female Shows plainer head sides than female Common, lacking the latter’s dark eye-stripe and often with weaker moustache. Dark bars on upperparts finer, less regular than in Common and often chevron-shaped. In flight from below, has larger and more prominent dark wingtip than Common, more obvious dark trailing edge especially to hand and stronger contrast between distinctly marked underwingcoverts and pale bases to remiges. Juv Very similar to ad female, but has slightly broader pale tips to remiges and upperwingcoverts as well as neatly streaked breast (more spotted in ad female). 2ndCY male Reminiscent of ad male, but juv upperwingcoverts, remiges and often other feather tracts retained. Shows retained juv outermost primaries and some secondaries on autumn migration. Voice Usually silent except for breeding colonies where high-pitched chee-chee-chee… is usually hoarser than Common’s call. Habitat Semi-deserts, steppes, extensive cultivations, from lowlands locally up to 1500 m. Scarce.

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus

36 cm Wingspan 57–79 cm

F. t. tinnunculus. Female-type birds especially very similar to Lesser Kestrel, see that species for differences. See also Eurasian Sparrowhawk. Long pointed wings and very long tail characteristic. Hovers more commonly than other falcons. Shows diagnostic contrast between blackish remiges and mostly rufous-brown rest of upperparts. Ad male Blue-grey head with lighter cheeks and dark moustachial stripe. Tail blue-grey with black subterminal band. Upperparts chestnut to brick-red with limited black markings. Ad female Head brownish instead of bluegrey with stronger streaks than in male. Tail also more rufous-brown above. Upperparts paler than in male with denser dark markings. Juv More sandy above than female with broad pale feather-tips, especially to primaries. Breast more diffusely streaked rather than spotted. 2ndCY Usually has moulted adult-type feathers on body above, but remiges and part of wing-coverts and tail are retained juv feathers. Voice Commonest call is a fast series of shrill kee-kee-kee… elements. Habitat Great variety of open habitats such as semi-deserts, steppes or cultivations, from lowlands to mountains. Common. [Alt: Eurasian Kestrel]

Merlin Falco columbarius

29 cm Wingspan 53–73 cm

Four races in region: F. c. pallidus. Smallest falcon in region; female considerably larger than male. Very compact, with broad-based, pointed wings (like tiny Peregrine). Longish tail. Typical flight fast, low above ground, with very rapid wing-beats. Compared to sparrowhawks, wings more triangular and pointed and tail shorter. Ad male Broad black subterminal tail-band and dark wingtip contrast with sandy-grey rest of upperparts in flight. Head pale, with fine blackish streaks. In some, cheeks unstreaked whitish and moustache blotchy rufous, unlike in other subspecies. Underparts variably sandy with fine dark shaft-streaks; sometimes with broader brown streaks on flanks and breast (see other subspecies). Rusty underparts colour often extends to mantle and scapulars. Ad female Barred upperparts with rufous-brown ground-colour and distinctly darker wingtips, recalling faded kestrels. About five, regular, broad tail-bars and structure characteristic. Underwing coarsely barred, uniformly dark from a distance. Pale bars on remiges visible from above are diagnostic. Juv Similar to ad female. Narrower, more longitudinal streaking below, lack of heart-shapes on breast and reduced barring on upperparts suggest juv. F. c. lymani (mountain ranges), F. c. insignis (PM in E of region), F. c. aesalon (PM). Considerably darker above than pallidus in both sexes. Ad male Underwing-coverts usually coarsely barred, unlike some pallidus, which show only narrow longitudinal markings. Streaks on lower breast and flanks slightly broader and more blackish than in pallidus. Primaries on average with broader black bars below than pallidus, but latter variable in this respect. Female/Juv Darker, less rufous and with less contrasting barring above than pallidus. Dark bars in tail usually much broader than pale bars, but sometimes equal in width; in pallidus, dark bars usually distinctly narrower, but may be slightly broader than pale bars. Streaking on underparts broader and darker. Voice At nesting site utters a sharp ki-ki-... similar to Common Kestrel. Habitat Wide variety of open and wooded habitats; mainly lowland to foothills. Subspecies lymani in mountain forests up to 3000 m. In winter often near wetlands of lowlands and foothills. Rather scarce.

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Lesser Kestrel





 



1st-summer





1st-summer

Common Kestrel







 



Merlin

lymani

 

pallidus

pallidus

  

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PLATE 22: Falcons IV, WHITE-EYED BUZZARD AND KITE Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus

35 cm Wingspan 66–77 cm

Monotypic. A small falcon with relatively long tail. Adults very characteristic but juv and imm can be confused with Eurasian Hobby and possibly kestrels. Often hunts in flocks for insects. Ad male Predominantly medium grey with silvery-grey primaries above and red thighs, vent and undertail-coverts. Ad female Pale ochre to rich orange underparts, underwing-coverts and head, dark mask and barred greyish upperparts. From below, remiges similar to juv. Juv Dark mask and moustache more extensive than in ad female; underparts streaked. Best told from juv Hobby by barred central tail feathers and more greyish-brown and barred upperparts contrasting with darker primaries. Remiges from below with conspicuous black-and-white barring and broad black tips (forming broad trailing edge). Underwingcoverts usually slightly darker, buff to sandy-brown with variable pattern. Juv Hobby differs in more uniformly barred underwing and narrower trailing edge. 2ndCY male Already in spring, body plumage, some wing-coverts and central tail similar to ad male. But has variable amount of pale rufous on breast and nape. Remiges and outer rectrices still juvenile and worn, latter forming moult limit with fresher, adult-type central rectrices. Replaces some remiges before autumn migration. 2ndCY female Body similar to ad female, but in spring has retained juv underwing-coverts. Moult analogous to male. In autumn may show conspicuous moult limits in remiges with longer ad-type remiges and bleached juv remiges. Voice Males gives whining kewkew-kew…, female a bit less sharp. Habitat Open habitats with some trees, steppes, riparian forests, cultivation and pastures; mainly lowlands and foothills. Common and often numerous.

Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo

33 cm Wingspan 68–84 cm

F. s. subbuteo. Slightly larger than kestrels with long pointed wings and relatively short tail. Wings narrower, scythe-shaped (like a large swift) and body slimmer than in Peregrine and other large falcons. Narrower, longer wings and proportionately shorter tail differentiate it from smaller Merlin. Dark slaty above, with conspicuous head-pattern and streaked underbody in all plumages. Ad White ground-colour to underparts and red thighs, vent and undertail-coverts. Tail unbarred from above. Juv Underparts with buff ground-colour lacking any red. Outer rectrices barred from above. Similar to juv Red-footed Falcon; see that species for differences. Voice At breeding site, utters a Wryneck-like kew-kew-kew…. Habitat Open wooded areas, steppes and semi-deserts; from lowlands to mountains, locally reaches altitudes of more than 2700 m. Common.

White-eyed Buzzard Butastur teesa

43 cm Wingspan 88–100 cm

Monotypic (V). Pale remiges with darker tips and dark body may recall Long-legged or Common Buzzards in unfavourable conditions, but unmistakable in good views. Smaller than Long-legged and Common and narrow-winged, sometimes recalling a Harrier. Light flight recalls a Sparrowhawk. Upperparts brown with cinnamon tail, pale panel on upperwing-coverts (especially on outer median coverts), variable pale primary-patch and pale patch on nape. From below, has whitish hand with narrow dark primary-tips. Ad Head and breast dark brown, fading towards rear. Axillaries and underwing-coverts also dark brown and becoming paler towards bend of wing. Carpal area predominantly white. Tail with a few narrow dark bars and black subterminal band. Throat white with black gorget and black mesial stripe. Cere and base of bill yellow, iris whitish. Juv Head, breast and underwing-coverts pale with variable streaking, mesial stripe indistinct. Iris dark. 2ndCY Similar to juv, but head darker and with conspicuous white supercilium and blackish malar stripe. Voice Usually silent in region. Habitat Dry, open country and cultivation.

Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus

33 cm Wingspan 77–92 cm

E. c. vociferus. Distinctive. May be confused with ad male Northern and Pallid Harriers or with a gull. From below, is whitish with black wingtips (albeit not so clearly cut off as in harriers). Is stockier, and shorter-tailed than harriers with pointed, triangular wings. Overall structure thus more like a falcon. Flight buoyant, reminiscent of owl or tern; glides on raised wings and hovers commonly. Ad Upperparts grey with black lesser and median coverts (‘shoulders’). Has red eyes surrounded by small black mask. Juv Upperparts darker and browner than in ad, with white feather tips. Breast and crown variably tinged with rufous. Eyes paler orange. Voice Usually silent. Habitat Open steppes and semi-deserts with scattered bushes or small trees. Current status unknown. [Alt: Black-winged Kite]

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





 

Red-footed Falcon  juvenile

adult

juvenile

juvenile

adult

Eurasian Hobby

adult

adult

White-eyed Buzzard

adult

juvenile adult

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Black-shouldered Kite

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PLATE 23: Honey-Buzzards and Osprey European Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus

65 cm Wingspan 118–144 cm

Monotypic. Similar to Crested Honey-buzzard (which see). Juv especially can be confused with Common Buzzard, but is larger and longer-winged, with slender neck and head. Tail longer, with rounded corners and slightly convex lateral edges. In head-on view, wings gently arched downwards when gliding (horizontal or slightly raised in Common Buzzard). While soaring, wingtips hardly turned upwards (wings held upwards in Common Buzzard, with an angle at the carpal joint). Moreover, wing-beats deeper and slower than in Common Buzzard. Very variable in coloration mainly of underparts, from mostly black or rufous-brown to mostly white. Has fewer bars on remiges than Common Buzzard and usually shows oval dark carpal patch (lacking in Crested, more round or square in Buzzards). However, in brown or dark birds carpal patch is only slightly darker than underwing-coverts or concolorous. Ad male Underwing with broad black trailing edge to wing and broad pale area between trailing edge and narrow dark inner bar. Pattern on tail analogous. Usually grey on head. Underwing-coverts often coarsely barred (less so in dark birds). Iris yellow to orange, cere dark (combination shared only with female Crested). Ad female Has more bars on remiges than ad male, hence light areas between bars narrower. Tail-pattern again analogous. Moreover, fingered primaries look dirtier, head and upperparts browner. Juv Compared to ad, structurally more similar to Common Buzzard due to narrower (especially inner hand) and perhaps slightly shorter wings and shorter tail (the latter still longer than in Common Buzzard). Has less prominent trailing edge than ad; cere and base of bill bright yellow, eye dark. Told from Common Buzzard by dark secondaries usually contrasting with relatively small pale area on primary-bases and with pale midband below formed by the greater coverts. Unlike Common Buzzard, often has pale uppertail-coverts. Voice Silent except during breeding when utters a whistling GLEE-ooo. Habitat Forests, preferably deciduous; up to 1500 m. Uncommon. [Alt: Western Honey-buzzard]

Crested Honey-buzzard Pernis ptilorhyncus

65 cm Wingspan 115–155 cm

P. p. orientalis. Very broad, rounded wings; long, full tail, slender neck and protruding head. Can be confused with European Honey-buzzard, but possibly also with Short-toed and imm Bonelli’s Eagles (which see). Differs from buzzards by same criteria as European (which see). Very variable (almost like European) in coloration mainly of underparts, from mostly black to mostly white. Best separated from European by a combination of structural and plumage characters. Wings, especially arm, broader than in European, and has six instead of five fingered primaries. Unlike European, lacks dark carpal patch and usually shows pale throat bordered by dark gorget and often black gular stripe (both can be missing in juv). Small crest difficult to see. Ad Underparts generally more uniform and less barred than in European, but very variable. Age and sex differences in structure and wing colouration similar as in European (see there). Ad male Iris dark (often deep red). Tail characteristic with one broad dark band each at tip and near base. Dark bands on underwing also broader than in European. Ad female Pattern in remiges and rectrices more similar to European. But trailing edge less prominent and has three equally wide pale bands between black bars on secondaries, while the inner ones are narrower in European. Juv Similar to juv European (see there), but lacks dark carpal patch and differs in structure (see above). Voice Usually silent in region. Habitat Similar to European but any open habitat on migration. Scarce. [Alt: Oriental Honeybuzzard] Note: Putative hybrids between European and Crested Honey-buzzards have been recorded on migration in the region.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus

56 cm Wingspan 150–172 cm

P. h. haliaetus. Long slender wings (especially hand) with rather straight trailing edge and short tail characteristic. Catches fish by stoop-diving. When soaring and especially when gliding, wings held with arm slightly raised and hand drooping, recalling large gulls. Carpal joint protrudes when gliding. Combination of predominantly white underparts with darker secondaries and wingtip, black carpal patch and narrow black band across greater coverts, and white crown contrasting with rather uniform grey-brown upperparts is diagnostic. Can be confused with pale morph Booted Eagle, but the latter has broader wings, a longer tail, darker remiges (with slightly paler inner primaries) and distinctly patterned upperparts. Buzzards and honey-buzzards have broader wings with more rounded tips. Ad male Brown breast-band less distinct than in ad female. Juv Trailing edge to wing forms a shallow S-shape. Narrow pale tips to remiges, rectrices and upper greater coverts create pale trailing edge and pale wing-bar, wearing off towards spring. Voice In display male gives shrill whistles yeep-yeep-yeep…. Otherwise usually silent. Habitat Rare breeder at lake shores, marshes and rivers; mainly lowlands and foothills. Also usually near water on migration.

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European Honey-buzzard   

juvenile dark morph

juvenile

Crested Honey-buzzard juvenile adult

  



juvenile

Osprey

adult

juvenile adult

adult

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PLATE 24: Fish-Eagles and Vultures Pallas’s Fish Eagle Haliaeetus leucoryphus

80 cm Wingspan 185–215 cm

Monotypic (V). Slender, rather long-necked and small-headed. Long wings pinched in at bases like in Golden Eagle. Wings more slender than in Golden and White-tailed Eagles. Ad Conspicuous whitish head merges with rufous-brown breast. Tail with broad white mid-band recalling juv Golden. Separated from latter by pale head and uniform dark underwings. From above, shows grey primary-bases. Juv Similar to juv White-tailed, but differs in structure, and has diagnostic dark mask and different underwing-pattern with whitish panel on inner primaries, diagonal band on greater coverts and whitish axillaries. In contrast, juv and imm White-tailed show uniform remiges. In summer of 2ndCY may be very bleached and dark-headed. Imm Gradual progression from juv to ad plumage. Pale hindneck appears early, contrasting with dark mask. Underwing pattern of juv gradually disappears. Mid-tail becomes gradually mottled with white. Juv/imm White-tailed has pale centres almost reaching the tips of the rectrices. Voice Usually silent in region. Habitat Lakes and large rivers.

White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla

77 cm Wingspan 193–244 cm

H. a. albicilla. Very large, with characteristic broad, parallel-edged wings and short, wedgeshaped tail. Moreover, has rather long neck and protruding head (mirroring tail), and large bill with high culmen. Has broader wings and shorter tail than Aquila eagles and lacks whitish primary-patches (above or below). Juv and imm birds could be mistaken for Pallas’s Fish Eagle; see that species for differences. Ad Unmistakable due to structure, white tail, greyish-sandy head and yellow bill. Juv Upperparts darker than in ad, with variable whitish to rusty upperwingpanel on median and innermost greater coverts. Usually has distinctive whitish axillaries and mottled or streaked underparts. Juv secondaries longer than later generations. Rectrices dark with pale centres and tail may look completely white with narrow dark end-bar. From distance, darkest birds may recall Cinereous Vulture, but told by whitish axillaries and protruding head. Imm White feather bases on belly, mantle and underwing-coverts give mottled appearance until about 4thCY. Bill pale horncoloured. Voice During breeding loud yelping klee-klee-klee-klee…. Habitat Lakes, large rivers and large marshes; mainly lowlands. Scarce breeder and uncommon visitor.

Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus

122cm Wingspan 231–283 cm

G. b. aureus. Huge vulture with slender silhouette (recalling huge falcon). Long, rather pointed wings and very long, slightly wedge-shaped tail. Often seen soaring and gliding on motionless wings. Ad Upperwings and tail rather uniform slaty. Underwings with slaty remiges and greater coverts contrasting with blackish median and lesser coverts. Head and underparts yellowish to variably rusty. Has characteristic black mask and loose moustache. Juv Secondaries longer than in ad, thus wings broader with less pointed tip. Head and neck dark, underparts dusky to buffbrown. Upperparts dark brown (rather than blackish as in ad), with white to buff mottling on mantle and sometimes on some wing-coverts. Moustache short and rather indistinct. Imm Whitish mottling on mantle mostly lost by 4thCY. Otherwise much like juvenile. Creamy to rusty feathers on underparts develop usually during 5thCY; then similar to ad, but still dark-headed. Full ad plumage usually only acquired in 7thCY. Voice Usually silent. Habitat Uncommon in mountain ranges with rocky sites for breeding; from 1500 m to 4300 m. [Alt: Bearded Vulture]

Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus

64 cm Wingspan 146–175 cm

N. p. percnopterus. Small vulture with rather long wings and wedge-shaped tail. Has diagnostic thin bill, extensive naked face and untidy ruff on rear of head and hindneck. Ad Has diagnostic yellow head. In flight from below, body and wing-coverts off-white contrasting with black remiges. On upperwing, primary-coverts, innermost greater coverts and parts of remiges black. Secondaries and basal part of primaries show grey-white outer vanes. Overall coloration recalls White Stork or pelicans rather than other raptors. From below, may recall pale morph Booted Eagle, but latter has longer, square-tipped (and not white) tail and pale ‘window’ on inner primaries. Juv Dark brown with variable white markings on vent, mantle, scapulars and back. Face pale grey to yellowish. Structure, including thin bill, always diagnostic. Imm In second plumage (2ndCY to 3rdCY), similar to juv and rather variable. However, body somewhat paler and less neatly patterned; moulted remiges show broader and purer white areas on outer vanes. In third plumage, white feathers start to appear. In fourth plumage adult-like, but some brown feathers on mantle and wing-coverts and some greyish rectrices remain. Full ad plumage acquired in autumn of 5thCY. Voice Usually silent. Habitat Open areas, mainly in dry or arid regions, needs rocky sites for nesting; from lowlands to mountains. Scarce. Note: See page 321 for more information on general differences between juv, imm and ad raptors, as well as on moult of large raptors.

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adult

juvenile

Pallas’s Fish Eagle adult immature

immature juvenile

juvenile

adult

White-tailed Eagle adult

juvenile adult adult

Lammergeier

adult

juvenile

juvenile

adult

adult

adult

immature

immature

juvenile

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Egyptian Vulture

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PLATE 25: Vultures Himalayan Griffon Gyps himalayensis

120 cm Wingspan 260–289 cm

Monotypic. Huge vulture. Broad, long wings with bulging trailing edge. Larger than Eurasian Griffon (some overlap), with slightly longer tail and somewhat more parallel-edged wings, including a rather broad outer arm. Wings held flatter when soaring. Moreover, less rufous overall than Eurasian. Imm very similar to Eurasian, juv can be confused with Cinereous and White-rumped Vultures. Ad Fairly distinctive due to mainly creamy-white underwingcoverts, leaving only narrow buff-brown area on marginal coverts. Breast streaked rufousbuff, strongly contrasting with underwing-coverts. From above, wing-coverts on average paler and remiges blacker than in Eurasian. Cere paler than in Eurasian. Juv Dark brown overall, with pale shaft-streaks except on remiges, greater coverts and rectrices. From below, has variable amount of white on median coverts, but no white on greater coverts. Imm Much like juv until 4thCY, may be aged by moult limits. Then becoming more like ad. Separation of older imm from Eurasian not completely resolved, but remaining juv-type feathers darker and panel on median and greater underwing-coverts larger and more solidly white. In contrast with many Eurasian, apparently never shows black bar across the underwing (formed by dark centres to the greater underwing-coverts). Identification should always take into account structure and size. Voice Usually silent. Habitat Uncommon in mountains from 1500 to 4000 m.

Eurasian Griffon Gyps fulvus

100 cm Wingspan 234–269 cm

Two races in region: G. f. fulvus, G. f. fulvescens (Afg). Very large vulture. Separation from imm Himalayan Vulture not completely resolved, see that species for details. Sometimes difficult to separate from imm White-rumped Vulture (which see). Larger than Aquila-Eagles, with very small head (hardly protruding) and very short rounded or slightly wedge-shaped tail. Wings with S-shaped trailing edge, hold in V when soaring. Shows strong contrast between blackish remiges and rectrices and warm light brown body feathers and wing-coverts. Ad Yellowish bill and iris (both dark in juv) and white ruff. Remiges with grey centres and black edges (rather uniformly dark in juv). Juv Slightly more slender-winged than ad. Greater coverts on upperwing with much narrower pale tips than in ad. Ruff consists of lanceolated rufous feathers. Bill and iris dark (yellowish in ad). Imm Ageing is best based on moult pattern (usually two to three primaries and often no secondaries replaced during 2ndCY, while by the end of 3rdCY about seven primaries and many secondaries are replaced). From 4thCY onwards, looks adult-like, but pale bill and iris and especially fluffy white ruff take years to acquire. Voice Usually silent. Habitat Uncommon in open habitats; from foothills to mountains, usually lower than Himalayan.

White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis

85 cm Wingspan 192–213 cm

Monotypic (V). Similar to, but smaller than both Griffon-species. Very short rounded tail. Holds wings in shallow V when soaring. Ad From above, white wedge from rump to back contrasts with blackish-grey rest of body, tail and upperwing-coverts. Remiges silver-grey with diffuse blackish edges. From below, white underwing-coverts contrast with dark leading edge, remiges and body. White ruff and inner thighs often difficult to see. Juv Mostly dark grey-brown above with blackish remiges and rectrices. Similar in coloration to much larger Himalayan Griffon, but lacks streaking on mantle and scapulars and pale streaking on median and lesser coverts is less distinct. Moreover, bill all-dark (initially black, but turning partly pale with age in Himalayan). In comparison with Eurasian Griffon, overall darker and less rufous with less contrast between coverts and remiges on upperwing. Lacks dark bar on greater coverts on underwing, which is often present in Eurasian. Imm Slaty-black feathers of adult plumage, as well as white bars on underwing and white rump, gradually appear from 4thCY onwards. Voice Usually silent. Habitat Open country, often near villages; mainly lowlands and foothills.

Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus

105 cm Wingspan 250–295 cm

Monotypic. Huge vulture with broad, parallel-edged wings and very short wedge-shaped tail. Wings held flat, slightly arched when soaring; hand drooping when gliding. Lesser and median underwing-coverts darker than remiges (cf. Griffon-species), but often looks all dark with contrastingly pale feet. May be confused with dark Aquila-Eagles, all of which are smaller, have longer tails and larger, feathered heads. Juv Himalayan Griffon and White-rumped Vultures are similar from distance, but have less rectangular wings, show distinctly streaked body and upperwing-coverts and lack contrast between pale feet and dark vent. Ad Dark brown overall, head turning paler with increasing age. Unlike juv, some lesser and median coverts paler brown and often has some pale streaking, especially on breast. Juv Blackish overall, darker than ad, with mostly black head. Shows stronger contrast between underwing-coverts and slightly paler remiges. Imm Head mostly black. Similar to ad from third year onwards. Voice Usually silent. Habitat Forested areas; up to 3500 m. Scarce. Note: See page 321 for more information on general differences between juv, imm and ad raptors, as well as on moult of large raptors.

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juvenile adult

adult juvenile

Himalayan Griffon

juvenile

adult

adult

Eurasian Griffon

juvenile

juvenile

adult

adult

juvenile juvenile juvenile adult

adult

adult juvenile

White-rumped Vulture

juvenile

adult adult

Cinereous Vulture

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PLATE 26: Kite and Marsh Harriers Black Kite Milvus migrans

65 cm Wingspan 120–153 cm

Two races in region: ‘Black-eared Kite’ M. m. lineatus. Similar to dark morph Booted Eagle. May also be confused with female-type Western Marsh Harrier. Longish, slightly forked tail is diagnostic, but may look square-cut when spread. Broad wings usually arched (held straight and upwards in Western Marsh Harrier). Unlike similar species, outer primaries with white bases and inner primaries whitish with coarse black barring. Booted has only inner primaries paler and barring is weak. Further, Booted Eagle has paler tail, whitish uppertail-coverts, white ‘landing lights’ (at wing base, seen head-on), and more obvious light panels on upperwing-coverts and scapulars. Ad Plumage mostly dark brown, can show slight rufous tinge. Juv Underparts with cream-coloured to sandy streaks on brown breast and flanks, merging into cream belly and undertail-coverts. Belly and undertail-coverts variably streaked, but often unstreaked. Black Kite M. m. migrans (W and S of region?). Narrower wings, with 6th finger shorter than in lineatus. Ad Unlike lineatus, has no white panel on outer primaries and finer and less contrasting barring on inner primaries. Often has distinct contrast between pale head and dark brown body, unlike most ad lineatus. Usually lacks dark mask. At close range, breast streaked black on brown base (streaks ochre in lineatus). Older birds with pale eye. Juv Similar to juv lineatus. May show white in primaries, then very similar to lineatus and best identified by structure and barring of primaries (see above). Voice Call is a repeated, wavering yii’\err or more drawn-out whoo/’ee\’err. Habitat Ubiquitous and common, from semideserts to woodlands, often near water; mainly lowlands and foothills. During migration also at higher altitudes. Note Widespread subspecies lineatus often granted species status as ‘Black-eared Kite’. Hybrid origin between lineatus and migrans has been suspected for the populations in Central Asia, but they are treated as lineatus here.

Western Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus

56 cm Wingspan 115–145 cm

C. a. aeruginosus. Largest harrier together with Eastern Marsh Harrier, but smaller than similar Black Kite and Booted Eagle. Often very similar to Eastern, see that species for differences. Like all harriers, holds wings upwards in V-shape. Amount of yellow on head and upperwingcoverts variable in all plumages. Ad male Has grey tail and underwings and variable amount of grey on mid upperwing and contrasting black wingtips. Very grey individuals may be confused with ad male Hen Harrier, but body shows some brown to rufous (greyish in Hen) and dark grey subterminal bar on underwing is lacking. Ad female Larger than male. Dark brown overall with variable amount of yellow on head and upperwing-coverts. Tail somewhat paler rufous-brown. Lacks pale, barred inner primaries of dark morph Booted Eagle and the latter’s square-cut tail. Also lacks Booted Eagle’s pale scapulars and whitish uppertail-coverts. Juv Similar to ad female, but brown parts (especially underwing-coverts) darker and yellow parts with rich rufous (rather than whitish) tone. Upperwing-coverts usually dark. In fresh plumage, shows pale trailing edge to wings and narrow wing-bar on greater coverts. Imm Complete moult begins May or June of 2ndCY, when males gradually start to show more grey in plumage. Some males already moult central tail-feathers during first winter, which are then greyish (at least at base). Voice Usually silent, when displaying male utters a high-pitched whee-ee recalling Lapwing. Habitat Common in a wide variety of open wetlands; from lowland deserts to mountains.

Eastern Marsh Harrier Circus spilonotus

56 cm Wingspan 115–145 cm

C. s. spilonotus (V). Size and structure like similar Western Marsh Harrier. May also resemble Hen Harrier, but has broader wings and is slightly larger. Ad male Unmistakable. Underparts with white rear body and contrasting black streaks on breast and head (the latter often solidly black). Body above black with white scalloping. Upperwing pale grey with black markings and black wingtip. Ad female In comparison to juv and ad female Western, body streaked and more rufous (not solidly dark brown). In flight, has whitish uppertail-coverts and grey upperwing with conspicuous black bars across remiges, unlike Western but recalling female-type Hen. However, compared to the latter, bars on remiges are more contrasting above, but less contrasting below. Moreover, often shows dark carpal patch and narrower dark tail-bars. Note also structural differences (see above). Juv Similar to juv and female Western, but lacks dark eye-stripe, and shows pale face instead. A few Western lack dark eyestripe; then best separated in flight: from below, primaries pale except for blackish fingers (Western typically shows dark greyish-brown primaries with narrow whitish crescent on bases) and inner primaries contrast with dark secondaries. Uppertailcoverts whitish to medium-brown, usually considerably paler than rest of upperparts (Western with uniform brown upperparts but may show pale tips to uppertail-coverts). Imm Male gradually acquires grey plumage. Plumage sequence similar to Western. Voice Usually silent in region. Habitat Outside region in similar habitats as Western.

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lineatus

Black Kite adult

juvenile adult

lineatus migrans

juvenile

adult juvenile

Western Marsh Harrier 





 

juvenile



Eastern Marsh Harrier  juvenile







001 BoCA.indd 85



juvenile

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PLATE 27: Harriers Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus

50 cm Wingspan 97–122 cm

C. c. cyaneus. Rather slim, wings held in V-shape. Female similar to female Pallid and Montagu’s Harriers, with which it shares white uppertail-coverts. However, is larger and has broader, more rounded wings. Wingtip formed by one more primary than in Pallid and Montagu’s. However, beware of missing primaries during primary moult in August/September. Male smaller than female and can be similar in size to female Pallid. Ad male Characteristic (but beware of unusually pale ad male Western Marsh Harriers). Grey hood. Dark grey trailing edge to underwing is diagnostic. Ad female Shows yellowish-white collar with dark markings, recalling female Pallid. Told from latter and female Montagu’s by different structure and by three clear-cut dark bars continuing from secondaries onto primaries (also visible from above). Trailing edge is strongest and broadest bar on wing, whereas in Montagu’s central bar is the blackest and strongest (innermost bar sometimes hidden). Head more uniform than in female Montagu’s. Juv Similar to ad female, but secondaries darker with less distinct bars from below and usually not visible from above. Breast warm buff with dark streaks, belly paler and with finer streaks. Slimmer, with narrower hand than ad. Imm Plumage development like in Western Marsh. 3rdCY male distinguished from ad by dusky hue to plumage. Voice A quacking chuk-uk-uk-uk. Habitat Uncommon breeder and common visitor in open country such as grasslands, cultivations and wetlands; from lowlands to mountains. [Alt: Northern Harrier]

Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus

48 cm Wingspan 100–121 cm

Monotypic. Male smaller than male Montagu’s Harrier, with very bouyant flight. Female marginally heavier-built than female Montagu’s, with shorter, more triangular hand. Ad male Lacks Hen Harrier’s grey hood. Black wingtip small and wedge-shaped, not reaching leading edge of wing (cf. Hen and Montagu’s). Beware of moulting Hen missing one black primary. Ad female Two pale bars on secondaries become darker and narrower towards body (arm uniformly dark from distance), whereas in ad female Montagu’s, pale secondary-bars always reach body. Both pale bars equally narrow, whereas rear bar broader in ad female Montagu’s. However, beware of juv and 2ndCY Montagu’s, which show darker secondaries. Primaries paler overall than secondaries and often with unbarred bases from below, forming typical pale crescent around primary-coverts. Dark tips on inner primaries paler than in Montagu’s or absent. Axillaries and greater underwing-coverts dark, lacking conspicuous barring of ad and most 2ndCY Montagu’s. Juv Underparts unmarked rusty-beige. Very similar to juv Montagu’s, but dark ear-coverts extend to lower mandible, white eye-patches smaller, pale collar more distinct and ending in whitish nape-patch, neck-sides more solidly brown. Inner primaries lack blackish trailing edge unlike Montagu’s, and primary-bases often form pale crescent. Primaries including ‘fingers’ irregularly barred (typically solidly dark in juv Montagu’s). Imm Many birds retain almost complete juv plumage to 2ndCY spring. From 2ndCY autumn, more similar to ad. Imm male duskier above than ad male, with grey hood and brown markings on head, breast and flanks. Brownish-grey trailing edge to wing recalls male Hen, but fainter. Structure and shape of black wingtip (see above) useful identification criteria. Moulted central rectrices are greyish but still barred (unbarred grey in 2ndCY male Montagu’s). Dark trailing edge to wing and dusky hue to plumage remain until 3rdCY. Female like ad from 2ndCY autumn onwards. Voice Usually silent, when displaying gives a high-pitched, churning tyir’r’r. Habitat Uncommon in steppes and semi-deserts, but also cultivations and marshes; mainly lowlands and foothills.

Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus

48 cm Wingspan 102–123 cm

Monotypic. In flight, often holds wings in deeper V-shape than Hen and Pallid Harriers. Has scarce melanistic form. Ad male Dark grey body, black wing-bar, pale silvery-grey mid-wing above and barred axillaries diagnostic. Ad female Similar to female Pallid. Has continuous blackish trailing edge including primaries. Unlike female Pallid, bars on secondaries (especially darkest, central bar) visible from above. Distinct rufous barring on axillaries is diagnostic. Large white eye-patches connected with white chin while juv and female Pallid have dark moustachial stripe. Juv Uniform red-brown underparts often with fine streaking on breast-sides. Longest primaries with more extensive dark tips than juv Pallid and inner primaries with blackish tips forming dark trailing edge. Imm Postjuvenile moult on average more extensive than in Hen and Pallid. In 2ndCY, shows mix of juv and ad-type feathers. Head and upper breast often moulted, may give hooded appearance. In 2ndCY summer, most individuals already with barred axillaries unlike Pallid. In 3rdCY spring, males similar to ad, but have more extensive rufous streaking on underparts and brownish hue to plumage. Voice A sharp chek-ek-ek…. Habitat Common in open areas with scrub, such as steppes, grasslands, meadows and cultivations; mainly lowlands and foothills.

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

immature







Hen Harrier

  



immature





  

Pallid Harrier

Pallid juvenile

juvenile Montagu's juvenile



immature

juvenile



Montagu’s Harrier



 

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PLATE 28: Hawks Shikra Accipiter badius

35 cm Wingspan 52–68 cm

A. b. cenchroides. Similar to Eurasian and Levant Sparrowhawk. Structurally very similar to Eurasian, but tail marginally shorter, with rounded rather than square-cut corners. Sports a mesial stripe, dark brown in juv and some ad females, pale grey in ad male. Ad male Pale grey above including cheeks. Has rufous-buff collar across lower nape. Unlike Eurasian, has unbarred central tail (visible from above only) with diffuse dark subterminal band. Underparts with pale rufous barring. Dark wingtips from below and above, but not as contrasting as in Levant. Ad female Similar to ad male, but usually browner above, with more distinct subterminal tail-band, less distinct collar and browner barring below. Juv Very similar in plumage to juv Levant and best separated by structure (see Levant). Underparts with scaly streaks, spots on central breast and broad bars on flanks. Bars on flanks much coarser than in Eurasian but not as bold as in Levant. Unlike Eurasian, supercilium missing or very faint. Voice In breeding season gives a female Tawny Owl-like ch-/ wik or a louder series of kik’ki\yooo elements. Habitat From deciduous woodland to arid steppes with trees; mainly lowlands and foothills. Scarce.

Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes

33 cm Wingspan 60–74 cm

Monotypic. Both sexes of similar size, intermediate between male and female Eurasian Sparrowhawk. Wings narrower and more pointed (wingtip formed by four rather than six primaries), tail slightly shorter than in Eurasian. Gives falcon-like impression when gliding. Dark wingtips from below and above (palest in juv), contrasting with pale underwings. Unlike Eurasian, central rectrices are unbarred (best seen from above). Moreover, has swollen yellow cere, heavier black bill and dark iris. In all plumages, cheeks more uniform with upperparts than in Eurasian. At close range, shows characteristic brown mesial stripe (pale grey and difficult to see in ad male), which is lacking in Eurasian, but cf. Shikra. Ad male Pale blue-grey above including cheeks. Underwing-coverts, breast and upper belly with light salmon transversal barring. Underwing looks whitish from a distance. Ad female Darker brownish-grey upperparts and head. Barring on underparts darker brown than in male. Juv Coarsely streaked on breast and central belly. Flanks with contrasting, well-spaced barring. Darker cheeks and often missing supercilium are further criteria to separate from Eurasian. Imm In spring of 2ndCY still with juv brown tail and wings, while large parts of body feathers moulted. Voice Similar to Shikra. Habitat Wooded plains, often in river basins. Rare.

Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus

Male 31 cm Female 38 cm Wingspan 56–78 cm

Four races in region: A. n. nisus, A. n. dementjevi (Pamir-Alai, Tien Shan), A. n. melaschistos (E Afg), A. n. nisosimilis (PM). A small raptor with very long tail and broad, rounded wings. Hunts mainly for birds in or near dense vegetation. Very similar to Shikra and Levant Sparrowhawk, as well as to larger Northern Goshawk. May show white spots on upperparts like other Sparrowhawks. Looks more powerful than kestrels and has broader and shorter wings with more rounded tip. Upperparts lack typical contrast of kestrels. Typical flight consists of series of quick flappy wingbeats, followed by a short downward glide. In contrast with Levant and Shikra, shows four usually distinct tail-bars above, distinct white supercilium (sometimes weak in male) and lacks mesial stripe. Beware that supercilium may be distinct in some juv Levant. Ad male Dark slaty-grey above, with rich rufous bars below. Has a dark grey mask and rich rufous cheeks. Ad female Variable, may approach male in coloration, but usually browner grey above and with rufous-brown bars below. Juv Similar to female, but with rufous-brown feather edges on upperparts and less regular barring on underparts, with scales and spots on lateral and upper breast. Voice At nest a variable kik’kik’kik... or kew-kew-kew... for contact and alarm. Habitat Common in forests and open woodland; mainly foothills and mountains up to tree-line.

Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis

Male 50 cm Female 61 cm Wingspan 89–122 cm

Two races in region: A. g. schvedowi. Larger than Eurasian Sparrowhawk, but female of latter may approach small males. Identified by long neck, heavy head and powerful chest. Hand is narrower than arm (especially in juv), wingtip is rounded. Tail with rounded corners and not square-cut as in Eurasian, and showing three to four dark bands. Ad Grey above, uniform fine barring below including on underwing. Male is more bluish-grey above and with more conspicuous head pattern than female. Juv Has blackish-brown longitudinal streaking on pale, buff to whitish, underparts (not barred like juv and female Eurasian). Unlike ad, shows dark bars on greyish secondaries on upperwing. Scapulars, median and greater coverts with pale bases and contrasting dark tips. A. g. buteoides (PM, WV). Ad Paler and larger than schvedowi with even finer barring on underparts. Juv With more extensive white feather bases on upperparts and paler head than juv schvedowi. Voice At nest kyeek-kyeek-kyeek..., lower-pitched than Eurasian. Habitat Mature woods, mainly coniferous, but also mixed and deciduous; from lowlands to mountains, up to 2300 m. Scarce.

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Shikra 

 juvenile





Levant Sparrowhawk nisosimilis



 





juvenile





Eurasian Sparrowhawk



juvenile



juvenile

 

juvenile



Northern Goshawk



juvenile



schvedowi

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PLATE 29: Buzzards Common Buzzard Buteo buteo

54 cm Wingspan 109–136 cm

B. b. vulpinus. Together with Eastern Buzzard, this is the smallest and most slender buzzard in the region. Three colour morphs: rufous, brown and dark. Especially latter is similar to dark Long-legged Buzzard, but smaller with smaller wings in relation to body. Only rarely shows solid dark carpal patch of Long-legged on underwing, usually shows one or two dark crescents instead. Secondaries on average lighter and with finer barring than in Long-legged. Only upper half of tarsus feathered (cf Upland and Rough-legged Buzzard). See also Eastern Buzzard. Ad Has black trailing edge to wing. Regular narrow bars and distinct black subterminal band on tail (broader and sometimes reaching tip of tail in dark morph). Juv Has narrower hand than ad, trailing edge is more greyish (not black) and narrower especially on inner primaries. Underparts prominently and rather regularly streaked. Tail regularly barred, lacking broad subterminal band of ad. Voice Typical call is a mewing hwe\eeooo. Habitat Occurs in a variety of habitats, but usually with some degree of tree cover such as forest edges; from lowlands to mountains. Uncommon breeder and common visitor.

Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus

61 cm Wingspan 112–160 cm

B. r. rufinus. Large and broad-winged. Two morphs: pale and dark; the former varying from very pale through rufous to dark rufous type. Similar to Upland (which see) and Common Buzzards. Larger with longer and broader wings than Common. Like Upland and Rough-legged Buzzards, holds wings upwards in shallow V-shape when gliding and especially when soaring. V steeper than in Common, which moreover holds wings almost flat when gliding. Often shows stronger kink between lifted arm and more horizontal hand than Common. Wingbeats deeper on more flexing wings than Common, head more protruding. Unlike Common, usually shows black carpal patch (often solid and square). Flanks and thighs dark (often extending across belly), usually contrasting with pale breast and head. From above, distinguished from Common by more extensive grey (whitish in juv) primary-patch, paler sandy to rufous wing-coverts and pale rusty to orange tail. Ad Has conspicuous black trailing edge to wing. Unlike Common, tail unbarred in pale and rufous birds, but can be darker distally. Dark morph (and some dark rufous) shows black subterminal band and fine regular barring. Then very similar to Common and best told by structure. Juv Very variable, often less rufous than ad, and heavily marked birds can be very similar to Common and even Rough-legged. From Common, best identified by structure as well as on average more prominent carpal patch and barring on secondaries. Many show more prominent dark trailing edge than juv Common, but usually less prominent than in ad of either species. Differs from Rough-legged by fine barring across entire tail (sometimes fainter towards base). Voice Similar to Common, but softer and lower-pitched. Habitat Common in semi-deserts, steppes, open woodlands; from lowlands up to 4000 m.

Rough-legged Buzzard Buteo lagopus

54 cm Wingspan 120–163 cm

Two races in region: B. l. lagopus, B. l. menzbieri. Large, broad-winged buzzard, similar to pale Common and sometimes to Upland Buzzard. Structurally similar to Long-legged (see above). In flight from above, grey-brown with whitish primary-bases and pure white tail with dark subterminal band(s) (age- and sex-dependent). From below, black carpal patch contrasts with variably pale underwing-coverts. Told from Upland and Common by unmarked pure white base and more contrasting subterminal band(s) to tail. Upland shows grey or brownish edges to rectrices or even regularly barred tail. In contrast with Upland, never shows any deep buff or rufous in plumage, and may have buff underwing coverts at most. Typically has dark bars or a row of dark spots on tip of otherwise white uppertail-coverts. Beware that some (pale) Common show restricted white base to tail. Rare dark morph may possibly occur in region. Ad male Usually three to five dark tail-bars from above, two to four from below. Shows invariably marked underwing-coverts, in juv and female the latter have finer longitudinal streaks or may be even unmarked. Dark throat and upper breast (often darker than belly), barred rather than solidly dark belly. Ad female Has one to two (rarely three) tail-bars. Shows uniform dark or blotched rather than barred belly, paler breast and head and paler underwing-coverts. Overall browner than ad male with less prominent barring to secondaries above. Juv Similar to ad female, but has dusky rather than black trailing edge to wing, often unbarred bases to remiges below, whitish primary-patch above and only a single, diffuse brown tail-band. Voice Call similar to Common Buzzard. Habitat Open country such as steppes, cultivations or marshes. Rather common.

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Common Buzzard adult rufous morph

adult dark morph

adult

Long-legged Buzzard

adult dark morph

adult

juvenile

adult

adult pale morph

adult dark rufous type of pale morph

Rough-legged Buzzard adult juvenile



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PLATE 30: Buzzards and Golden Eagle Upland Buzzard Buteo hemilasius

71 cm Wingspan 143–161 cm

Monotypic. Largest buzzard in region with almost eagle-like silhouette. Often very similar to Long-legged and sometimes to Rough-legged (which see) and Eastern Buzzards. Structurally similar to Long-legged (which see). Exists in dark and pale morphs. In comparison to Longlegged, has stronger dark markings on sides of neck and breast, separated from dark flanks and thighs by whitish or pale pectoral band. Central belly usually pale (more often dark in Long-legged), but heavily marked in some. Carpal patch on underwing is rather variable. Often has dark bar formed by lesser underwing-coverts, unlike most Long-legged. Underwing-coverts richer buff or rufous than body (more concolorous in Long-legged). Usually shows extensive and rather pure white primary-patch on upperwing (occasionally equally white and large in juv Long-legged). Pale panel on upperwing-coverts less obvious than in Long-legged and rarely rufous. Tarsus feathered to at least ¾ of length (unfeathered in Long-legged). Moreover, may show boldly barred flanks and on average bolder and broader barring on remiges than Long-legged. Dark morph extremely similar to same-age dark morph Long-legged, but shows feathered tarsus, sometimes paler pectoral band and on average greyer secondaries. Ad Both morphs show prominent black trailing edge to wing. Pale morph is barred rather than streaked below; head and nape with pale spots contrasting with darker rest of upperparts. Juv Lacks broad black(ish) trailing edge to wing. Pale morph is richer buff or rufous overall and has more prominently streaked underparts than ad. Head pale with dark markings. Voice Similar to Common Buzzard, but more nasal and longer. Habitat Scarce in open country, such as semi-deserts, steppes and grassy mountain slopes; from lowlands to mountains.

Eastern Buzzard Buteo japonicus

55 cm Wingspan 109–136 cm

B. j. japonicus (V). Identification criteria not fully resolved. Slightly larger than Common Buzzard. Probably less variable in plumage than Common, closest to brown morph but on average with stronger contrasts. Shows paler head and often unstreaked central breast. Even when strongly marked, breast is often paler than flanks. Boldly barred or solid dark flanks and belly form narrow dark band across mid-underparts contrasting with usually pale thighs. Thighs usually darker in Common. Compared to Common, has paler underwing-coverts contrasting with somewhat more pronounced carpal patch. From above, dark barring on tail is less visible, being often more diffuse against darker background than in Common and possibly also broader. Ad Some lack dark subterminal tail-bar of ad Common, others may show only subterminal bar but no other barring. Juv Ageing similar to Common. Voice Usually silent in region. Habitat Open country with varied mix of tree-covered areas.

Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos

95 cm Wingspan 180–234 cm

Three races in region: A. c. daphanea, A. c. chrysaetos (N Kaz), A. c. homeyeri (E of region). Large, broad-winged and long-tailed eagle. Wings characteristically pinched-in at base, giving diagnostic silhouette (recalling Pallas’s Fish-Eagle, which see). Wings usually held in distinct V-shape when soaring. Wingtip often strongly bent upwards when soaring or gliding. Plumage predominantly dark brown with golden-rusty nape. Ad In flight, underwing with pale grey bases to remiges and rectrices (may seem uniform dark in unfavourable conditions). Upperwing with tawny to greyish panel on median coverts. Juv Distinctive; dark brown overall, with extensive white bases to remiges and rectrices and brown panel on upperwing-coverts, the latter fading to pale beige by 2ndCY autumn. On upperwing, white bases visible only on primaries, but not on secondaries. Imm Moults some inner primaries, but usually no secondaries, in 2ndCY summer. Then upperwing-coverts heavily worn. The latter are mostly moulted and fresh by 3rdCY autumn, when newest secondaries show greyish bases. In 4thCY, continues moult of juv primaries and moults innermost primaries for second time. Third-generation primaries are adult-like, white underwing-panel therefore split into two parts. Last juv remiges (tenth primary and usually ninth secondary) usually moulted in 5thCY spring. At end of 5thCY, first grey tail feathers appear, which show dark bars in addition to dark terminal band. White on underwing is further reduced during 6thCY and 7thCY. Voice Usually silent. Habitat Open country such as semi-deserts, steppes and mountains; from lowlands to mountains up to 3700 m. Scarce. Note: See page 321 for more information on general differences between juv, imm and ad raptors, as well as on moult of large raptors.

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Upland Buzzard

adult

adult

juvenile

adult dark morph

juvenile

adult pale morph

adult

Eastern Buzzard

adult

adult

Golden Eagle adult

adult

juvenile

adult

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PLATE 31: Eagles I Eastern Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca

85 cm Wingspan 176–216 cm

Monotypic. Large, with long, broad wings. Ad may recall Golden Eagle, juv can be similar to Steppe Eagle. Wings not pinched in at base and usually held flatter than in Golden. Tail slightly shorter than in Golden, but longer than in Steppe. Ad Nearly black with yellow nape; white patches on scapulars characteristic. Has grey tail with black terminal band and greyish remiges with fine dark bars and dark trailing edge. Juv Very different from ad, pale sandy overall, with diagnostic extensive streaking. Streaking strongest on breast, while head paler and lower belly and vent unmarked. Has broad white trailing edge to wing, two white wing-bars above and a white terminal tail-band. Inner primaries conspicuously paler than outer, forming window. May resemble pale imm Steppe, but latter shows unstreaked body with dark thighs and belly. Juv ‘fulvescens’ Greater Spotted Eagle is unstreaked and shows white crescent and no barring on bases of outer primaries. Imm Timing and sequence of moult roughly similar to Steppe. From 3rdCY autumn onwards, shows blackish feathers in malar area and blotchy upperwing-coverts, but still looks juv-like from distance until 4thCY spring. Afterwards, black blotches appear on breast and gradually increase in whole plumage. Indistinguishable from ad by 7thCY. Voice Typical call is a barking gok repeated rapidly up to ten times. Habitat Semi-deserts, steppes and open forests; mainly from lowlands to foothills. Rare.

Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis

78 cm Wingspan 165–214 cm

Monotypic. Larger and longer-winged than Greater Spotted Eagle, head slimmer-looking and more protruding. In head-on view, primaries form stronger ‘broom’ than in Greater Spotted. Shows square wingtip (especially ad) with deeply fingered primaries. Coarse barring on remiges extending to bases of fingered primaries characteristic, while barring less distinct in Greater Spotted, with unbarred outer primaries. Gape reaches below rear edge of eye; nostrils oval (round in Greater Spotted). Ad Shows characteristic dark carpal area below and rich buff nape patch. Dark individuals recall ad Greater Spotted. Unlike the latter, shows dark trailing edge to wings and tail. Secondaries may appear greyish and barred even from above. Often shows pale mantle. From below, usually shows a contrast between dark body and paler underwing-coverts. Juv Broad pale trailing edge and broad white bar across underwing characteristic (latter rarely missing). Greyish-sandy overall. Has white primary-patch (more prominent than in ad) and single wing-bar on upperwing (cf. Greater Spotted). Imm Sequence and timing of moult similar to Greater Spotted, but usually slower and more often shows three (as opposed to two) feather generations in wing from 3rdCY summer onwards. In first moult (May-June 2ndCY), usually replaces 6–7 primaries, some secondaries and corresponding coverts. New remiges longer and with broader whitish tips than abraded juv remiges, otherwise similar to juv. After 3rdCY summer, may still look juv-like, but some ad-type primaries or secondaries appear, contrasting with heavily worn juv remiges (some secondaries and sometimes outermost primaries). Many show irregular white band across underwing. Towards end of 4thCY more like ad with many dark-tipped ad-type remiges. Primary-patch on upperwing smaller than in juv and more neatly delimited. Usually indistinguishable from ad by 5thCY autumn. Voice Usually silent. Habitat Open country such as semi-deserts and steppes; from lowlands to mountains, locally reaches altitudes of up to 2300 m and higher. Scarce.

Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga

67 cm Wingspan 157–179 cm

Monotypic. Some very similar to dark individuals of Steppe Eagle. Best told from Steppe by combination of structural and plumage features, see that species for differences. Stocky and short-tailed; rather short wings held in arched position even in active flight (reminiscent of heron). From below, shows small but contrasting whitish crescent on bases of three outermost primaries. Ad Wing-tip broad and square, approaching Steppe’s. Unlike imm and juv, remiges appear unbarred. Juv Rather distinct from ad and from other species. Blackish overall, with variable pale streaking at least on greater and median coverts above, scapulars, trousers and belly (sometimes on whole body). Underwing-coverts usually black, contrasting with grey (may seem blackish), inconspicuously barred, remiges (remiges prominently barred in Steppe). Some have dark brown wing-coverts and body. Aberrant colour morphs exist. Best known ‘fulvescens’ shows completely pale body, marginal and median coverts above and below, while remiges, rectrices and greater coverts normally coloured (cf. juv Eastern Imperial Eagle). Imm From 2ndCY May/June to winter, moults inner 7–8 primaries, many secondaries, most rectrices. New remiges have large white tips, while white tips on juv remiges worn off. By 3rdCY autumn, replaces outer juv primaries and acquires third generation inner primaries lacking white tips. Shows white spotting on upperparts (mainly scapulars) until 4thCY spring. Afterwards very similar to ad, but may show pale vent and undertail-coverts and remnants of wing-bars above and/or below until 5thCY summer. Voice During breeding gives a barking kyak (kyak...). Habitat Riparian and other wet forests; mainly lowlands and foothills. Scarce. Note: See page 321 for more information on general differences between juv, imm and ad raptors, as well as on moult of large raptors.

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Eastern Imperial Eagle adult adult

juvenile

juvenile

Steppe Eagle

adult

juvenile

juvenile

adult juvenile

Greater Spotted Eagle

adult

adult

juvenile adult

juvenile

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PLATE 32: Eagles II Bonelli’s Eagle Aquila fasciata

70 cm Wingspan 142–175 cm

A. f. fasciatus. Medium-sized eagle with broad and rounded wings and longish, rather squaretipped tail. Wing-shape recalls European Honey-buzzard when gliding, due to protruding carpal joint but straight trailing edge. When soaring, has bulging trailing edge at outermost arm. Ad Grey-brown above with white mantle patch. Tail grey with broad black terminal band. Underparts white with dark markings, thighs brown. Underwing predominantly dark, but with variable white leading edge to arm. Black bar across underwing obvious on individuals with paler remiges and extensive white leading edge. Juv More uniform above than ad, white mantle patch indistinct or missing. Body unmarked rufous below, fading towards rear. Underwing-coverts rufous, palest on median coverts. Black bar on underwing reduced or lacking, but often with narrow black crescent around carpal area. Some individuals lack distinct rufous tones, but still identified by underwingpattern and structure. In comparison to honey-buzzards, rectrices and remiges have denser and finer black barring. Moreover, lacks black carpal patch of European Honey-buzzard, but see imm. Imm Remiges and rectrices are replaced with ad-type feathers showing black tip from 2ndCY March/April onwards. Last juv remiges lost by 3rdCY summer. Carpal area and wing-bar on underwing become black from 2ndCY summer onwards. Voice Usually silent, but when breeding may utter a whistling eeu\ooh. Habitat Rare in warm and sunny mountainous country, usually with bushes, sometimes with forest.

Booted Eagle Aquila pennata

52 cm Wingspan 113–138 cm

Monotypic. Small eagle with longish, square-tipped tail. Light and dark colour morphs. Remiges, tail and upperparts similar in both morphs. Remiges dark grey (marginally darker in light morph; black-brown from above) with barring, visible especially on pale window on inner primaries. Tail greyish with dark subterminal bar. Upperparts diagnostic: whitish uppertail-coverts, pale panels on scapulars and wing-coverts and on most individuals white ‘landing lights’ (at wing base, seen head-on). Pale crown and nape contrast with dark mask. Light morph with largely whitish underparts contrasting with dark remiges. Dark morph variable, with underside of body and lesser and median underwingcoverts rusty to dark brown. Greater coverts form black bar across underwing, similar to but broader than in imm Bonelli’s Eagle. The latter also shows partly black trailing edge to wing and bulging arm, unlike Booted. Ad Shows irregular white tips to remiges and more parallel-edged wings than juv. Juv Has S-shaped, regular white trailing edge to wing. Voice Usually silent, but during breeding season utters a shrill ki-ki-ki…. Habitat Forests mixed with open areas; from lowlands to mountains. Uncommon.

Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus

66 cm Wingspan 166–188 cm

Monotypic. Medium-sized eagle with long rounded wings, large head and longish, rather square-cut tail. Wing-beats slow and heavy. Often hovers or hangs in wind. When gliding, wings slightly bent downwards and carpal joints protruding. Underparts predominantly white, recalling pale buzzards rather than Aquila eagles. Unlike buzzards and Osprey, lacks dark carpal patch and shows 3-4 characteristic, well-spaced tail-bars (also visible from above). Many with dark brown throat and upper breast, others all white with very limited dark markings below. Upperparts less variable, with dark remiges (especially secondaries) and paler grey to sandy wing-coverts. Ad Typically shows greyish-brown hood and whitish, variably barred breast, belly and underwing. The latter has broad dark subterminal band (cf. juv). Juv In fresh plumage, shows white trailing edges to tail and wings. Hood and dark markings on underparts with rufous tone. But usually paler and plainer below than ad with reduced and more spot-shaped markings. Secondaries with fine discontinuous bars. Upperwing-coverts paler than in ad forming stronger contrast with remiges. Voice Typical call is a mellow eeeooo. Habitat Uncommon in a wide variety of habitats, from open forests to semi-deserts; lowlands up to about 2500 m. Note: See page 321 for more information on general differences between juv, imm and ad raptors, as well as on moult of large raptors.

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Bonelli’s Eagle

adult adult

juvenile

juvenile

Booted Eagle

adult dark morph

adult pale morph

adult dark morph

adult pale morph

adult

Short-toed Eagle

adult

juvenile

gliding soaring

juvenile pale individual

adult pale individual

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PLATE 33: Bustards and Cranes Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax

46 cm Wingspan 105–115 cm

Monotypic. Much smaller than Macqueen’s Bustard and rather short-necked. Flies with fast wingbeats interspersed with short gliding-phases. Upperwing with even more white than in Great Bustard. Ad Br male Shows conspicuous black neck with two white collars. Head mainly greyish. During display, inflates neck, retracts head when calling and then jumps. Ad Non-br male Lacks black-and-white neck-pattern. Head and neck pale buffish-brown instead with dark vermiculations. Ad female Similar to ad non-br male, but dark markings stronger overall and more extensive on breast and flanks. Juv Similar to ad female, but with blackish crown and white parts on upperwing more buffish. Voice Song short, dry prrt. Male’s wings produce high-pitched whistling. Habitat Short-grass lowland steppes and semi-deserts. Scarce.

Great Bustard Otis tarda

Male 102 cm Female 80 cm Wingspan 190–260 cm

O. t. tarda. Male clearly bigger than female. Both bigger than Macqueen’s Bustard. Appears heavy in flight with broad wings and short tail. Lacks black band on neck-sides of Macqueen’s and has more white on upperwing. Ad Br male Has greyish head and upper neck and white bristle-like whiskers. Breast and lower neck are rufous-brown. While displaying, retracts head, spreads tail, droops wings, inflates neck and breast and exposes much white. Ad Non-br male Lacks white whiskers and shows more grey on neck and breast with cinnamon breast-sides and lower nape. Ad female Similar to ad non-br male, but has duller upperparts and less white in wing. Juv/Imm Similar to ad female. Voice Usually silent. Habitat Flat and short-grass lowland steppes. Sensitive to disturbance. Rare.

Macqueen’s Bustard Chlamydotis macqueenii

65 cm Wingspan 135–170 cm

Monotypic. Smaller and slimmer than Great Bustard; females smaller than males. Has rather long and thin neck and long tail. Upperwing conspicuously patterned in flight superficially resembling Eurasian Stone-curlew. Ad male Shows characteristic black band along neck-sides and black-and-white crest. Upperparts sandy with rather bold dark markings. While displaying, retracts head and erects filamentous feathers on neck and head and runs or walks around. Ad female Similar to ad male, but with reduced crest and black band on neck-sides and lacks whitish greater coverts. Juv Lacks crest and black band on neck-sides reduced or lacking. Voice Usually silent or with weak calls during display. Habitat Arid sandy semi-deserts and deserts, with some tussock grass or scrub. Rare.

Demoiselle Crane Grus virgo

95 cm Wingspan 165–185 cm

Monotypic. Similar to Common Crane, but smaller with shorter and finer bill, steeper forehead and more attenuated rear end (drooping elongated tertials); in flight with proportionally shorter neck and legs and broader wing-base. Birds on autumn migration with moult gaps in remiges are always Demoiselle, as Common moults remiges synchronously in summer (but beware of Common with accidentally lost feathers). Ad Differs from Common by uniform grey crown, black of neck extending onto breast with elongated black breast feathers and by down-curved white ear-tufts. Black breast is also good feature in flight. Upperparts paler grey lacking buff coloration often present in Common. Juv Almost entirely greyish, head without ear-tufts and lacking rufous-buff of juv Common. Tertials shorter than in ad, not bushy as in juv Common. 1st-win Duller than ad with shorter tertials, ear-tufts and breast-feathers. Voice Trumpeting call is drier and more rattling than Common’s. Habitat Rather common in steppes and fields; from lowlands to mountains.

Siberian Crane Grus leucogeranus

135 cm

Monotypic (PM). Bigger than Common Crane with slightly down-curved bill and longer neck. Ad Plumage white contrasting with bare red face, reddish bill and legs. Elongated white tertials form bushy rear end and conceal mostly black hand. The latter contrasts with remaining white plumage in flight. Superficially similar White Stork differs in completely black remiges and longer bill. Juv White plumage-parts of ad mostly rufous-buff with whiter underparts. Bill and legs dark. Initially lacks elongated tertials. First white body feathers appear during first year, bare red face appears in 3rd-win and full ad plumage is attained in 4th-win. Voice Trumpeting call is a koonk-koonk, dryer than in Common. Habitat Wetlands, most aquatic crane of the region. Very rare.

Common Crane Grus grus

114 cm Wingspan 220–245 cm

Two races in region: G. g. lifordi, G. g. grus (W Kaz). Elegant with bushy rear end formed by elongated tertials. In flight, with long rectangular wings and deeply fingered primaries (see also Demoiselle Crane). Ad Head black with white stripes running from eyes on neck-sides to join on nape. Often has bare red crown. Juv Head and neck rufous-buff. Develops duller version of ad head pattern during first year. Voice Call is a far-reaching, trumpeting kroo. During breeding adults duet with kroo-eeh sounds. Habitat Bogs and marshes in steppes; up to at least 2000 m. Scarce breeder and fairly common visitor.

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

immature

Little Bustard

Great Bustard



non-breeding

 



adult



Macqueen’s Bustard

juvenile

adult

Demoiselle Crane

adult

juvenile juvenile

Siberian Crane

adult

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PLATE 34: Crakes AND RAILS Corncrake Crex crex

25 cm

Monotypic. Similar in size to Water Rail, but stockier, with short and strong pale pinkish bill, and pale pinkish legs. Secretive and rarely seen. Differs in habitat from other crakes and Water Rail. Could be confused with Common Quail, but rufous wings in combination with dangling legs in flight characteristic. Ad Characterised by black and buffish-brown scaling on upperparts and crown, rather pale underparts with rufous barring on flanks. Has a pale rufous eye-stripe on greyish head-sides. Lacks pale lines on upperparts and flanks and contrasting head-pattern of Common Quail. Juv Shows pale brown instead of greyish head-sides and is less distinctly patterned. Voice Displaying call is a repeated and far-reaching krrk-krrk. Habitat Moist meadows and other grasslands; from lowlands up to at least 2800 m. Uncommon.

Water Rail Rallus aquaticus

26 cm

Two races in region: R. a. korejewi, R. a. aquaticus (N Kaz). Larger than crakes with much longer, slightly decurved bill and longer neck. Shares pale undertail-coverts with Spotted Crake. Unlike larger Common Moorhen, undertail-coverts completely white lacking black central band. Like Crakes, usually secretive and has dangling legs in flight with fluttering wingbeats. Ad Crown and upperparts brown with black markings. Head-sides and underparts bluish-grey with black-and-white barring on rear flanks. Bill red with dark culmen, legs dull red. Juv Differs from ad by pale greyish-brown to dirty white underparts with dark mottling or barring on flanks and breast-sides. Also shows dark mask. Bill duller than in ad and initially shorter. Voice Rich repertoire of calls. Typical call is an explosive series of pig-like squeals. Displaying call is a sharp and high-pitched gip gip gip. Habitat Most types of dense riparian and aquatic vegetation at still or slow-moving water; mainly lowlands and foothills. Common.

Little Crake Porzana parva

20 cm

Monotypic. Slightly smaller than Spotted Crake; always separated by barred undertail-coverts, lack of white spotting overall and longer primary-projection. Very similar to Baillon’s Crake; see that species for differences. Ad male Head-sides and underparts bluish-grey with black-andwhite barring on rear flanks and undertail-coverts. Crown and upperparts brown with black streaking and only sparse or no white markings. Bill greenish with red base. Ad female Differs from ad male by buffish-white underparts and brown ear-coverts with pale bluish-grey headsides. Juv Similar to ad female, but head sides whitish, flanks more extensively barred and upperparts with more extensive white markings. Usually lacks red at bill-base. Voice Males give a frog-like qwoak qwoak-qwoak-\qwoak’\qwoak\qwoak. Female gives a pit-per’r’r’r, more musical than female Water Rail. Habitat Dense emergent vegetation of wetlands usually with extensive reedbeds; mainly lowlands but may occur up to 2000 m. Uncommon.

Baillon’s Crake Porzana pusilla

19 cm

P. p. pusilla. Similar to Little Crake, but always separated by much shorter primary-projection (but beware of birds with missing tertials). Moreover, is more compact with a shorter tail and always lacks red at bill-base. Differs from bigger Spotted Crake by barred undertail-coverts, uniform greenish bill and lack of white spotting on head and underparts. Ad Underparts and head-sides bluish-grey with black-and-white barring on flanks and undertail-coverts. Flank barring is more extensive than in Little. Upperparts differ from Little by extensive white streaking and blotching. Juv Similar to juv Little, but overall darker with more extensive barring on underparts and more white markings and blotching on upperparts. Voice Song is dry rattling trrrrr repeated about every two seconds. Habitat Dense vegetation of wetlands, such as flooded sedges and grasses. Common.

Spotted Crake Porzana porzana

23 cm

Monotypic. Smaller than Water Rail and more compact with a short, straight bill and greenish legs. Slightly bigger than Little and Baillon’s Crakes and always separated by buff undertailcoverts and white spotting and streaking overall. Further differs by white leading edge to wings in flight. Ad Head-sides and throat greyish with browner ear-coverts. Crown and upperparts brown with black markings and white spotting and streaking. Underparts greyish-brown with white spotting and dark and white barring on flanks. Bill yellowish with orange-red base. Juv Differs from ad by whitish throat and greyish-brown head-sides as well as duller bill. Voice Song is a far-reaching /huitt. Habitat Dense emergent vegetation of wetlands; mainly lowlands and foothills. Common.

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adult

Water Rail Corncrake

adult

Little Crake

juvenile



Baillon’s Crake  adult

juvenile juvenile

adult

juvenile

001 BoCA.indd 101

Spotted Crake

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PLATE 35: GALLINULES and JACANA Common Coot Fulica atra

42cm

F. a. atra. Superficially similar to Common Moorhen, but always differs by stout white or grey bill, lacks white on flanks and undertail-coverts and has long, lobed toes. Ad Plumage dark slaty-grey with blacker head contrasting with white frontal shield and bill. In flight, shows paler grey remiges and white tips to secondaries. Legs greenish-yellow, iris red. Juv Blackish-brown with greyishwhite head-sides, throat and central underparts. Bare parts and iris dark grey; frontal shield smaller than in ad. 1st-win Differs from ad by variable amount of white mottling on throat, foreneck and underparts and olive-brown tinge to upperparts. Iris darker red-brown. Voice Large repertoire of short and explosive calls. Typical calls include a loud kewk and an explosive piks. Habitat Common on still or slow-moving waters; up to 4000 m.

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus

42cm

G. c. chloropus. Characteristic white on sides of undertail-coverts and white line along flanks. Toes are not lobed. Nods head while swimming like Common Coot, but unlike the latter walks and swims with obviously raised tail. Ad Slaty grey with olive-brown upperparts. Frontal shield and bill-base red with a yellow tip. Legs greenish-yellow. Iris red. Juv Head and upperparts brownish, underparts paler grey-brown with whitish throat and belly. Bare parts olive-grey, frontal shield smaller than in ad. Iris grey to red-brown. Voice Rich repertoire of explosive calls. Typical calls include a low and gargling krruk or a sharp ki-eek. Habitat Common in a wide range of natural and man-made wetlands, up to about 1900 m.

Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio

47cm

Two races in region: P. p. seistanicus, P. p. caspius (Kaz, Tkm). Unmistakable. Appears large and heavy with massive red bill and frontal shield and powerful red legs with long toes. Only occasionally swims. Ad Bluish-purple with turquoise breast and wings and paler more greyish head. Undertail-coverts contrastingly white. Juv Duller than ad with more greyish head and underparts. Bare parts more greyish-red. Voice Rich repertoire of powerful calls. Typically utters a long series of nasal rattles. Habitat Usually large marshes; mainly lowlands. Scarce and localised.

Pheasant-tailed Jacana Hydrophasianus chirurgus

31cm without elongated rectrices

Monotypic (Afg?, V). Rail-like wader with very long feet. In flight, mostly white wings with black wing-tip and trailing edge. Ad Br Elongated rectrices diagnostic. Whole body deep brown with metallic gloss above contrasting with white wing-coverts. Head and foreneck white, hindneck yellow bordered by thin black line. Ad Non-br Tail shorter than ad br and underparts mostly white. Has brown breast-band and yellowish supercilium running down neck in parallel to brown stripe. Wing-coverts brownish-white or with brown markings. Juv Similar to ad non-br, but cap rufous, and breast-band mottled. Upperparts with buff feather fringes. Voice Song peculiar, far-carrying tyooo, tone recalling cuckoo-clock. Habitat Wetlands with floating aquatic vegetation.

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Common Coot juvenile adult

Common Moorhen

adult

juvenile

Purple Swamphen

adult

juvenile

non-breeding juvenile/ 1st-winter

Pheasant-tailed Jacana

non-breeding

breeding

001 BoCA.indd 103

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PLATE 36: MISCELLANEOUS WADERS Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus

35 cm

H. h. himantopus. Unmistakable. In flight, all-dark wings contrast with white wedge on back and white tail; pink-red legs protrude very far beyond tail. Ad Br male Upperparts glossy black. May show pink hue to breast. Ad Br female Scapulars and mantle brownish-black, contrasting with glossy black wings. On average less black on head than ad br male, but very variable. Ad Nonbr Similar to ad br, but may show more extensive grey on head. Juv Dark brown upperparts with buff-brown feather fringes. Has white trailing edge to wing unlike ad. Head and hindneck never unmarked white. 1st-win Similar to juv, but shows uniform blackish-brown mantle and scapulars. 1st-sum Remiges still juv; with white trailing edge; heavily worn. Moult of remiges starts June at earliest. Voice Vocal. Call repeated, tinny kek or kyek; and similar. Habitat Common in shallow wetlands, such as marshes, swamps, riverbeds and edges of lakes; from lowlands to mountains up to about 2000 m.

Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta

46 cm

Monotypic. Long, grey-blue legs and strongly upcurved black bill diagnostic. Plumage white with black longitudinal bands. In very distant flight may recall male Goosander due to similar distribution of black and white. However, flight less direct; with rather relaxed, deep wingbeats. Ad male Hindneck, crown, forehead and lores usually solid black. May show white around base of bill. Bill longer, but less upcurved than in female. Ad female Hindneck to forehead often brownish-black. Often shows white spotting near base of bill and partial white eye-ring. Juv Has brownish markings on edges of mantle, scapulars and especially on tertials. 1st-win Often some brownish markings retained from juv plumage. 1st-sum Primaries worn and brown rather than black as in similar ad. Voice Vocal. Series of /klyyt, piping and more melodious than Black-winged Stilt. Habitat Uncommon in wetlands, including lakes, pools and estuaries; from lowlands up to 3000 m.

Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus

42 cm

Two races in region: H. o. buturlini, H. o. longipes. Unmistakable due to thick orange-red bill, rather short pinkish legs and black-and-white plumage. Flight direct with fast wing-beats. Has broad white wing-stripe, white rump extending onto back in wedge-shape and white tail with black terminal band. Ad Br Head to upper breast black. Ad Non-br Has white horizontal throat-stripe. Bill-tip usually duller than in ad br. Juv Browner above than ad, with pinkish-grey legs. Bill has extensive dark tip. Lacks horizontal white throat-stripe. 1st-win/1st-sum Usually shows white throat-stripe. Dark bill-tip more extensive than in ad. Wings bleached and abraded in 1st-sum. Voice Highpitched, shrill kleep or ka’/eep; and variations thereof. Often uttered in long series. Short piping-call has same quality and is given in fast series accelerating to trill. Habitat Lakes, estuaries and large rivers; from lowlands to mountains. Rare.

Ibisbill Ibidorhyncha struthersii

42 cm

Monotypic. Unmistakable. Greyish head-sides and neck; delimited by white lines from black crown, face and breast-band. Long, strongly decurved, red bill. Can be difficult to detect among pebbles. Often forages in belly-deep, fast-flowing water. In flight, with short pale wing-stripe; tail with narrow black barring and black subterminal band (except central rectrices). Ad Br Legs bright red. Throat and breast-band less solid black in female Ad Non-br White feathers near base of bill. Legs more purplish-grey. Juv Upperparts with pale feather fringes. Has paler face and dark greyish-brown crown and breast-band lacking white border above. Bill shorter and darker than in ad. Legs duller, initially greenish. Voice High-pitched, staccato /pchee\-tu-tu(-tu...). Habitat Shingle-bed mountain rivers with little vegetation; from foothills up to about 4000 m. Rare.

Eurasian Stone-curlew Burhinus oedicnemus

41 cm

B. o. harterti. Large, with big round head. Camouflaged by pale brownish, streaked plumage. Nocturnal, rests during daytime, often lying on ground. Long yellow legs unique. Black-andyellow eye and bill are sometimes most visible features on crouching bird. Large eye further emphasised by whitish supercilium and crescent below eye. Undertail-coverts cinnamonbuff. Long tail projects well beyond wing-tips. In flight from above, remiges black with white patches on bases and tips of inner primaries and subterminally on outer primaries. Underwing white with blackish trailing edge and dark crescent on tips of primary-coverts. Ad White bar on coverts outlined by blackishbrown bars above and below, especially distinct on male. Juv Differs from ad by indistinct wing-bars and reduced supercilium. Voice Often heard in spring nights. Series of fast piping koo’ky’/klyp koo’ky’/klyp..., recalling Oystercatcher and rising, Curlew-like ke e\rr/LEE. Habitat Uncommon in steppe, semi-arid and arid grassland with bare stony patches; mainly lowlands.

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Black-winged Stilt  



feeding

adult

Pied Avocet breeding

Eurasian Oystercatcher

breeding adult

Ibisbill

001 BoCA.indd 105

Eurasian Stone-curlew

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PLATE 37: Lapwings Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

31 cm

Monotypic. Unmistakable. Characteristic flight rather slow with deep beats on broad round wings. Wings black except for white spots near tips of outer primaries and white underwingcoverts. Ad Br male Chin to upper breast solidly black. Long crest. In flight, hand broader than in female. Ad Br female Has white blotches on chin and throat and shorter crest and less bulging trailing edge to hand than ad br male. Ad Non-br Chin and throat white, connected with white cheek patches. Upperpart feathers with rufous-buff terminal bars. Juv Has shorter crest than ad non-br and buff markings on feather fringes on upperparts not restricted to tip. Voice Vocal during breeding season; plaintive nasal \kewo-/WIT. During display-flight, additional hoarse and staccato elements. Habitat Common breeder in a variety of open habitats with short vegetation, including wetlands and wet meadows. Outside breeding season also on grasslands and arable fields.

Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus

33 cm

V. i. aigneri. Long yellow legs in combination with red bill with black tip and red ‘wattle’ in front of eye diagnostic. In flight, black remiges contrast with white diagonal band and sandybrown upperwing-coverts. Underwing with contrast between white underwing-coverts and black remiges. Tail-pattern distinct: white end-band with black subterminal band of equal width. In contrast, Northern and Sociable Lapwings have white tail-sides and more triangular black subterminal band. Ad Br White head- and neck-sides contrast with black cap, hindneck, face, throat and breast. Upperparts sandy-brown with greenish gloss. Ad Non-br Crown tinged browner, white markings on throat. Juv Dark head and breast markings more greyish-brown, while chin and throat mainly white; upperparts without greenish gloss, but with paler feather fringes. Legs, bill and wattle duller. Voice Vocal, including at night. High-pitched rhythmical chatter kaeh/’ kri’kri\-kooe/ wit. Habitat Open areas near water, including rivers, mudbanks, wet grassland and pools. Probably common.

Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius

30 cm

Monotypic. Rather elegant with medium-long blackish legs. Bold pale supercilia meet in shallow V on hind-crown (cf. Dotterel). Flight-pattern characteristic: broad white triangular trailing edge on arm contrasts with black hand and brown-grey rest of upperwing-coverts, while underwing mostly white contrasting with black primaries. Tail with triangular black subterminal band. Ad Br Black and deep chestnut belly-patch, conspicuous black-and-white head-pattern. Head-sides variably orange-buff. Ad Non-br Unlike ad br, belly white, head-pattern less contrasting and upperparts browner and with paler feather fringes in fresh plumage. Breast mottled. Juv Similar to ad non-br, but more heavily streaked on breast, neck and head. Upperparts with more distinct pale feather fringes and brown subterminal bars. Voice Harsh rasping kretch, sometimes tripled. On breeding grounds also in long irregular series. Habitat Short-grass (often overgrazed) steppe, preferentially in the transition zone of Stipa and Artemisia. Rare. Population apparently much reduced and considered to be Critically Endangered.

White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus

28 cm

Monotypic. More slender than Sociable Plover with extremely long, yellow legs. Head rather uniform. Wing-pattern recalls Sociable, but outer secondaries with black tips and primarycoverts partially white. White tail distinctive. Ad Upperparts, head and breast mainly sandygrey, purer grey on lower breast. Juv Upperpart-feathers with blackish subterminal patch and light buff fringe. Crown mottled dark brown or blackish. Voice Variety of calls, most of which are not unlike Northern Lapwing, but quieter and less strident. Habitat Vicinity of shallow water in semi-deserts and deserts. Uncommon.

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

breeding

Northern Lapwing 

breeding

non-breeding



breeding

Red-wattled Lapwing

adult

juvenile non-breeding

Sociable Lapwing

breeding juvenile

adult

White-tailed Lapwing juvenile

002 BoCA.indd 107

adult

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PLATE 38: LARGER Plovers Dotterel Charadrius morinellus

22 cm

Monotypic. Bold, white to buff supercilia meeting on nape in V-shape, shared only with Sociable Lapwing. Told from latter by smaller size and shorter, yellow legs. Narrow pale breast-band also characteristic, as is wing-pattern in flight: no wing-stripe but white shaft on outermost primary. Greyish underwing. Ad Br male Duller than ad br female. Ad Br female Pure grey upper breast, separated by white breast-band from rich rufous-brown lower breast and flanks, which turn darker towards black centre of belly. Ad Non-br Belly and centre of lower breast white. Rest of breast greyish, with typical white breast-band. Upperparts grey with cinnamon feather fringes. Juv Breast buffer than in ad non-br, with stronger streaking. Upperparts with blackish feather centres and rich buff edges. 1st-win Similar to ad non-br. Voice Female sings with rapid rythmic pwit pwit…. Call soft pyurr. Habitat Rare breeder on alpine meadows at 2000–2500 m, where male rears the young (sex role reversal). Outside breeding season, scarce migrant on open habitats with low vegetation, including grasslands and steppes.

