The Birds Of Azerbaijan

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Azerbaijan M. Patrikeev

Michael Patrikeev, a graduate of St. Petersburg University, Russia, lived and worked in Azerbaijan for 14 years, and the expertise he acquired there meant that he was able to make a valuable contribution to such books as Birds of the Western Palearctic, Concise Edition (Snow & Perrins 1998) and Important Bird Areas in Europe (Heath & Evans/BirdLife International, 2000). Michael is now an Avian Biologist at the World Birding Center (Texas) and President of the Institute for the Conservation of World Biodiversity (Canada). He is currently involved in bird studies and conservation activities in Canada, Texas, Mexico and Peru.

The Birds of

Azerbaijan, a country with a rich variety of habitats and wildlife, lies south of the Caucasus Mountains on the western seaboard of the Caspian and shares a common border with Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Iran and Turkey. This first full description of its birdlife includes an introduction to the geography of Azerbaijan, a history of bird studies in the country, an analysis of the avifauna, discussion of conservation issues, 372 species accounts, detailed distribution maps, an annotated bird list, as well as sections on Important Bird Areas, colonial birds, waterfowl, and the influence of cold winters and oil pollution. The reference list is the most comprehensive yet compiled on the country’s birds. Birds of Azerbaijan will be a most valuable addition to zoological libraries, and many professional ornithologists, students of ornithology, nature conservationists and specialists in biogeography will learn much from its pages. It will similarly appeal to birdwatchers wanting to find out about a relatively unexplored part of the western Palearctic and to all those with a keen interest in natural history.

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Birds ofAzerbaijan The

by Michael Patrikeev

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

Dedicated with affection and respect to the memory of my mentor, Yuri Pukinski, an outstanding ornithologist and a great friend

The Birds of

Azerbaijan by

Michael Patrikeev 1999–2003 Edition Edited by Geoffrey H. Harper, Russian Nature Press

Sofia–Moscow 2004

THE BIRDS OF AZERBAIJAN by Michael Patrikeev Edited by Geoffrey H. Harper, Russian Nature Press

Pensoft Series Faunistica No 38 ISSN 1312-0174

First published 2004 ISBN 954-642-207-X

© PENSOFT Publishers All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner.

Pensoft Publishers, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl.6, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria Fax: +359-2-979-34-06 or +359-2-870-45-08; e-mail: [email protected] www.pensoft.net

Printed in Bulgaria, September 2004

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

Contents Foreword 9 Acknowledgements 11 Geography of Azerbaijan 12 A Brief Review of Ornithological Studies in Azerbaijan The Avifauna of Azerbaijan from the mid 19th century to late 20th century 19 Avifaunistic Regions of Azerbaijan 24 Bird Conservation in Azerbaijan 27

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Species Accounts: Family Gaviidae – Divers (Loons) 35 Family Podicipedidae – Grebes 35 Family Pelecanidae – Pelicans 38 Family Phalacrocoracidae – Cormorants 41 Family Ardeidae – Herons, Egrets and Bitterns 45 Family Ciconiidae – Storks 55 Family Threskiornithidae – Ibises and Spoonbills 57 Family Phoenicopteridae – Flamingo 60 Family Anatidae – Swans, Geese and Ducks 62 Family Pandionidae – Osprey 90 Family Accipitridae – Hawks, Eagles and Vultures 91 Family Falconidae – Falcons 109 Family Tetraonidae – Grouse 114 Family Phasianidae – Pheasants, Partridges and allies 116 Family Gruidae – Cranes 125 Family Rallidae – Rails, Crakes and allies 127 Family Otididae – Bustards 135 Family Burhinidae – Stone Curlews 139 Family Charadriidae – Plovers 140 Family Recurvirostridae – Stilts and Avocets 146 Family Haematopodidae – Oystercatchers 148 Family Scolopacidae – Sandpipers, Snipes and allies 149 Family Glareolidae – Pratincoles and Coursers 161 Family Stercorariidae – Skuas and Jaegers 163 Family Laridae – Gulls and Terns 163 Family Pteroclididae – Sandgrouse 175 Family Columbidae – Pigeons and Doves 176

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6 The Birds of Azerbaijan

Family Cuculidae – Cuckoos 181 Family Strigidae – Owls 182 Family Caprimulgidae – Nightjars 187 Family Apodidae -Swifts 188 Family Coraciidae – Rollers 189 Family Alcedinidae – Kingfishers 190 Family Meropidae – Bee-eaters 191 Family Upupidae – Hoopoes 194 Family Picidae – Woodpeckers 195 Family Hirundinidae – Swallows and Martins 200 Family Alaudidae – Larks 203 Family Motacillidae – Wagtails and Pipits 209 Family Laniidae – Shrikes 215 Family Bombycillidae – Waxwings 218 Family Oriolidae – Orioles 218 Family Sturnidae – Starlings 219 Family Corvidae – Crows and allies 222 Family Cinclidae – Dippers 230 Family Troglodytidae – Wrens 230 Family Prunellidae – Dunnocks and Accentors 231 Family Turdidae – Thrushes and allies 233 Family Sylviidae – Old World Warblers 249 Family Regulidae – Kinglets 260 Family Muscicapidae – Old World Flycatchers 260 Family Timeliidae – Babblers and allies 262 Family Aegithalidae – Long-tailed Tits 263 Family Remizidae – Penduline Tits 263 Family Paridae – Tits 264 Family Sittidae – Nuthatches 267 Family Certhiidae – Treecreepers 269 Family Passeridae – Sparrows 270 Family Fringillidae – Finches 275 Family Emberizidae – Buntings 284 Plates 289 Appendixes 317 Appendix 1. A List of Birds of Azerbaijan 319 Appendix 2. Important Birds Areas of Azerbaijan 326 Appendix 3. Mixed Colonies of Cormorants, Herons, Egrets and Ibises in Azerbaijan 347

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

Appendix 4. Wildfowl Hunting in Azerbaijan Appendix 5. Impact of Cold Winters on Birds Appendix 6. Impact of Oil Pollution on Birds Appendix 7. Glossary 357 Appendix 8. Geographic Names 358 References 359 Index of English names 369 Index of Scientific names 375

352 353 354

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8 The Birds of Azerbaijan

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

Foreword Azerbaijan is a relatively small country (86,600 km2) in Eastern Transcaucasia (formerly within the USSR). Georgia and Armenia border Azerbaijan to the west, Iran and Turkey to the south and southwest, and Dagestan (a part of the Russian Federation) to the north. On the eastern side is the Caspian Sea. Two vast mountain system - the Greater and Lesser Caucasus - squeeze Azerbaijan from the north and southwest, with the extensive Kura-Aras Lowland lying in between. The avifauna of Azerbaijan consists of 372 species. Significant numbers of many West Palaearctic bird species migrate, nest or winter in this country. Some internationally important wetlands (including Kizil Agach Nature Reserve) harbour hundreds of thousands of wintering waterfowl and other waterbirds. A major flyway from West Siberia and Kazakhstan to Iran and northeast Africa also passes through Azerbaijan. *** I lived in Azerbaijan for almost 14 years between 1970 and 1991. In the 1970s our family regularly traveled to northeastern Azerbaijan, so providing me with an opportunity to observe birds in lowland broad-leaved forests adjacent to the sand beaches of the Caspian Sea. Later, while attending the University of St. Petersburg (Russia), I annually visited Azerbaijan, and later headed the Wildlife Section of the Ecological Centre of Azerbaijan (Baku) in1988-1991. While still in high school, I personally experienced a need for a bird book on Azerbaijan. Unlike many other regions of the former USSR, Azerbaijan was not well covered in available handbooks or field guides. When I started at the Ecological Centre, the shortage of bird publications significantly slowed my work. Good information on distribution, population size and biology was unavailable for many species. Old monographs on birds of the Caucasus Region written by Radde (1884) and Satunin (1907) became rare and others obsolete. Newer bird papers were scattered through numerous conference proceedings, university publications and journals. Some papers written in the Azeri language were little known outside Azerbaijan and even harder to find. While gathering field data and working with literature sources, I acquired the idea of writing this book. In 1988-91 I conducted intensive fieldwork in many regions of Azerbaijan. Because many areas were poorly known ornithologically I tried to visit as many of them as possible. The durations of my field trips to various locations varied from 1-2 days to 6 weeks. The most thorough work was carried out in the islands of the Baku Archipelago, Gobustan Upland, Karayasi Forest, Shemakha Upland, southeastern Shirvan and the mountains of Turianchai Bosdag, but also at well known wintering sites including Kizil Agach Reserve, Lake Aggel and southern Mugan. Political instability in Azerbaijan in 1990-91 and a war with Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh Region significantly affected my studies, making visits to many areas in the west and southwest too dangerous and often impossible. By June 1991 I abandoned any further plans to work in Azerbaijan, but continued working on the monograph and completed the first draft in late March 1993 in Canada (since then, more recent information has been added and the final draft was ready in March 2003). The present book contains a brief review of ornithological studies in Azerbaijan, the geographical and ornithological features of this country, species accounts, a birdlist, and summaries of the important bird areas, bird conservation, colonial birds, migration and oil pollution. Species accounts contain information on status, distribution, population size, movements, breeding, diet, mortality and sometimes behaviour. Some sections (distribution, population size, etc.) are divided by region: southeast lowlands, Kura-Aras Lowland, etc. Distribution and taxonomy of subspecies mostly follows Stepanian (1990), and Azeri names follow Mustafaev et al. (1977). In writing the species accounts I have omitted descriptions, measurements and field characteristics, simply because the work was never intended as a field guide, but rather a synopsis for conservation and management. For information on identification, measurements and plumages of birds occurring in Azerbaijan please refer to handbooks and field guides dealing with Europe and the Middle East, e.g. The Birds of the Western Palearctic (Cramp & Simmons, 1977-94) and The Birds of the Soviet Union (Dementiev & Gladkov, 1951-56), also available in English.

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10 The Birds of Azerbaijan Although this work does not pretend to be a comprehensive handbook, it is the first monograph ever published on the birds of Azerbaijan. It is truly hoped that it may capture the interest of local and foreign ornithologists, conservationists, environmentalists, birdwatchers and travelers, and boost further studies of birds in this remarkable and very important Transcaucasian region - Azerbaijan, a small country beside the Caspian Sea. Michael Patrikeev Ancaster, Ontario, Canada 20 June 2004

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

Acknowledgements I would like to use this opportunity to thank all who helped me in my work, promoted this publication, reported new interesting bird observations or were helpful during my field studies. In Azerbaijan, I am very grateful to Dr. Elchin Sultanov (Institute of Zoology, Baku) and his staff (Dr. Ilias Babaev, Dr. Nina Karabanova, Dr. Avtandyl Musaev, Azer Mustafaev and Gafiz Mukhtarov) for the warm and friendly reception that I always received at the Laboratory of Ornithology. It was my pleasure to work with Dr. Yusif Khalilov (formerly head of the Nature Reserves Board of Azerbaijan) and other staff of the Nature Reserves Board as well as with Dr. Djavanshir Aliev, Tanya Djavanshir, Dr. Adil Orudjev, Dr. Vagif Bairamov (all of the Ecological Centre of Azerbaijan) and Dr. Sabir Israfilov (Nature Conservation Society of Azerbaijan). Yashar Guseinov (formerly of the Absheron Regional Committee for Nature Conservation), the late Gusameddin Bairamov (Baku Regional Committee for Nature Conservation) and Dr. Raya Mustafaeva (Zakatali Reserve) shared many interesting unpublished sightings and other information. Directors of nature reserves Suleiman Gasimov (Aggel Reserve), Novruz Ismailov (Karayasi Reserve), Fekret Magerramov (Shirvan Reserve) and Ali Mammedov (Pirgulu Reserve), wardens and technicians Islam (Karayasi Reserve), Mammed (Aggel Reserve) and Maria (Shirvan Reserve) and chairmen of regional committees for nature conservation Aslan Fatullaev (Masalli) and Aidin Guseinov (Lenkoran) were very helpful and hospitable during my visits. Staff of the Azerbaijani Society of Hunters including Mirbashir Kasumov (senior warden), Said Ibragimov (deputy director) and Gardash (warden) provided accommodation and transport at Lake Mahmud-chala. Dmitri Mironov (Azerbaijan Research Institute of Electricity) reported incidents of bird electrocution. Many thanks to them all. I would like to thank ordinary Azeris and Russians for fixing my car and pulling it from mud-puddles, allowing me to use their boats, providing free housing and giving me all sorts of assistance. In Russia I am indebted forever to my late mentor Dr. Yuri Pukinski (formerly of the Institute of Biology, University of St. Petersburg) who was my teacher in the field of ornithology and a good friend. I am also very grateful to my father, Vladimir Patrikeev, who was responsible for my interest in nature from the age of five and to my mother, Lina Patrikeev, who was very encouraging and supportive during all these years. Dr. Vladimir Loskot (Zoological Institute, St. Petersburg) kindly helped in locating bird books stored at the Department of Ornithology, Valery Malenkov (formerly of the Zoological Institute, St. Petersburg) found and copied some rare books important for my work, Dr. Alexander Khokhlov (StavropolMoscow) published some of my earlier papers on birds of Azerbaijan, and Dr. Sergey Golovach (Pensoft Inc.) agreed to accept and publish this manuscript. Juri Keskpaik from Estonia reported Common Crane migration over Baku. The Birds of Azerbaijan could have forever remained an unpublished manuscript if not for invaluable help and support of my friends and colleagues from the United Kingdom. Indeed, Mike Wilson (Alexander Library, Edward Grey Institute, Oxford) was a driving force behind it and always helpful with advice, constant encouragement, literature searches and overall help in promoting this publication, and Geoffrey Harper (Russian Nature Press, Edinburgh; website www.rusnatpress.org.uk) has volunteered to take on the lengthy task of editing this manuscript. My sincere thanks to both of them. In addition Peter Cranswick (Wildfowl & Wetland Trust) reported unpublished sightings of birds from Azerbaijan, and Janet Hunter (Wildfowl & Wetland Trust) edited several species accounts later published in the Threatened Waterfowl Research Group Newsletter. In Canada I would like to thank Dr. Martin McNicholl (presently of Burnaby, B.C.) who was my very first contact in this country and introduced me to the Ornithological Society of Toronto. Dr. Jon Barlow (Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto) kindly commented on several species accounts of the initial draft. Dr. Chip Weseloh (Canadian Wildlife Service, Downsview, Ontario) edited some of species accounts, constantly encouraged me to keep working on the book and provided me with a computer. Karen Petitt (formerly of Canadian Wildlife Service, Burlington, Ontario) easily resolved all my computer troubles. I am very thankful to them all. I am also indebted to Mary Gartshore and Peter Carson (Walsingham, Ontario) for their friendship, encouragement and constant support. Special thanks and all my love go to my wife, Katherine, who showed so much patience and understanding during the many long hours I spent editing the manuscript. Finally, in Bulgaria, I would like to thank Dr. Lyubomir Penev (Pensoft Publishers) for accepting and publishing this manuscript.

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12 The Birds of Azerbaijan

Geography of Azerbaijan Azerbaijan (86,600 km2) is the largest of the three ‘newly independent’ states making up Transcaucasia. Azerbaijan consists of 60 districts and two autonomous regions: the Nakhichevan Autonomous Region (c. 5,500 km 2) physically separated from the rest of the country by Armenia, and the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region (c. 4,400 km2) populated by ethnic Armenians. The population of Azerbaijan was c. 7,770,000 in 1995 (c. 250,000 in Nakhichevan Region and c. 150,000 in Nagorno-Karabakh Region in 1990). The average population density was 90 people/km2. Urban and rural populations accounted for 54 and 46 % respectively. As of 1995, 90% of the population were Azeris (a Turkish speaking group), 3.2% Dagestani peoples, 2.5% Russians, 2.3% Armenians, 2% Avars, Georgians, Germans, Jews, Kurds, Lezghins, Talish, Turks, Udins, Ukrainians and other nationalities (Baguirov, 1996-97). The topography of Azerbaijan is very diverse. In the north the majestic Lateral and Watershed Ridges of the Greater Caucasus Mountains with their snow-capped summits of Bazar-Duzu (4,466 m, the highest peak of Azerbaijan) and Shahdag (4,243 m) separate Azerbaijan from Dagestan (Russian Federation) and protect the central valleys from freezing cold in winter. The southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus are mostly covered with broad-leaved and mixed forests often reaching the mountaintops. Sub-alpine and alpine meadows occur in the extreme northwest (Zakatali and Belokani districts) and northern-central parts of the country. The gradually descending southeastern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains eventually merge with the partly forested and rather dry Shemakha Upland and semi-arid Gobustan Upland with its low mountains and mud-volcanoes. South of the Greater Caucasus Mountains and north of the Kura River lies a parallel chain of low clayey mountains (barren or covered with juniper woodlands) called the

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

Bosdag or ‘grey mountains’. Small rivers flowing from the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus divide the Bosdag into separate ridges - Djeiranchel, Mingechaur Bosdag, Turianchai Bosdag and Gekchai Bosdag. Further east the Bosdag joins the Langabiz Range and Gobustan Upland. The Lesser Caucasus Mountains (within the limits of Azerbaijan proper) consist of the Murovdag, Shahdag and Karabakh ridges. These mountains occupy the western and southwestern parts of the country. The highest peak of the Lesser Caucasus in Azerbaijan is Mount Giamish (3,724 m) on the Murovdag Ridge. The slopes of the Lesser Caucasus are mostly covered with broad-leaved and mixed forests. Alpine and sub-alpine meadows occur in the highest parts, mostly in the Murovdag Ridge. The treeless Karabakh Upland is landlocked between Murovdag, Karabakh and other smaller ridges extending into Armenia. To the southwest from Azerbaijan proper, squeezed between the Aras River and Zangezur Ridge, lies the Nakhichevan Autonomous Region. This is an Azeri enclave separated from the rest of the country and surrounded by Armenia, Iran and Turkey. Nakhichevan is a mountainous region comprising the low semi-arid Negram Mountains in Aras Valley and high peaks of Zangezur Ridge including Mounts Kapudjik (3,904 m) and Kukudag (3,120 m) where snowfields may remain throughout the summer. The mountain slopes are mostly covered with upland steppe. Arboreal vegetation is scarce, but there is a forest at the Bichenek Pass (c. 2,000 m). The third important mountain system in Azerbaijan is the Talish Mountains lying in the extreme southeast. The lower slopes of these mountains were once covered with subtropical broad-leaved forests, buy very few fragments remain. Temperate broad-leaved forests and mixed forests cover the upper slopes. The semi-arid Zuvand Upland lies in the elevated part of the Talish Mountains. The highest peak of Talish Mountains in Azerbaijan is Mt. Kemmurkeyi (2,492 m).

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14 The Birds of Azerbaijan Throughout the mountains of Azerbaijan fields and orchards are confined to valleys and gentle slopes. However, sheep are grazed everywhere except in forest and on sheer cliffs and snowfields. As a result overgrazing and slope erosion have been recorded from foothills to alpine meadows. The rivers Kura and Aras, joined by their numerous tributaries flowing from the slopes of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, run through the vast lowland in the central part of Azerbaijan. The headwaters of the Kura are in the mountains of Turkey. From there the river flows through Georgia and enters Azerbaijan at Karayasi. Two major tributaries - the Alazani and Iori - pour into the Kura east of Shamkhor. From there the river flows through extensive lowland leaving behind oxbows and meanders known locally as the akhmas. In Mugan the Kura is joined by its main tributary, the Aras, and from there it flows through Saliani Steppe emptying into the Caspian Sea north of Neftechala. Patches of riverine forest or tugai with giant white-leaved poplars and dense thorny understorey still remain in some areas along the mid Kura. Karayasi and Barda forests are the largest tugai forests remaining in Azerbaijan. Thickets of impassable bushes and pastureland replace tugai in cleared areas. In the 1950s the enormous Mingechaur Reservoir was built at the confluence of the Kura, Alazani and Iori and the much smaller Varvara Reservoir further downstream. The reservoirs flooded large areas of tugai and adjacent semi-desert. The space between the Kura, Aras and the mountains is filled by extensive flat semi-desert with very sparse vegetation of saltwort, wormwood and tamarisk. Geographically this area, called the Kura-Aras Lowland, is divided into the Shirvan, Hadjinour, Mil and Mugan steppes and the Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland. Large areas of the lowland are used for growing food crops and cotton, and as sheep pasture. A network of irrigation channels criss-crosses the steppe. The Kura-Aras Lowland also contains many important wetlands including Aggel, Sarisu, Bos-Koba (Mil Steppe) and Mahmud-chala (southern Mugan) with extensive stands of emergent vegetation (mostly reedbeds). Formerly freshwater,

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these wetlands turned brackish as a result of thoughtless irrigation. Other wetlands - including Shilian, Karasy, Sor-Sor (Shirvan Steppe) and Ah-chala (Mugan) - were almost completely drained to provide new lands for growing cotton and vegetables. Excessively large flocks of sheep caused overgrazing throughout the lowland. The Caspian Lowland adjacent to the Caspian Sea encompasses the Samur-Divichi Lowland in the northeast, the Lenkoran Lowland in the southeast, with Absheron Peninsula and southeastern Shirvan in between. Broad-leaved lowland forests reach the Caspian Sea in the Samur Delta in the extreme northeast, although a considerable part of these forests was cleared long ago. The rest of the Samur-Divichi Lowland is semi-desert, irrigated agricultural fields and the shallow Divichi Liman (also known as Lake Ah-Zibir). Absheron and southeastern Shirvan are mostly flat semi-desert with isolated cones of active and inactive mud-volcanoes. Absheron Peninsula is the most populated part of the country with c. 2,500,000 inhabitants. The capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, and its suburbs occupy extensive areas in the southern and central parts of the peninsula. Absheron is also the most developed and therefore polluted part of Azerbaijan, with numerous chemical factories, oil-processing plants and oil derricks. Oil spills are not uncommon. Lenkoran Lowland has also undergone dramatic changes. Once enormous impassable wetland with extensive tracts of sub-tropical broad-leaved forests, it had been dramatically changed by the 1930s. The forests were almost completely cleared - a single remaining tract of 90 ha being protected in the Girkan Reserve - and wetlands and coastal lakes (mortzo) were drained to reclaim land and fight malaria. Tiny fragments of forest remained as the bidzar and istil - small flooded woodlots holding water for irrigation. Agricultural fields replaced natural habitats throughout the lowland with the exception of Kizil Agach Reserve. The Kizil Agach Bays of the Caspian Sea and adjacent wetlands received protection as the most important wintering grounds of waterfowl and other waterbirds in the Caspian Region and also as a home to the largest colony of wading birds and cormorants in Azerbaijan. Several groups of islands of the Baku and Absheron archipelagoes are scattered off the coast of Caspian Sea between Kilazi Spit in the north and the mouth of the Kura in the south. Most of the islands are summits of underwater mudvolcanoes, although others (including Pirsagat Islands) are limestone ridges. Settlements were built on the larger islands - Zhiloyi (Chilov), Nargin and Bulla. The Caspian and Kura-Aras lowlands are hot and humid in the summer with temperatures reaching +30 to 35oC in July (average +25oC). Winters are benign with little or no snow (average +2oC in January). However, colder winters with snow and gale force winds occur once or twice a decade. In mountainous parts of the country the climate ranges from temperate to cold with more rain and snow in winter. Average temperature in the mountain ranges from –5oC in January to +15oC in July. Annual precipitation varies from 200-300 mm in the coastal areas to 1,000-1,400 mm on the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus Mountains and southern Lenkoran Lowland.