Eurasian Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria

27 cm

P. a. altifrons. Rather stocky and very similar to Pacific Golden Plover. Has long primaryprojection beyond tertials, but wing-tips barely extend beyond tail-tip. Smaller and more slender than Grey Plover; has finer bill and upperparts with rich golden markings in all plumages, appearing brownish from distance. Beware juv Grey, with buffish-white markings on upperparts, but difference in colour still obvious. In flight, diffuse white wing-stripe (bold and broad in Grey) and rump/uppertail-coverts concolourous with rest of upperparts, while Grey has white uppertail-coverts. White underwing-coverts and axillaries diagnostic (both grey in Pacific and axillaries black in Grey). Ad Br male Often extensively black from face to belly. White stripe on flanks, while flanks black in ad br Grey. Markings from upperparts extend further onto breast-sides than in Pacific and Grey. In front view, black and white bands on breast narrower, especially in comparison with Grey. Ad Br female Underparts browner with more white bars on average. Face and throat sometimes brown-grey without obvious black. Single birds often not sexable. Ad Non-br Once moult completed, no black on underparts. Breast and flanks spotted grey-brown and golden-yellowish. Juv Very similar to ad non-br, but shows diffuse brownish bars on flanks and less pure white belly. 1st-sum Some show blotchy black underparts, others similar to ad non-br. Voice Call a plaintive fluting puu, sometimes slightly down-slurred at end. Longer and more mellow than Pacific. Habitat Grasslands and open agricultural land. Rare.

Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva

24 cm

Monotypic (PM). Smaller and more slender than Eurasian, with considerably longer legs and relatively longer neck and bill. Has shorter primary-projection beyond tertials, but distinct wing-projection beyond tail-tip. Tips of tertials fall about level with tip of tail, whereas tertials fall short of tail in Eurasian. In flight diagnostic rather uniform underwing, including grey underwing-coverts and axillaries (white in Eurasian), and unlike Eurasian, toes project beyond tail. Wing-stripe narrower than in Eurasian. Ad Br Underparts show more black than in Eurasian with flanks barred black, vent and undertail-coverts blotched black to varying degree, both sometimes solidly black in males. Upperparts with larger golden and white spots than Eurasian. Often shows contrast between white spots on coverts and more golden spots on scapulars and mantle, lacking in Eurasian. Moreover, has more white on forehead, supercilium and especially on breast-sides than Eurasian. Ad Non-br/Juv Very similar to corresponding plumages of Eurasian. Differs by more contrasting face-pattern with pale area next to base of bill, stronger supercilium which may contrast with black ear-spot or down-curved blackish eye-stripe behind eye. Moreover, has larger spots on upperparts that may show contrast between whitish and golden spots as in ad br (but weaker). Diagnosis should mainly rely on structure or flight views. Voice Recalls Spotted Redshank, sharp chew’/wit. Also more drawn-out chew-/EEE. Habitat Scarce migrant on mudflats, grasslands and agricultural land with short vegetation.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

29 cm

P. s. squatarola. Larger than Eurasian and Pacific Golden Plovers with heavier bill. In flight, contrasting black axillaries diagnostic. Further differs from Eurasian and Pacific Golden by white uppertail-coverts and stronger wing-stripe. See Eurasian Golden for more differences. Ad Br Black from face to belly and flanks, bordered by white line from forehead to breast-sides, where it bulges strongly; vent white. Upperparts black with broad white or greyish-white markings; from distance looks silvery-grey. Ad Non-br Once moult completed, no black on underparts. Underparts white with brownish-grey markings on breast and flanks. Upperparts less neatly and contrastingly patterned than in ad br. Juv Similar to ad non-br, but pale markings on upperparts neatly delimited and whitish-buff. Breast and flanks with buffish-brown ground-colour. Voice A rather thin whistle tle\eoo-/ee and variations thereof. Habitat Mudflats, lakes and pools, more rarely on grasslands. Uncommon.

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juvenile

Dotterel



breeding

juvenile/ 1st-winter

non-breeding

Eurasian Golden Plover

non-breeding

juvenile



breeding

Pacific Golden Plover non-breeding

non-breeding



breeding juvenile

Grey Plover

non-breeding



breeding

juvenile non-breeding

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PLATE 39: smaller Plovers Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus

19 cm

C. m. pamirensis. Smaller than very similar Greater Sand Plover, see that species for differences. Larger than Kentish Plover. Differs from latter by lack of white collar across nape, heavier bill with more obvious nail, slightly darker upperparts (beware of bleached birds) and broader, usually more diffusely delimited breast patches. Common and Little Ringed Plovers are also smaller, have a white collar and usually a complete breast-band. Ad Br male April–October (cf. Greater). Black mask extends as broad band across forehead, where often with tiny pale (occasionally white) patches. The deep rufous to bright chestnut breast-band extends on upper flanks. Ad Br female Usually with white or rufous-tinged forehead and brown mask. Breast-band paler than in male and not extending on upper flanks. Some, however, with blackish mask and very similar to male. Ad Non-br Usually acquired only after arriving in winter quarters. Lacks black or rufous. Plumage similar to non-breeding Kentish, but see above. Juv As ad non-br, but upperparts with sandy-buff fringes (until about October). 1st-sum Shows less complete breeding plumage than ad. Voice Song is long sequence of dryyidnotes, often in flight. Call variable hard krit-krit, very similar to Greater. Habitat Uncommon on barren plains and sparsely vegetated mountain steppes, often in vicinity of water; high mountains up to about 4500 m in Pamir. [Alt: Mongolian Plover]

Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii

22 cm

Two races in region: C. l. crassirostris. Larger than Lesser Sand Plover, with longer, more pointed bill, a slightly squarer head, longer legs, longer rear end and often more horizontal stance. Lesser tends to have round head, somewhat pear-shaped body with the legs attached relatively far back and shorter, thicker nail which makes the bill appear blunter. The nail is longer than the distance from beginning of nail to base of bill, where the culmen meets feathering of forehead; in Lesser, the nail is shorter. Bill length usually exceeds distance from base of bill to rear border of eye; in Lesser, bill length at most equal to this distance. On average, legs paler than in Lesser, but variable. In flight, wing-stripe characteristically widens on inner primaries and rear border of wing-stripe is bulging there. In Lesser, wing-stripe more equal in width on primaries with rather straight rear border. The subterminal tail-band is better defined and contrasts more with whitish tail and white terminal tail-band (unless abraded) than in Lesser. Toes project further beyond tail on average than in Lesser. Ad Br male February-mid August (cf. Lesser). Similar to ad br male Lesser, but often shows extensive white on forehead, which is never found in ad br Lesser (but beware of moulting birds). Sometimes shows narrow rufous fringes on upperparts (missing in Lesser). Ad Br female/Ad Non-br/Juv Similar to corresponding plumages of Lesser, and best identified by structural features and differences in flight. C. l. leschenaultii (SE Kaz?, E Kgz?). Bill on average slightly shorter than in crassirostris, with more obvious gonys angle and nail. Ad Br male Breast-band narrower, deeper rufous and clearly demarcated from whitish flanks and belly. Voice In song-flight gives repeated melodious pripruirr. Calls variable. Dry rolling krypp-krypp-krypp and krryk, recalling Ruddy Turnstone and Lesser Sand Plover. Habitat Rather common breeder in open uncultivated areas of semi-deserts and deserts; usually lower than Lesser.

Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus

20 cm

Monotypic. More slender than Lesser and Greater Sand Plovers with longer legs than former and characteristic elongated rear end due to long wings projecting beyond tail. Unlike sand plovers, shows fine pointed bill. Has extensive whitish area from forehead to supercilium and across loral area (but small dark spot in front of eye) to chin and throat. Unlike sand plovers, appears dark-capped in all plumages and supercilium is also wide behind eye. In flight, toes project beyond tail; wing-stripe is limited to inner primaries and only narrow on arm. Narrow white sides to rump, but not to brownish tail (cf. sand plovers). Ad Br male Unmistakable due to bright chestnut breastband, bordered black below. Ad Br female Broad, complete, brown-grey breast-band may show limited amount of chestnut. Ad Non-br Compared with ad non-br sand plovers, breast-band broader and complete (but sometimes diffuse). White areas on head of ad br variably washed buff. Juv Similar to ad non-br, but upperparts with contrasting buff feather fringes. Somewhat paler feather fringes also on crown and breast-band. Voice Song consists of repeated ringing trisyllabic notes. Call a hard short kytt, sometimes doubled. Habitat Common breeder in lowland deserts and steppes, usually on saline soil near water. After breeding, steppes and fields with sparse vegetation, sometimes far from water.

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

breeding juvenile

Lesser Sand Plover non-breeding

crassirostris leschenaultii



breeding



breeding

Greater Sand Plover

juvenile

non-breeding



Caspian Plover

breeding



breeding

juvenile juvenile

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PLATE 40: Small Plovers and Snipes Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus

17 cm

C. a. alexandrinus. Structure similar to Common Ringed Plover, but legs longer and bill thinner. Legs grey to black, while Common and Little Ringed Plovers have legs pinkish, yellowish or orange. Unlike Little and Common, breast-band incomplete, usually restricted to patches on breast-sides, but be aware that breast-band is often narrowly interrupted in juv Common and Little. Moreover has paler upperparts. In flight, has broad white wing-stripe unlike Little. See Lesser Sand Plover for differences from sand plovers. Ad Br male Black band across forecrown and variably rufous rest of crown. White supercilium connected with forehead (separated in Common and Little). Ad Br female/Ad Non-br Black areas of ad br male brown, concolorous with upperparts. May show limited rufous on head. Juv Like ad non-br, but in fresh plumage with faintly scalloped upperparts and buffer supercilium. Voice A buzzy rattling chekecheke…. Range of other hoarse and rolling notes. Flight-call short pipp, may recall Little Stint. Habitat Common on open flats near saline lakes, lagoons, seasonal watercourses, usually on sand; mainly lowlands and foothills.

Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

19 cm

C. h. tundrae. Larger and bulkier than Little Ringed Plover, with thicker bill and shorter rear end. Breast-band broader than in corresponding plumage of Little. Eye-ring indistinct, contrary to Little. In flight, broad white wing-stripe (cf. Little). Ad Br Legs and base of bill orange. Brown crown reaches black band on forecrown and is not separated by white line as in Little. Females sometimes with brown feathers in black areas. Ad Non-br Bill duskier than in ad br; head-pattern and breast-band blackish-brown instead of black. Separated from Little by same criteria as juv. Juv Bill all-dark. Leg colour variable. Breast-band often interrupted in centre. Upperparts scalloped due to pale feather fringes in fresh plumage. Apart from structure and wing-stripe, best criteria for separation from Little are: more clearly demarcated whitish forehead, white supercilium above and behind eye much more contrasting, while supercilium and forehead tinged buff in ad non-br/juv Little. Lores and ear-coverts form dark mask; brown area on ear-coverts rounded at bottom, not pointed as in Little. Voice Distinctly disyllabic, soft too-/ipp. Habitat Rather common in wetlands, mudflats and estuaries.

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius

17 cm

C. d. curonicus. Similar to Common Ringed and Kentish Plovers, see those species for differences. Fine bill, long rear end and narrow pale eye-ring characteristic. In flight with only indistinct wing-bar. Ad Br male Conspicuous black-and-white head-pattern, black breast-band and yellow eye-ring. Legs greyish-pink. Ad Br female Ear-coverts partly brown instead of black as in male. Ad Non-br Head-pattern and breast-band dark brown instead of black. Supercilium and forehead buffish. Juv Upperparts scalloped due to pale feather fringes in fresh plumage. Breast-band browner and paler than in ad non-br, indistinct supercilium deeper buffish-brown. Legs variable, orange-yellow to dull pinkish. Voice Display call is a repeated (tk-tk) /kree\oh…. Other rolling and melancholy calls in breeding area. Call down-slurred, monosyllabic \pew. Habitat Bare or sparsely vegetated flats of sand, shingle or silt, often in vicinity of water; from lowlands to above 3000 m. Common.

Swinhoe’s Snipe Gallinago megala

28 cm

Monotypic. Very similar to Common and Pin-tailed Snipes. Separated from Common by same plumage-features as Pin-tailed (see that species). However, like Common may have a longer tail-projection than Pin-tailed and usually lacks toe projection in flight. Due to individual variation, usually impossible to separate from Pin-tailed in the field. In excellent views of preening birds, outer rectrices broader than in Pin-tailed, but outermost pair of rectrices much narrower than in Common. Ad Coverts with pale spots near tip, tertials barred. Juv Coverts with pale, tertials with whitish fringes. Voice In display, vibrating drumming ending in series of dry rasping sounds (not as high-pitched or metallic as in Pin-tailed). Also slow, rhythmical dry rasping. When flushed, similar call as Common, but often higher-pitched. Habitat Grassy areas near marshes and streams at margins of open woodlands. Localised but possibly fairly common.

Great Snipe Gallinago media

28 cm

Monotypic. Slightly larger than Common Snipe, heavier and slightly shorter-billed. Shows distinct white bars on wing-coverts and barring on underparts extends onto centre of belly. Similar to Solitary Snipe in size and build (see that species). Usually flushes later than Common, with audible sound of wings and does not zigzag or tower. In flight, with two white wing-bars bordering blackish panel on greater coverts; trailing edge narrower than in Common and underwing uniformly barred. Tail-corners extensively white (seen when landing). Ad Inner wing-coverts with broad white tips. Tail-corners unmarked white. Juv Narrow white tips to coverts. White corners of tail with brownish markings. Voice Usually silent. May give silent etch-etch-etch when flushed. Habitat Flooded grassland, swamps and marshes. Rare.

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non-breeding

Kentish Plover



breeding

juvenile



breeding



non-breeding

Common Ringed Plover

non-breeding

juvenile breeding

Little Ringed Plover 

breeding

juvenile

non-breeding

Swinhoe’s Snipe

adult adult

Great Snipe

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PLATE 41: SnipeS AND WOODCOCK Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago

26 cm

G. g. gallinago. Bulky and medium-sized with very long, straight bill (at least twice the head-length). For differentiation from very similar Great, Pin-tailed, Swinhoe’s and Solitary Snipes, see those species. Has typical longitudinal bright buff lines on upperparts. Black-brown crown with narrow buff median crown-stripe (cf. Jack Snipe). Often calls when flushed and towers steeply up in zigzag-flight. In flight, distinct white trailing edge to wing, diffuse wing-bar and faint pale panel on arm. Underwing with two whitish bars, a pattern only shared with Jack Snipe. White on outer tail limited (cf. Great). Ad and Juv similar. Pale fringes on coverts interrupted at feather-tip only by very thin shaft-streaks in juv, while ad has broad shaft-streak. Voice Display flight with steep dives, during which external rectrices produce vibrating, bleating sound (‘drumming’). Also variable rhythmical /tik-\a-/tik-\a-/tik... or /chwe\a-/chwe\a…. When flushed, gives explosive kraetch or jeht, sometimes repeated. Habitat Common in various open wetlands with tussocks of vegetation; from lowlands to mountains.

Pin-tailed Snipe Gallinago stenura

26 cm

Monotypic. Similar to Common and extremely similar to Swinhoe’s Snipe, see that species. Bill slightly shorter and deeper-based than in Common. Has shorter tail-projection and often shorter primary-projection. Buff supercilium broad in front of eye. Unlike Common, it is broader than dark loral stripe at bill-base. Moreover, whitish or pale edges to scapulars are narrower (in Common, outer web with broad whitish, inner web with buff fringe). In flight, differs in uniformly barred underwing, narrower and more greyish trailing edge to wing, browner primaries, clearer white tips to greater primary-coverts and more prominent pale panel on median coverts. In excellent views, preening bird shows pin-shaped outer 6–9 pairs of rectrices. Ad Has broader pale fringes on upperparts than juv. Juv Shows pale fringes on upperwing-coverts rather than pale spots near tip only. Voice In display, hoarse /chek-\a/chek-\a/ chek…. ‘Drumming’ is an accelerating series of buzzing notes ending in complex metallic squeaky sound. Calls etch when flushed, less harsh than Common. Habitat Often slightly drier habitats than Common; from foothills to mountains. Scarce.

Solitary Snipe Gallinago solitaria

30 cm

G. s. solitaria. Larger and heavier than Common Snipe, slightly larger than Great and Swinhoe’s Snipes. Coloration diagnostic: colder above with white rather than buff lines, whitish head-sides and usually gingery-brown wash or mottling on breast. Barring on flanks extensive, leaving smaller white belly than in other Snipes except Great. Head-pattern differs from other Snipes by less distinct and sometimes broken pale median crown-stripe, more diffuse dark lateral crown-stripes, prominent dark lores and sometimes streaked and less clear-cut supercilium. Dark markings on head-sides sometimes distinctly chestnut. Unlike other Snipes, uppertail coverts and rump usually more uniform and tail bright chestnut. Flight slower and heavier; underwing uniformly barred; toes do not protrude beyond tail. Upperwing with pale panel and narrow white trailing edge. Voice In display, gives low-pitched chock-a-chock-a-… and a far-carrying, nasal ge-ke-KA\ar. ‘Drumming’ produced by outer rectrices possibly shriller than in Common. When flushed, occasionally gives similar call to Common, sometimes weaker, sometimes coarser. Habitat Rare breeder in grassy swamps and mountain bogs usually near tree-line. Outside breeding season, rather scarce at non-freezing streams, also at lower altitudes.

Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus

21 cm

Monotypic. Much smaller than Common Snipe, with shorter and relatively thicker-based bill and larger head. Lacks pale crown-stripe; broad pale supercilium is divided in two parts by narrow dark line. Upperparts with diagnostic metallic gloss to dark parts and with strong yellowish lines. While feeding, bobs body up and down. Usually, flushes only on very close approach, flies off flat above ground and lands near-by. However, may also rise steeply and fly far off, especially when flushed more than once. In flight, small size, large head, short bill and rounder wings differentiate it from other Snipes. Has two whitish bars across underwing like Common, but unlike other snipes. Voice Silent in region. Habitat Marshes with mosaic of moist and waterlogged mudflats with tussocks of vegetation. Scarce.

Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola

36 cm

Monotypic. Large and bulky, with characteristically slow wing-beats and blunt wings. Diagnostic broad blackish transverse bars on rear crown and chestnut markings on upperparts and on breastsides. Unlike other waders, usually seen in woodland. In flight, black tail-bar contrasting with rufous uppertail-coverts and rump characteristic. In roding flight at dusk and dawn along forest edges and clearings, stiff wings are beaten jerkily below the horizontal. Voice During roding, gives repeated low-pitched quorr-notes, followed by explosive high-pitched pietch. At take-off, has noisy wing-beats. Habitat Moist forests with undergrowth of shrubs; mainly foothills and mountains, up to 2000 m. Uncommon.

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Common Snipe Pin-tailed Snipe

adult adult

adult

Solitary Snipe

adult

adult

Jack Snipe adult

adult

Eurasian Woodcock

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PLATE 42: Dowitchers and Godwits Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus

29 cm

Monotypic (V). Much smaller than similar Asian Dowitcher, appears shorter-legged and differs by greenish instead of blackish legs and extensive pale bill-base. Further told in flight by white oval on back (not unlike Spotted Redshank, back barred in Asian), more strongly barred underwing and white trailing edge to wing. Shares distinct pale supercilium and dark loral stripe with Asian. Ad Br Characteristically reddish-cinnamon below with dense dark barring and spotting. Upperpart-feathers blackish with rufous markings and white tips. Ad Non-br Greyish overall with darker centres to upperpart-feathers and whitish belly to undertail-coverts and dark barring on flanks and undertail-coverts. Juv Differs from ad non-br in buffish wash to underparts and darker upperpart-feathers with rufous to whitish fringes. Voice Call is high-pitched, short keek. Either singly, recalling Eurasian Oystercatcher, or repeated a few times, recalling Wood Sandpiper. Habitat Wetlands.

Asian Dowitcher Limnodromus semipalmatus

34 cm

Monotypic. Similar to larger Bar-tailed Godwit. Feeding behaviour like snipes, but usually in the open. Relatively deep bill-base and flat forehead give characteristic angular head-profile. Unlike Bar-tailed, bill straight and deep along whole length. Lacks prominent pale bill-base of juv and ad non-br Bar-tailed. Pale supercilium and dark loral stripe distinct in all plumages. Upperparts with pale feather edges giving striped impression – most contrasting in ad br and juv, while Bartailed has irregular or notched pale fringes except ad non-br. Unlike Bar-tailed in all plumages except ad br female, flanks with at least some barring. In flight, rump and back barred, not as pure white as in Bar-tailed (beware of extralimital subspecies baueri of Bar-tailed with barred rump and back). See also Long-billed Dowitcher for differences. Ad Br Underparts can be completely chestnut, but usually show increasing amount of white from upper belly to vent. Pale edges to upperpart-feathers often rufous, fading and tapering to form narrow whitish fringe around tip. Bill all-black. Ad Non-br Upperparts with broader dark shaft-streaks and whiter pale edges than ad non-br Bar-tailed. Underparts whitish, barring on flanks and sides of vent most obvious in this plumage; stronger than in any plumage of Bar-tailed. Juv Pale fringes on upperparts golden-buff and interrupted at feather tips. Warm buff hue to finely streaked or spotted neck and breast. Voice Call a yelping chep-chep or variations. Habitat Flooded meadows and grassy bogs with short vegetation. Very rare.

Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa

40 cm

Two races in region: L. l. limosa. Long-necked, very long-billed and long-legged. Usually unmistakable, but can be similar to Bar-tailed Godwit; see that species for differences. Bill straight, at most very slightly upcurved. In flight unmistakable: broad white wing-stripe, square white rump-patch, dark grey back, broad black tail-band and feet protruding far beyond tail. Ad Br Rufous from throat and hindneck down breast, more extensively and deeply in smaller male; blackish bars especially on flanks and lower breast. Ad Non-br Greyish overall with blotchy flanks forming transition to white belly. Whitish supercilium mainly in front of eye. Juv In fresh plumage, variable rufousbuff wash to breast and neck. Wing-coverts and tertials greyish with dark area near tip and narrow pale fringes. Mantle and scapulars darker with rather rufous fringes. L. l. melanuroides (summer vagrant N Kaz). Slightly smaller with relatively shorter and slimmer bill than limosa. Crown and eye-stripe darker, whitish supercilia often more prominent. White rump-patch and wing-stripe on average slightly narrower. Ad Br Slightly deeper and more extensively chestnut below than limosa. More densely barred below and barring often stronger on vent. Ad Non-br Upperparts slightly darker grey. Juv Weaker rufous-buff tinge to neck and breast than nominate. Voice Vocal on breeding grounds. Song (often in flight) nasal, wavering ke/veew/’whit \’ke-ke/veew/’whit…. Rather sharp wi\ cka/’wi\cka…. Drawn-out daeae’/it, recalling Northern Lapwing. Further calls often nasal and in quick, rhythmic series. Flight-call short, nasal kek(-kek...). Habitat Wet meadows, swamps and lake margins, mainly lowlands and foothills. Common.

Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica

37 cm

L. l. taymyrensis (PM). Slightly smaller and shorter-necked than Black-tailed Godwit. Legs and especially tibia characteristically shorter; bill slightly, but distinctly upcurved (usually straight in Black-tailed). In flight, white triangle from uppertail-coverts to back; may recall Whimbrel, best told by upcurved bill. See also Asian Dowitcher for differences. Ad Br male Underparts unbarred deep chestnut-red including belly and vent, unlike Black-tailed. Bill black. Ad Br female Underparts off-white usually with buff or cinnamon wash to breast and flanks. Often diffuse dark bars on flanks. Bill black with restricted paler base to lower mandible. Ad Non-br Upperparts slightly browner and with more distinct shaft-streaks compared to Black-tailed. Moreover, supercilium more prominent behind eye. Bill with extensive pinkish base, similar to Black-tailed. Juv Upperparts similar to Curlew rather than Black-tailed: feathers blackish-brown with contrasting pale fringes and notches. Voice Flight-call nasal /kwee-/kwee. Habitat Scarce migrant in wetlands and on short-grass meadows.

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Long-billed Dowitcher

breeding

breeding

Asian Dowitcher non-breeding juvenile

non-breeding

non-breeding

non-breeding

melanuroides

breeding

limosa

Black-tailed Godwit

breeding non-breeding juvenile



breeding

Bar-tailed Godwit

non-breeding

002 BoCA.indd 117

juvenile

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PLATE 43: Curlews Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus

43 cm

Two races in region: N. p. phaeopus (PM). Smaller, shorter-legged, shorter-billed and darker than Eurasian Curlew. Juv male Eurasian can have similarly short bill, but best identified by bill being strongly down-curved in distal half. Head-pattern characteristic: prominent dark lores, solidly dark lateral crown-stripe and contrasting pale supercilium and median crown-stripe. Some Eurasian and Slender-billed Curlews show dark crown or dark lateral crown-stripes, but more diffuse and streaked pale. In flight, somewhat darker upperparts contrast more strongly with white rump and back than in Eurasian. Underwing, especially greater underwing-coverts, more heavily marked than in Eurasian. In flight, may recall Bar-tailed Godwit, except for bill-shape. Juv Has neater pale edges on scapulars and notches on tertials than ad. N. p. alboaxillaris (NW Kaz?). Has whiter ground-colour above and below, almost unmarked white rump, axillaries and underwing-coverts. Voice Flight-call clear, laughing, even trill pypypypypypypypyp. Habitat Wetlands, pastures and grassland. Common, but subspecies alboaxillaris probably very rare.

Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenuirostris

39 cm

Monotypic (V). Similar in size to Whimbrel, but more slender. Bill rather short, less down-curved than in Whimbrel and, characteristically, very thin distally, both when viewed from side and from above. Younger male Eurasian Curlew may show only slightly longer bill and constitute biggest identification challenge, but their bill is not as thin-tipped. Compared to Eurasian, has darker crown and narrower, darker lores contrasting with pale supercilium. In flight, differs from Whimbrel of subspecies phaeopus by unmarked white underwing-coverts. Upperwing with stronger contrast than Eurasian: dark outer primaries, but paler inner primaries and secondaries. Has blacker and often fewer tail-bars contrasting more against purer white background. In Eurasian, tail-bars are dark brown against often pale brownish background; in Whimbrel background is usually rather dusky. Ad Flanks with at least some blackish heart-shaped, diamond-shaped or roundish spots. In Eurasian, flanks streaked, with chevrons or cross-shapes in some. Eurasian of subspecies arquata can show dark brown roundish spots, but usually shows cross-shapes or transverse bars on flanks and stronger buffish wash to breast. Juv Brown streaks instead of large spots on flanks; plumage very similar to Eurasian; exact shape of bill and size important. First ad-type spots on flanks appear during 1stwin. Voice Call like Eurasian’s but shorter, higher-pitched and sometimes softer. Alarm-call diagnostic, short kew-ee. Habitat Wetlands and grassland. Formerly regular migrant, now Critically Endangered and possibly extinct. No records anywhere in world since 2000.

Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata

58 cm

Three races in region whose distributions are unclear: N. a. orientalis, N. a. suschkini, N. a. arquata. Large, with long to very long, down-curved bill, which excludes all other waders except Whimbrel and Slender-billed and Far Eastern Curlews; see those species for differences. In flight with gull-like wing-beats and white rump extending in wedge-shape onto back. Underwingcoverts and axillaries whitish, with limited or no markings. Males on average are shorter-billed than females. Juv In autumn often with obviously shorter bill than ad of same sex. Young males can be surprisingly short-billed. Buffer on breast than ad, with finer streaking. Fringes and notches on scapulars and tertials more contrasting than in ad. Voice Song starts with low-pitched fluting or vibrating notes accelerating and rising in pitch into clear trills. Common call loud plaintive cour-/ly. Also a hooting low-pitched whaup. Habitat Wet grasslands and swamps in steppes; from lowland to foothills. Uncommon.

Far Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis

63 cm

Monotypic (V). Larger than Eurasian Curlew. In ad (especially female), down-curved bill even longer than in ad Eurasian, but bill shorter in juv. In flight, told from Eurasian by barred rump and tail and barred underwing and axillaries. Buffier overall than Eurasian with especially buffier-brown lower underparts. Juv Has more contrasting pale notching on upperparts and finer streaking on underparts than ad. Bill shorter than in ad. Voice Call similar to Eurasian, but less fluty coor-ee, second syllable apparently longer than in Eurasian. Habitat Wetlands.

Little Curlew Numenius minutus

31 cm

Monotypic (V). Has relatively short thin bill. Otherwise recalls Whimbrel, including blackish-brown lateral crown-stripes, but lores pale. Lower breast and belly largely unmarked white, unlike Whimbrel (beware juv Whimbrel with limited markings on flanks). Upperparts uniform in flight, lacking white rump and back of Whimbrel. Moreover, Little has largely uniform greybrown remiges, not distinctly barred as in Whimbrel. Juv Buffier than ad with more neatly delimited pale notches on scapulars and tertials. Voice Flight-call ty-ty-ty(...), higher-pitched than Whimbrel and often just trisyllabic. Habitat Short grassland, bare cultivated land, usually near water.

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adult

Whimbrel adult

phaeopus

alboaxillaris

adult

adult

adult

Slender-billed Curlew

adult

Eurasian Curlew

adult

adult

Far Eastern Curlew Little Curlew

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PLATE 44: Large Sandpipers Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus

31 cm

Monotypic. Due to red legs, can be confused with Common Redshank, and possibly with Ruff (see that species). Longer-billed, longer-necked and longer-legged than both. Bill black with red restricted to base of lower mandible, whereas in Common, base of upper mandible also red. In flight, lacks very broad white trailing edge to wings of Common and secondaries and inner primaries are only slightly paler than rest of wing. Has white oval on rump and back, unlike white pointed wedge of Common and several other Tringa sandpipers. Legs usually protrude far beyond tail, but may be bent and then hidden. Ad Br Mainly May-July. Predominantly sooty-black with narrow white eyering, white notches on feather fringes above and variable white or grey barring on vent. Females on average more barred. Legs blackish. On autumn migration, plumage blotchy, intermixed with ad non-br feathers. Ad Non-br Paler and purer grey above than Common; underparts with more limited markings on flanks and light grey breast-sides and foreneck (browner in Common). Supercilium more distinct than in Common, contrasting with well-defined dark loral stripe. Juv Upperparts rather dusky with off-white notches. Underparts densely barred dark brown. Overall darker than Common and lacking its white vent and belly and supercilium more distinct. Voice Call sharp, whistling \tew-/it. Habitat Variety of wetlands, including estuaries, wet fields, pools, rivers, marshes and mudflats. Scarce.

Common Redshank Tringa totanus

28 cm

Three races in region: T. t. ussuriensis, T. t. totanus (NW of region), T. t. eurhinus (Afg, Tjk). Told by long red legs from all other similar waders except Spotted Redshank and Ruff (see those species). Bill rather short (just over head-length); with red base to both mandibles (cf. Spotted). Overall greyish-brown with rather indistinct supercilium and variably streaked underparts. In flight, easily identified by white wedge on back and very broad white trailing edge formed by white secondaries and broad white tips to inner primaries. Ad Br Variable and often rather irregular blackish streaks and cross-shaped markings on upper- and underparts. Head streaked; white eye-ring may be most obvious feature. Ad Non-br Upperparts, foreneck and breast rather uniform grey-brown with at most very fine streaking. Juv Upperparts browner than in ad non-br with warm buff notches. Breast suffused buff-brown. Distinct streaking on breast, extending onto flanks. Legs duller, yellow-orange. Voice Song in flight evenly paced tlyoo-tlyoo-... or yodeling tu’/dli\ yew-tu’/dli\yew-…. In alarm on breeding grounds persistent klyp-klyp-…. Call melancholy fluting \tew-hu(hu), first note longer. Habitat Common in a wide diversity of wetlands, including wet grasslands and grassy marshes; mainly lowlands.

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis

25 cm

Monotypic. Ground-colour light grey or whitish, legs greenish and thus similar to Common Greenshank. However, smaller (size between Wood Sandpiper and Common Redshank), with very thin, straight not upcurved bill. Further, more slender with very long legs and has more distinct supercilium. In flight, similar to Greenshank, but legs project further beyond tail (whole feet, not only part of toes) and white dorsal wedge often reaches higher up. Ad Br Upperparts brownish-grey with black cross-bars and bolder black bars on grey tertials than Greenshank. Legs can be rich yellow. Ad Non-br Upperparts rather uniform grey. Overall very pale with pure white forehead, supercilium, foreneck and underparts. Greenshank differs by streaked and indistinct supercilium. Juv Upperparts darker and browner than in ad non-br with distinct pale fringes and some dark submarginal bars. Hence similar to Greenshank, but supercilium stronger, contrasting with darker ear-coverts. Lores often paler. Voice Song melodious ku/-tlee\-oo, ku/-tlee\-oo, …. Call short \kyup with tinny or nasal quality, often repeated. Habitat Open marshland with fresh grassy cover; mainly steppes of lowlands. Common.

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia

32 cm

Monotypic. Largest Tringa sandpiper, rather heavy with full breast and light grey ground-colour. Bill longish, heavy and slightly to distinctly upcurved. Head and neck light grey, upperparts slightly darker, giving characteristic aspect even from distance. Marsh Sandpiper similar in plumage (which see). In flight, dark wings contrasting with white wedge from uppertail-coverts far up back. Ad Br Upperparts grey with varying number of black-centred feathers, giving irregularly spotted appearance. Breast, neck and head distinctly streaked. Breast and anterior flanks with somewhat irregular black spots. Legs can be yellowish. Ad Non-br Overall very pale. Upperparts light grey with faint pale fringes and dark submarginal bars, lacking black feather centres of ad br. Head, hindneck and breast-sides more finely streaked than in ad br. Juv Upperparts darker and browner than in ad non-br, with buffish-white feather edges and dark submarginal marks; more heavily streaked on head, neck and breast. Voice Call vigorously whistling \tyoo-\tyoo(-\tyoo-...). Habitat Variety of wetlands, including estuaries, wet fields and marshes. Uncommon.

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Spotted Redshank

juvenile non-breeding

breeding

Common Redshank non-breeding juvenile

breeding

non-breeding

juvenile

Marsh Sandpiper

breeding

juvenile

non-breeding

breeding

Common Greenshank

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PLATE 45: MEDIUM-SIZED Sandpipers and Turnstone Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus

22 cm

Monotypic. Similar to Wood (see that species) and Common Sandpipers. Like Common, frequently bobs its rear end, especially after landing or when alerted. Told from Common by lack of white crescent between bend of wing and upper breast, longer legs, darker upperparts and lack of tail-projection. Bill slightly longer than in Wood and Common. In flight, has very dark wings, from above and below (cf. Wood) and square white rump-patch. Ad Br Shows small pale markings on upperparts, coarsely streaked breast with blotches or bars on breast-sides. Ad Non-br Breast more uniform than in ad br and rather diffusely streaked; pale spots on upperparts smaller. Juv Browner than ad non-br on breast and upperparts. Upperparts with buff spots. Voice Song a rhythmic sequence of call-like and lowerpitched notes. Call thin whistling tuu’/itt vitt-vitt or tu’/itt tu’/itt. Habitat Streams, rivers, freshwater wetlands. During breeding in vicinity of trees; foothills and mountains. Scarce breeder and common visitor.

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola

20 cm

Monotypic (PM). Longer-legged, slimmer and longer-necked than similar Green Sandpiper with more upright stance. Supercilium also distinct behind the eye, while it is restricted to front of eye in Green. Moreover, has paler brown and more heavily marked upperparts and more diffuse border between streaked breast and whitish underparts. Legs yellower. Shows far less contrast between upperparts and underparts than Green. In flight, has pale greyish underwings (almost blackish in Green) and longer toe-projection. Tail has finer barring than Green. Ad Br Upperparts with coarse white to buff spots and bars, bolder than in Green. Flanks, especially anterior flanks, barred. Ad Non-br Upperparts with smaller whitish spots, breast greyer and more diffusely marked. Juv Upperparts browner than in ad br, with smaller, buff markings. However, markings larger than in juv Green. Breast diffusely streaked grey-brown, no neat border as in Green. Voice Call high-pitched, short whistling giff-giff(-giff), all notes on same pitch unlike Green. In alarm shriller. Habitat Wetlands including muddy marshes and grassy stream banks, in more open areas than Green. Common.

Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus

24 cm

Monotypic (PM). Slightly larger than Wood Sandpiper with considerably shorter, greyish-yellow to rich yellow legs and paler upperparts. Rather bulky with full chest. Long, heavy-based, upcurved bill and steep forehead give diagnostic head-profile. Has characteristic feeding behaviour with fast runs and horizontal stance. In flight, broad white trailing edge narrower than in Common Redshank; lacks white wedge on back. Dark leading edge to upperwing characteristic. Ad Br Irregular blackish stripes on scapulars. Ad Non-br Upperparts more uniform sandy-grey, usually lacking black stripes on scapulars. Juv Upperparts slightly darker than ad br, with fine buff feather fringes and dark subterminal markings. Voice Large repertoire of calls. Musical trill recalling Whimbrel, but softer and shorter. Sometimes slower dee-dee-dee, recalling Wood Sandpiper. Also whistling, staccato /digg\a/digg\a/weck. Habitat Wetlands. Fairly common.

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos

20 cm

Monotypic. Shorter-legged than Green Sandpiper, with paler upperparts. Bill rather short and straight. Characteristically, tail projects well beyond wingtip. Shows white crescent between bend of wing and brown breast-sides. Dark eye-stripe and pale supercilium distinct also behind eye, contrary to Green. More frequently bobs rear end than Tringa sandpipers. Characteristic flight with rapid jerky wing-beats on stiff, arched wings held considerably below the horizontal. Has white wing-stripe, narrow white trailing edge and white sides of otherwise brown rump. Ad Br Upperparts with blackish markings; coverts and tertials with buff and blackish bars. Ad Non-br Differs from ad br in more uniform upperparts and streaked neck and breast. Juv Coverts barred buff with diffuse dark bars in between. Tertials with alternating buff and blackish spots near fringe. Scapulars with fine pale fringes and dark submarginal bars when fresh. Voice Very high-pitched. Song a long repetition of /ti’ti-ti\-hee/di/’ti’ti-ti\-hee/di... or similar phrase. Flight-call thin penetrating seep-seepseep, slightly descending in pitch. In alarm, piercing heeep. Habitat Riverbanks, mountain rivers, small ponds and lake shores; from foothills up to 4000 m. Common.

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres

22 cm

A. i. interpres (PM). Stocky with short legs and short, pointed bill. Easily identified by structure, orange-red legs and sharp contrast between dark breast and pure white rest of underparts. In flight from above, unmistakable pattern of three longitudinal white patches, broad wing-stripes and white base of tail. Ad Br male Conspicuous black-and-white head-pattern and contrasting orange-chestnut and black upperparts. Ad Br female Has browner crown and nape and duller rufous upperparts. Ad Non-br Pale areas on head and neck-sides brown-grey and irregularly marked and streaked. Upperparts dark dusky-brown. Juv Similar to ad non-br, but upperparts with narrow pale feather fringes, head usually paler. Voice Call rather low-pitched, musical rattle kytt-a’kryt’kryt. Habitat Variety of wetlands, typically with rocky shores, but also sandy beaches. Scarce.

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non-br

Green Sandpiper non-breeding

breeding

non-breeding juvenile

juvenile

breeding

Wood Sandpiper

non-breeding breeding

Terek Sandpiper

juvenile

breeding

Common Sandpiper juvenile

juvenile non-breeding

Ruddy Turnstone



breeding

juvenile

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PLATE 46: Stints Little Stint Calidris minuta

13 cm

Monotypic. Smallest stint. Can be similar to Long-toed and especially Red-necked Stints; see those species for differences. Small size, shorter, straight bill, rapid movements and very quick pecking differentiate it from Dunlin. Bill and legs black unlike Temminck’s and Long-toed Stints (but legs exceptionally greenish/yellowish in Little). In flight conspicuous white wing-stripe. Ad Br At least some rufous on breast-sides and sides of head. Upperparts show typical pattern of black-brown feather centres and rufous fringes. Unlike Temminck’s, has creamy V-pattern on mantle and much weaker on scapulars. Ad Non-br Upperparts greyish with slightly darker feather-centres. Differentiated from ad non-br Dunlin by structure and paler feather fringes, from Temminck’s by black legs and weaker bib lacking clear-cut lower border. Juv Upperparts similar to ad br, but more contrasting with whiter V-pattern on mantle and whiter tips of scapulars. Consequently even more different from Temminck’s. Head-sides more whitish than in ad br. Voice Call sharp high-pitched tipp. Habitat Common migrant and localised winter visitor in wetlands, preferably with open mudflats.

Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis

14.5 cm

Monotypic (PM). Very similar to Little Stint in equivalent plumage, but slightly larger, with more attenuated rear end, shorter legs and slightly shorter and blunter-tipped bill. Can also be confused with Sanderling, but is smaller and appears more elongated. Ad Br Almost unmarked rufous from ear-coverts and throat to uppermost breast (streaked or marked in Little and Sanderling). Ground-colour of lower breast and breast-sides white, while breast-sides rufous in Little and Sanderling. In Little, breast-sides contrast with whiter central breast and throat. Coverts and tertials greyish, contrasting with rufous-fringed scapulars (upperparts more uniform in Little). Ad Non-br Extremely similar to ad non-br Little, but upperparts often with weaker dark feather-centres. Juv Lower two rows of scapulars are pale-centred with dark ‘anchor’-pattern near tip and contrast with dark-centred upper scapulars and mantle feathers. Wing-coverts and tertials usually grey and pale-centred with darker shaft streaks. In contrast, Little shows more uniformly dark-centred and rufous-edged scapulars, wing-coverts and mantle feathers. Some Red-necked show rufous on wing-coverts, but rufous then strongest near feather-tip (in Little, feather edges rufous, but tip white). Marks on breastsides fainter than in Little. 1st-win During autumn migration, some pure grey feathers of 1st-win plumage appear on upperparts. Voice Call differs from Little: rather hoarse chreet or kreep, usually with discernible r-sound. Habitat Like Little. Very rare.

Long-toed Stint Calidris subminuta

14 cm

Monotypic (PM). Has longer legs than Little and Temminck’s Stints. Legs yellowish to greenish similar to Temminck’s (black in Little, only exceptionally greenish). Upperparts browner than in Temminck’s, showing white V-pattern except in ad non-br. Outer rectrices grey, while they are white in Temminck’s. Plumage similar to some Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, but told by smaller size and shorter primary-projection. Wing-stripe narrower and less conspicuous than in other stints. Central forehead usually dark and often connected along bill-base with dark loral spot. Takes characteristic upright stance when alert, recalling Ruff. Ad Br Darker above than Temminck’s and Little, with rufous fringes to all feathers unlike Temminck’s. Shows single whitish V on mantle. Head pattern more distinct and breast more strongly streaked than in Temminck’s. Ad Non-br Upperparts with darker feather centres and more brownish than ad non-br Little and Temminck’s. Juv Rufous feather fringes and double whitish V-pattern above similar to Little. Lacks strong white eye-ring of Sharp-tailed and usually has supercilium more streaked, less pure white. 1st-win Shows mix of juv and ad non-br-like feathers on upperparts. Voice Call a soft, melodious kyrrit, recalling Curlew Sandpiper. Habitat Well-vegetated wetlands and mudflats. Very rare.

Temminck’s Stint Calidris temminckii

14 cm

Monotypic. Similar to Long-toed Stint, see that species for differences. If not seen well, can be confused with Little Stint, but is short-legged with crouching posture, greenish-grey to yellowish legs, slightly down-curved bill and elongated rear end. Diagnostically, tail projects beyond wingtip. Greyish upperparts lack pale V-pattern. White outer rectrices diagnostic (grey in other Stints). Ad Br Upperparts less regularly patterned than in other ad br Stints, with variable proportion of uniform grey and dark-centred feathers. Dark-centred feathers have irregular pale fringes, which may be cinnamon, but never rich rufous like in typical Little. Ad Non-br Upperparts brownish-grey, darker and more uniform than in Little. Solidly brownish-grey breast-sides contrast with white belly more strongly than in other stints. White eye-ring distinct. Juv Upperparts scalloped due to buff feather fringes and black submarginal bands. Head grey-brown lacking distinct pattern. Voice In flight, a high-pitched, ringing trill tirrr. Habitat Usually prefers more vegetated wetlands than Little. Common.

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non-br

juvenile

non-breeding

breeding

Little Stint

breeding non-breeding

Red-necked Stint

juvenile non-breeding

juvenile

Long-toed Stint

breeding

non-breeding

breeding juvenile

non-breeding

002 BoCA.indd 125

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breeding

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PLATE 47: SMALL Sandpipers Dunlin Calidris alpina

juvenil

20 cm

Two races in region: C. a. alpina, C. a. centralis. Larger than stints, rather bulky and shortnecked. Legs of medium length. Bill down-curved, especially near tip. See Curlew Sandpiper for differences. Ad Br Black belly-patch diagnostic. Mantle and scapulars with rusty-red tone. Ad Non-br Rather uniform dusky-grey upperparts (dark shaft-streaks and pale feather fringes visible from close). Breast (especially sides) and head greyish with dark streaks. Pale supercilium. Juv Mantle and scapulars with double white V-pattern and rufous fringes. Slaty-black blotches or spots on sides of belly variable in extension, but diagnostic. Crown warm-brown streaked dark. Head and nape to breast-sides buff-brown, streaked dark. 1st-win Grey feathers appear gradually on upperparts during autumn migration. After November, usually indistinguishable from ad non-br. Voice In flight, a rather harsh, reedy chreee. Habitat Variety of wetlands, such as muddy shores or flooded fields. Common.

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea

º21cm

Monotypic (PM). On average longer-billed and slightly larger than Dunlin, with longer legs (especially tibia) and longer neck. Bill more regularly down-curved and with finer tip. In flight, white uppertail-coverts diagnostic (black central-band in similar species). Ad Br Underparts mostly brick-red to chestnut; with white bars/scalloping in fresh plumage. Females on average with more whitish and black bars. Ad Non-br Rare in region. Supercilium usually whiter than in similar Dunlin. Best identified by structure. Juv Upperparts with regular pattern formed by pale feather fringes and blackish submarginal bars and shaft-streaks. No distinct white V, supercilium prominent. In fresh plumage typical buff hue to breast. Voice Call is rather low-pitched, ringing kryrrip. Habitat Muddy edges of marshes, large rivers, lakes and flooded areas. Common.

Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus

17 cm

Two races in region: L. f. falcinellus (PM), L. f. sibiricus (PM?). Similar to Dunlin, but slightly smaller, with shorter legs. Bill straight with distinctly down-curved tip; black with often greenish base. Legs greenish or brownish, but may seem blackish from distance. Head-pattern characteristic: conspicuous supercilium is distinctly split in front of eye and bordered by dark eye-stripe. Ad Br Dark-brown above with pale longitudinal lines. The latter abraded in late summer (on migration) and then upperparts very dark. Coarsely marked breast and flanks. Ad Non-br Rare in region. Similar to ad non-br Dunlin, but head-pattern more contrasting with obvious dark eye-stripe. Upperparts with stronger shaft-streaks. Juv Similar to ad br, but overall paler, with no or only fine markings on flanks and with stronger pale lines above. Voice Flight call similar to Dunlin, but more drawn-out and rising in pitch at end. Habitat Muddy shores of ponds and lakes. Rather rare.

Sanderling Calidris alba

19 cm

C. a. alba (PM). Size like Dunlin, but bill shorter and straight, overall slightly bulkier. Bill and legs black. Especially in breeding plumage can resemble Little and Red-necked Stints, but larger, rear-end shorter and lacks V-pattern on upperparts. Hindtoe missing. In flight, white wing-stripe broader than in any other Calidris sandpiper. Ad Br Some are very rufous and recall smaller Red-necked. However, ear-coverts streaked, breast-sides with transverse markings, base-colour duller, more chestnut. Scapulars have characteristic broad bars across feather centres, missing in both Little and Red-necked. Ad Non-br Palest Calidris sandpiper. Light grey above and white below with contrasting blackish bend of wing (may be covered by feathers of breast-sides). Juv White underparts with cream-coloured breast-sides streaked blackish. Black feather-centres on mantle and scapulars contrasting with cream-coloured patches on feather fringes. Head more heavily marked than ad non-br. 1st-win From October, considerable part of upperpart-feathers light grey as in ad non-br. Voice Call short, liquid plitt, somewhat similar to Kentish Plover and Little Stint. Habitat Sandy beaches, less frequently mudflats. Rather rare.

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata

19 cm

Monotypic (V). Similar to smaller Long-toed Stint (which see). Distantly reminiscent of Ruff, but legs considerably shorter. Rather short bill deep at base and slightly decurved. Bill dark with pinkish base of lower mandible (sometimes both mandibles). Has double white V-pattern on upperparts. Conspicuous white eye-ring and pale supercilium are important features. Potential vagrant Pectoral Sandpiper differs in its densely streaked breast which is clearly delimited from white belly. Ad Br Conspicuous rufous cap contrasts with almost pure white supercilium. Moreover, characterised by chevron-marks on breast and flanks and streaked vent and undertail-coverts. Ad Non-br More greyish overall, markings on underparts reduced. Cap brown rather than rufous, but still forms characteristic contrast with distinct supercilium and eye-ring. Juv Orange-buff foreneck and breast contrasting with off-white belly. Fine streaks across upper foreneck, as well as usually on rear flanks and undertail-coverts distinctive. Striking rufous-brown crown contrasts with white supercilium and eye-ring. Voice In flight, mellow wueep, often repeated. May recall twittering Barn Swallow. Habitat Wetlands.

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Dunlin

juvenile

alpina

juvenile

non-breeding breeding

Curlew Sandpiper

juvenile

juvenile

breeding

non-breeding

non-breeding breeding

non-breeding

Sanderling juvenile

Broad-billed Sandpiper

juvenile

breeding non-breeding

juvenile non-breeding

002 BoCA.indd 127

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breeding

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PLATE 48: Ruff, Knot and Phalaropes Ruff Philomachus pugnax

Male 30 cm Female 24cm

Monotypic. Variation in size, plumage and colour of bare parts constitutes a potential pitfall. Legs red in older individuals and therefore may recall Common or Spotted Redshanks. However, combination of structural features diagnostic: body pot-bellied and slightly hump-backed; neck rather slim and long; head small, bill about equal to head-length, slightly downcurved. In flight, told from Redshanks by narrow white wing-bar and two long white ovals on uppertail-coverts. Ad Br male Full breeding-plumage usually in May/June only. Naked face usually orange, but sometimes yellowish or greenish. Long ornamental feathers of ear-tufts and neck-ruff white, rufous-buff, chestnut or black, variably barred or uniform. Lower breast and belly variable white, chestnut or black. Ad Br female Upperparts greyish-brown with whitish feather fringes and some black-centred feathers. Varying number of black feathers on breast and anterior flanks. Bill dark. Ad Non-br Lacks black blotches on upper- and underparts of ad br female. Feathers around base of bill often white. Juv Similar to ad non-br, but underparts often rich buff and upperparts with more extensive dark feather centres contrasting with neat buff fringes. Voice Its muted, croaking sounds are rarely heard. Habitat Rare breeder in marshes with shallow water margins and drier areas for leks. Outside breeding season, common on muddy edges of waters and flooded areas.

Red Knot Calidris canutus

24 cm

C. c. canutus (V). Largest Calidris sandpiper in region. Short-legged, very stocky, with rather short, very slightly downcurved bill. In flight, narrow white wing-stripe and mottled grey uppertail-coverts distinctive. Ad Br Brick-red underparts reminiscent of Curlew Sandpiper. Male on average richer red than female. Legs blackish. Ad Non-br Grey upperparts, breast and head. Distinct supercilium. Fine markings on flanks and vent. Legs greenish. Juv Similar to ad non-br, but upperparts with fine scalloping (blackish submarginal bands and pale feather fringes). In fresh plumage, underparts with rather rich salmon or buffish hue. Voice In flight subdued, nasal whaet whaet. Habitat Wetlands.

Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus

19 cm

Monotypic (PM). Behaviour characteristic: swims with nervous movements, turning and pecking at water surface. Long, thin black bill differentiates it from Red Phalarope (see that species). In flight, wing-stripe narrower than in Red, but still conspicuous. Ad Br male From distance, can look overall dark with golden-buff V-patterns above and contrasting white throat. Ad Br female Darker chestnut-red patch on neck-side than male, more neatly delimited against cleaner grey areas. Ad Non-br Black ‘phalarope-mask’ excludes other species except Red (see there ). Double white V-pattern on grey upperparts characteristic, but not always easy to see. Juv Like ad non-br shows ‘phalarope-mask’. Upperparts blackish-brown with conspicuous orange-buff to yellow-brown V-pattern. Breast and neck suffused warm pinkish-brown in fresh plumage, but soon fading. 1st-win Moult progresses slowly and most can be differentiated from ad non-br by retained juv scapulars or tertials. Voice Call short, slightly nasal kitt or chirik. Habitat During migration on lakes and wetlands. Common and often numerous.

Red Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius

20 cm

Monotypic (V). Diagnostic, thick bill with usually some pale at base unlike Red-necked Phalarope; broad when seen from above, contrary to Red-necked. Appears more robust than the latter. In flight may recall Sanderling due to broad white wingstripe, but wing-stripe less distinct on primaries. Ad Br male Chestnut-red underparts with pale bars. Could be confused with larger Red Knot, but dark-brown face and crown contrasts with white on head-sides. Further differs by yellow bill with variable black tip and conspicuous rufous-buff lines on upperparts. Ad Br female Underparts richer chestnut-red and more uniform than ad br male. Head-pattern more contrasting with more extensively white head-sides. Ad Non-br Plumage very similar to ad non-br Red-necked, but lacks white lines on upperparts. ‘Phalarope-mask’ usually straighter and narrower at rear than in Red-necked. In latter, often downcurved at rear, forming thick drop. Blackish hindcrown often extends to form lateral crownstripes and contrasts more with white forecrown (hindcrown rather dark grey and without extension into lateral crown-stripes in Red-necked). Juv Similar to juv Red-necked, but double V-pattern on upperparts narrower and pinkish-buff suffusion to breast weaker. For differences in ‘phalarope-mask’, see ad non-br. 1st-win Differentiated from ad non-br by retained, dark tertials. Voice Call a sharp kitt. Habitat Similar to Red-necked. [Alt: Grey Phalarope]

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

Ruff



non-breeding



breeding

non-breeding



breeding

juvenile

Red Knot

display

juvenile

non-breeding

breeding

Red-necked Phalarope 

non-breeding

juvenile

breeding

Red Phalarope



breeding



breeding

non-breeding juvenile

002 BoCA.indd 129

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PLATE 49: Courser, Pratincoles and Painted-Snipe Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius cursor

23 cm

C. c. bogolubovi. Characterised by pale legs, mainly sandy plumage and upright stance. Fast runner. Flight rather direct on pointed wings. Wing-pattern characteristic: contrasting black primaries, white trailing edge on secondaries, black spots on outer secondaries. Underwing black with white trailing edge on secondaries and warm sandy leading edge. Ad Black eyestripes and white supercilia joining on nape. Supercilia bordered black above on nape. Rear crown bluish-grey. Juv Head-pattern less conspicuous with some streaking; upperparts with dark markings. Voice Mellow nasal /puit and hoarse nasal croaking \breewk. Habitat Scarce in open deserts and semi-deserts, both stony and sandy; mainly lowlands.

Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola

24 cm

G. p. pratincola. Slender silhouette, elongated rear end and overall rather dark plumage characteristic. Tends to run in manner of plover. In flight, hawking for insects, may recall Chlidonias tern, but shows deeper tail-fork. Narrow white trailing edge to arm and inner hand diagnostic. Underwing-coverts chestnut, but often seem dark except under good conditions. See similar Black-winged Pratincole for differences. Ad Br Creamy-buff chin, moustachial area and throat with black border, including black lores. Tail-streamers usually project beyond wingtip (beware of shorter broken/worn streamers). Base of bill red. Ad Non-br Head-pattern less contrasting than in ad br. Border of throat-patch consists of streaking. Lores paler than in ad br; breast mottled. Bill black with limited red at base. Juv Similar to ad non-br, but crown and nape streaked. Upperparts with pale feather fringes and blackish subterminal bars. Has shallower tail fork than ad non-br and tail usually falls short of wingtip. Bill usually shows less red than ad non-br. Trailing edge to wing less pure white than in ad. Voice In display, rhythmical (ki-tik) kerr\roo/ ki-tik (kek…). Calls are tern-like but more nasal kek or kit’r’rik. Habitat Rather common in flat and open areas, fields, steppes, usually near water.

Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni

23 cm

Monotypic. Very similar to Collared Pratincole, but longer-legged and shorter-tailed; upperparts somewhat darker, contrasting less with remiges. In flight, lacks white trailing edge to wing of Collared. However, some Collared show very narrow trailing edge and this may be virtually absent in worn plumage. See also juv Collared. Underwing-coverts and axillaries black; chestnut instead in Collared (often hard to discern). Ad Br Tail-streamers always fall clearly short of wingtip, whereas in most ad br Collared, they are equal to or longer than wingtip. Unlike ad br Collared, red at bill-base does not reach nostrils. Moreover, has more extensively black lores often extending towards forehead and over eye. Ad Non-br Identification from Collared requires good flight views. Throat often less streaked than ad non-br Collared, streaks on border of throat often missing; usually more pale feather fringes on head. Juv Narrow buff trailing edge to wing and therefore even more similar to Collared. Underwing is best criterion. Voice Generally similar to Collared. Usual call (also during migration): ti’kik; alarm call short, monosyllabic krirk. Habitat Steppes, grassland, arable fields, usually near water, tolerates taller and denser vegetation than Collared. Common.

Little Pratincole Glareola lactea

17 cm

Monotypic (MB E Afg?, V E Afg). Very small, pale sandy-grey; rather featureless when perched. In flight, striking broad white wing-stripe on secondaries; additional variable whitish wing-flash on primaries; rest of remiges blackish contrasting with grey upperwing-coverts. On underwing, wing-stripe contrasts with black axillaries and coverts. Has black triangle on otherwise white tail. Ad Br Lores usually black in male, rather dark brown in female. Ad Non-br Lores paler; faint streaks on throat. Juv Similar to ad non-br, but upperparts diffusely scalloped, with pale feather fringes and brownish subterminal bars. Throat bordered by streaking. Remiges and tail-pattern browner. Voice High-pitched soft trill titirit and short tuck-tuck-tuck. Habitat Lakes, large rivers and streams usually with exposed sandbars or shingle banks.

Greater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis

25 cm

R. b. benghalensis (V E Afg). Recalls Snipe, but has shorter, slightly down-curved bill, conspicuous whitish patch around and behind eye, mainly white underparts connected with golden mantle-stripe through white ‘braces’ around the bend of the wing. In flight, remiges and rectrices with golden and dark bars. Underwing dark with pale midband. Feet projecting far beyond tail. Females more colourful than males. Ad male Head, neck and upper breast grey-brown irregularly marked with white. Eyepatch buffish. Wing-coverts with large golden spots near tip. Smaller than female. Ad female Head from level of eyes, neck and centre of breast deep chestnut, broadly bordered black below. Upperparts dark bronze-green, finely and regularly vermiculated. Juv Lacks blackish lower border of breast of ad male and has smaller, paler buff spots on wing-coverts. Voice Female sings with hooting koot, like sound of empty bottle. When flushed, sometimes explosive kek. Habitat Wet grasslands.

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Cream-coloured Courser

adult

adult

juvenile

Collared Pratincole adult

adult

Black-winged Pratincole

Little Pratincole

 



display

Greater Painted-Snipe



002 BoCA.indd 131

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PLATE 50: Gulls I Relict Gull Larus relictus

44 cm Wingspan unknown

Monotypic. Mainly three age-groups. Similar in size to Mediterranean Gull, but longer-legged with smaller head, longer neck and more protruding breast. Bill thick and rather short. Often walks with typical upright gait. Lacks white leading edge to hand of Black-headed Gull at all ages. Ad Br Blackish-brown hood and broad white eye-crescents (broader than in Brownheaded Gull). Bill and legs dark red, upperparts pale grey. Varying amount of black in primaries, extreme birds with few black markings approach well-marked 2nd-yr Mediterranean. Much less black in wing-tip than Brown-headed. Ad Non-br Like ad br, but head white with dark smudged ear-coverts and often dark markings on crown and neck. 1st-yr Recalls Common Gull, but differs by dark bill and legs, narrower dark tail-bar, whiter head with streaking restricted to hindneck and sometimes with dark ear-spot, fainter dark secondary bar and paler mantle and scapulars (1st-win). Moreover, has whiter, unmarked underwing. Similar Mediterranean told by solidly dark secondaries. Differs from 1st-win Brown-headed by broader, more solidly blackish leading edge to hand, lacking white on primary-coverts and bases of some primaries. Also, secondaries less solidly black. 2nd-yr More black in wing-tip than ad, dark-centred primary-coverts and tertials. In winter, bill dark with paler base (greenish to orange). In summer, head pattern and bare parts similar to ad. Voice Call is a laughing ka-kaw-kaw, rather similar to Mediterranean. Habitat Rare breeder on islands of saline steppe-lakes.

Little Gull Larus minutus

27 cm Wingspan 75–80 cm

Monotypic. Three age-groups. Very small and compact gull with short and fine bill and legs and round-headed impression. In flight, has rather broad wings with rounded tips. Quick wingbeats and unsteady flight resembles Chlidonias terns. Ad Br Lacks white eye-crescents of other small dark-hooded gulls and dark hood reaches further down onto nape than in Black-headed and Brown-headed Gull. Has pale grey upperwings and distinct blackish underwings with a white trailing edge and wing-tip. When perched, upperside of primaries all white. Ad Non-br Like ad br, but head white with dark crown and ear-spot. 1st-yr Has conspicuous pattern on upperwing: Black outer primaries and band on coverts form inverted V-pattern. Juv with black upperparts extending onto breast-sides. 1st-win with grey mantle and scapulars and greyish breast-sides. Can be confused with Black-legged Kittiwake, but shows broad grey bar on secondaries (all white in Black-legged), dark cap and pinkish feet apart from structural differences. 2nd-yr Like ad, but underwings paler and with variable black markings in wing-tip. Voice Call is a tern-like ki-ki-ki... Habitat Breeds on freshwater lakes, rivers, marshes or bogs. Uncommon.

Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus

39 cm Wingspan 100–110 cm

Monotypic (V). Three age-groups. Similar to Relict Gull, see that species for differences. Slightly bigger than Black-headed Gull with longer legs as well as thicker and blunter bill. In flight, wings appear shorter and broader than in Black-headed. Ad Br Has black hood reaching far into nape and conspicuous white eye-crescents. Completely white flight feathers and coral red bill with black subterminal bar typical. Upperparts paler grey than in Black-headed. Ad Non-br Like ad br, but head white with black mask around eye. 1st-yr Juv with typical scaled mantle and scapulars. These feathers replaced by pale grey ones in post-juvenile moult. Similar to 1st-win Common Gull, but with much paler upperparts, paler greater coverts contrasting more strongly with dark secondaries in flight. Moreover, has narrower dark tail-band, paler underwing, dark or black bill (often with flesh-coloured base) and black to reddish legs. See similar Relict Gull for differences. 2nd-yr Like ad, but with variable black markings in wingtip. Voice Typical call is a nasal /jee\ah. Habitat Shores of lakes and rivers.

Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla

39 cm Wingspan 95–120 cm

R. t. tridactyla (V). Three age-groups. Slightly larger than Black-headed Gull with short legs. In flight with narrow hand and pointed wing-tip. Tail slightly forked. Ad Bill cold yellow, legs black to brownish. In summer, white-headed and in winter with greyish neck and diffuse dark ear-spot. Upperwing tri-coloured in flight: greyish with whitish primary bases and cut-off solid black triangular wing-tip. Upperparts paler than on bigger Common Gull. The latter further differs by more extensive black wing-tip with white mirrors on outer two primaries, pale legs and brown markings on head and neck in winter. 1st-yr Shows dark ear-spot and dark band across nape, which may become greyish during winter. Bare parts dark. Especially wingpattern similar to 1st-yr Little Gull, but secondaries all white lacking grey bar of latter. See also differences in structure and size. 2nd-yr Similar to ad, but with more black in wing-tip and with variable dark markings on primary coverts and on bill. Voice Usually silent in region. Habitat Large water bodies. Note: See page 322 for more information on the identification and plumage development of gulls.

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non-breeding

1st-winter

breeding

Relict gull

non-breeding breeding

juvenile

breeding

Little gull

mediterranean gull

breeding

juvenile

1st-winter non-breeding

Black-legged Kittiwake

adult 1st-winter non-breeding

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PLATE 51: Gulls II Brown-headed Gull Larus brunnicephalus

42 cm Wingspan 105–115 cm

Monotypic. Mainly two age-groups. Similar to Black-headed Gull, but larger and stockier with very different wing-tip pattern (see below). Unlike Black-headed, outer primaries also sooty below. Can also be confused with Relict and Mediterranean Gulls. Ad Br Has brown hood darkening towards rear and white eye-crescents broken in front of eye. Differs from ad Blackheaded, Relict and Mediterranean by pale iris. Moreover, has distinct black wing-tip with isolated white mirrors on outer two to three primaries. Ad Non-br Like ad br, but head white with distinct black spot on ear-coverts. 1st-yr Iris dark, becoming pale during 1st-sum. Similar to Black-headed, but shows largely dark primaries with just bases pale and more black on primary-coverts. 1st-sum more ad-like in wing and tail than Blackheaded, with some advanced birds only retaining juvenile primaries and a few juvenile secondaries. Some birds with partial grey-brown hood in 1st-sum. Voice Call is a guttural keear or a gruff gek gek. Habitat Breeds on islands or in marshes of cold high-altitude lakes. Scarce.

Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus

38 cm Wingspan 100–110 cm

Monotypic. Mainly two age-groups. Medium-sized, familiar gull. In flight characterised by white leading edge to outer wing contrasting with pale grey central and inner primaries on upperwing and with sooty grey central primaries on underwing. Similar to Slender-billed and Brown-headed Gulls; see those species for differences. Ad Br Has dark brown hood and white eye-crescents. Can be confused with Mediterranean Gull, but that species has white primaries with (2nd-yr) or without (ad) black markings in outer primaries, a shorter and thicker red bill and a black (not brownish) hood in summer reaching further down on nape. Ad Non-br Like ad br, but head white with distinct black spot on ear-coverts and dark markings above eye. 1st-yr Structural differences important for separation from Slenderbilled and Brown-headed (see those species), the latter has also different wing-tip pattern. Many birds with partial or full brown hood in 1st-sum. Voice Noisy at colonies and in flocks. Typical call is a screaming krreearr. Habitat Lakes, rivers and marshes, prefers freshwater for breeding. Common.

Slender-billed Gull Larus genei

42 cm Wingspan 100–110 cm

Monotypic. Mainly two age-groups. Always gives white-headed impression, wing pattern as in Black-headed Gull. Slightly larger, with longer legs, neck and bill than Black-headed. Head shape combined with long and rather strong bill (thicker than in Black-headed) characteristic: typical flat forehead, small eye, and longer feathering on upper mandible compared with Blackheaded. When alerted or swimming shows very long neck, at rest deep-breasted. In flight with longer neck, wings and tail and deeper breast than Black-headed. Ad Upperparts slightly paler than in Black-headed, breast and belly often with pinkish tinge. In winter, ear-spot if present much fainter than in Black-headed. Bill and legs dark red; bill often appears blackish in summer, paler and more red in winter. Iris usually pale, but often darker especially in summer. 1st-yr Dark markings in wings and ear-spot paler than in Black-headed. Bare parts pale orange, paler than in Black-headed with dark bill-tip less conspicuous and smaller. Voice Call is a nasal krerr, lower-pitched and drier than Blackheaded. Habitat Breeds along shores or on islands of steppe lakes and the Caspian. Rather scarce.

Common Gull Larus canus

50 cm Wingspan 110–120 cm

L. c. heinei. Three age-groups. Intermediate in size between Black-headed and large whiteheaded gulls, with round head, slender bill and rather narrow wings. Eye usually dark at all ages. Ad Has rather dark grey upperparts, darker than in other small gulls. In summer with white head, in winter with brown markings on head, nape and breast-sides. Bill and legs yellow in summer, darker or duller in winter. Bill with complete dark subterminal bar in winter and sometimes in summer. Can be confused with ad Black-legged Kittiwake, but is bigger, has darker upperparts, more extensive black wing-tip with white mirrors on outer two primaries, pale legs and brown markings on head and neck in winter. Differs from large white-headed gulls by smaller size and weaker bill lacking red gonys spot. 1st-yr Similar to Mediterranean and Relict Gull; see those species for differences. Bill dark with flesh-coloured base; legs flesh-coloured. Differs form 2nd-yr large white-headed gull apart from structure and size by more uniform rather than strongly marked tertials and greater coverts. 2nd-yr Similar to ad, but with more black in wing-tip including primary-coverts, variable dark markings on lesser coverts, secondaries and tail and duller, often greenish-grey bare parts. Voice Call is a mournful miieeuw. Long call similar, but more laughing (ke-ke-ke) /glIEo\o- /glIEo\o…. Habitat Breeds commonly along shores or on islands of lakes, in marshes, bogs and meadows. In winter lakes, but also agricultural land. [Alt: Mew Gull] Note: See page 322 for more information on the identification and plumage development of gulls.

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1st-winter non-breeding

breeding

Brown-headed Gull

non-breeding

Black-headed Gull

breeding 1st-winter non-breeding

breeding

1st-winter

Slender-billed Gull

Common Gull

breeding

breeding

1st-winter

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PLATE 52: Gulls III Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans

60–65 cm Wingspan 137–145 cm

Monotypic. Four age-groups. Usually slightly smaller than Great Black-headed Gull. Has similar head-profile with flat forehead and highest point of crown usually behind eye. But long bill less heavy, more slender with flat tip to culmen. See Great Black-headed for further differences. Usually appears characteristically long-legged and has upright posture with a high and full breast and an attenuated rear end held slightly downwards. Note that there can be considerable differences in size and structure between smaller females and bigger males. Ad Upperparts paler than in any subspecies of Lesser Black-backed Gull (Kodak greyscale 4.5–6.5). Iris dark, dark peppered or pale in breeding season. Has more white in primaries than Heuglin's Gull. Outermost primary with entirely white tip or narrow black subterminal band and characteristic long white tongue on inner web. Black extends onto sixth or seventh primary counted inwards. Legs vary from pale greyish-pink to yellowish. 1st-yr Can be rather similar to Heuglin’s and Steppe Gulls, but apart from structure always differs by rather pale underwing including axillaries and more conspicuous pale window on inner primaries. Appears characteristically white-headed with contrasting brown-streaked nape. Moreover, has more restricted dark markings on 1stwin scapulars, narrower tail-band and less heavily spotted tail-base and rump. Never moults any primaries or rectrices during 1st-win as do some Heuglin’s and rarely some Steppe. 2nd-yr Most feathers on mantle and scapulars and some wing coverts grey as in ad and help to separate it from Lesser Black-backed Gull. Some already with white mirror on outermost primary. Voice Call is a long staccato laugh likened to sea-lion. Habitat Common on lakes in steppes, semi-deserts, from lowlands to mountains up to at least 3000 m. May feed at rubbish dumps.

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus complex ‘Steppe Gull’ L. f. barabensis

55–65 cm Wingspan 135–145 cm

Four age-groups. Slightly smaller than Caspian Gull and differs by more rounded head, shorter bill and legs as well as shorter wings. Separation especially from imm of Caspian not fully understood. Some breeding birds of N Kaz reported to show mixed characters with Caspian. Ad Upperparts darker than in Caspian (Kodak greyscale 7–8.5). Shows more black in primaries. Outermost primary with black subterminal band lacking long pale tongue on inner web of Caspian. Unlike Caspian, some birds lack white mirror on second outermost primary; black can extend onto eighth primary counted from outermost inwards. Primary moult in autumn 1–2 months later than in Caspian. Bare parts similar to Caspian, but on average brighter yellow. Iris pale or dark peppered. 1st-yr Usually darker overall than Caspian; see that species for differences. 2nd-yr See Caspian. Habitat Common on lakes in lowland steppes.

‘Heuglin’s Gull’ L. f. heuglini

58–65 cm Wingspan 138–158 cm

(PM, WV) Four age-groups. Usually more ‘fierce-looking’ than Steppe Gull. Identification features especially of imm not fully established. Ad Upperparts slightly darker than in Steppe (Kodak greyscale 8–11). Retains stronger dark streaking in winter longer than Steppe. Primary moult in autumn even later than in ‘Steppe’. Iris usually pale with dark peppering at most. Legs yellow to greyish-yellow. 1st-yr See Caspian. Some with ad-type dark-grey scapulars and mantle feathers and then readily separated from Caspian. 2nd-yr Already more ad-like than other large gulls. Upperparts like in ad with some brown feathers admixed. Usually has incomplete black tail-band. Habitat Lakes and large rivers. [Alt: Siberian Gulll]

‘Baltic Gull’ L. f. fuscus

53 cm Wingspan 135–155 cm

(V) Four (or three) age-groups. Usually smaller and more slender with longer wings and shorter legs than Steppe and Heuglin’s Gulls. Ad Upperparts very dark with hardly any contrast with black primaries (Kodak greyscale 13–17). Most birds lack white mirror on second outermost primary. Usually with bright yellow bill and legs. Moults similarly late as Heuglin’s.1st-yr Juv greater coverts on average darker with less pale markings and tail-band broader. Usually lacks paler inner primaries and has dark underwings. In 1st-sum, has usually newly moulted blackish feathers on mantle, scapulars and wing coverts and is then readily identified. Moults most remiges and rectrices during 1st-win. 2nd-yr Already similar to ad, but upperparts admixed with some brown or greyer feathers and tail with interrupted black band. 3rd-yr Unlike other large gulls, usually not separable from ad. Voice Call is a rather deep and nasal ga-ga-ga-ga. Habitat Large waterbodies. Note: See page 322 for more information on the identification and plumage development of gulls.

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non-breeding

breeding

Caspian gull 1st-winter

non-breeding

breeding

‘steppe gull’

1st-winter

non-breeding

breeding

‘heuglin's gull’

1st-winter

non-breeding

breeding

‘Baltic gull’

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PLATE 53: Gulls IV AND SKUAS Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus

56 cm Wingspan 150–165 cm

L. h. hyperboreus (V). Four age-groups. Rather large and heavy, with stout and deep bill and relatively short and broad wings. Primaries lack black markings of other large gulls and translucent wing-tip characteristic at all ages. Be aware of potential confusion risk with leucistic or albino individuals of other large gull species. Ad Has characteristic white wing-tip and very pale grey upperparts. (Kodak greyscale 3–4.5). Head and neck with brownish mottling and streaking in winter. Legs pinkish and iris pale yellow. 1st-yr Pale creamy-brown overall and finely patterned. Has characteristic whitish wing-tips and no tailband. Can be strongly bleached and almost whitish overall in late winter and 1st-sum. Bill flesh-coloured with broad black tip. 2nd-yr Differs from 1st-yr by pale iris and plainer upperwing with first grey feathers in scapulars and mantle as well as median coverts in some. 3rd-yr Similar to ad, but differs by some whitish or pale brownish wing coverts, brownish markings in tail and brownish wash on primary-bases. Voice Call is a hoarse gag-gag-gag-gag. Habitat Lakes and large rivers.

Great Black-headed Gull Larus ichthyaetus

59cm Wingspan 150–170 cm

Monotypic. Four age-groups. Usually slightly larger than Caspian Gull. Has rather long and relatively slim wings and appears front-heavy in flight. Head-profile similar to Caspian, but bill heavier. Prominent white eye-crescents good identification feature in any plumage. Ad Br Unmistakable with black hood, contrasting white eye-crescents and yellow bill with black-andred subterminal band. Outer wing characteristically white with less black than in other large gulls. Ad Non-br Instead of hood, has only streaked dark mask, but white eye-crescents still obvious. 1st-yr Juv has more scaly upperparts than Caspian, lacking pale barring/markings. Greater coverts rather plain forming pale mid-wing panel. Head and underparts whiter and less marked; with brownish nape and breast-sides. Black tail-band sharply set-off from white tail-base. Underwing coverts mainly white. After post-juvenile moult, 1st-win already with mostly greyish mantle, scapulars and some wing-coverts. Bill bicoloured with dark tip and pale base. May recall 2nd-win Caspian, but latter has wing-coverts marked pale and dark, not rather plain. 2nd-yr Similar to ad, but with variable dark marking on wing coverts, tail and more extensive black on primaries. Dark hood in 2nd-sum often with white spotting. 3rd-yr Differs from ad by more black on primaries and sometimes black tail-markings. Voice Call is a deep and nasal oogh-oogh-oogh. Habitat Lakes and large rivers; from lowland deserts to mountains. Scarce. [Alt: Pallas’s Gull] Note: See page 322 for more information on the identification and plumage development of gulls.

Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus

45cm Wingspan 110–120 cm

Monotypic (PM). Similar in size to Common Gull, but more elegant with more pointed wings. Appears characteristically smallheaded especially when swimming. Flight fast, agile and steady recalling a falcon. Aggressively attacks and parasitises other seabirds. Juv especially very similar to Pomarine Skua; see that species for differences. Ad Br Characterised by rather long and pointed elongated central rectrices. Occurs in pale and dark morphs with many birds being intermediate. Has diagnostic pale spot on forehead above bill-base. Ad Non-br Has slightly barred upper- and undertail-coverts and shorter elongated central rectrices than ad br. Juv Occurs in pale, intermediate and dark colour-types. Usually rather uniform and washed rusty, with pale half-moon on primary-bases and weakly barred upper- and undertail-coverts. Has rusty nape-band even in dark birds and diagnostic pale-tipped primaries. Elongated central rectrices short and pointed. Imm Variable and difficult to identify. 1st-sum similar to juv, but upperwing-coverts more uniform. 2nd-sum resembles ad non-br, but shows barred underwing-coverts and pale markings on legs. Voice Usually silent in region. Habitat Lakes and larger river mouths, often close to assemblages of gulls and terns. Rare. [Alt: Parasitic Jaeger]

Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus

56cm Wingspan 125–135 cm

Monotypic (V). Slightly bigger and more powerful than Arctic Skua with broader wings, fuller belly and stronger, conspicuously bicoloured bill. Usually appears less elegant and less jerky in flight. Ad Br Has diagnostic twisted and spoon-like elongated central rectrices. As Arctic, occurs in pale and dark morphs. Pale morph with nape and head-sides deeper yellow than in Arctic. Lacks pale spot above bill-base of Arctic and dark cap is more contrasting. Further shows more extensive barred breast-band and flanks especially in females. Ad Non-br Has barred upper- and undertail-coverts. Elongated central rectrices shorter than in ad br. Juv As Arctic, occurs in different colour-types, but usually colder-toned and especially lacking rusty nape. Unlike Arctic, usually has two pale half-moons on underwing (formed by pale bases on primaries and primary-coverts). Further differs in more strongly barred upper- and undertail-coverts and barely elongated and blunt-ended central rectrices. Lacks pale tips to primaries of Arctic. Imm See Arctic. Voice Usually silent in region. Habitat Lakes and river mouths. [Alt: Pomarine Jaeger]

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1st-winter

non-breeding

glaucous gull

non-breeding

non-breeding 1st-winter

breeding

great Black-headed gull

breeding pale morph

Arctic skua

breeding dark morph

juvenile

breeding dark morph

breeding pale morph

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juvenile

Pomarine skua

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PLATE 54: Terns I Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica

38 cm Wingspan 100–115 cm

G. n. nilotica. Similar to Sandwich Tern, but always separable by shorter, thicker and all-black bill and lack of crest. Flight more gull-like with shorter neck, broader wing-bases, slower wingbeats. Does not plunge-dive. Legs longer than in Sandwich. Ad Br Glossy black cap extends onto nape. Upperparts slightly darker than in Sandwich and rump to tail grey, concolorous with back (white in Sandwich). Unlike Sandwich, usually lacks dark wedge on outer primaries above, but shows longer and more clear-cut dark trailing edge especially from below. Ad Non-br Small dark mask around eye does not extend onto nape like in Sandwich. Upperparts paler than in ad br. Juv Has some dark streaks on crown. Upperparts with less pronounced dark markings than Sandwich, upperwing with dark grey bar on secondaries and dark primary-coverts. Fresh juv has buffish wash to forehead, crown and upperparts and pale bill-base. 1st-win Similar to ad non-br, but retains juv wings. 1st-sum Like ad non-br, but shows dark and worn retained juv outer primaries and dark secondary-band. Voice Call is a nasal ke’/ wick. Rather noisy at colonies. Habitat Wetlands, lagoons and lakes; during migration also estuaries and large rivers. Often seen hunting away from water. Common.

Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia

51 cm Wingspan 130–145 cm

Monotypic. Largest tern, almost the size of a large gull, with a massive red bill. Gull-like in flight with rather slow and stiff wingbeats and front-heavy appearance. Always separable from other terns by dark wedge of outer primaries below. Often plunge-dives. Ad Br Unmistakable. Ad Non-br Black cap with white streaking on forehead, lores and crown. Juv Cap more extensive below eye than in ad non-br. Bill smaller than in ad and more orange. Shows dark tail-sides and variable dark subterminal markings on upperparts. Upperwing with dark primary-coverts as well as dark bar on secondaries and lesser coverts. Legs initially pale, becoming black during autumn. 1st-win Similar to ad non-br, but with retained juv wings and tail as well as paler bill. 1st-sum Like ad non-br, but wings and tail usually as 1st-win. Voice Call is a harsh screech: krra. Habitat Lakes, reservoirs and large rivers; mainly lowlands. Fairly common.

Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis

43 cm Wingspan 95–105 cm

S. s. sandvicensis. More slender than Gull-billed Tern with long, narrow and pointed bill and crested nape. Flight powerful with fast and deep wingbeats, appears front-heavy with typically angled wings and drooping bill. Often plunge-dives. Ad Br Black bill with yellow tip. White rump, uppertail-coverts and tail contrast with silvery-grey upperparts (cf. Gull-billed). Usually shows dark wedge on outer primaries above, but rather slight dark trailing edge. Ad Non-br Shows dark mask around eye and dark-streaked rear crown, which are connected with dark nape. Head-pattern of non-breeding plumage usually already appears during summer. Juv Shows dark cap with white spots on forehead and crown and rather heavy dark subterminal markings on upperparts (cf. Gull-billed). Nape less crested than in ad and bill shorter lacking yellow tip. Tail-sides usually dark unlike Gull-billed. 1st-win Similar to ad non-br, but retains juv wings. 1stsum Similar to ad non-br, but usually differs by dark, worn retained juv outer primaries, dark primary-coverts, tail-sides and dark secondary-band. Voice Call harsh, grating kerRUK or krik, higher-pitched than Gull-billed. Habitat Islands of the Caspian.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo

36 cm Wingspan 75–85 cm

Two races in region: S. h. hirundo. Has deeply forked tail and long tail-streamers. In flight, appears broader-winged than Little Tern and not as long-winged as Sandwich Tern. Often hovers and plunge-dives. Can also pick food from water surface like Chlidonias terns. Ad Br Rather pale grey to whitish underparts (cf. Whiskered and River Tern). Bill orange-red usually with blackish tip. The latter can be lacking especially in summer and the bill-tip can even be paler than rest of bill. Ad Non-br In late summer, develops white on forehead and lores (except dark mark in front of eye), whiter underparts and dark lesser coverts. Tail-streamers shorter. Bill all black or with only reddish base, legs darker than in ad br. Juv Shows dark cap with initially buffish, then white forehead, streaked crown. Upperparts tinged buffish initially, with black subterminal markings and dark band on lesser coverts and on secondaries (cf. Little). Bill dark with orange base. 1st-sum Similar to ad non-br. Shows dark, worn juv outer primaries, dark primary-coverts, dark band on secondaries and lesser coverts as well as dark tail-sides. S. h. tibetana (Pamir). Ad Br Has slightly darker grey upper- and underparts as well as a shorter bill with more extensive dark tip. Voice Typical call is a series of kirr-kirr-kirr... or kirri-kirri-kirr…. Also chippy kip, kip. Noisy at colonies. Habitat Wide range of wetland habitats such as lakes and rivers, from lowlands up to high mountains. Common.

River Tern Sterna aurantia

42 cm Wingspan 80–90 cm

Monotypic (V Afg). Larger than Common Tern with stout, rather long bill. Flight strong, but often jerky. Ad Br Easily identified by orange-yellow bill and red legs. Ad Non-br Blackish mask. Crown and nape greyish with dark streaks. Bill variably black-tipped. Tailstreamers shorter than in ad br. Juv Similar to ad non-br, but upperparts and rectrices with dark subterminal markings. 1st-yr Similar to ad non-br, dark mask can be restricted around eye. Voice Call rather clear, down-slurred \KIoo. Habitat Lakes and rivers.

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non-b

Gull-billed Tern breeding

non-breeding

non-breeding

breeding

juvenile

breeding

Caspian Tern non-breeding 1st-winter

Sandwich Tern

non-breeding

breeding

breeding breeding breeding

non-breeding tibetana

hirundo

Common Tern

juvenile

non-breeding non-breeding

breeding

River Tern

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PLATE 55: Terns II Little Tern Sternula albifrons

23 cm Wingspan 51–56 cm

S. a. albifrons. Tiny, smaller than Common Tern, but with relatively longer bill. In flight, characterised by narrow, angled wings, rather short tail and quick, fluttering wingbeats. Often seen hovering, followed by plunge-dives. Chlidonias terns are similar in size, but have much broader wings, shorter bills, not as deeply forked tail and different flight action. Ad Br Headpattern and black-tipped yellow bill characteristic. Blackish outer 2–3 primaries contrast with remaining upperwing. Ad Non-br Lores mostly white and crown streaked blackish. Bill black and legs greyish-yellow. Best identified by size, structure and flight action. Unlike ad br, upperwings with darker lesser coverts. Juv Head-pattern similar to ad non-br, but initially with buffish forehead. Upperparts have black subterminal markings and dark band on lesser coverts. Bill black with pale base, legs greyish-yellow. Best separated by white secondaries from juv Common and juv Chlidonias terns. 1st-yr Similar to ad non-br. Voice Call is a sharp usually repeated kirri-ki-ki. Habitat Lakes and large rivers; mainly lowlands and foothills. Common.

Black Tern Chlidonias niger

23 cm Wingspan 64–68 cm

C. c. niger. Smaller than Common Tern with shorter and more rounded wings, only slightly forked tail and a rather delicate bill. Flight agile and buoyant often moving from side to side. Picks insects from water surface or in mid-air. See White-winged Black and also Little Tern for differences. Ad Br Blackish with contrasting white vent and greyish upperparts. Moulting birds in spring and late summer show variable white mottling on head and underparts. Ad Non-br Dark head-markings characteristic for the genus. Differs from other Chlidonias terns by dark patches on breast-sides. Juv Similar to ad non-br. But upperparts with pale feather-tips and broad subterminal bars forming darker saddle. Shows darker secondaries and lesser coverts above and lacks darker outer primaries of ad non-br. 1st-yr Similar to ad non-br. In summer, can show some dark feathers on head and underparts. Voice Call is a harsh and sharp kik. Habitat Well-vegetated pools, lakes and marshes; from lowlands to mountains. Common.

White-winged Black Tern Chlidonias leucopterus

23 cm Wingspan 63–67 cm

Monotypic. Slightly smaller than Black Tern, longer-legged, shorter-billed and with shallower tail-fork. Juv and ad non-br are rather similar to Whiskered Tern. Ad Br Dark saddle contrasts to white rump and (also when perched) pale upperwings. Underwing with contrastingly black coverts. Moulting birds show variable white mottling on head and underparts, but typical black underwing-coverts are moulted last in autumn and acquired first in spring. Ad Non-br Paler on upperparts than Black with whiter rump. Has less extensive black head-pattern with usually isolated dark ear-patch and streaked crown. Lacks dark patches on breast-sides and shows white tail-sides (grey in Black). Juv Compared to Black has darker brownish-black saddle, white rump and paler upperwings, especially pale centre of arm. Lacks extensive patches on breast-sides of Black and shows whiter tail-sides; mantle, scapulars, tertials and wing-coverts with narrower pale tips; black band on nape narrower. Soon acquires head-pattern similar to that of ad non-br. 1st-yr See Black. Voice Call is a harsh Grey Partridge-like krek. Habitat Mainly vegetated lakes of lowlands. Common and sometimes numerous.

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida

25 cm Wingspan 74–78 cm

C. h. hybrida. Larger than other Chlidonias terns, with slightly deeper tail-fork and steadier flight. Also differs from Common Tern by smaller size, shorter wings, shallower tail-fork and shorter bill. Ad Br Rather dark greyish overall with contrasting white cheeks and vent. Bill and legs dark red. Common Tern with dark underparts can be similar, but apart from structural differences, shows less contrasting white cheeks and differs by white rump to tail. Ad Non-br Unlike Black Tern, shows only faint or no dark patches on breast-sides and is thus similar to White-winged Black Tern. But black mask behind eye is more horizontal and recalls Common. Upperwings paler, more uniform usually lacking the darker outer primaries of White-winged. Juv White breast-sides unlike Black. Shares dark saddle contrasting with paler upperwing with White-winged. But saddle blotchier with broad ochre feather-fringes, black subterminal markings and paler bases. Also, rump is more greyish, tail usually shows a dark subterminal bar and upperwings usually lack dark lesser coverts. Mask more horizontal than in White-winged. Can moult into 1st-win in late summer, earlier than other Chlidonias terns. 1st-yr See Black. Voice Call is a rasping kersh. Habitat Like White-winged. Scarce.

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non-br

Little Tern

non-breeding

non-breeding

breeding

breeding

juvenile

Black Tern non-breeding

juvenile breeding breeding

White-winged Black Tern

juvenile

non-breeding

breeding breeding non-breeding

non-breeding

Whiskered Tern breeding

non-breeding

juvenile breeding

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PLATE 56: Sandgrouse Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis

39 cm

P. o. arenarius. Big and bulky compared with other sandgrouse and told by extensive black belly. Underwing-pattern similar to Pin-tailed Sandgrouse. In contrast with the latter, shows black remiges contrasting with paler coverts on upperwing similar to Tibetan and Crowned Sandgrouse, but black trailing edge to secondaries often very narrow. Lacks tail-pin. Ad male Superficially similar to ad male Pallas’s Sandgrouse, but the latter differs in black barring on upperparts, less extensive black belly patch and lack of dark lower throat. Also recalls ad male Spotted Sandgrouse, but told by black belly contrasting with a broad cream breast-band bordered above by a narrow black line. Moreover differs in dark lower throat and lack of tail-pin. Ad female Duller than ad male with dark markings to head, neck and upper breast and dark vermiculations to upperparts. Especially similar to ad female Pallas’s, but the latter shows less extensive dark belly, lacks dark breast-band and dark markings on lower central breast and foreneck. Juv Similar to ad female. Voice Call is a far-carrying and pleasantly rolling CHUrlr r(/ly\or). Habitat Common in semi-deserts and steppes, also pastoral scrublands and dry cereal cultivations, lowlands and foothills.

Pallas’s Sandgrouse Syrrhaptes paradoxus

38 cm

Monotypic. Slimmer than Pin-tailed Sandgrouse. Told from other sandgrouse by combination of mostly white underwings, contrasting black belly-patch, long tail-pin and rather plain sandy upperwings with blackish trailing edges (especially on secondaries) and greyer primarybases. See also Black-bellied Sandgrouse for differences. Shows characteristic elongated outer primaries. Ad male Face and patch on head-sides orange. Head and neck otherwise greyish. Upperparts sandy with black barring from mantle and scapulars to uppertail-coverts. Lower wing-coverts and tertials with black spots. Narrow black-barred breast-band. Ad female Duller than male with black markings on crown, ear-coverts, nape and wing-coverts. Lacks breast-band of male, instead shows dark lower border to throat. Tail-pin and elongated primaries shorter than in ad male. Juv Similar to ad female, but head-pattern less distinct. Voice Calls include a low-pitched bubbling uk-pur-pur-uk. Flies with whistling wingbeats. Habitat Steppes and semi-deserts with low vegetation of grass or scrubs; from lowlands to lower mountains. Fairly common.

Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Pterocles alchata

38 cm

P. a. caudacutus. Smaller and less bulky than Black-bellied Sandgrouse. Easily identified in flight by a combination of white belly and vent contrasting with darker breast and largely white underwing with contrasting black remiges and narrow black leading edge. Upperwing rather dark with black trailing edge. Ad Br male Dull rufous breast bordered black below and above contrasts to white belly. Face orange with contrasting black eye-line and throat. Rest of head, neck and upperparts greenish-olive with yellowish spots on scapulars, tertials and lower wingcoverts. Inner wing-coverts with black tips, while outer ones chestnut with white fringes. Ad Non-br male Crown, nape and scapulars barred like back and rump. Also, differs from ad br male by pale throat, which is spotted black like head-sides. Ad Br female Duller than ad male with white throat, and additional black band on foreneck and strong black and grey bars on crown, nape and upperparts. Tail-pin shorter than in ad male. Ad Non-br female Differs from ad br female by dark spotted throat and lack of grey bars on upperparts. Juv Shows yellow and black scalloping of otherwise rufous-brown upperparts. Nape, head and breast cinnamon-buff, finely vermiculated or spotted (head-sides and throat) with brown. From autumn onwards looks rather similar to same-sex non-breeding plumage, but lacks tail-pin and often shows more distinct whitish eyestripe behind eye. Voice Call is short, scolding ga\rrr ga\rrr ... or a nasal ga-ga-ga. Habitat Semi-deserts and steppes, prefers clay or sandy to stony substrates; mainly lowlands. Fairly common to uncommon.

Tibetan Sandgrouse Syrrhaptes tibetanus

48 cm

Monotypic. Only sandgrouse in its habitat, and easily identified by a combination of almost completely blackish underwing, lack of black markings on belly and tail-pin. Upperwing with strong contrast between blackish remiges and sandy coverts which is only shared by disjunct Crowned Sandgrouse. Ad male Has head-sides and throat pale orange. Neck, breast, crown and chin whitish with fine black barring unlike any other sandgrouse. Upperparts sandy to vinaceous-buff with bold black drops on scapulars. Ad female Differs from ad male by fine barring to upperparts and shorter tail-pin. Juv Paler overall than ad female with less orange on head and without tail-pin. Voice Calls can recall geese, trumpeting (guk-uk-uk) ke’/va ke’/va. Habitat Scarce to rare on bare and stony desert or semidesert uplands, often at the edge of snowfields, at 3600–4900 m.

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

Black-bellied Sandgrouse





Pallas’s Sandgrouse 





Pin-tailed Sandgrouse  

 

Tibetan Sandgrouse 



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PLATE 57: Sandgrouse and Pigeons Crowned Sandgrouse Pterocles coronatus

28 cm

P. c. atratus. Smaller than Spotted Sandgrouse. Best identified by a combination of blackish remiges contrasting with pale coverts on both upper- and underwing. Black trailing-edge below is broader than in Pin-tailed and Black-bellied Sandgrouse. Underparts lack black markings on belly. Lacks tail-pin unlike, e.g. Spotted. Ad male Shows diagnostic black longitudinal crescent at bill-base, white around eye and red-brown crown. Upperparts rather dark with well-defined pale spots on wing-coverts, scapulars and mantle (less distinct in Spotted). Ad female Headpattern duller than in ad male lacking black crescent and with dark markings on crown. Underparts and upperparts heavily vermiculated and spotted black. Superficially similar to ad female Spotted, but the latter has narrow black belly-patch and shows contrast between dark spotted breast and unmarked rest of underparts. Juv Similar to ad female, but throat whitish and belly with finer or no markings. Best separated from Spotted by wing-pattern and lack of longitudinal black stripe on belly. 1st-yr male Head pattern duller than in ad male with reduced or no black crescent at bill-base and is thus more similar to Spotted. Voice Call is a rather hard chu’ku’ku’chu. Also utters a plain whistling whee, different from the calls of other sandgrouses. Habitat Similar to Spotted, but in even drier habitats. Rare.

Spotted Sandgrouse Pterocles senegallus

36 cm

Monotypic. Rather elongated with tail-pin, slightly bigger than Crowned Sandgrouse. Shows pale upperwing with dark trailing-edge in flight. Underwing similar to Crowned, but with less contrasting primaries. Narrow longitudinal black stripe on belly can be difficult to see and is much less extensive than black belly of Black-bellied and Pallas’s Sandgrouse. Ad male Overall rather pallid. Wing-coverts and scapulars with sandy and greyish bars (rather than spots). Paler than superficially similar ad male Crowned and differs in head-pattern and less well-defined spots on upperparts. Could also be confused with Black-bellied, see that species. Ad female Paler than superficially similar ad female Spotted, dark markings rounder and sparser but more prominent on upperparts and restricted to breast on underparts. Moreover has a black belly-stripe. Juv Similar to ad female, but lacks tail-pin and shows white throat. Voice Call is a disyllabic, rather musical pui-doo. Habitat Stony and sandy semi-deserts and deserts. Scarce.

Rock Dove Columba livia

33 cm

Three races in region: C. l. neglecta, C. l. gaddi (SW region), C. l. livia (N Kaz). Compact with short tail, long wings and characteristically fast wingbeats. Especially similar to Hill Pigeon (which see). Slightly bulkier and bigger than Stock Dove and especially Yellow-eyed Pigeon. Ad Always differs from Stock and Yellow-eyed by the two black bars across secondaries/tertials and greater coverts being more prominent and extensive. Also shows paler upperparts and lacks brownish tinge on upperparts and pinkish tinge on crown of Yellow-eyed. In flight, shows less extensive dark wing-tip and more extensive black bar on greater coverts. Underwing is paler than in Stock, similar to Yelloweyed; but the latter shows a less clear-cut black endband to tail. Differences in bare-part coloration are helpful on close range: Iris is orange to red and bill dark, whereas iris is dark in Stock and pale yellow in Yellow-eyed and the bill-tip is yellowish in both. Coloration of back variable, also according to subspecies: in neglecta, varies from white suffused with pale grey to bluegrey with hardly any contrast with mantle, while it is white in livia and pale grey to white in gaddi. Juv Overall browner with a scalier appearance than ad and with less iridescent neck and breast. Iris pale grey, dull brown or even yellow (cf. Yellow-eyed). Voice Subdued cooing (go-)DROOoo. Habitat Steep rocky slopes and deep gorges; also urban and rural environments; from lowlands to mountains. Common. Note The domestic form of Rock Dove (‘feral pigeon’) is widespread, especially in urban environments, and occurs in a wide variety of plumages. Some are very similar or almost identical to wild Rock Doves, others have checkerboard-patterned upperwings, are much darker, rufous, with much white in plumage or have a variegated plumage-pattern.

Hill Pigeon Columba rupestris

33 cm

C. r. turkestancia. Overall very similar to Rock Dove (which see for variation), but usually paler and always separated by white band across centre of otherwise black tail. Always shows contrasting white back, while back coloration is variable in Rock. Further, black bars across secondaries/tertials and greater coverts are less extensive than in Rock. Best separated from Stock Dove and Yellow-eyed Pigeon by tail-pattern. Snow Pigeon also shows a white band on central tail, but more V-shaped than in Hill. Snow Pigeon otherwise easily separated by different coloration and plumage pattern. Voice Song apparently similar to Rock’s. Habitat Crags, caves or rocky outcrops, also near human settlements; mainly above 2000 m. Uncommon to common.

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Crowned Sandgrouse 



 



Spotted Sandgrouse

adult

feral pigeons

Rock Dove

adult

adult

Hill Pigeon

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PLATE 58: Pigeons Snow Pigeon Columba leuconota

34 cm

C. l. leuconota. Structure similar to Hill Pigeon and Rock Dove, but readily separable by distinct plumage. Ad Dark-grey head contrasts with white collar and underparts. Upperparts mainly greyish with darker primaries and three dark-brown bands across secondaries/tertials, greater and median coverts (only two bands in Hill and Rock). Black rump contrasts with white lower back. Shows characteristic V-shaped white band across centre of otherwise black tail (best seen in flight). Tail-bar straight in Hill, narrowly extending towards base on edge of tail. Juv Neck and underparts are greyish-buff instead of white as in ad. Further shows pale scaling to upperparts. Voice Song rather silent and hollow, but not well known. Call apparently variable including kuck-ook notes. Habitat Alpine cliffs and steep gorges; mountains from about 3000 to 5000 m. Rare.

Stock Dove Columba oenas

33 cm

Two races in region: C. o. yarkandensis, C. o. oenas (N of region). Marginally smaller than Rock Dove and Hill Pigeon, slightly bigger than very similar Yellow-eyed Pigeon; see those species for differences. Ad Rather greyish overall with conspicuous dark eye, darker primaries and slightly paler back. Back is especially pale in yarkandensis, which might thus be confused with Yelloweyed; see that species for differences. Shows iridescent green neck-sides and purple tinge on neck and upper breast. Two black bars across secondaries/tertials and inner greater coverts are rather short and restricted (cf. Rock and Hill). In flight, upperwing with dark trailing edge and tip contrasting with characteristic pale mid-wing panel. Also shows a rather clear-cut dark endband to tail (cf. Pale-backed). Juv Shows brownish tinge overall and lacks iridescent colours on neck of ad. Dark wing-bars are more restricted than in ad and can be even lacking. Voice Song is a repeated, low OOOH’oo. Habitat Rural areas, woodland edges and farmlands; mainly lowlands and foothills. Rare.

Yellow-eyed Pigeon Columba eversmanni

30 cm

Monotypic. Very similar to Stock Dove, but slightly smaller and shorter tailed. Can also be confused with Rock Dove (see that species for differences). Ad Overall paler than Stock and always separated by whitish back. Although Stock of subspecies yarkandensis can show rather pale back, it is never as whitish. Yellow iris and orbital skin diagnostic, but can be difficult to see in the field. Black bar is more restricted on greater coverts compared to Stock and sometimes even lacking on tertials/secondaries. But unlike Stock and Rock, can show hint of third wing-bar on median coverts. Plumage overall scalier than in Stock and unlike the latter, crown is tinged pinkish and upperparts often have brownish cast. In flight, differs from Stock apart from whitish back by paler underwing, less neatly demarcated dark endband to tail, more extensive pale bases to primaries and narrower black trailing edge on upperwing. Also, lacks distinct pale mid-wing panel of Stock. Juv Similar to ad, but iris and orbital skin may be tinged brownish. Shows brownish tinge on breast and lacks iridescent colours on neck of ad. Voice Song is a series of single notes followed by disyllabic notes quoo quoo quoo qu-ooh quooh qu-ooh. Habitat Lightly wooded areas, such as riparian or turanga forests, often close to cultivations, mainly lowlands and foothills. Rare. [Alt: Pale-backed Pigeon]

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus

43 cm

Three races in region: C. p. casiotis. Clearly bigger and longer-tailed than Stock and Rock Doves as well as Yellow-eyed and Hill Pigeons. This is especially obvious when mixed flocks are encountered. Ad Easily identified by cinnamon-buff patch on neck-sides and in flight by white band on mid-wing separating blackish hand from greyish arm. The latter can be seen as white band along bend of wing when perched. Otherwise greyish with iridescent green neck-sides and purple tinge on foreneck and upper breast. Shows clear-cut blackish endband to tail as in Stock and Rock Doves and Hill Pigeon; underwing more uniform lacking contrasting dark trailing edge of the latter. Juv Lacks pale patch and iridescent colours on neck-sides of ad. Otherwise duller with buff fringes to wing-coverts. C. p. palumbus (N of region), C. p. iranica (SW Tkm). Patch on neck-sides larger and white instead of cinnamon-buff. Subspecies palumbus is also darker overall. Voice Song is a hoarse cooing oo-OOOH-oo coo’coo. Habitat Rather common in a variety of wooded areas, including parks in towns and gardens; from lowlands to mountains.

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Snow Pigeon

Stock Dove adult

adult

adult

Yellow-eyed Pigeon

palumbus

Woodpigeon

casiotis

adult adult

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PLATE 59: Doves European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur

28 cm

Two races in region: S. t. arenicola. Smaller than very similar Oriental Turtle Dove, see that species for differences. Laughing Dove is shorter-winged and longer-tailed without contrasting pattern on upperparts. Ad Differs from other doves except Oriental Turtle Dove in darkcentred scapulars, tertials and wing-coverts with contrasting rufous-buff fringes, streaked blackand-white neck patch as well as blackish tail with white corners. Further differences at close range are reddish iris and orbital skin. Laughing Dove shares dark underwing of European and Oriental, but has more extensive grey mid-wing panel above and shows less contrasting tail-pattern with almost uniformly white tail from below (black base in European and Oriental). Juv More greyish-brown than ad with diffuse buffish fringes to scapulars and wing-coverts. Lacks neck patch and pinkish tinge to foreneck and breast. Shows characteristic tail-pattern like ad. S. t. turtur (N of region). Darker, with more contrasting dark centres of wing-coverts and less washed-out mantle and breast. Voice Song is a deep toorrr toorrr. Habitat Uncommon in a wide variety of open wooded areas, including human settlements, as well as steppes and semi-deserts; from lowlands to mountains.

Oriental Turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis

33 cm

Two races in region: S. o. meena. Slightly bigger with fuller breast and broader wings than European Turtle Dove, but otherwise very similar. See European for differences from Laughing Dove. Ad Overall darker than European. Nape and rear head pinkish-brown contrasting with greyish crown, whereas head and nape more uniformly greyish in European. Bars on neck-side usually narrower and more numerous than in European with pale bars often with bluish tinge (usually white in European). Pinkish-brown mantle contrasts with dull blue-grey back, while upperparts usually more uniform greyish-brown in European. Scapulars, tertials and inner wing-coverts have darker and more rufous fringes and usually more extensive black centres than European. Outer wing-coverts have more greyish fringes forming two wing-bars on greater and median coverts. European lacks wing-bars, but shows more extensive and paler grey panel on outer wing-coverts instead. Unlike European, wing-coverts can appear paler than scapulars (especially in subspecies orientalis, see below). Also, reddish orbital skin is more restricted than in European Turtle. Juv Very similar to juv European, but shows narrower or even no pale tips to greater primary-coverts. Pale tips to scapulars, tertials and wing-coverts usually more prominent instead. S. o. orientalis (V). Slightly bigger than meena and always separated from the latter as well as European by blackish tail with greyish corners. Breast is darker pinkish-brown grading to greyish belly and undertail-coverts, while the latter are white in meena. Thus differs more clearly from European Turtle, which shows white undertail-coverts and whitish belly. Voice Song is a hollow and cooing hroo-hroo hoo-hoo. The song of meena is somewhat hoarser than orientalis. Habitat Uncommon in open woodland, often near cultivations; from lowlands to mountains.

Eurasian Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto

32 cm

S. d. decaocto. Longer-tailed than Oriental and European Turtle Doves. Similar in size to the former. Ad Characterised by rather uniform greyish-buff plumage with contrastingly darker primaries and diagnostic black collar with thin white frame. Iris dark-red and stands out from pale head. Uppertail greyish with broad white tips to outer feathers, less contrasting than in Laughing Dove and Oriental and European Turtle Doves. Undertail whitish with black sides to base, which can be difficult to see when perched (unlike Oriental and European). Has pale underwing in flight with only darker primaries; thus clearly differs from Oriental and European Turtle Doves and Laughing Dove, which show dark underwing. Juv Lacks black collar on neck of ad. Also duller with more prominent pale scaling on upperparts. Voice Song is a trisyllabic low-pitched doo-dooo-oo, usually repeated few times. Habitat Villages and towns, in parks and gardens; mainly lowlands and foothills. Common.

Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis

27 cm

Two races in region: S. s. ermanni, S. e. cambayensis (S Afg). Rather small with long tail and short wings. Slightly smaller than European Turtle Dove; see that species for differences. Ad Has diagnostic black-spotted, reddish-brown half-collar on foreneck. Upperparts mainly brownish, outer wing-coverts bluish-grey forming an extensive pale mid-wing panel in flight, which contrasts with blackish outer wing. Uppertail more contrastingly patterned than in Eurasian Collared Dove. From below, tail almost uniformly white with black restricted to sides of base (unlike European and Oriental Turtle Doves). Unlike Eurasian Collared, underwing dark (as European and Oriental). Females usually duller than males. Juv Upperparts with pale scaling. Lacks collar and pinkish tinge on head and underparts of ad, but already shows extensive bluish-grey wing-panel. Voice Song is a distinctive galloping ha-hoo’/hoo hoo’\hoo’hoo. Habitat Open habitats, usually around human habitations. Common.

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European Turtle Dove turtur

adult

juvenile

adult

Oriental Turtle Dove meena

adult

juvenile

adult

Eurasian Collared Dove Laughing Dove

adult

juvenile adult

adult

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PLATE 60: Parakeets and Cuckoos Slaty-headed Parakeet Psittacula himalayana

41 cm

Monotypic. Slightly smaller than Rose-ringed Parakeet, but with relatively longer tail. Unlike Rose-ringed and Alexandrine Parakeets shows broadly yellow-tipped tail, appearing almost completely yellow from below. Upper mandible red, lower mandible yellowish unlike Roseringed and Alexandrine. Ad male Blue-grey head easily separates it from Rose-ringed and Alexandrine. Maroon patch on inner lesser coverts smaller than in Alexandrine. Ad female Similar to ad male, but lacks maroon on lesser coverts. Juv Head is greyish-green and tail shorter than in ad. Ad head-pattern is acquired in 1st-sum. Voice Song is a metallic ssr/REE. Calls hoarse, screeching. Habitat Mixed forests with large trees; foothills and mountains. Current status in region unknown.

Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri

42 cm

P. k. borealis. Shares short hooked bill and long graduated tail with Slaty-headed and Alexandrine Parakeets (see those species for differences). Readily identified as parakeet also by characteristic flight silhouette: long tail, narrow, pointed wings and contrast between dark remiges and greenish coverts on underwing. Upper mandible bright red, lower mandible with blackish markings. Ad male Nape and head-sides with bluish tinge. Narrow black line on lores (cf. Alexandrine). Ad female Differs from ad male in entirely greenish head and shorter central rectrices. Juv, Imm Similar to ad female. Male develops head-pattern in third year. Voice Call is a harsh kee-eh. Habitat Open woodlands, usually close to villages and towns. Current status in region unknown.

Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria

53 cm

P. e. nipalensis. Noticeably bigger than Slaty-headed and Rose-ringed Parakeets, with more massive all red bill. Best separated from Rose-ringed by maroon lesser coverts (‘shoulderpatch’). Ad male Head-pattern similar to Rose-ringed, but black collar does not extend onto nape, instead has rather broad pinkish band on nape. Further lacks black loral-stripe of Rose-ringed. Ad female, Juv Head entirely greenish and best separated from Rose-ringed by ‘shoulder-patch’. Voice Song consists of hoarse and ringing trills, squawks and creaks. Range of hoarse calls includes deep TSKRA\oo. Habitat Open woodlands and cultivations, often close to human settlements. Local.

Oriental Cuckoo Cuculus saturatus

32 cm

C. s. optatus. Usually not safely separable from Common Cuckoo under field conditions, only a combination of features is diagnostic. Best identified by voice. Usually slightly smaller than Common. Ad male Upperparts slightly darker bluish-grey than in Common, but note that subspecies subtelephonus of Common is paler than the nominate. Bars on underparts usually darker, broader and sparser than in Common. Broad barring usually extends on undertail-coverts, where Common often has sparser and more regular barring or even none. Moreover, Oriental usually shows stronger buff tinge on undertail-coverts, vent, flanks and underwing-coverts. Difference on underwing of limited value in the field: rather dark with contrasting broad pale band on mid-wing, while Common shows more uniformly pale underwing. Unlike Common, primary-coverts and usually also lesser underwing-coverts unbarred. Further, Common differs in smaller white area at base of inner primaries and more white bars on primaries. Ad female Grey morph: see Common for differences from ad male. Hepatic morph: black bars are broader than rufous bars on upperparts and barring extends to rump and uppertail-coverts. In contrast, hepatic female Common shows narrower black bars and rump is unmarked or with some short dark bars. Juv Very similar to juv Common. Voice Song consists of paired, Hoopoe-like notes: poo’oo poo’oo…. Female utters a bubbling call similar to Common. Habitat Coniferous and mixed forests or open woodlands, usually at lower altitudes than Common. Scarce.

Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus

33 cm

Two races in region: C .c. subtelephonus, C. c. canorus (N of region). Appears elongated with long, rounded tail and long often dropped wings. Tail is often cocked or even fanned. Extremely similar to Oriental Cuckoo (which see) and best separated by voice. Can recall Eurasian Sparrowhawk in flight due to long tail, but has more pointed wings and typically raised head. Wings are beaten below horizontal. Ad male Upperparts, head and breast bluish-grey. Underparts white with dark bars. Tail appears barred from below due to white tips and inner markings on graduated rectrices Ad female Grey morph: similar to ad male, but has buffish tinged breast with some dark barring. Hepatic (brown) morph: grey is replace by rufous-brown and often has broad black bars above except on rump. Juv Differs from ad female by white nape patch and dark-grey upperparts with white feather-fringes. Shows variable amount of rufous barring above. Voice Song is a disyllabic koo\-koo. When excited rather guttural gowk-gowk-che-che. Female utters a loud bubbling trill pu’hoo’hoo’hoo’hoo’…. Habitat Open country with trees or bushes, woodlands; from lowlands to mountains. Common. [Alt: Eurasian Cuckoo]

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

Slaty-headed Parakeet

juvenile





Alexandrine Parakeet





Rose-ringed Parakeet 



 

hepatic



hepatic

juvenile adult

Oriental Cuckoo

Common Cuckoo

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PLATE 61: Owls I Pallid Scops Owl Otus brucei

21 cm

Three races in region: O. b. obsoletus, O. b. brucei (N, E of region), O. b. exiguus (S Afg). Very similar to Eurasian Scops Owl. Wings never project beyond tail-tip whereas most Eurasian show slight wing-projection. Shorter primary-projection than Eurasian. Ad Paler greyish than Eurasian, lacking any rufous. However, some Eurasian especially of the subspecies turanicus are equally pale and greyish. Compared to Eurasian, usually has plainer and paler facial disc, which may appear paler than crown. Underparts with finer dark bars and Eurasian’s additional pale and brown crossbars usually lacking. Pale spots on longest scapulars cream or sandy, not as whitish as in Eurasian. Moreover, pale spots on nape, mantle and wing-coverts not as conspicuous. Primary-coverts have paler and more conspicuous bars than in Eurasian. Feathering of tarsus extends onto bases of toes, unlike Eurasian (beware of moulting individuals). Juv Underparts finely barred lacking longitudinal streaks of ad and Eurasian. Voice Song is long sequence of hollow notes whoop or sometimes o/oo\op. One note per second or slightly faster. Habitat Semi-open areas with trees and bushes, including cultivations and parks. Usually in drier areas than Eurasian, mainly lowlands and foothills. Rare. [Alt: Striated Scops Owl]

Eurasian Scops Owl Otus scops

19 cm

Two races in region: O. s. pulchellus, O. s. turanicus (Tkm, Afg). Smaller and slimmer than Little Owl, with a more upright stance. Small erectile ear-tufts look like horns when relaxed. Has rather prominent facial disc and conspicuously yellow iris. Very similar to Pallid Scops Owl and best separated by voice; see that species for differences. Unlike Little, lacks pronounced undulating flight. Ad Cryptic plumage: finely textured and streaked and reminiscent of bark of an old tree. Much less coarsely marked than Little. Whitish spots on longest scapulars form a band of drops. The plumage colour varies from greyish-brown to rufous brown. Juv Similar to ad. Voice Song is full fluting whistle tyooh, repeated every (2–)3s. Habitat Common breeder in rather open or semi-open broadleaved woodlands, including parks and oases, from lowlands to mountains. [Alt: Common Scops Owl]

Little Owl Athene noctua

23 cm

Four races in region: A. n. bactriana, A. n. indigena (NW of region), A. n. orientalis (E of region), A. n. plumipes (NE Kaz). Slightly bigger than Scops Owls. See very similar Spotted Owlet for differences. Appears broad-headed, long-legged and short-tailed. Pronounced undulating flight. Mostly active at dusk, but also nocturnal and sometimes diurnal. Ad Upperparts, nape and crown brownish with pale spots; conspicuous pale horizontal eyebrows. Pale cheeks and throat bordered below by incomplete dark collar. Underparts with coarse brownish streaks. Pale markings on nape create ‘false eyes’. Although clearly separated by habitat, could be confused with smaller Pygmy Owl. However, the latter shows a more uniform face pattern, shorter eyebrows, barred rather than streaked flanks and smaller pale spots on scapulars. See also Tengmalm’s Owl. Juv Duller than ad, pale spots on the upperparts less conspicuous and lacking on crown, rump and uppertail-coverts. Voice Song a drawn-out resonant gooa or goo/oo, often with questioning character. Call a sharp, cat-like /keE\ew, often repeated. Habitat Rather common in semi-open habitats, from stony deserts to steppes, farmland and open woodlands, mainly from lowlands to lower mountains.

Spotted Owlet Athene brama

21 cm

A. b. indica (E Afg?). Slightly smaller than very similar Little Owl. Note differences in voice. Mainly crepuscular and nocturnal. Ad Differs from Little in spotted or barred as opposed to more streaked breast and flanks. Additionally, spots on crown are less arranged in lines and less regular than in Little. See also Collared Owlet. Juv Has fewer or no spots on crown, markings on underparts are more diffuse; has some streaks below breast. Voice Song is an irregular burst of raucous chuckling screeches. Habitat Open country, such as open forests, deserts and semi-deserts; from lowlands to foothills. [Alt: Spotted Little Owl]

Collared Owlet Glaucidium brodiei

17 cm

G. b. brodiei (E Afg?). Very small and compact, with relatively long tail. About size of Pygmy Owl but confusion with latter unlikely as distribution is completely disjunct. Diurnal and crepuscular. Ad Crown dark brown with buff speckles, upperparts and wings dark brown barred buffish. White markings on longest scapulars may form a white band. Has a characteristic buff hindcollar. Pale markings on nape create ‘false eyes’. Breast brown with buff bars, bars becoming more irregular and blotched and interrupted by white streaks towards belly. Little Owl and Spotted Owlet are bigger, show a more prominent face pattern and their upperparts are less barred. Little Owl additionally shows streaked rather than barred underparts. Pygmy shows spotted instead of barred upperparts and lacks pale hindcollar. Juv Crown more uniform and hindcollar less obvious than in ad. Voice Song consists of four fluting notes with galloping rhythm toot-toot’toot-toot, repeated after short pause. Series of such phrases can start rather quietly and increase in volume. Habitat Open forest, forest edges, woodlands. [Alt: Collared Pygmy Owl]

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Pallid Scops Owl

Eurasian Scops Owl

Little Owl

Spotted Owlet

Collared Owlet

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PLATE 62: Owls II Snowy Owl Nyctea scandiaca

60 cm

Monotypic. Huge. Unmistakable due to almost white plumage (age-dependent, see below). Iris yellow, feet and toes thickly feathered. In flight with broad arm and characteristically pointed wing-tip. Female is larger than male. Diurnal and crepuscular. Ad male Almost completely white with sparse dark markings. Ad female Has dark bars and spots overall. 1st-win male Similar to ad female, but more strongly cross-barred above. 1st-win female Dark bars and spots denser and stronger than in ad female. Voice Silent in region. Habitat Open areas, such as steppes, marshes or fields. Rare.

Eurasian Eagle Owl Bubo bubo

68 cm

Eight races in region: B. b. hemachalana, B. b. turcomanus (Kaz), B. b. omissus (Tkm, S Uzb, SW Tjk, N Afg), B. b. nikolskii (C, S Afg), B. b. yenisseensis (NE Kaz), B. b. ruthenus (NW Kaz), B. b. interpositus (Mangystau, Kaz), B. b. sibiricus (WV). Largest owl in the region, powerful and bigheaded with distinct long ear-tufts. Strong bill and big eyes with bright orange iris conspicuous. Much bigger and more compact and less elongated than superficially similar Long-eared Owl. In flight with broad wings, short tail and pointed head profile. Wing beats flat and rather fast and stiff. Crepuscular and nocturnal. Ad White throat is not always visible. In flight lacks the pale bases to outer primaries above of Great Grey Owl. See that species for more differences. Coloration of cryptically patterned plumage rather variable and varies geographically: sibiricus is very pale whitish below and buffish white above, both ruthenus and yenisseensis are darker, greyer and more yellowish overall; hemachalana is a pale brownish subspecies similar to turcomanus, but less greyish. The overall coloration of the smaller desert form omissus is generally pale ochre. Similar nikolskii is paler and more rusty; interpositus is darker and brighter than ruthenus. Juv Characteristic face pattern and ear-tufts already indicated. Voice Song far-carrying (often 1.5 km) resonant whuu’\o. Female has higher call, stressed on second syllable. Alarm-call very loud harsh craeck, recalling Grey Heron. Similar calls also repeated. Habitat Scarce in rocky areas with cliffs, patches of woodland or scattered trees; from lowlands to mountains.

Great Grey Owl Strix nebulosa

64 cm

S. n. lapponica. Larger than Ural Owl with big-headed and thick-necked appearance. Round and flat face with small yellow eyes lead to dignified facial expression. Flies with slow wing-beats and long gliding phases. Crepuscular and nocturnal, but also diurnal during breeding. Ad Drab grey with darker markings. Facial disc with concentric dark circles, white X between eyes and black patch below bill suggesting beard. Can be confused with Ural in flight, but distinguished by broad dark end-band to tail and pale buff bases to outer primaries above. Eurasian Eagle Owl is larger, has prominent ear-tufts and a different facial pattern, orange iris and dark bill. Juv Dark grey with paler barring or mottling. Facial disc with concentric circles of ad often already present. Voice Song of male a pumping series of c. 10 hu-notes, decreasing in pitch and dying away at end. Habitat Very rare in cedar and larch forests; from foothills to lower mountains.

Ural Owl Strix uralensis

55 cm

S. u. uralensis. Like large, elongated version of Tawny Owl with a much longer, wedge-shaped tail and longer tail-projection. Has smaller dark eyes than Tawny and paler face resulting in an even gentler facial expression. Mostly nocturnal and crepuscular. Ad Similar to greyish Tawny, but underparts with bolder streaks lacking cross-bars. In flight, shows regularly barred tail without the broad end-band and the pale bases to the outer primaries above of Great Grey Owl. Tail-bars bolder than in Tawny. Juv See Tawny. Voice Song of male far-carrying /hu-\ ho vod(’d’d) o’/hu-\ho. Also vu’vu’vu’vu’vu’vu’vu slightly rising in pitch and speed. Alarm-call barking wraff. Habitat Very rare in mixed woodland with some open areas such as bogs, clearings or small fields, from foothills to lower mountains.

Tawny Owl Strix aluco

40 cm

Four races in region: S. a. harmsi, S. a. biddulphi (E Afg), S. a. siberiae (V). Rather compact with big head. Dark eyes together with plain facial disc lead to friendly facial expression. In flight, with short, broad and rounded wings. Flies rather straight with wings slightly bowed while gliding. Usually nocturnal. Could be confused with disjunct Ural Owl (which see). Ad Cryptic, greyish plumage. Shows pale stripes on crown-sides and a pale X between eyes. Juv Similar to juv Ural, but structural differences are already pronounced, additionally facial disc less distinct, eyelids are more reddish and bill is greyer with pinkish instead of yellowish cere. Moreover, toes are pinkish instead of yellow. S. a. wilkonskii (SW Tkm). Coloration more variable with greyish, more rufous or even dark brown individuals. Voice Song loud mournful hooo\o ... heb, hu/’hoo/’hooo\o. Last part often wavering. Female gives nasal kae/vik. Habitat Uncommon in open and semi-open woodlands, including parks and farmland with trees; mainly foothills and mountains.

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Snowy Owl 



Eurasian Eagle Owl

Great Grey Owl

omissus

Ural Owl

Tawny Owl biddulphi wilkonskii

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PLATE 63: Owls III Eurasian Pygmy Owl Glaucidium passerinum

17 cm

G. p. passerinum. Very small and compact with relatively long tail and stern facial expression. Raises or jerks tail when excited. Shows pronounced undulating flight. Mainly crepuscular, but also diurnal. Ad Upperparts and head brown with small white spots and white eyebrows. Pale markings on nape create ‘false eyes’. Breast and flanks barred, belly streaked. Superficially similar Tengmalm’s Owl is bigger, has a more conspicuous facial disc, bigger pale spots on upperparts and more spotted than barred underparts. See also Little Owl. Juv Similar to ad but crown and upperparts unspotted; breast and flanks diffusely dark rather than barred. Voice Song a long sequence of fluting toot notes, repeated every 2 seconds, each note recalling Eurasian Bullfinch or Eurasian Scops Owl. In excitement toot is followed by quick staccato do’dr’od. Female has thin high-pitched inhaling tseeee-call. Especially in autumn, a squeaky dook-duuk-dyykdeek-diik going up the scale. Habitat Rare in coniferous and mixed forest with clearings, moors or meadows; from foothills to lower mountains.

Tengmalm’s Owl Aegolius funereus

25 cm

A. f. pallens. Small and big-headed. Has conspicuous yellow eyes and a characteristic wondering facial expression. Flight much less undulating than in Eurasian Pygmy Owl. Ad Shows a pale face with a conspicuous facial disc. Juv Characteristically chocolate brown with white spots in wing and on tail. Facial disc of ad is already evident but much darker. Voice Song a hollow po-po-popo-po-po, with individually variable pitch and length. Calls include a nasal koow/ack reminiscent of Tawny Owl and a squirrel-like, smacking chyok. Habitat Scarce in mature subalpine forests and mixed woodlands; from foothills to mountains. [Alt: Boreal Owl]

Northern Hawk Owl Surnia ulula

36–41 cm

Two races in region: S. u. tianschanica, S. u. ulula (NE Kaz). Has flat crown and a typically grim and strong facial expression. In flight agile with rather fast wing-beats reminding of a Sparrowhawk due to long tail and rather short wings. Often diurnal. Ad Pale facial disk broadly bordered black. Characteristically barred from breast downward. White markings on lower scapulars often form pale V. Markings on nape suggest ‘false eyes’. Juv Face pattern similar to ad, but with dark mask around eyes. Breast greyish and diffusely mottled; belly paler. Voice Song of male a rather high-pitched, soft, pleasant trill pryllyllylly... lasting 4–9 sec and rising slightly in pitch and volume. Alarm a falconlike ki-ki-kikiki. Habitat Mainly spruce or larch forests with some clearings or burnt areas; from foothills to mountains. Rare.

Long-eared Owl Asio otus

37 cm

A. o. otus. Has rather elongated body and usually upright position. Long ear-tufts characteristic, though invisible in flight or when relaxed. Flight with slow wing-beats and regular swinging gliding phases. See Short-eared Owl for differences. Nocturnal and crepuscular, but can also be observed flying on daytime during migration and breeding. Ad Has typical pale orange facial disc with black line running from eyes to ear-tufts. Juv Pale and barred with contrasting dark facial disc. Voice Song of male low-pitched hollow whoop, like blowing into empty bottle. Repeated every few seconds and audible up to 1 km. Also claps wings. Female answers with quiet toy-trumpet sound. Begging of young a plaintive, high-pitched, drawn-out peee’eh. Habitat Common in dense woodland adjacent to open areas; from lowland semi-deserts to mountain forests.

Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus

38 cm

A. f. flammeus. Slightly bigger than Long-eared Owl with usually less upright position. Ear-tufts are very small and rarely visible. Iris yellow, not bright orange as in Long-eared. Flight style similar to Long-eared, but wings slightly longer, narrower and more pointed and held in a more V-like position. Tail is more wedge-shaped. Usually rests on ground, whereas Long-eared is mostly found in trees. Largely diurnal. Ad Paler and more yellowish than Long-eared and lacks black lines above eyes; eyes surrounded with black instead. Tail is more strongly barred and streaking on underparts is mostly restricted to breast and flanks and contrasts to paler or even unstreaked belly. In flight, white trailing-edge to wing, which is usually lacking in Long-eared. Upperwing has more conspicuous carpal patch and dark bars on secondaries. Wing-tip is more contrasting and formed by fewer bars than in Long-eared, which is especially striking on underwing. Apart from wing-tip, fewer and indistinct bars on rectrices below. Juv Usually more yellowish than juv Long-eared, with smaller, more mask-shaped facial disc and more triangular pale patch above bill. Ear-tufts are often already evident in juv Long-eared. Voice Song, often given in flight, rapid series of 6–20 low-pitched hoots boo-boo-…. Also claps wings. Call a hoarse cheee-op. Habitat Common in open country, such as marshes, moorland, grassland or steppes, from lowland to lower mountains.

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Eurasian Pygmy Owl

Tengmalm's Owl adult

adult

juvenile

adult

Northern Hawk Owl

adult

Short-eared Owl adult

Long-eared Owl

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PLATE 64: Nightjars European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus

25 cm

Four races in region: C. e. sarudnyi, C. e. europaeus (N Kaz), C. e. unwini (Afg, S Uzb, S Tkm, Tjk, S Kgz?), C. e. plumipes (PM). Crepuscular and nocturnal like other nightjars, difficult to detect during the day when roosting motionless. Long, narrow tail and pointed wings in flight characteristic, but cf. other nightjars. Has characteristically light, buoyant, rather silent flight with interspersed glides and sometimes hovers. Plumage cryptically patterned, with paler markings on lower scapulars and pale bar on lesser coverts. Shows white submoustachial stripe and variable white patches on either throat-side. Coloration varies according to subspecies: rather greyish-brown (europaeus), paler, plainer and more greyish with more sparsely marked undertail-coverts (unwini) or paler and sandier (plumipes); sarudnyi is intermediate between the other three subspecies with whiter undertail-coverts than europaeus. Paler and sandier individuals are similar to Egyptian and Sykes’s Nightjars, see those species for differences. Ad male Has white patch on outer primaries and white tailcorners; europaeus has less white in primaries than other subspecies. Ad female Lacks white markings in wing and tail of ad male. Juv, 1st-win Similar to ad female. Voice Song is far-carrying, sonorous and churrrrrrrrr/’errrrrrrrrr\’urrr..., similar to distant motorbike. Call is a nasal short croak /qwuik. Habitat Dry and open country, such as edges of woods and heaths, steppes with sparse vegetation, but also open forests; from lowlands to lower mountains. Any open habitat on migration. Common.

Egyptian Nightjar Caprimulgus aegyptius

25 cm

C. a. aegyptius. Slightly bulkier, larger-headed and shorter-tailed than European Nightjar and bigger than similar Sykes’s and Vaurie’s Nightjars (see those species for differences). Ad Cryptically patterned plumage sandy-grey overall with pale buffish submoustachial stripe and white patch on either throat-side. Sexes similar, but ad male with whitish tips to outer two rectrices (more buffish in ad female). Pale and sandy individuals of European are similar (especially subspecies unwini and plumipes), but Egyptian is more uniform with less heavily black-streaked upperparts and lacks paler markings on scapulars and pale bar on lesser coverts. Further differs in paler ear-coverts, plainer crown and less prominent submoustachial stripe. In flight, underwings are paler and less uniformly barred with pale primary-bases contrasting with darker tips. Also ad male European differs by white patch on outer primaries and white tail-corners. Juv Similar to ad, but paler and plainer. Voice Song is a long series of hollow kroorr-kroorr-kroorr…. Habitat Uncommon in deserts and semideserts, often with some scrub, usually close to water; mainly lowlands.

Sykes’s Nightjar Caprimulgus mahrattensis

23 cm

Monotypic (Afg?). Rather short-winged and short-tailed, smaller than similar Egyptian and European Nightjars. See also Vaurie’s Nightjar. Ad Cryptically patterned plumage sandy-grey with whitish submoustachial stripe and white patch on either throat-side. Very similar to Egyptian, but with more pronounced dark markings on crown. Always differs from the latter in flight in white patch on outer primaries (smaller and often buffish in ad female) and white tail-corners (smaller and more buffish in ad female). Pale and sandy individuals of European can be similar (especially subspecies unwini and plumipes), but Syke’s lacks paler markings on scapulars and pale bar on lesser coverts, has less prominently streaked crown and upperparts as well as paler ear-coverts. Juv Paler and plainer than ad. Voice Song is similar to European Nightjar, but lacks the latter's changes in pitch and rate, and often sounds softer. Habitat Semi-deserts with scattered thorn scrub.

Vaurie’s Nightjar Caprimulgus centralasicus

19 cm

Monotypic. Known from a single specimen (probably ad female) collected in Xinjiang (China) in 1929. Might occur in the region. Smaller than Egyptian and European Nightjars, similar in size to Sykes’s Nightjars. Overall similar to Egyptian, but shows distinct black streaks on crown and scapulars. Underwing more irregularly patterned on cinnamon-rufous ground-colour, whereas ground-colour is white in Egyptian with darker primary-tips. Primaries on folded wing rather pale and less strongly barred than in Egyptian and upperside of tail is less well-marked. Also shows buffish rather than white patch on either throat-side and more chestnut ear-coverts. Lacks (both sexes?) pale patch on outer primaries of Sykes’s and male European. Habitat Sandy scrubjungle (type locality).

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European Nightjar

sarudnyi

 europaeus

 europaeus

 

unwini



Egyptian Nightjar





Sykes’s Nightjar 





Vaurie’s Nightjar

 

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PLATE 65: Swifts Common Swift Apus apus

17 cm

Two races in region: A. a. pekinensis. Highly adapted to an aerial lifestyle like other Swifts; usually lands only during breeding season on nest. Feeding, drinking, copulation and even resting take place in flight. Characterised by long and pointed, sickle-shaped wings with long hand and short arm. Tail rather deeply forked. Flight fast and agile, with fast wingbeats and frequent gliding. Ad Uniform dark brownish with little contrasts in plumage except for whitish throat. Aberrant individuals exceptionally show white markings in plumage including rump (cf. Pacific and Little Swifts). Juv Shows more extensive white throat and paler feather fringes (cf. Pacific). A. a. apus (N of region). Very similar to pekinensis, but usually darker and more blackish with white throat patch smaller and forehead darker. Rump, tail, secondaries and inner primaries are darker on upperparts. Consequently, does not show contrast with darker mantle and scapulars, which gives the impression of a dark saddle in pekinensis. Underparts are more uniform lacking darker breast and belly of pekinensis. Be aware that colour appearance changes according to the angle of sunlight, soil colour and feather wear – with worn feathers being browner. Voice Typical call is a shrill sriiii. Habitat Wide range of habitats from arid steppes to forest zones, also in towns; from lowlands to mountains. Very common.

Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba

22 cm

T. m. tuneti. Considerably bigger and more powerful than Common Swift with slower and deeper wingbeats. Ad Easily identified by white throat to belly interrupted by a brown breast-band. The latter is connected with brown head-sides and rest of plumage is brownish as well. Plumage pattern recalls Sand Martin, but easily separated by size and shape. Juv Similar to ad. Voice Typical call is a twittering series of hi’hi’hi’hi’hi…. elements; similar to but usually much faster than the call of small falcons. Habitat Uncommon in open areas with cliffs. Forages over vast areas.

Little Swift Apus affinis

12 cm

A. a. galilejensis. Smaller and more compact that other swifts with rather short and broad tail with square end (even slightly rounded when spread). Wings shorter than in other swifts with broad inner hand. Flight less elegant and more fluttering compared to other swifts. Ad Dark-brown overall with broad white rump band extending onto rear flanks. Further shows large white throat patch and white forehead. Pacific Swift shares white rump, but is bigger with longer and more pointed wings and deeply forked tail. Moreover, Pacific lacks white forehead and shows pale scaling on underparts. Juv Duller and less glossy than ad. Voice Typical call is a bouncing and high-pitched twitter that can recall Alpine Swift. Habitat Wide range of habitats from rocky areas with cliffs to large towns. Locally common.

Pacific Swift Apus pacificus

18 cm

A. p. pacificus. Slightly bigger than Common Swift with longer and deeper tail-fork and longer, narrower wings. Ad Blackish-brown overall with contrasting white rump band and extensive white throat patch. Also shows characteristic pale scaling on underparts especially on belly, vent and flanks. Be aware that juv Common can show pale scaling on underparts as well. Shares white rump with smaller Little Swift; see that species for differences. Juv Similar to ad. Voice Typical calls are shrill tsri’tsri’tsri’tsri or spii-er, more sibilant than Common. Habitat Mountain forests with cliffs. Localised, but possibly locally rather common. [Alt: Fork-tailed Swift]

White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus

20 cm

H. c. caudacutus (V). Similar in size to Alpine Swift, but with shorter wings and especially tail. Shape characteristic: Heavy, cigar-shaped body with large head, broad, but still pointed wings and short tail with square or slightly rounded end when spread. Spines at tips of rectrices usually not visible in the field. Flight rapid with fast wingbeats followed by dives and glides with angled wings. Ad Mainly blackish-brown with glossy wings and tail. Has conspicuous white boomerang-shaped patch at rear end of underparts and shows extensive white throat patch, white forehead and silvery-grey back to mantle. White markings on tertials are usually difficult to see. Juv Duller than ad, with silvery-grey back and mantle less contrasting and darker, only slightly paler forehead and less glossy wings and tail. Voice Typical call is a high-pitched tsuir’tsuir’tsuir’tsuir, similar to Pacific. Habitat Aerial. Outside region breeds in montane regions.

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apus

Common Swift

pekinensis

adult

adult

Alpine Swift

Little Swift

adult adult

adult

adult

Pacific Swift

White-throated Needletail

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PLATE 66: Rollers and Bee-eaters European Roller Coracias garrulus

31 cm

Two races in region: C. g. semenowi, C. g. garrulus (N Kaz). Mostly greenish-blue medium-sized bird with strong bill. See Indian Roller for differences. Shows contrasting wing-pattern in flight with blue coverts contrasting with dark remiges. Broad light blue tail-tip contrasts with darker blue base and tail-corners. Sit-and-wait hunter, often perched on exposed look-outs. Recalls Eurasian Jackdaw in flight, but easily separated by larger, contrastingly patterned wings and more powerful wing-beats reminiscent of a Lapwing. Ad Greenish-blue overall with rufousbrown mantle, scapulars, tertials and inner greater-coverts. Also shows darker eye-stripe and dark-blue bend of wing, rump and uppertail-coverts. Juv Duller and paler than ad with fine streaks on throat and breast and brownish fringes to wing-coverts. Voice Call is a hard crow-like rack-ack. Habitat Open countryside with patches of forests or orchards, mixed farmland; lowlands and foothills. Common.

Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis

30 cm

C. b. benghalensis. Size and shape similar to European Roller, but primary-projection much shorter and appears shorter-necked and shorter-tailed. Easily separated in flight from European by two bright blue bands contrasting with mainly dark-blue remiges (on both wing-surfaces). Tail-pattern also differs: dark-blue with light blue sides to base. Ad Head-sides, throat and breast cinnamon-pinkish with white streaks, quite unlike European. Upperparts brownish like European, but including nape. Juv Wings and tail mostly like ad, otherwise much duller. Voice Call similar to European, but harsher and more barking chak. Habitat Open farmland and pastures. Probably common.

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus

31 cm

M. p. persicus. Slightly slimmer, more elongated and longer-billed than European Bee-eater and clearly bigger than Green Bee-Eater (see those species for differences). Ad Emerald-green overall with conspicuous face-pattern: narrow black mask bordered above and below by white and bluish bands. Chin yellow and lower throat reddish. Shows long elongated central rectrices (longer than in European). Juv Duller than ad, more bluish-green with pale feather-edges giving scaly appearance. Lacks blue on head of ad; chin and throat are washed-out and buffish-red lower throat extends onto ear-coverts. Lacks elongated central rectrices. Voice Call is a trilling priip priip priip, slightly harder and higher-pitched than European. Habitat Rather common in open arid country with scattered trees; mainly lowlands.

European Bee-eater Merops apiaster

27 cm

Monotypic. Slim with long tail and wings and slender decurved bill. Shares narrow black mask and general aspect with Blue-cheeked and much smaller Green Bee-Eater, but is easily separated when colours are seen. In flight alternates gliding with fast and deep wing-beats. Unlike Blue-cheeked and Green, black trailing-edge on wings is broader on secondaries than on primaries, and upperwing is not uniform, but greenish-blue on primaries and mainly rufous on arm. Underwing-coverts are paler brownish and less cinnamon than in Blue-cheeked and Green. Ad Br male Unlike greenish plumage of Blue-cheeked and Green, shows bluish underparts with yellow throat bordered black below and rufous crown to back. Main part of wing-coverts also rufous contrasting with golden-yellow scapulars and rump. Elongated central rectrices are shorter than in Blue-cheeked. Ad Br female Similar to ad male and not always separable, but slight differences include greenish tinge on scapulars and rump, less chestnut on wings and paler yellow throat with weaker black border below. Ad Non-br Could potentially occur in autumn: Has greenish tinge on upperparts and is thus more similar to Blue-cheeked and Green. Juv Chestnut on upperparts is replaced by dull olive-greenish and scapulars are pale greenish. Thus more similar to Blue-cheeked and Green, but nape and crown with some chestnut and underparts still bluish with yellow throat, although paler than in ad without black lower border. Lacks elongated central rectrices. Voice Call is a soft and melodious prrup, frequenty repeated. Habitat Open bushy country with scattered trees, river banks; lowlands and foothills. Common.

Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis

21 cm

M. o. beludschicus (V). Smaller than European and Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters. Usually easily separated from European (which see), but mainly green plumage make confusion with Blue-cheeked possible. In flight, wingtips rounder than in Blue-cheeked and European. Remiges on upperwing with cinnamon tinge (more greenish in Blue-cheeked). Shares underwing-pattern with Blue-cheeked, shows stronger cinnamon underwing-coverts than European and prominent black trailing-edge to wing is of even width (cf. European). Ad Yellowish-green overall with golden-green crown and narrow black mask. Unlike Blue-cheeked, throat pale bluish with black band on lower border. Elongated central rectrices proportionally usually slightly longer than in Bluecheeked. Juv Duller than ad without black band on lower throat and lacks elongated central rectrices. Voice Call is a hard tree or metallic krrit, frequently repeated. Habitat Open arid country with scattered trees.

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adult adult

European Roller juvenile

Indian Roller

adult adult

juvenile

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater

adult

adult beludschicus

European Bee-eater Green Bee-eater

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PLATE 67: Kingfishers and Hoopoe Crested Kingfisher Megaceryle lugubris

41 cm

M. l. continentalis (E Afg?). Largest kingfisher. Has untidy crest, which can be vertically erected. Could be confused with smaller Pied Kingfisher due to mostly greyish-black and white plumage, but lacks white supercilium, solid black areas and white primarypatch of Pied and shows barred tail. Ad male Characterised by greyish-black-and-white barred upperparts. Head mostly greyish-black with white streaks and white lower head-sides. Greyish-black markings on breast and malar area. Often shows some orange-rufous on breast. Ad female Lacks orange-rufous on breast, instead shows rufous underwing-coverts (white in ad male). Juv Differs from ad female by rufous wash on underparts. Voice Occasionally loud and chattering pik, pik ik or check. Habitat Fast flowing streams and rivers.

Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis

31 cm

C. r. leucomelanurus. Rather big black-and-white kingfisher with a long, dagger-like black bill and an untidy crest. Unlike other kingfishers, always lacks any other colour in plumage. Often seen hovering with bill pointing down. Could be confused with larger Crested Kingfisher, but told by white supercilium, white primary-patch and solid black areas on breast-sides, ear-coverts and nape. Tail white with black subterminal-band and black central feathers from above, whereas Crested shows barred tail. Ad male Has black mask and crown contrasting with white supercilium. Underparts mostly white with two usually connected black patches on breast-sides and a narrow second breastband below. Upperparts speckled black-and-white. Ad female Lacks narrow second breast-band of male. Juv Similar to ad female, but breast-patches greyer and feathers on lores, throat and breast with brownish fringes. Voice Repertoire of sharp and piercing calls, typical call is a rhythmic triit-TREET’titi. Habitat Large rivers and lakes. Localised.

White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis

28 cm

H. s. smyrnensis. Unmistakable. Medium-sized kingfisher with huge red bill. Ad Head and underparts dark chestnut with contrasting white throat and central breast. Upperparts strikingly turquoise-bluish with darker median and lesser coverts and chestnut bend of wing. In flight, shows contrasting white patch to bases of otherwise blackish primaries. Turquoisebluish secondaries, greater and primary-coverts contrast with darker median and lesser coverts above. Uppertail is turquoise-blue, while undertail is blackish. Juv Duller than ad with dark markings on breast and bill more brownish-yellow with a darker tip. Voice Very noisy and loud. Song is a musical tititi\’li’li. Typical call is a croaky chak. Habitat Rivers, lakes and marshes. Localised.

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis

17 cm

A. a. atthis. The only kingfisher in most of region. Rather small and compact with big dagger-like bill. Often seen in fast flight low over water when brilliant turquoise-bluish stripe from mantle to tail is eye-catching. Sit-and-wait predator: waits for long time on perch often above water and suddenly dives into water for fish. Ad male Upperparts, crown, nape and submoustachial area greenish-blue with brilliant turquoise-bluish from mantle to tail. Throat and patch on neck sides white, underparts, patches on ear-coverts and above lores orange-red. Ad female Base to lower mandible red, whereas bill completely black in ad male. Juv Duller than ad with greener upperparts and darker markings on breast. Legs initially blackish (red in ad). Voice Typical call is a loud, sharp and high-pitched zsii, typically given in flight. Habitat Still or gently flowing water with plentiful small fish and banks, mainly from lowlands to foothills. Uncommon.

Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops

31 cm

U. e. epops. Unmistakable. Long crest on head erected when landing, sometimes also when singing and when excited. Bill long, narrow and slightly decurved. Fluttering, unsteady and undulating flight on broad wings typical. Ad Buffish-brown with wings and rear upperparts striped black-and-white. Tail black with white crossbar. Crest-feathers show black tips and white subterminal markings. Could be confused with Eurasian Jay in flight when bill not seen (in N Kaz), but the latter lacks black-and-white stripes on wings, having only single white patches on secondaries and rump. See Turkestan and Pleske’s Ground Jays for a potential confusion risk. Juv Head and underparts duller and more greyish than ad. Bill initially shorter. Voice Song is a repeated series of usually three hollow, rather low-pitched whistles oop-oop-oop. Call a dry harsh down-slurred hiss less scratchy and explosive than Eurasian Jay. Further a rolling dry tserr. Habitat Common in open country such as pastures, parkland, orchards, mixed farmland, open woodland, from lowlands up to 2000 m. [Alt: Common Hoopoe]

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



Crested Kingfisher

Pied Kingfisher

 

White-throated Kingfisher



Common Kingfisher

adult



Eurasian Hoopoe

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PLATE 68: Wrynecks, Piculet and Woodpeckers I Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla

17 cm

Two races in region: J. t. sarudnyi. A peculiar woodpecker with small bill and cryptic grey-brown plumage. Body mostly grey above with dark band along centre. Dark brown mask extends as narrow stripe onto sides of neck. Underparts pale with dark barring and transverse patches, suffused buff on throat and upper breast. In flight, long-tailed, recalling Isabelline or female Redbacked Shrikes, but body and tail grey above; tail with irregular dark bars. Unlike most other woodpeckers, often perches on twigs like a passerine. J. t. himalayana (E Afg?). Similar to sarudnyi, but marks on underparts stronger, tending to merge into continuous bars. Voice Song is a series of c. 15 nasal notes twia-twia-twia-…. Reminiscent of Eurasian Hobby, but slower and more subdued. Alarm call is a hard tack tack…. Habitat Rather common in open forests, woodland with low undergrowth, riparian forests; mainly lowlands and foothills. Typically rather skulking, searching for ants on ground. [Alt: Northern Wryneck]

Speckled Piculet Picumnus innominatus

10 cm

P. i. innominatus. Tiny, short-tailed, unmistakable. Upperparts olive-green, underparts whitish with black patches. White supercilium and moustachial stripe border dark area from loral stripe to ear-coverts. Behaviour sometimes like woodpecker, sometimes flicks around foliage or hovers like warbler. Ad male Orange-red forehead with black barring. Ad female Forehead olive-grey, concolorous with rest of crown. Juv Similar to but duller than ad female. Voice Sharp tsick, high-pitched squeaking sik-sik-sik. Territorial call ti-ti-ti-ti-ti. Also has long drumroll. Habitat Deciduous and mixed forests. Current status in region unknown.

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos minor

16 cm

D. m. kamtschatkensis. Smallest pied woodpecker of region and usually identifiable by size alone. Underparts usually unmarked white, diagnostically lacking red vent and undertail-coverts. In potential confusion species Brown-fronted Woodpecker, underparts coarsely streaked and vent red. Lower mantle to rump with broad white transverse bars, sometimes forming solid white area on back. Wings also barred white. Undulating woodpecker-flight combined with small size characteristic. Ad male Red crown bordered black. Ad female Black crown. Juv male Black plumage of ad is brownish-black. Forehead mottled dark and indistinct (whitish in ad). Crown paler red with dark mottling. Juv female Like juv male, but without red on crown. Voice Song is a falcon-like series of short piping notes teet-teet-teet-teet… Drumming is 1.2–1.5 sec long (sometimes longer), but weak and slow. Kick-call weaker than White-winged Woodpecker. Habitat Scarce in deciduous woodland; mainly lowlands and foothills.

Brown-fronted Woodpecker Dendrocopos auriceps

20 cm

D. a. auriceps. Rather small pied woodpecker. Can be confused with Lesser Spotted and Threetoed Woodpeckers (which see). Much smaller than White-backed Woodpecker with black rather than white rump, white transverse bars on mantle (unbarred black in White-backed) and pale parts on head less pure white with brownish patch on ear-coverts. Olive-brown to yellow crown diagnostic. Vent pink-red. Ad male Forehead brown, turning yellow towards mid-crown and red on rear-crown. Ad female Mid-crown duller yellow than in male and rear-crown concolorous or with hint of orange. Underparts with yellowish ground-colour. Juv male Duller than ad with pale areas duskier and underparts greyer. Usually some red on hind-crown. Juv female Like juv male, but no red on hind-crown, at most some orange. Voice Calls peek, more squeaky than Himalayan Woodpecker. Also utters chattering calls. Drumming insufficiently described. Habitat Montane dry deciduous forests; up to 2100 m. Current status in region unknown.

Three-toed Woodpecker Picoides tridactylus

23 cm

Two races in region: P. t. tianschanicus. Very different head-pattern to pied woodpeckers, showing broad longitudinal black stripes. White supercilium starts from eye, widens towards nape and joins mantle. Underparts with extensive black barring from sides of breast to vent. Lacks white scapular-patches of White-winged Woodpecker (also visible in flight) and is predominantly black with white bars on central mantle to rump. Ad male Yellow crown-patch. Ad female Crown streaked black-and-white. Juv Yellowish crown similar to ad male. Barring on back often stronger white bars on underparts greyish, therefore overall darker. P. t. tridactylus (NE Kaz). Underparts slightly less densely barred and consequently paler than in tianschanicus. Above, more extensively white with unbarred white stripe down centre of mantle to back and rump, where it is often barred. In flight, the latter contrasts with the predominantly black wings. Voice Calls kip or bick, softer than White-winged. Drumming long, very slightly accelerating, recalling White-backed (which see) and Black Woodpeckers, but only about half the length of the latter. Habitat Uncommon in mature mountain mixed coniferous forest with high proportion of dead trees, mainly foothills and mountains.

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

Eurasian Wryneck 

Speckled Piculet  

Lesser Spotted Woodpecker

tridactylus







Three-toed Woodpecker

 tianschanicus

Brown-fronted Woodpecker

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PLATE 69: Woodpeckers II Himalayan Woodpecker Dendrocopos himalayensis

25 cm

D. h. albescens. Similar to Great Spotted and White-winged Woodpeckers. Possibly sympatric with the latter in extreme NE Afg. Shows large white oval patches on inner wing like the two similar species, but head pattern differs. Postauricular stripe (i.e. black stripe connecting moustache to rear-head) connects with or approaches rear crown immediately behind earcoverts, whereas it connects with or approaches nape and upperparts in Great Spotted and White-winged. This results in smaller cheek-patch but larger white neck-patch than in Great Spotted and White-winged. The latter differs further by more white in wing and scapulars with broader white wing-stripes and white edges to tertials. Male Largely red crown. Female Black crown. Juv Duller than ad, with red markings on crown especially in male. Voice Calls kit, similar to White-winged. Also rapid high-pitched chisik-chisik. Drumming similar to White-winged. Habitat Montane coniferous, oak or rhododendron forests. Current status in region unknown.

White-backed Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucotos

27 cm

D. l. uralensis. The largest pied woodpecker. For differentiation from Brown-fronted Woodpecker, see that species. Unlike Himalayan, White-winged and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, lacks white oval patches on inner wing. Instead, white barring extends further up on wing, forming broadest bar on median coverts. Upper back usually barred black-and-white. White rump and lower back usually difficult to see when perched. Underparts whitish with sparse fine streaking, vent pink-red. In flight white patch on rump and back contrasting with black mantle characteristic. Ad male Red crown. Ad female Black crown. Juv Brownish-black where ad is black. Crown red, mottled black. Amount of red on average larger in males than in females. Voice Calls gyg or biyck, much softer and fuller than White-winged and Great Spotted, with rather low pitch. Drumming is very long, usually longer even than Three-toed Woodpecker; initially strong and slow, accelerates and weakens towards end. Three-toed drumming has rather even speed, with slight acceleration at end. Habitat Rare in old-growth and open deciduous and mixed forests, with high proportion of dead trees; mainly lowlands and foothills.

White-winged Woodpecker Dendrocopos leucopterus

24 cm

Monotypic. The only pied woodpecker in much of region. Distinguished from most other woodpeckers by oval white scapular-patch. However, Himalayan and Great Spotted Woodpeckers share scapular-patch and are therefore similar. See those species for differences. All or at least longest tertial(s) with characteristic white edges. Ad male Red band across nape. Ad female Nape black. Bill shorter on average than in male. Juv Black plumage parts of ad browner. Crown with red feathers admixed (cf. male Himalayan), bordered by black stripe. Underparts buffish, not pure white as in ad. Voice Calls with sharp kick or kicks. Also has a chattering, rattling chrerr-rrerr-trerr. Drums with very rapid, short drumming. Habitat Riparian woodland with softwoods, saxaul scrubs in deserts, gardens and orchards; mainly lowlands and foothills, but locally up to 3000m. Common.

Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major

24 cm

Two races in region: D. m. brevirostris. Similar to White-winged Woodpecker, but has less white in wing and on scapulars. White bars on closed wing are much narrower and usually more regular than in White-winged. Inner two tertials black; longest tertial with 2-3 smallish white spots on basal part, whereas all tertials, or at least longest, with white outer edge in White-winged. Moreover, red restricted to vent, while usually extends onto centre of belly in White-winged. Ad male Red band across upper nape. Ad female Nape uniform black. Juv Black plumage parts of ad browner, vent more pink than red. Whole crown red (especially in male) bordered by black stripe. D. m. poelzami (SW Tkm). Smaller and with longer bill than brevirostris. Underparts smoky-brown. Status of form ‘tianshanicus’ controversial. Has been suggested to result from hybridisation of brevirostris with White-winged and to show intermediate characters. Voice Kick-call on average slightly sharper and higher-pitched than White-winged. However, there is extensive overlap. Also chattering, rattling chrerr-rrerr-trerr. Very rapid, short drumming, very similar to White-winged. Habitat Wide variety of woodlands and forests, from lowlands up to 2000 m. Rather common.

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

White-backed Woodpecker  

Himalayan Woodpecker 



juvenile

White-winged Woodpecker

 



brevirostris poelzami

Great Spotted Woodpecker

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PLATE 70: Woodpeckers III Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius

43 cm

D. m. martius. Unmistakable. The largest woodpecker of the region, completely black except for sex-dependent amount of red on crown, predominantly whitish bill and whitish iris. Flight rather straight recalling crows, not strongly undulating as other woodpeckers. But flappy wingbeats and somewhat irregular flight action differentiate it from crows. Male Crown red from forehead to rear crown. Female Red restricted to patch on rear crown. Juv Overall duller than ad. Sexual dimorphism developed already in nest cavity. Voice Loud, slightly mournful, drawn-out KLEEee\wo, more or less distinctly down-slurred at end. In alarm and flight, krrroo krrroo krrroo…. Mainly in spring, from perch or in flight, kwii kwi-kwi-kwi-kwi…, shriller than song of Green Woodpecker. Drumming loud, 1.75–3 sec long, slow; individual strokes audible. Habitat Wide variety of mature forests; from lowlands to mountains up to 2000 m. Rare.

Scaly-bellied Woodpecker Picus squamatus

34 cm

Two races in region: P. s. flavirostris. Similar to Grey-headed and Green Woodpeckers, but unlikely to occur in same area. Often forages on ground like latter two. Identified by brown scalelike pattern on yellowish ground-colour from lower breast to vent. Ad Green shows limited and more diffuse barring only on rear flanks and vent, while juv Green shows black transverse spots. Moreover, has white supercilium and blackish eye-stripe behind eye, lacking in Grey-headed and Green. Moustache rather blackish with irregular pale markings. Iris red (white in Green). Tail and wings with strong whitish barring. Ad male Red from forehead to rear crown, bordered black on sides. Ad female Crown black. Juv male Underparts more diffusely marked than in ad, with markings extending further up on breast. Crown spotted black and red. Juv female Like juv male, but without red on crown. P. s. squamatus (E Afg). Similar to flavirostris, but overall darker and greener; scale-pattern on underparts more contrasting, blackish and white. Tail and wings less strongly barred. Voice Vocal. Vibrating KLEE-\guh, sometimes doubled. Also KLEE-KLEE-\guh. Husky, slightly nasal kuik-kuik-kuik, repeated 3–8 times. Drums regularly. Drumming softer than Grey-headed. Habitat Riparian woodland dominated by poplars. Current status in region unknown. Probably rare to very rare.