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16 The Birds of Azerbaijan

A Brief Review of Ornithological Studies in Azerbaijan The earliest recorded bird observations from Azerbaijan were probably those made by S.G. Gmelin, who traveled through the Lenkoran Lowland in 1773. C. Hablizl (1809), a corresponding member of the Russian Imperial Academy of Science, then visited the Caspian Sea with the Russian Navy in 1781 and 1782. However, E. Menetries (1832) was certainly the first naturalist who collected a large number of specimens (including birds) in the east and southeast. Three new bird species described by Menetries from specimens collected in Azerbaijan are the Marbled Teal (Marmaronetta angustirostris), Bimaculated Lark (Melanocorypha bimaculata) and Menetries’ Warbler (Sylvia mystacea). In the early 19th century the R.F. Hohenacker (1831, 1837) visited Gandja and adjacent areas, Karabakh, Shirvan and Talish. It should be remembered that most observing and collecting conducted in Azerbaijan in the early 19th century occurred during the Russian Empire’s expansion into Transcaucasia and the wars between Russia and Iran. Travelers and collectors visiting Transcaucasia accompanied Russian troops as physicians, or were officers with the Russian Army or Navy, or diplomats. After successful military campaigns against Iran (1804-13 and 1826-28), Russia gained vast holdings in the region including the Baku, Erivani, Gandja, Kuba, Karabakh, Lenkoran, Nakhichevan, Sheki and Shirvan khanates (principalities) ceded through treaties in 1813 and 1828. These holdings, with the exception of the Erivani Khanate, formed the territory of the present day Republic of Azerbaijan. After the wars in Transcaucasia were over the area became safer for travelers. In the mid 19th century an Italian, de Filippi (1864), collected birds in the southern section of Nakhichevan Region. At about same time the Caucasian Museum was opened in the city of Tiflis (now Tbilisi, Georgia) - the capital of the Russian Governor General in the Caucasus. The first curator of the museum was Gustav Radde (a German in Russian service), who intensively collected birds throughout the entire Caucasus Region. His assistant K. A. Satunin was also collecting and observing birds in the region, including Azerbaijan. N. Dinnick (1886) collected birds and other animals in the Talish Region (southeastern corner of Azerbaijan) and near the town of Zakatali (the northwest, Greater Caucasus Mountains). In 1879 The Birds of the Caucasus by Modest Bogdanov (University of Kazan, Russia) was published. It was the first monograph on the birds of the region. Mostly based on reports by Hablizl and Menetries the book also included original data and contained the first known list of bird species and subspecies occurring in the Caucasian Region, short data on distribution, and even the biology of some species. In 1884 Radde published his monumental Ornithological Fauna of the Caucasus (Ornis Caucasica). It was the most thorough work of his time, and described all the species and subspecies of the region, their distribution, behaviour (e.g. in captivity) and diet, as well as the geography of the Caucasus. A new bird species, Radde’s Accentor (Prunella ocularis), was discovered and described by Radde from the Talish Mountains near the border of Azerbaijan and Iran. Although Radde personally did not visit many parts of Azerbaijan, his work was very important for later explorers of Transcaucasia, and it still retains its value. K. A. Satunin became a curator of the Caucasian Museum after Radde. His On the Birds of the Caucasus Region (1907) was a valuable addition to Radde’s monograph. Unfortunately rivalry between Satunin and Radde left some things unclear. In preparing his book Satunin used not only his own observations and specimens, but also those collected by Shelkovnikov in the vicinity of Mingechaur. Satunin continued intensive studies in the Caucasus Region and published ‘A Systematic Catalogue of the Birds of the Caucasus Region’ (1911-12) and ‘The Fauna of Mugan’ (1912). In addition Loudon (1910) collected birds in the Talish Mountains During the First World War (1914-1918) bird studies in Azerbaijan mostly ceased, although Serebrovsky (1925) collected some specimens near Zakatali, Greater Caucasus Mountains in 1916. The period following the World War I coincided with the Civil War of 1917-20 in Transcaucasia. Large areas of Azerbaijan including Baku were temporarily occupied by the Turks, but recaptured by the Red Army in 1920. Between these two events the independent Musovat Republic of Azerbaijan (1918-1920) emerged and fell, and then Azerbaijan was incorporated into the USSR. Bird studies resumed in Azerbaijan after the end of the Civil War, although not immediately. The USSR’s Academy of Science - based on what remained of the Russian Imperial Academy of Science - opened a branch in Baku, Azerbaijan.

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That branch later developed into the Academy of Science of Azerbaijan. Staff of the branch carried out some bird work including studies of birds wintering in the Lenkoran Lowland and Kizil Agach Reserve (Tugarinov & KozlovaPushkareva, 1935, 1938). In the late 1920s-early 1930s E. Spangenberg (1951, 1987) worked on colonial and other birds in Lenkoran Lowland. In the 1930s A. Laister and G. Sosnin (1942) studied birds in Armenia, but also visited Nakhichevan and Nagorno-Karabakh regions of Azerbaijan. In the 1930s-40s an important contribution to studies of waterfowl, gallinaceous birds and bustards was made by N. Verestchagin (1943, 1947). His comprehensive paper on wintering and migrating waterfowl (1950) is especially worth mention. He also studied Great and Little Bustards (1940), and was probably the first scientist to draw attention to oil pollution in Azerbaijan and its effects on birds (1946). K. Gambarov (Institute of Zoology of Azerbaijan) studied birds in the 1930s-60s. In 1941 he published ‘A Catalogue of the Birds of Azerbaijan (Order Passerines)’ (a brief checklist), but the second part never followed. By the 1950s-70s the number of scientists studying birds in Azerbaijan had increased. Results of preliminary avifaunal studies were published for many regions including the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus Mountains (Gambarov, 1954), Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958), Nakhichevan Region (Khanmammedov, 1960), Gobustan Upland (Burchak-Abramovich & Gambarov, 1961), Samur-Divichi Lowland and northeastern Azerbaijan (Tuaev, 1965; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968), Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Grekov, 1965c), Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b), Mil Steppe (Vinogradov, 1967) and the vicinity of Mingechaur Reservoir (Gambarov, 1975). However, studies of economically important birds (such as waterfowl, gallinaceous and piscivorous birds, and agricultural pests) remained a priority in those years. Papers were published on waterfowl (Tuaev, 1957b, c; 1958), coots (Grekov, 1965b), cormorants (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969; Vasiliev, 1970), gulls (Dunin, 1948; Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963; Vasiliev, 1967; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969), herons, egrets and ibises (Grekov, 1965a; Vinogradov, 1967; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965, 1966b), gallinaceous birds (Khanmammedov, 1955, 1956, 1960, 1962, 1965), crows and their allies (Mustafaev, 1958a. 1959, 1960a, b, 1963, 1976), and the Spanish Sparrow (Gambarov & Mustafaev, 1968). Only a few studies were on economically unimportant birds, including Black Vulture (Vinogradov, 1963), White-throated Robin (Mitropolsky, 1989), Menetries’ Warbler (Mustafaev, 1960b), Black-headed Bunting (Gambarov & Bagirova, 1957), trumpeter finches (Panov & Bulatova, 1972), and thrushes (Mustafaeva, 1964, 1965a, b; 1966). In the 1960s-1980s Gara Mustafaev (Azerbaijani University, Baku) was a prominent figure in bird studies in Azerbaijan. Mostly he was interested in birds nesting in rural settlements, and the anthropogenic factors affecting those birds (1969, 1971a, b, c, 1973a, b). Mustafaev also studied the winter avifauna of the Talish Mountains and Lenkoran Lowland (1968b, 1972). In 1977 G. Mustafaev and his co-authors published ‘Birds. Part One. Non-Passerines’ in Azeri. That book contained the first almost complete list of birds occurring in Azerbaijan (358 species), identification keys, and general information on distribution and biology, but no plates or maps. The second part (Passerines) has never been published. Afterwards G. Mustafaev wrote several papers analyzing the avifauna of the Greater Caucasus Mountains and the entire country (1983, 1985). Also in the 1960s-80s intensive studies on waterfowl and other waterbirds were conducted in Kizil Agach Reserve by the staff and visiting scientists (Grekov, 1965a, b, c; Krivonosov, Poslavsky & Vinogradov, 1971; Konovalova, 1977; Morozkin, 1977; Vorobieva, 1977; Litvinov et al., 1984; Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984; Litvinov, 1986; Litvinova, 1986, 1989a, b; Tkachenko, 1986, 1989). T. Agaeva (1969, 1972, 1985) studied birds in the Talish Mountains and Zuvand Upland and R. Mustafaeva prepared an annotated checklist of birds occurring in Zakatali Reserve and the Greater Caucasus Mountains (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). A seasonal ornithological station under V. T. Butiev (Pedagogical Institute, Moscow) was working on migratory birds in the Samur Delta. Although the station was physically situated in Dagestan (the Russian Federation) its studies included the adjacent parts of the delta in Azerbaijan (Butiev et al., 1983, 1989, 1990a, b). The Laboratory of Ornithology (Institute of Zoology of Azerbaijan, Baku) published papers on the Black Francolin (Musaev & Babaev, 1989; Musaev, 1991), waterfowl (Karabanova, 1984) and the birds of Baku (Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989). Dr. E. Sultanov (head of the lab) studied bird vocalization in the Greater and Lesser Caucasus. In 1988-91 I conducted intensive field studies in Gobustan and Shemakha uplands, southeastern Shirvan, southern Mugan, the Lenkoran Lowland, Mil Steppe, Karayasi Forest, Turianchai Bosdag, the islands of Baku Archipelago and other areas. Having my headquarters in Baku I also noted birds occurring in the city and on Absheron Peninsula.

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18 The Birds of Azerbaijan Questionnaires were sent to naturalists, schoolteachers, hunters and nature enthusiasts across the country in an attempt to collect as much bird information as possible. Some results of my studies were published in Russian (Patrikeev, 1990a, b; 1991a, b, c, d, e, f, g) and English (Patrikeev, 1996, 1997, 1998; Patrikeev & Wilson, 2000), but the main body of original observations presented in this book has never been published. After Azerbaijan declared its independence from the USSR in 1990, the situation regarding bird studies and conservation deteriorated. A few Russian ornithologists forming the backbone of the scientific staff in Kizil Agach Reserve left the country. Chaos in the economy, politics and finances led to almost complete cessation of any support for the already poorly funded scientific centres and nature reserves. In addition access to the western parts of Azerbaijan including Nakhichevan Region was restricted due to the Karabakh War (1991-1994). During this war the Armenians occupied large areas in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains. However, the political and economic situation in Azerbaijan stabilised somewhat by the mid 1990s, making it a safer place to visit and work. Interest in the birds of Azerbaijan has also increased in recent years. In January-February 1996, a joint team from Fauna & Flora International (UK), British Petroleum (UK) and the Azerbaijan Committee for Ecology counted waterfowl in Kizil Agach and Shirvan reserves, and lakes Mahmud-chala and Sarisu (Paynter et al., 1996b). In 1998 a joint Fauna & Flora International-Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust team surveyed birds along a proposed pipeline in central Azerbaijan (Cranswick et al., 1998). Hopefully more studies by local and international groups will follow. Despite the apparent abundance of bird publications many areas in Azerbaijan were not visited by ornithologists or were neglected for decades. This is true of large sections of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, Nakhichevan region, Mugan and Hadjinour steppes, Gobustan upland, Djeiranchel hills, Talish Mountains, Greater Caucasus Mountains between Sheki and Ismailly, and many districts in the Kura-Aras Lowland and southwestern Azerbaijan. Some systematic groups (raptors, owls, sandgrouse, pigeons, woodpeckers and many families of passerines including Old World warblers) received considerably less attention from ornithologists in Azerbaijan.

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

The Avifauna of Azerbaijan from the mid 19th century to early 21st century According to Mustafaev (1985) the avifauna of Azerbaijan - combining elements of the European, Caucasian, Middle Eastern and Turan faunas - most probably formed during the Quaternary Period. By the early 2000s, 372 bird species had been recorded in Azerbaijan, including 107 resident species, 139 summer residents, 95 migrants and wintering species, 28 accidental visitors and 3 probably extirpated species. In addition there were unconfirmed records of another 8 species. Bird species found in Azerbaijan belong to 17 orders and 58 families, as follows: Non-Passerines (220 species): loons (2 species), grebes (5), pelicans (2), cormorants (2), herons and egrets (9), storks (2), ibises and spoonbills (3), flamingo (1), swans, geese and ducks (32), osprey (1), hawks, eagles and allies (28), falcons (8), grouse (1), pheasants, partridges and quails (8), cranes (3), rails (8), bustards (3), stone-curlew (1), plovers and lapwings (13), stilts and avocets (2), oystercatcher (1), snipe, sandpipers, curlews and allies (27), pratincoles and coursers (3), jaegers (2), gulls and terns (18), sandgrouse (3), pigeons and doves (6), cuckoo (1), owls (6), nightjar (1), swifts (3), roller (1), kingfishers (2), bee-eaters (2), hoopoe (1), woodpeckers (9). Passerines (147 species): swallows and martins (4), larks (11), wagtails and pipits (10), shrikes (4), waxwing (1), oriole (1), starlings (2), crows and allies (9), dipper (1), wren (1), accentors and dunnocks (3), thrushes and allies (28), Old World warblers (26), goldcrest (1), Old World flycatchers (4), babbler (1), long-tailed tit (1), penduline tit (1), tits (5), nuthatches (3), treecreepers and wallcreepers (3), sparrows (6), finches (17) and buntings (8). No birds are endemic to Azerbaijan, but some species and subspecies endemic to the Caucasus and/or Talish Mountains occur in this country. From the beginning of the 19th century the status and population sizes of many species underwent significant changes. Although very few (and perhaps only one) species have disappeared from Azerbaijan others were greatly reduced in numbers and some are close to local extinction due to hunting, conversion of habitats, pollution and direct persecution. Many species however have managed to survive the anthropogenic changes, and some have extended their ranges into man-modified habitats. Species under threat and uncommon species are listed below by category. Probably extirpated (3 species): Sacred Ibis Lanner

Pin-tailed Sandgrouse

Although the Sacred Ibis has probably disappeared from Azerbaijan for good, the other two species may still occur in insignificant numbers. Endangered (9 species): Great White Pelican Marbled Teal Red-breasted Goose Osprey White-tailed Sea Eagle

Common Pheasant (Talish subspecies) Siberian Crane Great Bustard Slender-billed Curlew

Species included in this category are under immediate threat of extinction in Azerbaijan or/and globally, although Great White Pelican, Red-breasted Goose, Osprey, White-tailed Sea Eagle and Great Bustard are still common else-

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20 The Birds of Azerbaijan where. Only urgent measures undertaken on local and international levels may yet save the critically endangered Slender-billed Curlew. Threatened (11 species): Dalmatian Pelican Great Cormorant (resident population) Eurasian Spoonbill Ferruginous Duck White-headed Duck Peregrine

Caspian Snowcock Black Francolin Black-bellied Sandgrouse Short-eared Owl Radde’s Accentor

These species are considered threatened because of low numbers, small ranges or persistent threats in Azerbaijan or elsewhere. Some species (Dalmatian Pelican, Great Cormorant, Black Francolin and Peregrine) have experienced a dramatic decline in numbers, others (White-headed Duck) face problems on their breeding grounds. Small range and habitat destruction present a constant threat to the very rare Radde’s Accentor. Unless conservation measures are taken, some of these species may become endangered. Rare (39 species): Red-throated Diver Black-throated Diver Great White Egret Black Stork Velvet Scoter Long-tailed Duck Red-breasted Merganser Levant Sparrowhawk Imperial Eagle Golden Eagle Lammergeier Short-toed Eagle Pallid Harrier Red-footed Falcon Saker Demoiselle Crane Greater Sand Plover Caspian Plover Dotterel Sociable Plover

White-tailed Plover Knot Broad-billed Sandpiper Ruddy Turnstone Bar-tailed Godwit Black-winged Pratincole Mediterranean Gull Great Black-backed Gull Black Tern Gull-billed Tern Caspian Tern Collared Dove Eagle Owl Lesser Spotted Woodpecker Alpine Chough River Warbler Garden Warbler Pied Flycatcher Rustic Bunting

This category includes species that have experienced conspicuous decline in numbers, are naturally rare with low population densities, or are infrequent visitors or recent arrivals. Some migratory species placed in this category might have changed migration routes and/or wintering grounds in the second half of the 20th century. Vulnerable (10 species): Pygmy Cormorant Night Heron Squacco Heron Cattle Egret Little Egret

Glossy Ibis Caucasian Black Grouse Caucasian Snowcock Slender-billed Gull Sandwich Tern

Numbers of some of the colonial species are still considerable, but the majority of colonial birds in Azerbaijan are confined to a few known sites during the nesting period and are therefore vulnerable to habitat changes, pollution and disturbance. The Caucasian Black Grouse and Caucasian Snowcock - restricted to high altitudes of the Caucasus

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Mountains - suffer from habitat degradation and disturbance, and their status may soon change from vulnerable to threatened if their conservation situation does not improve. With restricted range (10 species): Several species (mostly passerines) are restricted to relatively small ranges in the southwest or southeast, or to specific habitats in the Caucasus Mountains: See-see Partridge Red-tailed Wheatear White-throated Robin Upcher’s Warbler Sombre Tit

Pale Rock Sparrow Crimson-winged Finch Trumpeter Finch Mongolian Trumpeter Finch Grey-headed Bunting

Insufficiently known (14 species): Red Kite Shikra Bonelli’s Eagle Baillon’s Crake Houbara Bustard Temminck’s Stint Little Swift

White-backed Woodpecker Carrion Crow Western Grasshopper Warbler Eastern Rock Nuthatch Orphean Warbler Short-toed Treecreeper Great Rosefinch

These species are possibly rare or even uncommon nesting species with small ranges in Azerbaijan; Temminck’s Stint might be a common transient overlooked on migration. Accidental visitors (28 species) The following species are known in Azerbaijan from a few or single records. Many were recorded only in the 19th-early 20th centuries, and their current absence may reflect a natural range contraction or a change in migration routes. Some of these species might be observed in Azerbaijan in the future. Bewick’s Swan Snow Goose Bean Goose Common Scoter Pallas’s Sea Eagle Pacific Golden Plover Red-wattled Lapwing Pectoral Sandpiper Cream-coloured Courser Pomarine Skua Arctic Skua Lesser Black-backed Gull Black-legged Kittiwake Pallas’s Sandgrouse

White-breasted Kingfisher Grey-headed Woodpecker Small Skylark Richard’s Pipit Red-throated Pipit Desert Wheatear Eversmann’s Redstart Sprosser Savi’s Warbler Icterine Warbler Desert Warbler Scrub Warbler Crested Tit Common Redpoll

STATUS CHANGES The status of some birds has changed over almost 200 years of bird studies in Azerbaijan. Several species no longer nest or winter in this country while others, formerly known as migrants and/or wintering species, have established breeding populations. In addition four new species have become established in Azerbaijan in the last forty years. No longer nesting in Azerbaijan (12 species): Red-necked Grebe Little Bustard Osprey Corncrake

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22 The Birds of Azerbaijan Hen Harrier Pallid Harrier Greater Spotted Eagle Great Bustard

Oystercatcher Great Black-headed Gull Black Tern Caspian Tern

White-tailed Sea Eagle and Dalmatian Pelican should probably be included in this category as well. However, it is likely that a few pairs of either species still nest in Azerbaijan. New nesting species (4 species): Species Red-crested Pochard Ferruginous Duck Slender-billed Gull Gull-billed Tern

First recorded breeding 1950s-1960s 1950s-1960s mid 1980s 1989

All these species were long known to occur in Azerbaijan during migration and in winter. New arrivals (4 species) The four following species have arrived in Azerbaijan in the last forty years. For the first two and, perhaps, also the Laughing Dove it might have been a natural range expansion. However, in the case of both doves an introduction (intentional or unintentional) should not be ruled out. Nesting of the first three species has been confirmed, and is suspected for the Collared Dove. Species White-tailed Plover Mediterranean Gull Laughing Dove Collared Dove

First recorded 1954 1989 Late 1960s-early 1970s 1990

No longer wintering (2 species): Common Crane

Demoiselle Crane

Both species of crane still regularly occur in Azerbaijan during migration. TRENDS IN COMMON SPECIES Some common species also showed considerable number fluctuations or trends in the 20th century. However, all these species remain relatively common. Conspicuous decline (12 species): Greylag Goose Red-crested Pochard Tufted Duck Common Goldeneye Steppe Eagle Chukar

Common Pheasant (Caucasus subspecies) Common Crane Common Coot Great Bustard Little Bustard Spanish Sparrow

Conspicuous increase (8 species): Greater Flamingo Mute Swan Common Pochard Purple Gallinule

Yellow-legged Gull Common Tern Hooded Crow House Sparrow

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Local range extension (7 species): These ubiquitous species have significantly increased their ranges through adaptation to man-modified and man-made habitats. Species

Habitat in 19th – early 20th centuries

New habitat in mid-late 20th century

Rock Dove

mountains and foothills

man-made constructions throughout the country

Common Swift

cliffs in foothills

man-made constructions throughout the country

House Martin

foothills

lowlands

Blackbird

montane and riverine forest

planted trees in towns and villages

Common Starling

forest

man-made constructions throughout the country

Rufous Bushchat

south-eastern lowlands

lowlands throughout the country

Greenfinch

montane and riverine forest

planted trees in towns and villages

This overview clearly indicates that positive trends are shown mostly by ubiquitous species readily adaptable to anthropogenic habitats. Meanwhile numbers of many species requiring specific habitats or intolerant to disturbance are declining or remaining low.