Green Woodpecker Picus viridis

33 cm

P. v. karelini. Similar to Scaly-bellied (which see) and Grey-headed Woodpeckers. Larger than latter with larger head, longer bill as well as red crown and nape in all plumages (in Grey-headed, red missing in female and restricted to forehead in male). Moreover, shows diagnostic black area around white eye and on face except in juv. Moustache broader than in Grey-headed and head not as uniformly grey. In flight heavier than Grey-headed, with larger head and relatively shorter tail. Ad male Moustache red with narrow black border. Ad female Moustache black. Juv male Head sides and underparts with black transversal spotting. Upperparts with pale spots. Black face lacking. Moustache red with black streaking. Juv female Like juv male, but moustache black. Voice Sings with vigorous, descending series kewkew-kew…, on average longer than Grey-headed, with diagnostic laughing quality and accelerating at end. Common call similar in quality, explosive kew-kew-kewck. Rapid but weak drumming is rarely given. Habitat Deciduous woods, open areas with scattered trees. Localised.

Grey-headed Woodpecker Picus canus

30 cm

Two races in region: P. c. jessoensis, P. c. canus (V W Kaz). The only greenish woodpecker in its regional range. See Green and Scaly-bellied Woodpeckers for separation from those species. Could possibly be confused with female or juv Eurasian Golden Oriole due to greenish upperparts with yellowish-green rump, but the latter is smaller with narrower wings, white and light yellow underparts and yellowish-green head. Male Red patch on forehead. Female Uniform grey crown. Juv Slightly duller than ad. Voice Song a descending, fading series of 5–15 plaintive whistles, last notes slow and rather miserable. Easily imitated by whistling. Drums more frequently than Green. Drumming very fast, of variable length. Habitat Mainly broadleaved forests, from foothills up to 1900 m. Scarce.

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Scaly-bellied Woodpecker









Black Woodpecker

squamatus flavirostris



 



Green Woodpecker 

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PLATE 71: Shrikes I Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio

17 cm

L. c. collurio. Very similar to Turkestan, Daurian and Brown Shrikes except ad male. Comparatively short-tailed and long-winged with primary-projection longer than in Brown and slightly longer than in Turkestan and Daurian. See Brown for differences. Ad male Differs from Turkestan, Daurian and Brown by grey crown to nape and rump contrasting with chestnut mantle, scapulars and wing-coverts. Also, tail distinctly black with white sides to base. Rarely with small white spot at primary-bases. Ad female Mask brown with paler lores. Crown to nape and rump brownish-grey with less contrast with brown mantle and scapulars than in male. Underparts with dark bars. Upperside of tail brownish with pale sides, underside greyish. Usually lacks white patch at primary-bases. Ad female Turkestan and Daurian lack greyish rump and differ by having nape and crown rufous-brown and tail more rufous including undertail. Juv/1st-win Upperparts strongly barred, tertials and wing coverts with pale fringes and dark subterminal bars. Some are very similar to juv/1st-win Turkestan and Daurian, but tail differs as in ad female and unlike the latter two, nape and rump usually greyish. Some juv/1st-win Turkestan and Daurian differ in small white patch at primary-bases. Voice Vocalisations apparently not separable from Turkestan and Daurian. Habitat Rather common in open and warm areas with scattered thorny bushes and patches with low grass or bare ground; mainly lowlands and foothills.

Turkestan Shrike Lanius phoenicuroides

17 cm

Monotypic. Structurally similar to Red-backed Shrike, but slightly longer tailed and primaryprojection slightly shorter. Unlike Red-backed tail more rufous lacking paler white sides. See very similar Daurian Shrike for differences. Ad male Solid black mask contrasts with white supercilium and white throat. Crown rufous gradually becoming more greyishbrown towards nape. Mantle, scapulars and back greyish-brown contrasting slightly with darker wings and rufous rump. Shows prominent white patch at primary-bases. Uppertailcoverts and tail rufous with tail-tip being deeper coloured. Underparts whitish with breast and flanks often washed pinkish buff. Birds of the type ‘karelini’ are paler and more greyish above including crown. See Brown Shrike for differences. Ad female Mask browner than in ad males and lores paler. Contrast on upperparts reversed compared with female Redbacked with crown and rump more rufous than more greyish-brown rest. Sides of the throat, breast and flank show dark bars. Unlike Red-backed and Brown, white patch on primary-bases always present, but sometimes difficult to see. Juv Very similar to juv Red-backed (which see). 1st-win Similar to ad female, but usually retains some barring on uppertail-coverts, sides of crown and mantle/scapulars and some juv wing-coverts and/or tertials (with pale fringes and dark subterminal bars). Voice Song a variable, elaborate, partly musical warble full of imitations; can recall a Reed or Hippolais warbler at times. Calls include a harsh, nasal dvaed, repeated at varying speed, a hard chek and other unmusical sounds. Habitat Deserts to steppes and dry mountain slopes with scattered shrubs, riparian thickets; from lowlands up to 3500 m. Common. [Alt: Red-tailed Shrike] Note: Red-backed and Turkestan Shrikes hybridise where their ranges meet in the northern Aral region, in north-east Kazakhstan and occasionally in south-west Turkmenistan. Turkestan Shrikes of the type ‘karelini’ are probably of hybrid origin

Daurian Shrike Lanius isabellinus

17 cm

Two races in region: L. i. isabellinus (PM). Very similar to Turkestan Shrike (which see for differences from Red-backed and Brown Shrikes). Ad male More uniform than Turkestan with less contrast between upper and underparts. Upperparts more uniform sandy greyish-brown with usually only slightly warmer crown, whereas underparts warm buffish lacking contrasting white throat of Turkestan. Black mask narrower and less contrasting and supercilium less contrasting, narrower and buffer. Moreover, bill usually less uniformly black. Ad female More uniform than ad female Turkestan with more sandy upperparts and buffish underparts. Juv Very similar to juv Turkestan (and Red-backed) but more uniform with finer barring. 1st-win Not always separable from 1st-win Turkestan, but more uniform with paler and warmer upperparts and warmer buff underparts. Head pattern more uniform, with warmer brown and less conspicuous mask and fainter supercilium, which is buffish and concolorous with ear-coverts and side of throat. These are whiter in Turkestan and supercilium is usually more pronounced. Bars on underparts, and if present on upperparts, finer and warmer in some compared to Turkestan. L. i. arenarius (E Kaz?, PM). Paler overall with slightly shorter primary-projection. Ad male Lores pale with only dark spot in front of eye. Supercilium even weaker than in isabellinus. Moreover, rump and tail less rufous, wing browner, patch at primary-bases smaller and more buffish or off-white. Bill usually with pale base. Ad female Similar to ad male, but mask paler and usually lacks primary-patch. Barring below only faint if present. Voice Vocalisations apparently identical to those of Turkestan and Red-backed, but may be insufficiently studied. Habitat Common on migration in open scrubby areas including riparian forests and cultivations. [Alt: Isabelline Shrike]

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Red-backed Shrike

 juvenile



Turkestan Shrike



'karelini'





juvenile

 isabellinus

1st-winter 1st-winter

Daurian Shrike

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PLATE 72: Shrikes II Brown Shrike Lanius cristatus

19 cm

L. c. cristatus. Larger-headed with longer and deeper bill than Turkestan, Daurian and Redbacked Shrikes. Tail is longer, slimmer and more graduated and primary-projection shorter than in latter three species. Lacks white patch at primary-bases in all plumages (cf. Turkestan and Daurian). Ad male Superficially similar to ad male Turkestan, but upperparts are more uniformly rufous, lacking Turkestan’s distinct contrast of rump and crown to rest of upperparts. Also, breast and flanks often more orange-buff usually leaving a contrastingly paler throat. Ad female Similar to ad male, but usually with some dark barring on breast and flanks and with less distinct mask in front of eye. Differs from female Turkestan and Daurian by more uniform upperparts especially lacking contrasting rufous tail and rump. Lacks brownishgrey nape and rump of ad female Red-backed. Juv Similar to juv Red-backed, but upperparts more uniform lacking greyish on nape and rump. Tertials and wing-coverts more uniformly dark with less contrasting dark subterminal bars, but more distinct pale tertial (and secondary) fringes. Mask is darker and more obvious in front of the eye. Unlike Red-backed, outer rectrices are never white. 1st-win Similar to ad female, but with some juv wing-coverts and tertials. Some migrate with retained barring on crown, scapulars and uppertail-coverts. Upperparts more uniform than in Isabelline, lacking contrasting rufous tail to rump. Voice Little-known. Apparently similar to Red-backed. Habitat Open and usually moist areas with scattered bushes and small trees; mainly foothills up to 2000 m. Localised and rather scarce.

Bay-backed Shrike Lanius vittatus

17 cm

L. v. nargianus. Rather small and long-tailed shrike. Can be confused with Red-backed Shrike, but differs in longer and more graduated tail and shorter primary-projection. Smaller than Longtailed Shrike with shorter tail and finer bill. Ad Unlike most Red-backed, shows white patch on primary-bases and black mask extending onto forehead. Also has more maroon and less chestnut upperparts, whiter rump and uppertail-coverts as well as rusty flanks. In addition, rectrices have broader white tips (except central pair). Sexes similar, but female duller and less colourful than male with less extensive black forehead. Juv Similar to juv Red-backed including tail, but clearly separated by structure. Crown, nape, upper mantle, lesser and median coverts usually paler and greyer than in Red-backed. 1st-win Rather variable, turns ad-like during 1st-win (including variable number of ad-like rectrices), but shows less black on forehead. Voice Song is rather high-pitched and lark-like, but otherwise similar to other shrikes. Calls usually similar to Long-tailed, for example repeated ch’ae-/wrik, but apparently more distinctly nasal than Long-tailed. Habitat Dry, open and usually rocky areas with scattered bushes and trees, including cultivated areas; mainly lowlands and foothills. Uncommon to scarce.

Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor

23 cm

Monotypic. Medium-sized with short and heavy bill and round head. Can be confused with ‘Grey Shrikes’, but always differs in much longer primary-projection and shorter, more squareended tail. White patch on primary-bases is more rectangular than in ‘Grey Shrikes’. Lacks white scapulars of the latter. Ad male Unlike ‘Grey Shrikes’, black mask extends as band onto forehead. Also, breast, flanks and belly salmon pink. Head-pattern similar to Bay-backed Shrike, but lacks maroon on upperparts and rusty flanks. Ad female Similar to ad male, but usually duller with underparts less pinkish and mask on forehead greyer or browner. Juv Mask does not extend onto forehead and is browner than in ad. Upperparts brownish-grey with dark bars and wings with pale feather fringes. Best separated from ‘Grey Shrikes’ by structure. Lacks rufous on rump, scapulars, breast and flanks of juv Long-tailed Shrike. 1st-win Like juv, but shows no or variable amount of barring on upperparts. Voice Song is elaborate warbling containing excellent imitations of e.g. warblers, tits and Linnet. Chirping, call-like notes also have territorial function. Calls almost magpie-like chre’/gipp and other harsh notes. Habitat Common in open areas with bushes and trees; up to 2200 m.

Long-tailed Shrike Lanius schach

25 cm

L. s. erythronotus. Big shrike, with longer and more graduated tail than ‘Grey Shrikes’. Ad Differs from ‘Grey Shrikes’ in rufous rump to uppertail-coverts and scapulars and orange wash on back. Shows buffish tail-sides and black mask extends onto forehead, but less so than in Lesser Grey Shrike. Underparts whitish with orange-buff flanks and undertail-coverts. White patch on primary-bases smaller than in ‘Grey Shrikes’. Female usually slightly paler than male. Juv Upperparts and flanks with dark bars and mask browner than in ad, not extending onto forehead. Differs from Lesser Grey and ‘Grey Shrikes’ in rufous rump to uppertail-coverts and orange wash on scapulars and breast to flanks. Best separated from juv Bay-backed Shrike by size and structure. Voice Song is beautiful, varied, continuous; includes mimicry. Calls harsh and unmusical, including impatient k’ae-/wrik, harsh screeches che(-che...) or slightly rolling shre(-...). Habitat Open areas with scattered bushes in semi-deserts and steppes, also cultivations; mainly lowlands and foothills. Common.

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







1st-winter

juvenile

Bay-backed Shrike

Brown Shrike

 juvenile

Lesser Grey Shrike



Long-tailed Shrike



juvenile

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PLATE 73: grey Shrikes Asian Grey Shrike Lanius lahtora

25 cm

Two races in region: L. l. pallidirostris. Rather large, with slightly longer legs than Great Grey Shrike. Primary-projection longer than in Great Grey, but still clearly shorter than in Lesser Grey Shrike. Never shows white at base of secondaries unlike Great Grey of subspecies homeyeri (and often excubitor). However, shows white at tips of secondaries and base of primaries. Ad male Upperparts pale grey usually with broad white band on scapulars contrasting with black wings. Mask is narrower in front of the eye but usually completely black. Supercilium usually indistinct. Shows broad white patch on primary-bases and conspicuous white tips to secondaries. See Great Grey for differences. Ad female Differs from ad male by less blackish wings, ochraceous tinge to upperparts and pale buffish wash to underparts. Moreover, has pale area on lores and pale base to lower mandible (bill completely black in ad br male). Juv/1st-win Mask reduced with usually pale lores giving an open-face expression in combination with greyish bill with black tip. Upperparts with ochraceous tinge and underparts washed pale buffish. In fresh plumage with broad whitish to buffish fringes to wingcoverts. Lacks barring on underparts of juv/1st-win Great Grey. L. l. aucheri (part of Afg?). Shorter primary projection than in pallidirostris. Ad Underparts with greyish wash and upperparts slightly darker, with usually no supercilium. Mask broader extending as a small band onto forehead. White patch at primarybases and white tips to secondaries less extensive than in ad pallidirostris. Juv Slightly browner above than ad with weak barring in some; wing-coverts fringed buffish. Voice Song warbling and including numerous imitations, but not commonly heard. Slowly repeated, hoarse or bell-like, most commonly metallic, sometimes whistling notes have territorial function. Calls include nasal and hoarse notes as well as a rather long, ringing prree. Habitat Dry and open areas with scattered thorny bushes, including saxaul and turanga forests, and orchards; mainly lowlands and foothills. Common. [Alt: Steppe Grey Shrike]

Great Grey Shrike Lanius excubitor

25 cm

Two races in region: L. e. homeyeri. Structurally similar to Asian Grey Shrike, but with shorter primary-projection than in subspecies pallidirostris of Asian Grey. See also Lesser Grey Shrike for differences. Ad Upperparts even paler grey than ad male Asian Grey with white uppertailcoverts and very pale rump. Remiges with more white than Asian Grey with broad white patch on primary-bases and white secondary-bases forming white band on wing (especially visible in flight). Moreover, secondaries with broad white tips. Juv Upperparts often with light brownish tinge and finely barred, underparts with fine bars on throat, breast and flanks. Mask less black than in ad and wing-coverts and tertials with pale tips. 1st-win Similar to ad (female), but best separated by pale tips to retained juv greater coverts. L. e. excubitor. Ad Darker grey on upperparts with less white on forehead and usually less white uppertail-coverts. White markings in tail and wing less extensive, some lacking white on secondary-bases (especially female). Ad female can further show some faint barring on underparts. Voice Vocalisations similar to Asian Grey and no reliable differences documented. Habitat Steppes with scattered bushes and sparse and low vegetation; mainly lowlands. Scarce.

Northern Grey Shrike Lanius borealis

26 cm

Two races in region: L. b. mollis. Slightly larger and overall darker than Asian and Great Grey Shrikes. Underparts tinged buffish and with distinct barring unlike Asian Grey and ad Great Grey, and more distinct and extensive than juv and 1st-win Great Grey. However, colour and barring of underparts is sex- and age-dependent (darker and stronger in female compared with male and 1st-yr compared with same-sex ad). White primary-patch is small, unlike Asian Grey and unlike Great Grey of subspecies homeyeri, but similar to Great Grey of subspecies excubitor. Ad Darker brownish-grey above than other ad ‘Grey Shrikes’, but difference hard to discern in worn birds. Shows of Great Grey. Underparts extensively and distinctly barred. Juv Very brown and dark paler rump unlike subspecies above, unlike juv of Great Grey or Asian Grey. Underparts with extensive, broad sooty cross-barring on dull cinnamon groundcolour. Barring usually much stronger than in any plumage of Great Grey. 1st-win Browner above and more strongly barred below than same-sex ad. L. b. sibiricus. Often very difficult to separate from mollis. Paler above and below than mollis, with less extensively barred and usually less rufous- or buff-tinged underparts. Primary patch purer white rather than slightly buff-tinged as in mollis. Has blacker primaries than same-sex mollis. Differs from subspecies excubitor of Great Grey in paler rump and more strongly barred underparts in corresponding plumages/sexes. Moreover, 1st-yr has browner upperparts. Voice Insufficiently known, but probably like Asian Grey and Great Grey. Habitat Mostly coniferous forests and forest edges. Rare winter visitor.

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Asian Grey Shrike

pallidirostris

pallidirostris

1st-winter



aucheri



adult

excubitor adult

Great Grey Shrike adult variant

homeyeri

adult

Northern Grey Shrike

mollis

adult

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PLATE 74: Bulbuls, Drongos and Minivet White-eared Bulbul Pycnonotus leucotis

20 cm

P. l. leucotis. Lively and confiding medium-sized passerine with long tail and short, rounded wings. Can only be confused with Himalayan Bulbul, see that species for differences. Ad Head black with large white cheek-patch. Conspicuous yellow vent. White end-band to otherwise blackish tail especially striking in flight. Juv Head browner than in ad. Voice Song loud, belllike kryp dee’\do’/dli\yu(-kyp\’di\dlo) or droo’droo / wid\lo/ wid\lo; variable, but with jolting rhythms and cheerful tone. Calls include a wheezy, raspy kryp, a clear /ti\dlo and many other notes. Habitat Dry wooded or bushy areas; usually at lower altitudes than Himalayan. Common.

Himalayan Bulbul Pycnonotus leucogenys

20 cm

P. l. leucogenys. Similar to White-eared Bulbul, but always separated by forward-curling crest. Ad Differs from White-eared in brownish-grey nape, smaller white cheek-patch with a black crescent at rear end and white brow in loral region. Juv Less contrastingly patterned and warmer than ad. Voice Song somewhat similar to White-eared, but more nasal, raspier, lacking the many clear notes of latter. Calls more compressed than White-eared, an unpleasant kshrep or pi/kri’\kzhy’\kroo. Habitat Open wooded or bushy valleys, mainly foothills and mountains. Note: White-eared and Himalayan Bulbuls hybridise in NW Pakistan and hybrids could occur in E Afg.

Black Bulbul Hypsipetes leucocephalus

23 cm

H. l. psaroides. Rather large with long and slightly forked tail. May recall a Drongo, but is smaller with shorter and less deeply forked tail. Also told by different bare part coloration. Often seen in flocks. Ad Slaty-grey overall with blacker crown, lores and moustachial area. Shaggy crest and contrasting red bill and legs characteristic. Undertail-coverts with paler scaling. Juv Lacks crest of ad, bill and legs are duller. Has brownish tinge above, while underparts are whitish with greyer breast. Voice Has a large repertoire. An example of song is an irregular series of short, twangy, nasal notes, simple chirps and staccato whistles. Calls include a harsh, nasal screech, often in rising and falling series kche /chi\ru che’/ki\chu. Also a twangy, somewhat buzzard-like /mee\oor. Habitat Mixed deciduous mountain forests.

Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus

31 cm

D. m. albirictus. Rather big, but appears slender with long and deeply forked tail with slightly upwards curved tips. Perches upright often on exposed look-out and catches insects in flight. Very similar to Ashy Drongo, but always differs by white rictal spot. Tail fork can be lacking during moult. Ad Glossy black. Juv Not glossy. Browner overall. Initially has shorter and less deeply forked tail. 1st-win Differs from ad by white barring from breast to undertail-coverts and on uppertail-coverts. Voice Rasping kshre followed by rapid whistles \tiyo-\tyo or tee-\tiu probably has song-function. Also a harsh cheece-cheece-chichuk. Calls include variations of above kshre. Habitat Open habitats with scattered bushes and trees, usually cultivated land or villages. Current status in region unknown.

Ashy Drongo Dicrurus leucophaeus

30 cm

D. l. longicaudatus. Very similar to Black Drongo, but appears slimmer and longer-tailed. Always lacks white rictal spot of Black and has brighter red eyes. Ad Underparts greyer than in Black with less glossy breast and throat; upperparts usually with bluish gloss, less blackish. Juv Lacks glossy plumage and is more brownish; overall paler than juv Black. Has initially shorter and less deeply forked tail. 1st-win Pale barring on underparts indistinct and less prominent than in Black and lacking on uppertail-coverts. Voice Has a large repertoire of vocalisations including mimicry. Song includes short series of up- or down-slurred whistling notes of varying pitch interspersed with rather harsh notes; less harsh and less monotonous than Black. A cheece-cheece-/chi\chuk is often followed by clear and high-pitched whistles or bellnotes, unlike in Black. Calls include rasping notes. Habitat Semi-open deciduous and coniferous forests; mainly mountains.

Long-tailed Minivet Pericrocotus ethologus

18 cm

P. e. favillaceus. Appears elegant with its long tail and typical upright stance. Often seen in flocks. Ad male Distinctly red-and-black. Has contrasting red rump, tail-sides, underparts and wingpatch. The latter extends as dash along tertials and primaries and appears as mid-wing band in flight. Ad female Red of ad male replaced by yellow. Upperparts and head greyish, throat and forehead yellowish. Wing-patch more restricted than in ad male. Juv Browner above than ad female and paler below. Upperparts with pale and breast with dark scaling. 1st-win Similar to ad female. Voice Vocalisations highly varied; typically include a rather soft /dee\-/doo, both notes rising, but second lower. Also rapid sequences of sharper whistles teee-tee’\do’/seet or tete’/ree’d’/weet. Habitat Deciduous and coniferous forests; mountains.

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Himalayan Bulbul

adult adult

White-eared Bulbul juvenile

adult

Black Bulbul

juvenile

Black Drongo adult

1st-winter

adult 1st-winter

Ashy Drongo 

Long-tailed Minivet

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

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PLATE 75: Jays and Nutcrackers Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius

33 cm

Two races in region: G. g. brandtii. Bigger than Eurasian Nutcracker with a shorter and blunter bill. Round wings in combination with unsteady and fluttering flight characteristic (cf. Common Hoopoe). Ad Head and nape orange-rufous with conspicuous black moustache and lores, whitish throat and dark streaked crown (can be ruffled). Mantle and scapulars rather greyish, contrasting with orange-rufous nape. Shows diagnostic white patch on secondary-bases and black-and-blue barred primary-coverts, alula and outer greater coverts. Further characterised by black tail contrasting with white under- and uppertail-coverts especially visible in flight (cf. disjunct Black-headed Jay). Juv Very similar to ad. G. g. hyrcanus (V SW Tkm). Ad Differs by lack of contrast between nape and mantle, solid blackish forecrown, blackish mottled hindcrown and pale lores. Voice Song subdued and warbling, partly ventriloquial or mewing. Commonest call an explosive, harsh screech skaach, often doubled. Other calls include a mewing kiyah, recalling Common Buzzard. Habitat Coniferous and mixed forests; foothills. Rare.

Black-headed Jay Garrulus lanceolatus

33 cm

Monotypic. Hardly confusable with any other species. Shares unsteady flight on round wings with sympatric Large-spotted Nutcracker, but has longer and slightly graduated tail and shorter, blunter bill. Ad Slightly crested, black head and white-streaked throat contrast with pale bill and greyish-pink under- and upperparts. Wings with a diagnostic pattern of black, white and grey and areas of blue-and-black barring (more extensive than in Eurasian). Tail barred blue-andblack with broad blackish subterminal bar and white tip. Juv Duller than ad, with shorter crest, greyish tips to tail and fewer streaks on throat. Moreover, lacks white-tipped tertials and secondaries. Voice Vocalisations similar to Eurasian. Song subdued and warbling. Screeching call slightly thinner than that of Eurasian. Habitat Open to semi-open deciduous forests. Current status in region unknown.

Siberian Jay Perisoreus infaustus

28 cm

P. f. opicus. Unmistakable, rather long-tailed and often seen in fast flight gliding through forest. Ad Greyish-brown overall with orange-rufous tinge to lower underparts, paler throat and blackish face and cap contrasting with pale nostril feathering. Rufous tail-sides and uppertailcoverts are especially visible and characteristic in flight as is contrasting rufous panel at bend of wing. Tail appears completely orange-rusty from below. Juv Similar to ad, but plumage fluffier. Voice Not very vocal. Song consists of whistling, twittering and trilling sounds and is audible at c. 20 m only. Calls include a buzzard-like mewing, a rather high-pitched hearr-hearr, and a screech, which is weaker than that of Eurasian Jay. Habitat Coniferous forests; foothills and mountains up to 2000 m. Rare.

Eurasian Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes

32 cm

Two races in region: N. c. rothschildi, N. c. macrohynchos (NE Kaz). Very similar to disjunct Large-spotted Nutcracker, see that species for differences. Smaller than Eurasian Jay with a longer, thicker and more pointed bill and shorter tail. Flight fluttering and unsteady with rounded wings similar to Eurasian and Black-headed Jay. Ad Dark-brown overall with dense white spots except uniform dark cap, remiges, greater and primary-coverts as well as uppertailcoverts. Also shows contrasting white undertail-coverts and vent and black tail with white endband (broadest at tail-corners). Juv Duller than ad with sparser spotting and matt wings and tail. Voice Song is a quiet, varied warble. Calls include a loud, wooden, rolling krrraa, often repeated; also repeated kyak-notes recalling Eurasian Jackdaw. Habitat Common in coniferous forests; mountains from 900 to 2200 m.

Large-spotted Nutcracker Nucifraga multipunctata

32 cm

Monotypic. Very similar to Eurasian Nutcracker. Ad Differs from Eurasian by more extensive white spotting, which includes uppertail-coverts (unspotted in Eurasian). Also, white spots are larger, more extensive on tips of wing-feathers and white endband to tail broader than in Eurasian. Juv Ground-colour paler than in ad with matt wings and tail and weaker white spotting. Voice Probably similar to Eurasian. Habitat Coniferous or mixed (oak) forests; mountains usually between 2000 and 3000 m. Current status in region unknown.

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hyrcanus

brandtii

Eurasian Jay

Siberian Jay

Black-headed Jay

Eurasian Nutcracker

Large-spotted Nutcracker

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PLATE 76: Magpie, Ground Jays and Choughs Common Magpie Pica pica

52 cm

P. p. bactriana. Characterised by long graduated tail, short rounded wings and glossy black-andwhite plumage. Rather terrestrial, walking and hopping on ground with raised tail. Has rather slow flight with irregular and fluttering wing-beats. Juv Head and breast more greyish-black than ad. Voice Song not commonly heard, grating and throaty to sometimes clear whistling warble. Common calls are a harsh chack-chack-chack and cha’chack. Habitat Variety of open habitats with scattered bushes and trees; from lowlands up to well above 3000 m. Common.

Pander’s Ground Jay Podoces panderi

25 cm

Two races in region: P. p. panderi, P. p. ilensis (SE Kaz). Mainly terrestrial, but also often sits on top of bushes. Usually reluctant to fly; good runner with body often held in horizontal position. Has strong feet and slightly decurved bill. Overall similar to other ground jays. In flight, broad black-and-white wings recall Common Hoopoe, but white in wings more extensive and lacks white crossbar in tail. Ad Head and upperparts pale greyish with black lores and a conspicuous black patch on upper breast. Underparts pale pinkish. Wing-coverts black with two white bars; remiges mostly white with black-tipped primaries. Tail and uppertail-coverts glossy black. Juv Lacks black breast-patch of ad and has paler lores. More sandy overall compared with ad and has pinkish and initially shorter bill. Voice Call loud, hard, slightly tinny chweek or trit; often in series. Also utters nasal contact-notes. Habitat Sandy deserts and semi-deserts with scattered bushes (especially saxaul) and often with dunes. Uncommon; rare in Kaz. [Alt: Turkestan Ground Jay]

Henderson’s Ground Jay Podoces hendersoni

28 cm

Monotypic (V). Overall similar to disjunct Pander's and Pleske’s Ground Jays. Easily separated by glossy black crown, lack of black breast-patch, less white in wings, much longer buff uppertail-coverts and blackish instead of greyish-white legs. Ad Sandy-rufous overall with glossy black crown and tail. Wings also mostly glossy black with large white primary-panel. Juv Crown-feathers and greater-coverts with buffish tips, wings lack bluish gloss of ad. Voice Poorly described. Call a sonorous, descending, very rapid trill of 1 sec duration tytytyt… or tyrrrrrrt; sometimes lower-pitched and then almost wooden in quality. Habitat Stony or gravel deserts and semi-deserts with scattered and low shrubs. [Alt: Mongolian Ground Jay]

Pleske’s Ground Jay Podoces pleskei

24 cm

Monotypic (W Afg?). Habits and general appearance similar to disjunct Pander's Ground Jay, but slightly longer-billed. See Pander's for separation from superficially similar Common Hoopoe. See also Henderson's Ground Jay. Ad Warmer sandybuff overall and less greyish than Pander's with smaller black patch on upper breast. Has less white in wing than Pander’s; secondaries blackish with broad white trailing edge, while they are almost entirely white in Pander’s. Juv Lacks black breastpatch and black lores of ad. Voice Commonest call, probably with song-function, is 4–6 sec long, slightly descending and decreasing in loudness, sweet, jingling trill tytytytytyty…. Call similar to Pander’s, tret, possibly slightly lower-pitched and drier; often in irregular series. Habitat Sandy deserts and semi-deserts with scattered bushes dominated by Zygophyllum.

Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax

39 cm

Two races in region: P. p. centralis, P. p. docilis (Afg). Characterised by buoyant, very agile and acrobatic flight. Usually gregarious. Has long, decurved red bill. Wings broad and deeply fingered; tail short and rather square. Similar to Yellow-billed Chough especially in flight, see that species for differences. Ad Glossy black with deep red bill and reddish legs. Juv Duller than ad, with shorter and more yellowish bill; thus more similar to Yellow-billed. Voice Song is warbling with trills, twittering and harsh sounds. The typical call is variable, but often diagnostic: abrupt, drawn-out kyarr or karr or chee’arr. Habitat Similar to Yellow-billed, but usually at slightly lower altitudes. Common.

Yellow-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus

38 cm

P. g. forsythi. Similar to Red-billed Chough, but has shorter, less decurved, yellow bill. In flight, differs in smaller head, longer and more rounded tail and wing-structure. Wings less rectangular with narrower base and tip and bulging arm. Tail longer than width of wing-base (equal in Redbilled). Five fingered primaries; Red-billed shows six, more deeply fingered primaries. On ground, slightly shorter-legged than Red-billed and shows tail-projection (wing-tips reach tailtip in Red-billed). Coverts are darker on underwing than remiges unlike proportionally similar Eurasian Jackdaw, which shows uniformly dark-grey underwings. Bill shorter than in juv Red-billed. Ad Glossy black with bright yellow bill and reddish legs. Juv Duller than ad with horn-coloured bill and dark legs. Voice Song a subdued warble that may include imitations. Calls include a rather sharp, descending dsee\yo, a rolling chrra and srree\yo. Also utters a keearr or charr, rather similar to Red-billed. Habitat Mountains with meadows and cliffs; from 1000 to almost 5000 m. Common. [Alt: Alpine Chough]

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Common Magpie

adult

adult

adult

Pander’s Ground Jay

adult adult

Henderson’s Ground Jay Pleske’s Ground Jay

adult

adult

Red-billed Chough

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Yellow-billed Chough

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PLATE 77: Crows AND RAVENS Rook Corvus frugilegus

48 cm

Two races in region: C. f. frugilegus. Similar in size to Carrion Crow. Characterised by triangular head-profile with peaked crown and pointed, conical bill with rather straight culmen. Belly feathers more shaggy than in Carrion (‘trousers’). In flight, very similar to Carrion, but wingbeats slightly more elastic and deeper; slightly narrower wing-tip and narrower wing-bases, more wedge-shaped tail-tip and longer head. Flight-shape can thus recall the larger Common or Brown-necked Ravens. Apart from bill-structure, the latter two differ by more protruding neck, more strongly wedge-shaped tail and longer, more strongly fingered and pointed wings. See also Large-billed Crow. Ad Has distinctly pale bill-base and pale bare area at bill-base and on throat. Juv Lacks bare skin of ad at bill-base, shows feathered nasal tuft and bill is darker and shorter. Thus, much more similar to Carrion and best separated by structural differences and usually paler gape. Bare area at bill-base not fully developed until spring of 2ndCY. C. f. pastinator (NE Kaz). Bare skin on lores and throat less extensive or even lacking, but still shows characteristic pale bill-base unlike Carrion. Voice Song is a quiet warble including chuckling, metallic and varied sounds. Call variable, but usually slightly nasal, lower-pitched and more sonorous than Carrion. Habitat Variety of open woodlands, including villages; mainly lowlands and foothills. Common.

Carrion Crow Corvus corone

47 cm

C. c. orientalis. Familiar all-black crow. Smaller than Common and Brown-necked Ravens, with less powerful and less deep bill. The latter two are easily separated in flight by longer, more pointed and angled wings, wedge-shaped rather than square tail-tip and longer, protruding neck. See Rook, especially juv, for differences. Can also be confused with Large-billed Crow (which see). Ad Plumage glossy black overall, but less glossy than in Rook. Juv Duller and lacking gloss. Voice Song a variable and rather quiet warble, not often heard. Call well-known, but quite variable, rolling krrah, often repeated. Call hardly separable from Hooded Crow’s due to strong variation in both species. In aggression against raptors, a rattling krrr. Habitat Similar to Hooded, but reaches higher altitudes. Common. Note: Carrion Crow Corvus corone and Hooded Crow Corvus cornix hybridise where their breeding areas meet and hybrid individuals are intermediate between the two parent species.

Hooded Crow Corvus cornix

47 cm

Two races in region: C. c. sharpii. Size and structure like Carrion Crow. Greyish overall with blackish head, throat, upper breast, wings and tail. Greyish median and lesser coverts on underwing contrast with blackish rest of wing. Superficially similar to smaller Daurian Jackdaw (which see for differences). Ad Black plumage parts are more glossy than in juv. C. c. cornix (WV). Greyish parts of plumage darker than in sharpii. Voice Song and call very similar to Carrion, on average slightly higher-pitched and more open, but hardly separable due to variation. Habitat Variety of open areas with scattered trees, including deserts, riparian forests and woodlands; mainly lowlands and foothills. Common.

Common Raven Corvus corax

58–69 cm

Three races in region: C. c. laurenci, C. c. corax (N Kaz), C. c. tibetanus (mountains, S of region). Largest corvid of the region and rather bulky. Very similar to Brown-necked Raven. Has distinct thick and heavy bill and shaggy throat-feathers. Shape in flight characteristic: long, pointed and often angled wings with strongly fingered tip, wedge-shaped tail-tip and long, protruding neck. Compare with Rook, Carrion and Large-billed Crow. Ad Entirely glossy black. Juv Duller and less glossy. Voice Song not often heard: a warble of gurgling and variable sounds including imitations. Call far-carrying, low-pitched and rolling krroap, often repeated 2–4 times. Alarm more rapid arrk-arrk-arrk. Habitat Variety of open habitats including deserts, usually with cliffs; from lowlands to above 4000 m. Common. [Alt: Northern Raven]

Brown-necked Raven Corvus ruficollis

58 cm

C. r. ruficollis. Slightly less bulky, but very similar to Common Raven and best separated by voice. Throat less shaggy than in Common, but be aware that laurenci has shorter throat feathers than other subspecies of Common. Marginally differs in flight from Common by slightly narrower and more pointed wings, less wedge-shaped tail and sometimes protruding central pair of rectrices. Unlike Common, often droops bill while flying. Ad Glossy black overall with bronze-brown tinge visible at close range on nape usually lacking in Common, but subspecies laurenci of latter can also be browner, especially in worn plumage. Juv Duller than ad and less glossy. Voice Vocalisations apparently less varied than in Common. Calls more similar to Rook or Carrion Crow than to Common Raven: rather high-pitched kraai kraai. Habitat Deserts, saxaul forests and other dry habitats; tends to occupy drier areas than sympatric subspecies laurenci of Common Raven. Scarce.

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frugilegus

adult

juvenile

adult

pastinator

Rook

Carrion Crow adult sharpii

adult

adult calling

Hooded Crow

adult adult

Common Raven Brown-necked Raven

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PLATE 78: Crows and Orioles Large-billed Crow Corvus macrorhynchos

50 cm

C. m. intermedius. Similar in size to Carrion Crow. Characterised by rather large bill with strongly arched culmen and steep forehead. Wedge-shaped tail-tip recalls bigger Common and Brown-necked Ravens in flight, but wings shorter, broader and less fingered and neck less protruding. Flight shape similar to Rook, but the latter has more pointed wing-tips and more rounded tail-tip and is best separated by different bill-structure. Ad Plumage rather dull greyishblack. Juv Duller than ad. Voice Call rather low-pitched and resonant krar-krar-krar..., distantly recalling Common Raven, but higher-pitched and less loud. Habitat Forest edges, alpine pastures, often around human habitations; mainly mountains. Current status in region unknown.

Eurasian Jackdaw Corvus monedula

33 cm

C. m. soemmerringii. Small with short and rather slender bill. Very similar to imm Daurian Jackdaw; see that species for differences. In flight, has faster wing-beats than bigger crows, is shorter necked and has proportionally narrower and longer wings. Cf. also Yellow-billed Chough. Ad Pale-grey nape and head-sides bordered below by whitish half-collar contrasting with black rest of head. Otherwise greyish-black, slightly glossy. Iris characteristically greyishwhite. Juv Duller than ad with brownish tinged plumage, darker nape and dark iris. Voice Song a quiet warble like other corvids. Call more pleasant than other corvids, short, loud ky\a or kyak. Habitat Variety of open wooded habitats, also human settlements, from lowlands to mountains up to 2500 m. Common.

Daurian Jackdaw Corvus dauuricus

32 cm

Monotypic (V). Size and structure almost identical to Eurasian Jackdaw. Black-and-white birds are easily identified, while black birds (probably always imm) are very similar to Eurasian. Always shows dark iris. Ad Blackish with contrasting broad whitish nape, which is connected with whitish flanks and belly. Recalls much bigger Hooded Crow, but the latter differs in much darker grey rather than whitish pale plumage parts, which include mantle and scapulars. Moreover, Daurian is characterised by silvery streaking behind eye. 1st-yr More uniformly blackish with darker nape than ad Eurasian. Very similar to juv Eurasian which shares dark iris. However, Eurasian moults into ad-like plumage some weeks after fledging and iris becomes pale usually at beginning of 1st-win. Unlike Eurasian, shows silvery streaking behind eye at least from mid-winter on. Upper breast is concolorous with throat and darker than rest of underparts, whereas breast is paler than throat in Eurasian. In spring of 2ndCY development of pale feathers may begin on upper nape and spreads onto underparts. Voice Call identical to Eurasian. Habitat Similar to Eurasian.

Indian Golden Oriole Oriolus kundoo

25cm

Monotypic. Slender and thrush-like with long wings, rather short tail and slightly decurved bill. Distal part of outer rectrices yellow in all plumages. Very similar to European Golden Oriole; see that species for differences. Mostly lingers in foliage of treetops and is difficult to see. Has fast and slightly undulating flight. Ad male Yellow with mostly black wings and tail and black mask extending behind eye. Tertials and inner secondaries with broad yellow tips, which can be rather small in worn plumage in summer. Furthermore, has extensive yellow patch on primary coverts. Female/1st-yr male Greenish above with yellow on rump and uppertail-coverts. Underparts washed yellow, with sharp dark streaks. Wing and tail more olive-brown rather than black as in ad male. Some ad females more similar to ad male. Juv Similar to ad female, but with dark bill and more heavily streaked underparts, always heavier than in any European. Voice Song has been described as much more complex than European’s, but in many birds is similar. Call less raucous and more nasal than European. Habitat Open deciduous woodland, forest edges, avenues. Common.

European Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus

25cm

Monotypic. Very similar to Indian Golden Oriole, but bill deeper red and shorter and less yellow on distal part of outer rectrices. Ad male Black mask is restricted to lores, whereas it extends slightly behind eye in Indian. Unlike the latter, lacks yellow tips to inner secondaries and tertials and shows a less extensive yellow patch on primary coverts. Basal half of outer rectrices black, whereas outer rectrices are entirely yellow in Indian. Female/1st-yr male Very similar to Indian, but usually differs in less extensively yellowish wash above and below and more diffusely streaked underparts. However, both species variable and some more similar to ad male. Can show slight contrast between greyish throat/breast and whiter rear underparts, which is not found in Indian. Juv Similar to ad female, but with dark bill. Underparts less heavily streaked than in juv Indian. Voice Song a variable series of partly slurred, almost yodelling, full, fluty whistles: \dy y di/’ dlee\yoo. A continuous, partly chattering warble is rarely heard. Call a raucous, often slightly rising screech, recalling Eurasian Jay. Habitat Deciduous to mixed woodland, riparian forests; mainly lowlands and foothills. Common.

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Large-billed Crow

adult

adult

Eurasian Jackdaw adult

adult

1st-year

Daurian Jackdaw



  

Indian Golden Oriole

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European Golden Oriole

juvenile

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PLATE 79: Hypocolius and Tits I Grey Hypocolius Hypocolius ampelinus

25 cm

Monotypic. Superficially recalls a bulbul or a ‘Grey Shrike’, but slimmer and longer-tailed. Direct flight with fast wing-beats in combination with long tail and short wings characteristic. Ad male Greyish with triangular black mask joining on nape. Primaries mainly white when perched, but hand blackish with white primary-tips in flight. Also a clear-cut black tail end-band. Ad female More greyish-brown than male, lacking black mask. Primaries only have narrow white tips and diffuse blackish subterminal bars. Terminal tail-band more diffuse than in ad male. Juv/1st-yr Similar to ad female, but with browner primary-tips. Male with dark mask from 1st-win. Voice No song known. Typical call a wigeon-like, nasal /twee\oo or tree\o. Cheerful to’/tee and short tvatva. Habitat Woodlands, near rivers or wetlands, but also in semi-deserts. Probably rare in region.

Great Tit Parus major

14 cm

P. m. major. Has strong stout bill. Ad male Easily recognised by black head with white earcoverts, yellow underparts with black ventral line forming bib together with black throat. Upperparts greenish with bluish wings with white wing-bar. Ad female Compared with ad male, has black parts duller and less glossy, duller yellow underparts and narrower, frayed or sometimes even broken ventral line. Lower border to ear-coverts often narrower than in ad male. Juv Much duller than ad with ear-coverts and underparts pale yellowish. Bib smaller than in ad, ventral line only faint or even lacking. Broken black lower border to ear-coverts. Voice Very diverse. Song a short strophe of rhythmical repetitions of usually 2–4 loud, rather metallic, clear to buzzy syllables: tsi-tsi\- daeh/-tsi-tsi\-daeh... or /tee-\tu-/ tee-\tu... Calls include a very hard tink, similar to Chaffinch; scolding churs often combined with high-pitched notes (tsi-)(tsi-) cherr’r’r(‘it’it-it) or Blue Tit-like (tsee-)che’che’che’chech. Habitat Variety of open mixed woodlands, including riparian forests, thickets, gardens, orchards; mainly lowlands and foothills. Common; introduced in its SE Kaz range. Note: Great and ‘Turkestan’ Tit interbreed in parts of S Kaz and W Kgz. Offspring of mixed pairs show intermediate characters and may complicate identification.

‘Turkestan Tit’ Parus major ‘bokharensis-group’

15 cm

Three races in region: P. m. bokharensis, P. m. ferghanensis (central part of range), P. m. turkestanicus (SE Kaz). Very similar to Cinereous Tit but primary-projection shorter and tail longer with more graduated tip (only slightly rounded in Cinereous and Great Tit). Ad male Lacks olive on upper mantle of most Cinereous Tits of subspecies intermedius (difficult to see). White patch on ear-coverts larger than in Cinereous. Best separated from Cinereous by smaller amount of black on neck-sides, breast and bib. Black lower border of ear-coverts often even interrupted in female. Upperparts and wings have ‘frosty’ cast, lacking in Cinereous. Unlike in latter, centre of alula not darker than the rest of wing. Has more white in outer tail than Cinereous of subspecies intermedius (seen on perched birds from below). Outermost pair of rectrices white with dark restricted to edge of base on inner web, whereas in intermedius white on inner web is restricted to a narrow triangle near feather-tip. Also has more white on tip of second outermost pair of rectrices. Note that subspecies ziaratensis, decolorans and caschmirensis of Cinereous have similar amount of white in the tail as ‘Turkestan’. Ad female Duller with black less glossy, and bib and ventral line more restricted. Juv Duller than ad, bib less extensive and ventral line more restricted. Upperparts with olive tinge, rarely with yellow tinge on underparts. Has less white in tail than ad, similar to Cinereous of subspecies intermedius. Voice Largely identical to Great’s. Habitat Riparian forests, sauxaul and turanga forests, woodlands; up to 2000 m. Common.

Cinereous Tit Parus cinereus

14 cm

Four races in region: P. c. intermedius. Structurally identical to Great Tit. See very similar ‘Turkestan Tit’ for differences. Ad As Great, but upperparts bluish-grey usually with very limited olive on upper mantle (hard to see in the field), underparts whitish lacking yellow. Sexes differ in general pattern as in Great (which see). P. c. ziaratensis (S Afg), decolorans (SE Afg), P. c. caschmirensis (E Afg). Ad Greyish above and with even more white in outer rectrices than ‘Turkestan’. Juv General pattern as in juv Great. In fresh plumage underparts with pale yellowish tinge and upperparts with olive tinge. Voice Song similar to Great and ‘Turkestan’, but in some song types each note rises and falls in pitch, giving the song a sweeter and more liquid quality. Habitat Riparian forests, orchards and agricultural land with poplars or other trees. Rare.

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Grey Hypocolius





Great Tit  

'Turkestan Tit' juvenile

Cinereous Tit adult adult

ziaratensis intermedius

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PLATE 80: Tits II Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus

12 cm

Two races in region: C. c. caeruleus, C. c. raddei (SW Tkm). Shorter-tailed than similar Azure Tit and ‘Yellow-breasted Tit’. Ad Blue crown surrounded by white supercilia. Dark band connects nape with dark blue throat. Underparts yellow with narrow dark ventral line, upperparts greenish and wings blue with white restricted to tips of greater coverts and tertials. Tail blue (cf. Azure and ‘Yellow-breasted’). Female usually duller than male. Juv Duller than ad with yellowish head and reduced dark throat. Voice Very varied and similar to Azure. Song-types include the pleasant trill of Azure, but preceded usually by only one type of high-pitched notes and is longer and on average higher-pitched chit’chit’chittitititititititi. Calls very similar to ‘Yellow-breasted’. Habitat Riparian forests, thickets and open woodland. Common.

Azure Tit Cyanistes cyanus

13 cm

Five races in region: C. c. tianschanicus, C. c. yenisseensis (NE Kaz). Agile, small and compact with small head and rather long, slightly graduated tail. Ad Underparts whitish lacking yellow of Blue and ‘Yellow-breasted Tit’. Upperparts blue-grey, crown grey. Wings dark blue with broad white tips to tertials, remiges, primary-coverts. Tail dark blue with extensive white corners. Juv Duller than ad with greyer crown. Sometimes with yellowish or creamy wash to underparts in tianschanicus and thus similar to ‘Yellow-breasted’. C. c. hyperrhiphaeus (N Kaz). Paler than tianschanicus, with white crown and more extensive white tips to tertials and greater coverts. C. c. koktalensis (SE Kaz). Characterised by thicker bill. Voice Song-types include a rhythmical (tseet-)\te/ wee /-tseet-\te/ wee...; a pleasant short trill preceded by high-pitched notes \tsee-\tsi\-djidji-dudududu, which may recall extralimital Crested Tit; a chiu-chiu-chiu... recalling Marsh Tit. Calls include a scolding cherr’r’r’t-tet-tet and a slightly explosive \chaet-\chaet(-\chaet). Both often combined with high-pitched tseet(-eet-eet). Habitat Deciduous and mixed woodlands, including saxaul and turanga forests; up to 2500 m. Common. ‘Yellow-breasted Tit’ C. c. flavipectus Ad As Azure Tit, but with yellow breast and upper flanks. Additionally, has greyish throat and darker upperparts and crown. Male usually brighter than female. Juv Duller than ad, with yellowish head and underparts and greenish tinge to upperparts. Voice Song-types similar to Azure, but the trill is rather higher-pitched and the Marsh Tit-like song faster. Calls similar to Azure, but cherr’r’r’t on average more rapid and harder, less emphatic. Habitat Deciduous and mixed forests, riparian thickets; mainly foothills and mountains. Common.

Coal Tit Periparus ater

11 cm

Four races in region: P. a. rufipectus. Small, compact and big-headed with short crest. Ad Rather similar to ‘Spot-winged Tit’; can also be confused with Rufous-naped Tit (see those species). Head-pattern similar to Cinereous, ‘Turkestan’ and Great Tits, but has more conspicuous white nape patch. Further differs by lack of black ventral line and two instead of only one wing-bar (formed by pale spots to greater and median coverts). Juv Duller than ad, lacking crest and variably washed yellowish on ear-coverts and breast. P. a. ater (N and NE Kaz), P. a. chorassanicus (Tkm). Usually has no crest, the upper wing-bar is white instead of buffish as in rufipectus and the underparts are paler. Voice Song recalls Great, but is normally faster, higher-pitched and more plaintive. Usually repeated 2- or 3-syllable phrases, e.g. tee’\chu/wee-tee’\chu/wee... or similar. Calls include many fine, high-pitched notes like \tew/-szree(-\tew), a more emphatic, plaintive tee\oh and a hard chet(’chet’chet...). Habitat Coniferous, juniper and mixed mountain forests. Common. ‘Spot-winged Tit’ P. a. melanolophus. Ad Shares spotted double wing-bar with other subspecies of Coal Tit (unlike Rufous-naped Tit), but is characterised by dark grey underparts with characteristic rufous breast-sides, flanks and undertail-coverts. Furthermore, has longer crest than Coal of subspecies rufipectus. Juv Duller than ad with shorter crest. Shows little contrast between rather dark underparts and bib. Voice Song slightly fuller and slower than Coal. Calls similar to Coal, but a rather explosive psip-tsiu recalls Marsh Tit. Habitat Like Coal Tit. Local.

Rufous-naped Tit Periparus rufonuchalis

13 cm

Monotypic. Rather large and dark with long crest. Larger than similar Coal and ‘Spot-winged Tit’. Ad Differs from Coal and ‘Spot-winged’ by black extending from throat onto upper belly and by uniform wings lacking wing-bars. Remaining underparts grey with cinnamon undertailcoverts and small cinnamon patch at breast-sides. Nape-patch often has a cinnamon lower border. Juv Duller than ad, with shorter crest and paler breast and upper belly contrasting less with rest of underparts. Upperparts and lower belly have brownish tinge and undertail-coverts are paler than in ad. Voice Has two song-types; first consists of short, clear notes followed by hollow trill, e.g. \ti\du-drroo; second consists of high-pitched or clear notes, e.g. seet-\/chyatt(-seet-\/chyatt). Calls include squeaky, plaintive tsewp(-tsewptsewp) and crossbill-like chuk(-chuk). Habitat Coniferous and juniper forests; mountains. Common. [Alt: Black-breasted Tit]

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Blue Tit

hyperrhiphaeus

Azure Tit

yenisseensis

flavipectus

ater

Coal Tit

melanolophus

rufipectus

Rufous-naped Tit

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PLATE 81: Tits III AND REEDLING Marsh Tit Poecile palustris

12 cm

P. p. brevirostris. Very similar to Willow Tit; see that species for differences. Best distinguished by voice. Ad Note that especially in fresh plumage in autumn, some Marsh show slight pale wing-panel reminiscent of Willow. Juv Similar to ad, but bib smaller and cap duller and not glossy. Often not distinguishable from juv Willow by plumage. Voice Song very variable; most commonly a rattle \tyep\tyep\tyep... or /chip/chip/chip..., on average more rapid than song of Siberian Tit. Occasionally may recall rapid song of Coal Tit tsi\’ hwet/’tsi\’ hwet…. Calls varied. Most characteristic is an explosive /pit\chu; often followed by de-de-det, which is usually much more rapid than in Willow and may rather recall Azure Tit’s scold. Also sharp tsee(-tsee...), tik or pchi\up. Habitat Mature deciduous forests; foothills. Scarce.

Willow Tit Poecile montana

12 cm

P. m. uralensis. Very similar to Marsh Tit, but with large-headed and bull-necked appearance. Best distinguished from Marsh by voice. Ad Cap is matt black and never glossy as in ad Marsh and reaches further onto mantle. Compared to Marsh, bib is larger, more poorly defined and extends further onto lower throat. Except in very worn plumage in summer, pale fringes to tertials and secondaries form conspicuous wing-panel, which is never as prominent in Marsh. Juv Similar to ad, but cap and bib duller and bib smaller. Often not distinguishable from Marsh by plumage. Voice Song is a slow (c. 3 notes/sec) repetition of melancholy whistles level or falling in pitch: \tew-\tew-… or dooh-dooh-…. In Altai, most commonly dooh /-di\-dooh/-di\-dooh…. Sometimes gives gargling song. Call is characteristic, nasal dzaeh-dzaeh (dzaeh-dzaeh...), usually preceded by one or several high-pitched, fine or hard sit, pitch or chik. Habitat Usually rather boggy coniferous and mixed forests, also riparian forest; from lowlands up to 2000 m. Common.

Songar Tit Poecile songara

13 cm

P. s. songara. Similar in size to Willow Tit but with a longer bill. Ad Similar to Siberian Tit (which see). Differs from Willow and Marsh Tits in less grey but pale cinnamon brown upperparts and with browner underparts with cinnamon wash especially on the flanks and neck-sides. Cap and bib are dull black or deeply brownish (glossy black in Marsh). Compared with Willow, cap is usually more restricted, but bib is usually more extensive and ill-defined. Wing-panel usually less prominent than in Willow, but more prominent than in Marsh. Juv Similar to ad, but cap browner and less extensive. Browner bib does usually not extend onto upper breast. Voice Song similar to Willow’s and differences insufficiently understood. However, in region only songs with notes falling in pitch have been documented. Calls tsitsi-dzaeh-dzaeh, similar to Willow. Also a characteristic, nasal, sharp chiur-chiur(-chiur...). Habitat Mountain coniferous forests from about 1600 to 2800 m. Scarce.

Siberian Tit Poecile cincta

13 cm

P. c. sayana. A large-headed tit with fluffy plumage. Ad Differs from similar Songar Tit in greybrown rather than dull black cap and whitish fringes to greater coverts and remiges forming a conspicuous panel on secondaries. In contrast, wing-panel of Songar is more buffish and especially fringes to greater coverts are buff and not whitish. Moreover, cheeks and breast are whiter than in Songar. Differs from Willow and Marsh Tits in grey-brown cap contrasting less with upperparts, more extensive bib and warmer brown upperparts and flanks. Unlike many Marsh, shows a conspicuous pale wing-panel. Juv Similar to ad, but duller with more ill-defined bib. Voice Song a hoarse cheh-cheh-cheh(...) or plaintive \shry yh-\shry yh-\shry yh… and similar. Occasionally a melodic bubbling warble. Calls tsi-tsi-taehtaeh-taeh, and variations of these elements, much like Willow. Habitat Mature but rather open coniferous and mixed forests; mountains usually between 1700 and 1900 m. Localised and scarce.

Bearded Reedling Panurus biarmicus

15 cm

P. b. russicus. Small with very long, graduated tail, which is often cocked or spread. Weak whirring flight. Predominantly rich cinnamon-brown with distinct black and white wingmarkings. Bill yellow and iris pale to yellow except in juv female. Ad male Very distinctive: black beard contrasting with grey head and nape and white throat. Unlike ad female, undertailcoverts are black. Ad female Head and nape nondescript pale brownish with greyish-white throat. Iris darker yellow than in males. Some females with black streaks on mantle and crown. Juv Unlike ad, has black mantle and back and some black in outer tail. More straw-coloured than ad. Juv males have black lores, a yellow bill and pale iris whereas juv females show dark eyes and bill and paler lores. Voice Song consists of 3–4 grinding, twangy notes. Call diagnostic: explosive, twanging pshing, often repeated. Also a rolling tyirr. Habitat Wetlands with extensive reedbeds; mainly lowlands and foothills. Common. [Alt: Bearded Tit]

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Marsh Tit adult Marsh

Willow Tit

Willow

adult Songar

Songar Tit

Siberian Tit adult

adult

Bearded Reedling



juvenile



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

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PLATE 82: PENDULINE AND LONG-TAILED TITS Eurasian Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus

11 cm

Two races in region: R. p. jaxarticus. Small and compact; acrobatic movements while foraging. Ad male Characteristic black mask extends onto forehead, where it is bordered by variable chestnut band. The latter is always lacking in White-crowned Penduline Tit. Crown and nape pale-grey contrasting with cinnamon band on mantle. Ad female Has less extensive mask and only a narrow band on forehead, paler upperparts and rufous flecking on breast reduced or lacking. Juv Mask is lacking or only faintly suggested. Wing has similar coloration to ad. R. p. caspius (NW Kaz). Pale fringes to remiges and rectrices much broader than in jaxarticus and White-crowned. Ad male Chestnut band extending from forehead onto centre of crown and chestnut mottling on nape. Mantle brighter chestnut. Ad female Can show some chestnut on forehead and has paler crown, nape, upper mantle and whiter underparts than jaxarticus. Voice Song slow-paced series of calls, trills and other high-pitched notes. Call high-pitched, very thin, descending tseeee. Habitat Wetlands with mosaic of reeds, rank vegetation and bushes; mainly lowlands and foothills. Common.

Black-headed Penduline Tit Remiz macronyx

11 cm

Three races in region: R. m. macronyx, R. m. neglectus (SW, S Tkm). Bill longer and thicker and feet larger than in Eurasian and White-crowned Penduline Tits. Ad Differs form Eurasian and White-crowned by blackish head including throat. In fresh plumage, the head is mottled buffish. Nape is bordered below by a pale cinnamon collar and blackish throat can extend onto the breast. Moreover, buffish wingbar on greater coverts is more conspicuous than in Eurasian and White-crowned. Female similar to male, but throat may be paler with more buffish mottling. Juv Very similar to juv Eurasian. 1st-win Crown, nape and throat paler than adult and thus similar to other two Penduline Tits; however, throat shows some blackish and mask is more extensive. R. m. nigricans (SW Afg). Lacks pale collar as the black head extends from nape onto mantle. Voice Differences from Eurasian insufficiently understood. Habitat Along lakes and rivers in reedbeds and bulrushes. Scarce. Note: Eurasian and Black-headed Penduline Tits hybridise around the Ural delta and hybrids have been recorded on the Caspian shore in SW Tkm in winter. Birds from Lake Balkhash, Alakol, Zaysan and Sasykkol (‘ssaposhnikowi’) may look like R. p. caspius or alternatively like R. m. macronyx and intermediates have been recorded.

White-crowned Penduline Tit Remiz coronatus

11 cm

Two races in region: R. c. coronatus, R. c. stoliczkae (NE Kaz). Bill smaller than in Eurasian and especially than in Black-headed Penduline Tit. Ad Similar to Eurasian, but black mask extends onto nape forming a variable nuchal band bordered below by white collar. In worn plumage in summer, nuchal band is broader and sometimes only forecrown remains white. In contrast with Eurasian, Whitecrowned never shows any chestnut on crown. Female paler and duller than male, with paler and less extensive mask. Moreover, crown and nape collar pale greyish rather than white and rufous on breast is reduced or lacking. Juv/1st-win Very similar to Eurasian. Voice Differences from Eurasian insufficiently understood. Habitat Riparian thickets with willows or poplars, sometimes hillsides with scattered bushes away from water; up to 2400 m. Common.

Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus

13 cm

Two races in region: A. c. caudatus. Distinctive with small body and tiny bill and very long narrow black tail with white sides. Ad Head and underparts white with pinkish flanks. Wings black with white borders to remiges and tertials and white tips to greater coverts. Juv Tail shorter; head dusky with a pale eye-ring and whitish forehead and crown, upperparts blackish-brown. A. c. alpinus (SW Tkm). Tail shorter than in caudatus. Ad Has black lateral crown stripes, buffish crown with brown streaks and sooty lower throat. Upperparts lack pink of caudatus. Underparts buffish with pink flanks. Juv As in caudatus, but crown brownish with white streaks and lateral crown stripes darker than ear-coverts. Also throat and breast greyish, and upperparts greyer with paler wings. Voice Song is soft trill distantly recalling ‘Yellow-breasted Tit’. Call high-pitched tsee-tsee-tsee. Explosive, buzzing tserr. Habitat Riparian woodland and forest edges with dense shrub undergrowth; mainly lowlands and foothills. Uncommon.

White-cheeked Tit Aegithalos leucogenys

10 cm

Monotypic. Small with rather long tail, but much shorter than in Long-tailed Tit. Bill short and thick with curved culmen. Iris conspicuously yellow. Ad Has black bib and small black mask extending onto nape and contrasting with white cheeks. Forehead to upperparts olive-brown. Underparts pinkish-buff with upper breast paler and greyer. Juv Paler and greyer than ad, lacks black bib and usually shows only darker throat and variable band of black streaks on breast. Voice Song is a slightly descending array of high-pitched, sibilant notes. Another song consists of loud, shrill repeated phrases set-/seet-\set \tewt. Calls varied. Habitat Open and scrubby forests; from 1200 to 2600 m. Local.

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caspius

jaxarticus

Eurasian Penduline Tit  

nigricans

macronyx







fresh

worn

Black-headed Penduline Tit

1st-winter



variant



White-crowned Penduline Tit

adult caudatus

Long-tailed Tit juvenile

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White-cheeked Tit

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PLATE 83: Martins Sand Martin Riparia riparia

12 cm

Two races in region: R. r. riparia, R. r. innominata (S of region). A small swallow, often seen flying low above water with rapid wing-beats. Brown upperparts and small size can often be judged from distance and exclude all swallows except the other martins. Very similar to Pale Martin; see that species for differences. Ad Upperparts brown, underparts with a complete and distinct brown breast-band. Ear-coverts are brown and contrast with whitish throat. Juv Has pale greyish to ochre or even brown speckled throat and pale to rufous fringes on upperparts, especially on upperwing-coverts, tertials and lower back to uppertail-coverts. Voice Call-notes can be combined to fast twittering warble, which probably constitutes the song. Most common call is dry rasping chrerr. Alarm call higher-pitched chiir. Habitat Open areas, especially near water, builds burrows in banks to breed. Common. [Alt: Collared Sand Martin]

Pale Martin Riparia diluta

12 cm

Three races in region: R. d. diluta, R. d. gavrilovi (NE Kaz). Very similar to Sand Martin, can also be confused with Grey-throated Martin (which see). Usually smaller and slimmer than Sand with shallower tail-fork. Ad Upperparts and breast-band usually paler and more greyish than in Sand. Breast-band is less clear-cut, less contrasting with more diffuse lower border and becomes paler towards central breast, where it is only slightly darker than rest of underparts, thus giving a broken impression. However, note that pattern of breast-band is difficult to judge in flight. Head is paler than in Sand with contrasting darker eye and lores, and border between ear-coverts and throat is much more diffuse than in Sand. Be aware that differences are not pronounced when paler birds of Sand are compared with darkest individuals of Pale. Juv Has pale to rufous or buff fringes on upperparts, especially on upperwing-coverts, tertials and lower back to uppertail-coverts. Throat is greyish to ochre, and thus similar to Sand and Grey-throated (which see). Sand shows on average a more complete and more distinct breast-band and darker ear-coverts, contrasting more strongly with throat. R. d. indica (NE Afg). Smaller than diluta and has almost no tail fork and is thus more similar to Grey-throated. Voice Similar to Sand and possibly wide overlap. Call can be more buzzing and burbling than the more voiced calls of Sand. Habitat Similar to Sand, but often farther from water. Uncommon. [Alt: Pale Sand Martin]

Grey-throated Martin Riparia chinensis

11 cm

R. c. chinensis. Similar to Sand and especially Pale Martin, but is smaller and has a more fluttering and weaker flight. Ad Always lacks clear breast-band, instead shows brownish-grey throat and breast merging in paler rest of underparts. Underwings (especially coverts) and upperparts darker than in Pale with discernibly paler rump. Head more uniform, lacking paler throat of Pale. Tail is square-ending or slightly forked similar to Pale of subspecies indica, but unlike Pale of subspecies diluta. Juv Has buff fringes on upperparts, especially on upperwing-coverts, tertials and lower back to uppertail-coverts. Throat and breast with pinkish-buffish wash and a suggestion of a breast-band in some and thus very similar to juv Pale. Voice Call softer and less grating than Sand. Habitat Similar to Sand Martin. Regional status poorly known. [Alt: Grey-throated Sand Martin]

Eurasian Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris

14 cm

Monotypic. Very similar to Pale Crag Martin, but larger and darker (see Pale Crag for further differences). Rather stocky with broad, but pointed wings. Flight characteristically powerful and agile. White spots on tail visible when rectrices are spread. Ad Upperparts grey-brown. Underwing with dark coverts contrasting with paler remiges. Body below becomes gradually darker from pale greyish-brown breast to dark brown undertail-coverts. Dark mottling on throat can be difficult to see. Juv With rufous fringes to upperparts, underparts with rufous wash. Throat (not chin) lacks dark mottling. Voice Song a rapid twittering warble. Calls: whistling siu, chirpy prrt not unlike House Martin. Habitat Mountains, crags, cliffs, gorges; mainly at 1800 to 4000 m. Uncommon.

Pale Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne obsoleta

12 cm

P. o. pallida. Very similar to Eurasian Crag Martin, but is smaller, less robust and with paler plumage. White tail-spots smaller and more difficult to see. Ad Upperparts paler than in Eurasian. Underparts more uniformly pale with little contrast between darker undertail-coverts and paler breast and belly. Throat pale, lacking dark mottling of Eurasian and shows less contrast between darker coverts and paler remiges on underwing. Note that juvenile Eurasian virtually lacks dark mottling on throat. Juv With buff fringes to upperparts, underparts with buffish wash. Voice Call a dry ptrrr, like House or Sand Martin. Also more Barn Swallow-like calls. Habitat Similar to Eurasian Crag Martin, but more often at lower altitudes. Uncommon.

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Pale Martin adult

Sand Martin

diluta adults

adult indica

chinensis

Grey-throated Martin

adult

adult

Pale Crag Martin Eurasian Crag Martin

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PLATE 84: Swallows AND HOUSE MARTIN Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica

18 cm

H. r. rustica. Flight powerful and fast. Due to long tail-streamers and deeply forked tail superficially similar to Wire-tailed and Red-rumped Swallows; see those species for differences. Ad Upperparts dark with bluish gloss. Forehead, chin and throat rufous brown, breast-band dark bluish. With white ‘windows’ in tail, especially visible when tail-feathers spread. Juv Tailstreamers shorter; forehead, chin and throat paler rufous-buff and upperparts with less bluish gloss. Voice Song is cheerful rapid twitter with screeching and rattling sounds. Call a sudden, clear vit. Alarm call explosive chitlitt. Habitat Open country, cultivation, human habitations, often near water. Common.

Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii

14 cm

H. s. filifera. Has very long and thin tail-streamers, which can be difficult to see and are often broken or lost. Tail without streamers rather short and square ended. Ad Differs from Barn Swallow by completely white underparts, rufous crown and forehead and brighter blue upperparts. Has stronger contrast between pale underwing-coverts and darker remiges than Barn. Like Barn, shows white windows in tail, especially visible when tail-feathers spread. Juv Tail-streamers very short; differs from ad by grey-brown crown and forehead and by brownish cast to blue upperparts. Voice Song twittering. Calls include finch-like, nasal kwaet and raucous shve-shve-shveshve, more wheezy than similar call of Barn, reminiscent of Sand Martins. Other calls similar to Barn. Habitat Open areas, cultivation, near lakes and rivers. Rare.

Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica

19 cm

Two races in region: C. d. rufula. Has long and strong tail-streamers and deeply forked tail and can be confused with Barn and Wire-tailed Swallows. Flight not as fast as Barn and glides frequently. Ad Differs from Barn and Wire-tailed by pale rufous rump (paler at the rear end), rufous nape and head-sides as well as by dark undertail-coverts, diffusely streaked underparts and lack of white in tail. Unlike Barn, shows a pale throat and breast and lacks the rufous crown of Wire-tailed. Crown, mantle and scapulars dark with bluish gloss. Juv Compared with ad, shows shorter tail-streamers, pale edges to tertials and upperwing-coverts, less bluish gloss on upperside and rufous parts are paler. C. d. daurica (NE Kaz). More heavily streaked on underparts than rufula and has rufous nape-band interrupted in the centre. Voice Song variable, can be similar to Barn’s, but somewhat harsher, shorter and quieter. Sometimes short strophes of partly nasal, partly clear, high-pitched notes. Typical call a chirping, nasal pweett. Habitat Open hilly country, cultivation, human habitations. Common.

Streak-throated Swallow Petrochelidon fluvicola

12 cm

Monotypic (MB E Afg?). Rather small and compact, with relatively broad and only slightly forked tail. Differs from Greythroated and Pale Martins and juv Wire-tailed Swallow in streaked chin, throat and breast. From Grey-throated and Pale also by considerably darker upperparts. Ad Crown rufous with light streaks. Upperparts bluish with some white streaks and paler brownish rump Juv Crown and upperparts duller and browner than ad with pale feather fringes. Voice Twittering chirp and sharp trr trr. Habitat Open areas, cultivation, human habitations, often near water.

Northern House Martin Delichon urbicum

15 cm

Three races in region: D. u. urbicum, D. u. meridionale (S of region). Tail only slightly forked, flight less powerful than Barn Swallow, more fluttering and frequently gliding. Ad Easily separated from other swallows and martins of the region by combination of glossy-black upperparts contrasting with white rump and underparts and only slightly forked tail. Crown, mantle and scapulars with bluish gloss. Underwing-coverts pale greyish contrasting with darker remiges. Juv Has brownish-black and less glossy upperparts and pale tips to tertials. Easily identified by whitish rump. Underparts less white with variable brownish-grey wash. Some feathers of vent, undertail and uppertail-coverts with brownish centres. D. u. lagopodum (V). Ad Has larger white rump including uppertail-coverts and shallower tail-fork than other subspecies. Voice Song an eagerly twittering chatter. Call variable, rolling prrit. Alarm call emphatic, drawn-out chierr. Habitat Open areas, cliffs, cultivation, human habitations, including towns; breeding up to 3000 m in Tien Shan, but can be observed well above 4000 m. Common.

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adult

Wire-tailed Swallow

Barn Swallow

Red-rumped Swallow daurica adult

Streak-throated Swallow rufula

Northern House Martin lagopodum

meridionale adult

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PLATE 85: Larks I Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra

19 cm

Two races in region: M. c. psammochroa, M. c. calandra (NW Kaz). Heavy lark with large head, heavy bill, broad and pointed wings and rather short tail. Ad Has large black patch on breast-sides, white tail-sides and conspicuous white trailing edge to wing, which contrasts with remaining blackish underwings. Can mainly be confused with Bimaculated Lark; see that species for differences. The two are often found in the same habitat. Also see female Black Lark. Juv Black breast-patches often less obvious or even lacking. Differences from Bimaculated in remiges and rectrices less pronounced than in ad with trailing edge to wing off-white to pale sandy. Voice Song-flight characteristic with slow-motion wing-beats with stiff wings and folded tail. Song recalls Eurasian Skylark, includes imitations and characterised by callnotes. Calls include metallic, stuttering trill tshreert, sometimes reminiscent of Corn Bunting song. Also shorter trip-trip. Habitat Open plains from steppes to pastures and cultivations; mainly lowlands and foothills but may occur up to 2000 m. Common.

Bimaculated Lark Melanocorypha bimaculata

17 cm

Monotypic. Similar to Calandra Lark, but slightly smaller and differs in the lack of white sides to the shorter tail and the lack of white trailing edges to the wings. Bimaculated instead has a white terminal tail band and the underwing is brown-grey. The upperwing is more uniform and lacks Calandra’s contrasts between white trailing edge, darker remiges and paler wing-coverts. Bill relatively longer, deeper and with straighter culmen compared with Calandra and contrast of darker culmen and tip with paler rest of bill is usually more pronounced. Ad Bimaculated usually has a more contrasting head-pattern than Calandra with a more prominent pale supercilium and eye-ring, and more contrasting dark eye-stripe, lores and lower border to eye-ring. Black patches on breast-sides are usually narrower and more often meet on breast-centre than in Calandra. Juv Black breast-patches often less obvious or even lacking. Differences from Calandra in remiges and rectrices less pronounced than in ad. Voice Song-flight usually with fast wingbeats and fanned tail. Song very similar to Calandra’s, but with more lower-pitched dry rolling notes. Calls rolling, recalling Greater Short-toed Lark, or nasal squeezed dvaed-dvaed. Habitat Open country, stonier, less grassy and more mountainous than Calandra; mainly lowlands and foothills but may occur up to 2000 m. Uncommon to common.

White-winged Lark Melanocorypha leucoptera

18 cm

Monotypic. Wing-pattern characteristic: upperwing with broad white trailing edge on secondaries and inner primaries contrasting with blackish remaining remiges and to red-brown or greyishbrown wing-coverts. White secondary-panel still visible when perched. Underwing whitish with a dark middle bar. White trailing edge can be difficult to see against pale sky and leads to impression of very narrow wings. From above, white tail-sides and brownish central rectrices contrast with remaining black tail-feathers. Ad male White supercilium and eye-ring contrast with the dark eye and the red-brown crown and ear-coverts. Streaking on the breast usually restricted to sides and breastsides can show some rufous. Ad female Crown and ear-coverts are streaked and less rufous and breast is more extensively streaked than in ad male; however, there is overlap. Juv Upperparts scaled, breast and flanks dark spotted. Voice Song similar to Eurasian Skylark, but characteristically includes a distinctly nasal chy\vae-chy\vae-chy\vae. Calls resemble Eurasian and sometimes Bimaculated Lark and include rolling chrrit-chrrit. Habitat Grassy or Artemisia steppes, less often in cultivations. Common.

Black Lark Melanocorypha yeltoniensis

20 cm

Monotypic. Large with heavy straw-coloured bill. Differs from other large larks (except Horned Lark) in dark legs. Underwing dark with coverts clearly darker than the remiges. Ad male Bigger than female. In summer, mostly black with variable pale feather fringes. In autumn in fresh plumage, black is concealed by broad pale feather fringes especially on body plumage with wings blacker. Pale fringes gradually wear out towards spring and summer. Ad female In summer, dirty dusky-brown plumage shows dark streaking on breast, flanks and often on vent and belly. Tertials and upperwing-coverts characteristically dark. In autumn in fresh plumage, paler sandy with streaking on underparts usually restricted to the breast. Tertials and upperwing-coverts sport contrasting pale fringes. Can be similar to Calandra Lark and even show the latter’s dark patches on breast-sides, but underparts more heavily marked, head more uniform, tertials and upperwing-coverts have darker centres and more contrasting pale fringes in fresh plumage. Moreover, underwing is not uniformly dark as in Calandra and wings lack white trailing edge. Also, pale tail-sides are less conspicuous than in Calandra. Juv Similar to freshly moulted female. Voice Slow-motion song-flight and characteristic butterfly-like display-flight close to the ground. Song similar to White-winged Lark, but lacking latter’s characteristic element. Calls include a variety of rolling notes, a metallic tsrlit or tsri’tyty’drli recalling Calandra and nasal dviaed recalling Bimaculated Lark. Habitat Grassy or Artemisia steppes, preferably with some shrubs, also found in saline semi-deserts. Common, but sometimes localised.

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Calandra Lark juvenile

calandra

adult adult

Bimaculated Lark

juvenile

adult adult

White-winged Lark  



juvenile

juvenile







Black Lark

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PLATE 86: Larks II Bar-tailed Lark Ammomanes cincturus

13 cm

A. c. zarudnyi. Differs from all other larks except Desert Lark in unstreaked sandy upperparts and lack of contrasting head pattern. Smaller than Desert with slightly shorter primaryprojection. Bill shorter than in Desert, pinkish with only slightly darker culmen, whereas Desert has yellowish bill with dark grey culmen and tip. Rusty tail has a black terminal band, also visible in flight from below. In Desert, tail-pattern is much less clear-cut lacking the impression of a black terminal bar with dark brown rectrices having rusty fringes and grading into paler rusty base. Contrast between dark outer primaries and tertials is stronger in Bar-tailed than in Desert. Blackish primary-tips are also visible in flight. Moreover centres of tertials and inner wing-coverts are more rusty compared to the more grey-brown centres in Desert. Juv Differs from ad by pale feather-fringes above. Voice Song a regularly repeated tz’weeEe..., whereby second syllable sounds like distant squeaky gate. Call a buzzing prreet and soft jup. Habitat Sandy or stony deserts and semi-deserts with very sparse vegetation cover. Uncommon.

Desert Lark Ammomanes deserti

15 cm

Four races in region: A. d. orientalis, A. d. parvirostris (W Tkm), A. d. phoenicuroides (E Afg), A. d. iranica (S Afg). Differs from all other larks except Bar-tailed Lark in unstreaked sandy upperparts and lack of contrasting head pattern. For differences from Bar-tailed, see that species. Rather variable in plumage coloration, which varies geographically but is also dependent on predominant soil coloration. Subspecies orientalis is usually pale on upperparts with a warm sandy cast and only weakly streaked breast; phoenicuroides is browner on upperparts with a more strongly patterned breast; iranica is darker and greyer on upperparts with strongly patterned breast; parvirostris is similar to iranica, but more clay-coloured. Juv Similar to ad, but with pale feather-fringes above. Voice Song consists of melodious melancholic phrases of 2–6 syllables including soft churps and trills. Call a short mellow whistling \yoop. Habitat Stony or rocky deserts or semi-deserts; mainly in lowlands. Common.

Crested Lark Galerida cristata

17 cm

Three races in region: G. c. magna, G. c. subtaurica (SW Tkm), G. c. tenuirostris (NW Kaz). Differs from all other larks of the region in long crest which is even visible as a small spike on the rear head when folded. Bill is rather long and pointed with a decurved upper mandible. Outer rectrices are buffish and it lacks a white trailing edge to the wing (cf. Eurasian and Oriental Skylarks). Has no or only very short primary-projection. Juv Has shorter crest and is more distinctly spotted dark above than ad. Voice Song slower than that of Eurasian and Oriental, containing many mellow, plaintive whistling call-notes with diagnostic tone. Calls include combination of 2–4 plaintive whistles swee\-trew\tyoo. Also a reedy, mewing wrooee, wrooee, especially when flushed. Habitat Dry plains with sparse vegetation cover and dry cultivations; from lowlands to lower mountains, usually below 2400 m. Common.