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24 The Birds of Azerbaijan

Avifaunal Regions of Azerbaijan Azerbaijan can be divided into seven avifaunal regions: 1) Greater Caucasus; 2) Lesser Caucasus and Zangezur; 3) Nakhichevan Low Mountains; 4) Talish (South-east); 5) Central Low Mountains; 6) Central Lowland; and 7) Caspian Coast. I. Greater Caucasus Region: encompasses the Greater Caucasus Mountains and Samur Valley. Three sub-regions: Alpine and Sub-alpine (1), Montane Forest (2) and Samur Valley (3). 1. Alpine and Sub-alpine Sub-Region (c. 2,500 to 4,500 m) Rhododendron belt, alpine and sub-alpine meadows, bedrock, snowfields and glaciers on summits of Bazar-Duzu and Shahdag mountains. Birds: Caucasian Snowcock (endemic of the Greater Caucasus Mountains) and Caucasian Black Grouse (endemic of the Caucasus), also Golden Eagle, Lammergeier, Peregrine, Shore Lark, Güldenstadt’s Redstart, Twite, Red-fronted Serin, Great Rosefinch and Snowfinch. 2. Montane Forest (500-3,000 m). Broad-leaved and mixed montane forests, shrubs, pastures, orchards. Bird fauna resembles that of Southern Europe, but many passerines and some non-passerine are represented by Caucasian subspecies. Birds: Honey Buzzard, Goshawk, Common Buzzard, Booted Eagle, Hobby, Scops Owl, Eagle Owl, Long-eared Owl, Tawny Owl, Wood Pigeon, Stock Dove, Eurasian Cuckoo, European Nightjar, Great Spotted, Green and Black woodpeckers, European Roller, thrushes, warblers, tits, nuthatches, etc.

G 14

Tbilisi Kur

EO

R

G

VI

aR

DAGESTAN

1

(Russian Federation)

3 16 C A

IA

iver

2

10

13

VI

2

13

1

V 5

M

EN

N

S

15

EA

11 12 15

VI

Ara

Stepanakert

sR

ive

r

13

4

5

IA

14

II IA

P

15

10 13

4

R

S

10

14

A

VII

5

16

II

III

13 4 Aras Riv

IV

7 15

VIII

16 er

Lenkoran

9

IRAN

8

Regional boundary Sub-regional boundary Numbers correspond to those in the respective chapters

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

3. Samur Valley (-28.5 to 500 m) Remnants of lowland broad-leaved forests, agricultural lands. Very similar to Greater Caucasus Montane Forest (2), but bird fauna is less diverse. Some species are represented by European subspecies. II. Lesser Caucasus and Zangezur Region: includes Lesser Caucasus Mountains of Azerbaijan (Murovdag, Shahdag and Karabakh ridges, and Karabakh Upland) and Zangezur Ridge in Nakhichevan region. Two sub-regions: Alpine and Sub-alpine (4) and Lesser Caucasus Montane Forest (5). 4. Alpine and Sub-alpine Sub-Region (c. 2,000 to 3,900 m) Similar to Alpine and Sub-alpine Sub-Region of Greater Caucasus (1), but lower elevations. Rhododendron belt, alpine and sub-alpine meadows, bedrock, and upland steppe. No extensive snowfields or glaciers, although small snowfields remain through the summer at the top of Mount Kapudjik (Zangezur Range). Birds: Caspian Snowcock and Radde’s Accentor (endemics of the Middle East Mountains), Caucasian Black Grouse (endemic of the Caucasus), Golden Eagle, Lammergeier, Peregrine, Shore Lark, Red-fronted Serin, Twite and Snowfinch. Species of Central Asian origin (e.g. Güldenstadt’s Redstart and Great Rosefinch) are absent. 5. Montane Forest (500 to 2,000-2,500 m) Broad-leaved and mixed montane forests, shrubs, pastures, orchards. Includes Bichenek Forest in Nakhichevan. Very similar to Greater Caucasus Montane Forest (2), but poorly known. Forests are more fragmented. Birds: Red Kite and Sombre Tit (southwestern species), Common Buzzard, Booted Eagle, Hobby, Eagle Owl, Tawny Owl, Wood Pigeon, Eurasian Cuckoo, Green and Black woodpeckers, thrushes, warblers, tits, nuthatches, etc. III. Nakhichevan Low Mountains (300-2,000 m) One sub-region (6). Semi-desert mountains, upland steppe, cereal fields from Aras Valley to c. 2,000 m. Birds: Little Swift, Bimaculated Lark, White-throated Robin, Red-tailed Wheatear, Trumpeter Finch, Crimson-winged Finch, Pale Rock Sparrow (Middle Eastern-Central Asia species), Egyptian Vulture, Lammergeier, Griffon Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, Black-bellied Sandgrouse. IV. Talish (South-east) Region: includes Lenkoran Lowland, southern Mugan and Talish mountains. Three subregions: Lenkoran-Mugan Lowland (7), Talish Montane Forest (8) and Zuvand Upland (9). 7. Lenkoran-Mugan Lowland (from -10 to 200-300 m) Lenkoran Lowland and adjacent part of southern Mugan (including wetlands of international significance: wetlands of Kizil Agach Reserve and Mahmud-chala). Wetlands, fields, semi-desert, pastures, small flooded woodlots. Once an extensive wetland with sub-tropical broad-leaved forest in drier areas. Birds: Large numbers of wintering and migrating waterfowl, coots, cormorants and shorebirds. Colonial waterbirds (Pygmy Cormorant, egrets, herons, Eurasian Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis), also Shikra, Sacred Ibis (in the past), Black Francolin, rails, semi-desert and ubiquitous species including Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters, larks, wheatears, sparrows, some forest species. 8. Talish Montane Forest (200-300 to 2,500 m) Foothills and slopes of the Talish Mountains. Sub-tropical and temperate broad-leaved forests, fields. Closely resembles montane forests of Greater and Lesser Caucasus mountains (2) and (5). Birds: Short-toed Treecreeper, Sombre Tit; Common Pheasant, several species of woodpeckers and passerines represented by subspecies endemic to Talish Mountains in Azerbaijan and Iran. 9. Zuvand Upland Sub-Region (1,500-2,000 m) Semi-desert mountains, upland steppe, pastures and fields. Birds: similar to Nakhichevan Low Mountains (6) including Bimaculated Lark, Pale Rock Sparrow, Grey-necked Bunting (Middle Eastern species), but Güldenstadt’s Redstart and Radde’s Accentor show connections to Alpine and Subalpine sub-regions of Greater (1) and Lesser (4) Caucasus, respectively; also Long-legged Buzzard, Egyptian Vulture, Lammergeier, Griffon Vulture. V. Central Low Mountains: includes Bosdag Mountains, Shemakha and Gobustan uplands and Absheron Peninsula. Three sub-regions: Bosdag (10), Shemakha Upland (11) and Gobustan-Absheron (12).

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26 The Birds of Azerbaijan 10. Bosdag (300-700 m) Low clayey semi-desert ridges: bare or with scattered juniper or pine woodlands. Birds: European-Caucasian species (Jay, thrushes, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit) occur in woodlands whereas Middle Eastern-Central Asian species (Isabelline Wheatear, Rock Nuthatch, Rock Bunting, Black-headed Bunting) inhabit treeless slopes; also raptors (Sparrowhawk, Imperial Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, Lammergeier, Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Short-toed Eagle). 11. Shemakha Upland (400-2,000 m) Upland steppe, patches of broad-leaved forests, pastures, fields. Birds: Common Quail, Grey Partridge, Corncrake, Skylark (species present in agricultural habitats of Europe occur in Azerbaijan mostly in Shemakha Upland); also Caucasian Black Grouse and forest species from Greater Caucasus Mountains. 12. Gobustan-Absheron (-28.5 to 1,000 m) Includes Gobustan Upland, Absheron Peninsula and southern semi-desert part of the Samur-Divichi Lowland. Semidesert hills, rocky outcrops, mud-volcanoes, coastal semi-desert, wetlands, towns and villages (the peninsula is the most populated part of the country). Birds: Mostly species of Middle-Eastern origin (Long-legged Buzzard, Chukar, larks, Finch’s Wheatear, Rock Nuthatch, Rock Sparrow, formerly Lanner and Black-bellied Sandgrouse). Several important staging wetlands (Divichi Liman, Shah spit); Laughing Dove, Blackbird, Greenfinch in planted trees in settlements. VI. Central Lowland: extends from border with Georgia to the Caspian Sea and includes Kura-Aras Lowland (Mil, Mugan, Shirvan, Hadjinour and Saliani steppes), Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland and southeastern Shirvan. Two sub-regions: Semi-desert lowland (13), Tugai (14). 13. Semi-desert lowland (-10 to 400 m) The most extensive of the avifaunal sub-regions of Azerbaijan. Semi-desert, shrub thickets (along rivers and channels), wetlands (including wetlands of international importance: lakes Aggel and Sarisu, Kura Delta), agricultural fields, pastures, orchards, villages. Birds: Dalmatian Pelican (nested), Marbled Teal, White-tailed Plover, large numbers of wintering and transient waterfowl and coots, several large colonies of Pygmy Cormorants, egrets, herons, Eurasian Spoonbill, and Glossy Ibis; also Crested, Lesser Short-toed, Short-toed and Calandra larks, Isabelline Wheatear, Stone Curlew, Black Francolin, Little Bustards (large winter concentrations). 14. Tugai (0-300 m) Narrow strips of riverine (tugai) forests along Kura, Iori and Alazani in Azerbaijan, shrub thickets. Birds: Black Stork, Imperial Eagle, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Black Francolin, Common Pheasant and forest birds present in montane forests of the Caucasus Mountains. VII. Caspian Coast: includes islands and coastal waters of the Caspian Sea. Two sub-regions: Islands (15), Coastal Waters (16). 15. Islands (-28.5 to 100 m) Islands of the Baku and Absheron archipelagos, Yashma Island. Semi-desert islands. Birds: important colonies of seabirds (Yellow-legged Gull, Slender-billed Gull, Sandwich Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Common Tern) and Collared Pratincole; also shelducks (Tadorna sp.). The islands are important stopovers for migrants, especially shorebirds. 16. Coastal Waters (-28.5 m) Coastal waters of the Caspian Sea (includes sites of international importance: Kizil Agach Bays). Birds: Wintering, staging and feeding areas for divers (loons), grebes, cormorants, Great White and Dalmatian pelicans, Whooper and Mute swans, Tufted Duck, other diving ducks, Common Coot, gulls and terns.

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

Bird Conservation in Azerbaijan Overview of Protected Areas As of summer 1991 c. 5% of Azerbaijan was protected in 13 strict nature reserves (c. 185,000 ha) and 14 game preserves (c. 250,000 ha). Strict nature reserves (zapovednik in Russian, goruh in Azeri) were created to protect representative and rare ecosystems, endangered species or areas with high densities of other species. In zapovedniks all wildlife and habitats were protected and no commercial or recreational use was generally allowed. A special permit was required to visit or carry out research. However, these rules were not always followed and various violations were not uncommon. Staff of a zapovednik consisted of a director, a deputy director (usually a Ph.D.) co-ordinating scientific work, several researchers, technicians and guards. An annual report (called Chronicle of Nature or Letopis’ prirodi in Russian) was prepared on status of the environment, fauna and flora of each zapovednik. Game preserves (zakaznik in Russian, yasaglakh in Azeri) were usually established to protect certain species (game animals, colonial birds) or habitats from some forms of anthropogenic activity (e.g. hunting, fishing or grazing). Agricultural lands or even settlements could be included in game preserves. Access was not generally restricted, although there were exceptions. A few guards living along the borders of the preserve were supposed to enforce protection. However, in real life, game preserves provided little protection to species and habitats. The Greater Caucasus Mountains had the largest number of protected areas: 6 nature reserves and 3 game preserves. The reserves protected large tracts of relatively undisturbed montane forests. Zakatali Reserve also included 5,800 ha of alpine and sub-alpine meadows and other high-altitude habitats. The habitats crucial for survival of Caucasian Snowcock were underrepresented in zapovedniks of Azerbaijan. The fauna of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains was protected in only one large reserve: Geigel Nature Reserve. This reserve was unlike other nature reserves in Azerbaijan since some tourism development was allowed. The small Basutchai Nature Reserve (107 ha) protects a unique stand of plane-trees. Three non-functioning game preserves (Lachin, Kubatli and Kizildjar) existed on paper only. Before the Karabakh War broke out in the early 1990s there were plans to establish a nature reserve on Mount Dalidag (Karabakh Upland) for protection of the largest population of Caspian Snowcock in Azerbaijan. In the early 1990s the area was overrun by the Armenians. Only one reserve (Ordubad Game Preserve) existed in the biologically rich Nakhichevan Region. Established to protect wild ungulates, Ordubad Game Reserve also included many important bird habitats. Hunting was illegal in the game preserve, although mining, grazing of sheep and many other activities were allowed. In 1989-90 the Azerbaijan Committee for Nature Conservation (ACNC) planned three strict nature reserves in Nakhichevan Region, but the war with Armenia and civilian unrest altered these plans. The low semi-desert mountains of Azerbaijan also were underrepresented in the network of protected areas. The only real exception was Turianchai Nature Reserve with its diverse fauna of diurnal raptors. In addition there was the virtually unprotected Gobustan Historic Reserve in Gobustan Upland. Semi-desert plains were nominally protected in Shirvan Nature Reserve (south-eastern Shirvan), established to protect a large herd of Goitred Gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa). However, in practice, Shirvan Reserve was bound by agreements to provide winter pastures for over 100,000 sheep from the Lesser Caucasus Mountains. The sheep were causing serious damage to the semi-desert through overgrazing, were trampling nests of ground-nesting birds, and compete with the gazelles for best pastures. Similar sheep overgrazing occurred throughout the semi-deserts of Azerbaijan. No protected areas or special measures were planned to protect the newly-discovered wintering grounds of Little Bustards in Mugan Steppe. Riverine or tugai forests along the Kura, Alazani and Iori rivers provide nesting habitat for many uncommon bird species including Black Stork, Lesser Spotted Eagle and Imperial Eagle. Large tracts of tugai were protected only in Karayasi Nature Reserve (western Azerbaijan). Unfortunately old growth tugai stands east of the reserve remain un-

27

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28 The Birds of Azerbaijan protected. Two other large tugai forests were found in Barda and Shamkhor districts. Those forests were, in part, included in game preserves, but were lacking adequate protection from illegal logging and overgrazing. A nature reserve was planned in the Barda area, but was probably never implemented. The broad-leaved sub-tropical forests once covering the Lenkoran Lowland have been reduced to several fragments. One remaining woodlot (91 ha) was protected in Girkan Nature Reserve. The reserve also included 2,400 ha of montane broad-leaved forests in the Talish Mountains. There were plans to expand Girkan Reserve, but the outcome is unknown. The Talish montane forests remained in relatively good shape until recently. Upland steppe is formally protected in Zuvand Game Preserve. No protected areas or special conservation measures were planned in the lowland forests of the Samur Delta, also reduced to fragments. Wetlands of Azerbaijan may appear well protected in Kizil Agach (88,350 ha), Aggel (9,100 ha) and Shirvan nature reserves. However, poaching, commercial fishing and other forms of legal and illegal activities have adversely affected these protected areas. Kizil Agach Reserve was in especially bad shape. Other important wetlands and stopover sites including Lake Sarisu and Divichi Liman were unprotected. The famous mixed colony of herons, egrets, ibises and cormorants in Kizil Agach Reserve was in a serious trouble. Although the colony remained the largest in Transcaucasia, it was reduced to c. 40,000 pairs. Glossy Ibises from the colony feeding outside the reserve were frequently killed by poachers. The colony of Lake Aggel was relatively secure in Aggel Nature Reserve. Two other important colonies in Mahmud-chala and Kura Delta were not formally protected. However, the former colony was voluntarily protected by the Azerbaijani Society of Hunters. Colonies of seabirds on islands of the Caspian Sea are largely unprotected. There is a game preserve on Glinanyi Island formally protecting the largest Yellow-legged Gull colony in Azerbaijan, but egg-collecting on Glinanyi still takes place from time to time. Some islands are also important stopover and wintering sites for waterbirds and shorebirds (e.g. Yashma Island, where Slender-billed Curlew was recorded in 1988). Sea birds and marine environments were in serious danger because of severe oil and industrial pollution of the Caspian Sea. Nature Reserves of Azerbaijan Name

Size (ha)

Aggel

c. 9,000

Region Kura Lowland(Mil Steppe)

Altitude (m) Protected biomes -10-0

wetlands, semi-desert

Remarks recommended as a new Ramsar site

Alti-Agach

5,500

Basut-chai

107

Shemakha Upland Lesser Caucasus

Geigel

6,739

Lesser CaucasusMountains

Girkan

2,906

Talish Mountains,Lenkoran Lowland

1,000-2,205 600-800

montane forest, upland steppe forest

1,100-3,065

montane forest, sub-alpine and alpine

15-981

montane forest, sub-tropical lowland

meadows forest Ilisu

9,345

Greater CaucasusMountains

700-2,000

Ismailly

5,778

Greater CaucasusMountains

800-2,250

Karayasi

4,885

Kura Lowland

Kizil Agach

88,360

Lenkoran Lowland, Caspian Sea

-29 to -24

coastal marshes, semi-desert, sea

Pirgulu

1,520

Shemakha Upland

800-2,000

montane forest, meadows

Shirvan

25,761

Caspian Lowland (south-eastern Shirvan)

-25 to -20

Turianchai

12,634

Bosdag

Zakatali

23,844

Greater Caucasus Mountains

100-200

200-650 630-3,648

montane forest, sub-alpine meadows montane forest, sub-alpine meadows tugai forest Ramsar site

semi-desert Juniper forest, semi-desert uplands Montane forests, sub-alpine and alpine meadows

recommended as a Biosphere Reserve

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The Birds of Azerbaijan ZAKATALI

G Tbilisi

EO

R

DAGESTAN (Russian Federation)

G

C

IA ILISU

KARAYASI

Ku

ra

Riv

A

S

P

IA

N

er SHAMKHOR ISMAILLY KORCHAI

R

M

EN

PIRGULU

GOBUSTAN HISTORIC

AGGEL

IA

EA

ALTI-AGACH TURIANCHAI

GEIGEL

A

S

Stepanakert

A

R ras

ive

SHAH SPIT

GLINANYI

r

SHIRVAN

KIZIL-AGACH ORDUBAD

BASUTCHAI

Aras Riv

er

IRAN

LESSER KIZIL AGACH

GIRKAN

Lenkoran NATURE RESERSE GAME PRESERSE

Outside protected areas birds were protected by several laws (including the Nature Conservation Law, Endangered Species Law, Environmental Protection Law and Forest Law) and hunting regulations. The Nature Conservation Law prohibited harassment of birds in nesting colonies and sites of congregation, destruction of nests, collection of eggs and skins without a proper permit, possession of live birds, and hunting species not included in the hunting regulations. The Endangered Species Law protected species included in the Red Data Book of the USSR and Red Data Book of Azerbaijan. Both laws were rarely enforced. The Environmental Protection and Forest laws benefited birds through maintaining quality of the environment and forest habitats. The hunting regulations existing in the late 1980s allowed hunting of waterfowl (except swans and several rare species of ducks and geese, e.g. Red-breasted Goose, Marbled Teal, White-headed Duck), the majority of shorebirds, gallinaceous birds (except snowcocks, Caucasian Black Grouse, Black Francolin and the Talish subspecies of the Common Pheasant), coots and other rallids (except Purple Gallinule) and pigeons. The Hooded Crow and Marsh Harrier were considered vermin; shooting of them was encouraged and a small bounty paid. The hunting season officially lasted from mid August to late January, but hunting could take place only on weekends. All guns were supposedly registered with the Ministry of the Interior, and hunters with the Azerbaijani Society of Hunters. A hunter was entitled to take 10 coots or 5 ducks or 2 geese or 10 chukars a day. A licence was required to hunt the Common Pheasant. In the late 1980s the ACNC in collaboration with the Ecological Centre of Azerbaijan was working on a new set of hunting regulations. The new regulations would exclude all shorebirds (except Woodcock) and small rallids from the list of game birds. Shooting of Marsh Harrier and other raptors would be also forbidden. Unfortunately the political crisis in Azerbaijan delayed or perhaps prevented the new regulations from official approval and implementation. In 1989 all hunters were ordered to surrender their guns due to the existing political unrest. This of course did not apply to unregistered firearms.