Greater Hoopoe-Lark Alaemon alaudipes

23 cm

A. a. doriae. Large, long-tailed and long-legged lark with long and decurved bill. Black-and-white wing pattern is diagnostic in flight but not visible at rest. Tail black with pale central rectrices (similar to Horned Lark, but with narrower white tail-sides). Be aware that wing pattern and decurved bill are superficially similar to Hoopoe. Ad Head pattern distinct with dark eye- and moustachial stripe and a white supercilium. Upperparts sandy-grey, underparts whitish with dark spotted breast. Juv Differs from ad by pale feather-fringes above, plain breast and shorter bill. Voice Song given from perch or in characteristic song-flight: rising steeply to a few metres, then falling almost vertically often turning in a spiral with open wings. Song is series of plaintive, thin whistles, first tentative, then higher-pitched, louder and longer notes introduced by metallic trills or smacking sounds and at the end well-spaced notes: too, too-too (-...) trr/’eeeee tr’eee-tr’eee’ee’e’eeh (...) teew teew. Call strident nasal (tzre-)zreee. Habitat Deserts or semi-deserts with sandy soils and sparse vegetation cover. Scarce.

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adult zarudnyi

juvenile

adult

Bar-tailed Lark

adult

juvenile adult

iranica adult

adult

orientalis

Desert Lark

adult

juvenile magna

Crested Lark

juvenile

adult

adult

Greater Hoopoe-Lark

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PLATE 87: Larks III Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla

14 cm

C. b. longipennis. Very similar to Hume’s Lark; see that species for differences. Unlike Asian Short-toed Lark, has no or only very short primary-projection and a longer and more pointed bill (more stubby in Asian). Beware that birds in moult or with heavily abraded longest tertials can show longer primary-projection. Ad Head-pattern more contrasting than in Asian with more prominent supercilium. Supercilia do not join above bill as opposed to many Asian. Breast-sides show limited streaking and often two dark patches, whereas Asian shows fine streaks on whole breast and often on upper flanks. Dark centres to wing-coverts (especially median) and scapulars are often more conspicuous than in Asian. Juv Is more scaly-patterned above and has streaked breast. Full-grown birds best told from Asian by structural features (see above). Voice Song-flight undulating and song usually presented in phase with flight: short, rather variable strophes with short pauses. Sometimes more ecstatic and then longer strophes recalling other larks. Calls include high-pitched rolling drit, or trisyllabic dreet-it-dret. Also chyip, similar to Tawny Pipit. Habitat Dry areas with sparse and low vegetation cover; mainly lowlands and foothills. Common.

Hume’s Lark Calandrella acutirostris

13 cm

C. a. acutirostris. Very similar to Greater Short-toed Lark, but bill is yellowish (more pinkish in Greater) and with darker culmen and darker tip to lower mandible. Note differences in voice. Ad Unlike Greater, lores usually with a dark stripe, crown is less heavily streaked, ear-coverts are more uniform lacking a dark eye-stripe behind the eye and pale crescent below the eye is less conspicuous. Supercilium is thinner, more poorly defined (especially in front of the eye) but ends sharply at the rear, whereas it often surrounds the ear-coverts in Greater. Mantle and scapulars are less heavily marked and dark centres of coverts, especially median, are less contrastingly dark and clear-cut than in Greater. However, these differences are less pronounced in worn plumage. Breast usually greyish contrasting with whitish rest of underparts, whereas Greater often has buffish breast-sides extending to the flanks and paler centre of the breast. Hume’s shows less white in tail than Greater, but this is usually not visible under field conditions. Juv Scale-patterned above; has streaked breast. Dark lores as in ad but unlike Greater. Voice Song consists of clear, tinkling and rolling short phrases. A few identical phrases are given and then a new phrase is repeated a few times, etc. Calls chreerzr, more buzzing than rolling call of Greater and slightly longer than most versions of latter. Habitat Sandy and stony habitats with very sparse vegetation; mainly mountains, may reach altitudes of 5000 m. Common.

Asian Short-toed Lark Calandrella cheleensis

13 cm

Three races in region: C. c. heinei, C. c. persica (S of region). Very similar to Sand Lark; see that species for differences. Has prominent primary-projection unlike Greater Short-toed and Hume’s Larks. See Greater for more differences. Ad Upperparts greyish-buff to sandy-grey with dark streaks, underparts whitish with dark streaking on breast and upper flanks in some. Can give the impression of a small Skylark, but lacks the white trailing edge to wing of Eurasian Skylark and shows longer primary-projection than Oriental Skylark; also lacks rufous-fringed remiges of latter and differs from both in short, stubby bill. Juv More scaly and white-speckled above than ad. C. c. leucophaea (W and S Kaz). Ad Very pale, with greyish-white base colour to upperparts. Probably best treated as a separate species; further studies needed. Voice Song continuous, usually not broken into short phrases like Greater’s. Can be very similar as song is sometimes in short phrases and Greater’s is sometimes continuous. However, Asian’s slightly faster and including drier call-like trills. Song-flight lacks undulating movements of Greater. Call a buzzing dry prrrt, often slower towards end and sometimes recalling Sand Martin. Also doubled trr chrrr. Other variations of calls very similar to Greater. Habitat Steppes, semi-deserts and deserts, bare ground important, usually with some shrubs; mainly lowlands. Common.

Sand Lark Calandrella raytal

13 cm

C. r. adamsi (V). Very similar to Asian Short-toed Lark, but is slightly smaller, finer-billed, stockier with shorter tail and slightly shorter primary-projection. In flight, short-tailed appearance, rounded wings and fluttering flight action. Ad Upperparts cold sandy-grey, greyer and with weaker streaking than Asian. Underparts whitish with finely streaked breast. Juv More scaly patterned above than ad. Voice Song somewhat similar to Asian, but includes more soft rolling notes and consists often of short strophes of a few seconds which can be connected by series of either of the two call-notes. Calls include a high-pitched whistle tsee\’lee, more strained tsri’ly and dry rattles very similar to Asian. Habitat Sandy areas, typically dry and sandy riverbanks.

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Hume’s Lark Greater Short-toed Lark

juvenile

adult

leucophaea

Asian Short-toed Lark

heinei

Sand Lark

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PLATE 88: Larks IV Woodlark Lullula arborea

15 cm

Two races in region: L. a. pallida, L. a. arborea (NW Kaz). Smaller than Eurasian Skylark with short tail and only two primaries projecting beyond tertials. In flight, short tail and round wings together with undulating flight action typical. Lacks white trailing edge to the wing. Rectrices have typical white tips, and tail-sides are pale brownish. Ad Plumage superficially recalls a Skylark, but has diagnostic black-and-white pattern at bend of wing: dark primary-coverts with whitish tips and white base joining with white edge of longest alula-feather. Moreover, has typical broad and long creamy-white supercilia joining on nape in a V-like pattern. Juv More scaly above than ad. Voice Song a beautiful, melancholy yodelling dloo-dloo-dloo..., often descending in pitch. Call pleasant liquid di-dlo/ee or tetlee-tetlee. Habitat Unlike other larks, prefers habitats with some trees and bushes, including heathland and open woodlands. Uncommon.

Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvenis

18 cm

Two races in region: A. a. dulcivox, A. a. arvensis (NW of region). Medium-sized Lark, very similar to Oriental Skylark, see that species for differences. Can appear crested, but crest shorter and less pointed than in Crested Lark. Additionally, it has a much longer primary-projection than Crested. Ad Upperparts variably greyish-brown with dark streaking, underparts whitish to buffish-white with dark streaking on breast. Head-pattern rather indisctinct (cf. Woodlark). In flight shows conspicuous white tail-sides and whitish trailing edge to wing (cf. Oriental, Woodlark, Asian Short-toed Lark and Crested Lark). The latter may be faint in worn plumage. Juv More scaly that ad, trailing edge to wing rather pale brownish and narrower than in ad. Voice Sings often in song-flight, rising and then hovering high up. Song melodious, varied; an incessant flow of whistles, trills and mimicry. Common calls rolling pryut, disyllabic chir’ryup or more piping peeh. Habitat Steppes, meadows and cultivation; from lowlands up to at least 3200 m. Common.

Oriental Skylark Alauda gulgula

16 cm

Two races in region: A. g. inconspicua, A. g. lhamarum (Pamir Mountains). Very similar to Eurasian Skylark, but smaller with shorter tail and shorter primary-projection if any at all. Appears round-winged in flight. Remiges often have much warmer brown fringes than Eurasian forming a rusty wing-panel on folded wing. Unlike most Eurasian, lacks spotting on throat. Moreover, the loral area and supercilium are sandier and ear-coverts are rustier. Underparts are more uniform sandy and less boldly streaked, whereas Eurasian often shows a contrast between buffish breast and whitish belly. In flight, trailing edge to wing is sandy as opposed to the usually white trailing edge of Eurasian. But be aware of worn or juv Eurasian with more brownish and narrower trailing edge. Tail-sides are sandier compared with Eurasian as well. Voice Song similar to Eurasian, but often has drier and more mechanical tone. Call strident, nasal \bzreez. Habitat Similar habitat to Skylark, but reaches higher altitudes. Scarce.

Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris

19 cm

Three races in region: E. a. albigula. Black-and-white head pattern merging with black breast patch and elongated black feathers on crown (‘horns’) diagnostic (but lacking in juv). White tail-sides and brownish central rectrices contrast with the remaining black tail-feathers. Ad Upperparts sandy-grey and only faintly streaked. Crown and nape vinous-pink, less distinct in fresh plumage in autumn due to sandy-grey feather fringes. Ad female often more strongly streaked on upperparts and less pinkish on crown and nape, and may show less clear-cut and contrasting head-pattern than ad male. Juv Very different from ad, head rather uniform from distance, speckled white with darker ear-coverts in reasonable views. Upperparts spotted dark and pale, breast with brown mottling. E. a. brandti (N of region). Ad Similar to albigula, but black ear-coverts do not merge with the black breast patch. Intermediates between the two subspecies occur. E. a. flava (WV). Ad As in brandti, black ear-coverts do not merge with black breast patch, but pale parts of head and throat are yellow or yellowish instead of white or cream-white as in brandti. Upperparts are darker olive-brown, less grey and more strongly streaked than in brandti. Voice Song consists of short phrases, in structure a bit like Greater Short-toed Lark, composed of squeaky, desolate almost tinny whistles. Call high-pitched thin tseee-oo, tseeh or sharp tsiepp. Habitat Barren terrain with very short vegetation in mountains up to almost 5000 m but also in lowland steppes and semi-deserts. Common. [Alt: Shore Lark]

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adult adult juvenile

Woodlark Oriental Skylark adult

juvenile

adult

Eurasian Skylark

adult

1st-winter

flava

flava

  juvenile

brandti

 albigula



Horned Lark

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PLATE 89: CISTICOLAS AND PRINIAS Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis

10 cm

C. j. cursitans (V E Afg). Very small and lively, often rather skulking. Best separated from warblers by very short and rounded wings with almost no primary-projection and from prinias by short tail. Has characteristic whitish tips and dark subterminal markings to rectrices (except central pair) which are best seen from below while perched, in undulating song-flight or when landing. Upperparts, crown and nape buffish-brown with a more rufous rump and dark streaks overall (more so in ad nonbr). Usually shows a weak pale supercilium. Iris pale, eye usually conspicuous. Underparts whitish with more buffish flanks. Voice Song a more or less regularly repeated, short, sharp tzip, often in bouncing song-flight. Calls include sharp chip. Habitat Grassy areas such as fields, meadows, fallow ground or grassy wetlands.

Streaked Scrub Warbler Scotocerca inquieta

10 cm

Three races in region: S. i. platyura, S. i. montana (S Tkm, S Uzb, SW Tjk, N Afg), S. i. striata (S Afg). Easily recognised. Long-tailed and lively, often seen hopping or running on the ground with cocked tail. Smaller than Striated and Graceful Prinias, appears larger-headed and has darker and less graduated tail. Dark rectrices with contrasting white tips. Ad Has conspicuous dark eye-stripe contrasting with pinkish-buff head-sides and supercilium. Otherwise rather uniform sandy-brown with streaked crown. Juv Has weaker head-pattern than ad and smaller pale tips to rectrices. Voice Has a varied repertoire. Song a rapid, yodelling series of a few (often more than 5) pleasant, jingly notes. Song strophes often interspersed with calls. Alternative song descending in pitch tslick\-too\’tvaetvae. Calls vary from clear, metallic plink to harsh, tinny tchepp. Often repeated and sometimes followed by dry, descending trill. Habitat Sandy or stony deserts and semi-deserts with scattered shrubs and patches of grass. Uncommon.

Striated Prinia Prinia crinigera

16 cm

P. c. striatula (V Afg). Long and graduated tail with pale tip and dark subterminal markings from below is shared with Graceful Prinia. Present species is bigger, has heavier bill and occurs in different habitat. Ad Br Differs from Graceful and Plain Prinias in variable dark mottling on otherwise whitish underparts (less so in female) and dark greyish-brown upperparts and crown with diffuse dark streaking. Lores often dark. Bill blackish. Ad Non-br Greyish-brown above, prominently streaked dark. Underparts whitish with dark speckling on breast in some. Bill with pale lower mandible. Juv Unlike ad non-br, usually lacks streaking on upperparts, but still differs from Plain in streaked crown. Voice Song wheezy, strident, rhythmic tsree’tsrae-tsree’tsrae’... or tsrytsi’\vi tsry-tsi’\vi…. Call chak-chak. Habitat Grassy and usually rocky slopes with scattered bushes; lower mountains.

Graceful Prinia Prinia gracilis

12 cm

P. g. lepida. Rather small with long graduated tail with whitish tips and contrasting dark subterminal markings on underside of rectrices (less contrasting on upperside). Has open facial expression lacking supercilium and eye-stripe and is thus readily separated from Streaked Scrub Warbler. Upperparts and crown sandy-brown with fine dark streaking, underparts whitish with buffish flanks. Iris varies from yellow to reddish-brow. Bill all dark in ad br male, otherwise with pale lower mandible. Rather similar to Striated Prinia, but smaller with finer bill and paler upperparts and whiter underparts. Similar-sized Plain Prinia lacks streaking above and has rather uniform rectrices. Voice Song loud, tinny tsrer/wit\-tsrer/wit-... or buzzing zrerr-zrerr-…. Calls clicking plitt and stuttering, high-pitched, metallic trirrt’t’t’t. Habitat Reed, tall grass and bushes along rivers and canals but also in drier areas. Common.

Plain Prinia Prinia inornata

13cm

P. i. terricolor (V E Afg). Similar in size to Graceful Prinia. Smaller and with finer bill than Striated Prinia. Unlike those two species, always lacks any streaking above, shows more uniform rectrices and a rather prominent pale supercilium. Ad Br Pale greyish-brown above and whitish below and has paler outer rectrices. Bill blackish. Ad Non-br Warmer brown above than ad br, with more buffish underparts and pale-based lower mandible. Juv Similar to ad non-br. Voice Song buzzy, insect-like, dry tsrirt’tsrirt’…. Wide repertoire of calls includes buzzy notes, metallic rattles and clear tones. Habitat Grassy areas with scattered scrubs.

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Streaked Scrub Warbler

adult adult

Zitting Cisticola

breeding

Striated Prinia



breeding

breeding

Graceful Prinia

Plain Prinia

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PLATE 90: REED and bush Warblers I Cetti’s Warbler Cettia cetti

13 cm

Two races in region: C. c. albiventris, C. c. orientalis (NW Kaz, S Uzb, Tkm). Usually skulking and more often heard than seen. Has longish, rounded, often cocked tail and short rounded wings; appears rather compact. Is warm brown above with a contrasting pale supercilium and pale half eye-ring below eye. Head- and neck-sides pale greyish, rest of underparts greyish-white becoming slightly browner towards rear. Undertail-coverts often with pale scaling. Differs from Savi’s Warbler and unstreaked Reed Warblers in darker base-colour, much shorter primary-projection, shorter undertail-coverts, longer and usually more distinct supercilium and greyish head- and neck-sides. Reed Warblers additionally always lack pale scaling on undertail-coverts. Voice Song an outburst of very loud, explosive notes chuick /chi\wa/chi\wa-/chit-\cha; 1–2 strophes per minute. Song also used when disturbed. Call a sharp, staccato chipp, often repeated. Habitat In marshy areas with dense vegetation of reeds or tall grass and scattered bushes; mainly lowlands and foothills. Uncommon.

Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon

13 cm

A. m. mimicus. Rather similar to Sedge Warbler, but has much shorter primary-projection and slightly longer, more rounded tail which is often cocked. Supercilium is whiter, broader and more square-ended than in Sedge. Upperparts brown (streaked dark on mantle and scapulars), usually darker than in Sedge as are breast-sides and flanks. Wings appear more uniform than in Sedge with less contrasting pale fringes to wing-coverts and tertials. Furthermore, lacks contrast between warmer rump and colder toned mantle often seen in Sedge and has darker legs. See Sedge Warbler for differences from other Reed Warblers and Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler. Voice Song is evenpaced and recalls Eurasian Reed Warbler’s, but less grating and often includes characteristic crescendo du-du-du…, reminiscent of distant Common Nightingale. Call Stonechat-like chak and rattling trrt(-trrt). Habitat Marshes with old reedbeds or sedges often with scattered bushes, occurs also at rather small marshes; mainly lowlands and foothills. Locally common.

Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus

13 cm

Monotypic. Similar to Moustached Warbler, but has much longer primary-projection and slightly shorter tail. See Moustached for further differences. Easily separated from other Reed Warblers by broad pale supercilium contrasting with dark eye-stripe and streaked crown. Further differs by darker and streaked ear-coverts, darker upperparts with streaked mantle and scapulars and more contrasting pale fringes to wing-coverts and tertials. Is superficially similar to Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler, but does not show curved outer primaries, has shorter undertail-coverts, more conspicuous supercilium, lacks whitish tips to rectrices, and lacks whitish spot near tips of tertials as well as whitish edge of second outermost primary. Juv Often has a band of dark spots on lower throat and breast. Voice Song includes accelerating trills, more clear whistles and faster passages than the even-paced and repetitive song of Eurasian Reed Warbler. Call a hard tuck, sometimes recalling Lesser Whitethroat, and a grating chirr. Habitat Wetlands with dense vegetation such as reeds and dense bushes, sometimes breeds further away from water in dense vegetation; mainly lowlands and foothills. Common.

Savi’s Warbler Locustella luscinioides

14 cm

Two races in region: L. l. fusca, L. l. sarmatica (NW Kaz). Elusive and skulking low down in vegetation (usually reedbeds). Slightly smaller than similar River Warbler. Superficially resembles an unstreaked Reed Warbler, but always differs (like other Locustella warblers) in long undertailcoverts almost reaching tail-tip, broader tail and slightly rounded outer primaries with whitish edge of second outermost primary (outermost is small and not visible in the field). Greyishbrown above (warmer in sarmatica), paler and less olive than River. Has a pale supercilium which is usually indistinct behind eye. Underparts whitish with greyish-brown wash to breast, flanks and undertail-coverts. Latter appear slightly scaled due to paler feather edges reminiscent of River. Can show some spotting on lower throat and upper breast, but never as prominent as in River. Voice Song a reel similar to Common Grasshopper Warbler’s, but lower-pitched and drier in quality. Often starts slower or with staccato notes accelerating into continuous reel, not with bursts of reeling like Common Grasshopper. Song usually lasts for about a minute or less, shorter than in Common Grasshopper. Call chink, similar to Cetti’s Warbler. Habitat Wetlands with beds of reed or sedges, also moist areas with tall grass and bushes along rivers; mainly lowlands and foothills up to 1200 m. Uncommon.

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Cetti’s Warbler

adult

adult

Moustached Warbler

juvenile variant juvenile

adult worn

Sedge Warbler juvenile

adult fresh (early spring)

adult

juvenile fusca

Savi’s Warbler

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PLATE 91: REED and bush Warblers II River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis

15 cm

Monotypic. Largest Locustella warbler, slightly bigger than Savi’s Warbler with fuller tail and slightly heavier bill. Upperparts darker olive-brown than in Savi’s; indistinct head-pattern similar to the latter. Underparts mostly whitish with olive-brown wash to breast and flanks and variable diffuse streaking on lower throat and upper breast, which is always more prominent than the mottling present in some Savi’s. Undertail-coverts are olive-brown with whitish feather edges giving scaled or barred appearance, which is much more pronounced than in Savi’s. Rarely some birds with yellow tinge to supercilium and underparts. Unlikely to be confused with any unstreaked Reed Warbler, but see Savi’s for general differences and features of Locustella warblers. Voice Song insect-like, lasting, mechanical tze-tze-tze..., often likened to the sound of a sewing-machine. Calls with sharp tchick and soft zurr. Habitat Riparian forests with dense vegetation such as nettles, sedges or grass thickets; mainly lowlands and foothills. Scarce.

Lanceolated Warbler Locustella lanceolata

12 cm

L. l. lanceolata (V). Usually rather similar to Common Grasshopper Warbler. Streaks on olive-brown upperparts form dark lines on mantle, whereas Common Grasshopper usually appears greyer and more mottled. Dark tertials have distinct pale brown fringes, while in Common Grasshopper tertials are slightly paler and pale fringes more diffuse. Underparts whitish with buffish flanks and undertail-coverts and extensive dark streaking on throat, breast and flanks. Some Common Grasshopper also have streaked breast and upper flanks, but streaks are longer and more diffuse compared to the short and clear-cut streaks of Lanceolated. Undertail-coverts have variable amounts of short dark streaks or spots. Compared with Common Grasshopper, the streaks are shorter, more clear-cut and do not reach feather-base. Lacks yellow morph of Common Grasshopper. Usually readily separated from Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler; see that species for differences. Voice Song similar to Common Grasshopper, but higher-pitched and more tinny. Some Common Grasshopper can be very similar. Call explosive, clicking tcheck, sometimes regularly repeated and similar to Pallas’s Grasshopper. Habitat Outside region breeds in moist meadows with dense vegetation and scattered bushes.

Common Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia

13 cm

L. n. straminea. Very skulking like other Locustella warblers. Has long undertail-coverts characteristic of this genus and long rounded outer primaries and graduated tail. Very similar to Lanceolated Warbler and could be confused with Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler; see those species for differences. Dark-streaked above and shows diffuse long streaks on undertail-coverts and rarely some streaking on lower throat and breast. Has only a hint of pale supercilium. Occurs in three different colour morphs (in ad and juv). Brown morph has brown upperparts and whitish underparts with warm brown wash on breast and flanks. Yellow morph (rare) differs in yellowish wash to underparts. Grey morph (predominating in NE Kaz) is whitish below and has greyish washed breast and greyish-buff flanks. Voice Song a high-pitched reel or whirr, often continuing for several minutes. Delivery slower than in Savi’s Warbler and therefore individual elements more discernible. Also more tinkling quality and higher-pitched. Call sharp, metallic tslik or chit. Habitat Common in a variety of open and rather moist areas with dense vegetation such as tall grass or nettles and scattered bushes, from lowlands to lower mountains. [Alt: Grasshopper Warbler]

Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler Locustella certhiola

13 cm

L. c. centralasiae. Appears more compact than Common Grasshopper Warbler and, characteristically, often slightly spreads tail. Ad Brownish above with small and diffuse dark streaks on mantle and scapulars. Underparts whitish with buffish tinge on breast and flanks. Differs from Common Grasshopper and Lanceolated Warblers in pale supercilium contrasting with finely streaked ear-coverts and crown. Unlike those two species, has virtually unmarked, contrasting rusty-brown rump and unmarked pale buff undertail-coverts and tertials with distinct rusty fringes and often whitish tips on inner vanes. Pale tips to rectrices are diagnostic, but difficult to see in the field. Rest of tail rather dark and greyish from above. Could be confused with Sedge and Moustached Warblers; see Sedge. Juv Supercilium less conspicuous than in ad and underparts have variable yellowish tone and dark spots on lower throat. Voice Song can recall short (3–5 sec) version of Sedge’s. It starts with 2–3 call-like notes, continues with harsh and rattling notes and ends in a loud chechechechecheche, the latter sometimes recalling Tree Pipit. Call a hard, clicking pit. Habitat Wetlands or wet meadows with tall grass and scattered bushes or patches of wood, mainly foothills up to 2100 m. Locally abundant. [Alt: Rusty-rumped Warbler]

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River Warbler Lanceolated Warbler

adult adult

adult brown morph

juvenile

Common Grasshopper Warbler adult yellow morph

adult grey morph

juvenile yellow morph

Pallas’s Grasshopper Warbler

juvenile

adult

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PLATE 92: REED and bush Warblers III Great Reed Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus

19 cm

A. a. zarudnyi. Clearly bigger and with a heavier, thrush-like bill than Eurasian and other small Reed Warblers. Often displays a characteristically peaked crown. Has long wings and tail; primary projection is around 100% and thus longer than in similar Clamorous Reed Warbler, which shows primary projection of c. 50–70%. See Clamorous for further differences. Pale supercilium is usually prominent, extends behind the eye and is enhanced by dark lores. Lower throat and upper breast often with some greyish streaks. Ad Olive-brown above and whitish below with slightly buffish wash on flanks. Juv Warmer above, more buffish below and with fresher plumage than worn ad. Voice Song loud, harsh and grating. Variable strophes of about 4 sec, for example chr-chr karra-karra-karra SE ep-SE epSE ep gurk-gurk chIRR-chIRR, separated by short pauses. Call harsh, croaking krrak. Habitat Wetlands with tall reeds; from lowlands up to 2000 m. Common. Note: Hybrids between Great Reed and Clamorous Reed Warblers have been noted in southern central Kazakhstan.

Clamorous Reed Warbler Acrocephalus stentoreus

19 cm

A. s. brunnescens. Rather similar to Great Reed Warbler, but slightly smaller, with a shorter primary projection and longer, more graduated tail. Further, has more attenuated head-profile accentuating the longer and more pointed bill with a more evenly decurved culmen. Headpattern is usually less conspicuous than in Great with a less contrasting supercilium. Lacks grey streaking on lower throat and upper breast often shown by Great. Ad Coloration similar to Great. Juv Warmer above, more buffish below and has fresher plumage than worn ad. Voice Song less raucous, higher-pitched, slower and in more constant strophes than Great: trek trek trek, ketr /ir-ketr /ir ker’ru/CHI ker’ru/-CHI ker’ru/-CHI. Call hard tack. Habitat Variety of water bodies with reedbeds; mainly lowlands and foothills. Common.

Eurasian Reed Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus

14 cm

A. s. fuscus. Appears rather slim with an attenuated head-profile typical of Reed Warblers. Very difficult to separate from Blyth’s Reed and especially from Marsh Warbler. Has long primary projection like Marsh, and longer than Blyth’s Reed, Paddyfield, Blunt-winged and Largebilled Reed Warblers; see those species for further differences. Tips of outer rectrices are characteristically fringed whitish, although this feature is less evident in ad in worn plumage in summer. Ad Olive-brown above with slightly warmer brown rump and uppertail-coverts and greyish-tinged crown and nape. Indistinct head-pattern with pale supercilium usually restricted to front of the eye and merging with pale eye-ring. Dark loral stripe. Underparts whitish with pale buff wash on breast and flanks. Some are warmer brown above and lack greyish tinge to crown and nape. Others are rather uniform greyish-brown lacking warmer tinge on rump and uppertail-coverts and show whiter underparts. They can recall Eastern Olivaceous Warbler and are best separated by round instead of square-tipped tail, longer undertail-coverts, lack of pale tail-sides and longer primary projection. Juv Differs from worn ad in summer/autumn by fresher plumage and generally warmer upperparts. Voice Song is a slow-paced series of grating, churring and squeaky notes, each note repeated 2–3 times. Call buzzy cher or harsher kshraar. Low-pitched, slightly harder chk is not as hard as similar calls of Blyth’s, Paddyfield and Marsh. Habitat Common in wetlands with reedbeds and also at rather small reed marshes; mainly lowlands and foothills.

Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris

14 cm

Monotypic. Very similar to Eurasian Reed Warbler with which it shares long primary projection (shorter in Blyth’s Reed, Paddyfield, Blunt-winged and Large-billed Reed Warblers). Hard to separate from Eurasian except by song. Appears more compact; usually with rounder headshape, less flat forehead and shorter bill. Underparts are always less whitish than in Eurasian and have a yellowish-buff wash. Legs are on average paler, but there is some overlap (especially in juv which tends to have darker legs). Ad Usually has stronger greenish tinge above than Eurasian with less greyish crown and nape and lacking warmer tinge on rump and uppertail-coverts. However, some greyer Eurasian can be almost identically coloured above. Juv Plumage appears fresher than in worn ad and is generally warmer above and can show warmer rump. Thus very similar to Eurasian, but always lacks greyish tinge on head and nape and coloration of underparts may be helpful for identification. Voice Song is best criterion to separate from Eurasian Reed: a continuous rapid delivery of excellent imitation of numerous other species (including occasionally Eurasian!) with many trills and often a diagnostic tsi\\-dzae tsi\\-dzae…. The song is less fluty and more hurried than that of Blyth’s Reed. Calls very similar to Eurasian Reed. Habitat Open areas with scattered bushes and dense vegetation such as tall grass, especially nettles; mainly lowlands and foothills. Locally common.

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Great Reed Warbler adult adult

Clamorous Reed Warbler

juvenile/ 1st-winter

Eurasian Reed Warbler

adult

adult worn

Marsh Warbler

juvenile/ 1st-winter

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adult

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PLATE 93: REED and bush Warblers IV Blunt-winged Warbler Acrocephalus concinens

14 cm

A. c. harringtoni (MB Afg?). Little-known species with a rather long tail. Primary projection is even shorter than in Paddyfield, Blyth’s Reed and Large-billed Reed Warblers. Rather uniform warm cinnamon-brownish above with slightly warmer rump and uppertail-coverts. Underparts washed buffish with warmer breast and flanks. Best separated from Paddyfield Warbler by weaker supercilium which does not extend prominently behind the eye and is not bordered dark above. Has dark smudge to tip of lower mandible similar to Paddyfield, but bill appears stouter. Head-pattern similar to Blyth’s Reed, but differs from the latter by shorter primary projection, warmer and less greyish-brown upperparts, shorter bill and more rounded head-profile. Voice Subspecific variation insufficiently known. Outside region, song has slow rhythm distantly reminiscent of Eurasian Reed Warbler, but is more melodious than latter with whistles and wider frequency range and repeats short phrases several times. Calls check and churr. Habitat Dense vegetation around water bodies such as reed or tall grass.

Large-billed Reed Warbler Acrocephalus orinus

14 cm

Monotypic. Extremely similar to Blyth’s Reed Warbler and many – probably most – individuals cannot be separated in the field. Some with considerably longer bill than Blyth’s and only little overlap known to date. Bill also broader when seen from above. On average, has very slightly shorter primary projection than Blyth’s, in this respect very similar to Paddyfield Warbler, but still marginally longer on average. Similar to Blunt-winged Warbler, which could breed at same altitudes, but differs by much longer bill, slightly longer primary projection and colder greyish-brown upperparts. Ad Differences between ad and juv poorly known, probably analogous to Blyth’s. Voice Song is varied and very similar to Blyth’s. However, it seems to include much fewer or hardly any imitations and rarely includes the hard clicking call-note, which Blyth’s often includes. Calls include a clicking and a grating call similar to other Reed Warblers. Habitat Riparian woodland with dense vegetation and scattered bushes; mountains up to at least 3200 m. Locally rather common. Note: This little-known species was recently rediscovered, first on wintering grounds in south-east Asia, then breeding in the Afghan and Tajik Pamirs.

Paddyfield Warbler Acrocephalus agricola

14 cm

A. a. agricola. Has short primary projection similar to Blunt-winged and Large-billed Reed Warblers, but even shorter than Blyth’s Reed; thus clearly differs from Marsh and Eurasian Reed Warblers. Typically long-tailed and short-billed and can be separated from other small unstreaked Reed Warblers by conspicuous and rather broad pale supercilium which extends well behind eye and is often bordered by slightly darker lateral crown-stripes. Shows more prominent pale half-collar than other Reed Warblers. Bill with characteristic dark smudge at tip of lower mandible (cf. Blunt-winged). Ad Greyish-brown above with warmer colour on rump, uppertail-coverts; whitish below with buffish breast and flanks. Dark centres to tertials are rather prominent unlike Blyth’s. In worn plumage (in late summer), is usually less warm coloured and then similar to Booted and Sykes’s Warblers, but always differs in longer and rounded instead of square-ended tail lacking pale sides and has longer undertail-coverts. Juv Plumage appears fresher than in worn ad. Voice Song contains many imitations similar to Marsh, but with constant tempo and rising and falling in pitch. Call chak or tuk and grating, nasal cherr. Habitat Common in reedbeds, often with scattered bushes; mainly lowlands and foothills, but up to 3000 m.

Blyth’s Reed Warbler Acrocephalus dumetorum

14 cm

Monotypic. Very similar to Eurasian Reed and Marsh Warblers, but has shorter primary projection with fewer primary-tips visible. Thus, wing-structure is more similar to Largebilled Reed, Blunt-winged and Paddyfield Warblers; see those species for differences. Bill may appear slightly longer and deeper than in other small Reed Warblers except Large-billed. This impression is enhanced by a flat forehead (cf. Marsh). The usually rather dark legs may help in separation especially from Eurasian, which usually has paler legs. May be confused with Sykes’s Warbler, but always differs by round instead of square-ended tail and longer undertail-coverts. Ad Is olive-brown above, less greenish than Marsh and lacks warmer rump and uppertail-coverts of Eurasian. Supercilium is more prominent than in Marsh and Eurasian Reed with a stronger bulge above lores and more often extends slightly behind eye, but eye-ring is usually less distinct. Wing-coverts and tertials appear more uniform with less contrasting dark centres and the primary-tips have less prominent pale fringes. Underparts are similar to Eurasian, lacking the yellowish-buff wash of Marsh. Juv Browner above and plumage appears fresher than in worn ad. Voice Song is incessant, leisurely paced and full of mimicry. Many fluty and full whistling notes, sometimes climbing the scale or descending slowly. Commonest call hard tak or tseck, harder than Marsh and Eurasian Reed. Often regularly repeated. Also cherr. Habitat Common in a variety of bushy habitats such as riparian deciduous forest and open woodlands, not necessarily close to water; from lowlands up to 2000 m.

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Blunt-winged Warbler Large-billed Reed Warbler adult

adult

adult adult worn

Paddyfield Warbler

1st-winter

adult worn

adult

Blyth’s Reed Warbler

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juvenile/ 1st-winter

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PLATE 94: REED and bush Warblers V Booted Warbler Iduna caligata

12 cm

Monotypic. Slightly smaller than Eastern Olivaceous Warbler and on average browner, more compact, with shorter bill, shorter tail and shorter primary projection. Tail movements identical to Sykes’s Warbler and different from Eastern Olivaceous (see Sykes’s). Very similar to Sykes’s with some inseparable on plumage alone. Best identified by song. Has shorter bill and tail and longer primary projection. Further, slightly more brownish above than the paler and more greyish Sykes’s, with overall warmer coloration. Exposed primaries, central tail-feathers and centres of tertials are darker, while wing and tail are plainer in Sykes’s. Supercilium broader, longer behind eye with cut-off end (tapering in Sykes’s) and often bordered dark above. Bill shorter with concave edges from above, whereas edges straighter in Sykes’s and bill more wedge-shaped from above. Sykes’s has no or only faint dark spot near tip of lower mandible. See also Paddyfield Warbler and Common Chiffchaff. Voice Song similar to Sykes’s, but opens tentatively, building up volume and speed to a fast unordered warbling, unlike Sedge Warbler. Call extremely similar to Sykes’s. Habitat Breeds in low scrub in steppes, on river banks, forest edges. Common.

Sykes’s Warbler Iduna rama

12 cm

Monotypic. Very similar to Booted and Eastern Olivaceous Warblers. Best identified by song. Separated from Eastern by grey-brown, less olive-green upperparts lacking pale tips and panel to secondaries of 1st-win and spring Eastern. Further differs by shorter primary projection (even shorter than Booted), proportionately longer tail and straighter-looking bill. Like Booted, flicks tail in all directions, but notably upwards, while Eastern pumps tail downwards, with leisurely movements. See also Blyth’s Reed and Paddyfield Warblers. Voice Song a hurried warble of scratchy notes, whistles and trills. Distantly recalls Sedge Warbler, but strophe usually lasts 3–6 sec only. Louder (from beginning) than Booted, faster than Eastern and lacking its cyclic structure. Call a hard zak, extremely similar to Booted and also to Eastern. Habitat Breeds in bushes (tamarisk, saxaul) often close to water in semideserts and deserts. Common.

Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Iduna pallida

13 cm

I. p. elaeica. Very similar to Sykes’s, Booted and Upcher’s Warblers. Moves tail downwards from horizontal position, with regular, not very fast movements. Has pale wing-panel and pale tips to secondaries, which is less evident in worn ad in summer. Distinguished from unstreaked Reed Warblers by more greyish upperparts (rump never tinged warm brown), short undertail-coverts, square-ended tail with pale sides and shorter primary projection compared with Eurasian and Marsh. Voice Song slower than Booted and Sykes’s reminiscent of Eurasian Reed Warbler, hoarse and scratchy. Diagnostic, cyclic structure, with repeated phrases of falling and rising pitch. Call tongue-clicking tsak or chak and a subdued or nasal rattling t’r’r’r’r. Habitat Breeds in groves, orchards, riparian forests, dry bush land, gardens, etc. Scarce.

Upcher’s Warbler Hippolais languida

14 cm

Monotypic. Similar to Eastern Olivaceous Warbler, but larger, heavy-headed with longer and thicker bill, longer broader tail and slightly longer primary projection. Greyer and less brownish above and shows stronger contrast between greyish upperparts and darker wing and tail and has more distinct whitish tail sides. Also, lower mandible more pinkish instead of yellowishpink and tips of outer two tertials closer together than inner two (equally spaced on Eastern, often difficult to see). Characteristically, moves tail in circular movements with rectrices slightly fanned. Voice Song variable, consisting of c. 3 sec-long phrases, which are repeated for 10–15 sec. Includes many scratchy and some distinctly low-pitched, but also high-pitched notes. Calls tuk, like two stones tapped together, trrrt and tchek tchek tchek… when alarmed. Habitat Breeds in sparse bush land, often on stony hillsides. Scarce.

Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina

13 cm

Monotypic. Usually readily identified by a combination of long primary projection, pale wing-panel on secondaries and some yellow on underparts and olive-green on upperparts. Has characteristic open-faced expression and rather strong bill with distinct orange-yellow lower mandible. Larger than any leaf-warbler, with more open-faced expression, stronger bill, flatter forehead and squaretipped instead of slightly forked tail. Ad Olive-green above and almost entirely yellow below (paler in worn plumage). Wing-panel less obvious in worn plumage in summer/autumn. Rarely, may only show tinge of yellow on head and underparts and more greyish upperparts. Then reminiscent of Eastern Olivaceous or Upcher’s Warblers, but lacks pale tail-sides, has longer primary projection and usually more prominent wing-panel. Moreover, tail shorter compared to Upcher’s. Juv More brownish above with less prominent wing-panel than ad and underparts paler yellow. Voice Song similar to Marsh Warbler, but often slower, more varied and contains repeated, typical mewing, nasal giae-notes. Calls include a diagnostic cht’cht-/huuid, first notes clicking, last note drawn-out. Habitat Woodland and bushes. Rare.

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Booted Warbler

Sykes’s Warbler adult

juvenile/ 1st-winter

adult

juvenile/ 1st-winter

Upcher’s Warbler Eastern Olivaceous Warbler

juvenile/ 1st-winter

adult

adult juvenile/ 1st-winter

Icterine Warbler juvenile/ 1st-winter

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adult worn

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PLATE 95: LEAF Warblers I Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus

11 cm

Two races in region: P. t. acredula. Similar to Plain Leaf Warbler and Common and Mountain Chiffchaffs, but more slender and elongated and best separated by long primary projection (75–100%), while Chiffchaffs and Plain have primary projection of only 35–50%. Further differs in more prominent supercilium, usually distinct yellow tinge on cheeks and supercilium and extensive pale base to lower mandible. Shows more heavily marked ear-coverts, except for small pale crescent just below eye. Upperparts pale grey-brown with variable olive tinge. Legs usually pale, while they are darker in Plain and Chiffchaffs. But some Willow show darker legs similar to other species. Told from Greenish and Green Warblers by larger size, lack of wing-bar, shorter supercilium, dark-tipped lower mandible and often paler legs. See also Wood Warbler for differences. P. t. yakutensis (PM). Lacks yellow or olive in plumage; upperparts colder grey, but some acredula are very similar. Voice Song starts somewhat similar to Chaffinch but continues as sweeter series of plaintive whistles; overall descending in pitch, but includes rising passages. Call more upslurred than Chiffchaff’s and almost disyllabic hoo//eet. Habitat Deciduous to mixed forests and thickets, from lowland to foothills. Rare.

Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita

10 cm

Three races in region: ‘Siberian Chiffchaff’ P. c. tristis. Very similar to Mountain Chiffchaff and Plain Leaf Warbler (which see). Upperparts greyish-brown; supercilium, ear-coverts and breast sides pale buffish. Rest of underparts paler. Has olive-green hue to rump and greenish borders to flight and tail feathers. Often with some yellow on bend of wing. Bare parts blackish. Some birds with yellow streaks on the breast sides, yellow in the supercilium and upper eye-ring (‘fulvescens’). Distinguished from Booted and Sykes’s Warblers by smaller size, notched tail, lack of white tail-sides, all-dark bare parts (legs paler and lower mandible almost completely pinkish in Booted and Sykes’s) and by vocalisations. Additionally, Booted and Sykes’s never show greenish or yellow in plumage. Voice Song faster, more variable and rising and falling in pitch than abietinus and Mountain, with less clear-cut notes chiff-chiff cheet\chi-cheet-cheet…. Call a thin, plaintive iiihp, slightly down-slurred at end. Habitat Deciduous and coniferous forests and thickets; up to 2200 m. Common. P. c. abietinus (PM). In contrast with tristis shows more extensive greenish or greenish-olive tones to upperparts, and yellowish supercilium and breast-sides. Some individuals pale greyish above, lacking greenish-olive on mantle and therefore similar to tristis. However, not as brownish above and paler, less buff below. Voice Song rhythmic chiff-chaff-chaff-chiff-chiff-chaff…. Call whistling and upslurred /hueet. Mixed singers with ‘Siberian’ occur. Habitat Scrub and open woodlands. Common in W. P. c. menzbieri (Tkm). Poorly-known and probably not distinguishable in field from abietinus and ‘fulvescens’-form. Olive-brown upperparts with greener or greyer tone than ‘fulvescens’ but like abietinus. Breast with yellowish tinge, flanks buff-brown. Voice Single song-elements waver in frequency, but this is hardly audible to human ear. Call like tristis. Habitat Deciduous woodland, mostly gallery forests in gorges. Locally common.

Mountain Chiffchaff Phylloscopus sindianus

10 cm

P. s. sindianus. Very similar to Common Chiffchaff of subspecies tristis. See also Plain Leaf Warbler. Has brownish to greyish-brown upperparts and whitish underparts with cinnamon hue to breast sides. Unlike Common lacks olive-green hue to rump and greenish borders to flight and tail feathers. Supercilium whiter than in Common and wider in front of eye. Axillaries whitish to buff-brown and yellowish, usually lacking yellow in bend of wing of most Common. Lower mandible usually paler than rest of bill, while Common has mostly dark bill. Voice Song choppy and squeaky chir-cheet\’cheet-chir-cheet\’cheet..., less variable and less musical than in Common of subspecies tristis, thinner and less regular than in abietinus. Call apparently disyllabic, clear and noticeably rising /swe-eet or /tiss-yuit. However, also has whistling /hueet like Common of subspecies abietinus. Habitat Bushy woodland often along rivers; mostly above 2500 m. Uncommon.

Plain Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus neglectus

9.5 cm

Monotypic. Similar to Common and Mountain Chiffchaffs, but smaller, with shorter tail and finer bill, and usually shorter primary-projection. Flicks wings, but unlike both Chiffchaffs, does not bob its tail. Lacks distinct greenish on wing and yellow at bend of wing shown by most Common, as well as the latter’s diffuse wing-bar. Moreover, underparts somewhat more uniform greyish or whitish, lacking distinct buff on sides of breast shown by both Chiffchaffs. Cheeks rather pale and poorly marked. In fresh plumage (summer/autumn), has buff edges to secondaries, forming paler wing-panel and may show diffuse yellowish streaks on breast when fresh, especially 1st-win. Plumage duller when worn. Voice Song a pleasant, rapid short strophe of high-pitched clear notes, distantly recalling Goldfinch. Call a dry tak or tr’t or a squeezed tschak. Habitat Thorny thickets, juniper and other low bushes; mountains up to 3000 m. Scarce.

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Willow Warbler

yakutensis adult

acredula

adult

1st-winter

abietinus

tristis

adult adult

Common Chiffchaff menzbieri

adult

adult

adult

Mountain Chiffchaff Plain Leaf Warbler

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PLATE 96: LEAF Warblers II Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix

12 cm

Monotypic. Similar to Willow Warbler, but larger with very long primary projection (100%) and tail appearing short. Characteristic plumage: pure white vent and belly, contrasting with usually distinctly yellow breast, throat, cheeks and supercilium. Upperparts more moss-green and tertials with more neatly delimited and paler fringes than in Willow. Some individuals less yellow on throat and breast and similar to Willow, but structure, long distinct supercilium and pattern of tertials characteristic. Voice Song diagnostic: an accelerating series of metallic clicks ending in a reel tsik-tsik-tsik’tsik’tsiktsiktsiktsirrrrt. Alternative song is a descending series of plaintive fluting pew-notes. Calls are single elements of both song-types: tsik and pew. Habitat Deciduous forests with closed canopy and rather open ground; foothills up to 1500 m. Rare migrant and irregular breeder.

Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus

11 cm

P. f. fuscatus. Behaviour differs considerably from all other leaf-warblers except Radde’s and Sulphur-bellied Warblers. Spends most of time on or near ground, often skulking in dense vegetation. Beware that most leaf-warblers sometimes forage on ground (especially Chiffchaffs). See similar Radde’s and Sulphur-bellied for differences. Told from Willow Warbler and Common and Mountain Chiffchaffs by longer, more distinct supercilium, darker eye-stripe, obviously darker underparts and very different call. Unlike Chiffchaffs, has pale legs and pale base to lower mandible. Moreover, lacks olive edges to remiges and yellow on bend of wing shown by most Common Chiffchaffs. Willow has often similar bare part coloration, but differs in obviously whitish underparts and longer primary projection. Voice Song rather loud and clear phrases \chew-\chew-\chew-\chew-\chew and ti\lew-ti\lew-ti\lew-ti\lew repeated with gradual variation in pitch and motive and interspersed with quiet liquid tsr’rt-notes with only short pauses. Song can recall Sulphur-bellied, but in latter a strophe consists only of a few (often 4–5) notes and is followed by pause of several seconds. Call hard, dry chak or tet, often repeated. Habitat Moist areas with low bushes and dense vegetation, usually at forest edges; from foothills to 2500 m. Uncommon.

Sulphur-bellied Warbler Phylloscopus griseolus

11 cm

Monotypic. Like Radde’s and Dusky Warblers often forages on or near ground, including bare rock. Supercilium characteristically bright yellow in front, paler at rear, and brighter yellow than throat. Grey-brown ear-coverts contrast with supercilium and throat. Whole underparts relatively dark, heavily tinged buffish-yellow, with yellow purest on belly. Differs from Dusky by distinct yellow supercilium and yellowish underparts. See Radde’s for differences. Larger, stockier, heavier-billed than Common and Mountain Chiffchaffs. Moreover differs by distinctly yellowish underparts and longer, more distinct supercilium. Compared with Willow Warbler, appears stockier, has a heavier bill, longer supercilium, duller upperparts and darker underparts. Voice Song a monotonous, rapid series of sharp notes, e.g. pt-TSI\Yu’TSI\Yu’TSI\Yu’TSI\Yu. Call full, not very hard chyk, tyup or cher’r’rp when agitated. Habitat Rather dry and stony areas with scattered bushes and juniper; as low as 500 m, but mostly from tree-line up to 3600 m. Scarce, commoner in S.

Radde’s Warbler Phylloscopus schwarzi

12 cm

Monotypic (V). Similar in plumage to Sulphur-bellied and Dusky Warblers, also in behaviour (see those species). But bill heavier, with deeper base and obviously down-curved culmen. Has characteristic, long and strong, pale legs. Supercilium is broad, buff and more diffuse in front of eye and whiter behind eye. It often ends before reaching bill. In contrast, Sulphur-bellied and Dusky have narrow distinct supercilium in front of eye and Dusky further differs by supercilium being whitish in front of eye and pale brownish at rear. Distinct dark eye-stripe is strongest behind the eye (stronger than in Sulphur-bellied and Dusky). Sometimes sides of crown distinctly darker (at most indistinct in Dusky). Ad Br Overall drab, supercilium bleached. Lower mandible usually all pale (always dark-tipped in Dusky). Ad Non-br/1st-win Often shows rufous-buff undertail-coverts contrasting with paler yellow belly, diagnostic if present. Some with distinct yellow tinge to underparts, olive upperparts and yellowish-buff supercilium. Lower mandible usually dark-tipped. Voice Calls softer and thicker than Dusky, rather low-pitched chrep, tvit or tyk’ch. Habitat Low vegetation in open woodland, scrub.

Tytler’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus tytleri

10 cm

Monotypic. Appears typically front-heavy with long and thin bill (reinforced by reduced feathering at bill-base). May be similar to Greenish Warbler, but has longer, thin, predominantly dark bill, no wing-bar and shorter tail. Beware that wing-bar can be lacking in Greenish. Shows yellowish wash on ear-coverts, unlike Greenish. Upperparts somewhat darker olive-green than in Greenish when fresh, but hardly different when worn in spring/summer. Voice Song short, sharp sit-\tsyw/i\tsyt, somewhat variable and often given in couplets. Call is drawn-out, high-pitched, upslurred whistle soo/eet or \su/weet. Habitat Open coniferous mountain forests. Probably scarce.

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adult

Wood Warbler

adult

Dusky Warbler

adult

Sulphur-bellied Warbler

breeding

non-breeding

Radde’s Warbler adult

Tytler’s Leaf Warbler

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PLATE 97: LEAF Warblers III Pallas’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus

9.5 cm

Monotypic (PM). Bright yellow rump-patch and crown-stripe only shared with extremely similar Lemon-rumped Warbler. Often hovers, then rump-patch conspicuous. Has shorter neck, seemingly larger head and shorter tail than Hume’s Leaf and Yellow-browed Warblers. The latter two differ by less contrasting head-pattern with weaker crown-stripe and narrower supercilium. Lateral crown-stripes are concolorous with mantle in Hume’s and Yellow-browed, while they are usually clearly darker in Pallas’s. Blackish eye-stripe is even more conspicuous than in Yellow-browed, wider and extending slightly downwards at rear. Ad Br Wings including wing-coverts worn. Wing-bars narrower and whitish. Upperparts and often also head-pattern duller. Ad Non-br/1st-win Plumage fresh and bright with broad yellow wing-bars. Voice Call nasal, soft chuee, reminiscent of Common Rosefinch. Habitat Open woodland and scrubs. Rare.

Lemon-rumped Warbler Phylloscopus chloronotus

9.5 cm

P. c. simlaensis (MB E Afg?). Extremely similar to Pallas’s Leaf Warbler. Often not possible to identify in the field on plumage features. Head-stripes less deep yellow than on Pallas’s. Wing-bars less vivid on average. Lateral crown-stripe not as dark as in typical Pallas’s. Underparts slightly more greyish. Told from Hume’s Leaf and Yellow-browed Warblers by same criteria as Pallas’s (which see). Age and seasonal variation as in Pallas’s. Voice Has two song-types, both high-pitched: an up to 5 sec long doubletrill, first part extremely fast, second part slightly slower, slightly lower-pitched, ringing and several times longer; and an endless song including many thin trills. Call recalling Purple Sunbird tswit. Habitat Coniferous and mixed forests. Status unclear.

Brooks’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus subviridis

10 cm

Monotypic. Very similar to Pallas’s Leaf and Lemon-rumped Warblers, but shows ill-defined pale yellowish-green rump, not clearly delimited rump-patch. Pallas’s and Lemon-rumped have much more contrasting head-pattern (especially crown-stripe) and wing-bars. Told from Hume’s Leaf Warbler apart from pale rump by more contrasting narrow greenish-yellow crown-stripe. Unlike Hume’s, supercilium yellow reaching further onto forehead, and wing-bars often with yellow-olive tinge; pale on lower mandible more extensive. Especially similar to Yellow-browed Warbler in worn plumage, but the latter lacks pale rump and shows more prominent pale tertial-edges. Ad Br At least front of supercilium and ear-coverts have yellow hue, not found in Hume’s at this season. Wing-bars bleached, whitish and narrow. Ad Non-br/1st-win Underparts washed buffish-yellow, especially supercilium, cheeks and throat yellow, unlike Hume’s and Yellow-browed. Upperparts distinctly yellowish-olive, not greyish with slight olive hue as in Hume’s. Voice Song a high-pitched, accelerating, metallic trill, first alternating between two notes, then whirring. Call can recall a wagtail, but sweeter: a short, quickly up- then down-slurred /chee\up. Habitat Coniferous and mixed mountain forests, also juniper forests; up to 2700 m. Rare.

Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus

10 cm

Monotypic (PM NE Kaz?). Very similar to Hume’s Leaf Warbler, but upperparts richer green, supercilium and wing-bars with yellow rather than yellowish-buff tinge, and upper wing-bar more conspicuous. Supercilia meet on forehead; in Hume’s, supercilia turn diffuse or end just before bill. Eye-stripes more conspicuous, cheeks more strongly marked and wing-bars usually more prominent. Lower mandible is more extensively pale with only small dark area near tip. In Hume’s blackish tip covers at least half of the bill length, leaving only the base pinkish. Legs usually paler than in Hume’s. Ad Br Wing-bars narrower due to worn plumage. Supercilium and wing-bars more whitish than in ad non-br and upperparts less greenish. Brightest individuals of Hume’s very similar. Bare part coloration and voice important. Ad Non-br/1st-win Plumage fresh and above-mentioned criteria fully valid. Voice Song a slurred strophe of very fine notes, sometimes recalling Hazel Grouse: e.g. tsi’tsee\o /tsi\lo/ee-tsee/syy, with middle part lowest in pitch. Call high-pitched, lisping tso’/eet; usually easily distinguished from Hume’s. Some Hume’s have similar slightly disyllabic, rising call, but fuller and always lower-pitched. Habitat Open woodland and scrub. Rare.

Hume’s Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus humei

10 cm

P. h. humei. Similar to Yellow-browed, Brooks’s Leaf (see those species) and sometimes Greenish Warblers. Greater-coverts bar broader and longer than in Greenish. Most importantly told by contrasting pale fringes to tertials, strongest towards tip, dark band along secondary-bases and more extensively dark lower mandible. Supercilium and wing-bars often show pale yellowishbuff tinge, but never pure yellow. Ad Br Pale fringes to tertials worn and more difficult to see. Greater-coverts bar still obvious, whereas it may be worn off in Greenish. Ad Non-br/1st-win Lower wing-bar broader and more conspicuous than in Greenish. Upper wing-bar usually present, but often diffuse and difficult to see. Juv Has stronger yellowish-buff tinge to wing-bars and pale lower mandible. Thus even more similar to Yellow-browed, but they should not occur together in this plumage. Voice Song drawn-out, down-slurred, piercing buzz bzzzzeeo, longer than similar call of Redwing. Alternative song is a repeated /tsee\’lo-/tsee\’lo, also used commonly as a call. Less commonly calls hoo/ eet or tsoo’/leep; lower-pitched than Yellow-browed. Habitat Mountain forests, scrubby areas above tree-line including juniper scrub; up to 3500 m. Common to very common.

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adult

adult

Lemon-rumped Warbler

Pallas’s Leaf Warbler

non-breeding

Brooks’s Leaf Warbler

adult

1st-winter adult

Yellow-browed Warbler humei

1st-winter

Hume’s Leaf Warbler

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PLATE 98: LEAF Warblers IV Arctic Warbler Phylloscopus borealis

12 cm

P. b. borealis (V). Similar to slightly smaller Greenish Warbler. See also Green, Hume’s Leaf, Large-billed Leaf and Western Crowned Warblers. Has bulky body and longish head, reinforced by the strong, slightly conical bill. In contrast, Greenish has round head and rather small bill. Differs by dark tip to lower mandible (usually pale in Greenish) and longer primary projection (70–90% versus 55–65%). Supercilium rather long at rear-end and narrower above and behind eye and only occasionally reaching base of bill. In contrast, supercilium wider above and just behind eye in Greenish, usually reaching forehead. Eyestripe strong and reaches bill, whereas eye-stripe usually indistinct near bill in Greenish (more like blackish loral-spot). Earcoverts distinctly marked (often unmarked pale in Greenish). Usually has olive-grey hue or mottling to breast and flanks, while underparts paler off-white with smudgy breast sides in Greenish. Upperparts darker olive. Greater covert bar on average marginally broader and longer than in Greenish, more obviously broken into a row of spots, but may be missing in rare cases. Median covert bar usually indistinct and difficult to see, sometimes missing. Legs often almost straw-coloured, but can be greybrown as in Greenish. Voice Call sharp, metallic tzrt, reminiscent of Dipper; sometimes disyllabic, but even then differs clearly from Green and Greenish by its harsher and drier sound. Habitat Woodland and scrub.

Green Warbler Phylloscopus nitidus

11 cm

Monotypic (Afg?, PM SW of region). Very similar to Greenish Warbler. Supercilium, throat and breast mostly pale yellow. In contrast, Greenish shows creamy-yellow or whitish supercilium and only faint yellow tinge on throat. Supercilium just reaches base of bill, sometimes ends before, while in Greenish, supercilium usually extends onto forehead. Upperparts usually brighter green than in Greenish. Loral stripe is intermediate between Arctic Warbler and Greenish (see former). Upper wing-bar usually more distinct than in Arctic and Greenish, lower wing-bar marginally longer and broader than in Greenish. Primary projection on average slightly longer than in Greenish. Voice Song very similar to Greenish, but sometimes includes a rolling /tsy-\zrroo, which apparently is characteristic. Call very similar to Greenish; sometimes can be told by fuller quality and more distinctly disyllabic (occasionally trisyllabic) rhythm. Habitat Similar to Greenish. Probably rather rare in region.

Greenish Warbler Phylloscopus trochiloides

10 cm

Two races in region: P. t. viridanus, P. t. ludlowi (C and E Afg?). Similar to Green, Arctic, Tytler’s Leaf and Hume’s Leaf Warblers (which see). Told from Willow Warbler by smaller size, shorter primary projection, whitish greater covert bar (rarely worn off), longer supercilium at rear and pale lower mandible. From Common and Mountain Chiffchaffs, told by distinct greater covert bar, longer supercilium, cleaner underparts, greyish-green rather than brown-grey upperparts and pale lower mandible. In some birds, wing-bar may be worn and indistinct. Voice Song short, rapid, jerky strophe of sharp call-like notes with the main strophe descending overall in pitch: e.g. /tli\tsy // tsili\te-/tsli’l\ tly’/tsi\tsly/tsi\tly. Call sharp /tsi\li, recalling Hume’s alternative song-note, but higher-pitched and sharper. Habitat Mixed and coniferous woodlands; up to 3600 m. Common.

Large-billed Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus magnirostris

13 cm

Monotypic (MB Afg?). Very similar to Arctic, Greenish and Green Warblers. Size and structure like disjunct Arctic. Told by predominantly dark bill with pale cutting edges and dark lower mandible with small pale base and tip. Upperparts even marginally darker than in Arctic. Crown discernibly darker than mantle. Like Arctic, shows darker eye-stripe than Greenish, mottled ear-coverts, often dirty yellow to greyish wash and/or very diffuse streaking on underparts. Yellow tinge on underparts stronger than in Arctic. Shows whitish tips to outer rectrices unlike Arctic and Greenish. Does not show pale legs like some Arctic. Voice Song diagnostic, descending series of 3–5 clear, thin whistles: teet\ tyyd’tyyd\ DOO-DOO. Call soft whistling doo//tsee or doo-ts//’lee; first note level, second note thin, level or rising, but always very high-pitched. Habitat Open deciduous forests, riparian forest; mountains. Status in region unknown.

Western Crowned Warbler Phylloscopus occipitalis

12 cm

Monotypic. Can be similar to Greenish, Green, Arctic and Large-billed Leaf Warblers, but shows greyish-dusky lateral crown-stripes contrasting with mantle and pale median crownstripe (rather distinct on hindcrown/upper nape, usually absent on forecrown). Usually shows two wing-bars, but upper may be lacking due to wear in summer. May show rather characteristic contrast between greyish-green mantle and bright green edges to remiges. Supercilium often yellowish. Voice Song a very rapid and rhythmical series reminiscent of Coal Tit and introduced by thin high-pitched notes: si-ti’ti\CHU/WEET’ti\CHU/WEET’ti... or ti’ti\CHU/WEET’\CHU/WEET’…. Call is a variation of the main element of the song with the down-slurred part reduced: \ch/WEET. Habitat In forests and areas with large trees, especially walnut trees along mountain streams. Uncommon.

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Arctic Warbler

1st-winter

Green Warbler

adult fresh 1st-winter

Greenish Warbler

adult fresh (spring)

1st-winter

adult

Large-billed Leaf Warbler

adult

Western Crowned Warbler

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PLATE 99: Sylvia Warblers I Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla

14 cm

S. a. atricapilla. Dull grey above, paler greyish-olive below. Best identified by brown or black cap. Otherwise similar to Garden Warbler, see that species. Can also be confused with Marsh or Willow Tits, but lacks white cheeks and black bib. Ad male Black cap. Ad female Rufous-brown cap. Juv Like ad female, but cap on average duller, less distinct. 1st-win male Varying amount of black in cap, many like ad male. Voice Song similar to Garden, but often less continuous and usually with a whistling TYYtaa-TYYtaa-TYYtaa at the end. Call a very hard, clicking teck or tcheck. Habitat Woodland, bushes and undergrowth. Scarce, except in very W of region.

Garden Warbler Sylvia borin

14 cm

S. b. woodwardi. Medium-sized, stocky. Light olive-grey with diagnostic pure grey patches on neck-sides. Risk of confusion rather with Reed and Hippolais warblers than with congeners, but is stockier with shorter, grey-horn bill and more non-descript head-pattern. Further, lacks pale tail-edges and characteristic tail-movements of Hippolais. Voice Song is loud, rapid, tuneful warble (cf. Blackcap). Calls: blurred chweck-chweck and low-pitched, buzzy tchur-r-r. Habitat Often humid forests with rich undergrowth, thickets; mainly lowlands. Common.

Barred Warbler Sylvia nisoria

16 cm

S. n. merzbacheri. Largest Sylvia warbler. Poorly marked individuals could be confused with Eastern Orphean Warbler, but double wing-bar and whitish edges to tertials characteristic in all plumages. Some barring on underparts present in all individuals except juv. White tail-tip (interrupted on central rectrices, broadest on corners) characteristic in flight. Ad male Regular, strong dark-grey barring on underparts. Face and ear-coverts often darker grey than rest of head. Iris orange-yellow. Ad female Barring on underparts less continuous and paler than in ad male; head more uniform. Some (older) females similar to ad male. Iris variably yellow. Juv Lacks barring on underparts. Best identified by buff wing-bars and edges to tertials. 1st-win Unlike ad, underparts tinged buff and barring diffuse, concentrated on undertail-coverts. Pale tips of rectrices smaller than in ad and off-white. Iris rather greyish-brown. Poorly marked individuals similar to Eastern (which see). 1st-sum male Very similar to ad female. Differs in very worn and pale brown primaries. Tertials can be very worn and then white fringes indistinct. 1st-sum female Barring on underparts very limited. Wings like 1st-sum male. Iris grey-brown to yellowish. Voice Song similar to Garden Warbler, but harsher with more long notes of broad bandwidth. Call is a loud rattle, slowing down towards end, trrrrt’t’t’t-t. Habitat Scarce in woodland and thorny thickets; up to 2600 m.

Eastern Orphean Warbler Sylvia crassirostris

15 cm

Two races in region: S. c. jerdoni, S. c. balchanica (Tkm). Rather big with long and strong bill. Plumage similar to smaller Lesser and Hume’s Whitethroats, see former for differences. Can be confused with poorly marked Barred Warbler, but lacks obvious double wing-bar. Bill longer than in Barred and upperparts darker and greyer. Usually shows dark ear-coverts contrasting with paler grey crown (head plain sandy in 1st-win Barred). Scale-pattern on undertail-coverts weaker than in Barred. Ad male Hood almost uniform greyish-black, with pale feather-edges in autumn. Iris pale whitish-yellow. Ad female Similar to male but greyish crown contrasts with dark ear-coverts. Head pattern indistinct in autumn. Has cream-yellow iris and greyish-white eye-ring. Juv Brownish with slightly darker ear-coverts, whitish throat and dark iris. 1st-win Similar to ad female, but ear-coverts only slightly darker than crown. Iris invariably dark. 1st-sum Paler head than samesex ad. Iris sometimes dark. Voice Song loud melodious strophes of many ‘full’ and low-pitched notes, sometimes recalling Common Nightingale. Call a hard, clicking teck and a rattle trrrr, which may end in jerky staccato. Habitat Open woodland with bushes and thickets, also orchards; mainly foothills and lower mountains. Uncommon.

Ménétriés’s Warbler Sylvia mystacea

12 cm

Two races in region: S. m. turcmenica. Medium-sized with characteristic long, blackish tail with broad white edges (and tip, except for inner rectrices). Very broad, diffuse pale edges to tertials and greater coverts. Red-and-white double eye-ring diagnostic within region (sometimes lacking in juv/1st-win). May show diffuse scale-pattern on undertail-coverts (cf. Eastern Orphean and Barred Warblers). Ad male Blackish ‘face’ grading into grey rear head. Pink to light brick-red tinge on breast and lower throat, sometimes leaving only white submoustachial stripe. Pattern obscured by pale feather-fringes in fresh plumage in autumn. Edges to wing-feathers pure grey. Ad female Head and upperparts uniform pale sandy-grey, contrasting with blackish tail. 1st-win More brownish-grey than ad female. Iris dark, while it is red in ad. S. m. mystacea (SW Tkm? Volga delta?). Ad male Underparts coloration more extensive and richer than in turcmenica. Voice Song is a harsh, rattling warble varying in pitch and speed. Hard, tongue-clicking tseck. Characteristic, rather weak rattling chatter tzer’r’r’r’r. Habitat Semi-deserts and deserts with scattered scrub, bushy riparian vegetation; lowlands. Uncommon.

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Blackcap Garden Warbler



breeding





breeding

1st-winter



breeding

Barred Warbler



1st-summer



juvenile

breeding

Eastern Orphean Warbler 

1st-winter

jerdoni



breeding

turcmenica

Ménétriés’s Warbler

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

breeding

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PLATE 100: Sylvia Warblers II Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca

12 cm

Four races in region: S. c. halimodendri. Similar to Hume’s and Common Whitethroats; see those species for differences. Smaller than Eastern Orphean Warbler, well-proportioned, without that species’ bulky appearance. Undertail-coverts uniform white, lacking scaly pattern and upperparts warmer than in Eastern. Ad Has dull buff-brown upperparts with greyish head often with darker ear-coverts (mask). Juv With indistinct facial mask and often narrow whitish halimodendri supercilium, especially in front of eye. 1st-win Very similar to adult, but more often shows supercilium. S. c. curruca (N Kaz). Has dull greyish olive-brown upperparts, darker, more olive and less sandy-brown than in halimodendri. Moreover, white in outermost rectrices less extensive. S. c. minula (PM?). Very similar to halimodendri, but smaller and shorter-billed. Appears longertailed due to short wings. Upperparts even more sandy-brown and head light grey with only curruca diffuse mask. Only typical individuals identifiable in the field. [Alt: Desert Whitethroat] S. c. margelanica (V). Very similar to minula, but larger, approaching size of Hume’s. Voice Song of halimodendri is a varied, scratchy warble similar to Hume’s; curruca gives an often weaker warble typically ending in a loud rattling kli-kli-kli…. Call is a hard, dry tack. Also scolding che-che-che-che. Subspecific variation of calls insufficiently understood. Habitat Halimodendri is found in dry habitats with scrub and scattered bushes, mainly lowlands and foothills; curruca in woodlands with dense thickets. All subspecies are found in bushes and scrub on migration. Common.

Hume’s Whitethroat Sylvia althaea

13 cm

Monotypic. Rather similar to Lesser Whitethroat, but can also be confused with Common Whitethroat (which see). See Lesser for differences from Eastern Orphean Warbler. Compared with Lesser, greyer above, lacking olive or sandy-brown tinge. Head more uniform, either all dark or lighter, but then lacking contrasting facial mask. Often with pale wing-panel on secondaries. Has purer and slightly more white on outermost rectrices and more pronounced dark breastsides than Lesser. Moreover, is on average larger, with stronger bill (sometimes tit-like). Voice Song louder, ‘fuller’ in quality and slower-paced than Lesser, usually lacking final trill. Calls tack like Lesser and ta-ta-ta-ta, more relaxed than corresponding call of Lesser. Habitat Open deciduous woodlands, juniper scrub, but also sparse scrub on rocky slopes; from foothills up to 3600 m. Common.

Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis

14 cm

Three races in region: S. c. rubicola, S. c. icterops (S Tkm). Larger than other whitethroats, with longish tail and characteristic warm-brown edges to greater coverts, secondaries and tertials (colour varying from sandy to chestnut). Otherwise dusky brown-grey with variable olive hue above. Primary projection larger than in other whitethroats. Ad male Head including lores variably pure grey and breast pinkish. Iris often rich red-brown. Ad female Head and upperparts duller grey than in ad male and lacks pinkish hue to breast. Iris paler red-brown. Juv/1st-win More olive-brown above than ad and iris dark grey. Plumage fresher than in worn ad in autumn. 1st-sum Less grey on head than same-sex ad and with duller iris-colour on average. S. c. volgensis (N Kaz). Has warmer tawny-brown mantle and scapulars than previous subspecies. Wing-panel more solidly and richer rufous. At least some undergo complete moult after breeding and have fresh plumage in autumn and worn plumage in spring. Ad male Head lighter grey than in previous subspecies. Ad female Not as washed-out as typical females of previous subspecies. Voice Song loud, scratchy, usually short warble delivered at irregular speed. Call nasal, slightly drawn-out dvaed-dvaed-dvaeddvaed. Alarm a hoarse churr, reminiscent of common call of Eurasian Reed Warbler, but lower-pitched. Habitat Common in a variety of open areas with scattered bushes including alpine meadows, from lowlands to mountains up to 2900 m. [Alt: Greater Whitethroat]

Asian Desert Warbler Sylvia nana

11 cm

Monotypic. Very small, active warbler. Overall pale sandy, wings and tail with warm cinnamon hue. Can possibly be confused with female Ménétriés’s Warbler and Lesser Whitethroat of subspecies minula, but cinnamon-brown central rectrices (with blackish shaft-streaks), yellow iris, bill-base and legs diagnostic. In contrast, Ménétriés’s has rather fleshy-tinged and Lesser Whitethroat dark grey legs. Voice Song a buzzing rattle followed by short warble of tinkling and whistling notes. Variety of calls, including the initial rattle of song, a high-pitched chee-chee-chee and a chee-churr or chichi-churr. Habitat Usually sandy steppes to deserts with scattered scrub and grass, often with Artemisia; lowlands. Uncommon. [Alt: Desert Warbler]

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Lesser Whitethroat

curruca

halimodendri

1st-winter breeding breeding

minula

breeding

1st-winter

Common Whitethroat

breeding

Hume’s Whitethroat

rubicola



1st-winter

Asian Desert Warbler 1st-winter

juvenile

volgensis



breeding

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PLATE 101: Babbler, Laughingthrushes, Flycatcher & Wallcreeper Afghan Babbler Turdoides huttoni

23 cm

T. h. huttoni. Typical babbler with long tail and rather long decurved bill. Often seen hopping on ground with cocked tail. Usually flies low above ground with fast wing-beats interspersed with glides. Social and mostly found in groups. Ad Greyish-buff overall with paler throat and dark streaking on upperparts, crown and neck as well as fine dark streaks on breast. Ear-coverts slightly warmer brown. Juv Similar to ad, but streaking usually less distinct. Voice Song a series of down-slurred whistles, each increasing in length and somewhat in strength but decreasing in pitch. Call a hesitant series of wheezy down-slurred notes k weee\o-\koo-koo-…. Alarm calls a rapid series of high-pitched, slightly squeaky whistles ky’ky’ky’ky’ky’ky, initially slightly descending in pitch. Habitat River valleys with scattered shrubs and trees, usually tamarisks, including cultivated areas. Common.

Streaked Laughingthrush Garrulax lineatus

20 cm

Three races in region: G. l. bilkevitchi. G. l. schachdarensis (SE Tjk). G. l. gilgit (E Afg). Rather stocky with a long tail and strong bill. Superficially resembles a thrush. Usually rather skulking and often seen close to the ground. Rather weak flyer. Flight hesitant, straight, often low above ground. Ad Greyish with shaft-streaks overall (buffish on body, dark on crown and nape) and rufous-brown head-sides and wings. Rufous-brown outer rectrices with greyish tips and indistinct dark subterminal-bands. Juv Similar to ad, but streaking usually less distinct. Voice Song starts with quiet chittering trill and turns into loud glissando whistle rising and falling in pitch (may rise and fall in pitch twice). Common call is a wheezy, plaintive, down-slurred \teeew-\teeew-\teeew-teeoo. Habitat Open areas with scattered bushes, such as edges of cultivations, scrubby slopes or juniper scrub. Uncommon.

Variegated Laughingthrush Garrulax variegatus

24 cm

G. v. nuristani. Slightly bigger than Streaked Laughingthrush and always easily identified by distinct plumage-pattern. Rather secretive, often seen in groups of up to 20 birds. Ad Characteristic facial-pattern with black lores and centre of throat contrasting with pale eye, white mark behind eye and buffish forehead and malar area. Remiges mostly greyish contrasting with black primarycoverts, black patch on secondary-bases and black inner webs of tertials. Otherwise greyisholive with rufous-brown outer greater coverts and belly to undertail-coverts. Tail-pattern distinct: black with grey terminal-band and greyish outer feathers and white feather-tips. Juv Similar to ad, but less distinctly patterned. Voice Song reminiscent of Streaked, but lower-pitched and fuller; introductory trill may be missing. Calls apparently include a rapid, squeaky qweek-qweek-qweek-qweek. Habitat Open forests with well-developed undergrowth. Rare.

Asian Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone paradisi

20 cm (Male 50 cm with streamers)

T. p. leucogaster. Characterised by crest, rather long and stout bluish-grey bill as well as bluishgrey eye-ring contrasting with dark head and eye. Ad male Unmistakable due to very long central rectrices. Occurs in rufous and white colour morphs, the latter at least in E Afg. Rufous morph: Glossy blackish head contrasts with rufous upperparts and tail and to greyish-white underparts. Has black and white markings in wings. White morph: With exception of glossy blackish head, plumage mostly white with dark centres of wing-feathers and dark shafts to outer and central rectrices. Intermediates between the two morphs can also be found. Ad female/Imm male Lacks prolonged central rectrices and is duller than ad male of rufous morph with a greyish throat and shorter crest. Juv Similar to ad female, but with dark markings on breast. Voice Song a fluty, yodelling, overall usually descending strophe. Call short, squeezed, harsh, rising / kzhae k. Habitat Deciduous mountain woodlands and gardens, often in rather moist and dense vegetation. Uncommon.

Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria

17 cm

T. m. nepalensis. Unique and unmistakable, with long and slender, decurved bill. Easily identified in flight by round (butterfly-like) beautifully coloured black-and-red wings with white spots on outer primaries and tail corners. Creeps along cliffs and can then appear rather uniform greyish, but constantly flicks its wings and reveals black-and-red pattern. Ad Br male Has throat and breast extensively blackish and darker face. Ad Br female Shows whitish throat and breast usually with a variable dark or blackish patch on lower throat/breast. Ad Non-br Both sexes show whitish throat and breast contrasting with darker grey belly. Juv Has a straight bill and shows more uniform greyish underparts than ad non-br. Voice Extent and function of repertoire insufficiently known. Song variable, but always consists of slightly strained rising and often clearer falling whistles, e.g. tvae/ tryyy, tvae/ tryyy// seee\oo. Calls include thin whistling tui and longer tueeet. Habitat Rocky mountain regions with cliffs or shady gorges; about 2800 to 4000 m. Rather common, but inconspicuous in its habitat.

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Afghan Babbler Streaked Laughingthrush

variegated Laughingthrush



white morph



rufous morph

Asian Paradise Flycatcher

Wallcreeper 

/ non-breeding

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PLATE 102: Nuthatches and Treecreepers Eastern Rock Nuthatch Sitta tephronota

15 cm

Two races in region: S. t. tephronota, S. t. iranica (S Tkm, E Uzb). Biggest nuthatch of the region with a rather heavy, chisel-like bill. Occurs in rocky habitat unlike other nuthatches. Black eyestripe is long and rather broad and extends onto neck-sides. Underparts whitish with buffish on flanks, vent and undertail-coverts (cf. Kashmir Nuthatch). Voice Song is given throughout the year. Song-types are rapid series of loud, whistling notes, often repeated, like \dooo’/ti’\dooo’/ti... or to’/ti-to’/ti... or mellow trills. Calls include ch-ch-ch when excited. Habitat Rocky slopes or cliffs with scattered bushes and even patches of woodland; from foothills up to 3600 m. Common.

Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea

13 cm

S. e. asiatica. Only nuthatch in its regional range and thus poses no identification problem. Has rather short and fine bill (cf. Eastern Rock Nuthatch). Chestnut undertail-coverts with white spots diagnostic in the region. Rest of underparts whitish with variable rufous-buff tinge on lower flanks. Contrasting black eye-stripe and often white supercilium and forehead. Voice Vocal and loud. Song variable, but always consists of a series of loud, often clear whistles. Rather slow peeu-peeu-peeu, with single whistles often up- and/or down-slurred or rapid vivivivivivi..., with rather level whistles. Variety of calls including a hard, rhythmical couplet djup’djup(-djup). Also very sharp tsit, often on take-off. Habitat Common in mature deciduous and coniferous forests; from lowlands up to 1900 m.

Kashmir Nuthatch Sitta cashmirensis

13 cm

Monotypic. Easily separated from sympatric White-cheeked Nuthatch. Shares tail-pattern with disjunct Eurasian Nuthatch, but differs by uniform rufous-buff underparts including undertailcoverts. Eastern Rock Nuthatch occurs in different habitat and is easily separated by bigger size including more powerful bill and broader eye-stripe. Further, Eastern lacks prominent white spots on outer rectrices. Voice Song is a squeaky, whistling pee-pee-pee-pee(-pee). Calls include a sharp, high-pitched tsit-tsit and a characteristic, somewhat jay-like, harsh, rising chreee. Habitat Coniferous forests with a few deciduous trees; deciduous riparian forests; from 1800 to 2600 m. Probably rare.

White-cheeked Nuthatch Sitta leucopsis

12 cm

S. l. leucopsis. Easily separated from all other nuthatches by lack of black eye-stripe, instead shows white face contrasting with blackish crown and nape. Chestnut rear flanks and undertailcoverts contrast with whitish rest of underparts. Upperparts rather dark bluish-grey. Shows white subterminal spots on outer rectrices. Juv Duller than ad with faint barring on cheeks and underparts. Voice Song apparently consists of call-like notes. Call a nasal tvaed, recalling short version of Trumpeter Finch song. Habitat Coniferous forests from 2100 to 3200 m. Probably rare.

Eurasian Treecreeper Certhia familiaris

12 cm

Three races in region: C. f. tianschanica, C. f. daurica (NE Kaz), C. f. familiaris (WV). Can only be confused with Bar-tailed Treecreeper, see that species for differences. Easily identified as treecreeper by long, slightly decurved bill, rather long and slightly graduated tail and bark-like cryptically coloured upperparts. Underparts whitish with flanks and undertail-coverts washed greyish-buff (paler and only faintly buffish in subspecies daurica and familiaris). Tail is plain brownish (cf. Bar-tailed). Juv Similar to ad, but duller with upperparts appearing more palespotted and with finely dark-spotted underparts. Voice Song may recall Yellow-breasted Tit. First, call-like notes accelerate into descending trill and then other high-pitched notes lead to a jingling, descending trill ending in a downslurred then upslurred whistle. Calls thin and high-pitched tsit and srreeh(-srreeh-...). Habitat Mature deciduous and coniferous forests; foothills and mountains up to 2500 m. Scarce to rare.

Bar-tailed Treecreeper Certhia himalayana

12 cm

Two races in region: C. h. taeniura. Differs from Eurasian Treecreeper in pale brown tail with dark bars (plain brown in Eurasian). Further, shows a longer and more strongly decurved bill and paler, more greyish upperparts. Juv Upperparts less contrasting than in ad. Breast, vent and undertail-coverts are darker buffish with some dark spots. C. h. himalayana (SE Afg). Ad Darker and browner upperparts. Stronger buffish wash on flanks, belly and undertail-coverts. Voice Song a trill of slightly descending notes \tyu\tyu\tyu..., lasting 1–2 sec. Calls varied; a thin tsee, similar to but often more penetrating than Eurasian, a short, whistling tiei and short tsit and chit-notes. Habitat Deciduous, coniferous and mature juniper forests; foothills and mountains up to 3000 m. Uncommon.

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Eastern Rock Nuthatch

adult

Eurasian Nuthatch

adult

Kashmir Nuthatch

adult

White-cheeked Nuthatch

adult

adult

Bar-tailed Treecreeper taeniura

himalayana

Eurasian Treecreeper adult

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PLATE 103: Wren, White-eye, Tit-Warbler and Goldcrest Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes

9 cm

Five races in region: T. t. tianshanicus, T. t. subpallidus (SW Tkm, S Uzb, NW Afg). Unmistakable, tiny and compact with a very short, often cocked tail and a rather long decurved bill. Very agile with fast movements and usually rather skulking. Greyish-brown overall with a paler supercilium and browner wings and tail. Wings, tail and lower under- and upperparts with dark vermiculations or bands. T. t. magrathi (SE Afg), T. t. neglectus (E Afg). More extensively and heavily barred, with the former subspecies being greyish-brown and the latter much darker smoky-brown. T. t. troglodytes (WV) is less greyish and more rufous-brown on upperparts and crown than tianshanicus and subpallidus. Voice Song surprisingly loud for a bird of this size; a 4–6-sec-long strophe of thin high-pitched notes and powerful trills, often beginning and ending with high-pitched notes. Call a hard rattle trrrt and a hard teck, which may sometimes be more musical took and is often repeated in a nervous series. Habitat Common in a variety of woodlands with undergrowth, such as riparian forests or mixed and coniferous forests; mainly in mountains.

Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus

10 cm

Z. p. palpebrosus. Small and reminiscent of a leaf-warbler, but has slightly decurved bill. Always characterised by broad white eye-ring, which contrasts with its narrow black border and black lores. Gregarious and highly vocal; often seen in flocks. Ad Has yellow forehead, throat and undertail-coverts. Otherwise yellow-olive above and silvery-grey below. Juv Duller than ad with narrower white eye-ring. Voice Song a sweet series of rising and falling mellow whistles like /tli(ti)-\doo-/duu’di/’tlee\dyy’\dryy. A jingling series of whistles ending in call-notes has also been described. Call a soft, plaintive, buzzy PRE\eoo. Habitat Deciduous forests; mainly foothills. Possibly common.

White-browed Tit-Warbler Leptopoecile sophiae

10 cm

L. s. sophiae. Small with rather long tail, which is often cocked. Very active, but mostly skulking. Most closely related to Long-tailed Tits, but may recall Wren, Goldcrest or a small warbler due to its behaviour. Unlikely to be confused with any other species due to distinctive coloration with rufous crown, diffuse pale supercilium, bluish-purple rear flanks and bluish rump and tail. Also has white outer tail-feathers and rather striking red iris. Ad male Throat, breast and flanks purple, while head-sides and rear flanks purple with bluish wash. Otherwise dull greyish above and whitish on belly. Ad female Rather dull greyish with paler underparts. Juv Duller and paler version of ad of respective sex. Voice Song apparently a sweet chirping. Calls include a metallic buzzing tsrit and a high-pitched, fine whistle soeeeo. Habitat Open juniper forests with dense thickets, from about 2200 to 3200 m. In winter usually in thickets along rivers and lakes at lower altitudes. Scarce.

Goldcrest Regulus regulus

9 cm

Four races in region: R. r. tristis. Very small and compact appearing large-headed and almost neckless. Lacks striking supercilium of the small leaf-warblers. Very active, but often difficult to see in canopy of spruce trees. Ad Upperparts and head greenish-grey. Head with prominent dark eye and yellowish crown stripe diffusely bordered blackish. In ad females, crown stripe is paler yellow with only weak dark borders. Has two whitish wing-bars and whitish tips to tertials. Juv Has rather plain head lacking crown stripe of ad. R. r. coatsi (NE Kaz), R. r. himalayensis (E Afg), R. r. regulus (WV). Darker and more greenish above than tristis (darkest in regulus) with more prominent wing-bars and deeper yellow crown stripe with more conspicuous black borders. Orange admixed in crown stripes of ad male can be difficult to see. Voice Song high-pitched and thin, almost sharp; first level, then rising and falling to variable degree: e.g. see-see-see\-te/’tididi’\ to/’didi\\-tsewk . Call thin, high-pitched sree-sree-sree. Habitat Coniferous forests; from foothills to mountains. Uncommon.

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tianshanicus neglectus

Winter Wren

adult



Oriental White-eye

coatsi

White-browed Tit-Warbler







tristis



Goldcrest

juvenile



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PLATE 104: Mynas and Starlings Common Myna Acridotheres tristis

23cm

A. t. tristis. Rather large with stout bill and short, rounded wings. Has characteristic contrasting bare yellow skin below and behind eye and yellow bill. Has large white wing-patch (base of primaries and primary coverts), which is especially visible in flight. Also shows white underwingcoverts and white tail corners. Ad Head and breast slightly glossy black contrasting with chestnut-brown upper-and underparts. Juv Duller than ad with browner head lacking gloss. Voice Song is loud and rather slow-paced with a variety of sounds including twangy, nasal squawks, shrill notes and dry rattles. Calls include harsh squawking krvep and loud ke/chri\ro-ke/chri\ro-ke/chri\ro…. Habitat Open grassy areas with scattered bushes and trees, including human habitations, cultivations; from lowland to mountains. Very common.

Brahminy Starling Sturnus pagodarum

22cm

Monotypic. Rather compact and short-winged with stout bill. In flight, shows contrast between dark remiges and greyish wing-coverts as well as white tail corners, but lacks white wing-patch of Common Myna. Ad Unmistakable. Black cap and crest contrast with pale iris and orangerufous underparts. Bill yellow with bluish base. Juv Duller than ad with brown cap lacking crest and paler underparts lacking pale shaft-streaks. Iris darker than in ad and bill pale-based. Voice Song reminiscent of Common Myna, but most notes are given only once in strophe and overall sounds somewhat more pleasant and musical. Alarm-call emphatic kshrach, distantly recalling Jay. Habitat Open areas with grassy patches and scattered bushes and trees, including cultivated land. Current status in region unknown.

Rosy Starling Pastor roseus

21cm

Monotypic. Structurally similar to Common Starling, but bill shorter and thicker with more strongly decurved culmen. Flight-shape similar to Common (which see). Gregarious. Ad Br male Unmistakable. Ad Br female Duller than ad br male and with shorter crest. Ad Non-br Duller than ad br and with shorter crest; pinkish parts of plumage more greyish-brown, while blackish head shows pale speckles. 1st-yr Usually duller than same-sex ad. Juv Paler greyish-buff overall than juv European, but note that some European can be aberrantly paler. Unlike the latter, shows slightly contrastingly darker wings and tail, paler rump and pale lores. Bill also differs in being yellowish with a darker culmen. Voice Song bears some similarity to European, but many notes are harsher and Rosy does not usually mimic other birds or sounds. Calls include a hard, sometimes prolonged ki-ki-ki-ki-ki and European-like cherr on take-off. Habitat Variety of steppe-like habitats with scattered bushes and trees, including cultivated land; mainly lowlands and foothills. Common and locally extremely numerous.

Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris

20cm

Four races in region: S. v. porphyronotus. Rather compact with short tail and rather long pointed bill. Flight fast, short tail in combination with short pointed wings give characteristic flight-shape. Gregarious. Ad Br Head and upper breast blackish with green gloss, while upperparts have reddish-purple and underparts bronzish-purple gloss. Shows variable amount of pale spotting, but males especially virtually unspotted. Bill yellowish. Ad Non-br Has white or yellowish spots overall and dark bill. Juv Rather uniform greyish-brown overall with dark bill; throat paler and underparts with diffuse streaks. Can be confused with paler juv Rosy Starling; see that species for differences. Soon acquires some pale-spotted ad-like 1st-win feathers and is then easily identified. Head is moulted last. Other subspecies are usually more spotted and differ chiefly in coloration of plumage-sheen: S. v. poltaratskyi (N of region). Ad Br Differs in purple gloss on head, glossy greenish upperparts and more greenish-blue underparts. S. v. caucasicus (NW Kaz). Ad Br Head more glossy greenish than poltaratskyi and underparts less bluish. S. v. nobilior (S Tkm, Afg). Ad Br Differs from caucasicus in more purplish gloss on head. Voice Song very varied, containing metallic sounds, clicks and slightly wheezy drawn-out whistles. Also includes large number of expert imitations of chickens, waders, orioles, corvids and other sounds. Calls include a buzzing, down-slurred chyerr, especially on take-off; in alarm a low-pitched, grating scold chaarr and a short kyek, both often repeated. Habitat All kinds of open habitats, including villages, cultivations, parks, open woodlands, riparian forests; lowlands and foothills. Common. [Alt: European Starling]

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Brahminy Starling adult

adult

Common Myna

breeding non-breeding

juvenile

Rosy Starling

Common Starling juvenile

breeding

poltaratskyi

non-breeding

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PLATE 105: WHISTLING AND ROCK Thrushes Blue Whistling Thrush Myophonus caeruleus

33 cm

M. c. temminckii. Big and heavy with strong legs and feets. Bill characteristically stout with tip slightly hooked, yellow with dark on culmen. Often cocks its tail with feathers spread when lowering it again. Ad Dark-blue with paler metallic-blue forehead, darker face and glossy paleblue speckles overall. Median coverts especially with prominent, almost silvery tips. Remiges and rectrices show strongest bluish cast. Sexes similar, but female usually duller. Superficially similar to ad male European Blackbird; however, the latter is smaller and never shows bluish tinge to plumage. See ad male Blue Rock Thrush for differences. Juv Duller more brownish than ad especially on underparts. Lacks pale-blue speckles. Bill darker and only dull yellow on lower mandible. Voice Song beautiful, sweet, meandering series of short, soft whistles. Call piercing, discordant tzeet and high-pitched, down-slurred fWEEee. Habitat Almost invariably near streams or at least water, often in gorges or woodlands; from foothills up to at least 3000 m. Uncommon.

Common Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis

19 cm

Monotypic. Rather compact and short-tailed. Has long primary projection and wing-tip almost reaches to tip of tail. Uppertail-coverts and rectrices orange-rufous with darker central pair, recalling Redstart. Ad Br Male Characteristic: head and neck blue contrasting with orangerufous underparts. Upperparts blue with dark wings and a contrasting white patch on back. Could be confused with smaller Blue-fronted Redstart, but told by white back and lacks rufous rump and dark end-band to the tail. Ad Non-br Male Black subterminal bars and pale feathertips conceal breeding plumage. Thus similar to ad female, but with more bluish-grey tinge to upperparts and white patch on back often indicated. Ad female Has rather heavy dark vermiculations overall (except wings and tail). Upperparts greyish-brown, underparts paler orange-buff with whitish longitudinal central patch on throat. Apart from structural differences, Blue-capped and Blue Rock Thrushes separated by lack of rufous in tail. Juv Similar to ad female. Voice Song a strophe of melodious fluted notes, slightly melancholic, often falling in pitch and interspersed with scratchy notes. Similar to Blue, but slightly softer. Call soft fluted fewp or heep, often followed by low-pitched chak-notes. Habitat Rocky and sparsely vegetated slopes; mainly foothills and mountains. Common. [Alt: Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush]

Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius

22 cm

Two races in region: M. s. pandoo, M. s. longirostris (Tkm, W and C Afg). Slimmer, but bigger than Common Rock Thrush with longer tail and bill. Lacks rufous in tail unlike latter. Ad male Characterised by overall slaty-blue plumage with darker wings and tail, but can give uniformly dark impression from a distance and in bad light. In fresh plumage in autumn and winter, shows pale feather fringes overall. Superficially similar Blue Whistling Thrush is bigger, shows much yellow in bill and pale blue speckles overall. Ad female Rather dark overall with uniformly dark tail. Upperparts greyish-brown, sometimes tinged bluish. Underparts, throat and head-sides buffish with heavy dark bars. Could be confused with Common and Blue-capped Rock Thrushes (which see). Juv Similar to ad female, but always lacks blue tinge to upperparts. Voice Song fluting, high-pitched, recalling Eurasian Blackbird and Common Rock Thrush. Call whistling dyoo-/hweet(-heet). Also heep chack-chack, similar to Common. Habitat Cliffs, rocky mountains, boulders, also in cultivated areas; mainly foothills and mountains, but does not reach such high altitudes as Common Rock Thrush. Scarce.

Blue-capped Rock Thrush Monticola cinclorhynchus

17 cm

Monotypic. Smaller than Common Rock Thrush and proportionally shorter-winged and longertailed. Ad Br Male Head bluish with dark mask that joins with blackish mantle and scapulars. Wings blackish contrasting with white patch at bases of secondaries and blue lesser coverts. Rump and uppertail-coverts characteristically orange-rufous, concolorous with underparts. Tail bluish-black (cf. Common). White wing-patch and lack of rufous in tail separate it from Bluefronted Redstart. Ad Non-br Male Pale feather fringes partly obscure pattern of breeding plumage, and some show pale throat. Ad female Upperparts, wings and tail brownish-olive with slightly more rufous and dark-barred rump and uppertail-coverts. Underparts whitish with dark scaling and whitish longitudinal central patch on throat. Similar to female Blue Rock Thrush, but much smaller, darker brown and gives impression of more pale-spotted rather than barred underparts. Unlike Common Rock Thrush lacks rufous in tail. Juv Differs from ad female by pale and dark spotting on upperparts including crown and nape and by large pale tips to wing-coverts and tertials. Juv male already shows white wingpatch. Voice Song similar to Common and Blue Rock Thrushes, typically undulating in pitch. Call a whistled tri, often followed by a nasal goink(-goink). Habitat Open dry oak or pine forests as well as grassy and rocky slopes with trees. Current status in region unknown.

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Blue Whistling Thrush

adult

adult in sunlight

Common Rock Thrush  

breeding



non-breeding





breeding





Blue-capped Rock Thrush



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Blue Rock Thrush



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PLATE 106: Thrushes I Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus

24 cm

T. t. amicorum. Similar to Eurasian Blackbird, but slightly longer-tailed. Always differs from the latter by pale fringes to wing-feathers giving pale-winged impression especially in flight. Apart from juv and 1st-win (female), is further easily separated by broad whitish crescent on breast and yellowish bill with black tip and culmen. Ad male Blackish overall with contrasting broad white crescent on breast (with brownish feather fringes in fresh plumage). Feathers on rest of underparts with narrow white fringes, which may be absent in worn plumage in summer. Broad white fringes form white wing-panel especially on secondaries and greater coverts. Ad female Duller and browner than ad male with narrower white feather-fringes in wing not forming prominent panel. Bill browner, less yellowish than in male. 1st-win male Similar to ad female with crescent on breast partly concealed by brownish feather fringes. 1st-win female Similar to ad female, but crescent on breast is generally lacking or only faint. Best separated from Blackbird by pale fringes on wing-feathers and underparts. Juv Like 1st-win female, but with pale feather-shafts on upperparts. Voice Song consists of fluting phrases that are repeated a few times, as in Song Thrush. Phrases more melancholic and simpler, often single notes. Call usually harder and lower-pitched than Blackbird, stony tok or tok-ok-ok-ok. Habitat Upper limit of open coniferous woodland. Locally common.

Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula

26 cm

Three races in region: T. m. intermedius, T. m. syriacus (SW Tkm), T. m. merula (PM, WV). Most familiar thrush species. Can be confused with Ring Ouzel and Tickell’s Thrush; see those species for differences. Ad male Almost entirely blackish with orange-yellow bill and eye-ring. Unmistakable, but cf. Common Starling and Blue Whistling Thrush for potential pitfalls. Ad female Dark brown overall with dark streaking or mottling on whitish throat and on paler brown breast. Underparts darker than in any other thrush. Bill pale brownish with variable amount of yellowish. 1st-win female Similar to ad female, but retained outer greater coverts can be pale-tipped and much paler than new inner feathers. 1st-yr male Browner and duller than ad male, with retained remiges and outer greater coverts being paler brown. Upper mandible often still dark. Juv More buffish or rufous-brown than ad female with pale feather-shafts on upperparts and more streaking and mottling on underparts. Voice Song mellow, fluty, almost continuous warbled verses separated by short pauses, lacking the repetitions of Song Thrush. Call hard chack-ack-ackackack... High-pitched sreee and Robin-like tsee. Habitat Open woodland and mountain forests, including settlements; mainly foothills and mountains. Common. [Alt: Common Blackbird]

Chestnut Thrush Turdus rubrocanus

27 cm

T. r. rubrocanus. Usually shy and rather large thrush. Easily identified by distinct plumage features in combination with yellow bill. Ad male Head greyish becoming paler on neck. Wings and tail blackish contrasting with mainly chestnut rest of plumage. Black undertail-coverts with white markings are further characteristic. Ad female Duller than ad male with browner wings and tail and buffish tinge on head. Juv Has darker head than ad female and whitish throat and dark spotted malar stripe. Underparts with dark spots as well. Unlike ad, shows pale feather-shafts on scapulars and pale-tipped median and greater coverts. Voice Song includes repetitions and recalls Song Thrush, but with longer pauses. Call low-pitched, dry chack-chack, reminiscent of Ring Ouzel. Alarm call, rapid high-pitched kwik-kwik kwik-kwik. Habitat Prefers moist coniferous and mixed forests. Current status in region unknown.

Tickell’s Thrush Turdus unicolor

21cm

Monotypic (V). Superficially similar to Eurasian Blackbird due to yellowish bill and eye-ring, but is smaller and differs in orange fringes to underwing-coverts. Ad male Unmistakable, ash-grey overall fading to whitish from breast to belly and undertailcoverts. Ad female Head and upperparts brownish-olive, sometimes greyer on lower parts. Throat whitish with dark malar stripe. Breast and flanks buffish with dark streaking on upper breast, rest of underparts paler whitish. Differs from female Eurasian Blackbird in whitish throat and paler whitish belly and undertail-coverts. 1st-win Similar to ad female, but shows white tips to retained (outer) greater coverts. 1st-win male further has greyer upperparts than ad female. Voice Song reminiscent of but inferior to sympatric Chestnut Thrush. Calls variable: soft juk-juk, harsher quoit-quoit or dew-dew. Habitat Open deciduous and mixed forests and forest edges.

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Ring Ouzel 



Eurasian Blackbird  



Chestnut Thrush



 

Tickell’s Thrush 

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PLATE 107: Thrushes II Black-throated Thrush Turdus atrogularis

25 cm

Monotypic. Similar in size and shape to Fieldfare. Counterpart of Red-throated Thrush, and 1stwin females hard to separate, but always lacks rufous tail-sides of Red-throated. Underwingcoverts orange to orange-buff (cf. Redwing and Red-throated, Naumann’s and Song Thrushes). Ad male Greyish above, mainly whitish below characteristically contrasting with blackish face and breast. In fresh plumage in autumn and winter, shows whitish tips to feathers of face and breast. Bill dark with yellowish base. Some birds with completely black head (form ‘relicta’). Ad female Usually lacks solid black throat and breast of male. Instead, shows blackish-grey mottling or streaking on breast and paler supercilium. Some are very heavily marked on breast and from a distance can look similar to male. Has more distinct pale supercilium and more olive upperparts than ad male. Juv Similar to 1st-win, but feathers of upperparts with pale shaft-streaks and especially median, but also greater coverts and tertials with pale tips. Underparts more spotted than streaked compared with 1st-win. 1st-win male Usually similar to ad female, but some more like ad male. Both sexes differ in 1st-win from ad in white-tipped retained outer (or all) greater coverts. 1st-win female. Shows dark malar stripe and streaking on throat, breast and flanks and usually lacks prominent dark breast-patch. Some 1st-win female Red-throated are very similar, but always differ in rufous tail-sides. Voice Song a slow-paced series of chattering notes interspersed with fluty and warbling parts. Calls recall Fieldfare: squeaky qui-kwea(-kwea), chree and dry chack-chack…. Habitat Common in a variety of open coniferous and mixed forests; foothills and lower mountains up to 2000 m. Note: Black-throated and Red-throated Thrushes hybridise where their breeding areas meet from the upper Lena and Nizhnaya Tunguska through the Russian Altai and Sayan Mountains. Hybrids showing intermediate characters between the two species have been recorded in the region.

Red-throated Thrush Turdus ruficollis

25 cm

Monotypic (V). Counterpart of Black-throated Thrush, but always shows rufous tail-sides. Underwing-coverts orange to rufous-red (cf. Redwing and Black-throated, Naumann’s and Song Thrushes). Ad male Solid rufous face to breast diagnostic. Ad female Duller than ad male, rufous especially on throat pale mottled and often with dark malar stripe and dark streaks on throat and breast. Upperparts and head more olive than on ad male. 1st-win male Similar to ad female. Both sexes differ from ad in white-tipped retained outer greater coverts. 1st-win female Shows dark malar stripe and dark streaking on throat, breast and flanks, and can lack any rufous there. Such birds are very similar to 1st-win female Black-throated and best separated by rufous tail-sides. Can also be confused with Naumann’s (which see). Voice Song insufficiently known. May consist of fluty notes, unlike the chattering song of Black-throated. Calls apparently similar to Black-throated. Habitat Found in open habitat (fields, forest edges) during migration and in winter.

Naumann’s Thrush Turdus naumanni

24 cm

Monotypic (V). Size and shape similar to Song Thrush. Characterised by chiefly orange-rufous tail and orange underwing-coverts (cf. Redwing and Song, Black- and Red-throated Thrushes). Ad male Shows characteristic mostly orange-rufous underparts with paler scaling. Throat is creamy or concolorous with rest of underparts and shows dark malar stripe. Creamy to orange-rufous supercilium contrasts with dark lores and greyish-brown ear-coverts, crown and nape. Upperparts greyish-brown with orangerufous markings on rump and uppertail-coverts. Wing-feathers with pale to orange-rufous fringes. Bill dark with some yellow at base. Ad female Similar to ad male, but usually duller with less orange-rufous in tail and more prominent malar stripe. 1st-win Similar to ad female, but retained outer greater coverts distinctly pale-tipped. Female duller than male. Voice Song can recall Redwing and contains call-notes. Calls recall Fieldfare and Black-throated Thrush. Habitat Found in open forests, parks or other open habitats during migration.

Fieldfare Turdus pilaris

27 cm

Monotypic. Rather big and long-tailed, head typically held high. Characterised by pale-grey nape and back to uppertail-coverts contrasting with dark chestnut rest of upperparts and uniformly dark tail. Has white underwing-coverts (cf. Mistle Thrush). Ad Head and nape greyish, with darker lores and paler supercilium. Throat, breast and flanks yellowish-buff (brightest on breast) with irregular dark markings. Rest of underparts whitish with dark markings on undertailcoverts. Bill dark with yellowish at base. Juv Head browner than in ad and underparts more spotted. Also, scapulars with pale shaft-streaks and tertials, greater and median coverts with pale tips and shaft streaks. 1st-win Unlike ad, retained outer greater coverts are white-tipped. Voice Song rather unmusical, unstructured sequence of grinding and chattering notes. Call thin, squeaky ts(r)ee or giih and dry chack-chack…. Habitat Open mixed woodland; mainly lowlands and foothills. Outside the breeding season in more open habitats including cultivated land. Common.

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Black-throated Thrush



1st-winter

 



1st-year

Red-throated Thrush

 

1st-winter

 

1st-winter

Naumann’s Thrush





1st-winter





1st-winter

adult

Fieldfare

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PLATE 108: Thrushes III Redwing Turdus iliacus

22 cm

T. i. iliacus. Superficially similar to Song and Mistle Thrushes. But much smaller than Mistle and more compact and shorter-tailed than Song. Underwing-coverts are more rufous-red and less buffish than in Song. Compare with Red-throated, Black-throated, Dusky and Naumann’s Thrushes, which show orange underwing-coverts. Ad Always separated from Song and Mistle by more contrasting head-pattern with white supercilium and more prominent white submoustachial stripe. Moreover, told by rufous-red flanks and more streaked than spotted underparts. Juv Unlike ad, feathers on upperparts with pale shaft-streaks and tips. Also shows pale tips to greater, median coverts and tertials. Flanks are paler orange and face pattern more buffish than in ad. 1st-win Differs from ad by retained juv tertials and outer greater-coverts showing pale tips. Voice Song highly variable. Consists of two parts. First part loud, whistling notes, second part warbling. Common call sucking, buzzy tzzee. Also short chup. In alarm, rattling trrrt trrt trrt reminiscent of Winter Wren. Habitat Deciduous or mixed riparian forest. Scarce.

Song Thrush Turdus philomelos

24 cm

T. p. philomelos. Superficially similar to Redwing (which see). Can especially be confused with Mistle Thrush, but is smaller, more compact and shorter-tailed. Always differs from Mistle by orange-buffish instead of white underwing-coverts and by lack of white corners to tail. Ad Head-sides browner and more uniform than in Mistle and more regularly spotted on underparts. Spots are less rounded, more triangular than in Mistle. Often shows more yellowish-buff breast and flanks. Moreover, upperparts more uniform brownish than in Mistle, lacking slightly paler rump and pale-edged wing-feathers of the latter. Juv Unlike ad, upperparts crown and nape with pale streaks. Voice Song varied. Sequence of loud musical phrases, which are rhythmically and deliberately repeated. Call sharp tsick. Habitat Woodland; foothills and mountains. Common.

Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus

28 cm

Two races in region: T. v. bonapartei, T. v. viscivorus (PM). Bigger and longer-tailed than Song Thrush. Rather heavy-bellied and head typically held high. Differs from all other thrushes except White’s Thrush by white corners to tail. See White’s for differences. Shares white underwingcoverts with Fieldfare, but differs by white tail-corners and lack of contrasting, pale grey rump and uppertail-coverts. Ad Head-sides paler than in Song Thrush, often with two vertical dark markings. Underparts with irregularly distributed round dark spots, often forming patch on breast-sides. Upperparts greyer than in Song with slightly paler rump and pale-edged wing-feathers. Juv Upperparts, crown and nape with white spots recalling White’s (which see). 1st-win Can retain some pale markings on upperparts of juv. Retained outer greater coverts have paler edges than new inner feathers. Voice Song consists of melancholic, fluting phrases, recalling Eurasian Blackbird in tone, but lacking the latter’s high-pitched notes at the end of each phrase. Call hard, dry rattling trrr. Habitat Open coniferous and mixed forests; mainly foothills and mountains, also above tree-line. Common.

White’s Thrush Zoothera aurea

27 cm

Z. a. aurea. Large, similar in size to Mistle Trush, but longer-billed and looks smaller-headed. Shows white tail corners as Mistle, but they are more prominent due to broad dark borders. Black-and-white underwing pattern diagnostic in the region, but can be difficult to see. Ad Head and upperparts olive with striking bold black scales at feather-edges and paler subterminal marks on mantle and scapulars. Shows prominent whitish eye-ring and dark vertical crescent on head-sides. Underparts whitish with bold black scales. Can be surprisingly similar to juv Mistle, but the latter lacks black scales on upperparts and only shows white spots. Also, Mistle has spotted and not scaly underparts, shows more uniform upperwing and uniformly whitish underwing-coverts. Juv Underparts more spotted compared with ad and thus more similar to Mistle, but still shows dark markings on wings and upperparts, although the latter more barred than scaly compared with ad. 1st-win Differs from ad by retained juv outer greater coverts. Voice Song far-carrying whistle of about 1-sec duration, repeated after a few seconds. Sometimes changing between two pitches. Calls rarely heard. Habitat Rare breeder in rather dense coniferous and mixed forests; lower mountains.

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1st-winter

adult adult

Redwing Song Thrush

adult

adult

juvenile

Mistle Thrush

adult

adult

1st-winter

White’s Thrush

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PLATE 109: Nightingales AND ROBINS Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia

16 cm

Monotypic. Very similar to Common Nightingale especially of subspecies africana, but tail slightly shorter. Plumage darker overall and drabber with more olive-toned upperparts than Common especially of subspecies golzii – however, perception is light-dependent. Head more uniform with less prominent pale supercilium (especially compared to golzii) and dark eye than in Common. Underparts darker with more prominent greyish-brown mottling on breast, whereas in Common breast is usually plain greyish (golzii) or greyish-brown (africana). Also Thrush Nightingale usually differs in more prominent dark malar stripe and some dark barring or spotting on undertail-coverts, which is always lacking in Common. Reddish-brown tail is darker and more chestnut, uppertail-coverts are concolorous with upperparts, while they are concolourous with tail in Common. Following structural differences are usually of minimal value under field conditions: Thrush has eight primary-tips visible on closed wing, whereas Common usually only seven (sometimes eight, but then distance between outermost and second outermost minimal). Outermost primary is longer than primarycoverts in Common, but shorter in Thrush. Juv See Common. 1st-win Differs from ad by retained juv pale-tipped tertials, outer greater coverts and sometimes uppertail-coverts. Voice Song similar to Common, but overall slower and lower-pitched; crescendo tyy-tyy-tyy lacking or shorter; characteristic louder and more galloping series of deep notes chok’chok-chok’chok-... and towards end of strophe often gives dry buzzy rattles. Calls similar to Common, but inhaled call is straight not upslurred heet. Habitat Riparian forests, deciduous and mixed forests with deep soft humus layer; from lowlands up to 1500 m. Common.

Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos

16 cm

Two races in region: L. m. golzii. Very similar to Thrush Nightingale (which see). Usually rather skulking and often seen low down in bushes or on ground with cocked tail. Rather obvious pale supercilium is enhanced by dark loral patch. Upperparts sandy-brown with darker, greyishbrown mantle and reddish-brown uppertail coverts which are concolorous with tail. Tertials and wing-coverts have pale fringes, feathers from back to uppertail-coverts can show pale tips. Whitish below with a pale grey breast-band and extensive pale throat. Juv Upperparts with pale spotting or mottling and underparts with dark mottling on breast. Reddish-brown tail and uppertail-coverts contrast with remaining upperparts as in ad. 1st-win Differs from ad by retained juv tertials and outer greater coverts as well as uppertailcoverts showing pale tips. L. m. africana (NW Afg). Ad Warmer brown and less sandy above. Breast-band is more greyish-brown, head plainer with less prominent supercilium. Moreover, shows less obvious pale fringes to wing-feathers; thus is even more similar to Thrush Nightingale. Voice Song, often heard at night, is very loud and powerful; chugging, rattling and fluting, with characteristic rising crescendo tyy-tyy-tyy-tii-tii-tee. Calls include inhaling upslurred huit and very dry drrrk. Habitat Common in riparian forests, moist deciduous forests, gardens, but also scrubby slopes; from lowlands up to lower mountains.

Rufous Scrub Robin Cercotrichas galactotes

17 cm

C. g. familiaris. Slim with strong bill and long tail. Skulking, often seen on the ground. Reddishbrown tail has characteristic white tips and black subterminal markings to outer feathers, which are best seen from below or when tail is moved up-and-down and fanned. Has conspicuous head-pattern with off-white supercilium, dark eye-stripe and moustachial stripe and paler earcoverts. Juv Differs from ad by darker mottling on throat and breast. Voice Song often given in short strophes with short pauses. Well-paced, consisting of mostly squeaky and clear notes; can contain mimicry. Calls include hard, clicking tek(-tek), bullfinch-like whistle pyu and thin, sibilant tseep. Habitat Dry areas with patches of dense shrubs; mainly lowlands and foothills. Uncommon to locally common. [Alt: Rufous Bush Robin, Rufoustailed Scrub Robin]

White-throated Robin Irania gutturalis

18 cm

Monotypic. Rather large with long bill and long, uniformly black tail. Often droops wings and flicks and cocks tail. Ad male Characterised by blackish face, which contrasts with white central throat, white supercilium and orange breast to flanks. Rest of head and upperparts greyish. Can have black lower border to throat and only small white throat-patch. Breast and flanks only pale orange in some. Ad female Rather uniform greyish above and greyish-white below. Characterised by orange-buff flanks and variable buffish-orange wash or mottling on lower breast, white eye-ring and white central throat. Juv Differs from ad female by buff spots on head and upperparts. 1st-win Similar to ad female, but variable number of pale-tipped greater-coverts, tertials and primary-coverts. Male shows dull grey version of head pattern of ad male. Voice Song is a rapidly delivered strophe of short whistles, scratchy notes and low-pitched, dry grating sounds. Calls loud and rather sharp tsi-tlitt and wooden, creaking tor’r’r. Habitat Scattered scrub in semi-deserts and on dry slopes; from lowlands up to at least 2200 m. Scarce to uncommon. [Alt: Irania]

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adult

Thrush Nightingale

africana

golzii

adult adult

Common Nightingale

Rufous Scrub Robin





White-throated Robin

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PLATE 110: rubythroats and Robins White-tailed Rubythroat Luscinia pectoralis

15 cm

L. p. ballioni. Skulking, tail often cocked. Female especially can be confused with Siberian Rubythroat or other Luscinia-species, but told by prominent white tips to all but central rectrices. Ad male Unmistakable. Characteristic white sides to tail-base. Head-pattern somewhat concealed by pale feather-fringes in fresh plumage in autumn. Ad female Short whitish supercilium and whitish throat. Greyish breast and flanks contrast with whitish belly (cf. Siberian). Juv Dark brown with pale spotting overall and whitish belly with dark mottling. Pale tips to rectrices are buff. Male already with white sides to tail-base. 1st-win Has retained juv pale-tipped outer greater-coverts. Female browner above than ad, and more similar to Siberian. Voice Male sings from exposed perch with cocked and fanned tail and drooping wings. Song often high-pitched squeaky and ringing warble reminiscent of a small accentor, but sometimes fuller and varied. Calls include a plaintive soft whistle and a nasal harsh kshep. Habitat Uncommon in subalpine meadows with scattered bushes; mountains up to at least 3000 m.

Siberian Rubythroat Luscinia calliope

15 cm

L. c. calliope. Skulking; tail often cocked. Differs from White-tailed Rubythroat by olive-brown rather than grey-brown upperparts and uniform brownish tail lacking prominent white tips to outer rectrices. Ad male Ruby-red throat with a fine black border. Breast greyish, but more brownish in some (often 1st-win); never black as in White-tailed. White submoustachial stripe lacking in White-tailed. Ad female Head pattern more subdued and washed-out than in ad male. Some more similar to ad male, but have whitish instead of dark lower border to throat and never show extensive pure grey breast. Has more conspicuous supercilium and sub-moustachial stripe than White-tailed and lacks contrast between greyish breast/flanks and whitish belly. Juv Brownish with pale spotting overall and pale tips to wingcoverts and tertials. 1st-win Similar to same-sex ad, but has retained juv pale-tipped outer greater-coverts. Female with head more poorly marked than in ad with reduced buffish supercilium and sub-moustachial stripe in some. Throat usually off-white, but can be almost concolorous with breast. Some show pale speckling on underparts. Voice Song variable, covering wide frequency-range and commonly including mimicry. In short strophes or continuous. Not as loud and strong as nightingales, less scratchy and including fuller, lower-pitched tones than Bluethroat. Call soft fluting tsee\-lyy, somewhat variable. Also chack, recalling weak Fieldfare. Habitat Forest edges, bushes and tall grass; from foothills up to 2100 m. Common.

Red-flanked Bluetail Tarsiger cyanurus

14 cm

T. c. cyanurus. Recalls a Redstart in shape and often jerks tail. Characteristic blue tail, but see Siberian Blue Robin. Ad male Unmistakable. Note that blue colour can just appear dark in poor light and is less conspicuous in fresh plumage due to olive feather-fringes. Ad female Blue from rump to tail, which can appear dark. Further characterised by orange flank-patch, pale eye-ring, narrow white throat bordered by dark head-sides and breast. Rarely with some blue on lesser coverts and/or scapulars. Juv Brownish with pale spots overall, but already shows blue tail. 1st-yr Similar to ad female. 1st-sum male breeds in female-like plumage. Voice Song a shortish verse of fairly sharp whistles going up and down in pitch and often ending in rolling note or trill. Alarm-call thin heett, recalling Black Redstart, and nasal, throaty grak’ak. Habitat Old-growth coniferous and mixed mountain forests, up to 2000 m. Uncommon. [Alt: Orange-flanked Bush Robin]

European Robin Erithacus rubecula

13 cm

Three races in region: E. r. tataricus, E. r. rubecula (PM, WV in W of region), E. r. hyrcanus (WV Tkm). Rather small, compact and large-headed. Hops characteristically on the ground, often bobs and flicks wings and tail. Easily identified by orange-rufous face, throat and breast contrasting with whitish or pale-grey rest of underparts. Rear ear-coverts, neck- and breastsides form grey border to orange face and breast. Upperparts olive-brown with variable buffish wing-bar. Voice Song – presented with rippling flow – often starts with thin, high-pitched notes and continues with lower-pitched notes and trills. Call very short, clicking tick, recalling mechanical watch that is wound-up; sometimes in irregular series. Habitat Variety of open woodlands, as well as farmland and gardens. Uncommon.

Siberian Blue Robin Luscinia cyane

14 cm

L. c. cyane (V). Compact and short-tailed. Legs characteristically pallid pinkish. Ad male Unmistakable. Ad female Nondescript. Grey-brown with whitish throat and central underparts and buffish eye-ring. Some blue on rump, uppertail-coverts and tail. Juv Pale spots above and dark scales below. 1st-win male Like ad female, but additionally with blue on scapulars, median and lesser coverts. Retained juv outer greater-coverts with buffish fringes. 1st-win female Like 1st-win male, but usually lacks any blue. Voice Song recalls Indian Blue Robin’s, but introductory notes shorter and all of equal volume. Call low-pitched, wooden tack(-tack). Habitat Coniferous forest with dense scrub layer.

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White-tailed Rubythroat

 

Siberian Rubythroat





variant

1st-winter

 

 

1st-winter



Red-flanked Bluetail 

tataricus adult

European Robin

004 BoCA.indd 253

Siberian Blue Robin



22/6/12 16:59:06

PLATE 111: Robins and Redstarts I Bluethroat Luscinia svecica

15 cm

Four races in region: L. s. pallidogularis, L. s. saturatior (mountains, from Altai to Tien Shan and Pamir), L. s. svecica (PM). Usually skulking and often seen on ground. Characterised by rufous sides to tail-base, which are best seen in flight or when tail is cocked and fanned. Except in juv, shows prominent white to creamy supercilium, which is enhanced by a dark lateral crownstripe. Ad Br male Unmistakable due to bright blue bib bordered dark below. Furthermore shows a large rufous spot on lower throat and a variable rufous band on lower breast. Especially in Pamir, some with white spot on lower throat. Ad Non-br male Has more blue on breast and submoustachial region than ad female and shows more prominent rufous band on lower breast and rufous-buff patch on lower throat. Ad female Has creamy throat and breast with dark malar stripes connected with dark blotchy breast-band. Variable amount of bluish on breast and of rufous below dark breast-band. Some also with blue in submoustachial region. Juv Upperparts grey-brown with pale spotting and pale tips to wing-coverts and tertials. Underparts buffish with dark streaking on throat and breast. 1st-win Differs from ad in buffish tips to retained outer greater coverts. 1st-win female lacks any blue. L. s. abbotti (E Afg). Ad Br male Shows either a small white or a small chestnut spot. Voice Song starts with slightly accelerating, bell-like tyip-tyip-tyip... or tri-tri-tri... and bursts into a variable part that may include clear and melodious as well as harsh scratchy notes and mimicry. Call low-pitched, slow tchak or hwee-tchak-tchak. Habitat Variety of usually moist habitats with extensive patches of dense vegetation. Common.

Indian Blue Robin Luscinia brunnea

15 cm

L. b. brunnea. Compact and short-tailed. Skulking and secretive, often flicks and fans tail. Ad male Unmistakable, but superficially recalls disjunctly distributed ad male White-throated Robin. Ad female Head and upperparts brownish-olive with pale eye-ring. Underparts whitish with brownish-buff mottling on breast and flanks. Best identified by combination of size and structure, rather uniform head and plain tail. Juv Similar to ad female, but with buff streaking overall. Juv male already with blue tail. 1st-win male Differs from ad male in buffish supercilium and greyer upperparts admixed with some olive-brown. Underparts duller. Some more like ad male, but show buff-tipped retained greater coverts and browner remiges. Voice Song starts with high-pitched thin seet-whistles quickly gaining in strength and continuing with a short trill of whistles or complex loud notes. Calls /seeht, sometimes followed by very dry tuk-tuk. Habitat Moist forests with dense undergrowth. Current status in region unknown.

Blue-fronted Redstart Phoenicurus frontalis

15 cm

Monotypic. Differs from other redstarts in distinct tail-pattern: rufous with dark endband and central feathers forming a dark inverted T. Often pumps tail up and down, does not vibrate it. Ad male Easily identified by blue head (often glossy on forehead), throat, breast and upperparts contrasting with rufous rest of underparts and rump. In fresh plumage in autumn and winter, blue and rufous colours concealed by buffish feather-fringes. Superficially similar male Common Rock Thrush is much bigger, lacks rufous rump as well as terminal band on tail and shows a white back. Ad female Differs from other redstarts by orange belly and vent and distinct tail-pattern. Shows wing-bar on greater coverts, but lacks upper wing-bar on median coverts of Blue-capped and Eversmann’s Redstart. Juv Similar to other juv redstarts, but identified by distinct tail-pattern. Voice Song consists of short, varied strophes. Each strophe a rapid sequence of squeaky and whistling notes. Calls include high-pitched ee-tit and hard or metallic trrrt. Habitat Alpine meadows, but also in hazel scrub of high altitude valleys. Current status in region unknown.

Blue-capped Redstart Phoenicurus caeruleocephala

15 cm

Monotypic. Differs from other redstarts by dark tail. Can vibrate its tail and when on ground, sometimes pumps it up and down slowly. Ad male Characteristic bluish-grey crown contrasts to dark upperparts, breast, throat and head-sides. Wing similar to ad male Rufous-backed Redstart, but lacks white bases to primary-coverts. In fresh plumage in autumn and winter, plumage pattern concealed by buffish feather-fringes; crown can appear brownish. Ad female Shows two wing-bars and pale fringes to tertials as female Rufous-backed, but is darker and has dark tail contrasting with chestnut uppertail-coverts and rump. In worn plumage in summer, wing-bars are narrower. Juv Differs from ad female by dark-spotted or scaled upper- and underparts. Voice Song a peculiar series of metallic, rolling notes, which sound squeezed and laboured especially towards end ts’rer ts’rer... tsi’rer’rer’rer /cheer\-rrerr /cheer\-rrerr. Call inhaling hseet, often followed by metallic tk-tk-tk or tk-tk’r’r’tk. Habitat Open and rather dry coniferous and mixed forests, usually with less undergrowth than Eversmann’s Redstart; mainly mountains. Common.

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Bluethroat 

breeding



non-breeding abbotti



pallidogularis





Indian Blue Robin

Blue-capped Redstart







Blue-fronted Redstart

004 BoCA.indd 255



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PLATE 112: Redstarts II Eversmann’s Redstart Phoenicurus erythronotus

16 cm

Monotypic. Jerks tail up, does not vibrate it. Ad male Diagnostic rufous mantle, black mask and rufous throat and breast. White wing markings similar to Blue-capped Redstart, but additionally shows white bases to primary-coverts. In fresh plumage in autumn and winter, plumage pattern variably concealed by pale buffish feather fringes. Ad female Differs from other female redstarts except Blue-capped by two pale wing-bars and pale fringes to tertials (narrower in worn plumage in summer). Blue-capped is darker and shows dark tail contrasting with chestnut uppertail-coverts and rump. Lacks orange wash on underparts of Common Redstart. Juv Upper- and underparts spotted pale. Voice Song slightly melancholy; short, varied strophes of grating and squeaking notes of varying pitch. Call lowpitched, dry, wooden trrt. Habitat Coniferous woodlands with rocky scrub; tends to be in wetter areas than Blue-capped; mainly mountains up to at least 3500 m. Common. [Alt: Rufous-backed Redstart]

Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros

15 cm

Two races in region: P. o. phoenicuroides. Often vibrates its tail. Females especially, but also males, can be confused with Common Redstart; see that species for differences. Ad male Upperparts greyish to blackish, with blackish dominating in southern part of range. Black breast contrasts with orange-rufous rest of underparts. Forecrown often whitish. Ad female Upperparts and head grey-brown, with a pale eye-ring and paler throat. Underparts are sandy or buffish. Juv Similar to ad female, less spotted or speckled than other juv redstarts. 1st-yr male Some like ad male (paradoxus-plumage), but differ in browner fringes to remiges and tertials, pale vent patch, black throat mottled greyish and retained brownish juvenile feathers on upperparts. Others female-like (cairei-plumage) but differ from 1styr female by being greyer and having a paler wing-panel. P. o. ochruros (V). Ad male Variable, but greyish-black on underparts more extensive with orange-rufous restricted to belly and undertail-coverts. Lacks white on forehead. May show pale wing-panel. Voice Song consists of three parts: whistles, rolling notes and trills first, then after c.1-sec pause, a diagnostic hissing scratchy sound and last some whistles and/or trills again. Call sharp tsip(-tsip-tsip), thinner and not rising in pitch like Common Redstart of subspecies phoenicurus. Also tsip-tk-tk-tk. Habitat Common in rocky areas with sparse vegetation, also villages; mainly mountains.

Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus

15 cm

Two races in region: P. p. phoenicurus. Similar in size to Black Redstart. Often vibrates tail. Ad male Can be confused with male Black, but the latter shows darker upperparts, nape and crown, less prominently white forecrown and black throat extends onto the breast. In fresh plumage in autumn and winter, general colourful pattern concealed by buffish feather fringes. Ad female Very similar to female Black, but the presence of any rufous on the underparts above the vent separates it from that species. Additionally, vent and throat are more whitish compared to pale brown in Black. See also Güldenstädt’s and Eversmann’s Redstarts. Juv Upperparts and underparts spotted unlike juv Black. 1st-win male Buffish feather fringes broader than in fresh ad male and thus more similar to ad female, but differs by greyish mottled throat. White band on the forehead is absent or ill-defined. P. p. samamisicus (Tkm, S Uzb, SW Tjk). Ad male Differs in white wing-panel formed by white edges to the two outer tertials, all secondaries and at least the inner primaries. 1st-yr male Only limited white in wing, which is concentrated on the edges of the bases of the outer two tertials. Voice Song variable, but always with clear, melancholy notes. Usually starts with whistle and series of melancholy notes heet\ troo’troo’troo and continues to variable finish. Calls /hooit, often followed by clicking tik-tik(-tik). Song of samamisicus insufficiently known. It can start with grating or dry rolling notes, rarely with pure whistle as in phoenicurus, and more variable than nominate; sometimes more like a chat or a scrub robin than nominate. Call of samamisicus is heed, not up-slurred as in nominate and not as thin as Black. Habitat Open woodland including orchards and gardens; mainly foothills and lower mountains. Variety of open habitats during migration. Common. However, samamisicus is scarce.

Güldenstädt’s Redstart Phoenicurus erythrogastrus

18 cm

P. e. grandis. Larger than all other redstarts. Rump and tail rufous with barely darker central rectrices (cf. other redstarts). Ad male Distinct white cap and nape and white wing-patch characteristic. The latter forms a broad white mid-wing band in flight. In fresh plumage in autumn and winter, plumage duller and cap greyer. Superficially similar White-capped Redstart lacks white in the wings, shows black terminal band to tail and glossier black nape. Ad female Best identified by size and rather uniform rufous tail. Overall paler and warmer above than female Black Redstart. Lacks wing-bars of female Eversmann’s Redstart. Unlike Common Redstart, lacks orange wash to underparts. Juv Mottled, best identified by tail-pattern. Males unmistakable with white bases to remiges and tertials. Voice Song a short strophe with jolting rhythm. Recalls Common Rock Thrush but less vigorous. Calls include a weak tsi, and a tseetek-tek. Habitat Uncommon in rocky alpine meadows usually above 2200 m. [Alt: White-winged Redstart]

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Eversmann’s Redstart



fresh (autumn)

 

worn (summer)

phoenicuroides

Black Redstart







fresh (autumn)

Common Redstart



 

phoenicurus

samamisicus



Güldenstädt’s Redstart







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PLATE 113: Water redstarts and ForktailS White-capped Redstart Chaimarrornis leucocephalus

19 cm

Monotypic. Rather large. Often pumps and fans its tail. Lacks white wing-patch of superficially similar Güldenstädt’s Redstart; see that species for further differences. Ad Distinct white cap contrasts with black head, neck and throat. Upperparts and wings also black and the rest of the underparts and the rump are red to chestnut. Tail red with a black terminal bar. The black colour is often glossy. Juv Duller than ad; underparts blackish with some red admixed and white cap with brown feather fringes. Voice Song is a soft, melancholy, wavering whistle tew-yewyew-yew. Call piercing, sucking, up-slurred /dseeet. Habitat Often fast-flowing mountain streams and areas with wet mossy boulders. Uncommon.

Plumbeous Water Redstart Rhyacornis fuliginosa

12 cm

R. f. fuliginosa. Small, stocky and short-tailed redstart. Restless, constantly pumps and fans its tail. Ad male Slaty-blue with pale rufous rectrices, tail-coverts and rump. Ad female Upperparts grey brown contrasting with white rump and uppertail-coverts, underparts paler grey with whitish scaling. The face is usually brownish. Rectrices black with white bases to outer feathers leaving a black triangle when tail is fanned. Wings blackish-brown with two white wingbars. Juv Similar to female, but upperparts browner, speckled pale, and underparts buffier. 1st-yr male Similar to ad female. Voice Song an insect-like, accelerating tsri’tri’tri...’tri’tritt, slightly rising in pitch. Calls include a thin /wheet, often repeated, quieter and softer than White-capped Redstart; a slow series of abrupt full whistling notes chyak, kyoop, ... and peet-peet in alarm. Habitat Similar to White-capped. Very rare in its regional range. Only c. 10 records north of the Hindu Kush, but likely to be a regular breeder.

Little Forktail Enicurus scouleri

12 cm

Monotypic. Unmistakable. Rather small and compact with short tail and steep forehead. The legs are very pale flesh-coloured. Wags and fans constantly its slightly forked tail. Sometimes submerges in water while foraging. Ad Upperparts head, throat and breast greyish-black contrasting with white forehead, rest of underparts and rump. The latter is crossed by a dark bar. Wing blackish with a white transversal bar on greater coverts. Tail blackish with white sides leaving a black triangle when tail is fanned. In flight, shows prominent white wing stripe. Juv Differs from ad by greyer or browner upperparts and head including forehead, white throat and dark scaling on breast. Voice Usually silent. Habitat Uncommon along mountain streams of small to medium size; prefers the most turbulent parts.

Spotted Forktail Enicurus maculatus

26 cm

E. m. maculatus. Unmistakable due to long and deeply forked black-and-white tail, which is constantly wagged and mostly hold above horizontal. The crown is steep and bulging and the legs are very pale flesh-coloured. Often agile and restless. Ad Upperparts, head, throat and breast blackish contrasting with white forehead, rest of underparts and rump. Has typical white spots on mantle and scapulars and white scales on breast sides. The wings are blackish with a white transverse bar on the greater coverts and white tips to tertials and secondaries. Juv Blackish on body of ad replaced by brownish including forehead. Also shows pale streaks on breast and some dark streaks on belly and flanks. Voice A shrill chroo\oo and /chreek, lower-pitched, more rasping and not as piercing as Blue Whistling-Thrush. Habitat Small streams with rocks and tiny pools. Current status in region unknown.

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White-capped Redstart

adult

juvenile





Plumbeous Water Redstart

juvenile

Little Forktail



adult

adult

Spotted Forktail

juvenile

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PLATE 114: BUSHChats and stonechats Whinchat Saxicola rubetra

12 cm

Monotypic. Less compact than Siberian Stonechat. Like latter, often flicks wings and tail. Differs from Siberian Stonechat by streaked rump/uppertail-coverts and more prominent supercilium. Shows white tail-sides (best seen in flight), but less extensive than Siberian Stonechat of subspecies variegatus. Ad Br male Contrasting head-pattern with long white supercilium and dark crown and ear-coverts (head-pattern more similar to ad female in some) and orange-brown wash below. Has two small white wing-patches (best seen in flight). Ad Br female Less contrasting headpattern than ad br male: supercilium pale buff, crown and ear-coverts brownish. Throat and breast buff. White wing-patches lacking or less extensive. Ad Non-br/1st-win Similar to ad br female, but often with some dark spots on breast. Juv Supercilium less prominent than in ad female. Underparts with dark mottling on throat, breast and flanks. Has no wing-patches. Voice Song somewhat similar to Siberian, but sounds more musical including more lower-pitched notes and a wider frequency-range. Calls with whistled dyud, and low-pitched, hard chak – often combined; the whistle is softer than in Siberian Stonechat and shorter than in Pied Bushchat. Habitat Meadows in open areas, sometimes with scattered bushes mainly lowlands and foothills. Common.

Stoliczka’s Bushchat Saxicola macrorhynchus

15 cm

Monotypic. Similar to Whinchat but larger, slimmer, with more white in longer tail and with longer bill recalling a wheatear. Shares unmarked rump/uppertail-coverts and similar tailpattern with Siberian Stonechat of subspecies variegatus, but differs in prominent supercilium and in structure. Ad Br male Told from Whinchat by paler breast and blackish mantle. Ad Non-br male Breeding plumage concealed by sandy-buff feather-fringes. Lores and often also ear-coverts darker. Ad female Similar to ad non-br male, but shows buffish instead of white in tail and usually lacks white wing-patches. Ear-coverts and lores paler than in ad non-br male. Darker above in worn plumage in spring/summer. Differs from female/1st-win Siberian by more prominent supercilium and paler underparts. Juv Like ad female, but shows some dark mottling on throat. 1st-win male Similar to ad non-br male, but lacks white on primary-coverts. White in tail is less extensive and tinged buffish. Voice Poorly studied. Song apparently a quiet, musical twitch-che chee chee. Call described as chip-chip. Habitat Dry, usually sandy, areas with low herbs and few bushes. Status in region unknown.

Siberian Stonechat Saxicola maurus

12 cm

Two races in region: S. m. maurus. Compact with short tail. Nervous and restless, often flicking wings and fanning tail. See Whinchat and Stoliczka’s Bushchat for differences. Has unmarked orange-buff to white rump/uppertail-coverts unlike Whinchat. Ad Br male Easily identified by black-and-white plumage with orange breast. Can show some white at bases of rectrices. Ad Non-br male Pattern of head and upperparts partly concealed by pale feather fringes. Underparts, rump/uppertail-coverts more buffish. Ad female Supercilium not as prominent as in Whinchat and Stoliczka’s Bushchat. Pale throat contrasts slightly with pale rufous breast and flanks as well as darker ear-coverts. Wing-patch less extensive than in ad male. Darker above and on head in worn plumage in spring/summer. Juv Has dark mottling on breast. Rump/ uppertail-coverts already rufous buff (cf. Whinchat). 1st-win male Similar to ad female, but can show some dark feathers on throat. S. t. variegatus (NW Kaz). Ad male Differs from maurus in extensive white bases to rectrices recalling tail-pattern of wheatears. In breeding plumage, shows more extensive white patch on neck-sides, inner wing-coverts and rump and smaller orange breast patch. Ad female Creamy bases to rectrices less extensive than in ad male. 1st-win male Usually already with dark feathering on lores, ear-coverts and throat. Voice Song a short musical warble, which can be thin and squeaky like Horned Lark or fuller, reminiscent of Whinchat. Calls with a thin, rather sharp whit, followed by a low-pitched tr’rak(-tr’rak). Habitat Common in moist meadows with scattered bushes and tall grass, but also semi-cultivated areas and rather dry areas with scattered bushes. From lowlands up to at least 3200 m. [Alt: Eastern Stonechat]

Pied Bushchat Saxicola caprata S. c. rossorum. Structurally similar to Siberian Stonechat, but easily separated by plumage. Tail uniformly dark (cf. e.g. wheatears). Rather nervous like Siberian Stonechat, often flicking wings and tail. Ad Br male Unmistakable, but cf. Variable Wheatear of subspecies opistholeuca. Ad Non-br male Like ad br male, but with brownish feather fringes overall. Ad female Dark brown above; rump/uppertail-coverts contrastingly rufous. Usually darker in worn plumage in spring/summer. Overall more non-descript than female Siberian Stonechat showing only weak supercilium, lacking white on inner wing-coverts and with less contrast between upperparts and underparts. Also, female Siberian Stonechat has pale secondary-panel in fresh plumage. Juv Like ad female, but shows buffish spotting/streaking above and dark mottling below. Male can already show white on inner wing-coverts. Voice Song often lower-pitched than song of Siberian Stonechat and pleasant with slurred whistles and some twangy notes, but few scratchy ones. Calls quite variable, soft to rather sharp down-slurred whistles \tyewd and hard tsek(-tsek). Habitat Common in open areas with some bushes, including cultivations and settlements.

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

non-breeding 1st-winter





worn



Whinchat



variegatus

Stoliczka’s Bushchat



maurus

 1st-winter

 

Siberian Stonechat

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Pied Bushchat

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PLATE 115: Wheatears I Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe

15 cm

Two races in region: O. o. libanotica, O. o. oenanthe (N Kaz). Characteristic tail-pattern with black inverted-T with end-band of even width separates it from Black-eared, Pied and Desert Wheatears. Black end-band narrower than in Isabelline Wheatear. Ad female and especially autumn birds otherwise rather similar to Isabelline and Desert (see those species for differences). Ad Br male Has white supercilium, characteristic greyish upperparts and ochreyellow throat and breast. Differs from ad br male Black-eared in colour of upperparts and scapulars concolorous with mantle (black as wing in Black-eared). Ad Non-br male Black parts concealed by buff feather fringes. Brownish upperparts and buffer underparts. Differs from ad non-br female by blacker wings and black on lores and sometimes on ear-coverts. Ad Br female Has greyish brown upperparts, dark wings, ochre-yellow throat and breast and slightly darker ear-coverts. Ad Non-br female Similar to ad non-br male (see above). Black-eared in autumn can be very similar, but differs in warmer brown breast-band, weaker supercilium and often darker ear-coverts; any dark in throat or scapulars excludes Northern. Juv Plumage similar to juv Isabelline. Voice Song is short, rapid warble including fluty and scratchy notes. Calls include hard, wooden chack and inhaling heet. Habitat Common in open rocky areas with few bushes and patches with bare ground; from lowland semi-deserts up to alpine meadows.

Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina

16 cm

Monotypic. Can be very similar to ad female and autumn Northern Wheatear. See also Desert Wheatear for differences. Compared to Northern, larger and with more upright stance, heavier rounder head, shorter primary projection (100% or less – longer in Northern), shorter tail (not reaching ground in upright stance) and a broader black end-band making inverted-T less striking. Ad Upperparts and wings more uniform than in Northern; only centres of tertials, primaries and largest alula feathers visibly darker. Alula is darkest part of entire upperparts and especially darker than centres of greater coverts (more concolorous in Northern). Upperparts sandy or sandy-brownish, paler and less brown than autumn Northern and never greyish as in ad br female Northern. Supercilium of Isabelline is well marked in front of eye, very thin and tapering behind it, while in Northern, it is buffish before, but whiter, well-marked and broad-ended behind the eye. Underwing-coverts and axillaries are white to buffish-white and much paler than in Northern. Sexes similar but male on average with darker lores enhancing the longer and broader bill compared with Northern. Juv Lores pale and upperparts pale mottled and with some dark streaking on breast. Dark alula broadly fringed pale and difficult to see. Voice Song variable, but usually richer and longer than in other wheatears with imitations and numerous slurred whistles. Calls include various whistles, hard chack and buzzy chre. Habitat Common in a variety of dry habitats with sparse vegetation and sandy or stony ground; from lowlands to high mountains.

Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti

15 cm

Two races in region: O. d. deserti, O. d. oreophila (Pamir). Rather compact and differs from all other wheatears of the region by almost completely black tail contrasting with buffy-white rump and uppertail-coverts. Ad male Differs from dark-throated male Black-eared Wheatear by dark connection between throat and wings as well as by sandier upperparts including scapulars. In autumn in fresh plumage, has pale fringes to wing feathers and throat. Ad female Paler than Northern Wheatear, more sandy-buff and thus similar to Isabelline Wheatear, but with darker centres to coverts (can be difficult to see in fresh plumage) and lacking Isabelline’s contrast between dark alula and paler centres of greater coverts. Moreover, has more indistinct supercilium and brownish ear-coverts. Pale lesser coverts often conspicuous. Some females can show dark feathers on the throat in worn plumage. Juv Similar to ad female but with mottled upperparts and breast. Voice Song a mournful whistle or series of whistles, overall descending in pitch and often combined with short trills. Calls include hard tsak or tk-tk-tk, lark-like rolling trrr(she) and a squeaky down-slurred \peeaa. Habitat Lowland and highaltitude deserts. Rather uncommon in former, very common in latter.

Red-tailed Wheatear Oenanthe chrysopygia

16 cm

Monotypic. Distinguished from all other wheatears of the region by rusty rump, uppertailcoverts and tail-sides contrasting with black inverted-T in tail. Ad Sexes similar. In spring, upperparts greyish-brown and underparts greyish white with buff flanks and rusty vent. Head with pale supercilium, dark lores, browner ear-coverts and greyish neck-sides. In fresh plumage in autumn, greyer with rump brighter and broader pale fringes to coverts and tertials and rusty tips to rectrices. Juv Paler than ad with plainer face. Voice Song clear and musical with call-notes interspersed. Calls with grating, buzzy trzhe and hard notes like chek. Habitat Arid rocky slopes with screes and boulders. Uncommon to locally very common.

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Northern Wheatear 

breeding



breeding



breeding

breeding

1st-winter



breeding

Isabelline Wheatear



breeding (worn)

non-breeding

adult



fresh (autumn/winter)



breeding (worn)

Red-tailed Wheatear



fresh (autumn/winter)

adult worn

Desert Wheatear



breeding

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adult fresh (autumn/winter)

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PLATE 116: Wheatears II Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka

15 cm

Monotypic. Slightly smaller and longer-tailed than Northern Wheatear. Black tail end-band not of uniform width, instead extends on sides towards base and is less extensive in the middle of each tail-side. Very similar to Variable Wheatear of subspecies capistrata (which see). Female and imm birds very similar to respective plumages of Black-eared Wheatear; see that species for differences. Has a rare white-throated morph (‘vittata’). Ad Br male Has black wings, scapulars and mantle connected with dark throat. Ad Non-br male Wings and upperparts with broad pale fringes. Lores, ear-coverts and throat (except in ‘vittata’) are black with pale fringes on lower throat and ear-coverts. Ad Br female Has dark sooty brown or grey upperparts and dark throat patch reaching scapulars and upper breast. Chin is often paler. Throat pale whitish to buffish in ‘vittata’. Lower breast off-white like belly, occasionally slightly warmer (cf. Black-eared). Ad Non-br female Upperparts paler greyish with neatly pale fringes. Throat may be pale or dark, breast-band is creamy, buffish or greyish (cf. Black-eared). Juv Mottling and markings on upperparts and breast. 1st-win Similar to non-breeding plumages of respective sexes, but male gives untidy impression due to broader pale fringes which can conceal dark mantle and scapulars and connection between throat and scapulars. Voice Song consists of short, chirpy twitters, which can recall Greater Short-toed Lark or include good mimicry. Calls include a metallically buzzing trzheb, hard chack and whistled \su’/deett. Habitat Common in dry and stony areas with boulders and few scrubs; from lowland deserts to mountain plateaux.

Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica

15 cm

O. h. melanoleuca. Structure and tail-pattern similar to Pied Wheatear. Female and immature birds very similar to Pied and sometimes inseparable. Primary projection shorter or slightly longer than tertials, whereas as long as or longer than tertials in Pied. Ad Br male Crown and mantle white or pale buffish, some darker and greyer. Two morphs: Black-throated (‘stapazina’) and white-throated (‘aurita’). Ad Non-br male Has pale-fringed wing-feathers; crown and mantle are less white, brown-grey or sandy buff instead. Lesser coverts have only narrow pale fringes, while they are broadly fringed pale in Pied. Some ad non-br male Pied may show contrast between darker scapulars and paler mantle as typical for Black-eared, and Black-eared may show concolorous mantle and scapulars. Unlike Pied, never has black bases to mantle feathers. Ad female Crown, nape, mantle and scapulars rather dark brown with slight russet tinge. Unlike Pied, dark throat of dark-throated morph does not reach scapulars and upper breast. Warm orange or rusty breast-band typical. Pied is darker on upperparts and lacks distinct warm breast-band in all plumages. In fresh plumage in autumn, mantle and scapulars are neatly fringed pale in Pied, whereas Black-eared only occasionally shows pale fringes there. Pied is colourless, paler and more greyish. Be aware that female ‘vittata’ Pied shows pale whitish to buffish throat in all plumages. 1st-win Similar to non-breeding plumages of respective sexes. In males, the mantle and scapulars are often uniform because of broad pale fringes to scapulars. Voice Song similar to Pied’s, but often slightly longer strophes. Calls correspond with those of Pied. Habitat Dry stony slopes in deserts and semi-deserts; mainly lowlands and foothills. Rare. Note: Hybridises with Pied Wheatear in the west and south of the Caspian Sea. There is an isolated hybrid population from the north-eastern shore of the Caspian Sea to the Western Ustyurt, where only ‘aurita’ males occur. Male hybrids show intermediate features and females are often inseparable.

Finsch’s Wheatear Oenanthe finschii

17 cm

O. f. barnesi. Rather large and heavy-headed, has shorter wings and stronger bill and legs than Pied and Black-eared Wheatears. Tail with black inverted-T similar to Northern Wheatear with rather even end-band. Ad male In spring/summer, pale parts of plumage whitish (crown may be greyer); in fresh plumage in autumn pinkish cream-buff. Differs from male Black-eared by broad black connection from wing-bend to throat, from male Pied and Variable Wheatear of subspecies capistrata by pale mantle. Ad female Ear-coverts warm brown. Rest of head and upperparts pale sandy-grey, colder that in female Black-eared, Pied and capistrata Variable Wheatear. Wings dark with solid dark greater-coverts panel bordered by pale greater and median covert bar. Throat pale when fresh, sometimes becoming dark when worn, especially on lower part. Lacks brownish breast band of Pied, Black-eared and capistrata Variable. Throat and breast are paler compared to female capistrata Variable. Juv/1st-win Similar to pale female with pale throat, but with broader buff greater covert bar. Voice Song consists of musical strophes not unlike Pied, but with more rasping or hissing quality and fewer imitations. Calls include chip trak-trak and high-pitched tsit. Habitat Uncommon on sparsely vegetated and stony slopes in semi-deserts and deserts; lowlands and foothills.

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



1st-winter



breeding

breeding



breeding

‘vittata’



1st-winter



breeding

Pied Wheatear



breeding pale-throated morph



breeding



breeding dark-throated morph



non-breeding dark-throated morph

Black-eared Wheatear



1st-winter pale-throated morph



breeding dark-throated morph

 

1st-winter



Finsch’s Wheatear

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PLATE 117: Wheatears III Hume’s Wheatear Oenanthe albonigra

17 cm

Monotypic. Very similar to Variable Wheatear of subspecies picata, but is larger, has stronger bill and appears stockier, larger-headed. Has black tail end-band of even width similar to Variable. Ad male Head, ‘bib’, wings and most of upperparts blackish contrasting with white underparts and rump/uppertail-coverts like in ad Variable of subspecies picata. But black plumage-parts are glossier (difference less pronounced or even absent in worn plumage) and black bib extends less far onto breast. Moreover, has more extensively white rump-area, which extends further onto back with an oval-shaped border to black mantle (square-cut in picata Variable). Ad female Black plumage-parts are duller than in ad male, and it is thus even more similar to male Variable of subspecies picata. Juv Like ad, but black plumage-parts are tinged brownish and breast is dark mottled. Voice Song consists of rather stereotyped short, warbling strophes varying from sweet and musical to scratchy like a Sylvia warbler. Calls include hard chak chak... and in alarm a quiet chit-tit-tet. Habitat Dry and barren valleys with boulders and sparse vegetation. Scarce.

Variable Wheatear Oenanthe picata

16 cm

Occurs in three distinct subspecies, which are often considered colour morphs. A zone of intergradation between the subspecies exists in N Afg and S Tjk and capistrata may represent a hybrid swarm; many are intermediates (‘evreinowi’) between this subspecies and opistholeuca. Black tail end-band is usually of even width (cf. Pied Wheatear), but it may extend towards base on sides and is then similar to some Pied. O. p. picata (W and S Tkm, Afg, SW and S Tjk). Ad male Head, ‘bib’, wings and most of upperparts blackish contrasting with white underparts and rump/uppertail-coverts. Rather similar to slightly bigger Hume’s, but black coloration is less glossy, black ‘bib’ does extend further onto breast and white rump is more restricted. See Hume’s for further differences. Ad female Black of ad male replaced by dark or sooty-brown and bib may be more extensive and merging with buffish to buffish-white rest of underparts. 1st-yr female Usually paler than ad. O. p. opistholeuca (N Afg, S Tjk, intergrades with capistrata to N). Ad male Blackish overall with contrasting white vent and rump/uppertail-coverts. May recall male Pied Bushchat, but the latter differs in uniformly dark tail and white wing-patch. Ad female Duller and more brownish than ad male. Can show rufous tinge on ear-coverts and throat/breast and whitish coloration may extend further from vent onto underparts. O. p. capistrata (N part of range south to N Afg). Ad Br male Very similar to ad br male Pied, probably not always separable. But black ‘bib’ extends further onto breast and white nape is more restricted and does not extend onto mantle as in Pied. See also differences in tail-pattern. Intermediates with opistholeuca show variable amount of pale to white coloration on crown/nape and underparts below dark ‘bib’. Ad Non-br/1st-win male Differs less from ad br than corresponding plumages of Pied and lacks broad pale fringes on upperparts, head and wing, which are especially prominent in 1st-win Pied. Ad female Very similar to female Pied and probably not safely separable. See also female Finsch’s Wheatear for differences. Juv Similar to ad female, but pale speckled overall (cf. juv Finsch’s). Voice Song very diverse and complex. Can be given as variable but rather stereotypically repeated, warbling strophes, as a continuous warbling including numerous imitations and, in courtship or aggression, can include harsh or nasal screeches as well as barking sounds. Calls with short whistles partly recalling Isabelline Wheatear, hard check-check and (\hip) \hip-trrt. Habitat Semi-deserts and deserts with boulders, stony outcrops, barren valleys and canyons with a preference for areas offering vertical surfaces. Subspecies capistrata mainly occurs in lowlands and foothills, while opistholeuca and picata are found up to 3000 m. The former is apparently scarce, while the latter two are common.

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Hume’s Wheatear

adult

Variable Wheatear



picata

 capistrata



  

opistholeuca





004 BoCA.indd 267

intermediate

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PLATE 118: Flycatchers I Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata

14 cm

Three races in region: M. s. sarudnyi, M. s. neumanni (E Kaz), M. s. striata (N Kaz). Rather large and long-billed flycatcher with characteristic upright stance and long wings and tail. Always separated from other flycatchers by streaked crown. See Dark-sided and Rusty-tailed Flycatchers. Ad Rather plain with streaking on forehead, throat-sides and breast. May show pale secondary-panel in fresh plumage in autumn. Subspecies differ in coloration and amount of streaking: sarudnyi pale sandy above and only faintly streaked, while neumanni has greyer upperparts. Subspecies striata shows darker and browner upperparts and stronger streaking. Juv Upperparts and head with buff spotting, underparts dark-mottled. Voice Song a sequence of high-pitched call-like notes. Call piercing, scratchy tsree or tzzeet; in alarm tzzee-tk. Habitat Common in a variety of open woodlands, including gardens and parks.

Dark-sided Flycatcher Muscicapa sibirica

12 cm

Two races in region: M. s. sibirica. Small, large-headed, short-billed and long-winged. Ad Upperparts and head darker grey-brown than in Spotted Flycatcher. Always lacks streaked forehead of the latter. Shows prominent pale eye-ring and slightly paler lores. Dark malar region contrasts with whitish central throat and half-collar. Underparts whitish with variable grey-brown or diffusely streaked breast-sides and flanks and diffusely streaked central breast. Undertail-coverts with dark central marks in some. Juv Head and upperparts with pale spots; breast and flanks dark spotted. Extensive juv plumage can be retained until October. 1st-win Buffish tips to greater coverts form more prominent wing-bar than in ad. M. s. gulmergi (E Afg). Ad Underparts more heavily and diffusely marked contrasting with whitish centre of belly and vent. Voice Song a warble of squeaky, reedy and piercing sounds. Calls thin tseeew and high-pitched metallic tsi’tsi’tsi’tsit. Habitat Coniferous and mixed forest; foothills up to 1800 m. Scarce.

Rusty-tailed Flycatcher Muscicapa ruficauda

14 cm

Monotypic. Structurally similar to Spotted Flycatcher. Characterised by rufous tail and uppertailcoverts and plain plumage lacking streaking or spotting (except juv). Differs from Dark-sided Flycatcher apart from rufous tail in being bigger, paler, and having a plainer face-pattern and a longer bill showing partly pale lower mandible. Plumage overall similar to Common Nightingale or female Common Redstart. But easily separated by combination of structure and flycatcher-behaviour. Ad Greyish-brown above with contrasting tail and uppertail-coverts. Juv Shows pale spotting above and dark scaling below. Voice Song diagnostic, recalling Common Redstart of subspecies phoenicurus in quality; plaintive and slightly nasal first whistle, then two shorter, often inhaling whistles and variable finish (can be missing): tryy\oo /hueet-/hueet du\’du\’du’\du or tryyy chep-chep trz-dyy\o. Call down-slurred fluting whistle \pyu. Habitat Open coniferous and deciduous forests. Uncommon.

Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva

13 cm

Monotypic. Small and nervous, often flicks wings and cocks tail. Very similar to Taiga Flycatcher. White sides to tail-base characteristic and only shared with Taiga (though often difficult to see). Ad male Throat and upper breast orange-red with diffuse lower border and contrasting grey fringe laterally. Head with variable amount of greyish. Ad female/1st-sum male Breast and flanks warm buff with diffuse whitish throat, lacks grey on head. Only rarely with some orange on throat. Juv Upperparts pale spotted, throat and breast with dark scaling. 1st-win Differs from ad female in buffish tips to greater coverts and buffish edges to tertials. 2nd-sum male Orange-red throat and grey on head is more limited compared with ad male. Voice Song first metallic, then mournful like Willow Warbler tsk-tsk-\tyt-\tyt/-tee-\ tyoo/-tee-\tyoo-duu\-doo\-doo. Call a buzzy rattle tr’r’rt or trrr, drier and weaker than Winter Wren; also soft whistling doo/’deet or /dyy \o; often combined with rattle. Habitat Deciduous forests with much undergrowth; mainly lowlands and foothills. Scarce.

Taiga Flycatcher Ficedula albicilla

13 cm

Monotypic. Told from Red-breasted Flycatcher by almost entirely blackish bill lacking extensive brownish base to lower mandible. Also, uppertail-coverts are blacker than uppertail, whereas uppertail-coverts are concolorous with uppertail or even paler in Red-breasted. Ad Br male Unlike ad male Red-breasted, only throat is red-orange and distinctly demarcated from grey breast-band. Moreover, crown is brownish instead of greyish leading to cappedimpression. Ad Non-br male Similar to ad female, but some with orange mark on throat. Ad female Differs from ad female Red-breasted by colder and more greyish-buff underparts with smaller, but more clearly demarcated whitish throat. Juv See juv Red-breasted. 1st-win Underparts differ from Red-breasted as in ad female. Also, pale markings to tertials and greater coverts are more whitish and not restricted to tips, instead extend as fringes on outer webs. Voice Song lacks Red-breasted’s regular, well-paced rhythm: rather sharp whistles accelerating to trills. Calls trrt, drier than Red-breasted. Habitat As Red-breasted. Scarce.