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30 The Birds of Azerbaijan In the early 1990s the situation with bird conservation in Azerbaijan was bleak. Inflation skyrocketed leaving reserve guards and game wardens in a very miserable situation. Earning c. 80 roubles (under US$1) a month some resorted to fishing and hunting in protected areas or accepting bribes from poachers. Poaching was on the increase due to food shortages in rural areas. In 1989-1993, 600-700 poachers openly hunted in Kizil Agach Reserve fiercely opposing any attempts to remove them. A helicopter hired by ACNC was shot at and almost brought down during one such operation. Slaughter of wintering coots and swans from power-boats was common on the Caspian Sea south of Baku. Pollution of the Caspian Sea with oil and industrial contaminants was severe. The Karabakh war devastated vast areas in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains and left considerable amounts of firearms and ammunition in the hands of the local population. Some government conservation organisations (including some nature reserves) were mired in corruption and did not function properly. The mid 1990s-early 2000s are a transition period for Azerbaijan. All laws of the Soviet period (including the Nature Conservation, Endangered Species and Environmental laws) became obsolete, but whether new matching laws are being passed remains unclear. In 1991 Azerbaijan signed the Alma-Ata Declaration to guarantee international obligations signed by the former USSR, which presumably included the Ramsar and Bonn conventions. In 1992 the country signed, but has not yet ratified, the Biodiversity Convention. The policy of the Azerbaijan government towards nature conservation is not yet known, but is probably not very encouraging considering the political and economic instability and the occupation of many western areas by Armenia. The return of political stability to Azerbaijan may facilitate resurrection of conservation work and functioning of the nature reserves. The latter may only be possible after increasing wages and improving living and working conditions of the staff. New nature reserves are urgently needed in Barda Tugai Forest, Nakhichevan Region (Negram Mountains, Ordubad and Shahbuz areas), Mount Dalidag, Alazani Valley, Zuvand Upland, Lake Mahmud-chala, Mugan Steppe, Kura Delta, Yashma Island and the islands of Baku Archipelago. The boundaries of some existing reserves (Zakatali, Karayasi, Girkan and Aggel) should be expanded to include significant adjacent sites and improve protection. Many unprotected natural areas will require intensive surveys and monitoring. Rehabilitation of wetlands and perhaps creation of new ones may ease hunting pressure on important wintering and stopover sites. Rehabilitation of the Caspian Sea - one of the most polluted environments in the world - is crucial for the nation’s ecological health. Another important task facing Azerbaijani nationals and the concerned international community is conservation education, which has been neglected in the past. Work with school children, hunters and villagers, and publication of bird posters and booklets in Azeri, may increase public interest in conservation and raise awareness of environmental issues. One should hope that the people of Azerbaijan will find a way to preserve the biological diversity of their country and open a new chapter in their relationship with nature.

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

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32 The Birds of Azerbaijan

Species Accounts

LEGEND TO THE MAPS Wintering in the past Confirmed nesting record (nest, fledglings, adult birds carrying food/fecal sacs)

G Tbilisi

Autumn passage

Other wintering grounds

DAGESTAN

EO

Ku

(Russian Federation)

R

ra

G

Riv

Zakatali

Sa

IA

m

u

i rR

ve

r

C

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

s Ara

Riv

er

Kura Riv

EN

Baku

er

Breeding season record (probable nesting)

Nakhichevan

Aras Riv

Lenkoran

er

Summer sighting (probably non-breeding records)

IRAN Spring passage Winter sighting (outside of the main range) Main wintering grounds

Former nesting

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

FAMILY GAVIIDAE – DIVERS OR LOONS 1. Red-throated Diver – Gavia stellata Pontoppidan, 1763 STATUS: Rare migrant and wintering species. Subspecies G. s. stellata Pontoppidan, 1763. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: In 19th-early 20th centuries large numbers wintered in south-west sector of Caspian Sea, lakes of Kura-Aras Lowland and Mugan (Bogdanov, 1879; Satunin, 1912b), but rare from 1930-1940s (Verestchagin, 1950). Very few recent records, but may winter offshore where overlooked (Flint, 1982). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: One collected in Little Kizil Agach Bay on 18 January 1940 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: On 7 March 1968, I. Guseinov obtained a specimen on the north shore of Absheron Peninsula (Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1968), and Mustafaev (1968) observed another at sea 100 km off Baku. REMARKS: Oil pollution caused by offshore drilling is responsible for dramatic declines in waterbirds (e.g. diving ducks and coots) wintering on the Caspian Sea (Verestchagin, 1946, 1950; MP). In 1990-1991 only one Red-throated Diver counted during waterfowl censuses in Iran (Perennou et al., 1990; Perennou & Mundkhur, 1991).

2. Black-throated Diver – Gavia arctica Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Rare migrant and wintering species. Subspecies G. a. arctica Linnaeus, 1758.

MOVEMENT: Fall passage: In November 1981, several observed on fishponds in Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1990b).

DISTRIBUTION: Winter: In the 19th-early 20th centuries: southwest shore of Caspian Sea (vicinity of Lenkoran, Sara I. and Kumbashi Bay), lakes of southern Mugan and KuraAras Lowland. One collected near Evlakh, central Azerbaijan in March (Bogdanov, 1879; Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b). Presently winters in the Caspian Sea off Absheron Peninsula (MP).

POPULATION SIZE: Winter: Outnumbered Red-throated Diver in 19th-early 20th centuries (Bogdanov, 1879; Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907), but also decreased by the 1930s (Verestchagin, 1950). Seventeen oiled Black-throated Divers collected after an extensive spill near Baku on 10 February 1990 (G. Bairamov, pers. comm.). MORTALITY: Vulnerable to oil spills (see above).

FAMILY PODICIPEDIDAE - GREBES 3. Little Grebe - Tachybaptus ruficollis Pallas, 1764 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

m Sa

Zakatali

IA

ur

Ri

ve

r

C

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

STATUS: Common resident and wintering species. Subspecies T. r. capensis Salvadori, 1884 nests and winters, and T. r. ruficollis Pallas, 1764 may winter. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Probably throughout the lowland. Confirmed for Aggel, Bos-Koba and Sarisu

(Mil Steppe), Shilian and Karasy marshes (Shirvan Steppe), Lake Hadjikabul, Varvara Reservoir (Mingechaur district), channels and streams of Karayasi Forest (Akstafa district) and Lake Djandargel (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Tuaev, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve (Little Kizil Agach Bay, Akusha Marsh, Ivanovskaya Banka (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Vinogradov et al., 1990), southern Mugan (Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala), Kura delta (Satunin, 1912b; Tuaev, 1975; Patrikeev, 1991c; MP), Shorgel Lakes in south-eastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta and Divichi Liman (Tuaev, 1965; Butiev et al., 1990b). Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Varvara and Mingechaur reservoirs, lakes Aggel and Sarisu (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Tuaev, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve (Little Kizil Agach Bay, Lake Karakush and channels) and the rest of Caspian shore in Lenkoran Lowland, Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala in southern Mugan (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972; Tuaev, 1975; Vinogradov et al., 1990; MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Islands of Baku Archipelago and Shah Spit (Tuaev, 1975; MP).

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36 The Birds of Azerbaijan HABITAT: NESTING: Reedbeds and other stands of emergent aquatic vegetation in lakes, ponds, marshes, oxbows and slowflowing rivers (Vinogradov, 1967; MP).

BREEDING: Broods (2 chicks/brood) on Lake Aggel on 11, 14 and 20 June (Vinogradov, 1967). A bird in juvenile plumage observed on Karasy River (Karayasi Forest).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Conspicuous migration at Divichi Liman 15 March-5 April (Karabanova, 1981). Fall passage: Migrates along the entire Caspian shore (Verestchagin, 1950). In Mil Steppe, the most conspicuous passage in November-December (Vinogradov, 1967).

DIET: Mostly aquatic invertebrates, e.g. larvae of dragon-flies, water beetles and gnats, also water bugs, shrimp, and introduced Mosquito Fish (Gambusia sp.) and fry of European Carp (Cyprinus carpio) (Vasiliev, 1975).

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably > 1,500 pairs, e.g. 50-150 pairs at Lake Aggel in 1990-1991 (MP). Passage: Up to 1,000 observed on Lake Aggel in NovemberDecember (Vinogradov, 1967). Winter: In winters 1964-1968 42-55/km of Caspian shore in Lenkoran Lowland (Mustafaev, 1972). Up to 2,000 in Little Kizil Agach Bay (Vinogradov et al., 1990) and 6,890 in Kizil Agach Reserve, 430 at Lake Sarisu in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). Only 835 countrywide in 1997 and 678 in 1998 (Gilissen et al., 2000), but few areas surveyed.

MORTALITY: Cold winters pose a threat to this species with up to 75% mortality in Kizil Agach Reserve, e.g. up to 50 dead/ km along fish channels (Butiev et al., 1965; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). In December 1946, groups found frozen into the ice (Verestchagin, 1950). Mortality due to cold temperatures also recorded in Absheron Peninsula and Mil Steppe (Tuaev, 1977). Also perishes in oil-contaminated lakes and oil reservoirs of Absheron Peninsula attracted to open surfaces mistaken for water, e.g. 23 were found dead in such a reservoir (Verestchagin, 1946).

4. Black-necked Grebe - Podiceps nigricollis C. L. Brehm, 1831 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

G

Riv

(Russian Federation)

m Sa

Zakatali

IA

ur

Ri

ve

r

C

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lake Aggel, akhmas (oxbows) of Kura, and Mingechaur Reservoir (Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Tuaev, 1975; MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: From Absheron peninsula (including Shah Spit) to the Iranian frontier (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Tuaev, 1975; Bannikova et al., 1984; Kurochkin, 1982).

ver

HABITAT: NESTING: Lakes and marshes with emergent vegetation (Gambarov, 1954; Tuaev, 1975). Up to 3,200 m in Armenia (Dahl, 1954), but no records from mountains of Azerbaijan.

Nakhichevan

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STATUS: Uncommon nesting and common wintering species. Subspecies P. n. nigricollis C. L. Brehm, 1831. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Lake Fahrakush in Shemakha district (Gambarov, 1954). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Shilian and Karasy marshes (Tuaev, 1975), Lake Hadjikabul; vicinity of Khaldan, Mingechaur district (Gambarov, 1975), lakes Aggel and Sarisu (Tuaev, 1975; Paynter et al., 1996a). Small lakes in Kutkashen district (e.g. near Nidz) and Ismailly district near Djandakhar (Gambarov, 1954). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Formerly, common resident on lakes of southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur delta (Butiev et al., 1990b). Winter: Concentrated in the southeast. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve, Sara Peninsula, Mahmud-chala (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Gazanchian, 1951; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; MP).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Leave Kizil Agach Reserve by late March (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Groups of 2-10 in the Caspian Sea around Pirsagat Is., Baku Archipelago in late April 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Fall passage: From October, but does not arrive to Kizil Agach Reserve until mid December (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: > 30 pairs at Lake Hadjikabul and 14 pairs at Sarisu in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Winter: > 5,000 (MP). Common at Shah Spit (Absheron Peninsula) in January-February 1982 (Bannikova et al., 1984) and 27 recorded on 13 December 1989 (MP). In February 1996, 3,595 in Kizil Agach Reserve and 662 at Lake Sarisu (Paynter et al., 1996a). Countrywide census yielded 1,449 in 1997 (Gilissen et al., 2000), 310 at Hadjikabul alone in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). BREEDING: Pairs observed in Shilian Marsh, Shirvan Steppe on April 9th (Kurochkin, 1982), and a big chick collected on Lake Aggel on June 10th (Tuaev, 1975).

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

DIET: Mostly aquatic insects (larvae of diving beetles Dytiscus sp., water bugs and weevils) and shrimp, also small mol-

lusks and fish, especially introduced Mosquito Fish Gambusia sp. (Vasiliev, 1975).

5. Slavonian Grebe - Podiceps auritus Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Uncommon wintering species. Subspecies P. a. auritus Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: Common at Shah Spit (Absheron Peninsula) in January-February 1982 (Bannikova et al., 1984). Recently recorded near Kilazi Spit in mid-October (Shelton,

2001). Less common on the Caspian Sea than Little and Blacknecked Grebes (Kurochkin, 1982). Also rare in Iran (Perennou & Mundkhur, 1991). Wintered on lakes of southern Mugan in late 19th-early 20th centuries (Satunin, 1912b).

6. Red-necked Grebe - Podiceps griseigena Boddaert, 1783 STATUS: Uncommon wintering species and migrant, possibly nested in the past. Subspecies P. g. griseigena Boddaert, 1783. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: No recent summer records. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Collected at Khaladz, Mingechaur district on 14 May 1906 (Satunin, 1907). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Considered resident on lakes in southern Mugan early in 20th century (Satunin, 1912b). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Bay of Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Vinogradov et al., 1990). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Islands of Baku Archipelago (MP), vicinity of Baku including Shah Spit (Radde, 1884; Bannikova et al., 1984) and probably elsewhere offshore on the

Caspian Sea (Mustafaev, 1974a; MP). A few banding recoveries indicate that Red-necked Grebes wintering in Azerbaijan nest in West Siberia (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Passed through Divichi Liman in early April (Karabanova, 1981). POPULATION SIZE: Winter: Relatively common at Shah Spit (Absheron Peninsula) in January-February 1982 (Bannikova et al., 1984). Perhaps common elsewhere in south Caspian (Kurochkin, 1982). Only 10 reported from Kizil Agach Reserve in 1996 (Paynter et al. 1996a), and 9 in 1997 (Gilissen et al., 2000), but Caspian sea was not covered.

7. Great Crested Grebe - Podiceps cristatus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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Azeri name: Boiuk iranja STATUS: Common nesting species, migrant and wintering species. Partly resident. Subspecies P. c. cristatus Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Shilian and Karasy marshes (Shirvan Steppe), lakes Aggel, Sarisu and Bos-

Koba (Mil Steppe), Lake Hadjikabul, small wetlands of Mingechaur district and Varvara Reservoir , and Lake Djandargel in Karayasi Steppe (Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Tuaev, 1975; Gambarov, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kura Delta (Vasiliev, 1967), fresh and brackish wetlands of Kizil Agach Reserve including Little Kizil Agach Bay and Kalinovsky Liman (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala in southern Mugan, and Shorgel Lakes in southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a, c). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman and Samur Delta (Tuaev, 1965; Butiev et al., 1990b). Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mingechaur Reservoir (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972), Aggel (since 1960s), Sarisu, Kura and the akhmas (Vinogradov, 1967; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve (Gazanchian, 1951; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; MP); Sara Peninsula, Lenkoran Lowland, Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala (Radde, 1884; Verestchagin, 1950; Mustafaev, 1972; Kurochkin, 1982; MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Around Absheron Peninsula, e.g. Artem Bay, Shah Spit and islands south of Baku all the way to Lenkoran (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Bannikova et al., 1984; MP).

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38 The Birds of Azerbaijan HABITAT: NESTING: Fresh and brackish lakes, marshes and fishponds with stands of emergent vegetation. WINTER: Lakes, marshes, bays and Caspian Sea (Tuaev, 1975). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early March through early April. COASTAL: Conspicuous passes off Cape Bilgah, Absheron Peninsula in early March (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958), and at Divichi Liman 15 March-5 April (Tuaev, 1965; Karabanova, 1981). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Arrives at Lake Aggel in March (Vinogradov, 1967). Fall passage: From October, but more conspicuous in November in flocks of 10-15 (Verestchagin, 1950). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: > 1,000 pairs (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: In late 1960s-early 1970s, c. 300 pairs in 1,475 ha of fishponds in Kura Delta (Vasiliev, 1968; Tuaev, 1975). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 70-300 birds at Lake Aggel in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975, MP). In 1962, only 1 pair on Varvara Reservoir, but 12 pairs in 1967 (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972). Passage: Spring: In May-early June 1989, >100 near Pelikanyi Island, and 15-20 off Los Island, Baku Archipelago (Patrikeev, 1991a). Winter: > 10,000 (MP). In late 1960s, 98-102/km along Caspian shore south of Lenkoran (Mustafaev, 1972). On 30 January 1965, c. 5,000 on Mingechaur Reservoir (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972). Common at Shah Spit in January-February 1982 (Bannikova et al., 1984). In Kizil Agach Reserve, 447 counted in 1996 (Paynter et al. 1996a), 340 in 1997 and 180 in 1998 (Gilissen et al., 2000).

BREEDING: Egg-laying from mid-April to late May (Tuaev, 1975) or perhaps earlier as a large chick was recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve on May 10th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). At Aggel, 5 freshly built nests on 2-9 April, and 3 nests with 2 eggs and 1 nest with 1 egg on April 17th; broods from May 16th (Vinogradov, 1967). On Lake Kichik-Shorgel, no signs of nesting activity in mid-May 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). DIET: In Kura Delta, feeds primarily on aquatic insects (84% of stomach contents): weevils, diving beetles (Dytiscus sp) and their larvae, larvae of water-scavengers and whirling beetles, backswimmers, larvae of dragonflies and flies of family Strationidae, and ants. Also Marsh Frog (Rana ridibunda), fish (fry of European Carp Cyprinus carpio and Lookups Culter sp), and 2 young Diced Snakes (Natrix tesselata) (Vasiliev, 1967). MORTALITY: Significant mortality during cold winters: groups frozen into the ice in December 1946 (Verestchagin, 1950), 60 dead in Kizil Agach Reserve in January 1964 (Mustafaev, 1964) and some reported dead in Absheron Peninsula in cold winter 1971/72 (Tuaev, 1977). Oil pollution also poses a serious threat: oiled Great Crested Grebes found along Caspian shore and on polluted lakes of Absheron Peninsula. Encounters with oil films only 2-3 mm wide may prove fatal to this species. Oiled grebes exhibited loss of balance and disorientation (Verestchagin, 1946). Formerly (1870-1914), up to 3,000/year were shot for feather trade near Lenkoran (Radde, 1884; Verestchagin, 1947).

[FAMILY PROCELLARIIDAE - PETRELS AND SHEARWATERS] [Manx Shearwater - Puffinus puffinus Brunnich, 1764] Hypothetical According to Bogdanov (1879) he observed this species on the Caspian Sea (no precise location given). As far as I know that

was the only record of any species of shearwaters from the Caspian Sea.

FAMILY PELECANIDAE - PELICANS 8. Great White Pelican - Pelecanus onocrotalus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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Azeri name: Gutan (all pelicans)

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STATUS: Endangered migrant and wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: In the late 19th-early 20th centuries, flocks occurred in Kizil Agach Bay during summer months (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). Satunin (1912b) suspected nesting on lakes of southern Mugan. Winter: Mostly winters offshore. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve: Greater Kizil Agach Bay, the mouth of Avarinyi and Sbrosnoyi channels, Lesser Kizil Agach Bay and Ivanovskaya Banka (Tugarinov & KozlovaPushkareva, 1938; Tugarinov, 1950; Grekov, 1965b; Babaev, 1984; Litvinova, 1989a), also in Kura Delta, and occasionally at Shor-

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Number of Great White Pelicans wintering in Kizil Agach Reserve, 1930s-1996 Year 1930s January 1959 January-February 1963 1976 January 1980 1981-1988 November 1989 January 1991 November 1995 January-February 1996

Number flocks of 20-40 78 15 48 40 7-13 22 1,750 pelicans of both species (Dalmatian Pelicans predominated) 1,150 unidentified pelicans 1 + 256 unidentified pelicans

Source Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva,1938; Tugarinov, 1950 Grekov, 1965b Oliger, 1967 Babaev, 1984 Babaev, 1984 Litvinova, 1989a MP Litvinov & Litvinova, 1991 Paynter et al., 1996a Paynter et al., 1996a

gel Lakes in southeastern Shirvan (Litvinova, 1989a; MP). On lakes of southern Mugan in the past (Satunin, 1912b). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Caspian Sea between Absheron Peninsula and Lenkoran, e.g. around the islands of Baku Archipelago (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Litvinova, 1989a; Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mingechaur and Varvara reservoirs (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972).

Number of Great White Pelicans passing through Kizil Agach Reserve in 1937-1959 Month-Year April-March 1937 March 1956 March 1959

Number 500-600 500-600 2,500-2,600

Source Tugarinov & KozlovaPushkareva, 1937 Grekov, 1965b Grekov, 1965b

Winter: Probably only 100-200 in late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). S OUTHEAST LOWLANDS : Kizil Agach Reserve: common in the 1930s-1950s (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Tugarinov, 1950; Grekov, 1965b), but in decline since the 1960s (Mustafaev, 1974a). Rare in the 1970s (Babaev, 1984). Numbers remained low through the 1980s, but a possible increase detected by the early 1990s (Litvinov & Litvinova, 1991). Approximately 50% of Great White Pelicans wintering in Kizil Agach Reserve are immature (Litvinova, 1989a).

MOVEMENT: In Azerbaijan this species usually migrates at considerable heights and almost exclusively over the sea (Verestchagin, 1950). Spring passage: From February to May (Verestchagin, 1950). COASTAL: Conspicuous passage in Kizil Agach Reserve from midMarch to mid-April, e.g. concentrates at Ivanovskaya Banka, Greater Kizil Agach Bay, Akusha Marsh and the mouth of Avarinyi Channel in March (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1937; Grekov, 1965b). Leaves Kizil Agach Reserve in late April, although small numbers linger until May (Grekov, 1965b). Observed in southeastern Shirvan in mid-April 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Fall passage: Mostly from early October (Verestchagin, 1950). COASTAL: But several in the Caspian Sea 3-4 km off Samur Delta already in August 1986 (Butiev et al., 1989). In mid-October, small flocks (of 20-30) at Divichi Liman and Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Tuaev, 1965).

In, 1981-1991, c. 25 wintered in Kura Delta. (Litvinova, 1989a), and 50-100 pelicans of both species (mostly Dalmatians) at Shorgel Lakes, southeastern Shirvan (MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: In 1988-1991, 5-10 off Shah Spit, Absheron Peninsula (MP).

POPULATION SIZE: Passage: SPRING: Kizil Agach Reserve: During 1960s-early 1990s, very few individuals observed in spring. FALL: In October 1990, 200-300 by Cape Sangachal south of Baku (MP).

FOOD: Piscivorous. According to Grekov (1965b) stomach contents included Roach (Rutilus rutilus), European Carp (Cyprinus carpio), Grey Mullets (Mugil sp.) and Black Sea Roach (Rutilus frisii).

9. Dalmatian Pelican - Pelecanus crispus Bruch, 1832 Azeri name: Gutan (all pelicans) STATUS: Threatened. Uncommon migrant and wintering species; nested in the past. Few pairs may still be nesting. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: In the past, nested on lakes with extensive reedbeds, e.g. Lake Nametabadnour (Mingechaur district), lakes of Mil Steppe and possibly in southern Mugan (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b). By the early 1960s, nesting confined to few lakes in Mil Steppe: eastern

portion of Aggel, Bos-Koba, Zahermar-Koba and Shorbet-Koba (Vinogradov, 1967, Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1969). By the early 1980s, a small colony of 5-15 pairs remained on BosKoba where several birds were also recorded in June 1990 (MP). May no longer nest in Azerbaijan, although several pairs perhaps remained on Lake Bos-Koba or elsewhere. Winter: SOUTH-EAST LOWLANDS: Mostly Kura delta, Kizil Agach Reserve (Greater Kizil Agach Bay, central section of Lesser Kizil Agach Bay, and occasionally in fresh marshes) and off Sara peninsula (Grekov, 1965b; Litvinova, 1989a; MP). Also at

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40 The Birds of Azerbaijan G Tbilisi

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HABITAT: NESTING: Lakes and old river channels with extensive reedbeds and kobl (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov, 1967). WINTER: Aquatory of the Caspian Sea and big lakes.