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sibirica

adult adult

Spotted Flycatcher

1st-winter

gulmergi

adult

Dark-sided Flycatcher Rusty-tailed Flycatcher

 

 

Taiga Flycatcher Red-breasted Flycatcher

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PLATE 119: Flycatchers II Ultramarine Flycatcher Ficedula superciliaris

10 cm

F. s. superciliaris. Small and compact. Ad male Blue above with white supercilium; tail dark-blue with white sides to base. Ad female Non-descript. Some with bluish tinge to tail and uppertailcoverts. Similar Dark-sided Flycatcher is darker overall with more extensive dark breast and flanks and contrasting pale eye-ring as well as often more elongated with upright stance. Juv Spotted above and scaly below, male already with bluish tail and bluish edges to wingfeathers. 1st-win male Similar to ad female, but with bluish tinge to upperparts wings and tail, pale tips to greater coverts and pale fringes to retained tertials. Voice Song apparently a slow, irregular sequence of high-pitched thin notes with long pauses. Call, which may also have territorial function, a rather musical tittering tir’r’r’t or chee-tr’r’t. Habitat Deciduous and mixed mountain forests. Current status in region unknown.

Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca

13 cm

F. h. sibirica. Ad Br male Blackish and white, some are more greyish and white. Lacks white collar of ad br male Collared Flycatcher, and semi-collar on neck-sides often shown by ad br male Semi-collared Flycatcher. Unlike the latter two species, white streak at primary-bases much smaller and does not reach beyond tip of longest primary-covert. Tail-sides usually white. Ad Female Browner above than ad br male with less white in wing and lacking white forehead. Compared with Collared and Semi-collared, upperparts are warmer and less greyish. White streak at primary-bases as in ad br male. White edges to tertials broader than in ad female Collared and Semi-collared. Ad Non-br male Similar to ad female, but usually differs in blacker wing and wing-coverts. Juv Head and body scalloped and mottled. 1st-win Differs from ad female by shape of white tips to tertials (and often some retained greater coverts): white fringe is broader on outer than on inner web, creating a step. 1st-sum Similar to same-sex ad, but remiges and rectrices still juv. Some males can be aged by paler remiges than ad male. Voice Song a short strophe of 3–6 repeated motifs usually including a fairly rhythmical motif with alternating high- and lower-pitched notes. Call abrupt, slightly nasal and sharply rising /pwitt. Habitat Open forests, park-like woodlands. Localised breeder, but fairly common migrant. Note: Hybrids between Pied and Collared Flycatchers could occur in the region and further complicate identification.

Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis

13 cm

Monotypic (V). Ad Br male Upperparts blacker than in ad br male Pied Flycatcher, similar to ad br male Semi-collared Flycatcher. Easily identified by white collar. Furthermore, white patch at primary-bases much larger, white on forehead more extensive and whitish rump more conspicuous compared with ad br male Pied. Rectrices usually lack any white (cf. Semi-collared). Ad female Upperparts usually rather cold greyish in spring, but like female Pied in autumn. Unlike ad female Pied and Semicollared, shows extensive pale rump. Primary-patch smaller than in male, but larger than in female Pied. Ad Non-br male Similar to ad female, but wings and tail blacker (the latter with more white than in breeding plumage). This in combination with large white patch at primary-bases separates it from ad non-br and ad female Pied. But see ad non-br male Semi-collared. Juv, 1st-win Very similar to same-age Pied and best identified by voice. 1st-sum Remiges still juv (paler than in ad) and therefore primary-patch hardly differs from Pied. Unlike Pied, rectrices newly moulted and like ad. Voice Song differs strongly from Pied’s: mostly high-pitched, sibilant, harsh notes given in slow sequence, thinner and not as full as Pied. Call a diagnostic indrawn seeep. Habitat Woodlands.

Semi-collared Flycatcher Ficedula semitorquata

13 cm

Monotypic (MB SW Tkm?). Ad Br male Upperparts blacker than in ad br male Pied Flycatcher, similar to ad br male Collared Flycatcher, but differs in white-tipped median coverts. Usually shows white semi-collar on neck-sides. White at primary-bases and whitish rump more extensive than in ad br male Pied, but size of white forehead similar. White in tail-sides more extensive than in ad br male Pied with white edge usually surrounding tip of outermost feather. Ad female Coloration above usually similar to ad female Collared. White patch at primarybases is more extensive than in ad female Pied. Always best identified by pale tips to median coverts, only exceptionally shown by ad female Pied or Collared. White edges to tertials are even less extensive than in ad female Collared (cf. Pied). Ad Non-br male Similar to ad non-br male Collared, but differs in pale tips to median coverts. Large primary-patch separates it from Pied. Juv/1st-win Very similar to same-age Pied and Collared and best identified by voice. 1st-sum Remiges still juv (paler than in ad) and therefore primary-patch hardly differs from Pied. Unlike Pied, rectrices newly moulted and like ad. Voice Song harsh and thin like Collared’s, but faster and more rhythmical; in latter respect more like Pied’s. Calls include a clicking tik, thin down-slurred beeh and a sieeh, the latter two calls reminiscent of Collared, but harsher. Habitat Woodlands. Status in region unknown.

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1st-winter





breeding



1st-winter



Ultramarine Flycatcher 

breeding

1st-winter

Pied Flycatcher

1st-winter



breeding



breeding



breeding

Semi-collared Flycatcher Collared Flycatcher



breeding

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PLATE 120: Sparrows I Saxaul Sparrow Passer ammodendri

15 cm

Two races in region: P. a. ammodendri. Overall paler than House and Indian Sparrows and separated by distinct head-pattern. Ad Br male Broad tawny to sandy supercilium contrasts with black eye-stripe and with black band running from forehead over crown to nape. Black bib is less extensive than in House and Indian. Upperparts brownish-grey with distinct black streaks on scapulars and mantle. Unlike other sparrows, shows black lesser coverts and extensive black streaks on upper mantle suggesting half-collar. Further characterised by two white wing-bars (especially broad on median coverts, but cf. Indian Sparrow). Ad Non-br male Pale feather fringes partly obscure pattern of breeding plumage. Bill less blackish. Ad Female Overall paler than similar ad female House and Indian. Differs by more prominent sandy supercilium, more prominent pale wing-bars (especially on median-coverts), thinner black streaks on upperparts and black markings on lesser coverts. Often with dull dark bib and may even recall ad male in worn plumage in summer. See also ad female Afghan Scrub Sparrow. Juv Similar to ad female, but without dark bib. P. a. nigricans (SE, E Kaz). Ad Br male Differences slight, but more greyish above and shows more black on nape and broader black streaks on upperparts. Voice Song similar to Indian’s and House’s, but higher-pitched than most common song-type of these two and often with characteristic clear, almost whistling chirps. Calls include a variety of chirps. Habitat Uncommon in riparian and saxaul forest patches in deserts and semi-deserts; lowlands.

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

15 cm

Two races in region: P. d. domesticus, P. d. persicus (SW Afg). Very similar to Indian Sparrow (which see). See also Spanish Sparrow. Ad Br male Chestnut crown-sides and nape and black lores contrast with greyish crown, forehead and central nape. Black bib extends onto breast. Upperparts brownish with greyer rump and dark streaks overall. White tips to median coverts form conspicuous wing-bar, while wing-bar on greater coverts is much less prominent. Ad Non-br male Pale feather fringes partly obscure breeding plumage. Shows reduced black bib and less contrast between crown and crown-sides/nape. Bill less blackish. Ad Female Lacks black bib of ad male. Crown, nape and eye-stripe olive brown contrasting with paler buffish supercilium. Upperparts duller than in ad male, with buffier wing-bar on median coverts. Probably not separable from ad female Indian and usually not even separable from ad female Spanish. See also Saxaul and Afghan Scrub Sparrows. Juv Similar to ad female, but buffier overall with broader fringes to upperparts. Plumage rather loose; bill paler. Voice Song similar to Eurasian Tree Sparrow. Usually well-spaced, similar or identical, repeated chirps: chirrup or chirp. When excited, faster and more variable. Calls include chirrup used in song and when agitated chrrr’r’r’t’t. Habitat Common in open areas, including cultivations, gardens, villages; from lowlands to mountains.

Indian Sparrow Passer indicus

15 cm

Two races in region: P. i. bactrianus, P. i. indicus (S Afg). Very similar to House Sparrow, but subspecies indicus is noticeably smaller. Ad Br male Overall brighter than ad male House with more contrasting head-pattern. Chestnut parts on head and upperparts brighter and head-sides and underparts much whiter. Moreover, wing-bar on median coverts more conspicuous and broader. Probably less often shows white in area of supercilium than House. Ad Non-br male See House. Ad Female Probably not separable in the field from House and Spanish Sparrow. See also Saxaul and Afghan Scrub Sparrow. Juv Like juv House. Voice Apparently very similar to House. Habitat Not tied to human habitation like House Sparrow. Commonly nests in earth banks, sometimes in large colonies. Common.

Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis

15 cm

P. h. transcaspicus. Similar to House and Indian Sparrows. While males are often easily told, females are usually not separable. Ad Br male Lacks grey crown and forehead of male House and Indian, instead shows uniform chestnut crown, crown-sides and nape and broken white supercilium. Bib more extensive than in House and Indian and connected with black streaking on breast-sides and flanks. Further, black streaking on mantle and scapulars broader. Ad Nonbr male Breeding plumage partly obscured by buffish feather fringes and bill with yellowish base. Still separated from House and Indian by broken white supercilium, crown lacking grey and only partially hidden black streaking on underparts. Be aware that contrast between grey crown and broad chestnut stripe on head-sides is less contrasting in ad non-br male House and Indian. Ad Female On average shows more conspicuous and broader supercilium behind eye than female House and Indian, darker ear-coverts, more contrasting streaking on mantle and indication of grey streaking on underparts mirroring pattern of ad male. Juv Similar to ad female. Voice Song higher-pitched than in House and Indian, sustained series \ch/’LI \ch/’LI... or \che/’LI \che/’LI…. Large repertoire of calls, similar to House and Indian. Habitat Similar to House Sparrow, but less tied to human habitation. Uncommon.

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nigricans

 

Saxaul Sparrow



House Sparrow



Indian Sparrow



Spanish Sparrow



non-breeding



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

breeding

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PLATE 121: Sparrows II Zarudny’s Sparrow Passer zarudnyi

13.5 cm

Monotypic. Overall very pale with rather short and stubby bill. Shows less sexual dimorphism than other Passer species except Eurasian Tree Sparrow. Separated from other sparrows by a combination of head-pattern and unstreaked upperparts. Ad male Conspicuous black facial mask extends behind the eye and is connected with black bib. Upperparts, crown and nape pale greyish, underparts whitish. Blackish bases especially to greater-coverts and tertials, but also to remiges and rectrices contrast with rest of plumage. Black facial mask and especially bib may be less extensive in fresh plumage in autumn. Ad female Similar to ad male, but facial mask and bib less extensive and browner, usually not reaching behind the eye. Upperparts and underparts can show buffish wash. Juv No information. Voice Vocalisations insufficiently described. Some calls apparently Goldfinch-like. Other calls similar to House Sparrow. Habitat Small groups of bushes in sandy deserts. Rare. [Alt: Asian Desert Sparrow]

Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus

14 cm

Two races in region: P. m. dilutus, P. m. montanus (N Kaz). Smaller and slightly more delicate than House, Indian and Spanish Sparrows. Unlike other Passer species, shows no sexual dimorphism. Ad Upperparts like in House and Indian, but easily separated by characteristic head-pattern. Crown, head-sides and nape uniformely chestnut lacking white supercilium of Spanish. Also shows distinct broad black patch on ear-coverts. Rest of ear-coverts white extending as half collar on nape. Black bib is much less extensive than in House and Indian and restricted to throat. Juv Head-pattern duller than in ad with black patch on ear-coverts less striking and some greyish feather fringes on crown. Voice Song a series of monosyllabic chirps chvit chlep chit ch(e)lep... or chvit chvit chvit…. Calls include a dry tett’ett’ett-ett and a cheerful tyuvitt or tswitt. Habitat Variety of open habitats with at least few scattered trees and bushes, from lowlands up to mountains. Also human habitations including cities. Common.

Russet Sparrow Passer rutilans

15 cm

P. r. cinnamomeus (V Afg). Rather slim with relatively fine bill, size similar to Eurasian Tree Sparrow. Ad Br male Superficially similar to Eurasian, but easily separated by lack of ear-covert patch and bright rufous mantle to back, scapulars and lesser coverts concolorous with nape and crown. Mantle and upper scapulars show neat black streaks. Further differs from Eurasian in darker ear-coverts and variable suffusion of yellow on underparts and ear-coverts. Ad male Spanish Sparrow shares uniform crown and nape, but is darker and more chestnut there. Also Spanish shows more extensive bib with dark streaking on breastsides and flanks (partly obscured in non-breeding plumage). Ad Non-br male Pattern of head and upperparts partly obscured by buffish feather fringes. Bill less blackish, more horn-coloured. Ad female Similar to female House, Indian and Spanish Sparrows. Apart from differences in size and structure (see above), best separated by more contrasting head-pattern with more prominent supercilium and eye-stripe, usually brighter rufous upperparts especially from back to rump and almost no streaking on scapulars. Juv Similar to ad female, but duller. Voice Song consists of more rolling notes than most other Sparrows, somewhat variable chreer chroor chreer’lreer chroor…. Calls more melodious than Indian’s. Flight-call swee-swee. Habitat Open forests, often close to human settlements; mountains.

Afghan Scrub Sparrow Passer yatii

12 cm

Monotypic. Small sparrow with rather small bill. Ad Br male Head-pattern distinctive: greyish ear-coverts and crown with blackish eye-stripe contrasting with pale whitish to buffish supercilium. Small black bib contrasts with yellowish-whitish submoustachial-stripe and yellowish neck-sides. Underparts washed with lemon-yellow from breast to vent. Also characterised by contrasting chestnut greater and median coverts with whitish tips. Ad Non-br male Duller due to buffish-whitish feather fringes partly obscuring pattern of breeding plumage. Bill is less blackish. Ad female Apart from size, differs from sympatric ad female House, Indian and Spanish Sparrows in yellowish neck-sides and yellowish wash to underparts. Also paler and sandier overall with more conspicuous and broader buffish-white supercilium. Juv No information. Voice Voice undescribed, but probably identical to extralimital Dead Sea Sparrow. Calls of latter include high-pitched chi-vit chi-vit in flight. Habitat Reedbeds, tamarisks and riparian thickets. Localised but numerous. [Alt: Sistan Scrub Sparrow, Yate’s Sparrow]

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Eurasian Tree Sparrow

Zarudny’s Sparrow 

juvenile



adult



Russet Sparrow





non-breeding



breeding

Afghan Scrub Sparrow 

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PLATE 122: ROCK Sparrows and Snowfinches Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia

16 cm

Two races in region: P. p. intermedia, P. p. kirhizica (NW of region). Rather big, with heavy and broad-based bill. Combination of long primary projection (unlike any Passer sparrow) and white-tipped tail only shared with Pale Rock Sparrow. But the latter is more uniform lacking streaking and head-stripes. Ad Characteristic yellow spot on lower throat/upper breast usually difficult to see. Head-pattern distinct: pale supercilium and median crown-stripe contrasting with dark eye- and lateral crown-stripe. Told from Corn Bunting by more contrasting headpattern, white-tipped tail and structure. Juv Lacks yellow spot on lower throat/upper breast of ad. Voice Song drawn-out wheezy tvae/ee\op or vaa/’ee\tlit. Similar note also used as call. Has large repertoire of other calls, often more musical than calls of House and Indian Sparrows. Habitat Stony deserts and semi-deserts, including human settlements, stony and rocky mountain slopes; from lowlands to mountains, may reach 3000 m. Uncommon to common.

Yellow-throated Sparrow Gymnoris xanthocollis

14 cm

Two races in region: G. x. transfuga, G. x. xanthocollis (E Afg). Superficially similar to Pale Rock Sparrow, but smaller with longer, more conical and pointed bill, shorter primary projection, relatively longer tail without white spots at tip. Pale tips to median coverts much broader and further differs by greyish instead of orange-brown legs. Ad Br male Lesser coverts distinctively chestnut. Has white throat with yellow spot on lower part as well as blackish lores and bill. Ad Non-br male Like ad female, has pale bill and lacks blackish lores. Ad female Has brownish instead of chestnut lesser coverts. Shows only faint or no yellow spot on lower throat. Juv Overall buffier than ad female including wing-bars; lacks yellow on lower throat. Voice Song a hurried series of rather cheerful chirps, higher-pitched and more rapid than House or Indian Sparrows. Calls similar to House and Indian, but more melodious. Habitat Dry forests; lowland and foothills. Local.

Pale Rock Sparrow Carpospiza brachydactyla

15 cm

Monotypic. Nondescript, shares heavy and broad-based bill, long primary projection and rather short tail with conspicuous white tips to outer rectrices with Rock Sparrow. Easily separated by more uniform plumage lacking contrasting head-pattern. See also Yellow-throated Sparrow. Ad Rather plain greyish-buff with paler underparts. Shows diffuse pale supercilium and eye-ring and often dark malar-stripe. Pale tips to greater and median coverts form two wing-bars. Also has pale wing-panel on secondaries contrasting slightly with darker primaries. Bill darker during breeding season. Juv Warmer colours than ad. Voice Song a cicada-like rising buzzing, often introduced by short metallic notes (tze’tze’tze’)tzzzzzee. Call nasal twee(-oo). Flight-call a soft churr recalling European Bee-eater. Habitat Arid to semi-arid areas with patches of grass and scattered scrubs; mainly lowlands and foothills. Rather common. [Alt: Pale Rockfinch]

White-winged Snowfinch Montifringilla nivalis

17 cm

Two races in region: M. n. tianschanica, M. n. alpicola (Afg, W Pamir). Has long wings and tail and conspicuous black-and-white wing-pattern in flight. Tail largely white with black central band. Wingand tail-pattern recall Snow Bunting (which see). When settled, wing-pattern is visible as a black band along outer wing bordering a white panel. Ad Br male Black eye-mask, bib and bill. Brownish-grey above, head-sides greyish, darker than whitish underparts. Often shows pale moustache. Ad Br female Paler than ad br male with black throat more poorly defined and bill with horn-coloured base. Ad Non-br Similar to ad br female, but black throat can be concealed by pale feather fringes. Juv Similar to ad non-br, but paler with rather uniform head-pattern and buffish feather fringes overall. Voice Song consists of hard metallic chirps with halting rhythm and a few trills. Call is a harsh, strident pshee or kveeck. Habitat Alpine meadows and rocky slopes, often close to snow-line. Common.

Afghan Snowfinch Pyrgilauda theresae

15 cm

Monotypic. Smaller and shorter-tailed than White-winged Snowfinch and told in flight by far less white in wing: broad white wing-stripe and white or light brown patch on median coverts. Tail characteristic: grey-brown with black terminal band and narrow white subterminal band interrupted by dark central rectrices. Superficially similar Desert Finch has browner head, unstreaked upperparts, more white in tail and different wing-pattern. Ad male Bold black mask and gorget. Mantle and scapulars brown-grey, streaked blackish-brown. On some, mantle contrasts with light grey nape and head. In fresh plumage in autumn, nape browner and streaks above partly concealed. Bill black. Ad female Facepattern more obscure. Juv Buffer overall, bill paler. Voice Song with rolling notes and trills sometimes given in rapid circling songflight low above ground. Call, especially in flight, a squeezed, wheezy dvae, often with upward inflection. In alarm, rather hollow, slightly nasal churrs bryd’d(-bryd’d) or drawn-out bryd’yd’yd’yd’yd’yd’yd’yd. Habitat Alpine plateaux and shallow slopes; mainly above 2800 m, up to at least 3500 m. In winter, recorded in lowland steppes, possibly usually leaves highlands. Locally common.

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

Rock Sparrow





Yellow-throated Sparrow

Pale Rock Sparrow

White-winged Snowfinch 





Afghan Snowfinch

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PLATE 123: Accentors I Radde’s Accentor Prunella ocularis

16 cm

Monotypic (V). Rare and possibly irregular in region; Kopet Dagh, Tkm. Ad Shares whitish supercilium contrasting with dark ear-coverts with Brown Accentor, but differs in more prominent buffish breast contrasting with whitish throat. Dark lateral crown-stripes concolorous with ear-coverts, while crown is paler than ear-coverts in Brown. Often has dark speckled malarstripe unlike Brown and shows stronger streaking on upperparts, breast-sides and flanks. Can be confused with Black-throated Accentor lacking black throat in fresh plumage, but differs in whiter supercilium, more uniformly dark ear-coverts and crown (without dark lateral crown stripes) and more extensive whitish throat. Usually easily separated from Siberian Accentor by whitish instead of orange-buff supercilium and throat. Juv Unlikely to be confused with other accentors due to disjunct breeding range. Similar to ad, but underparts more strongly streaked and head-pattern duller with some streaks. Voice Song similar to other small accentors, but clearer and more whistling in tone than Black-throated. Call high-pitched jingling titititi, similar to Black-throated. Habitat Mountain slopes with low scrub and boulders.

Brown Accentor Prunella fulvescens

15 cm

Two races in region: P. f. fulvescens, P. f. dahurica (NE Kaz). Small and overall rather pale. Ad Shows contrasting white supercilium and dark ear-coverts. Crown slightly darker than greyishbrown and faintly streaked upperparts. Underparts buffish with whiter throat and no or only very faint streaking on flanks. Differs from Black-throated Accentor lacking black throat in fresh plumage in white instead of buffish supercilium, more uniformly dark ear-coverts, only weakly streaked upperparts and flanks as well as paler underparts. Disjunct Radde’s Accentor is very similar, but differs by more prominent buffish breast contrasting with white throat and darker crown concolorous with earcoverts (paler in Brown). Also many Radde’s show dark speckled malar-stripe and more strongly streaked flanks. See also Siberian Accentor. Juv More strongly streaked above than ad and with fine streaking on breast. Supercilium less conspicuous and ear-coverts browner. Voice Song a short strophe of high-pitched squeaky whistles and trills. Similar to Black-throated’s but drier, with more trills. Call a metallic jingling trill and a bunting-like ziet-ziet. Habitat Common in stony subalpine and alpine meadows and scrub.

Black-throated Accentor Prunella atrogularis

15 cm

Two races in region: P. a. huttoni, P. a. atrogularis (PM, WV). Usually easily identified by diagnostic black throat, but some in fresh autumn plumage can show almost completely pale throat. Ad Throat, ear-coverts, eye-stripe and crown blackish contrasting with pale supercilium. Breast and flanks pale buffish with some dark streaks on flanks, rest of underparts whitish. Upperparts brownish with blackish streaks on mantle and scapulars. In fresh plumage in autumn and winter, supercilium is broader and more orange buff. Submoustachial stripe also broader than in worn plumage (then often lacking). Occasionally, black throat is partly or even completely (only 1st-win female?) obscured by pale feather fringes. Such birds are similar to Brown, Radde’s and Siberian Accentors; see those species for differences. Juv Headpattern less conspicuous than in ad, with brownish ear-coverts and crown, dark streaking on supercilium and dark mottled throat. Lacks greyish neck-sides of ad and is duller on upper- and underparts. The latter are more extensively streaked. Voice Song a pleasant very high-pitched warble. Call a jingling trill titititi. Habitat Common in coniferous and mixed forests with thorny undergrowth; mainly mountains.

Siberian Accentor Prunella montanella

15 cm

P. m. montanella (V). Usually rather brightly coloured. Can be confused with Brown, Radde’s and pale-throated 1st-win Blackthroated Accentors. Ad Unlike other similar accentors, upperparts are streaked with warm brown instead of blackish colour. However, some show more blackish streaking (usually with rufous edges) and are more difficult to identify. But always differs from the three similar species by orange-buff supercilium and throat. Also, streaking on upperparts much more prominent than in Brown. Additional differences from Black-throated include brighter supercilium (usually brighter in front of the eye, the opposite in Black-throated) and brighter throat concolorous with breast as well as more uniformly dark ear-coverts and less streaking on central crown. Voice Call fine, hitch-pitched tsritititih. Habitat Undergrowth of open mixed woodlands.

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Radde’s Accentor

juvenile

adult

Brown Accentor

juvenile

adult

1st-winter

Black-throated Accentor

adult worn

dull individual

Siberian Accentor

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breeding

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PLATE 124: Accentors II Dunnock Prunella modularis

14 cm

P. m. modularis. Overall nondescript, rather plain dark. Hardly confusable with any other species. Ad Most conspicuous plumage features are greyish supercilium broadly surrounding ear-coverts and joining with greyish throat as well as white tips to greater coverts often forming wing-bar. Earcoverts and crown greyish-brown with dark speckling. Flanks and breast-sides streaked brownish, upperparts brown with blackish streaks. Voice Call pleasantly ringing, high-pitched titititi, similar to other small accentors, and harsh, discordant seeh. Habitat Scrub and wooded areas. Scarce.

Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris

17 cm

Two races in region: P. c. rufilata, P. c. montana (SW Tkm). Big and stocky with strong undulating flight. Shares whitish-tipped rectrices with similar Altai Accentor; see that species for differences. Ad Grey-brown overall with rufous flanks and breast-sides and white throat with dark bars. Upperparts streaked dark with an obvious dark panel formed by greater, median and primarycoverts (enhanced by pale-edged remiges). White tips to greater, median and primary-coverts less obvious or can even be lacking in worn plumage in summer. Bill black with yellow base. Juv Duller than ad, with usually less rufous on flanks and less contrasting throat-pattern. Voice Song-phrases consist of clattering slow trills, grinding, rolling and sweet notes often repeated a few times without pause. Whole song is variable in length and can recall Black Redstart. Call rolling chirr(ir)(rup). Also Linnet-like tew-tew-tew. Habitat Stony alpine meadows, usually above treeline, lower in winter. Scarce.

Altai Accentor Prunella himalayana

15 cm

Monotypic. Smaller than similar Alpine Accentor. Ad More contrastingly patterned than Alpine. Shows more obvious white throat with variable dark spotting, dark malar stripe and black border below. Underparts whiter than in Alpine with rufous streaks on flanks and also on breast unlike Alpine. Upperparts show more contrasting dark and rufous streaks than Alpine, and dark wing-panel is less prominent due to broad rufous edges on greater coverts. Also, differs from Alpine in less uniform head with brownish ear-coverts and paler supercilium in fresh plumage. Juv Very similar to juv Alpine. Voice Song insufficiently described. Apparently a silvery trilling warble. Call said to be a tee-tee. Habitat Stony alpine meadows, usually less vegetated areas than Alpine. Common.

Rufous-breasted Accentor Prunella strophiata

15 cm

P. s. jerdoni. Rather gregarious in winter. Ad Superficially similar to Black-throated Accentor, but easily separated by white throat with dark spots and by broad rufous breast-band and pale rufous flanks with stronger dark streaks. Has characteristic two-coloured supercilium and rufous spotting on rear ear-coverts. Juv Similar to juv Black-throated, but shows buffish breast-band beneath black streaking and less contrasting pale edges to tertials. See also Brown Accentor. Voice Song consists of call-like rattles increasing and decreasing in pitch and interspersed with chirping and slurred notes. Call a hard clinking short rattle, often repeated. Habitat Subalpine scrub, lower in winter. Local.

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adult

Dunnock

Alpine Accentor

juvenile

adult

Altai Accentor juvenile

adult

Rufous-breasted Accentor juvenile

adult

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PLATE 125: Sunbird, Dippers and waxwing Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus

10cm

C. a. brevirostris. Small with characteristic thin, decurved bill and short square tail. Very active and agile with fast flight. Chiefly feeds on flower nectar. Ad Br male Blackish with iridescent bluish-green head, breast, mantle and scapulars. Often with narrow reddish-brown breastband. Yellow and orange feather tufts at bend of wing usually hidden. Looks entirely dark in poor light. Male eclipse Underparts more yellowish than ad female with black band along central throat and breast. Wing and tail-feathers glossy. Ad female Greyish-brown above, yellowish-white below. Shows slightly darker mask and indistinct pale supercilium and contrastingly darker tail. Juv Underparts more yellowish than ad female. Voice Song usually consists of two parts. First part often a strident rattle, second part a series of clearer, mournful notes somewhat recalling Willow Warbler. Calls include a hard, buzzy tsit and an emphatic wheezy /chi/ wee. Habitat Dry deciduous woodlands; lowlands and foothills. Current status in region unknown.

White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus

20cm

Two races in region: C. c. leucogaster. Rather chunky with short, often cocked tail. Swims, dives and walks under water, often seen floating on water surface. Flight rapid, straight with fast wingbeats. Ad Throat to belly white contrasting to remaining variably brown plumage. Juv Greyish above with dark scaling. Underparts whiter with greyish barring. C. c. baicalensis (NE Kaz). Ad Polymorphic. Some similar to leucogaster, but can show pale nape and paler head. Others with variable amount of brown on belly often leaving only white throat and breast and more rusty-brown upperparts. Yet others with throat and breast brownish almost as dark as belly and then similar to Brown Dipper. Voice Song a sustained warble of metallic, harsh and squeaky notes, often delivered at relaxed pace. Call a metallic, harsh tsret. Habitat Rocky rivers with fast-flowing and clear water; foothills and mountains. Common.

Brown Dipper Cinclus pallasii

22cm

C. p. tenuirostris. Bigger, with longer bill than White-throated Dipper. Behaviour similar to the latter. Ad Entirely brown. Juv Greyish-brown with pale spotting or scaling overall. Has more prominent pale fringes to wing-feathers than juv White-throated. Voice Song stronger than White-throated’s, including more trills. Call very similar to White-throated’s, but less harsh. Habitat Similar to White-throated, but tends to occur on larger rivers. Common.

Bohemian Waxwing Bombycilla garrulus

18 cm

B. g. garrulus. Compact with short tail and rather long crest. Head-pattern, rufous undertailcoverts, and yellow on primary-tips and tail-tip diagnostic. Flight-shape similar to Common Starling, but thicker-necked. Often in flocks. Ad male Red waxy tips to secondaries, tertials and rectrices in some. Ad female Has narrower tail-endband than male, narrower white fringes to primary-tips, less red waxy tips to secondaries and diffuse lower border to throat. 1st-win Tail end-band even narrower than in ad female. Lacks white fringes on inner vanes near primarytips. Has no (female) or only few red waxy tips to secondaries. Voice Song consists of call-notes interspersed with hard sounds. Call is a silvery-clear, tinkling sirrr. Habitat Open areas with berry-bearing shrubs or trees. Uncommon to scarce, numbers varying between years.

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



breeding

eclipse



Purple Sunbird

White-throated Dipper adult adult dark morph

baicalensis leucogaster

Brown Dipper

adult

juvenile

Bohemian Waxwing

adult

1st-winter



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PLATE 126: Wagtails I White Wagtail Motacilla alba

18 cm

Highly polytypic species with four races in region: ‘Masked Wagtail’ M. a. personata. Slim; persistently pumps long tail. Typical undulating flight. Ad Br Head and breast mainly black, contrasting with white forehead and mask. Median and greater coverts appear all white (black on inner webs of greater usually not visible) and white edges to the tertials are wider than in subspecies alba. Ad Non-br Shows white on upper throat and on submoustachial area. Female usually with less contrasting head-pattern and can show some grey on crown and nape. Juv Head and upper breast grey with white area around eye and white supercilium above and behind eye. Median coverts have dark shaft streaks and greater coverts dark centres. 1st-win Similar to ad non-br, but some retain juv greater coverts (see above). Head markings can be greyer and less clear-cut and yellowish tinge on pale parts of head is indicative of 1st-win. ‘White Wagtail’ M. a. alba (N Kaz). Ad Br male Differs from personata by extensive white face and white on neck-sides, by black median and greater coverts with broad pale tips and pale edges and by narrower white edges to tertials. Ad Br female Usually differs from ad br male by less clear-cut head pattern and diffuse border between grey mantle and blackish nape (distinct demarcation in males). Ad Non-br Both sexes have a white throat. Males show some grey mottling on white forehead, and usually some grey admixed on crown and nape, while females usually differ in having completely greyish forehead, crown and nape. Throat (and head-sides in females) can be tinged yellowish. Juv Upperparts duskier than 1st-win, breast-patch diffuse, dark lateral crown-stripes and supercilium only visible above and behind eye. 1st-win Similar to ad non-br female, but often shows moult limit in greater coverts. ‘East Siberian Wagtail’ M. a. ocularis (V). Ad Br Differs from alba by blackish eye-stripe and more white in median and greater coverts (as personata). Female usually with less contrasting head-pattern. Ad Non-br Throat white, female with some grey on crown and nape. 1st-win Similar to ad non-br female, but with extensive dark centres to greater and median coverts. ‘Himalayan Wagtail’ M. a. alboides (V). Ad Br Like personata, but grey above replaced by black (black spotted in some females). Ad Non-br Throat white. Female dark-grey above, darker than in personata. 1st-win Similar to 1st-win personata, but darker grey above with more black on crown and nape. Voice Song a twittering phrase including call-notes. Second song type a regular series of advertisement-calls tshee-wee or other notes of 2–4 syllables. Call high-pitched, sharp tchi-tchik. Advertisement calls of subspecies alba more like chelee, on average more liquid and monosyllabic than in personata. Call of alba less sharp than personata. Habitat Common in a wide variety of non-forested wet and dry habitats, frequently close to human habitation, up to 3700 m.

Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola

17 cm

Two races in region: M. c. calcarata. Slightly longer-tailed than Yellow Wagtail. Unlike Yellow and White Wagtail, shows white central stripe along underwing, slightly narrower than in Grey Wagtail. Ad Br male All black upperparts contrast with yellow head and underparts and with broad white wing-bars (greater coverts can appear all white) and broad white tertial fringes. Some 1st-sum males with dark grey mantle and scapulars with blackish mottling. Ad Br female Can be confused with male Yellow of subspecies lutea, but shows greyish and not greenish upperparts, broader and whiter wing-bars, and more prominent supercilium surrounding ear-coverts. Underparts gradually become paler from yellow throat to white undertail-coverts (yellow in male Yellow of subspecies lutea). Ad Non-br Similar to Ad br female, but some females show almost no yellow and approach 1st-win. Juv Very similar to juv Yellow, but supercilium normally surrounds ear-coverts, which is usually not the case in Yellow and undertail-coverts are never yellow. Yellow Wagtail moulting from juv to 1st-win rarely lacks connection between ear-coverts and nape. 1st-win Usually lacks any yellow. Very similar to some 1st-win Yellow that lack any yellow or greenish tinge. However, broader supercilium clearly surrounds the earcoverts (interrupted in Yellow), lores and central ear-coverts are paler (ear-coverts uniformly dark or with a white subocular area in Yellow). Unlike Yellow, often shows dark lateral crown-stripe and pale buffish forehead. Wing-bars broader than in Yellow and bill all black (paler at base of lower mandible in Yellow). M. c. citreola (N Kaz). Ad Br male Grey upperparts contrast with black nape-band. Paler yellow head and underparts, white undertail-coverts and narrower wing-bars. Rarely lacks black on nape and can be confused with male Yellow of subspecies lutea, but the latter shows greenish upperparts, less broad and more yellowish wing-bars and yellow undertail-coverts. Ad female Never shows black spots on upperparts as some female calcarata. Voice Song consists of repeated call-like, but more drawn-out notes, interspersed with shorter double or triple notes. Call slightly sharper than Yellow’s tsrreet or tchreep. Sometimes softer tslee. Habitat Subspecies calcarata favours wet subalpine and alpine meadows, while citreola favours wetlands in steppes. Common.

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personata



breeding

juvenile

White Wagtail ocularis



breeding

alba



breeding

juvenile



breeding

calcarata

Citrine Wagtail 

breeding

citreola

1st-winter

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

breeding

juvenile

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PLATE 127: Wagtails II Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava

17 cm

Highly polytypic species. Six races known from region, differing mainly in head-pattern of ad br male. 1st-win, juv and subspecies lutea in particular can be confused with Citrine Wagtail (which see for differences). Smaller and shorter-tailed than White Wagtail. ‘Black-headed Wagtail’ M. f. feldegg. Ad Br male Upperparts brownish-green and underparts bright yellow. Glossy black head contrasting with rather greenish mantle. Throat completely yellow or with some white in submoustachial area (‘melanogrisea’). Black on head often extends onto upper mantle. Ad Non-br male Head pattern is less distinct, upperparts browner and underparts are less bright yellow. Ad female Rather variable, some like grey-white version of male with darker head than other subspecies lacking supercilium, others with pale supercilium and greener upperparts and more yellow underparts and thus similar to other subspecies. Juv Underparts buffish-white usually with some yellow on undertail-coverts. Upperparts brownish. Shows conspicuous headpattern with buffish-white supercilium, broad blackish lateral crown-stripe, blackish moustachial and malar stripes, the latter ending in a malar patch and connected to dark breast-band. 1st-win Similar to ad female. Some are rather grey and white with prominent supercilium and are very similar to 1st-win Citrine (which see). ‘Sykes’s Wagtail’ M. f. beema (N Kaz). Ad Br male Head bluish-grey with broad white supercilium and white area below eyes on ear-coverts. Throat yellow with whitish chin and submoustachial area. ‘Yellow-headed Wagtail’ M. f. lutea (NW Kaz). Ad Br male Can show completely yellow head, others have yellow head with greenish crown, nape, eye-stripe and lores and in some birds only supercilium, throat and lower parts of the ear-coverts yellow with rest of head greenish. Ad female Some females can be identified by yellow supercilium. ‘Eastern Yellow Wagtail’ M. f. tschutschensis (E Kaz). Ad male Shows grey head with rather narrow white supercilium, earcoverts lack white lower part of beema and are usually darker than crown or even blackish in some. Throat yellow with some white on chin and submoustachial area. ‘Grey-headed Wagtail’ M. f. thunbergi (PM). Ad male Crown and nape darker than in tschutschensis with dark-grey or blackish ear-coverts, lores and forehead; usually lacks supercilium but some have narrow white stripe mainly behind the eye. Throat yellow, some with white on chin and submoustachial area. ‘White-headed Wagtail’ M. f. leucocephala (PM). Ad male Head white with variable amount of grey on forehead to nape and ear-coverts. Throat yellow with white on chin and submoustachial area. Voice Song dry, harsh (tsre-)tsre-tsreee. Sometimes similar notes are combined with call-notes to form a twittering song. Third song-type is a fast zi-zi-zi-zi-zi, either at end of twittering song or on its own. Call similar to Citrine, marginally less harsh tsrreep. Sometimes considerably softer psee or tslie. Habitat Very common in wetlands in steppes, semi-deserts and deserts; from lowlands up to 2000 m.

Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea

17 cm

M. c. cinerea. Has longest tail and shortest legs of all wagtails. Almost constantly pumps its tail and rear body. Legs are pinkish and not black as in other wagtails. At least undertail-coverts (and vent) are always yellow. Upperparts greyish contrasting with dark wings. Unlike other wagtails, has only narrow and indistinct greyish wing-bars, but white edges to tertials are distinct. Always has narrow, but distinct pale supercilium. Flight even more undulating than in other wagtails; unlike Yellow and White Wagtails, shows white central stripe along underwing (cf. Citrine Wagtail). Ad Br male Black throat and contrasting white submoustachial stripe and bright yellow underparts. Ad Br female Paler yellow underparts and usually has white throat, but some show black mottling on throat. Ad Non-br Both sexes show a white throat and paler underparts. Juv/1st-win Similar to ad non-br, but usually less yellow and more buffish on underparts. Voice Song is a series of sharp, high-pitched notes tse-tse-tse-..., often alternating between a few slower and a few faster series. Call similar to that of subspecies personata of White, but is sharper, higher-pitched and more clipped, usually bisyllabic tsitt-tsitt. Habitat Common along fast-flowing mountain streams and rivers, up to 3000 m.

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

 lutea

beema

 

feldegg

Yellow Wagtail

 tschutschensis

 feldegg



 leucocephala

 thunbergi

 thunbergi

Grey Wagtail 

breeding



breeding



non-breeding

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PLATE 128: Pipits I Paddyfield Pipit Anthus rufulus

16 cm

A. r. waitei (MB?, V Afg). Particularly similar to Richard’s Pipit, but can also be confused with Tawny Pipit (which see). Smaller and shorter-tailed and with thinner and more pointed bill than Richard’s. Legs and hind-claws slightly longer than in Tawny. Best identified by call. Ad Very similar to Richard’s but with generally less heavily streaked upperparts. Lores can be pale as in Richard’s or have a thin faint dark stripe more similar to Tawny, but never as dark and distinct as in the latter. Compared with Tawny, breast and upperparts are more distinctly streaked. Juv Not safely separable from Richard’s by plumage. Voice Song very similar to Richard’s. Often higher-pitched and faster, but there is overlap. Call is a hard, dry chet or chep-chep. Habitat Short grassland, stubble fields and cultivations; usually below 1000 m, but occasionally up to 3000 m.

Richard’s Pipit Anthus richardi

18 cm

A. r. richardi. Large pipit with long legs, long hind-claw and often typical upright stance. Very similar to Paddyfield Pipit; see that species for differences. Told from Tawny Pipit in all plumages by pale lores. Best identified by voice. Ad Upperparts and crown rather heavily streaked, with strong pale supercilium. Breast and flanks buffish contrasting with more whitish belly. Fine black streaks on breast and sometimes on rear flanks. Juv Upperparts, crown and forehead dark with narrow clear-cut buffish fringes. Coverts and tertials dark with clear-cut narrow pale fringes. Underparts usually whiter than in ad, breast heavily streaked or spotted, flanks often with some streaks. 1st-win Similar to ad, but some with retained juv median or greater coverts or tertials. Difference best seen on median coverts: buffish with diffuse triangular-shaped dark centres in ad, whereas dark with clear-cut and narrow pale fringes in juv. Voice Song a rapid series of usually 3–12 grinding double-notes tzeevoo-tzeevoo-…. Call explosive, harsh shreep or pshreee, which may recall a piece of cloth being torn apart or House Sparrow. Habitat Steppe grassland, stubble fields and cultivation, edges of marshy areas; up to 2000 m. Scarce.

Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris

17 cm

Monotypic. Very similar to Long-billed Pipit; see that species for differences. Slightly smaller than Richard’s with usually more horizontal stance, shorter neck and legs and a lighter, more pointed bill. Differs from Richard’s and to a lesser degree from Paddyfield Pipit by dark loral stripe and less prominent malar stripe. Ad Overall has rather pale and poorly streaked plumage compared to Richard’s, with only faintly streaked upperparts and no or only few streaks on breast. Juv With heavily streaked or spotted breast compared with ad. Plumage similar to juv Richard’s. Best identified by dark lores, structure and call. 1st-win Similar to ad, but usually with some retained juv median or greater coverts or tertials, which have narrower pale fringes and more clear-cut pale tips. Some also retain a few juv feathers on upperparts with dark centres contrasting with the otherwise paler grey-brown upperparts. Others retain much of juvenile plumage in autumn and are more similar to Richard’s and are best identified by dark lores, different structure and call. Voice Song a slightly melancholy tsir/’leee tsir/’leee... or other bi- or trisyllabic note, regularly repeated for often more than a minute. Call an explosive cherleep or tchilp, recalling House Sparrow. Alternative call short, rather soft chup(-chup). Habitat Common in open dry habitats in steppes; foothills and mountains, up to 3600 m.

Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis

19 cm

A. s. decaptus. Similar to Tawny Pipit, but larger, heavier and longer-tailed with stronger bill and relatively shorter legs. Even larger than Richard’s Pipit. Ad Usually less streaked on upperparts and crown than Tawny and also has more uniform and darker underparts. Breast with more diffuse but, on average, more streaks. Compared with Tawny, supercilium is narrower and longer, dark loral stripe is narrower and longer and moustachial stripe and malar stripe are less distinct. Pale tail sides are less extensive and less white than in Tawny. Dark centres of median coverts and tertials are paler and more diffuse. Head never shows pale yellow tinge as in some Tawny. Compared with Richard’s and Paddyfield shows dark loral stripe and more uniform and less streaked plumage. Juv Differs from juv Tawny in only indistinct malar patch, less dark feather centres on upperparts and crown as well as on coverts and tertials. Voice Song a well-paced sequence of simple whistling or churring notes, for example: cherr \chyurr drlyo chew/ee…. Call rather full, short klyp. Habitat Uncommon on rocky hillsides with sparse ground cover.

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adult worn

adult fresh

Paddyfield Pipit

adult fresh adult worn

juvenile

Richard’s Pipit

adult fresh adult worn juvenile

Tawny Pipit

juvenile

adult

Long-billed Pipit

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PLATE 129: Pipits II Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis

15 cm

Two races in region: A. t. haringtoni, A. t. trivialis (N of region). Very similar to Meadow Pipit, but slightly larger with heavier bill. See similar Olive-backed and Red-throated Pipits for differences. Ad Streaks on flanks much thinner than in Meadow and contrast with thicker streaks on breast. Dark loral stripe breaks eye-ring in front of the eye, whereas in Meadow lores are pale and eye-ring complete. Additionally, supercilium usually more prominent than in Meadow and buffish throat and breast contrast with whitish belly, whereas in Meadow underparts are more uniform. Meadow never shows a pale and a dark spot on ear-coverts as some Tree. Mantle and scapulars are usually less heavily streaked than in Meadow. Juv Differs from ad by having dark streaks on back, rump and uppertail-coverts (plain in ad) and stronger dark streaks on upperparts. Voice Song from perch (often incomplete song) or in song-flight, which consists of steep rise and parachuting descent. Beginning of song can recall Chaffinch and consists of trills of different speed, series of repeated thinner, high-pitched notes and a characteristic series of drawn-out down-slurred \tseewoo-\tseewoo…. Sequence of these parts variable. Common call is a high-pitched hoarse psseep or bizz. Habitat Common from lowland forest steppes to mountain woodlands and up to 3500 m in alpine meadows with some bushes or junipers.

Olive-backed Pipit Anthus hodgsoni

15 cm

A. h. yunnanensis. Similar to Tree Pipit in all plumages. Ad Has more contrasting face pattern than Tree with more prominent whitish and blackish spots on rear ear-coverts and more prominent supercilium (buffish in front and whitish behind eye, but rather buffish throughout in Tree) bordered above by dark lateral crown stripe. Be aware that some Tree can have very similar face pattern to Olive-backed. Moreover, upperparts, crown and nape are more olive than in Tree; crown and mantle are more uniform with less distinct streaks. Breast and flank streaks are usually bolder than in Tree. Juv Similar to ad, minor differences include distinctly streaked back, rump and uppertailcoverts. Voice Song reminiscent of that of Tree, but weaker and with less regular repetitions of the same notes. Call very similar to Tree’s. Habitat Mountain forest, up to 1800 m. Scarcer than Tree in its regional range.

Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis

14 cm

Monotypic. Very similar to Red-throated Pipit lacking rufous coloration and Tree Pipit (which see). Can also be confused with ad non-br Water Pipit and Buff-bellied Pipit; see those species for differences. Ad Differs from non-rufous Red-throated by more uniform appearance (including head-pattern) with plain rump and poorly marked back and uppertail-coverts, whereas in Red-throated these parts are heavily dark-spotted. Compared with Red-throated, mantle less contrastingly streaked, scapulars less heavily marked and streaks on the underparts more diffuse. Unlike Red-throated, upperparts often show a yellowish-greenish tinge. Unlike Tree, lores and supercilium pale and eye-ring complete. Voice Song rarely heard in region. Calls most often in flight and usually repeatedly seet(-seet-seet). Similar to Water, but slightly softer and more often repeated. In flocks also short tsyp. Habitat Variety of open habitats during migration and in winter. Uncommon to scarce.

Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus

15 cm

A. c. cervinus (PM). Characterised by heavily spotted back, rump and uppertail-coverts and heavily streaked mantle. Lores and supercilium pale and eye-ring complete, unlike Tree Pipit. Ad Most individuals unmistakable due to pinkish-rufous supercilium, throat and in some birds breast. Female is on average less brightly coloured than male and shows more distinct malar stripe and malar patch. However, there is complete overlap between sexes. Some ad similar to 1st-win lacking rufous on head (almost exclusively females). 1st-win Similar to ad, but lacks any rufous (only very rarely some pale rufous on throat and supercilium). Can be confused with Meadow and Rosy Pipits (which see). Tree is less heavily streaked on upperparts and has thinner streaks on flanks, dark lores and eye-ring broken in front of the eye. Voice Call a thin, drawn-out, down-slurred psseeh, purer than Tree’s call. Habitat Variety of open habitats during migration. Uncommon to scarce.

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juvenile

adult trivialis

haringtoni

Tree Pipit

adult

adult

Olive-backed Pipit adult

juvenile

Meadow Pipit adult 1st-winter

Red-throated Pipit 1st-winter

adult variant adult

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PLATE 130: Pipits III Buff-bellied Pipit Anthus rubescens

15 cm

A. r. japonicus (V). Very similar to Water Pipit, but has relatively smaller bill and pale legs. In contrast with Water of subspecies coutellii but like blakistoni, shows pale lores and complete eye-ring. Moustachial stripe always more prominent than in Water of both subspecies. Differs from Meadow Pipit in greyer upperparts with fainter streaks on crown and mantle. Ad Br Not expected in region. Compared with Water, underparts more uniform pale orange and often more strongly streaked with dark malar stripe. Lacks contrast between greyer nape and browner mantle shown by many ad br Water. Ad Non-br Differs from Water in more clear-cut, blacker and larger streaks on underparts and by darker, more greyish and more uniform upperparts with less distinct streaking on crown and mantle. Voice Call very similar to Meadow’s, but slightly squeakier and higher-pitched. Compared with also very similar Water, calls are higher-pitched and more often repeated. Habitat Moist grassland, marshes, wetland edges.

Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta

16 cm

Two races in region: A. s. blakistoni. Similar to Buff-bellied and Rosy Pipits (which see). Slightly larger and longer-billed than Meadow Pipit and legs dark (except for juv). Ad Br Head grey with pale supercilium. Upperparts greyish-brown with diffuse streaks on mantle. Often with slight contrast between greyer nape and browner mantle (cf. Buff-bellied). Throat, breast and flanks pale buffish-pink grading into paler and more whitish belly. Some birds with faint streaks on breast and flanks. Ad Non-br Upperparts and head browner. Underparts whitish with diffuse brown streaks on breast and flanks (the latter can be unstreaked) and shows dark malar stripe. Differs from Meadow in more grey-brown and less prominently streaked upperparts; underparts are whiter with browner and more diffuse streaks and supercilium is more conspicuous. Juv Similar to ad non-br, but legs are pale greyish-pink. A. s. coutellii (Kopet Dag, Tkm). Shows dark lores and broken eye-ring and is thus less similar to Buff-bellied (and Meadow). Ad Br Breast is more rufous tinged and throat, flanks and belly are more pinkish. Supercilium is more pinkish buff and breast and flanks are more streaked. Voice Song consists of repetitions of simple, high-pitched notes. Song often starts accelerating and includes changes of the theme. Call is thin, high-pitched weezt or peet, usually uttered singly. Alternative call slightly shorter and softer. Habitat Common on mountain slopes with short grass, scattered bushes, generally above the tree line, up to 3500 m; on migration and in winter favours wet freshwater areas.

Rosy Pipit Anthus roseatus

15 cm

Monotypic. Size and structure as Water Pipit. Very prominent supercilium characteristic, broad in front and very long behind eye, often with pale drop at rear end. Legs pale. Lores dark, eye-ring broken in front of eye unlike Water of subspecies blakistoni, Buff-bellied, Redthroated and Meadow Pipits. Ad Br Throat and breast bright pink. In comparison to Water, has heavier and blacker streaks on breast-sides and flanks and darker upperparts with more strongly streaked mantle (cf. Water and Buff-bellied). Ad Non-br Usually lacks any pink and has heavily streaked breast, flanks, dark malar stripe and all-dark bill. Unlike Red-throated, rump, back and uppertail-coverts unstreaked. Upperparts much more heavily streaked than in Water and Buff-bellied. Juv Similar to ad non-br, but supercilium can be indistinct. Voice Song consists of repetition of simple notes with varying pitch and often includes drawn-out notes. Call very similar to Water’s call. Habitat Above tree line on grassy slopes with scattered boulders. Regional status poorly known.

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breeding

non-breeding

Buff-bellied Pipit

breeding blakistoni

non-breeding

coutellii

Water Pipit

breeding

Rosy Pipit

breeding

non-breeding

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PLATE 131: Finches I Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs

15 cm

Two races in region: F. c. coelebs, F. c. transcaspia (SW Tkm). Characterised by two broad white wing-bars, white primary-bases and white outer tail-feathers. Lower wing-bar and primarybases often with buffish/yellowish hue, especially in fresh plumage. Ad male Cinnamon-red face and underparts, blackish forehead and blue-grey crown and nape characteristic. Duller in fresh plumage in autumn/winter due to brownish feather edges. Ad female Rather greyish-brown overall. Characteristic head-pattern, with dark lateral crown-stripes extending to sides of nape, set off from pale greyish head sides. Juv Similar to ad female. Voice Song loud, accelerating trill descending in pitch and ending in cheerful flourish. Sometimes with woodpecker-like kicks at end. Calls include sharp, metallic tink; regularly repeated, slightly melancholic trryy or hweett and in flight a soft jupp. Habitat Common in coniferous and deciduous forests; mainly lowlands and foothills.

Brambling Fringilla montifringilla

15 cm

Monotypic. Identified by white rump (best seen in flight), hardly any white in tail-sides (unlike Chaffinch) and orange breast and throat. Wing-pattern similar to Chaffinch, but lower wing-bar orange. Ad male Unmistakable in spring. In fresh plumage in autumn/winter, black head and upperparts concealed by buffish feather edges giving piebald appearance. Bill black in summer, yellow with dark tip in winter. Ad female Head and mantle brownish-grey. Head-pattern more contrasting than in female Chaffinch. Juv Similar to ad female. Voice Song is ringing, drawn-out drraeae. Call nasal, squeezed dweed. In flight, short dry kopp, often in series. Habitat Mostly moist coniferous and deciduous forests. In winter also in more open habitats. Scarce breeder, but common non-breeding visitor.

Eurasian Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis

14 cm

Four races in region, sometimes treated as two different species, with intergradation in NE Kaz. ‘European Goldfinch’ C. c. frigoris (N Kaz), C. c. volgensis (PM, WV). Black wings with yellow band, black tail with white spots and white rump/uppertail-coverts characteristic. Pale bill is long and pointed. Ad Has conspicuous red face, black crown and nape and contrasting white head-sides. Upperparts, breast-sides and flanks sandy brown. Juv Head and upperparts European greyish-brown with fine dark streaks, underparts buffish, with brown streaks on breast and flanks. Wing-feathers and rectrices similar to ad but fringed buffish. Base colour of breast and head warmer buff than in juv ‘Eastern Goldfinch’ (plain grey in latter). Voice Similar to and maybe identical to ‘Eastern’. Habitat Wide variety of open areas, such as open mixed forests, steppes, gardens and cultivated land; from lowlands to mountains. Common. ‘Eastern Goldfinch’ C. c. paropanisi, C. c. subulata (NE Kaz). Has longer bill than ‘European Goldfinch’. Ad Pale grey overall with red face, lacks black crown and nape of ‘European’. Juv Similar to juv ‘European’ but head plainer and greyer and breast greyer. Voice Song is a mix of twittering and trills interspersed with the diagnostic call-note. Call is liquid tsigelitt. Habitat Similar to ‘European’ but usually reaches higher altitudes. Common. Eastern

European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris

15 cm

Three races in region: C. c. turkestanicus, C. c. chloris (NW Kaz), C. c. bilkevitschi (SW Tkm). Compact with big horn-coloured bill. Has yellow primary-panel and yellow sides of tail-base. Ad male Upperparts green-olive with yellowish-green rump, underparts greenish-yellow. Headand neck-sides, secondaries, tertials and greater coverts greyish. Ad female Duller than ad male, with brownish, slightly streaked mantle and less yellow in wing and tail. Juv Duller than ad female, upper- and underparts diffusely streaked and shows less yellow in wing and tail. Voice Two songs: a wheezy, slightly falling djrooorr and long twittering strophe including diagnostic loud trypypypypypyp-trills. Sometimes given in display flight. Common call similar to latter trills. Also a nasal too/weett. Habitat Woodland, woodland edges, cultivations or gardens, lowland steppes, semi-deserts and even deserts; up to at least 2000 m. Uncommon.

Yellow-breasted Greenfinch Carduelis spinoides

14 cm

C. s. spinoides (E Afg?). Slightly smaller than European Greenfinch. Bill more slender than in latter, but longer and broaderbased than Eurasian Siskin. Ad male Has distinctive and diagnostic head-pattern. Further characterised by broad yellow double wing-bar and yellow base to primaries and outer secondaries and by yellow sides of tail base. Mantle dark olive, contrasting with yellow rump. Ad female Duller than ad male, upperparts faintly streaked and shows some smudging on breast-sides. Extent of yellow in wing and tail reduced. Juv/1st-yr Buffish-yellow with dark streaking overall, faint yellow supercilium and sub-moustachial stripe and dark malar stripe. Wings and tail similar to ad female. Differs from ad female/juv Eurasian Siskin by broader yellow primary-bases and more contrasting head-pattern. Voice Song is extended and more varied version of calls. Calls are a chattering trill and a harsh tsswee or nasal jryEEE. Habitat Open broadleaved or coniferous forests.

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Chaffinch 







non-breeding



non-breeding

Brambling



fresh



worn (spring/summer)

‘European Goldfinch’

‘Eastern Goldfinch’

adult

juvenile

European Greenfinch

adult



Yellow-breasted Greenfinch

juvenile

 

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PLATE 132: Finches II Twite Carduelis flavirostris

13cm

Three races in region: C. f. korejevi, C. f. kirghizorum (N Kaz), C. f. pamirensis (SE of region). Rather nondescript with small head and bill and rather long tail. Most likely to be confused with ad female and 1st-win Common Linnet, but told by longer and more deeply forked tail, more prominent pale wing-bar, smaller and stubbier bill (which is never yellow in Common Linnet) and by lack of dark spots on mid-throat. Juv Common Redpoll is smaller, more compact and with shorter tail, and has more streaks on throat and breast. May also be confused with juv Red-fronted Serin (which see). Ad male Rump characteristically unstreaked and pinkish (pinkish may be obscured in fresh plumage). Pale buff supercilium, ear-coverts, throat and breast; rest of underparts paler. Heavy dark streaks on breast-sides and flanks. Upperparts pale buff with dark streaks and with pale wing-bar on greater coverts. Primaries and rectrices edged white. Bill yellow in winter, darker in summer. Ad female Has rump streaked brown. Juv Similar to ad female, but wing-bar buffier. Voice Song is jerky twittering including call-like notes and low rattling trills. Calls with hard tett, reminiscent of Brambling, and drawn-out trvaaeet. Other calls reminiscent of Common Linnet. Habitat Common in open areas with little or sparse vegetation, such as semi-deserts, steppes, mountain slopes, screes and alpine meadows.

Common Linnet Carduelis cannabina

13 cm

Two races in region: C. c. bella. Has rather uniform brown upperparts and white edges to remiges and rectrices. Moreover, shows characteristic pale area below eye. Can be confused with Twite, but differs by showing diffuse dark spots on mid-throat. See Twite for further differences. Bill always greyish (cf. Twite and Common Redpoll). Ad male Head pale grey. Forecrown and breast crimson, obscured by buff fringes in fresh plumage. Mantle, scapulars and wing-coverts unmarked brown. Rump and uppertail-coverts white. Ad female/Juv/1st-win Head grey-brown. Has streaked crown, nape, mantle, breast and rump. Upperparts not as richly coloured as in ad male. C. c. cannabina (PM, WV). Ad male Darker grey on head, shows less white on rump and uppertail-coverts, and crimson on underparts is less deep. Voice Twittering song consists of musical, melancholic notes, trills and call-notes. Call a characteristic, rapid, slightly nasal djiytdjIYt, di- or trisyllabic. Habitat Common in open areas with low shrubs and weedy patches on rocky mountain slopes; often close to human habitations.

Eurasian Siskin Carduelis spinus

12 cm

Monotypic. Small short-tailed finch with rather long and pointed bill. Wing blackish with yellow double wing-bar, yellowish edges to remiges and yellowish-white edges to tertials. Shows yellow sides to tail base. May be confused with juv Yellow-breasted Greenfinch, but the latter differs in broader yellow primary-bases and more contrasting head-pattern. Ad male Forehead, crown and chin black. Head-sides, breast and rump yellow, rear flanks finely streaked dark. Ad female Duller than male, with more heavily streaked underparts and streaked rump. Head greyishgreen, crown darker and streaked. Ear-coverts lack black markings of ad male. Juv Compared with ad female, has duller yellow wing-bars, more heavily streaked upper- and underparts, paler head and browner mantle. May be confused with Common Linnet, Common Redpoll, Twite and Red-fronted Serin, but yellow wing-bars in combination with basal yellow sides of tail diagnostic. Voice Song is a twittering and trilling interspersed with wheezy notes. Call with diagnostic quality: soft, wheezy too/wee or tee\woo. Habitat Open mixed pine-birch forests. Various open woodlands and gardens with trees in winter. Rare breeder, but more common non-breeding visitor.

Red-fronted Serin Serinus pusillus

12 cm

Monotypic. Small, dark and heavily streaked finch with yellow edges to remiges and rectrices and two pale wing-bars. Ad Unmistakable. Blackish head and upper breast contrast with distinctive red forehead and yellowish wing-bars. Sexes similar, but female often less contrasting, with less pure blackish head as well as smaller red patch on forehead. Juv Head, upper breast and wingbars cinnamon. Some cinnamon is often retained during 1st-win. May be confused with Twite, but is darker overall and more heavily streaked, has yellowish edges to remiges and rectrices (whitish in Twite) and warmer cinnamon head and wing-bars. Voice Song is an urgent twittering interspersed with rippling trills. Call a high-pitched, metallic, buzzing trill tsir’r’r’rlt. Habitat Mountain slopes, forest edges, alpine meadows, often with juniper forest patches; mainly mountains up to 3700 m. Common.

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Twite





bella cannabina



juvenile





Common Linnet juvenile



Eurasian Siskin

juvenile





Red-fronted Serin

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PLATE 133: Finches III Common Redpoll Carduelis flammea

13 cm

C. f. flammea. Rather small with whitish double wing-bar. Ad Has red forecrown and black bib, lores and forehead. Bill small, yellowish with dark culmen (darker in summer). Extension of red on breast and rump sex- and age-related, but sexing difficult under field conditions. Male always shows some pink on breast and birds with intensively pinkish-red breast are certainly males. Female lacks pink or shows only pinkish tinge. Paler and plainer in fresh plumage in autumn, becoming darker, more contrasting and more heavily streaked in worn plumage in spring/ summer. Juv Lacks black forehead and has no red in plumage. May be confused with Twite, but is smaller, more compact and with shorter tail, and has more streaks on throat and breast. See also Eurasian Siskin and Common Linnet. Voice Song consists of alternating trills and calls. Song flight may cover several hundred metres. Call is a dry te’te’tett. Habitat Alpine meadows with low, scattered shrubs. In winter in a variety of open habitats, often descends to lower altitudes. Rare breeder, common visitor.

Plain Mountain Finch Leucosticte nemoricola

15 cm

L. n. altaica. Rather nondescript, smaller than Brandt’s Mountain Finch. Like latter, has characteristically long primary-projection. Can be superficially similar to female sparrows, but has longer primary projection and more uniform head. Ad Has plain, often cinnamontinged head and streaked mantle with pale ‘braces’ contrasting with unstreaked brownish-grey rump. Shows two pale wing-bars and pale edges to tertials, inner secondaries and primarycoverts. Brandt’s has more uniform upperparts lacking pale ‘braces’ and conspicuous streaking. Moreover, it shows paler and more uniform wing-coverts, a more conspicuous pale wing-panel, more prominent white edges to rectrices and dark face (the latter is lacking in 1st-win and in subspecies margaritacea). Juv More rufous-buff and less heavily streaked overall than ad. Voice Song consists of three to four sharp notes. Call hard, slightly metallic tett, repeated at variable, often slow speed. Can recall Common Redpoll. Further, a raspy, sparrow-like, down-slurred chrier. Habitat Common in alpine meadows and on rocky mountain slopes; usually from 2500 to 4000 m.

Brandt’s Mountain Finch Leucosticte brandti

18 cm

Three races in region: L. b. brandti. May be confused with Plain Mountain Finch, with which it shares long primary-projection. See Plain for differences. Superficially similar White-winged and Afghan Snowfinches show more white in wing and tail as well as whiter underparts. Ad Forehead and lores black, lesser coverts show pink fringes. In fresh plumage in autumn with buff feather fringes, which can obscure dark areas on head. Sometimes shows faint pinkish fringes on rump. Bill blackish in summer, dark with yellowish base in winter. Juv/1st-yr Head and upperpartes buffish, with diffuse streaking on mantle. Differs from Plain by plainer upperparts and different wing- and tailpattern (see Plain). L. c. margaritacea (NE Kaz). Ad Plainer greyish. Unlike brandti and pamirensis, has silvery-grey face and forecrown, which may contrast with darker hindcrown. Shows pink feather edges to lesser and median coverts as well as on breast and flanks; faintly pinkish rump. Bill pale brownish. L. c. pamirensis (S and SE of region). Ad Darker than brandti overall and more heavily streaked on mantle. Shows pink feather edges on rump and narrow pinkish edges on lesser coverts. Voice Song may consist of weak trill, insufficiently known. Calls include bursting, harsh chiepp-chiepp, more clinking, explosive churr (both calls sparrow-like), and dry, slightly nasal /tvaet-/tvaet(-/tveet). Habitat Similar to Plain, but usually in moister areas and at higher altitudes than Plain. Common; in some areas very numerous.

Asian Rosy Finch Leucosticte arctoa

16 cm

L. a. arctoa. Unmistakable, rather dark overall with greyish to almost white wings, tail, rump and uppertail-coverts. Ad Male Wings and tail mostly silvery-white. Head with whitish streaking and buffish supercilium behind eye. Bill black in summer, dark with yellow base in winter. Ad female Paler brown than male overall, with pale feather edges on upper- and underparts, but face darker, silvery-white coloration on wings and tail less intense. Juv Paler and more brownish overall than ad, with buffish feather edges and pale buff wing-bars. Voice Song a descending chew-chew-chew…. Calls include single notes of song and several hoarse or sparrow-like notes. Habitat Alpine meadows and bare mountain slopes, at about 2300 to 3000 m. Descends to riverbeds in winter. Locally rather common.

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Common Redpoll



fresh (autumn/winter)

juvenile



worn (summer)





fresh (autumn/winter)

fresh

juvenile juvenile

margaritacea adult adult

Plain Mountain Finch Brandt’s Mountain Finch

adult

adult

pamirensis

brandti

Asian Rosy Finch 



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PLATE 134: Finches IV and Munia Crimson-winged Finch Rhodopechys sanguineus

18 cm

R. s. sanguineus. Larger than Trumpeter, Mongolian and Desert Finches, with heavy, pale yellowish-brown bill, very long primary-projection and short tail. Wing-pattern similar to Desert, but more pinkish and greater coverts chiefly brown, whereas pinkish with black bases in Desert. Moreover, shows mainly pink rather than white bases to rectrices. Ad male Distinctive dark crown and forehead, pink lores, brownish upperparts with fine dark streaking and diffusely pinkish rump. Sandy-brown throat, upper breast and flanks contrast with white belly. Ad female Duller overall than male with less pink on wings, rump and face. Juv Rather plain sandy-brown overall, bill greyish to horn-yellow. Head without distinctive markings. Told from Desert by pale throat and submoustachial patch, less white in tail and a stronger contrast between sandy-brown breast and flanks and paler belly. Voice Song a long repetition of short melodious phrases reminiscent of Goldfinch call, sometimes including a long note near end. Wide range of calls includes melodious di- or trisyllabic flight call reminiscent of Woodlark in tone. Habitat Bare mountain slopes with boulders and sparse vegetation, alpine meadows; usually above 2000 m. Rather scarce, but common in some areas (e.g. Pamirs).

Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githagineus

15 cm

B. g. crassirostris. Rather compact, with stout bill. Unlike Desert and Mongolian Finches, shows pink and brown instead of pinkish-white in wings and tail (best seen in flight). See Mongolian for further differences. May also be confused with Sinai Rosefinch (which see). Call distinct. Ad Br male Pinkish face, underparts and rump as well as pinkish edges to wing-feathers and bases of rectrices. Bill orange to pale red in breeding season. In fresh plumage (autumn/winter) more similar to ad female, including bill. Ad female Buff or brownish-grey overall, pink tinge very faint if present at all. Bill pale yellow. Juv Similar to ad female, but always lacks pink in plumage. Voice Song is long, nasal, buzzing cheeeeep, often likened to toy trumpet, sometimes introduced or ending with short soft notes. Calls include abrupt chaap with similar quality to song. Habitat Stony deserts and semi-deserts, wadis, dry slopes with sparse vegetation; mainly lowlands, but locally breeds above 3000 m. Common.

Mongolian Finch Bucanetes mongolicus

15 cm

Monotypic. Similar to Trumpeter Finch, but crown, nape and mantle diffusely streaked and bill smaller and always yellowish-brown. Moreover, shows two pale wing-panels in all plumages except juv. Wing-panels reduced in worn plumage in late summer. Bases of rectrices with white edges (pink in Trumpeter and Crimson-winged Finch). May also be confused with Sinai Rosefinch and Desert Finch (which see). Ad male Never shows greyish on head as some ad male Trumpeter. Supercilium, throat, breast, flanks and rump tinged pinkish. Pink on rump well-defined, less diffuse than in Trumpeter. Ad female Duller than ad male, with less pink in wing, supercilium and on underparts. Juv Shows no pink and lacks pale panel on greater coverts. Told from Trumpeter by pale secondary-bases, two pale buffish wing-bars and finely streaked crown to mantle. Voice Song is a slow, melodic do-mi-sol-mi. Calls include a short /guip, usually clear, sometimes more wheezy. Sometimes repeated twice. Also a nasal, even-pitch dvyd. Habitat Common on arid stony or rocky slopes and mountain plateaus; from foothills to mountains up to 4200 m.

Desert Finch Rhodospiza obsoleta

15 cm

Monotypic. Unstreaked sandy-brown; black rectrices broadly edged white and tail deeply forked. Wing-pattern similar to Crimson-winged Finch (which see), but greater coverts pinkish with black bases, whereas brown in Crimson-winged. Lacks contrasting white panel on secondaries and greater coverts (only ad) of Mongolian Finch. Ad male Blackish lores and blackish centres to tertials. Bill black in summer, yellowish with dark tip in winter. Ad female Lores and centres to tertials paler than ad male; brownish. Juv Duller than ad female, pink in wing reduced. Bill yellowish-brown until 1st-sum. Voice Song is varied chatter including the purring call, louder trills and many other sounds. Variety of calls includes soft purring byrr’r’r, reminiscent of distant Bee-eater and drawn-out, melancholic trill. Habitat Common in semideserts with scattered trees and bushes, including saxaul forests, also cultivations and villages; mainly foothills.

Scaly-breasted Munia Lonchura punctulata

10 cm

L. p. punctulata (MB?). Very small with wedge-shaped tail. Bill short and stout, grey to black with pale base to lower mandible. Often found in flocks. Ad Lower breast, flanks and side of belly white with black scaly marks. Head, throat and nape rufousbrown, upperparts more olive-brown and rump buffish. Uppertail-coverts and edges of rectrices yellowish. Juv Uniform buffish-brown overall with pale underparts and whitish belly. Some already show diagnostic dark markings below. Voice Song is a quiet, soft twittering of fluting, slurred, buzzing and yowling notes. Call repeated hollow hiccup-like kit/ty. Occasionally second syllable piping kit-eeee. Habitat Open woodlands with grassy patches and bushes, often near human settlements.

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Crimson-winged Finch









Trumpeter Finch



Mongolian Finch







 

Scaly-breasted Munia

juvenile

 juvenile



worn (summer)

Desert Finch

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PLATE 135: Rosefinches I Long-tailed Rosefinch Uragus sibiricus

17 cm

U. s. sibiricus. Characterised by very long tail, small yellowish or pale bullfinch-like bill and two conspicuous white wing-bars, as well as white edges to tertials. Outer rectrices white, contrasting with dark inner tail. Ad male Pinkish overall, with greyish crown and nape, streaked mantle and scapulars, and white belly and undertail-coverts. In fresh plumage in autumn and winter, looks much paler and more dirty-white due to pale feather edges. Ad female Greyish overall, with finely streaked head and underparts and rather heavily streaked mantle and scapulars. Rump pinkish. Juv/1st-yr male Similar to ad female, but with variable amount of orange-pink on lower throat, breast and upperparts. Juv/1st-yr female As ad female, but apparently lacks orange-brown rump. Voice Song a series of simple, clear, loud notes chee-chee-che chu-/chee-chu, sometimes recalling Coal Tit. Call is a Dunnock-like double or triple whistle. Alarm call recalls tink of Chaffinch, but usually doubled or tripled. Habitat Open deciduous woodland with moist meadows, forest with dense undergrowth; foothills and mountains. Rare.

Sinai Rosefinch Carpodacus synoicus

15 cm

C. s. salimalii. Small and pale rosefinch. Has darker and finer bill, longer tail and shorter primary projection than Trumpeter and Mongolian Finches. In contrast with Mongolian and Desert Finches, lacks conspicuous pale markings on rather plain wings and tail. See also vocal differences. Ad male Ear-coverts and forehead pink, bordered silvery-white. Throat and breast bright pink grading into whitish towards vent. Rump pinkish, rest of upperparts sandy to greybrown with only a very faint trace of rose on mantle. Ad female Pale sandy to grey-brown overall, with very faint streaks on head and breast. Common Rosefinch is superficially similar, but less sandy, more heavily streaked and shows stronger pale wing-bars. Juv Very similar to ad female. 1st-yr male Similar to ad female, but may show already some pink admixed. Voice Song insufficiently described, maybe only a few chirping sparrow-like notes. Wide range of calls includes high-pitched, discordant sounds: tzeeep or tsrik, recalling Tree Pipit or bunting, and chirping, sparrow-like calls. Slightly metallic, but pleasant, descending tinkle characteristic. Habitat Arid and stony mountain slopes or cliffs with little vegetation; up to 3300 m. Common. [Alt: Pale Rosefinch]

Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus

15 cm

Two races in region: C. e. ferghanensis. Small rosefinch with rather heavy head, long tail and rather short, swollen bill. Ad male Head, rump, breast and flanks distinctly red. Rest of upperparts, tail and wings reddish-brown or grey-brown with reddish tinge. Has two reddish wing-bars and whitish or purplish edges to tertials. Distinguished from other ad male rosefinches by a combination of white belly, rather plain head without supercilium and often brownish earcoverts. Ad female/1st-win Rather uniform grey-brown with pale underparts, plain head and fine streaking overall except on belly. Moreover, two narrow pale wing-bars and pale edges to tertials. Ad female and 1st-yr Red-mantled, Spotted Great, Blyth’s and Red-fronted Rosefinches are similar but larger, darker overall (except Spotted Great), more heavily streaked and with less prominent wing-bars. Blyth’s further differs in well-demarcated pale supercilium. See also Pallas’s Rosefinch. Juv Like female, but more olive and more heavily streaked and with buffish wing-bars. 1st-sum male Some are similar to ad male, but still aged by paler and less pinkish wing-bars. Others are identical to ad female on plumage. C. e. erythrinus (N of region). Ad male Less bright and less scarlet than ferghanensis. Has more brownish and less reddish on upperparts and paler underparts. Ad female Paler and less heavily streaked than ferghanensis. Voice Song very commonly heard. A few plaintive, slurred whistles, for example di’\sew/ee-\dew/ee-\DEW. Calls with loud, nasal /vooyd. Habitat Very common in a variety of open woodlands, including forest edges, cultivated land, gardens and patches of bushes; from lowlands to mountains up to 3700 m.

Pallas’s Rosefinch Carpodacus roseus

16 cm

C. r. roseus. Medium-sized Rosefinch with rather long tail, two pale wing-bars and pale edges to tertials. Could be confused with Long-tailed Rosefinch, but the latter has a longer tail with white sides and more conspicuous white wing-bars and edges to tertials Ad male Pinkish-red overall, with silvery-white feathers on forehead and throat and heavily streaked mantle and scapulars. Belly to undertail-coverts white. Ad female/1st-yr Differs from Common Rosefinch in more heavily streaked mantle, scapulars and head, and by a variable amount of pinkish or orangepink on forehead, throat, breast, back and rump. Moreover, has more distinct pale edges to tertials. Juv Duller than ad female, lacks any pink or orange-pink tones. Voice Song a series of notes similar to whistled call, but rising and falling. Calls include soft whistle: fee, a metallic tsuiii and others. Habitat Open coniferous and mixed forests; mountains from 1900 to 2000 m. Rare.

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Long-tailed Rosefinch

 





Sinai Rosefinch  erythrinus

Common Rosefinch Pallas’s Rosefinch



  

1st-summer

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PLATE 136: Rosefinches II Red-mantled Rosefinch Carpodacus rhodochlamys

18 cm

Monotypic. Very similar to Blyth’s Rosefinch; see that species for differences. Larger than Common Rosefinch with heavier bill and less prominent wing-bars. Can also be confused with Spotted Great and Red-fronted Rosefinches (which see). Ad male Head and underparts vinaceous-pinkish with white streaks on head and breast. Supercilium silvery-grey, concolorous with forehead. Be aware that supercilium usually appears most pronounced in direct sunlight, while it may be very inconspicuous in shade. Eye-stripe, crown, nape and upperparts reddishbrown with dark streaks, rump unstreaked vinaceous-pink. Ad female/1st-yr Streaked and rather plain overall, with uniform, rather dark head. Juv Similar to ad female. Voice Apparently lacks song. Call a very nasal \djoow/EET. Possibly a variant of this call falls again in pitch at end. Also /kwee\o similar to Blyth’s. Habitat Mountain slopes with patches of juniper or deciduous forest patches, alpine meadows with scattered bushes; up to at least 3000 m. Descends to lower elevations in winter. Common.

Blyth’s Rosefinch Carpodacus grandis

18 cm

Monotypic. Very similar to Red-mantled Rosefinch, but with slightly longer primary projection and shorter tail. Bill is slightly thinner and usually has a straighter culmen. See also vocal differences. Larger than Common Rosefinch with heavier bill and less prominent wing-bars. Ad male Differs from Red-mantled in slightly narrower, but more whitish and more contrasting supercilium. Dark crown extends onto forehead and reaches bill, whereas in Red-mantled forehead is silvery-grey and more or less concolorous with supercilium. Be aware that appearance of supercilium depends on light conditions (see Red-mantled). The silvery-white feathers on ear-coverts are more conspicuous than in Red-mantled. Ad female/1st-yr In contrast with Red-mantled, show a conspicuous whitish supercilium and paler, slightly more contrastingly streaked underparts. Juv Similar to ad female. Voice Apparently lacks song. Characteristic call thin, drawn-out, wheezy swEEooo dying away at end. Also, short, squeezed /kwee\o. Habitat Similar to Red-mantled; from about 2000 to at least 2900 m. Common.

Spotted Great Rosefinch Carpodacus severtzovi

19 cm

Three races in region: C. s. severtzovi, C. s. diabolicus (NE Afg), C. s. kobdensis (V, NE Kaz). Similar to Red-fronted (which see), Red-mantled and Blyth’s Rosefinches, but slightly larger and with longer primary projection than the latter two. See also Common Rosefinch. Ad male Head and underparts pinkish with white spots. Differs from Red-mantled and Blyth’s by pinkish, heavily white-spotted head lacking a supercilium. Moreover, has only finely streaked beige-brown mantle (coarsely streaked and vinaceous-brown in Red-mantled and Blyth’s). Be aware that supercilium may appear to be absent in other species under certain light conditions (see Red-mantled). Rump and underparts pinkish, the latter also have white spots. Ad female/1st-yr Differs form Red-mantled by weaker and thinner streaking on mantle and by pale wing-panel on secondaries. Unlike Red-mantled, may show a faint supercilium behind the eye. Blyth’s shows a much stronger supercilium and is more heavily streaked overall. Head is usually more contrastingly streaked than mantle and breast more contrastingly than flanks, while streaking is more uniform in Red-mantled and Blyth’s. Be aware that streaking is much more pronounced in worn plumage. Juv Similar to ad female, but more sandy-grey than greyish. Voice Often vocal and loud. Song consists of several (usually 5–6) clear, sharp notes of irregular pitch: /chyINK chyINK-chynkCHINK-chynk, sometimes preceded by the pleasant call. Calls include a rather pleasant up-slurred djy/WEET, a subdued, nasal version of the previous, a sharp /chyINK and an even-pitched, hoarse cherck. Habitat High alpine slopes with sparse vegetation, boulders and screes; from 2500 to above 4500 m. Rarther rare, but common in some areas including Pamirs.

Red-fronted Rosefinch Carpodacus puniceus

20 cm

C. p. humii. Rather longish and less bulky than Spotted Great Rosefinch, bill long and with convex culmen. Ad male Forehead, supercilium, head-sides, throat, breast and rump deep red, contrasting with greyish-brown, streaked rest of plumage. Spotted in contrast is more pinkish or rose than deep red and has unstreaked mantle and scapulars. Differs from Red-mantled and Blyth’s Rosefinches in facial pattern and by coloration of upper- and underparts. Ad female/1styr Rather uniform greyish-brown with dark streaks overall. Rump is olive to yellow. Breast may be yellowish (subad males or older ad females?), then easily separated from similar ad female Red-mantled and Spotted Great. Otherwise best identified by structure. Told from Spotted also by heavier streaking on mantle. From female Blyth’s Rosefinch additionally told by lack of distinct supercilium. Juv Similar to ad female, but without any yellow in plumage. Voice Song a quick series of clear notes. For example do /TEET-/TEET-\TEW. Call a nasal je-je-je-je or a cheery whistling. Habitat Alpine meadows with sparse vegetation, screes, boulders; up to 5000 m. Reaches higher altitudes than most other passerines in region. Rarely descends much in winter. Rare.

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Red-mantled Rosefinch

 



Blyth’s Rosefinch 





Spotted Great Rosefinch

 variant





Red-fronted Rosefinch

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PLATE 137: Bullfinch, Hawfinch and Grosbeaks Eurasian Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula

Eurasian

Grey

16 cm

Two races in region: ‘Eurasian Bullfinch’ P. p. pyrrhula. Rather chubby with large black bill. Whitish wing-bar and white rump contrasting with black wing and tail, respectively, as well as black cap and chin (except juv) distinctive. Ad male Deep pink ear-coverts, throat and underparts; vent and undertail-coverts white. Nape, mantle, scapulars and back greyish. Ad female Ear-coverts, throat and underparts greyish-buff instead of pink. Upperparts greyish with brownish tinge. Juv Similar to ad female, but lacks black cap and chin and wing-bar is buffish. ‘Grey Bullfinch’ P. p. cineracea (NE Kaz). Bill usually smaller than in pyrrhula. Ad male Lacks pink in plumage; ear-coverts, throat and underparts greyish instead. Ad female/Juv Probably not separable from pyrrhula. Voice Song is a silent, hesitant warble of scratchy and piping notes interspersed with the soft call and squeezed, down-slurred variations of it. Call is a soft, plaintive whistle dew. Contact call a quiet byt-byt. Habitat Coniferous and mixed forest; from foothills to low mountains. Scarce.

Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes

18 cm

Three races in region: C. c. humii, C. c. coccothraustes (NW Kaz), C. c. nigricans (V, SW Tkm). Large head with thick neck, massive triangular bill (dark with blue-grey base in summer, ivoryyellow in winter and in juv), black face mask and bib as well as short tail characteristic. In flight distinctive, with short white-tipped tail and pale band on otherwise dark wings. Ad Sexes similar, but female duller overall. Secondaries and distal half of primaries with pale grey edges in female and bluish-black edges in ad males. Juv Duller and buffer than ad. Lacks black face mask and bib and has dark mottled underparts. Sexes differ in patterning of remiges (see ad). Voice Song inconspicuous, squeaky, interspersed with calls. Call piercing, explosive tsix, often doubled or repeated at regular intervals. Also shrill, drawn-out tsree and variations thereof. Habitat Deciduous forests; mainly foothills and mountains. Uncommon.

White-winged Grosbeak Mycerobas carnipes

22 cm

Three races in region: M. c. merzbacheri, M. c. speculigerus (SW Tkm, N Afg, SE Afg?), M. c. carnipes (E Afg). Very large and long-tailed with massive dark bill. White bases to primaries form large patch, which contrasts with rest of wing. Often seen in undulating flight, where long tail and white primary-patch conspicuous. Ad male Unmistakable. Black with yellow-olive belly, vent, undertail-coverts and rump, as well as broad tips to greater coverts and spots on tips of outer webs of tertials. Ad female Similar to ad male, but duller overall with black parts replaced by sooty grey. Also, white primary-patch smaller, ear-coverts, throat and breast with fine white streaking and border between yellow belly and grey breast diffuse. Can be confused with female Black-and-yellow Grosbeak (which see). Juv Browner overall than ad female with pale markings on head and mantle and with olive-yellow tips to greater and median coverts. 1st-yr Similar to ad female, but 1st-sum male yellower on undertail-coverts and rump. Voice Song usually starts with hoarse call and continues with piping or churping notes. Call hoarse, nasal /tvaeeet-tett-re-teht, somewhat reminiscent of Common Magpie. Also softer, nasal /djew-/dweed, sometimes with second part down-slurred or lower in pitch than first part. Habitat Rather common in juniper forests or mixed juniper forest patches near or above the tree line; up to at least 3000 m.

Black-and-yellow Grosbeak Mycerobas icterioides

22 cm

Monotypic (E Afg?). Very large with massive and stout pale greenish bill (darker in summer). Flight undulating as in White-winged Grosbeak, but lacks white primary-patch. Ad male Unmistakable. Black head and throat, wings, scapulars, mantle-sides and tail contrast with yellow rest of plumage. Ad Female Greyish overall, with darker wings and with tawny or pale rufous-buff coloration from lower breast to undertail-coverts and on lower back and rump. Similar to female White-winged, but lacks white primary-patch. Also paler grey on head, upperparts and breast, and paler yellowish-buff from belly to undertail-coverts and on rump, lacking the stronger yellowish-olive colours of female White-winged. Juv Similar to ad female. 1st-yr male Similar to ad female, but shows yellow rump and blacker wings and tail, dark mottled scapulars, mantle and throat, and sometimes black markings on head. Voice Song high-pitched, whistling chee\TREW, /chee\TREW, /chee\tro/WHITT. Calls are similar in quality, short, di- or trisyllabic whistling notes. Habitat Coniferous woodlands with scattered scrub; mountains, mostly between 1800 and 3000 m. Current status in region unknown.

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Eurasian Bullfinch

pyrrhula

cineracea juvenile









juvenile

Hawfinch



breeding

White-winged Grosbeak

 





Black-and-yellow Grosbeak

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PLATE 138: PINE Grosbeak, Crossbills and SNOW Bunting Pine Grosbeak Pinicola enucleator

20 cm

P. e. kamtshatkensis. Large and chubby with rather long tail. Hooked bill deep and short. Shows white double wing-bar and white edges to tertials. Two-barred Crossbill is superficially similar, but smaller with shorter tail and less heavy head and has crossed mandibles. Furthermore, Two-barred shows broader white wing-bars and broad white tips, instead of white edges to tertials. Ad male Pinkish-red overall, with upperparts mottled dark (except rump). Lower vent and undertail-coverts greyish. Ad Female/1st-yr Greyish-yellow to greenish-yellow overall with some orange tones. Juv Similar to ad female. Voice Song is very fast series of clear, yodelling notes rising and falling in pitch. Calls include loud, fluty ploo-/it, sometimes doubled and/or trisyllabic. Also, clear kly’klyp and soft, bullfinch-like peeo. Former can be repeated twice and/or trisyllabic. Habitat Coniferous and mixed forests, often at moist forest edges; mountains up to 2000 m. Uncommon.

Common Crossbill Loxia curvirostra

15 cm

Three races in region: L. c. tianschanica, L. c. altaiensis (NE Kaz), L. c. curvirostra (PM). Largeheaded with long wings and short tail. Bill dark with crossed mandibles. Wings and tail blackish. Rare variant with double wing-bar exists (see Two-barred Crossbill for details). Ad male Head, upperparts and underparts brick-red or brick-yellow, some with yellowish-orange or greyishgreen feathers. Ad female Head, upperparts and underparts yellowish-grey, greenish- grey or dark olive or grey-brown. Rump bright yellow. Juv Grey-brown overall, with streaked underparts and narrow, diffuse buffish double wing-bar. 1st-yr male First orange or red feathers appear. Voice Song is twittering, interspersed with trills and frequent call-notes. Calls clear, sudden glyp-glyp(...) or kipp-kipp, somewhat variable in pitch and sometimes in long series. Habitat Breeds in coniferous mountain forests. May occur anywhere in coniferous trees outside breeding season. Common. [Alt: Red Crossbill]

Two-barred Crossbill Loxia leucoptera

15 cm

L. l. bifasciata (V). Bill dark with crossed mandibles. Distinct broad white double wing-bar and broad white tips to tertials contrast with dark wing; lower wing-bar tapers towards outer wing. Juv, in particular (see below), may be confused with rare variant of Common Crossbill with white double wing-bar and white tertial-tips (‘rubrifasciata’). However, in Common wing-bars are often incomplete, less white and narrower (especially on inner greater coverts). Also, tertial tips are less broad, less clear-cut and less white. Superficially similar to Pine Grosbeak (which see). Ad male Pinkish-red overall (cf. Common). Ad female Head, upper- and underparts greenish- or yellowish-olive. Juv/1st-win Paler buffish-brown than female, with streaked underparts. Juv with much narrower double wing-bar and pale tertial-tips than ad and 1st-win. Voice Song fast, varied, somewhat Siskin-like. Call softer and slightly higher-pitched than Common. Characteristic call is nasal tviit, reminiscent of Trumpeter Finch. Habitat Similar to Common. [Alt: White-winged Crossbill]

Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis

16 cm

P. n. vlasowae. Rather big with long primary projection. Characterised by white inner wing, which is only shared with White-winged Snowfinch. The latter always differs in a longer tail with more white and black throat in breeding plumage. Also, White-winged shows more uniform head with greyish-brown crown and nape and greyish sides. Ad Br male Unmistakable, with white head, neck and underparts and much white in inner wing contrasting with black outer wing. White rump contrasts with black rest of upperparts. Bill black. Ad Br female Less white in wing than ad male, upperparts more brownish than black and with brownish markings on nape, crown, ear-coverts and breast-sides. Ad Non-br/1st-win Crown, nape and ear-coverts orange-brown. Rest of head whitish or washed yellowish-brown. Underparts whitish with orange-brown flanks and breast-sides. Upperparts brownish with dark streaks and variable amount of white on rump. Bill yellowish with dark tip. Ad female and 1st-win darker than ad males, 1st-win female has only limited amount of white on inner wing. Be aware of risk of confusion with superficially similar White-winged Lark. Voice Song recalls Lapland Bunting’s, regionally variable, often simpler. Call pleasant ripple prirrlt and soft whistle pyuu recalling Little Ringed Plover. Habitat Outside breeding season on bare ground in open areas. Mostly rare.

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 

Pine Grosbeak

 juvenile

Common Crossbill 



Two-barred Crossbill



Snow Bunting



1st-winter



non-breeding

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PLATE 139: Buntings I Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella

17 cm

E. c. erythrogenys. Rather large, long-tailed bunting structurally like Pine Bunting. Rump uniform rufous and tail-sides white. Unlike Pine, edges of outer primaries and rectrices, central belly as well as underwing-coverts should show some yellow or yellowish-buff. See Pine for further differences. Can also be confused with Yellow-breasted Bunting (which see). Ad Br male Head yellow with dark lateral crown stripes, dark eye-stripe and moustachial stripe surrounding earcoverts. Underparts yellow with diffuse rufous mottling on breast and flanks and dark streaks on flanks. Ad Non-br male Duller with olive cast on crown, ear-coverts, head-sides and breast. Often with malar stripe and some dark streaks on throat. Ad Br female Less bright than ad male and with less prominent head-pattern and more streaks on breast and flanks. Ad Non-br female Dull, usually lacking rufous and olive coloration on breast, with prominent malar stripe and dark streaks on throat. Juv More strongly streaked and duller yellow or more sandy than 1st-win. 1st-win Similar to ad non-br of respective sex. Some show only restricted amount of yellow and then very similar to Pine. Voice Song and most calls appear identical to Pine. Habitat Common in a variety of open woodlands, including riparian forests and cultivated land; mainly lowlands and foothills.

Pine Bunting Emberiza leucocephalos

17 cm

E. l. leucocephalos. Similar to Yellowhammer, but always lacks yellow in plumage. Edges of outer primaries, edges of rectrices and underwing-coverts pure white. Ad Br male Head-pattern diagnostic and white half-collar between rufous throat and breast typical. Ad Non-br male Head-pattern less conspicuous due to white feather fringes and crown with some dark streaks. Underparts less rufous and more strongly streaked. Ad Br female Very similar to a Yellowhammer without any yellow. But head-pattern more contrasting with longer lateral crown stripes, more conspicuous, wider and paler submoustachial stripe and broader malar stripe; supercilium wider and paler, contrasting more strongly to rest of head. Moreover, upper breast more distinctly streaked, rufous on breast-sides and flanks more extensive contrasting with whitish lower underparts. Pale spot on nape more prominent than in ad female Yellowhammer, while even lacking in 1st-win of the latter. Ad Non-br female Generally paler than ad br, less rufous and with more uniform crown. Juv Like juv Yellowhammer without yellow pigments, but underparts less uniform with stronger contrast between streaked breast and white lower belly and throat. 1st-win male Darker and head-pattern less distinct than ad non-br male. 1st-win female Similar to ad non-br female, but underparts more strongly streaked, crown more uniform and earcoverts browner. Voice Song is series of rapid, high-pitched notes followed by lower-pitched, plaintive note tsi-tsi-tsi-tsi-tsi-tsi tyyy. Calls short. Liquid prt prt prlyt, sharp tsik-tsik, discordant tsyy and down-slurred chyeh. Habitat Forest edges and open woodland; from lowlands up to at least 2000 m. Common. Note: Yellowhammer and Pine Bunting hybridise frequently where their ranges overlap and produce fertile offspring. Individuals of hybrid origin can turn up anywhere on migration or in the winter quarters. Male hybrids are intermediate in appearance between the two species. Some are similar to Pine but show some yellow in the white areas of the head and underparts or yellowish edges on outer primaries and rectrices. Others are more similar to Yellowhammers, but show more rufous on head and underparts and paler mantle and flanks. One male hybrid type shows more extensive white on ear-coverts, crown and throat than Pine and a white supercilium or even a mostly white head with black lateral crown stripes, with the black border to the ear-coverts and rufous very restricted or even lacking. Female hybrids are extremely difficult to identify.

White-capped Bunting Emberiza stewarti

17 cm

Monotypic. Has rufous rump and white tail-sides. Tertials usually with even pale fringes (cf. other buntings). Ad Br male Distinct with pale-grey head, nape and upper breast contrasting with black throat, black eye-stripe and rufous band on lower breast continuing onto upper flanks. Upperparts rufous. Unlike Pine Bunting, lacks rufous on head and shows uniform pale crown. Ad Non-br male Pattern of head and underparts of breeding-plumage obscured by dull brownish feather fringes. Mantle and scapulars with dark streaks. Ad Br female Rather greyish and non-descript and similar to female Pine, but head-pattern less pronounced and more uniform, and wing-bars less prominent. Pine Bunting always shows uneven tertial fringes. Rufous on underparts confined to breast-sides, but some with breast-band similar to males. Ad Non-br female Similar to ad br female, but rufous on breast-sides restricted or lacking. Juv Pale and streaked overall, best identified by combination of contrasting rufous rump, white tail-sides and evenly broad tertial fringes. Voice Song a series of 7–8 raspy, metallic drzae-notes, delivered quickly like Pine or at slow pace. Call explosive thin tsip, reminiscent of Rock Bunting. Also a hoarse, slightly nasal kchaa-kcha(-kcha). Habitat Common on rocky slopes with patches of grass and scattered scrub; foothills and mountains up to 3000 m.

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

Yellowhammer

non-breeding

1st-winter

 

breeding

Pine Bunting 

non-breeding 1st-winter



breeding



breeding



non-breeding





Yellowhammer x Pine Bunting





White-capped Bunting

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PLATE 140: Buntings II Rock Bunting Emberiza cia

16 cm

E. c. par. Rather large and long-tailed, especially similar to Godlewski’s Bunting; see that species for differences. Rump pale rufous, tail-sides white. Unlike many other buntings, has tertials with even pale fringes. Ad Br male Head throat and breast grey contrasting with black lateral crown-stripes, eye-stripe, border to ear-coverts and moustachial stripe. Rest of underparts pale rufous. Mantle and scapulars pale rufous with dark streaks. Ad Non-br male Duller and head-pattern less contrasting due to pale feather fringes and the dark head-stripes are browner. Ad Br female Similar to ad br male, but head pattern duller and less blackish. Head, throat and breast less greyish and with brownish tinge and less contrast between breast and pale rufous underparts. Crown, breast-sides and flanks with dark streaks. Ad Non-br female Head-pattern less prominent than ad br female due to pale feather fringes. Juv Rather pale with buffier belly and upperparts. Streaked overall including rump and with indistinct head pattern. Very similar to juv Godlewski’s and Meadow Buntings; see those species for differences. Voice Song a series of simple chirps and sharp, high-pitched notes. Quite variable seasonally and regionally. More elaborate versions can recall Black-throated Accentor or Eurasian Treecreeper. Call high-pitched, sharp tsi. Also slightly down-slurred tseee. Habitat Common on dry rocky slopes with sparse vegetation, but also riparian forests and forest edges; foothills and mountains.

Godlewski’s Bunting Emberiza godlewskii

16 cm

Two races in region: E. g. decolorata. Very similar to Rock Bunting. Ad Br Lateral crown stripes, eye-stripe and border to ear-coverts are chestnut forming weak contrast with blackish lores and moustachial stripe whereas head stripes blackish throughout in Rock. Rear border to earcoverts often less prominent than in Rock. Median coverts-bar is white, not buffish as in Rock. Rufous scapulars contrast with more greyish mantle unlike Rock, where upperparts are more uniform. Sexes very similar, but female paler with more prominent streaks on crown, less rufous scapulars and paler underparts. Ad Non-br Paler than ad br with lateral crown stripes less contrasting and buffier wingbars. Juv Very similar to juv Rock and Meadow Buntings, but rump less streaked than in juv Rock. E. g. godlewskii (V NE Kaz). Ad Br Darker with more rufous underparts and upperparts and darker grey head, throat and breast. Voice Song similar to Rock, but apparently starts with higher-pitched notes. Calls like Rock. A hard pett pett may be diagnostic. Habitat Similar to Rock. Rare.

Striolated Bunting Emberiza striolata

14 cm

E. s. striolata. Rather small and superficially similar to Rock Bunting. Has pale rufous tail-sides unlike the latter and other buntings in the region. The bill is typically two-coloured with a greyish upper and a yellowish lower mandible. Rump is sandy-brown (pale rufous in Rock). Unlike many other buntings, has tertials with even pale fringes. Upperparts less prominently streaked than in Rock. Ad male Head pattern resembles Rock, but crown more uniformly streaked and unlike the latter, with contrasting whitish supercilium and submoustachial stripe and some white on earcoverts. Additionally, eye-stripe and moustachial stripe are broader than in Rock and appear straighter. Throat, breast and nape are uniformly streaked whereas if present in Rock, the streaks are more prominent on breast than on throat. The wing-coverts are more uniformly rufous than in Rock, lacking whitish wing-bars and greyish lesser coverts of the latter. Ad female Duller than male. Head more brownish with sandy supercilium and submoustachial stripe and less blackish eye-stripe and moustachial stripe. Juv Similar to female, but browner and with less distinct face pattern. Voice Song a series of raspy and buzzing notes, almost slurred together and mostly alternating in pitch. Call nasal, squawking chuatt. Habitat Arid stony and rocky slopes with scattered scrub. Current status in region unknown.

Meadow Bunting Emberiza cioides

16 cm

E. c. tarbagataica. Rather long-tailed with pale rufous rump and white tail-sides. Unlike many other buntings, has tertials with even pale fringes. Ad Br male Head-pattern characteristic with chestnut crown, nape and ear-coverts and black submoustachial stripe and lores contrasting with white supercilium, moustachial area and throat. Chestnut breast-band contrasts with whitish lower breast and greyish head-sides and pale rufous rest of underparts. Ad Br female Some very similar to ad br males, but with less distinct and duller head-pattern with darkstreaked central crown and less prominent breast-band. Others have head less contrastingly patterned with only indistinct dark lores and submoustachial stripe. Ad Non-br Similar to ad br of respective sex, but with less prominent breast-band and paler central crown. Juv Very similar to juv Godlewski’s and Rock Buntings, but rump less streaked than in juv Rock. Voice Song similar to Rock, with geographic variation not fully understood. Call sharp tsi-tsi-tsit, similar to Rock, but usually in series. Habitat Open and dry zones with grassy areas and dense groups of bushes; mainly foothills. Uncommon to scarce.

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Rock Bunting



1st-winter



decolorata



godlewskii





Godlewski’s Bunting



Striolated Bunting



Meadow Bunting 

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PLATE 141: Buntings iii Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra

18 cm

E. c. buturlini. Big and heavy with a strong bill. Shows evenly broad tertial-fringes unlike many other buntings, no white on tail-sides and no rufous or yellow. Has fluttering flight often with legs dangling. Ad Greyish-brown, streaked. Especially in worn plumage, streaks on breast may form dark patch. Unlike female and 1st-win Pine Bunting and Yellowhammer, shows pinkish-yellow instead of grey lower mandible. Juv More buffish overall with upperparts more scalloped and underparts more spotted. Also, pale crown stripe more prominent. Voice Song characteristic: metallic, halting, clicking notes, accelerating to squeaky rattle zrk zrk zrk-zkr’r’rrt. Call metallic tsrick. Also low-pitched, clicking pt, sometimes in rattling series. Habitat Grassland, including semi-deserts, steppes and mountain slopes; mainly foothills and lower mountains. Common.

Grey-necked Bunting Emberiza buchanani

15 cm

Three races in region: E. b. neoobscura, E. b. buchanani (Afg, SE Tjk), E. b. cerrutii (SW Tkm). Head rather plain with whitish eye-ring, which is never yellowish as in similar Ortolan Bunting. Unlike the latter, usually has evenly broad tertial-fringes. Further differs by slightly longer bill usually lacking darker culmen, and slightly longer tail. Rump greyish-brown and tail-sides white. Ad Br Whitish submoustachial stripe and throat merge with pale rufous breast. Underparts become gradually paler towards rear. Unlike Ortolan, never shows greyish breast-band, mantle and scapulars are more finely streaked and greyer with lowest scapulars distinctly rufous. Female is similar to male, but slightly paler and can show some streaks on crown and nape. Ad Non-br male Similar to ad br, but with some dark streaks on head and more whitish on breast. Ad Non-br female/1st-win Differ from ad non-br male in fine streaks on head, breast and malar region, less greyish and more brownish head and less rufous on underparts. Ortolan in equivalent plumage shows more prominent streaking on upperparts, breast and malar region, and often more yellowish on throat, submoustachial stripe and eye-ring. Juv Similar to 1st-win, but strongly streaked. Voice Song with typical melancholic, ringing tone in first part, squeaky and scratchy in second: dree-dree-dree-dree /jri\zhrae-/jri\zhrae. Calls soft chup, often alternating with sharper chreep. Habitat Common on arid and rocky slopes with sparse vegetation, also screes; from lowland to mountains.

Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana

16 cm

Monotypic. Similar to Grey-necked Bunting, but has yellowish eye-ring. Ad Br male Greyish to greyish-green head, neck and upper breast contrasting with yellowish throat and submoustachial stripe and rufous underparts. Ad Br female Differs from ad br male by dark streaks on crown, nape, breast and malar region and more buffish and less greyish breast. Ad Non-br Similar to ad br female. Juv/1st-win More heavily streaked than ad non-br. Head brownish, throat and submoustachial stripe more buffish-white to slightly yellowish. Voice Song has similar ring to Grey-necked’s, but second part often lower-pitched droo-droo. Call metallic sie, often repeated or alternating with short pewt; similar to Grey-necked. Habitat Rather dry areas with scattered bushes or trees; mainly lowlands and foothills. Uncommon.

Little Bunting Emberiza pusilla

13 cm

Monotypic (V). Small. Similar to female-type Reed Bunting. Sexes and different ages are similar, rump greyish-brown and tail-sides white. Has characteristic chestnut coloration on ear-coverts and to a variable extent on supercilium and median crown-stripe (most prominent in summer). Differs from Reed in more prominent white eye-ring, well-defined lateral crown-stripes, dark moustachial stripe not reaching bill-base and more prominent pale spot on rear ear-coverts. Wing-bars are more prominent with median coverts-bar much whiter, lesser coverts greyish-brown instead of rufous and the underparts have finer streaks. Bill more pointed and relatively longer with straight culmen (slightly convex in Reed). Legs paler and more pinkish. Rustic Bunting differs in dark moustachial stripe reaching bill-base, more contrasting whitish supercilium, less prominent white eye-ring, duller ear-coverts, bolder, more reddish streaks on underparts and reddish-brown rump and lesser coverts. Voice Call a very sharp and short tsick. Habitat Open habitats with bushes or trees, including forest edges and stubble fields.

Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica

14 cm

Monotypic (PM N Kaz, V Afg). Similar to Reed Bunting (except ad br male), but differs in rufous to reddish brown rump and by longer bill with straight culmen and pinkish lower mandible. Head often more angular looking than in Reed. See also Little Bunting. Tail-sides white. Ad Br male Head-pattern characteristic. Nape is rufous and underparts are white with rufous blotches/streaks on flanks and breast. Ad Br female Black parts on head more brownish than in ad br male, white parts partly buffish. Ad Non-br Similar to ad non-br Reed, but with darker lateral crown-stripe and border to ear-coverts, whiter supercilium, white spot on rear ear-coverts and often some rufous on nape. Wing-bars are more prominent with median coverts-bar white. Underparts are whiter with more reddish and blotchier streaking. Voice Song unlikely in region. Call very sharp tsick, very similar to Song Thrush. Habitat Like Little. Very rare.

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Corn Bunting

adults

Grey-necked Bunting

Ortolan Bunting

1st-winter

 1st-winter

Little Bunting

 non-breeding



breeding

Rustic Bunting



1st-winter



breeding



breeding

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PLATE 142: Buntings IV Yellow-breasted Bunting Emberiza aureola

15 cm

E. a. aureola. Medium-sized with white tail-sides. Bill longer than in Reed Bunting with straight culmen and pinkish lower mandible. Ad Br male Unmistakable. Head and upperparts rufous with black face and throat, and contrasting white patch formed by median and lesser coverts. Underparts yellow with narrow rufous breast-band and some dark streaks on flanks. Ad Br female Head-pattern conspicuous: pale with contrasting dark lateral crown-stripes, eye-stripe and border to ear-coverts. Unlike other similar buntings, malar stripe only faint or lacking. Has greyish-brown rump and a characteristic strong contrast between pale and dark streaks on mantle. Underparts yellowishwhitish with some streaks on breast-sides and flanks. Some with trace of breast-band of male. Yellowhammer is superficially similar, but has less contrasting head-pattern, greyish lower mandible, lacks whitish wing-bars, shows rufous rump and more heavily streaked underparts including undertail-coverts. Juv Migrates in juv plumage. Differs from ad female in fresh plumage. Also, head-pattern less contrasting with malar stripe often more obvious, underparts buffier and more heavily streaked and wing-bars more conspicuous. 1st-sum male Less bright than ad with pale feather fringes and streaks obscuring head pattern. Often with pale supercilium and less extensive dark throat. Upperparts with dark streaks and white wing-patch is much reduced and restricted to tips of median coverts. Some similar to ad female, but with more rufous on rump and crown. Voice Song consists of 5–9 notes, given in 3–4 parts. Tone partly ringing like Grey-necked Bunting, but higher-pitched. Call sharp, highpitched tsi. Habitat Moist meadows with tall grass as well as scattered bushes and trees; lowlands and foothills. Has apparently decreased, but is still locally rather common.

Red-headed Bunting Emberiza bruniceps

16 cm

Monotypic. Rather large and long-tailed with heavy head and bill. Unlike many other buntings, has tertials with even pale fringes and shows no white on tail-sides. Female and 1st-win almost identical to Black-headed Bunting (see that species). Ad Br male Unmistakable. Head, throat and breast chestnut contrasting with yellow head-sides and underparts. Nape and upperparts yellowish green with dark streaks contrasting with yellow rump. Ad Non-br male Pattern of breeding plumage obscured by pale father fringes. Ad female Rather nondescript with pale eye-ring. Rump greenish-yellow, rest of upperparts and head sandy-brown with fine dark streaks on crown, nape, mantle and scapulars. Undertail-coverts yellow, rest of underparts yellowish to whitish. In summer, some with chestnut on forehead and yellowish-green on crown. Juv Similar to 1st-win, but with dark streaks on breast and flanks and stronger streaked upperparts. 1st-win Underparts less yellowish than in ad female with pale buffish to whitish breast and occasionally with some streaks on breast. Voice Song harsh, tinny tsrit(-tsrit) tsli-TRI\yu-TRU\o. Also longer versions. Calls are short nasal kaep, shrill, metallic piliks and variety of other harsh calls. Habitat Usually dry meadows with scattered bushes, including cultivated areas, steppes and semi-deserts; from lowlands to mountains up to 3000 m. Very common.

Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala

17 cm

Monotypic (PM). Slightly bigger and with a slightly longer bill and primary-projection than similar Red-headed Bunting. Like latter but unlike many other buntings, has tertials with even pale fringes and shows no white on tail-sides. Females and especially 1st-win of the two species are almost identical. Ad Br male Unmistakable with black cap contrasting with yellow throat and underparts and with rufous upperparts and breast-sides. Ad Non-br male Patterns of breeding-plumage obscured by pale feather fringes (lores and ear-coverts remain blackish). Female Differs from very similar Red-headed by usually darker and greyer ear-coverts (browner in Red-headed) contrasting more strongly with paler throat. Rump is usually less bright yellowish and, unlike Red-headed, back can show a rufous tinge. In fresh plumage in spring, underparts and throat are more uniform and forehead and crown more prominently streaked. Especially in worn plumage in summer, edges of median and greater coverts on average whiter and less buffish. Some mirror males by having a dark cap and rufous tinge to upperparts. 1st-win Extremely similar to 1st-win Red-headed. Voice Song almost identical to Red-headed. Calls similar to and overlapping with Red-headed. Habitat Open areas with scattered bushes and trees; lowlands. Surprisingly few records, but possibly a regular migrant in S and W Afg and in SW Tkm. Note: Red-headed and Black-headed Buntings hybridise in eastern Iran and the south-eastern corner of the Caspian Sea where their ranges meet and individuals of hybrid origin can turn up in the region. Also, the breeding areas of both species approach in the lower Volga. While female hybrids are probably not separable from their parental species, male hybrids are easily identified as such by intermediate characters between the two parental species, especially in the head pattern.

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Yellow-breasted Bunting

juvenile





breeding



non-breeding

Red-headed Bunting  

breeding



non-breeding

 

breeding



Black-headed Bunting

Red-headed x Black-headed Bunting

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PLATE 143: Buntings V Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus

15 cm

Polymorphic species with seven races in region, and considerable variation in bill size. ‘Southern group of subspecies’ E. s. pyrrhuloides, E. s. korejewi (S Tkm?, SW Afg?). Very similar to Pallas’s Bunting and, apart from ad br male, can also be confused with Lapland, Little and Rustic Buntings; see those species for differences. Rump greyish-white in ad br male, but otherwise brownish. Tail-sides white. Bill strong with convex culmen; black in summer and greyish in winter. Ad Br male Has a characteristic black hood and bib interrupted by a white submoustachial stripe and white nape. Ad female/Ad Non-br male/1st-win Have dark brown crown with often indistinct pale median crown-stripe and dark lateral crown-stripes, brown ear-coverts with dark surrounding and dark malar stripe contrasting with pale supercilium, submoustachial stripe and throat. Nape is greyish-brown and breast and flanks are variably streaked dark. Breeding-plumage is reached mainly by wear, and the blackish head pattern and white nape of ad br males often show through. Juv Characterised by uniformly streaked crown and darker ear-coverts. ‘Northern group of subspecies’ E. s. harterti (E Kaz), E. s. passerina (PM, WV), E. s. schoeniclus (PM, WV). Darker overall than pyrrhuloides and korejewi (the ‘southern group’) and with finer bills with almost straight culmens. E. s. incognita (N, C Kaz), E. s. pallidior (N, NE Kaz). Intermediate between ‘southern’ and ‘northern group’. Voice Song slow and hesitant, variable. Beginning nevertheless diagnostic srit sreet sreet sreet, end often includes trills. Call down-slurred tseeew. Especially on migration also hoarse, buzzing brzyy. Habitat Wetlands with patches of scrub, reeds or tall herbs; mainly lowlands and foothills. Common, but southern group of subspecies scarcer.

Pallas’s Bunting Emberiza pallasii

13 cm

E. p. polaris. Very similar to Reed Bunting of the ‘northern group’ of subspecies, but usually smaller. Lesser coverts are never rufous as in Reed, but greyish in males and greyish-brown in females. Has two distinct buffish wing-bars, whereas wing-bars indistinct and rufous in Reed. Unlike Reed, lower mandible is pinkish and contrasts with greyish upper mandible outside breeding season. Ad Br male Differs from ad br male Reed by colder coloration and by usually a stronger contrast between darker mantle and greyish to whitish rump. Ad female/Ad Nonbr male/1st-win Differ from Reed by brownish and more uniform crown lacking darker lateral crown-stripes. Ear-coverts usually paler and more uniform contrasting with dark moustachial stripe and dark spot at lower rear corner, but some pale Reed can be similar. Malar stripe usually more prominent than in Reed. Juv Shows streaked underparts and wing-bars similar to Reed, otherwise differs from latter species as birds in 1st-win. Voice Song a short series of identical shrill notes sree-sreesree-sree-sree-sree. Call lisping chleep, recalling soft call of Eurasian Tree Sparrow. Flight call harsher, recalling Richard’s Pipit. Also tseew, similar to Reed. Habitat Tundra-like habitats; mountains from 2100 to 2600 m. Very local in region. [Alt: Pallas’s Reed Bunting]

Lapland Bunting Calcarius lapponicus

15 cm

C. l. lapponicus. Rather bulky and robust with short tail and long primary projection, especially in non-breeding plumage can be reminiscent of a lark. Bill yellow with dark tip unlike other buntings except Snow Bunting. Differs from Emberiza buntings in longer and straighter hindclaw. Always distinguished from Reed Bunting by longer primary projection, bill colour and longer hindclaw. Ad Br male Unmistakable, with black head, throat and breast and rufous nape separated by white band curving from the supercilium over the neck-sides onto breast-sides. Ad Br female Has characteristic open-faced expression with pale lores, supercilium and ear-coverts contrasting with dark lateral crown stripe, dark eye-stripe and border to ear-coverts. Dark streaked upperparts contrast with rufous nape and rufous greater coverts. Blackish spots on breast often form a gorget. Ad Non-br/1st-win Similar to ad br female, but nape paler and more buff (except some ad male). Unlike Reed, rufous edges of greater coverts form a rufous panel bordered by white wing-bars. Dark streaks on whiter underparts often form a gorget (often more spotted in males). Voice Song clear, jingling verse recalling Horned Lark. Two common calls correspond to Snow Bunting. Usually harder and drier than latter prrt, often followed by whistling dyoo. Habitat Outside breeding season in a variety of open habitats with abundant weeds. Scarce or rare. [Alt: Lapland Longspur]

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pyrrhuloides



non-breeding

Reed Bunting schoeniclus



breeding



breeding pallidior



breeding



non-breeding

Pallas’s Reed Bunting



non-breeding



1st-winter





breeding

Lapland Bunting



non-breeding



1st-winter



breeding



breeding

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Appendix 1 old Vagrants, undocumented records and doubtfully recorded species This list comprises species recorded as vagrants prior to 1950, doubtfully recorded species, and vagrants whose future occurrence is considered unlikely in the region. Snow Partridge Lerwa lerwa doubtfully recorded Afg Grey Francolin Francolinus pondicerianus Afg Spot-billed Duck Anas poecilorhyncha

doubtfully recorded

Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor

Afg

Cinnamon Bittern Ixobrychus cinnamomeus Afg Little Cormorant Phalacrocorax niger

Afg

Oriental Darter Anhinga melanogaster

recently reliably recorded in Uzb, further occurrence unlikely

Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina/ Indian Spotted Eagle A. hastata

reports from Afg, Tkm

Indian Vulture Gyps indicus

doubtfully recorded Afg

Ruddy-breasted Crake Porzana fusca

Afg

Hooded Crane Grus monacha

Kaz

White-naped Crane Grus vipio

Kaz

Oriental Plover Charadrius veredus

Kaz/Uzb

Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima

doubtfully recorded

Sooty Gull Larus hemprichii

doubtfully recorded Afg

Red Turtle Dove Streptopelia tranquebarica doubtfully recorded Afg Common Koel Eudynamys scolopaceus

Afg

Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius doubtfully recorded Grey Nightjar Caprimulgus indicus

Afg

House Crow Corvus splendens

might occur Afg

Long-billed Bush Warbler Bradypterus major Tjk Bank Myna Acridotheres ginginianus

Afg

Indian Robin Saxicoloides fulicatus

Afg

Hodgson’s Bushchat Saxicola insignis

Kaz

Upland Pipit Anthus sylvanus

Afg

Arctic Redpoll Carduelis hornemanni

Kaz

Cinereous Bunting Emberiza cineracea

Tkm

Chestnut-eared Bunting Emberiza fucata

Uzb

Black-faced Bunting Emberiza spodocephala Kaz, Uzb Chestnut Bunting Emberiza rutila

Kgz, Tjk

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Appendix 2 Moult and ageing of large raptors For many species of large raptors, at least an approximate knowledge of the age of a bird is important for correct identification. Some ageing criteria are valid for many large raptors and are described below. Observers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with these and to train on the ageing of large raptors on some of the commoner species in their usual birding sites.

Moult strategies

Large raptors often cannot replace their whole plumage in one year and have developed special moult strategies. Their moult proceeds in waves that may overlap. Primary moult starts from the innermost primary and proceeds outwards. The sequence of secondary moult is much more variable. Secondary moult usually starts from several points: the outermost secondary, close-to-innermost secondary and one or more secondaries in between. In most eagles and other large raptors, new waves of moult are started every year, even if the previous wave(s) has not yet been completed. Correspondingly, often three (sometimes four) generations of remiges can be found on one bird. Typically, the outermost primary is among the last juvenile feathers that are retained. It is then heavily bleached and abraded due to exposure to sunlight and physical abrasion over sometimes several years. Under favourable conditions, differences in bleaching and abrasion can be detected between each generation of remiges. The moult strategy of all these species leads to common ageing criteria. All remiges are of the same generation in juveniles, but not usually at later ages. In immature and adult birds, there are usually two or more generations of remiges present at the same time. Later generations of remiges often differ in length from juvenile remiges (see below).

Trailing edge of wing in juveniles, immatures and adults

Fresh juveniles have a very regular trailing edge to the wing, because all remiges are of the same length (and age). However, single juvenile feathers are more pointed than later generations and thus the trailing edge is saw-toothed when seen at close range. Later generations of remiges often differ in length from juvenile remiges, leading to a very irregular trailing edge of the wing in immature birds. The trailing edge becomes again slightly more regular and smooth in most adult birds with broader-tipped remiges of equal length. However, it is often not as regular in adult as in juvenile, and in some species, e.g. Booted Eagle, the trailing edge is typically irregular in adults. In some species the saw-toothed impression of the trailing edge can be reinforced when the juvenile remiges are slightly abraded, because the shaft tends to resist more to abrasion than the feather webs. On the other hand, some species show a saw-toothed trailing edge to the wing even as adults (e.g. Cinereous Vulture).

Differing silhouettes in Gyps vultures and most eagles

In eagles of the genera Aquila and Circaetus, and in vultures of the genus Gyps, juvenile remiges are noticeably shorter than later generations and therefore wings are narrower than in subsequent plumages. Juvenile eagles of the genera Circaetus and Aquila (but not usually Booted and Bonelli’s Eagles) and Gyps vultures usually also have slightly longer tails than adults of the same species, reinforcing the impression of a more slender silhouette. Moreover, the trailing edge is more S-shaped in most juveniles than in adults of the same species, because the hand is noticeably narrower than the arm. Also buzzards, honey-buzzards, harriers and some other raptor species show narrower wings with a more S-shaped trailing edge and longer tail as juveniles compared with adults.

Differing silhouettes in Haliaeetus eagles, Lammergeier and Egyptian Vulture

The length of the remiges of juvenile versus later generations also differs in these species, but in the opposite way. Juvenile remiges are longer and more pointed than later generations. Therefore the wings tend to be

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slightly broader than in adult plumage. Moulted new feathers have rounder tips that fall short of the juvenile remiges. However, beware of very heavily abraded juvenile remiges that may be shorter than usual (or at least appear so from a distance).

Age-related differences in plumage

A further age criterion common to many species is the presence of more prominent white tips to the upper greater coverts, secondaries, and often the inner primaries and rectrices in juveniles. In some species, later generations of feathers also show white or pale tips, but less prominently.

Appendix 3 Identifying Gulls Gulls are notoriously variable and difficult to identify. While adult gulls in most species are usually easy to identify, immatures especially of the larger species are often hard or sometimes even impossible to identify to species level. While there is usually no appreciable sexual dimorphism in plumage, males are on average larger than females; this is especially important to bear in mind when using structural features in the identification process. Appreciation of differences in the shade of grey tones of the upperparts is important when identifying adult large gulls, but it has to be considered that tone may appear differently depending on light conditions and the angle of light. The ageing of a gull is often the prerequisite for a safe identification, and this is especially the case for the larger species. A basic understanding of moult cycles in combination with knowledge of plumage development often helps when ageing gulls. Be aware that considerable variation exists within age-classes in a single species and no two seemingly immature birds look alike. The different species can be grouped into three categories: 2-year age groups: Slender-billed Gull, Black-headed Gull, Brown-headed Gull 3-year age groups: Little Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Relict Gull, Common Gull, Black-legged Kittiwake 4-year age groups: Caspian Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Great Black-headed Gull, Glaucous Gull

First year

Gulls fledge in a juvenile plumage, which is characterised in most species by brown and variably pale-edged wing-coverts, mantle and scapulars as well as variable brown markings on the head and body, and a dark tailband. In the autumn of their first calendar year (1stCY), gulls moult for the first time into first-winter plumage (1st-win). This post-juvenile moult is partial and usually involves scapulars, mantle, some wing-coverts and tertials, and in several species parts of body plumage and head. Some species also moult a variable number of remiges and rectrices during their first winter. In first-winter plumage, most species differ from juvenile plumage in a contrast between newly moulted scapulars and mantle and retained juvenile wing-coverts and tertials. In first-summer (1st-sum) plumage, gulls usually display an abraded and often bleached version of the first-winter plumage. However, some of the smaller species (Mediterranean, Brown-headed, Black-headed, Slender-billed, Relict and Little Gulls) have a second moult during their first year leading to a first-summer plumage.

Second year

In the spring/summer of their second calendar year (2ndCY), gulls start to moult into their second-winter (2nd-win) plumage. Unlike the post-juvenile moult this is a complete moult involving also all the remiges and rectrices. Importantly, the primaries are moulted descendently starting with the innermost feather (P1) and finishing with the outermost (P10). Species in the 2-year age group are then adult and no longer separable

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from older birds, while species in 3-year and 4-year age groups are still more or less different from older birds. In large gulls, some retarded second-winter birds can be reminiscent of an advanced first-winter, but they always differ by more rounded primary-tips. During their second winter or earlier (sometimes overlapping with the first complete moult), gulls again undergo a partial moult leading to second-summer (2nd-sum) plumage.

Third year

The third-winter (3rd-win) plumage is attained by a complete moult. Species in the 3-year age group are now considered as adult as they are no longer separable from older birds. Species in the 4-year age group can still be separated from adults by more extensive dark in the primaries with restricted white markings, dark markings on the wing-coverts (especially on the primary-coverts) and dark markings on the secondaries and rectrices in some birds. Bare parts are usually duller with black subterminal markings on the bill in most species. But note that adults, especially in winter and late summer/autumn, often show black subterminal bill markings. The third-summer (3rd-sum) plumage is again attained by a partial moult.

Fourth year

After the complete moult into fourth-winter (4th-win), species in the 4-year age group can usually no longer be separated from older birds. A partial moult follows again leading to fourth-summer (4th-sum) plumage, which also looks like adult plumage. This cycle of one complete and one partial moult is then repeated every year.

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Kreuzberg-Muhina, E.A., Kashkarov, D.J., Lanovenko, J.N. & Shernazarov, J.Sh. (2005). [Waterbirds of Uzbekistan and the Central Asian region]. Tashkent & Almaty. [In Russian] Kruckenhauser L., Haring, E., Pinsker, W., Riesing, M.J., Winkler, H., Wink, M. & Gamauf, A. (2004). Genetic versus morphological differentiation of Old World Buzzards (genus Buteo, Accipitridae). Zoologica Scripta 33: 197–211. Olson, D.M. et al. (2001). Terrestrial ecoregions of the World: A new map of life on Earth. BioScience 51: 933–938. Olsson, U., Alström, P., Svensson, L., Aliabadian, M. & Sundberg, P. (2010). The Lanius excubitor (Aves, Passeriformes) conundrum - Taxonomic dilemma when molecular and non-molecular data tell different stories. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 55: 347-357. Päckert, M. & Martens, J. (2008). Taxonomic pitfalls in tits – comments on the Paridae chapter of the Handbook of the Birds of the World. Ibis 150: 829–831. Päckert, M., Martens, J., Eck, S., Nazarenko, A.A., Valchuk, O.V., Petri, B. & Veith, M. (2005). The great tit (Parus major) – a misclassified ring species. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society 86: 153–174. Paludan, K. (1959). On the birds of Afghanistan. Videnskabelige Meddelelser Dansk Naturhistorisk Forening 122: 1–332. Panov, E.N. (2005). Wheatears of Palearctic. Ecology, Behaviour and Evolution of the Genus Oenanthe. Pensoft Publishers, Sofia. Parkin, D.T., Collinson, M., Helbig, A.J., Knox, A.G. & Sangster, G. (2003). The taxonomic status of Carrion and Hooded Crows. British Birds 96: 274–290. Parry, S., Clark, W. & Prakash, V. (2002). On the taxonomic status of the Indian Spotted Eagle Aquila hastata. Ibis 144: 665–675. Rasmussen, P.C. & Anderton, J.C. (2005). Birds of South Asia. The Ripley Guide. Vols. 1 & 2. Washington, D.C. & Barcelona. Riesing M.J., Kruckenhauser, L., Gamauf, A. & Haring, E. (2003). Molecular phylogeny of the genus Buteo (Aves: Accipitridae) based on mitochondrial marker sequences. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 27: 328–342. Roselaar, C.S. & Shirihai, H. (in prep.) Handbook of Geographical Variation of Palearctic Birds. Bloomsbury, London. Rustamov, A.K. & Kovshar, A.F. (2007). Birds of Middle Asia. Vol 1. Kazakh Bird Conservation Union, Almaty. [in Russian] Sangster, G.J., Collinson, M., Helbig, A.J., Knox, A.G. & Parkin, D.T. (2005). Taxonomic recommendations for British birds: third report. Ibis 147: 821–826. Sangster, G.J., Collinson, M., Knox, A.G. & Parkin, D.T. & Svensson, L. (2007). Taxonomic recommendations for British birds: Fourth report. Ibis 149: 853–857. Shirihai, H., Gargallo, G. & Helbig, A.J. (2001). Sylvia Warblers – Identification, taxonomy and phylogeny of the genus Sylvia. Christopher Helm, London. Sklyarenko, S.L., Welch, G.R. & Brombacher, M. Eds. (2008). Important Bird Areas in Kazakhstan – priority sites for conservation. Almaty, Kazakhstan: Association for the Conservation of Biodiversity of Kazakhstan (ACBK). Summers-Smith, J. D. (1988). The Sparrows: a study of the genus Passer. T. & A.D. Poyser, London. Svensson, L., Collinson, M., Knox, A.G., Parkin, D.T. & Sangster, G. (2005). Species limits in the Redbreasted Flycatcher. British Birds 98: 538–541. Urquhart, E.D. (2002). Stonechats: a guide to the genus Saxicola. Christopher Helm, London. Vaurie, C. (1956). Systematic notes on Palearctic birds. No. 24 Ploceidae: the genera Passer, Petronia, and Montifringilla. Amer. Mus. Novit. 1814. Wassink, A. & Oreel, G.J. (2007). The Birds of Kazakhstan. De Cocksdorp, Texel. Yakobi, V.W. (1979). On the species independence of the Indian Sparrow Passer indicus. Zoologichesky Zhurnal 58: 136–137. Zink, R.M., Pavlova, A., Drovetski, S., Wink, M. & Rohwert, S. (2009). Taxonomic status and evolutionary history of the Saxicola torquata complex. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 52: 769–773.

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INDEX A Accentor, Alpine 280

Altai 280



Black-throated 278



Brown 278



Radde’s 278



Rufous-breasted 280



Siberian 278

Accipiter badius 88



falcata 48

Asio flammeus 158



formosa 50





penelope 50

Athene brama 154



platyrhynchos 48





querquedula 50

Avocet, Pied 104



strepera 48

Aythya ferina 52

otus 158 noctua 154

Anser albifrons 42



fuligula 52



anser 42



marila 52



caerulescens 44



nyroca 52



cygnoides 44

B



brevipes 88



erythropus 42



gentilis 88



fabalis 42

Babbler, Afghan 234



nisus 88



indicus 44

Bee-eater, Blue-cheeked 164

Acridotheres tristis 240

Anthus campestris 288



European 164

Acrocephalus agricola 218



cervinus 290



Green 164



arundinaceus 216



hodgsoni 290

Bittern, Eurasian 64



concinens 218



pratensis 290



Great 64



dumetorum 218



richardi 288



Little 64



melanopogon 212



roseatus 292

Blackbird, Common 244



orinus 218



rubescens 292





palustris 216



rufulus 288

Blackcap 230



schoenobaenus 212



similis 288

Bluetail, Red-flanked 252



scirpaceus 216



spinoletta 292

Bluethroat 254



stentoreus 216



trivialis 290

Bombycilla garrulus 282

Eurasian 244

Actitis hypoleucos 122

Apus affinis 162

Aegithalos caudatus 196



apus 162

Brambling 294

leucogenys 196



pacificus 162

Branta bernicla 46



Botaurus stellaris 64

Aegolius funereus 158

Aquila chrysaetos 92



leucopsis 46

Aegypius monachus 82



clanga 94



ruficollis 46

Alaemon alaudipes 204



fasciata 96

Bubo bubo 156

Alauda arvenis 208



heliaca 94

Bubulcus ibis 66



nipalensis 94

Bucanetes githagineus 300

Alcedo atthis 166



pennata 96



Alectoris chukar 36

Ardea alba 66

Ammomanes cincturus 204



cinerea 66

Bulbul, Black 180



purpurea 66



Himalayan 180



White-eared 180





gulgula 208

deserti 204

Ammoperdix griseogularis 38

Ardeola bacchus 64

Anas acuta 48

mongolicus 300

Bucephala clangula 54



grayii 64

Bullfinch, Eurasian 306



clypeata 48



ralloides 64





crecca 50

Arenaria interpres 122

Grey 306

Bunting, Black-headed 316

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25/6/12 09:19:24



Corn 314

Calcarius lapponicus 318



leschenaultii 110



Godlewski’s 312

Calidris acuminata 126



mongolus 110



Grey-necked 314



alba 126



morinellus 108



Lapland 318



alpina 126

Chiffchaff, Common 222



Little 314



canutus 128



Mountain 222



Meadow 312



ferruginea 126



Siberian 222



Ortolan 314



minuta 124

Chlamydotis macqueenii 98



Pallas’s 318



ruficollis 124

Chlidonias hybrida 142



Pallas’s Reed 318



subminuta 124



leucopterus 142



Pine 310



temminckii 124



niger 142



Red-headed 316

Capercaillie, Western 34

Chough, Alpine 184



Reed 318

Caprimulgus aegyptius 160



Red-billed 184



Rock 312



centralasicus 160



Yellow-billed 184



Rustic 314



europaeus 160

Chukar 36



Snow 308



mahrattensis 160

Ciconia ciconia 62



Striolated 312

Carduelis cannabina 296





White-capped 310

Carduelis carduelis 294

Cinclus cinclus 282



Yellow-breasted 316



chloris 294



Burhinus oedicnemus 104



flammea 298

Cinnyris asiaticus 282

Bushchat, Pied 260



flavirostris 296

Circaetus gallicus 96



nigra 62 pallasii 282

Stoliczka’s 260



spinoides 294

Circus aeruginosus 84

Bustard, Great 98



spinus 296



cyaneus 86



Little 98

Carpodacus erythrinus 302



macrourus 86



Macqueen’s 98



grandis 304



pygargus 86

Butastur teesa 76



puniceus 304



spilonotus 84

Buteo buteo 90



roseus 302

Cisticola juncidis 210



hemilasius 92



rhodochlamys 304

Cisticola, Zitting 210



japonicus 92



severtzovi 304

Clangula hyemalis 58



lagopus 90



synoicus 302

Coccothraustes coccothraustes



rufinus 90

Carpospiza brachydactyla 276

306

Buzzard, Common 90

Cecropis daurica 200

Columba eversmanni 148



Eastern 92

Cercotrichas galactotes 250



leuconota 148



Long-legged 90

Certhia familiaris 236



livia 146



Rough-legged 90



himalayana 236



oenas 148



Upland 92

Ceryle rudis 166



palumbus 148



White-eyed 76

Cettia cetti 212



rupestris 146

C

Chaffinch 294

Coot, Common 102

Chaimarrornis leucocephalus 258

Coracias benghalensis 164

Calandrella acutirostris 206

Charadrius alexandrinus 112



garrulus 164



brachydactyla 206



asiaticus 110

Cormorant, Great 68



cheleensis 206



dubius 112





raytal 206



hiaticula 112

Corncrake 100

Pygmy 68

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Corvus corax 186

Dendrocopos auriceps 168

Egret, Cattle 66



cornix 186



himalayensis 170



Great 66



corone 186



leucopterus 170



Little 66



dauuricus 188



leucotos 170

Egretta garzetta 66



frugilegus 186



major 170

Elanus caeruleus 76



macrorhynchos 188



minor 168

Emberiza aureola 316



monedula 188

Dicrurus leucophaeus 180



bruniceps 316



ruficollis 186



macrocercus 180



buchanani 314

Coturnix coturnix 40

Dipper, Brown 282



calandra 314

Courser, Cream-coloured 130



White-throated 282



cia 312

Crake, Baillon’s 100

Diver, Black-throated 58



cioides 312



Little 100





citrinella 310



Spotted 100

Dotterel 108



godlewskii 312

Crane, Common 98

Dove, Eurasian Collared 150



hortulana 314



Demoiselle 98



European Turtle 150



leucocephalos 310



Siberian 98



Laughing 150



melanocephala 316

Crex crex 100



Oriental Turtle 150



pallasii 318

Crossbill, Common 308



Rock 146



pusilla 314



Red 308



Stock 148



rustica 314



Two-barred 308

Dowitcher, Asian 116



schoeniclus 318



White-winged 308



Red-throated 58

Long-billed 116



stewarti 310

Crow, Carrion 186

Drongo, Ashy 180



striolata 312



Hooded 186



Enicurus maculatus 258



Large-billed 188

Dryocopus martius 172



Cuckoo, Common 152

Duck, Falcated 48

Eremophila alpestris 208



Eurasian 152



Ferruginous 52

Erithacus rubecula 252



Oriental 152



Long-tailed 58



Tufted 52

F



White-headed 56

Cuculus canorus 152

saturatus 152

Black 180

scouleri 258

Falco altaicus 72

Curlew, Eurasian 118

Dunlin 126



cherrug 72



Far Eastern 118

Dunnock 280



columbarius 74



Little 118

jugger 72

Slender-billed 118

E







naumanni 74

Cursorius cursor 130

Eagle, Bonelli’s 96



pelegrinoides 70

Cyanistes caeruleus 192



Booted 96



peregrinus 70



Eastern Imperial 94



rusticolus 70



Golden 92



subbuteo 76



cyanus 192

Cygnus columbianus 44

cygnus 44



Greater Spotted 94



tinnunculus 74



olor 44



Pallas’s Fish 80



vespertinus 76

D



Short-toed 96

Falcon, Altai 72



Steppe 94



Barbary 70

Delichon urbicum 200



White-tailed 80



Laggar 72

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Peregrine 70



solitaria 114





Red-footed 76



stenura 114

Greenshank, Common 120



Saker 72

Gallinula chloropus 102

Griffon, Eurasian 82

Garganey 50



Grosbeak, Black-and-yellow 306

Ficedula albicilla 268

Yellow-breasted 294

Himalayan 82



albicollis 270

Garrulax lineatus 234



hypoleuca 270



variegatus 234



Pine 308



parva 268

Garrulus glandarius 182



White-winged 306



semitorquata 270





superciliaris 270

Gavia arctica 58

lanceolatus 182

Grouse, Eurasian Black 34

Hazel 34



Willow 34

Fieldfare 246



Finch, Asian Rosy 298

Gelochelidon nilotica 140

Grus grus 98



Brandt’s Mountain 298

Glareola lactea 130



leucogeranus 98



Crimson-winged 300



nordmanni 130



virgo 98



Desert 300



pratincola 130

Gull, Baltic 136



Mongolian 300

Glaucidium brodiei 154



Black-headed 134



Plain Mountain 298



passerinum 158



Brown-headed 134



Trumpeter 300

stellata 58

Godwit, Bar-tailed 116



Caspian 136

Flamingo, Greater 62





Common 134

Flycatcher, Asian Paradise 234

Goldcrest 238



Glaucous 138



Collared 270

Goldeneye, Common 54



Great Black-headed 138



Dark-sided 268

Goldfinch, Eastern 294



Heuglin’s 136



Pied 270



Eurasian 294



Lesser Black-backed 136



Red-breasted 268



European 294



Little 132



Rusty-tailed 268

Goosander 56



Mediterranean 132



Semi-collared 270

Goose, Bar-headed 44



Mew 134



Spotted 268



Barnacle 46



Pallas’s 138



Taiga 268



Bean 42



Relict 132



Ultramarine 270



Brent 46



Siberian 136

Forktail, Little 258



Greater White-fronted 42



Slender-billed 134





Greylag 42



Steppe 136

Francolin, Black 38



Lesser White-fronted 42

Gymnoris xanthocollis 276

Francolinus francolinus 38



Red-breasted 46

Gypaetus barbatus 80

Fringilla coelebs 294



Snow 44

Gyps bengalensis 82



Swan 44

Spotted 258

Black-tailed 116



fulvus 82

Fulica atra 102

Goshawk, Northern 88



himalayensis 82

G

Grebe, Black-necked 60

Gyrfalcon 70



Great Crested 60

Gadwall 48



Horned 60

H

Galerida cristata 204



Little 60

Haematopus ostralegus 104

Gallinago gallinago 114



montifringilla 294



Red-necked 60

Halcyon smyrnensis 166



media 112



Slavonian 60

Haliaeetus albicilla 80



megala 112

Greenfinch, European 294



leucoryphus 80

329 005 BoCA endmatter.indd 329

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Harrier, Eastern Marsh 84

Ixobrychus minutus 64



lahtora 178



Hen 86

minor 176

Montagu’s 86

J







phoenicuroides 174



Northern 86

Jacana, Pheasant-tailed 102



schach 176



Pallid 86

Jackdaw, Daurian 188



vittatus 176



Western Marsh 84



Lapwing, Northern 106

Eurasian 188

Hawfinch 306

Jaeger, Parasitic 138



Red-wattled 106

Heron, Black-crowned Night 64



Pomarine 138



Sociable 106



Chinese Pond 64

Jay, Black-headed 182



White-tailed 106



Grey 66



Eurasian 182

Lark, Asian Short-toed 206



Indian Pond 64



Henderson’s Ground 184



Bar-tailed 204



Purple 66



Mongolian Ground 184



Bimaculated 202



Squacco 64



Pander’s Ground 184



Black 202

Himantopus himantopus 104



Pleske’s Ground 184



Calandra 202

Hippolais icterina 220



Siberian 182



Crested 204

languida 220



Turkestan Ground 184



Desert 204

Jynx torquilla 168



Greater Short-toed 206

K



Horned 208



Hume’s 206

Hobby, Eurasian 76

Kestrel, Common 74



Sand 206

Honey-buzzard, Crested 78



Eurasian 74



Shore 208



European 78



Lesser 74



White-winged 202



Oriental 78

Kingfisher, Common 166

Larus brunnicephalus 134



Western 78



Crested 166



cachinnans 136

Hoopoe, Common 166



Pied 166



canus 134





White-throated 166



fuscus 136



Hirundapus caudacutus 162 Hirundo rustica 200

smithii 200

Eurasian 166

Hoopoe-Lark, Greater 204

Kite, Black 84



genei 134

Hydrophasianus chirurgus 102



Black-eared 84



hyperboreus 138

Hydroprogne caspia 140



Black-shouldered 76



ichthyaetus 138

Hypocolius ampelinus 190



Black-winged 76



melanocephalus 132

Hypocolius, Grey 190

Kittiwake, Black-legged 132



minutus 132

Hypsipetes leucocephalus 180

Knot, Red 128



relictus 132

I

L



ridibundus 134

Ibidorhyncha struthersii 104

Lagopus lagopus 34



Ibis, Glossy 62



Ibisbill 104

Lammergeier 80

Leucosticte arctoa 298

Iduna caligata 220

Lanius borealis 178

Laughingthrush, Streaked 234 muta 34

Variegated 234

Leptopoecile sophiae 238

brandti 298



pallida 220



collurio 174



nemoricola 298



rama 220



cristatus 176

Limicola falcinellus 126

Irania 250



excubitor 178

Limnodromus scolopaceus 116

Irania gutturalis 250



isabellinus 174



semipalmatus 116

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Limosa lapponica 116



calandra 202



Sykes’s 160

limosa 116

Vaurie’s 160



leucoptera 202



Linnet, Common 296



yeltoniensis 202

Nucifraga caryocatactes 182

Locustella certhiola 214



Merganser, Common 56





fluviatilis 214



Numenius arquata 118



lanceolata 214

Mergellus albellus 56



madagascariensis 118



luscinioides 212

Mergus merganser 56



minutus 118



naevia 214



serrator 56



phaeopus 118 tenuirostris 118

Red-breasted 56

multipunctata 182

Lonchura punctulata 300

Merlin 74



Longspur, Lapland 318

Merops apiaster 164

Nutcracker, Eurasian 182

Lophophorus impejanus 40



orientalis 164



Loxia curvirostra 308



persicus 164

Nuthatch, Eastern Rock 236

leucoptera 308

Large-spotted 182

Milvus migrans 84



Eurasian 236

Lullula arborea 208

Minivet, Long-tailed 180



Kashmir 236

Luscinia brunnea 254

Monal, Himalayan 40



White-cheeked 236

Nyctea scandiaca 156





calliope 252

Monticola cinclorhynchus 242



cyane 252



saxatilis 242

Nycticorax nycticorax 64



luscinia 250



solitarius 242



megarhynchos 250

Montifringilla nivalis 276

O



pectoralis 252

Moorhen, Common 102

Oenanthe albonigra 266



svecica 254

Motacilla alba 284



chrysopygia 262

Lymnocryptes minimus 114



cinerea 286



deserti 262

Lyrurus tetrix 34



citreola 284



finschii 264

M



flava 286



hispanica 264

Munia, Scaly-breasted 300



isabellina 262

Magpie, Common 184

Muscicapa ruficauda 268



oenanthe 262

Mallard 48



sibirica 268



picata 266

Marmaronetta angustirostris 50



striata 268



pleschanka 264

Martin, Collared Sand 198

Mycerobas carnipes 306



Eurasian Crag 198





Grey-throated 198

Myna, Common 240

Oriolus kundoo 188



Grey-throated Sand 198

Myophonus caeruleus 242





Northern House 200



Pale 198

N

Osprey 78



Pale Crag 198

Needletail, White-throated 162

Otus brucei 154



Pale Sand 198

Neophron percnopterus 80





Sand 198

Nettapus coromandelianus 58

Ouzel, Ring 244

Megaceryle lugubris 166

Netta rufina 52

Owl, Boreal 158

Melanitta deglandi 54

Nightingale, Common 250



Collared Pygmy 154

icterioides 306

Oriole, European Golden 188

Indian Golden 188 oriolus 188

Otis tarda 98



fusca 54





Common Scops 154



nigra 54

Nightjar, Egyptian 160



Eurasian Eagle 156





Eurasian Pygmy 158

Melanocorypha bimaculata 202

Thrush 250

scops 154

European 160

331 005 BoCA endmatter.indd 331

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Eurasian Scops 154





Great Grey 156



Little 154





Long-eared 158





occipitalis 228

Perdix dauurica 38



proregulus 226

perdix 38



schwarzi 224

Pericrocotus ethologus 180



sibilatrix 224

Northern Hawk 158

Periparus ater 192



sindianus 222



Pallid Scops 154





subviridis 226



Short-eared 158

Perisoreus infaustus 182



trochiloides 228



Snowy 156

Pernis apivorus 78



trochilus 222



Spotted Little 154





tytleri 224



Striated Scops 154

Petrochelidon fluvicola 200

Pica pica 184



Tawny 156

Petronia petronia 276

Picoides tridactylus 168



Tengmalm's 158

Phalacrocorax carbo 68

Piculet, Speckled 168



Ural 156



Great White 68

rufonuchalis 192

ptilorhyncus 78

pygmeus 68

Picumnus innominatus 168

Owlet, Collared 154

Phalarope, Grey 128

Picus canus 172





Red 128



squamatus 172

Oxyura leucocephala 56



Red-necked 128



viridis 172

Oystercatcher, Eurasian 104

Phalaropus fulicarius 128

P



Spotted 154

Pigeon, Hill 146

lobatus 128



Pale-backed 148

Phasianus colchicus 40



Snow 148

Painted-snipe, Greater 130

Pheasant, Black-necked 40



Yellow-eyed 148

Pandion haliaetus 78



Common 40

Pinicola enucleator 308

Panurus biarmicus 194



Khirgiz 40

Pintail, Northern 48

Parakeet, Alexandrine 152



Koklass 40

Pipit, Buff-bellied 292



Rose-ringed 152



White-winged 40



Long-billed 288



Slaty-headed 152

Philomachus pugnax 128



Meadow 290

Partridge, Daurian 38

Phoenicopterus ruber 62



Olive-backed 290



Grey 38

Phoenicurus caeruleocephala 254



Paddyfield 288



See-see 38



erythrogastrus 256



Red-throated 290

Parus cinereus 190



erythronotus 256



Richard’s 288

major 190



frontalis 254



Rosy 292

Passer ammodendri 272



ochruros 256



Tawny 288



domesticus 272



phoenicurus 256



Tree 290



hispaniolensis 272

Phylloscopus borealis 228



Water 292



indicus 272



chloronotus 226

Platalea leucorodia 62



montanus 274



collybita 222

Plectrophenax nivalis 308



rutilans 274



fuscatus 224

Plegadis falcinellus 62



yatii 274



griseolus 224

Plover, Caspian 110



zarudnyi 274



humei 226



Common Ringed 112

Pastor roseus 240



inornatus 226



Eurasian Golden 108

Pelecanus crispus 68





magnirostris 228



Greater Sand 110

onocrotalus 68



neglectus 222



Grey 108

Pelican, Dalmatian 68



nitidus 228



Kentish 112



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Redwing 248



Lesser Sand 110

Psittacula eupatria 152



Little Ringed 112



himalayana 152

Reedling, Bearded 194



Mongolian 110



krameri 152

Regulus regulus 238



Pacific Golden 108

Ptarmigan, Rock 34

Remiz coronatus 196

Pterocles alchata 144



macronyx 196 pendulinus 196

Pluvialis apricaria 108

fulva 108



coronatus 146





squatarola 108



orientalis 144

Rhodopechys sanguineus 300

Pochard, Common 52



senegallus 146

Rhodospiza obsoleta 300



Ferruginous 52

Ptyonoprogne obsoleta 198



Red-crested 52



Podiceps auritus 60

rupestris 198

Rhyacornis fuliginosa 258 Riparia chinensis 198

Pucrasia macrolopha 40



diluta 198



riparia 198



cristatus 60

Pycnonotus leucogenys 180



grisegena 60





nigricollis 60

Pygmy-goose, Cotton 58

Robin, European 252

Pyrgilauda theresae 276

leucotis 180

Rissa tridactyla 132

Indian Blue 254



panderi 184

Pyrrhocorax graculus 184



Orange-flanked Bush 252



pleskei 184



Podoces hendersoni 184

Poecile cincta 194

montana 194



palustris 194



songara 194

Porphyrio porphyrio 102 Porzana parva 100

pyrrhocorax 184



Rufous Bush 250

Pyrrhula pyrrhula 306



Rufous Scrub 250

Q



Rufous-tailed Scrub 250



Siberian Blue 252

Quail, Common 40



White-throated 250

R

Rockfinch, Pale 276 Roller, European 164



porzana 100

Rail, Water 100





pusilla 100

Indian 164

Rallus aquaticus 100

Rook 186

Pratincole, Black-winged 130

Raven, Brown-necked 186

Rosefinch, Blyth’s 304



Collared 130



Common 186



Common 302



Little 130



Northern 186



Long-tailed 302

Recurvirostra avosetta 104



Pale 302



gracilis 210

Redpoll, Common 298



Pallas’s 302



inornata 210

Redshank, Common 120



Red-fronted 304

Prinia, Graceful 210





Red-mantled 304



Plain 210

Redstart, Black 256



Sinai 302



Striated 210



Blue-capped 254



Spotted Great 304

Prunella atrogularis 278



Blue-fronted 254

Rostratula benghalensis 130

Prinia crinigera 210

Spotted 120



collaris 280



Common 256

Rubythroat, Siberian 252



fulvescens 278



Eversmann’s 256





himalayana 280



Güldenstädt’s 256

Ruff 128



modularis 280



Plumbeous Water 258



montanella 278



Rufous-backed 256

S



ocularis 278



White-capped 258

Sanderling 126



strophiata 280



White-winged 256

Sandgrouse, Black-bellied 144

White-tailed 252

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Crowned 146

Siskin, Eurasian 296

Stercorarius parasiticus 138



Pallas’s 144

Sitta cashmirensis 236





Pin-tailed 144



europaea 236

Sterna aurantia 140



Spotted 146



leucopsis 236



hirundo 140



Tibetan 144



tephronota 236



sandvicensis 140

pomarinus 138

Sandpiper, Broad-billed 126

Skua, Arctic 138

Sternula albifrons 142



Common 122



Stilt, Black-winged 104



Curlew 126

Skylark, Eurasian 208

Stint, Little 124



Green 122





Long-toed 124



Marsh 120

Smew 56



Red-necked 124



Sharp-tailed 126

Snipe, Common 114



Temminck’s 124



Terek 122



Great 112

Stonechat, Eastern 260



Wood 122



Jack 114



Saxicola caprata 260

Pomarine 138 Oriental 208

Siberian 260



Pin-tailed 114

Stone-curlew, Eurasian 104



macrorhynchus 260



Solitary 114

Stork, Black 62



maurus 260



Swinhoe’s 112





rubetra 260

White 62

Snowcock, Altai 36

Streptopelia decaocto 150

Scaup, Greater 52



Caspian 36



orientalis 150

Scolopax rusticola 114



Himalayan 36



senegalensis 150

Scoter, Common 54



Tibetan 36



turtur 150



Velvet 54

Snowfinch, Afghan 276

Strix aluco 156



White-winged 54



White-winged 276



nebulosa 156

Scotocerca inquieta 210

Sparrow, Afghan Scrub 274



uralensis 156

Serin, Red-fronted 296



Eurasian Tree 274

Sturnus pagodarum 240

Serinus pusillus 296



House 272



Shelduck, Common 46



Indian 272

Sunbird, Purple 282



vulgaris 240



Pale Rock 276

Surnia ulula 158

Shikra 88



Rock 276

Swallow, Barn 200

Shoveler, Northern 48



Russet 274



Red-rumped 200

Shrike, Asian Grey 178



Saxaul 272



Streak-throated 200



Bay-backed 176



Sistan Scrub 274



Wire-tailed 200



Brown 176



Spanish 272

Swamphen, Purple 102



Daurian 174



Yate’s 274

Swan, Bewick’s 44



Great Grey 178



Yellow-throated 276



Mute 44



Isabelline 174



Zarudny’s 274



Tundra 44



Lesser Grey 176

Sparrowhawk, Eurasian 88



Whooper 44



Long-tailed 176



Swift, Alpine 162



Northern Grey 178

Spoonbill, Eurasian 62



Common 162



Red-backed 174

Starling, Brahminy 240



Fork-tailed 162



Red-tailed 174



Common 240



Little 162



Steppe Grey 178



European 240



Pacific 162



Turkestan 174



Rosy 240

Sylvia althaea 232

Ruddy 46

Levant 88

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atricapilla 230



Common Rock 242



iliacus 248



borin 230



Mistle 248



merula 244



communis 232



Naumann’s 246



naumanni 246



crassirostris 230



Red-throated 246



philomelos 248



curruca 232



Rufous-tailed Rock 242



pilaris 246



mystacea 230



Song 248



rubrocanus 244



nana 232



Tickell’s 244



ruficollis 246



nisoria 230



White’s 248



torquatus 244

Tichodroma muraria 234



unicolor 244

Tit, Azure 192



viscivorus 248

T



Bearded 194

Turnstone, Ruddy 122



Black-breasted 192

Twite 296

Tachybaptus ruficollis 60



Black-headed Penduline 196

Tachymarptis melba 162



Blue 192

U

Tadorna ferruginea 46



Cinereous 190

Upupa epops 166

tadorna 46



Coal 192

Uragus sibiricus 302

Tarsiger cyanurus 252



Eurasian Penduline 196

Teal, Baikal 50



Great 190

V



Common 50



Long-tailed 196

Vanellus gregarius 106



Marbled 50



Marsh 194



indicus 106

Tern, Black 142



Rufous-naped 192



leucurus 106



Caspian 140



Siberian 194



vanellus 106



Common 140



Songar 194

Vulture, Bearded 80



Gull-billed 140



Spot-winged 192



Cinereous 82



Little 142



Turkestan 190



Egyptian 80



River 140



White-cheeked 196



White-rumped 82



Sandwich 140



White-crowned Penduline



Whiskered 142

W



White-winged Black 142

Syrrhaptes paradoxus 144



tibetanus 144

196

Willow 194

Wagtail, Black-headed 286

Terpsiphone paradisi 234



Yellow-breasted 192



Citrine 284

Tetraogallus altaicus 36

Tit-Warbler, White-browed 238



East Siberian 284



caspius 36

Treecreeper, Bar-tailed 236



Eastern Yellow 286



himalayensis 36



Eurasian 236



Himalayan 284



tibetanus 36

Tringa erythropus 120



Grey 286

Tetrao urogallus 34



glareola 122



Grey-headed 286

Tetrastes bonasia 34



nebularia 120



Masked 284

Tetrax tetrax 98



ochropus 122



Sykes’s 286

Thrush, Black-throated 246



stagnatilis 120



White 284



Blue-capped Rock 242



totanus 120



White-headed 286



Blue Rock 242

Troglodytes troglodytes 238



Yellow 286



Blue Whistling 242

Turdoides huttoni 234



Yellow-headed 286



Chestnut 244

Turdus atrogularis 246

Wallcreeper 234

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Warbler, Arctic 228



Pallas’s Leaf 226



Greater 232



Asian Desert 232



Plain Leaf 222



Hume’s 232



Barred 230



Radde’s 224



Lesser 232



Blunt-winged 218



River 214

Wigeon, Eurasian 50



Blyth’s Reed 218



Rusty-rumped 214

Woodcock, Eurasian 114



Booted 220



Savi’s 212

Woodlark 208



Brooks’s Leaf 226



Sedge 212

Woodpecker, Black 172



Cetti’s 212



Streaked Scrub 210



Brown-fronted 168



Clamorous Reed 216



Sulphur-bellied 224



Great Spotted 170



Common Grasshopper 214



Sykes’s 220



Green 172



Desert 232



Tytler’s Leaf 224



Grey-headed 172



Dusky 224



Upcher’s 220



Himalayan 170



Eastern Olivaceous 220



Western Crowned 228



Lesser Spotted 168



Eastern Orphean 230



Willow 222



Scaly-bellied 172



Eurasian Reed 216



Wood 224



Three-toed 168



Garden 230



Yellow-browed 226



White-backed 170



Grasshopper 214

Waxwing, Bohemian 282



White-winged 170



Great Reed 216

Wheatear, Black-eared 264

Woodpigeon 148



Green 228



Desert 262

Wren, Winter 238



Greenish 228



Finsch’s 264

Wryneck, Eurasian 168



Hume’s Leaf 226



Hume’s 266





Icterine 220



Isabelline 262



Lanceolated 214



Northern 262

X



Large-billed Leaf 228



Pied 264

Xenus cinereus 122



Large-billed Reed 218



Red-tailed 262



Lemon-rumped 226



Variable 266

Y



Marsh 216

Whimbrel 118



Ménétriés’s 230

Whinchat 260



Moustached 212

White-eye, Oriental 238



Paddyfield 218

Whitethroat, Common 232

Zoothera aurea 248



Pallas’s Grasshopper 214



Zosterops palpebrosus 238

Desert 232

Northern 168

Yellowhammer 310

Z

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