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Shorgel Lakes in southeastern Shirvan (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Tuaev, 1975; Litvinova, 1989a; MP). In the past, on lakes of Lenkoran Lowland and Mugan (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Waters surrounding islands of the Baku Archipelago north to Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Litvinova, 1989a; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes Aggel and Sarisu (Mil Steppe), Mingechaur Reservoir and Lake Djandargel in Karayasi Steppe (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Tuaev, 1975; Cranswick et al., 1998).

MOVEMENT: Usually migrates at considerable heights and over the sea (Verestchagin, 1950). Spring passage: February to early May. COASTAL: From February to late April in Kizil Agach Reserve; few records in May (Grekov, 1965b; Verestchagin, 1950; Litvinova, 1989a). At Divichi Liman from March 15th with flocks observed in early May (Karabanova, 1981). In April and May 1990, single adults and sub-adults at Shorgel Lakes, southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a), and groups of 5-8 and loose flocks of up to 50 in Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1990b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: In the past, arrived at lakes of Mingechaur District in March (Satunin, 1907). Fall passage: Early October through November. COASTAL: From early October (Verestchagin, 1950), e.g. near Kilazi (Shelton, 2001). In late November, pelicans recorded in Absheron Peninsula and Sangachal Bay (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mil Steppe and Aras Valley (Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov, 1967). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably was never common in Azerbaijan: 17 adults at the colony on Lake Nametabad-nour (Satunin, 1907). By the early 1980s, 5-15 pairs on Lake Bos-Koba where 3-4 birds flying over the lake seen in June 1990 (MP).

Number of Dalmatian Pelicans wintering in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1953-1996 Month-Year December 1953 February 1963 December 1979 November 1980 January 1981 December 1983 February 1985 winter 1986 January 1987 January 1988 January 1991 November 1995 January-February 1996

Number 88 84 800 54 100 342 115 100-225 50 570 1,750 pelicans of both species (Dalmatian Pelicans predominated) 1,150 unidentified pelicans 199 + 256 unidentified pelicans

Source Grekov, 1965b Dobrokhotov, 1963 Babaev, 1984 Babaev, 1984 Litvinova, 1989a Litvinova, 1989a Litvinova, 1989a Litvinova, 1989a Litvinova, 1989a Litvinova, 1989a Litvinov & Litvinova, 1991 Paynter et al., 1996a Paynter et al., 1996a

Number of Dalmatian Pelicans wintering in Kura Delta, 1986-1996 Month-Year November 1986 December 1986 January 1988 January 1996

Number 58 358 1,118 652 unidentified pelicans

Source Litvinova, 1989a Litvinova, 1989a Litvinova, 1989a Paynter et al., 1996a

Number of Dalmatian Pelicans wintering on Lake Aggel in 1961-1991 Month-Year winters 1961-64 January 1988 January 1991

Number 120-200 137 60-80

Source Vinogradov, 1967 MP MP

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Passage: SPRING: 551 in Kizil Agach Reserve in March 1976, and 897 in March 1979 (Litvinova, 1989a). Flocks of 5-50 in Samur Delta in 1990 (Butiev et al., 1990b). FALL: In the 1960s, 600-700 wintered on Lake Aggel, Mil Steppe (Vinogradov, 1967). Winter: In the late 19th-early 20th centuries, “great numbers occurred along the entire Caspian shore and on inland lakes” (Satunin, 1907). Dalmatian Pelicans were apparently so numerous in Mugan, that Satunin (1912b) campaigning for enforcement of hunting regulations and protection of waterfowl, gallinaceous and other birds, encouraged shooting of pelicans stating that “[Dalmatian Pelicans] are so abundant, that it will be impossible to eradicate them completely”. However, by 1930s-1950s, their number decreased dramatically due to relentless persecution, declining fish stocks, pollution and habitat destruction. Probably 1,0002,500 wintered in the early 1990s, but lower numbers recorded in the late 1990s: 280 in 1996, 10 in 1997 and 71 in 1998 plus 908 pelicans observed in 1996 and 303 in 1997 remained unidentified (Paynter et al., 1996; Delany et al., 1999; Gilissen et al., 2000). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: In Kizil Agach Reserve, this species occurred in conspicuously lower numbers than Great White Pelican in the 1950s (Grekov, 1965b), but showed signs of recovery in the late 1960s-early 980s (Babaev, 1984). Over 1,000 were recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve in January 1991 (Litvinova, 1989a; Litvinov & Litvinova, 1991). In 1986-88 significant numbers were found in Kura Delta (Litvinova, 1989a). Also > 50 wintered at Shorgel Lakes, Shirvan Reserve in 1989-1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a; MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: 34 counted on the Caspian Sea between Kura Delta and Absheron Peninsula in 1988 (Litvinova, 1989a).

KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Decreased at Lake Aggel from c. 200 in the 1960s to fewer than 100 in late 1980s-early 1990s. This decline is attributed to diminishing fish stocks caused by destruction of spawning beds and commercial overfishing (MP). In the late 1980s, 20-30 wintered at Lake Sarisu (MP), but only 12 in February 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). In 1998, 20 were recorded on Mingechaur Reservoir and 14 on Lake Djandargel (Cranswick et al., 1998). BREEDING: Nested in lakes with extensive reedbeds. On 4 May 1894, nests built on a raft of broken reeds cemented with droppings in central part of Lake Nametabad-nour (Mingechaur District). Seventeen adults and 50 large young in this colony (Satunin, 1907). In 1966, Dalmatian Pelicans nested in a mixed colony of herons, egrets and ibises on Lake Aggel, but abandoned nests with 1-2 eggs after the colony was disturbed (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1969). FOOD: Piscivorous. Stomach content of one pelican on 13 February 1953: a 55-cm Black Sea Roach (Rutilus frisii) and remains of three others. A 1.2 kg Black Sea Roach in crop of another individual. Other prey species include European Carp (Cyprinus carpio), Roach (Rutilus rutilus), Asp (Aspius sp.), Sander (Stizostedion sp.) and probably other fish (Grekov, 1965b; Vasiliev, 1975). In wintering areas, often hunts in mixed flocks with Great White Pelicans and Great Cormorants (Grekov, 1965b). MORTALITY: Occasionally flies into power lines. At least one dead in Kizil Agach Reserve in January 1991, and another one in Shirvan Reserve (Sultanov et al., 1991). Very sensitive to disturbance during nesting period (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1969).

FAMILY PHALACROCORACIDAE - CORMORANTS 10. Great Cormorant - Phalacrocorax carbo Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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Subspecies P. c. sinensis Blumenbach, 1796-1810.

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Azeri name: Garabatdag STATUS: Uncommon resident, common migrant and wintering species. Resident population is threatened.

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Widespread in the Lenkoran Lowland and southern Mugan in the 19th-early 20th centuries, e.g. in mixed colonies in old-growth broad-leaved forests along the Caspian shore, river valleys and in istyl (manmade swamps), sometimes 5-8 km inland and even in foothills of Talish Mountains. Disappeared from there by the mid 1930s when the forests were reduced to few small patches, but some small colonies could have remained in the foothills (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Sudilovskaya, 1951). Between 1948 and 1952, Great Cormorants arrived at a mixed colony of herons, egrets and ibises at Kalinovsky Liman (Kizil Agach Reserve), then abandoned it in 1964. However, in mid 1960s, they returned to the foothills of Talish Mountains, and in 1974 to Kalinovsky Liman. (Gladkov, 1957; Grekov, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a; Vinogradov et al., 1990). Recorded at Mahmud-chala (southern Mugan) in 1998 (Sultanov & Agaeva, 2003). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Prior to 1935, nested on rocky islands adjacent to Absheron Peninsula (Radde, 1884; Sa-

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42 The Birds of Azerbaijan tunin, 1907; Verestchagin, 1947). Presently occurs in the Absheron area year-round (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP), but nesting evidence is lacking. During April-May 1989, groups of 3-18 observed near Cape Pirsagat, Pirsagat Islands, Glinanyi Island and abandoned oil-drilling platforms offshore. No nests found on the islands, but the platforms remain unsurveyed (Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI L OWLAND: Samur Delta (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969b; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Earlier in the 20th century, colonies in tugai forests at the confluence of Kura, Iori and Alazani (Satunin, 1907) later flooded by Mingechaur Reservoir in 1953 and downstream by Varvara Reservoir in 1957. The cormorants remained there as long as nesting trees were standing (last nesting on Varvara Reservoir in 1962, and on Mingechaur Reservoir in 1965) and later moved to the remaining tugai of Iori and Alazani (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972). In the late 1950s-early 1960s, a small colony established on Lake Aggel, Mil Steppe (Vinogradov, 1967). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Mainly in Kizil Agach Reserve (Greater and Lesser Kizil Agach Bays, e.g. near Kumbashi, in the mouth of Vilajchai, Ivanovskaya Banka, Avarinyi and Sbrosnoyi channels) , Sara Peninsula and Kura Delta (Satunin, 1907; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Grekov, 1965b; Tuaev, 1975). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: the Caspian Sea from Khachmas Lowland to islands of Baku and Absheron archipelagos. Often feeds at Lake Ganligel, Absheron (Bannikova et al., 1984; Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mingechaur Reservoir, Kura River and adjacent akhmas, lakes Aggel and Djandargel (Verestchagin, 1950; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989; MP). NAKHICHEVAN: Arpa-chai (Verestchagin, 1950). HABITAT: NESTING: tugai and broad-leaved lowland forests, flooded tamarisk thickets, reedbeds and possibly rocky islands of the Caspian Sea. FEEDING: coastal waters of the Caspian Sea, rivers, lakes, reservoirs and marshes. During post-breeding movements, these cormorants were observed on montane lakes in foothills of Greater Caucasus Mountains up to 1,600 m (Verestchagin, 1947; Gambarov, 1954; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969b). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid February to mid April (Verestchagin, 1950). COASTAL: Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve, Kura Delta and Divichi Liman from mid February to late March, occasionally to mid April. During migration, often concentrates in mouth of channels flowing into Greater Kizil Agach Bay and in the mouth

of Kura (Grekov, 1965a; Tuaev et al., 1965; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969b; Karabanova, 1981). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: On Mingechaur Reservoir, numbers decrease in March. Flocks of 60-80 were seen heading towards the mid and lower Kura (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Gambarov, 1975). Post-breeding movements: COASTAL: Leaves colonies in JuneJuly and spreads along the Caspian shore from Samur Delta in the north to Iranian border in the south. Small numbers remain at fishponds in the mouth of Kura (Grekov, 1965b; MP). GREATER CAUCASUS: Some appear in foothills and low mountains, e.g. adults and young observed on Lake Nour (800 m), Kutkashen District in mid June 1962 and 1966 (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969b). Also recorded in Shemakha Upland, Katekhchai Gorge (Zakatali District) at 1,400 m, and headwaters of Girdimanchai (Ismailly District) at 1,600 m (Gambarov, 1954). Fall passage: Early September through early December. COASTAL: Arrives in early September (Verestchagin, 1950). Conspicuous passage at Divichi Liman in late October-early November (Tuaev, 1965). From there, cormorants head to Absheron Peninsula, Kura Delta and Kizil Agach Reserve where migration peaks in November, and is over by early December (Verestchagin, 1950; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Grekov, 1965b; Tuaev, 1975). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Large numbers at Mingechaur and Varvara Reservoirs, Karasy Marsh and lakes Aggel and Sarisu (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Tuaev, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Formerly nested in great numbers (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). Colonies subsequently decreased in number, disappeared or moved by the mid 1930s (Sudilovskaya, 1951). At present, small colonies exist in Kizil Agach Reserve and adjacent areas, Kura-Aras Lowland and possibly islands of the Caspian Sea (c. 300 pairs in total. MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: In the mid 1950s, 5,000-13,500 individuals nested in Kizil Agach Reserve (Grekov, 1965a), but fewer than 200 pairs in the late 1980s (Vinogradov et al., 1990). 42 observed on Mahmud-chala in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: In the late 1960s, c. 150 pairs nested in the mouth of Iori (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969, 1972), but only 1520 pairs remained there in the late 1980s (MP). On Lake Aggel, numbers have remained low (20-30 pairs) since the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967; MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: 5-10 pairs in remnant broad-leaved forests of Samur Delta (MP). Passage: SPRING: In 1964-1965, 12,000 gathered in Kizil Agach Reserve and even greater numbers in the mouth of Kura (Grekov, 1965a). In spring 1965, c. 700 seen daily on fishponds in Kura Delta (Tuaev et al., 1965; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969b).

Number of Great Cormorants wintering in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1952-1996 Year 1952 1957 1959 1962 1964-1965 1980s 1996

Number 10,000-12,000 16,000-18,000 10,000-15,000 + 325 > 1,000 1,000-2,000 c. 1,530

Source Gladkov, 1957 Grekov, 1965b Grekov, 1965b Dobrokhotov, 1963 Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969 Vinogradov et al., 1990 Paynter et al., 1996a

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FALL: In the early 1960s, up to 1,000-1,400 at Lake Aggel. Lower numbers in following years (Vinogradov, 1967). Winter: c. 4,000-5,000 (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Increased in Kizil Agach Reserve in the 1950s with 10,000-15,000 on Avarinyi Channel alone in 1959 (Gladkov, 1957; Grekov, 1965b), but decreased through the 19601970s. Only 1,000-2,000 wintered in the 1980s-1990s (Dobrokhotov, 1963; Oliger, 1967; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969; Vinogradov et al., 1990; Paynter et al., 1996a).

ity of examined nests with 1 egg in some nests; 3-5 sometimes 6 eggs/clutch (Grekov, 1965a, b; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a). Adult cormorants feeding young were observed in Kalinovsky Liman in late May. By late May-early June, flocks of fledged young head to Greater Kizil Agach Bay and shores of Sara Peninsula to feed, returning to colonies in the evening (Grekov, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a). A young collected at the Divichi Liman on 15 August (Tuaev, 1965) probably originated from Samur Delta (MP).

CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: In the late 1980s-early 1990s, up to 1,500 in the Caspian Sea around Absheron Peninsula (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: In January-February 1964-1965, flocks of up to 400 on Mingechaur Reservoir off mouth of Iori and Alazani (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969b). Few on Kura River, adjacent akhmas and rivers of Zakataly-Ismailly Lowland (Verestchagin, 1950; Gambarov, 1975). Only 20-40 on Lake Aggel in 1989-1991, (MP). GREATER CAUCASUS: Small numbers on small lakes in Shemakha Upland (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969b).

DIET: Piscivorous. Examined stomachs mostly contained fish (95%): European Carp (57.5%), young sturgeons (16.3%), Roach (10%), Bream (7.5%), Sander (7.5%), Common Kilka (7.5%), Perch (2.5%), Grass Carp (2.5%), Nine-spined Stickleback (2.5%) and Pipefish (2.5%). The other 5% consisted of newts and water scavenger beetles (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969b). On Varvara Reservoir, Great Cormorants consume large numbers of Lamprey, and Brook Trout and Marsh Frog on mountain lakes (Grekov, 1965b; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969b). Capable of swallowing a fish 35 cm long. Several had their stomachs and esophagus completely filled with fish. Although known to consume up to 810 g of fish/hour, daily intake usually does not exceed 600 g (Grekov, 1965b; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969b). According to Gladkov (1957b) Great Cormorants consumed over 600,000 kg of fish (mostly European Carp and Roach) in the southwestern Caspian Sea from February to May each year. In July-August, they raided fishponds feeding on sturgeon fry. In July 1964, stomachs of 18 cormorants shot at fishponds contained 30-106 young sturgeon 4-10.5 cm long, e.g. Sturgeon, Bastard Sturgeon and Starred Sturgeon (Gladkov, 1957; Grekov, 1965b; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969b).

BREEDING: Colonial. In the past, often nested in huge mixed colonies with Pygmy Cormorants, Night Herons, Squacco Herons, Little Egrets and Rooks in broad-leaved forests of Lenkoran Lowland. In those colonies, Great Cormorants nested in tops of tall oaks, elms and poplars (Satunin, 1907; Sudilovskaya, 1951). Recently, nesting in trees was recorded only in deltas of Iori and Samur (MP). In Kalinovsky Liman (Kizil Agach Reserve), this species nests in small groups within a huge mixed colony in flooded tamarisk thickets. Two to six pairs may nest in the same bush usually close to open water (Grekov, 1965a). On Lake Aggel, Great Cormorants nest in a large mixed colony with Pygmy Cormorants, egrets, herons and ibises and also in small colonies with Grey Herons. All colonies there were in reedbeds where nests are built on broken reed clumps (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). Nests in trees and bushes are made of twigs, and those in reedbeds of reed stems. Nest-cup is lined with leaves of reed and Bolboschoenus maritimus. Nest diameter is 35-44 cm. In the colony of Kalinovsky Liman, other birds avoid proximity of Great Cormorants. Tamarisk bushes with cormorant nests in them usually die within few years due to excessive amount of guano deposited on branches (Grekov, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a). Arrives at breeding grounds at Kalinovsky Liman in February. In one colony, eggs were laid in late February-early March, and in another colony 2-3 weeks later. However, fresh clutches recorded until mid July. On 8 March 1958, 2-4 eggs in the major-

MORTALITY: Considered vermin by the Ministry of Fisheries and fishermen, and large numbers were shot or trapped and their nests destroyed (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969b). But by the late 1980searly 1990s, so few nesting cormorants remained in Azerbaijan that introduction of a shooting ban was urgently required. Pollution of the Caspian Sea and overfishing were also responsible for a dramatic decline in this species during the second half of the 20th century. Prior to 1914, these cormorants were also hunted for their feathers (Verestchagin, 1947). The Lezgin living in Samur Delta and natives of Lenkoran Lowland hunted Great Cormorants for food as late as the 1970s-1980s (MP). Few natural enemies, although Wolves and Golden Jackals occasionally raided colonies in Kizil Agach Reserve and ate the young when water levels were low. Hooded Crows sometimes steal eggs (Grekov, 1965a).

11. Pygmy Cormorant - Phalacrocorax pygmaeus Pallas, 1773 Azeri name: Garabatdag, kichik garabatdag STATUS: Vulnerable. Common to locally very common nesting species, uncommon migrant and wintering species. A small part of the population is resident. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Formerly nested in huge mixed colonies in broad-leaved forests of Len-

koran Lowland (Satunin, 1907; Sudilovskaya, 1951), but moved to flooded tamarisk thickets of the Kalinovsky Liman, Kizil Agach Reserve after the forests were cleared by the 1930s-1940s (Grekov, 1965a). The colony of Kizil Agach Reserve relocated to Lopatinsky Marsh in the mid 1980s (Litvinova, 1986). Two other important colonies are in Kura Delta and Mahmud-chala, southern Mugan (Litvinova, 1989b; Patrikeev, 1991e). In 19891990, a small mixed colony was established on Lake Beuk-Shor-

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gel, southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a). Irregular nesting reported at Novogolovka-chala, southern Mugan (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Most important inland colony at Lake Aggel (Mil Steppe); small colonies on Lake Sarisu and Varvara Reservoir (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.; MP). Irregular nesting was observed at Abdulian akhmas, Ali-Bairamli District (Vasiliev, 1970). Also recorded at Shilian Marsh (Shirvan Steppe), the akhmas in Zardob, Udjari and Fisuli Districts, lakes Djandargel and Hadjikabul (Tuaev, 1975; Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003; MP; Cranswick in litt.). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman from late 1990s (Patrikeev & Wilson, 2000). Winter: Mostly within the summer range: Kizil Agach Reserve, Sara Peninsula, Lenkoran Lowland south to the Iranian border, Lake Hadjikabul, Shorgel Lakes, southern Mugan, water bodies of Shirvan and Mil steppes including Aggel and Sarisu, Varvara and Mingechaur reservoirs, and Lake Djandargel in Karayasi Steppe (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Gazanchian, 1951; Zlotin, 1963; Dobrokhotov, 1963; Grekov, 1965b; Vinogradov, 1967; Vasiliev, 1970; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Gambarov, 1975; Cranswick et al., 1998). In December 1989, one seen at Shah Spit (MP), also recorded near Kilazi Spit in mid winter (Shelton, 2001). HABITAT: NESTING: Extensive reedbeds (e.g. Aggel, Mahmudchala, Sarisu and Beuk-Shorgel) or stands of flooded tamarisk (Kizil Agach Reserve and Kura Delta) at fresh or brackish lakes and marshes (Vinogradov, 1967; Vasiliev, 1970; Litvinova, 1986, 1989b; Patrikeev, 1991e; MP). In Varvara Reservoir, cormorants nested in treetops of flooded tugai forest (until the trees collapsed), later moving to reedbeds nearby (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972). In the past, nested in old-growth broad-leaved forests of Lenkoran Lowland (Satunin, 1907; Sudilovskaya, 1951). In some areas, nesting habitat threatened by pollution. By the mid 1980s, many tamarisk stands in Kalinovsky Liman (Kizil Agach Reserve) were killed by agricultural runoffs from outside the reserve. Because of this, a considerable part of the colony moved to Lopatinsky Marsh, but tamarisk die off was observed there also (Litvinova, 1986). FEEDING: During nesting season feeds in flooded areas, marshes, channels (and formerly rice fields) close to nesting colonies.

MOVEMENT: Spring passage is inconspicuous and lasts from mid February through April (Verestchagin, 1950). COASTAL: Passes through Divichi Liman and Samur Delta from early March (groups of 2-40) sometimes in mixed flocks with Great Cormorants or herons. Latest spring record in Samur Delta April 28th (Karabanova, 1981; Butiev et al., 1989). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: A flock of 58 on Shilian Marsh in early April (Tuaev, 1975). Post-breeding movements: In late July-early August, thousands of young roam around colonies and throughout lowlands of Azerbaijan. Young ringed at Kalinovsky Liman (Kizil Agach Reserve) were recovered in Lenkoran Lowland, on lakes Aggel and Hadjikabul, Padar and Karasy marshes, and in Kura Valley (Grekov, 1965b). Occasionally visits mountain lakes, e.g. 4 at Lake Nour (Kutkashen District) on 27 July 1966, and also in the vicinity of Zakatali (Vasiliev, 1970). Fall passage: COASTAL: Arrives at Samur Delta from mid August, but conspicuous passage occurs in late October-late November with latest record on December 9th (Butiev et al., 1989). Passes through Divichi Liman (earliest record in October), probably skirts Absheron Peninsula and heads for Kizil Agach Reserve, Lenkoran Lowland and Iran (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965; Vasiliev, 1970). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Considerable numbers migrate through Mil Steppe (especially Aggel and Sarisu), Shirvan Steppe (Shilian and Karasy), Mingechaur and Varvara Reservoirs. Later disperses through the lowland or also moves to Iran. Two birds found dead at Aggel were ringed in Dagestan, Russian Federation (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: 6,000 birds in the late 1960s (Vasiliev, 1968, 1970; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972), and 4,800-5,800 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: c. 14,400 pairs in Kizil Agach Reserve in the late 1950s (Grekov, 1965a, b), 2,450 pairs in 1964 (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965b), > 2,000 pairs in the late 1960s, but only 7001,000 pairs in the early 1970s (Morozkin, 1975) and 1,400-2,000 pairs in the mid 1980s (Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986). In 19881989, 1,300 pairs found in Kura Delta (Litvinova, 1989b). In 1990, 500-800 pairs nested on Lake Mahmud-chala, and c. 50 pairs on Lake Beuk-Shorgel (Patrikeev, 1991a, e). Sultanov and Agayeva (2003) encountered only 125 in Mahmud-chala in 1998, but probably surveyed only the periphery of the colony. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 2,000-3,000 pairs on Aggel in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967), but only 900 in the late 1960s plus 45 pairs at Varvara Reservoir (Vasiliev, 1968, 1970; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972). In the late 1980s, up to 1,500 birds at Lake Aggel, >100 pairs at Lake Sarisu, and 40-50 pairs at Varvara Reservoir (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.; MP). Sultanov & Agayeva (2003) recorded 166 at Sarisu and 348 at Varvara Reservoir in 1998. Passage: SPRING: 0 to 190 recorded Samur Delta in 1979-1988 (Butiev et al., 1989). FALL: Up to 10,000-12,000 passed through Aggel in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967). Winter: 3,000-10,000 in late 1980s-early 1990s.

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SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: 1,500-2,000 on Sbrosnoyi Channel, Kizil Agach Reserve in 1956 and c. 2,000 in Akusha Marsh in the late 1950s-early 1960s (Grekov, 1965); 200-300 along channels of Kizil Agach Reserve in November-December 1989 and flocks of 50 in Sara Peninsula (MP). In January-February 1996, 8,350 in Kizil Agach and c. 1,000 in Shirvan Reserve (Paynter et al., 1996a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: In Mil Steppe, small flocks of 10-15 on Lake Sarisu, and > 100 at Lake Aggel in January 1991 (MP). In February 1996, 120-1,200 at Sarisu (Paynter et al., 1996a) and 80 in November 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). 400 on Lake Djandargel and 290 on Varvara Reservoir in February 1998 (Cranswick et al., 1998). BREEDING: Colonial. Nests in mixed colonies with egrets, herons, ibises and sometimes with Great Cormorants, usually occupying upper or middle levels. Arrives at colonies in Kizil Agach Reserve in February-March, and in late March at Lake Aggel. Nest-building mostly in mid April at Aggel or earlier in Kizil Agach Reserve (Sudilovskaya, 1951; Grekov, 1965a; Vinogradov, 1967; Vasiliev, 1970; Tuaev, 1975). In Kizil Agach Reserve, nests built in tops of flooded tamarisks, but on Aggel and Mahmud-chala on broken clusters of reed 1.0-1.8 m above water. Neighbouring nests 0.2-1 m apart (Grekov, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965a; Vasiliev, 1970; Patrikeev, 1991e). Nests are compact and built of reed stems or tamarisk twigs depending on location, and lined with leaves and soft parts of reed, and sometimes, also Bolboschoenus maritimus. Nest diameter 22-28 cm; nest-cup diameter is 7-12 cm (Grekov, 1965a; Patrikeev, 1991e). Egg-laying from early March to early June depending on location, water level and weather. In Kalinovsky Liman, sometimes lays already in early March (1-4 eggs per nest on March 8th), but usually later. In 1964, eggs in one sub-colony from mid April, and in another from May 10th (Grekov, 1965a, b; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966b). At Aggel, eggs laid from mid late April, but not until mid May on Varvara Reservoir (Vinogradov, 1967; Vasiliev, 1970). At Mahmud-chala, clutches of 1-4 eggs and freshly built nests during 6-8 June 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991e). 2-7 (usually 4.5) eggs/clutch. Average egg measurements: 47.0 x 29.9 mm. Incubation starts from the first egg and lasts for 23-28 days (average 26). Both sexes incu-

bate (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965b, 1966b; Vasiliev, 1970). At Kalinovsky Liman, newly hatched chicks from April 19th (Grekov, 1965b), in Aggel from 7-19 June (Vinogradov, 1967; Vasiliev, 1970) and at Lake Mahmud-chala in early July (MP). Egg losses were low (< 6%), but chick losses may reach 63.6% in Kizil Agach Reserve due to predation by the Night Heron taking newly-hatched cormorant chicks to feed their own young. In 1964, 175 of 350 (i.e., > 50%) observed nests at Kalinovsky Liman were robbed by Night Herons (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965a, 1966b). Breeding success is higher in colonies with lower number of Night Herons (Lake Aggel, Lake Mahmud-chala, and Kura Delta). The young remain in nests 40-43 days. At Lake Aggel, the majority of young were on the wing by mid July (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). In late July-early August, the young leave colonies, gather in big flocks and roam around often visiting adjacent wetlands. At first, they return to colonies for the night (Grekov, 1965a, b; Vasiliev, 1970). DIET: Diet varies depending on season. Mostly feeds on fish in winter and spring, adding tadpoles and larvae of aquatic insects to their menu in summer. Nestlings are mostly fed fish fry (Vasiliev, 1970). Considered mostly piscivorous in Kizil Agach Reserve where 12 species of fish made up c. 70% of contents of 66 examined stomachs: mostly fry of European Carp (49%), but also Roach (12.1%), Black Sea Roach, Pike and adult Mosquito Fish. The remaining 30% included invertebrates, e.g. dragonfly larvae (16.6%), water beetles and shrimp Leander adsperus (Grekov, 1965b). Later studies demonstrated that 2/3 of fish consumed by Pygmy Cormorants were non-commercial species, e.g. Mosquito Fish. In addition, Pygmy Cormorants consume large numbers of aquatic insects harmful to fisheries (Vasiliev, 1970). MORTALITY: Still hunted for food in Azerbaijan, although not nearly as often as coots and ducks (Verestchagin, 1950; Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.). Also perishes in fish traps and nets (e.g. on Lake Aggel), has collided with power-lines (Kizil Agach Reserve) and suffers from oil pollution along the Caspian shore (Verestchagin, 1946; Sultanov et al., 1991; MP).

FAMILY ARDEIDAE - HERONS, EGRETS AND BITTERNS 12. Eurasian Bittern - Botaurus stellaris Linnaeus, 1758 Azeri name: Dangushu, Eri dangushu STATUS: Uncommon nesting species, migrant and wintering species, partly resident in the southeast. Subspecies B. s. stellaris Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Distribution poorly known. SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: A small nesting population at Divichi Liman (Tuaev, 1965). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes Aggel and Sarisu in Mil Steppe, Karasy Marsh in Shirvan Steppe, and formerly on small lakes of Mingechaur District (Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986).

SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lakes Kichick-Shorgel and Beuk-Shorgel (southeastern Shirvan), Kura Delta, Novogolovka-chala (southern Mugan) and Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Tuaev, 1975; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes Aggel and Sarisu, Shilian and Karasy marshes and wetlands of Zardob, Udjari, Kurdamir and Mingechaur districts, and Varvara Reservoir (Satunin, 1907; Zlotin, 1963; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Shorgel Lakes, Kura Delta, Kizil Agach Reserve and Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Dobrokhotov, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972; Paynter et al., 1996a).

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POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Unknown. Probably 100-200 pairs (MP). Winter: Perhaps > 500. In the early 1960s, up to 96 wintered on Lake Aggel, Mil Steppe (Vinogradov, 1967); 29 in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a).

Nakhichevan

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MOVEMENT: Nocturnal migrant; information on its migration is scarce. Spring passage: COASTAL: Recorded along the Caspian shore, e.g. in Shirvan Reserve and south of Cape Pirsagat in mid April (Patrikeev, 1991a). Fall passage: Regularly seen in Absheron Peninsula in October (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP). Leaves Divichi Liman in November (Tuaev, 1965).

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CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Shah Spit, Absheron Peninsula (Bannikova et al., 1984; MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Extensive reedbeds in lakes, marshes and other water bodies. During migration and in winter: wetlands, but also semi-desert, where they could be approached closely in a car (MP).

MORTALITY: Hunted in Azerbaijan for its “tasty meat” (Verestchagin, 1947; MP). Natural predators include Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) (Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). Migrants often fly into powerlines on Absheron Peninsula, in Kizil Agach and Shirvan reserves and elsewhere: dead and injured bitterns found on streets in Baku suburbs, and regularly brought to Baku Zoo (Sultanov et al., 1991; MP). Perishes in cold winters, e.g. 32 dead in Kizil Agach Reserve in January 1964 (Mustafaev, 1964) and 4 at Lake Aggel in February 1972 (Tuaev, 1977).

13. Little Bittern - Ixobrychus minutus Linnaeus, 1766 G Tbilisi

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KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes Aggel and Sarisu (Mil Steppe), Karasy and Shilian marshes (Shirvan Steppe), Lake Hadjikabul, Varvara Reservoir, small lakes and ponds in lowlands of Ismailly and Zakatali districts (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Tuaev, 1975;). NAKHICHEVAN: Possibly in Aras Valley (MP).

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Azeri name: Kichick dangushu, dangushu STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Subspecies I. m. minutus Linnaeus, 1766. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Probably in suitable habitat throughout the lowlands, but few actual records. SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman (Tuaev, 1965, 1975). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve (e.g. Akusha Marsh, Kalinovsky Liman, Lesser Kizil Agach Bay), Lenkoran Lowland, Mahmud-chala (southern Mugan) and Kura Delta (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Patrikeev, 1991c).

HABITAT: NESTING: Reedbeds or flooded bush thickets in lakes and marshes. MIGRATION: Reedbeds and flooded meadows (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Tuaev, 1975; MP). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Small flocks in Lenkoran Lowland on April 27th (Radde, 1884). Recorded in Aras Valley, southern Mugan and along the Caspian shore in May (Satunin, 1912b; Dahl, 1954; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Tuaev, 1975; Patrikeev, 1991a). Fall passage: Uncommon in Absheron Peninsula from mid September to early October (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP). Common in Kizil Agach Reserve in fall with latest record on November 5th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably > 500 pairs. Up to 10 calling males at Mahmud-chala, southern Mugan in 1990 (MP). BREEDING: No information. At Divichi Liman, Tuaev (1965) observed a group of 8 (possibly a brood) on August 23rd. MORTALITY: Flies into powerlines in Absheron Peninsula (e.g. suburbs of Baku) and probably elsewhere (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP).

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

14. Night Heron - Nycticorax nycticorax Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

Sa

IA

m

ur

R

r ive

C

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Garuldag STATUS: Vulnerable. Common to locally very common nesting species concentrated in several large colonies; common migrant and irregular wintering species. Subspecies N. n. nycticorax Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Common in Lenkoran Lowland earlier in the 20th century (Satunin, 1907), but presently confined to 4-5 colonies: Kalinovski Liman-Lopatinski Marsh (Kizil Agach Reserve), Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala (southern Mugan), Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan) and Kura Delta (Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Patrikeev, 1991a, e; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Formerly throughout Kura Valley from Tbilisi (Georgia) to Saliani (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). At least one large colony was lost to Mingechaur Reservoir (Gambarov, 1975). Presently nests at Varvara Reservoir, lakes Aggel, Sarisu and Bos-Koba (Vinogradov, 1967; Vasiliev, 1968; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Patrikeev, 1991a, e; MP). Small separate or mixed colonies may exist in the remaining tugai in Kura Lowland, flooded thickets and reedbeds elsewhere (MP). Winter: Irregular wintering species in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan, Kizil-Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula (Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Paynter et al., 1996), but not annually. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Formerly at Karasy Marsh, Shirvan Steppe (Satunin, 1907). HABITAT: NESTING: Flooded bush thickets and reedbeds (Grekov, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965a; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986). Formerly nested in trees (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Arrives at Kalinovsky Liman (Kizil Agach Reserve) from mid February in some years, but normally in early to mid March (Grekov, 1965a; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), also from March in the vicinity of Saliani (Satunin, 1907). Re-

corded in Absheron Peninsula in mid April (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes Sarisu and Aggel (Mil Steppe), Shilian and Karasy marshes (Shirvan Steppe) from March (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). Fall passage: September-October, inconspicuous (Verestchagin, 1947). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Recorded near Turianchai on September 2nd (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Latest records at Lake Aggel in November (Vinogradov, 1967). Of 3,127 young Night Herons ringed in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1954-1959, several were recovered in Lenkoran Lowland, 4 in Volga Delta (Astrakhan Region, Russia), 1 in the vicinity of Milan (Italy) in August, 1 in Lebanon in December, and 2 in Iraq in October (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: 7,000-8,000 breeding pairs in late 1980s-early 1990s. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: In Kalinovsky Liman (Kizil Agach Reserve), c. 25,000 pairs in the mid 1950s (Grekov, 1965a), > 29,000 pairs by the early 1960s (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a, b), only 3,000-3,500 pairs in 1972-1973 (Morozkin, 1975) and 6,000-7,200 pairs in the mid 1980s (Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986). In 1990, 20-30 pairs nested in a mixed colony on Mahmud-chala, southern Mugan (Patrikeev, 1991e) and 125 birds (e.g. c. 60 pairs) in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: c. 400 in flooded tugai forest on Varvara Reservoir in late the 1950s-early 1960s (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972), but slightly over 100 pairs in reedbeds of the reservoir in the late 1980s (MP). At Aggel, < 50 pairs in the mid 1960s (Vasiliev, 1968), but 150-200 pairs at each Aggel and Sarisu in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). Winter: 108 in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). BREEDING: Colonial. Normally in mixed colonies with other herons, egrets, ibises and cormorants. In flooded tamarisk thickets, nests built mostly in upper and middle levels of tamarisk twigs. Nest diameter 270-300 mm, nest-cup depth 90100 mm (Grekov, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965a). In reedbeds, Night Herons use reed stems to build nests (Vinogradov, 1967; Patrikeev, 1991e). Egg laying in one sub-colony in Kizil Agach Reserve from April 10th, but not until May 5th in another sub-colony (Grekov, 1965a), in Varvara Reservoir from c. April 20th (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972), and at Lake Aggel from mid April to early May (Vinogradov, 1967). Clutch contains 35 eggs, sometimes 2 or 6 (average 4). Eggs weigh 25.1-36.1 g, and measure 48.1 x 33.9 mm on average (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965a, b). Incubation 22-28 days (Vinogradov, 1967) and the young remain in nests 36-38 days (Grekov, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965a, 1966a). In Kizil Agach Reserve, losses of eggs and nestlings amounted to c. 12.8% each (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a, b). In Kizil Agach Reserve fledglings from mid May, although nests with young recorded until mid August 1956 (Grekov, 1965; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). In Mingechaur District,

47

T

48 The Birds of Azerbaijan fledglings observed by June 20th (Satunin, 1907). In July-August, broods roam throughout Kizil-Agach Reserve and Kura Valley (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Tuaev, 1975). DIET: Feeds nestlings with tadpoles, frogs, locusts, grasshoppers, dragonfly larvae, newly hatched chicks of the Pygmy Cormorant, and sometimes chicks of other herons or egrets. In Kura Lowland, fish (juvenile European Carps and White Bream)

was found in 47.8% of examined stomachs, Marsh Frog Rana ridibunda (adults and tadpoles) in 45% and insects in 7.2%. The latter included larvae of Mayflies, dragonflies, water scavenger beetles, diving beetles, flies, and also imago of water scavenger beetles, water bugs and mole crickets (Vasiliev, 1975; Tuaev, 1975). REMARKS: Meat considered distasteful, and thus rarely hunted (Tuaev, 1975).

15. Squacco Heron - Ardeola ralloides Scopoli, 1769 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

m Sa

Zakatali

IA

ur

Ri

ve

r

C

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Sari vah STATUS: Vulnerable. Common to locally very common nesting species confined to several mixed colonies, common migrant and irregularly wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: The largest nesting colony is in Kalinovsky Liman-Lopatinski Marsh (Kizil Agach Reserve). Other colonies in Kura Delta, lakes Mahmudchala and Novogolovka-chala (southern Mugan) and Shorgel Lakes in southeastern Shirvan (Grekov, 1965a; Tuaev, 1975; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Litvinova, 1989b; Patrikeev, 1991a, e). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes Aggel, Sarisu and Bos-Koba (Mil Steppe) and Varvara Reservoir (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Tuaev, 1975; MP). Formerly, in large heronry near Karadagli and Padar, Mingechaur District (Satunin, 1907). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta and Divichi Liman (Butiev et al., 1990b; MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Flooded tamarisk thickets in Kizil-Agach Reserve and Kura Delta (Grekov, 1965a; Litvinova, 1989b), and in reedbeds elsewhere (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; Patrikeev, 1991a, e). Formerly, in trees in Mingechaur District (Satunin, 1907). FEEDING: Shallow waters and semi-desert (Patrikeev, 1991a). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Arrives at KizilAgach Reserve and Kura Delta in late March-early April (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a: Tuaev, 1975).

KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Recorded at Lake Aggel, Shilian and Karasy marshes in early April (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). Fall passage: COASTAL: Observed in Absheron Peninsula in August (Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1968) and along the Caspian shore and adjacent wetlands in September-October (Tuaev, 1975). One observed at Sbrosnoyi Channel, Kizil Agach Reserve on 29 November 1989 (MP). As late as December 12th in the 19th century (Radde, 1884). Of 3,806 young Squacco Herons ringed in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1954-1959, only five were recovered: 4 from Lenkoran Lowland, and 1 from Abkhazia, northwestern Georgia (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: 15,000-18,000 pairs in late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: In Kizil Agach Reserve, c. 36,000 in the mid 1950s (Grekov, 1965a), 84,500 pairs reported in 1964 (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965a, b; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969c), but only 4,000-4,800 pairs in the early 1970s (Morozkin, 1975) and 8,0009,600 pairs in 1982 (Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986). Over 1,000 pairs at Mahmud-chala (Patrikeev, 1991e), and 800-1,000 pairs in Kura Delta (Litvinova, 1989b, MP) in 1988-1990. Sultanov & Agayeva (2003) reported only 250 at Mahmud-chala in 1998, but likely did not survey the entire colony. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: At Aggel, 1,400 pairs in the mid 1960s (Vasiliev, 1968) and 4,000-6,000 pairs in 1988-1990 (MP). At Varvara Reservoir: 50-60 pairs in 1967, 98 pairs in early 1970s (Tuaev, Vasiliev, 1972; Tuaev, 1975) and 100 pairs by the late 1980s (MP). BREEDING: Colonial. Normally nests in mixed colonies with other herons, egrets, ibises and cormorants. In Kizil Agach Reserve, nest-building from early April, although most build in early May (Grekov, 1965a). Nests built in flooded tamarisk thickets, reed kobl, reedbeds, and formerly in willows and poplars, usually at middle or low levels (Satunin, 1907; Grekov, 1965a; Vinogradov, 1967). In reedbeds, often nests in thick impassable reeds in the centre of the colony, and less common in marginal areas (Patrikeev, 1991e). Nest is a very loose construction measuring 180-220 mm in diameter, nest-cup depth 20-70 mm (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966b). In Kizil Agach Reserve, egg-laying from April to mid July, although the majority lays eggs in early to mid May (Grekov, 1965a; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965a). In Varvara Reservoir, only 1 of 50

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

examined nests contained eggs on April 27th (Tuaev, 1975). At Mahmud-chala, eggs from early June in 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991e). Clutch contains 3-5 eggs, sometimes 2 or 6 (average 4.5). Late clutches (probably replacement) contain 1-2 or rarely 3 eggs. Eggs weigh 14.5-20.4 g and measure 39.0 x 29.0 mm on average (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965b, 1966b). Incubation 17-26 days, average 21.4 days (Grekov, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965a, b, 1966b; Vinogradov, 1967). In Kizil Agach Reserve, egg loss might reach 35.4% (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966b). On Aggel, all young usually hatch by June 20th (Vinogradov, 1967). Nestlings remain in nests 26-29 days, but may leave at 18-20 days if disturbed. In Kizil Agach Reserve, chick loss is relatively low: c. 5.8% (Grekov, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966b). In Mingechaur District, fledglings recorded already on June

20 th (Satunin, 1907), but at Mahmud-chala no chicks hatched by June 23rd (Patrikeev, 1991e). DIET: Amphibians (mostly immature and tadpoles of Marsh Frog Rana ridibunda) form up to 60% of the diet. Also consumes insects and spiders (20%), fish (15%) and reptiles (15%). Of fish, they mostly eat Mosquito Fish (158 specimens in 5 stomachs) and fry of European Carp. Insects found in stomachs included larvae of mayflies, dragon-flies, diving beetles, water scavenger beetles, flies, water boatmen, also mole crickets Gryllotalpa unispina (68 specimens in 5 stomachs), weevils and May beetles (Vasiliev, 1975). On Aggel, Squacco Herons consume large numbers of locusts (Acrida, Caliptamus) and mole crickets (Tuaev, 1975). In Kizil Agach Reserve, they feed their young chiefly on locusts and grasshoppers (Vasiliev, 1975).

16. Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

m Sa

Zakatali

IA

ur

Ri

ve

ING: Shallow water, muddy banks overgrown with reeds or weeds, sandbars (MP).

r

C

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Ah vah (all egrets) STATUS: Vulnerable. Common nesting species in the southeast and south-central Azerbaijan, rare elsewhere; rare migrant and wintering species. Subspecies B. i. ibis Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: In the late 19th century, nested in a huge heronry near Karadagli and Padar (Mingechaur District), and in mixed colonies in Lenkoran Lowland (Satunin, 1907). Nested in Kizil Agach Reserve from the 1920-1930. Only in 5 large mixed colonies by the late 1980s-early 1990s: Kalinovsky Liman-Lopatinski Marsh (Kizil Agach Reserve), Lake Mahmud-chala (southern Mugan), Aggel and Sarisu (Mil Steppe), Varvara Reservoir and Divichi Liman (Grekov, 1965a; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Vinogradov et al., 1990; Patrikeev, 1991e; Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003; MP). Non-breeding individuals recorded near Cape Pirsagat, Shirvan Reserve and Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1990b; Patrikeev, 1991a). Winter: Kura Valley (Verestchagin, 1950) and Kizil Agach Reserve (Paynter et al., 1996a). HABITAT: NESTING: Flooded bush thickets and reedbeds (Grekov, 1965a; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Patrikeev, 1991e). FEED-

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve in March-April (Grekov, 1965a). Recorded on Lake Aggel also in April (Tuaev, 1975). Post-breeding movements: In late summer, wanders through Lenkoran Lowland, Mugan and Kura-Aras Lowland (Verestchagin, 1950; Grekov, 1965a). Fall passage: Most leave in September, but a few remain in Kizil Agach Reserve until November and December or overwinter (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: 3,000-6,000 pairs in late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Perhaps as many as 43,000 pairs in Kizil Agach Reserve in the mid 1950s (Grekov, 1965a), but only 3,340 in 1964 (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965b) and 1,400-4,800 pairs in 1982 (Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986); 1,000-1,500 pairs at Mahmud-chala in 1990 (MP) and perhaps only > 400 pairs in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: < 80 pairs on Aggel in the mid 1960s (Vasiliev, 1968), but 300-400 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s. > 20 pairs on Varvara Reservoir in 1989 (MP) and > 50 pairs in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Winter: 4 in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). BREEDING: Colonial. Normally in mixed colonies with other egrets, herons, ibises and cormorants. Nest-building from late April-early May. Usually nest in middle and occasionally in lower levels. In reedbeds, often nests in less accessible central areas, and rarely in marginal areas (Grekov, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965a; Patrikeev, 1991e). In the past, nests often built in trees (oaks, walnuts, elms, mulberries) up to 8-10 m above the ground, 5-50 nests/tree (Satunin, 1907). Nests built of tamarisk twigs or broken reed stems and measure 40.650.8 cm in diameter and 25.4-35.6 cm in height (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966b).

49

T

50 The Birds of Azerbaijan In Kizil Agach Reserve and Kura-Aras Lowland, eggs laid from mid April through mid May (Grekov, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a; Vasiliev, 1968; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972). At Mahmud-chala (southern Mugan), fresh clutches recorded as late as June 20th (Patrikeev, 1991e). Clutch contains 4-5, rarely 2 or up to 9 eggs (Grekov, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966b). In the late 19th-early 20th century, majority of nests examined in Mingechaur District contained 7-9 eggs. Egg measurements: 5046 x 35-34 mm (Satunin, 1907). Average egg size from Kizil Agach Reserve: 45.6 x 33.7 mm, weight 18.2-30.6 g (Grekov, 1965a, Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966b). Incubation 20-23 days. In Kizil Agach Reserve, estimated egg loss c. 21.8% (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966b). In Mingechaur District, newly hatched young in early May (Satunin, 1907), whereas on

Mahmud-chala from late June (Patrikeev, 1991e). Chicks remain in the nest 28-31 days, and then move to adjacent branches or reed stands. About 68-70% of the young survive and fledge (Satunin, 1907; Grekov, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966b). By late JuneJuly, the young are on the wing in Kizil-Agach Reserve. At first, they return to the colony at night, but later gather in flocks and roam throughout wetlands and adjacent semi-desert (Grekov, 1965a). DIET: Mostly amphibians (primarily Marsh Frogs of different age groups): 67.2%; also insects (22%), fish including Lookup (8%), and spiders (2.8%) (Vasiliev, 1975). Also feed on grasshoppers (up to 100/stomach), larvae of diving beetle (Dytiscus marginalis), and lizards Eremias arguta (Tuaev, 1975). Nestlings fed tadpoles and immature frogs (Grekov, 1965a).

17. Great White Egret - Egretta alba Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

m Sa

Zakatali

IA

ur

Ri

ve

r

C

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

1912b; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972; Gasanov, 1990; MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Absheron Peninsula, e.g. Shah Spit and semi-desert between lakes Mirzaladi and Mosazirgel (Bannikova et al., 1984; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Kura Valley from Karayasi Forest to Kura Delta including lakes Aggel, Sarisu and Hadjikabul, Shilian and Karasy marshes (Satunin, 1907; Verestchagin, 1950; Zlotin, 1963; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Tuaev, 1975; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989; Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003; MP); Aras Valley up to the Armenian border (Verestchagin, 1950).

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Beuk ah vah, Ah vah STATUS: Rare nesting species, common migrant and wintering species. Subspecies E. a. alba Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Formerly common, e.g. at lakes of Mugan Steppe (Satunin, 1907, 1912b), but only small nesting population remained by the late 20th century (Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Litvinova, 1989b; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kalinovsky Liman-Lopatinski Marsh (Kizil Agach Reserve), Kura Delta (Grekov, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Litvinova, 1989b) and possibly at Lake Beuk-Shorgel (southeastern Shirvan) and Mahmud-chala in southern Mugan. Non-breeding individuals observed near Cape Pirsagat (Patrikeev, 1991a; Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Small colonies at lakes Aggel and BosKoba, Mil Steppe (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; MP). Nested at Varvara Reservoir prior to 1962 (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southeastern Shirvan, southern Mugan, Kizil Agach Reserve and Lenkoran Lowland (Satunin,

HABITAT: NESTING: Reedbeds and flooded bush thickets in lakes and marshes (Grekov, 1965b; Vinogradov, 1967). FEEDING: Shallow waters and semi-desert. WINTER: Wetlands and semidesert throughout lowlands (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967; Mustafaev, 1972; MP). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Arrives at nesting sites in February-March (Verestchagin, 1950; Grekov, 1965a). Fall passage: From mid August. COASTAL: In mid August, small flocks at Divichi Liman and the adjacent Caspian shore (Tuaev, 1965), and in late August in Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1990b). Conspicuous movement from late September to mid November (Verestchagin, 1950; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Tuaev, 1975). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Recorded in Mugan Steppe, Shilian and Karasy marshes, Mingechaur and Varvara reservoirs (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Tuaev, 1975). Three Great White Egrets ringed as chicks in Kizil Agach Reserve were recovered from Lake Mehman (Mil Steppe), Karasy Marsh (Shirvan Steppe) and Gasan-Kulu Reserve in Turkmenistan, respectively (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: 100-150 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Significant fluctuation from the middle of 19th century to the end of 20th century: common, but hunted heavily for feathers in the 1860s1870s (Radde, 1884) and declined by the early 20th century, but re-

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

covered after the introduction of hunting ban in the 1920s (Verestchagin, 1947). However, declined again in the mid 20th century. Factors responsible for the latter decline are poorly understood (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Perhaps 6,800 pairs in Kizil Agach Reserve in the mid 1950s (Grekov, 1965a), but was gone by 1964 (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a). Probably recolonised Kizil Agach in the 1970s (Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986). In the late 1980s-early 1990s, 5-10 pairs in Kura Delta (Litvinova, 1989b; MP) and 5-10 pairs at Beuk-Shorgel in southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a). 80 recorded at Mahmud-chala and 55 at Divichi Liman in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 50-60 pairs at Lake Aggel in the late 1980s (MP). Passage: FALL: Flocks of hundreds at Divichi Liman and Karasy Marsh in early 20th century, and up to 100 in October 1935 (Verestchagin, 1947, 1950). Winter: Probably 500-1,500 (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: 1.8/km in January-February 1963 (Oliger, 1967); c. 1,100 in Kizil Agach Reserve and 10 in Shirvan Reserve in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 200-700 in Mil Steppe in the 1960s, with a maximum of 2,124 in November, 1,368 in December and 698 in January (Vinogradov, 1967). Only 50-100 by the late 1980s, e.g. 45 in Aggel Reserve in January 1991 (MP). 35 at Lake Hadjikabul in November 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003).

CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: c. 15 at Shah Spit in January-February 1982 (Bannikova et al., 1984) and 5-10 in 1989; 15-20 between Mirzaladi and Mosazirgel in 1991(MP). BREEDING: Colonial. Nests in small monospecific colonies (e.g. at Lake Aggel) or in marginal areas of large mixed colonies of wading birds and cormorants, e.g. at Kalinovsky Liman. Bulky nests are built near tops of flooded tamarisks or on broken reed stems, and made of tamarisk twigs or reed stems, respectively (Grekov, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a; Vinogradov, 1967). Clutch contains 3-4 or rarely 5 eggs. In Kizil Agach Reserve, egg laid in early and mid March, many nests contained 12 day-old young by April 19th, and the young fledged by May 20th (Grekov, 1965a). DIET: Mostly fish (88%) including Sander (fry), Roach, Mosquito Fish, Spiny Loach, Smelt and Gobies; also Marsh Frogs (7%), rodents (4.2%), and insects (0.8%) including larvae of dragonflies, flies, and water boatmen (Vasiliev, 1975). Observed hunting rodents in semi-desert (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; MP) and picking up stunned fish at a spillway near a power station (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972). MORTALITY: Sometimes perishes in oil spills and oiled lakes of Absheron Peninsula. (Verestchagin, 1946; MP).

18. Little Egret - Egretta garzetta Linnaeus, 1766 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

m Sa

Zakatali

IA

ur

Ri

ve

r

C

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Ah vah, Kichik ah vah STATUS: Vulnerable. Common to locally very common nesting species, common migrant, and uncommon wintering species. Subspecies E. g. garzetta Linnaeus, 1766. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: In the past, nested in forests of Lenkoran Lowland and Mingechaur District (Satunin, 1907; Spangenberg, 1951). Presently, concentrates in 4 large mixed colonies in the southeast and Kura-Aras Lowland. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kalinovsky Liman-Lopatinski Marsh (Kizil Agach Reserve), Mahmud-chala (southern Mugan) and

Kura Delta (Grekov, 1965a; Tuaev, 1975; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Litvinova, 1989b; Patrikeev, 1991e; MP). Small numbers nest on Lake Beuk-Shorgel, southeastern Shirvan and possibly at Lake Kichik-Shorgel (Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mostly at Lake Aggel, but also at Varvara Reservoir, lakes Sarisu and Bos-Koba (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; MP). Summer records from Udjari District (MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Winter: Widely scattered. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve, Sara Peninsula, Lenkoran Lowland, southeastern Shirvan, Mugan, e.g. in Djalilabad and Masalli (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972; Paynter et al., 1996a; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: From Evlakh and Agdash to Kura Delta, Aggel, Sarisu, Hadjikabul and Karasy (Verestchagin, 1950; Zlotin, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Shah Spit (MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Extensive reedbeds and flooded tamarisk thickets in lakes, marshes and other wetlands (Grekov, 1965a; Vinogradov, 1967). FEEDING: coastal areas in fresh and brackish lakes and marshes, and the Caspian shore (Tugarinov & KozlovaPushkareva, 1938; Verestchagin, 1950). WINTER: channels, marshes, rivers, lakes, bidjar and istyl (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972; MP).

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52 The Birds of Azerbaijan MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Arrives at breeding grounds in Lenkoran Lowland from early March to mid April (Radde, 1884; Grekov, 1965a; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Vinogradov, 1967). Fall passage: From early August to early December. COASTAL: Single migrants at Divichi Liman and adjacent Caspian shore in early August, and flocks from mid August (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965). In late August, common in Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1990b) and uncommon in Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1950; MP). Conspicuous passage from September through early October (Verestchagin, 1950), e.g. in Divichi Liman, Mugan, Kura Delta, Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Tuaev, 1975). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Large flocks at Karasy Marsh in September-early October (Verestchagin, 1950). Also migrates through lakes Sarisu and Aggel (Mil Steppe), Shilian Marsh (Shirvan Steppe) and Mingechaur Reservoir (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Tuaev, 1975). At Aggel, autumn migration is over by November-early December (Vinogradov, 1967). Several of 3,340 nestlings ringed in Kizil Agach Reserve in 19541959, were later recovered from Pekhlevi in Iran and Basra in Iraq (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: 11,000-15,000 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: c. 45,000 pairs at Kalinovsky Liman (Kizil Agach Reserve) in the mid 1950s (Grekov, 1965a), 34,500-42,500 pairs in the 1960s (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965b; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969c), but only 3,000- 5,000 in the mid 1980s (Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986). In 1988-1990, c. 3,000 pairs at Lake Mahmud-chala, southern Mugan (Patrikeev, 1991e), 800-1,000 pairs in Kura Delta (Litvinova, 1989b; MP) and < 50 pairs on Beuk-Shorgel (Patrikeev, 1991a). Only 825 (e.g. >400 pairs) reported from Mahmud-chala in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: From c. 540 pairs on Lake Aggel in mid 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967; Vasiliev, 1968) to 4,000-5,000 pairs in late 1980s (MP). Slight increase at Varvara Reservoir from 6 in 1962 to 25 pairs in 1964 (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Tuaev, 1975) to 40-50 pairs in 1988-1990 (MP) and perhaps > 50 pairs in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). At least 200-300 pairs in BosKoba and Sarisu in late 1980s-early 1990s (MP), but only 50 reported from Sarisu in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: 20 at Divichi Liman in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Passage: FALL: Flocks of hundreds at Divichi Liman and Karasy Marsh in September-early October (Verestchagin, 1950), and

flocks of under 25 in Kizil Agach Reserve until late November (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Winter: 20-30 at lakes Sarisu and Aggel (Vinogradov, 1967; MP) and smaller numbers at Karasy Marsh and other wetlands of Shirvan Steppe (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1975). 17 at Shah Spit (Absheron peninsula) in December 1989 (MP). In Kizil Agach Reserve, 0.02/km in 1963 (Oliger, 1967) and at least 200 estimated there and 100 in Shirvan Reserve in 1996 (Paynter et al. 1996a). 15 at Lake Hadjikabul in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). BREEDING: Colonial. Usually in mixed colonies with other egrets, herons, ibises and cormorants. In upper and middle levels in flooded tamarisk thickets and from upper to low levels in reedbeds. Nest is a loose structure built of tamarisk twigs or broken reed stems, respectively. Nest diameter: 220-300 mm, nest-cup depth: 25-35 mm (Grekov, 1965a; Tuaev, 1975; Patrikeev, 1991e). Eggs laid from mid April to late May (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966b; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975) or even early June, e.g. at Lake Mahmud-chala (MP). Clutch contains 35 eggs, sometimes 2, 6 or even 8 (average 5.4). Eggs weigh 22.529.5 g and measure 46.6 x 33.5 mm on average (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965a, 1966b). Incubation lasts 20-25 days (average 21.9). In Aggel, incubation mostly from mid May to mid June, and hatching from June 7th (Vinogradov, 1967), but very few young and mostly eggs in Mahmud-chala on June 23rd (Patrikeev, 1991e). The young remain in nests c. 31 days. In Kizil Agach Reserve, loss of eggs and chicks amounted to c. 29.3% and 29.7%, respectively (Mustafaev and Kiazimov, 1965b, 1966b). In Mingechaur District, majority fledged by June 20th (Satunin, 1907). At Kalinovsky Liman, both fledglings and fresh clutches on July 4th (Grekov, 1965a), but the majority are on the wing in July gathering in flocks (Grekov, 1965a; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). DIET: According to Vasiliev (1975), mostly feeds on amphibians (66%, mostly Marsh Frogs Rana ridibunda), but also fish (32%, e.g. Mosquito Fish, fry of Roach, European Carp, Culter and Wel) and insects (2%, e.g. larvae of dragonflies and diving beetles). However, stomachs examined by Tuaev (1975) mostly contained fish, e.g. 38 fry of European Carp 3-5 cm long in one stomach. Nestlings mostly fed fish fry (Tuaev, 1975). MORTALITY: Oil pollution poses a threat to Little Egrets migrating and wintering along Absheron Peninsula where at least 6 found dead after an oil spill in February 1990 (G. Bairamov, pers. comm.).

19. Grey Heron - Ardea cinerea Linnaeus, 1758 Azeri name: Bos vah, Vah STATUS: Common nesting species, migrant and wintering species. Subspecies A. c. cinerea Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: S OUTHEAST LOWLANDS : Kalinovsky Liman-Lopatinski Marsh of Kizil Agach Reserve

(Grekov, 1965a; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986), Mahmudchala and Novogolovka-chala (southern Mugan), Kura Delta and Shorgel Lakes in southeastern Shirvan (Grekov, 1965a; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Litvinova, 1989b; Patrikeev, 1991a, c; MP). Formerly nested in huge mixed colonies in broad-leaved forests between Lenkoran and Astara (Sudilovskaya, 1951).

T

The Birds of Azerbaijan G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

m Sa

Zakatali

IA

ur

Ri

ve

r

C

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

TALISH MOUNTAINS: Lower part of Talish Mountains, e.g. in Girkan Reserve (Gasanov, 1990). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Karayasi Forest (Akstafa District), vicinity of Shamkhor and Barda, the mouth of Iori, Varvara Reservoir, lakes Aggel, Sarisu and Hadjikabul (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003; MP). GREATER CAUCASUS: Vicinity of Alti-Agach, Shemakha Upland (Gambarov, 1954; MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Non-breeding individuals occur along the Caspian shore, e.g. between Biandavan and Pirsagat and also on islands of Baku Archipelago (Patrikeev, 1991a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: southeastern Shirvan, Mugan, Kizil Agach Reserve, Sara Peninsula and Lenkoran Lowland (Satunin, 1912b; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Gazanchian, 1951; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Vinogradov, 1967; Mustafaev, 1972; Tuaev, 1975; Gambarov, 1975; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Kura Valley from Georgian border to the delta, Aras Valley (Satunin, 1907; Verestchagin, 1950; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989), lakes Aggel and Sarisu and Shilian Marsh (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: From Shah Spit to Sangachal (Bannikova et al., 1984; MP). HABITAT: NESTING: tugai forests, reedbeds in lakes and marshes, and flooded bush thickets (Grekov, 1965a; Vinogradov, 1967; MP). WINTER: channels, lakes, bidjar, istyl, semi-desert, shores, sand shoals and woodlots (Satunin, 1912b; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Gazanchian, 1951; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Vinogradov, 1967; Mustafaev, 1972; Tuaev, 1975; Gambarov, 1975; MP). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: mid February through mid April. COASTAL: In Kizil Agach Reserve, northbound passage from mid February, but more conspicuous in mid to late March. Locally nesting Grey Herons arrive at nesting grounds in FebruaryMarch (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Moves through Absheron Peninsula in early through mid April (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP).

KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: At Karasy and Aldjiganchai in early April (Gambarov, 1975). GREATER CAUCASUS: Some migrate across Greater Caucasus Mountains, e.g. recorded at Mount Alibek (Zakatali District) on 24 April 1937 (Gambarov, 1954). Fall passage: COASTAL: Passes through Divichi Liman and Samur Delta from early August through October (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965; Butiev et al., 1990b) and in Kizil Agach Reserve from mid September through late November (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: In September-early October, migrants recorded at Karasy and Shilian marshes, lakes Aggel and Sarisu and Mingechaur Reservoir (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Tuaev, 1975). One Grey Heron ringed in Kizil Agach Reserve was shot later in Absheron Peninsula (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably 300-400 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Perhaps c. 5,000 in Kizil Agach Reserve in the 1950s (Grekov, 1965a), but declined dramatically through the 1960s-1980s (Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986). In the late 1980s, 2025 pairs nested in Kura Delta and 10-15 pairs at Mahmud-chala (MP). 59 at Mahmud-chala in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: At Varvara Reservoir, 6 pairs in 1962, 14 pairs in 1965 (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Tuaev, 1975), 15-20 pairs in the late 1980s (MP) and only 3 in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). In 1989-1991, 10-15 pairs in Karayasi Forest, 40-60 on Lake Aggel and 20-25 pairs in the vicinity of Barda (Patrikeev, 1991c; MP). 18 at Hadjikabul in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: 75 at Divichi Liman in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Passage: FALL: At least 1,332 passed through Lake Aggel in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967). Flocks of up to 100 in Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a) and hundreds at Divichi Liman and Karasy Marsh in October (Verestchagin, 1950). Winter: 3,000-4,000 (MP). In Kizil Agach Reserve, 1.9/km in January-February 1963 (Oliger, 1967) and >200 in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996). <10 at Shah Spit, Absheron Peninsula in January-February 1982 (Bannikova et al., 1984), 100-200 at Lake Aggel in 1990-1991 (MP), and 40 in Shirvan Reserve in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). BREEDING: Colonial, but does not form large colonies. In large mixed colonies (e.g. in Kalinovsky Liman), nests individually or in small monospecific groups along edges (Grekov, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a). In reedbeds, often nest in small colonies of 5-10 pairs (Vinogradov, 1967). In Kalinovsky Liman, nests made of tamarisk twigs and lined with Bolboschoenus maritimus and reed leaves. Nest diameter c. 500-600 mm (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966b). In reedbeds, nests made of broken reed stems (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). In tugai forests, herons build nests in treetops (Satunin, 1907; Verestchagin, 1947; MP). At Varvara Reservoir, nested in flooded tugai forest until nesting trees collapsed (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Tuaev, 1975). Early nester: at Lake Aggel fresh clutches from early March, and incubated clutches from mid March to late April (Vinogradov,

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54 The Birds of Azerbaijan 1967). Clutch contains 3-5, sometimes 6 eggs (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966b). Hatching recorded at Varvara Reservoir on April 27th (Tuaev, 1975); large young at Lake Aggel on May 16th (Vinogradov, 1967) and in Kizil Agach Reserve 2 nests with young as late as June 25th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). DIET: Mostly piscivorous: fish c. 72.8% of stomach content (fry of European Carp, Roach, Bream, Sander, Mosquito Fish, Caspian Barbel, Khramulya and Chub); also amphibians 22.4% (mostly Marsh Frogs), reptiles 4% (Diced Snake Natrix tesselata, and young

European Pond Terrapins Emys orbicularis) and insects only 0.8%: larvae of dragonflies, diving beetles, water scavenger beetles and flies, imago of water boatmen, water scavenger beetles, diving beetles, mole crickets, grasshoppers, locusts and weevils (Vasiliev, 1975). Observed hunting rodents in semi-desert and pecking blackberries in winter (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938). MORTALITY: Occasionally shot for food (Verestchagin, 1947; MP) and perishes in oil spills, e.g. 20 dead in a spill off Absheron Peninsula in February 1990 (G. Bairamov, pers. comm).

20. Purple Heron - Ardea purpurea Linnaeus, 1766 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

Sa

IA

m

ur

Ri

ve

r

C

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Kuran vah STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Subspecies A. p. purpurea Linnaeus, 1766. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: In Kizil Agach Reserve (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965a; Vinogradov et al., 1990), Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala in southern Mugan (Patrikeev, 1991c; MP), Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan) and Kura Delta (Tuaev, 1975; Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). In the past, nested in the vicinity of Lenkoran (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Karasy and Shilian marshes (Shirvan Steppe), lakes Aggel and Sarisu (Mil Steppe), small lakes of Mingechaur and Agdash districts, Varvara Reservoir and fishponds near Lake Hadjikabul (Verestchagin, 1947; Tuaev, 1975; Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003; MP). One collected on Lake Fahrakush in the south of Shemakha District (Gambarov, 1954). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman (Tuaev, 1965). Winter Formerly collected near Lenkoran in November and December (Radde, 1884), but no recent records. HABITAT: NESTING: extensive reedbeds in lowland lakes and marshes (Tuaev, 1975). FEEDING: shallow waters at reed stand edges (MP). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Arrives in Azerbaijan in late Marsh-early April (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; MP).

In Ziria, Absheron Peninsula on May 15th (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Fall passage: Conspicuous passage at Divichi Liman in early August (Tuaev, 1965), and in Samur Delta in late August (Butiev et al., 1990b). One collected near Baku on September 23rd (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Latest sighting in Kizil Agach Reserve on November 4th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: c. 600-700 pairs (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Uncommon in Kizil Agach Reserve in the late 1950s-early 1960s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), but 440 pairs nested at Kalinovsky Liman in 1983, and 52 pairs in 1984 (Vinogradov et al., 1990). In 1990-1991, 15-20 pairs at Mahmud-chala, 15-20 pairs in Kura Delta and 13-14 pairs at Shorgel Lakes, southeastern Shirvan (MP). 89 counted at Mahmud-chala in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 20-25 pairs at Lake Sarisu in 1990-1991 (MP) and 18 birds in 1998. Also in 1998, 28 at fishponds near Hadjikabul and 6 at Varvara Reservoir (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: 10-15 pairs in Divichi Liman in 19901991 (MP) and 95 birds in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Passage: 43 observed at Divichi Liman on August 12th (Tuaev, 1965). BREEDING: Semi-colonial or nests individually. In Kizil Agach Reserve, nest-building from early April. Makes nests of broken reed stems in reed stands 0.9-1.2 m above water. Nest diameter is about 1 m (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965a). Clutch contains 3-5 eggs (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965a). On Aggel, egg-laying in late April-early May, and incubation from early May to early June (Tuaev, 1975). Incubated eggs in the vicinity of Mingechaur on May 4th (Satunin, 1907), a nest with four young in Lesser Kizil Agach Bay on June 30th. Fledglings seen there in mid July. Do not gather in flock like other young herons and egrets (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). DIET: Amphibians (mostly Marsh Frogs) and fish including European Carp, Mosquito Fish, Rudd and White-Eye (50.5% and 45% of stomach content, respectively). Also reptiles, e.g. Diced Snake and young European Pond Terrapin (3.5%), insects (0.9%, e.g. larvae of dragon-flies, diving beetles, water scavenger beetles and flies, imago of diving beetles and water scavenger beetles), crayfish (0.1%), and very occasionally rodents (Vasiliev, 1975).

T

The Birds of Azerbaijan

FAMILY CICONIIDAE - STORKS 21. White Stork - Ciconia ciconia Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

m Sa

Zakatali

IA

ur

Ri

ve

r

C

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

iv s R

er

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid February to May. INTERIOR: Arrives in Mingechaur District from February 11th, and Nakhichevan Region from early March. Conspicuous passage in March to early April (Satunin, 1907; Dahl, 1954; Gambarov, 1975; Khanmammedov & Safarova, 1981). COASTAL: In Kizil Agach Reserve from 12-26 February (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a) and in Samur Delta in AprilMay (Butiev et al., 1989). Fall passage: Early August to late November. COASTAL: Passes though Kizil Agach Reserve from late August to late October (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Latest record in southeastern Shirvan on 24 November 1989 (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: From early August, e.g. near Sheki (Satunin, 1907). Passes through Aras Valley in September (Dahl, 1954).

IRAN

Azeri name: Ah Leilak, Hadjileilak STATUS: Common nesting species, uncommon migrant and rare wintering species. Subspecies C. c. ciconia Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Although nests in settlements distribution is not well known. GREATER CAUCASUS: Lowlands of Zakatali, Ismailly and Kutkashen Districts (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Khanmammedov & Safarova, 1981; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Vicinity of Kubatli and Lachin, also in Shusha District of Nagorno-Karabakh Region (Khanmammedov & Safarova, 1981; MP). NAKHICHEVAN: Very common in Norashen, Babek, Julfa and Oradubad districts (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965; Khanmammedov & Safarova, 1981). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mingechaur, Evlakh, Barda, Khaldan, Shamkhor (Mustafaev, 1969a; Gambarov, 1975; MP), and formerly in villages of Karayasi Steppe (Radde, 1884); Aras Valley in Djabrail and Zangelan districts (Satunin, 1907; Khanmammedov & Safarova, 1981; Lebedeva, 1986; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Uncommon in northern part of Lenkoran, Masalli and Djalilabad districts (Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev & Gazanchian, 1967; Patrikeev, 1991c). Rare in Kizil Agach Reserve: first nesting in 1967 (Mustafaev & Gazanchian, 1967; Vinogradov et al., 1990). SAMUR -D IVICHI L OWLAND : Kuba and Kusari districts (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Khanmammedov & Safarova, 1981; MP). Winter: Recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). HABITAT: NESTING: Villages, small towns, hydro poles and other constructions in lowlands and sometimes in foothills. FEEDING: fields, marshes and semi-desert (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev, 1969a; MP).

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably c. 700-1,000 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). 2,580 birds in 1979-1980 (Khanmammedov & Safarova, 1981) although 5,872 nests including 625 active nests reported by Lebedeva (1986). Only 1-2 pairs in Kizil Agach Reserve in the 1970s-1980s (Mustafaev & Gazanchian, 1967; Vinogradov et al., 1990). Passage: SPRING: A flock of 15 in Samur Delta on 21 May 1987 (Butiev et al., 1989). FALL: 80 in the vicinity of Sheki on August 5th (Satunin, 1907). In Kizil Agach Reserve, 90 on August 27th, and flocks of 5-34 seen until late October (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Winter: 26 in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). BREEDING: Nests built on old cart wheels placed on house roofs for the storks (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965), tall trees (plane, elm, and oak) in villages and adjacent rural habitats, telegraph poles (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev & Gazanchian, 1967) and powerline pylons near villages and along railways (Patrikeev, 1991c; MP). In the past, many nests in abandoned buildings, fortresses and towers (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954). Nests individually or in loose colonies of 3-6 pairs. Colonial nesting is more common in Nakhichevan Region (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). Each pair usually has 2-3 nests (Gambarov, 1954). Usually 4-5 eggs/clutch. In Kura Valley, fresh eggs from mid April and newly hatched young from late May. Some pairs nested earlier in Kuba District where broods recorded as early as May 20th, although large nestling seen there as late as June 5th (Satunin, 1907). In lowlands of Ismailly and Kutkashen Districts, examined nests contained 4-5 large young on July 3rd (Gambarov, 1954). The majority of young fledge between late June and mid July (Khanmammedov & Safarova, 1981). DIET: Mostly insects (55.5%) including locusts and grasshoppers (Decticus annaelisae, Metrioptera ecaleria, M. affinus, Philodoptera noxia, Stenobothrus, Gampsocleis, Gryllus desertus, Acheta bimaculata) and beetles (Silpha obscura, Pentodon idiota, etc.), small fish (26.7%), small snakes (8.3%), frogs (7.8%) and rodents (1.7%). Other

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56 The Birds of Azerbaijan food items recovered from examined stomachs included molluscs (Helix pomatia and Helicella derbentina) and a young Caspian Turtle Mauremys caspica (Gambarov, 1954; Khanmammedov & Safarova, 1981).

REMARKS: Colonies of Spanish Sparrows (up to 100 pairs) often nested in active and abandoned White Stork nests (Satunin, 1907). Generally enjoys traditional protection from local people (Mustafaev, 1969a).

22. Black Stork - Ciconia nigra Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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Ku

DAGESTAN

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(Russian Federation)

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Zakatali

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and rivers (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Aliev, 1965; MP). FEEDING: River valleys, wet meadows, marshes, rice fields (Aliev, 1965; Butiev et al., 1990b).

r

C

A

S

P

IA

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N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Gara leilak STATUS: Rare resident and migrant. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Lowland forests in Kutkashen, Ismailly, Sheki and Kuba districts (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; MP). Perhaps in Shemakha Upland (Gambarov, 1954). LESSER CAUCASUS: Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region (Aliev, 1965). NAKHICHEVAN AND TALISH MOUNTAINS: Reported by Aliev (1965). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta (Prilutzkaya & Pishvanov, 1989a; Butiev et al., 1990b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Karayasi Forest (Akstafa District), tugai in Shamkhor and Barda districts, the mouth of Iori and Alazani Valley (Abuladze et al., 1986; MP). Formerly, observed in the vicinity of Mindjevan (Zangelan District) in Aras Valley (Satunin, 1907). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: South of Lenkoran Lowland, although close to Lenkoran in the past (Sudilovskaya, 1951). In the late 1980s, observed only in Astara-chai and Vilajchai valleys (I. Babaev, pers. comm.; MP). Winter: Up to 60-80% remain in lowlands of Azerbaijan in warm winter (Aliev, 1965). HABITAT: NESTING: Old-grown tugai, broad-leaved lowland and montane forests up to 2,000 m. Sometimes in cliffs near lakes

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: inconspicuous. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Observed near Mingechaur on March 2nd and 10th (Gambarov, 1975). COASTAL: Passage recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve, Lenkoran Lowland and Mugan from March to May (Radde, 1884; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), and in Samur Delta from early April to early May: earliest and latest sightings on April 9th and May 8th, respectively (Butiev et al., 1990b). Fall passage: also inconspicuous. In Armenia, migration recorded in August (Dahl, 1954), in Divichi Liman in September (Shelton, 2001) and in Talish Mountains in mid October (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938). Latest record in Lenkoran Lowland on December 16th (Radde, 1884). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably 50-100 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). In 1989-1990, 6-8 pairs in Karayasi Forest (MP), 5-6 pairs in Alazani Valley, 2-3 pairs in Barda Forest, 2 pairs in Samur Delta, 2-3 pairs in the Astara-chai Valley, and possibly 1-2 pairs in Vilajchai Valley (Butiev et al., 1990b; MP). BREEDING: Formerly nested in large tracts of mature lowland forest (Bogdanov, 1879; Satunin, 1907), but this habitat almost disappeared from lowlands of Azerbaijan by the mid 20th century. Nests in large oak, beech, elm, poplar, mulberry and ash trees, but also on cliffs near wetlands (Aliev, 1965). In the 1980s, nests found in patches of remaining tugai and broadlived forests sometimes adjacent to fields. In Karayasi Forest, one nest c. 20 m above the ground (Butiev et al., 1990b; MP). Incubation lasts 35-45 days and the young remain in nests up to 70 days (Aliev, 1965). In Karayasi Forest, fledglings by July 4th (MP). Four (possibly a brood) in Samur Delta during 27 August-1 September (Butiev et al., 1990b). DIET: Fish, insects, frogs and snakes, less commonly rodents and nestlings of songbirds (Aliev, 1965).

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

FAMILY THRESKIORNITHIDAE - IBISES AND SPOONBILLS 23. Eurasian Spoonbill - Platalea leucorodia Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

m Sa

Zakatali

IA

ur

Ri

ve

r

C

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ar

as

Ri

ve

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Arsindimdick STATUS: Threatened. Uncommon nesting species and migrant, rare wintering species. Subspecies P. l. leucorodia Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Widespread in the lowlands in the 19th-early 20th centuries (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907), but presently confined to a few mixed colonies. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Only sizable colony on Lake Mahmudchala, southern Mugan (Litvinova, 1989b; Patrikeev, 1991e) where nested prior to the 1930s-1940s (Verestchagin, 1947) and returned probably only in the late 1980s (Litvinova, 1989b). Small numbers nest in mixed colonies in Kura Delta, Kalinovsky Liman-Lopatinski Marsh and in the north of Greater Kizil Agach Bay in Kizil Agach Reserve (Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Litvinova, 1989b; Vinogradov et al., 1990; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Abandoned colonies in Karasy and Shilian marshes (Shirvan Steppe) and Mingechaur District by the 1940s1950s (Verestchagin, 1947, 1950; Tuaev, 1975), Lake Mehman in the 1960s (Tuaev & Israfilov, 1977) and western Lake Aggel in the 1970s (MP). Presently known from one large colony on Lake Aggel (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; MP) and smaller colonies in Bos-Koba (MP). May nest in Kura Valley in Zardob District and at Lake Sarisu. Unconfirmed report of two large colonies in Aras Valley in Fisuli District: in the vicinity of Karakhanbeili and in marshes near Gazakhlar and Ziarkar (R. Aliev, pers. comm.). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: In a mixed colony of Divichi Liman from late 1990s (E. Sultanov). Winter: Irregular at Lake Aggel, where 11 occurred in cold winter 1963-1964; 8 survived until the spring (Vinogradov, 1967). HABITAT: NESTING: Extensive reedbeds in fresh and brackish lakes and marshes, and in flooded tamarisk thickets in Kalinovsky Liman-Lopatinski Marsh. FEEDING: Shallow waters in inland water bodies and along the Caspian shore where depth rarely exceeds 10-20 cm (Satunin, 1907; Verestchagin, 1950; Grekov, 1965a; Vinogradov, 1967).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid February through early May. COASTAL: Arrives at Lenkoran as early as 19-27 February (Radde, 1884), but conspicuous passage in Kizil Agach Reserve from mid March through mid April (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Butiev et al., 1989). Recorded at nesting grounds in southern Mugan in mid April (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1975). In Samur Delta, conspicuous in mid Mach to early April, and then in late April-early May (Butiev et al., 1989). Latest spring record on May 10th (Patrikeev, 1991a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Arrives at Lake Aggel 14-27 March (Vinogradov, 1967) and in Mingechaur District in late March–early April (Satunin, 1907). Recorded in Shirvan Steppe in mid April (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1975). Fall passage: Early August to mid October. COASTAL: Often migrate over the Caspian Sea 0.5 km offshore (Verestchagin, 1950). Common in Samur Delta, Divichi Liman, Kilazi Spit, shores of Absheron Peninsula and Lenkoran Lowland in August-mid September (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965; Butiev et al., 1989; Shelton, 2001). Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve from late August. Latest records in Kizil-Agach Reserve on November 8th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a) and in Samur Delta on November 21st (Butiev et al., 1989). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Migrate through lakes Aggel and Sarisu, and Karasy Marsh (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1975). Latest records on Lake Aggel 1-22 November (Vinogradov, 1967). Spoonbills ringed as chicks in Kizil Agach Reserve have been recovered from Mugan and India (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: 500-1,200 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: > 2,000 pairs at Lake Aggel (Mil Steppe) in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1969) and 2,200 pairs in 1968 (Vasiliev, 1968), but only c. 100 individuals in 1976 (Tuaev & Israfilov, 1977) and 200-700 pairs in 1988-1990 (S. Gasimov, pers. comm). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: The colony of Lake Mahmud-chala was re-established c. 1988 (M. Kasumov, pers. comm.) with 200360 pairs in 1988-1990 (Litvinova, 1989b; Patrikeev, 1991e), but very few observed in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Only 45-300 at Kalinovsky Liman (Kizil Agach Reserve) in the 1950s (Grekov, 1965a), none by 1965 (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a) and 1-2 pairs in 1982 (Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986). In 1985, 35 pairs in a newly established colony in northern Greater Kizil Agach Bay, and 46 pairs in 1986 (Vinogradov, et al., 1990), and 5-10 pairs in Kura Delta in 1988-1990 (Litvinova, 1989b; MP). In addition, Mr. Ramiz Aliev reported 2 large colonies in Aras Valley in Fisuli District with c. 600 and 1,000 pairs respectively. Verification was impossible at the time due to hostilities between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Passage: SPRING: 76 recorded in Samur Delta in 1987 and 176 in 1988 (Butiev et al., 1989).

57

T

58 The Birds of Azerbaijan FALL: Flocks of 35-40 near Yashma in mid October (Tuaev, 1965), 120-170 in Samur Delta in 1977 and 1978, c. 100 in 1984 and 170 in 1988 (Butiev et al., 1989). BREEDING: Colonial. In monospecific colonies or large mixed colonies with other ibises, herons, egrets and cormorants. Prefer to nest in kobl (thick reed clusters) in or around small ponds of open water in reed thickets. Nests built of broken reed stems and leaves 0.2-1.5 m above water 0.5-10 m apart. Nest measurements: diameter 40-106 cm, height 11-30 cm, nest-cup 20-32.1 cm, depth 5-10 cm (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; Tuaev & Israfilov, 1977; Patrikeev, 1991e). In Kalinovsky Liman (Kizil Agach Reserve) nests in flooded tamarisks and builds with tamarisk twigs, although nests lined with reed stems and leaves (Grekov, 1965a). Clutch contains 2-3 eggs, sometimes 4 and rarely 5. Egg measurements (n=100): 59.9-77.9 x 42.2-49.0 (average 72.0 x 46.6), weight 67.8-91.2 g (av. 79.1 g) (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a; Tuaev & Israfilov, 1977). Eggs laid in April and May, but dates vary from site to site and from year to year. On Lake Aggel, fresh and slightly incubated eggs found as early as mid April, but not until mid May in 1962 (Vinogradov, 1967). In Kizil Agach Reserve, clutches from mid April (Grekov, 1965a), but in nearby Mahmud-chala nests with incubated eggs on 7-8 June (Patrikeev, 1991e). Incubation 24-25 days. On Lake Aggel, hatching

from May 15th and fledging by June 20th, although still eggs in some nests at that date (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev & Israfilov, 1977). On Lake Mahmud-chala, majority of nests contained 23 days-old chicks on 23 June 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991e). Fledges by mid July in Kizil Agach Reserve (Grekov, 1965a). On average 2 fledglings per nest on Lake Aggel (Vinogradov, 1967). Broods wander through adjacent lowlands July and August (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). DIET: Varies from season to season. Stomachs of spoonbills collected at Lake Aggel in April contained only insects (e.g. Macrodytes marginalis), but mostly fish in June and July (c 98.5%) including fry of the European Carp, with few insects and spiders taken (1.5%): larvae of dragonflies, imago of water scavenger beetles Hydrophilus, diving beetles and water boatmen. Fledglings feed mostly on fish (Tuaev, 1975; Vasiliev, 1975). MORTALITY: Some perish in oil spills at Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946). REMARKS: Dramatic decline at Lake Aggel in the mid 1970s attributed to excessive collecting of fledglings for zoos (Tuaev & Israfilov, 1977). The population somewhat recovered after establishment of Aggel Reserve in 1978 (MP).

24. Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus Linnaeus, 1766 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

m Sa

Zakatali

IA

ur

Ri

ve

r

C

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Garanas, Garavai STATUS: Vulnerable. Common to locally very common nesting species confined to several large colonies, common migrant, very rare wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Large colonies at Lake Mahmud-chala, southern Mugan (Litvinova, 1989b; Patrikeev, 1991e) and Kalinovsky Liman-Lopatinski Marsh, Kizil Agach Reserve, respectively (Grekov, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965a; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986). Possibly also at Novogolovka-chala, southern Mugan (MP). Nested in the “marshes of the lower Kura” in late 19th century (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907).

KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Large colony on Lake Aggel and small ones at Sarisu, Bos-Koba and Varvara Reservoir (Vinogradov, 1967: Tuaev, 1975; MP). Probably non-breeding birds observed at Lake Hadjikabul in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). In the late 19th century, nested on Lake Nametabad-nour (Mingechaur District), Shilian and Karasy marshes (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907) abandoning those colonies by the late 1930s-early (Verestchagin, 1947). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: In Divichi Liman from late 1990s (Patrikeev & Wilson, 2000). Winter: Irregular wintering species. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Formerly observed in Lenkoran Lowland in warmer winters (Radde, 1884). Several observed near Saliani in January 1975 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 2 at Lake Aggel on 15 January 1991 (MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Extensive reedbeds in lakes and marshes (Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975), flooded tamarisk thickets in Kizil Agach Reserve (Grekov, 1965a). FEEDING: shallow waters at fresh and brackish lakes, flooded fields, Caspian shore, sometimes streams and channels (Verestchagin, 1947; Spangenberg, 1951). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late March to mid May. COASTAL: Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve from late March-early April (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), to Samur Delta c. April 1st (Butiev et al., 1989) and to lakes of Mugan in mid April (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). Migrants were also observed in Shirvan Reserve, Cape Sangachal and

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

Absheron Peninsula (Tuaev, 1975; Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). Latest records in Samur Delta in mid May (Butiev et al., 1989) and in Shirvan Reserve on May 21st (Patrikeev, 1991a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Conspicuous passage and arrival to nesting grounds at lakes of Mil Steppe in mid April (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). Fall passage: Many migrate over the Caspian Sea c. 0.5 km away from the shore. Mid August to early October or to November-December in some years. COASTAL: Earliest record in Samur Delta on August 18th, and conspicuous passage there and at Divichi Liman in late Augustmid September (Tuaev, 1965; Butiev et al., 1989). Skirts Absheron Peninsula and heads to Kura Delta, Lenkoran Lowland and Mugan (Satunin, 1912b; Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1975). Passage is mostly over by late September, although migration peaks in late September-early October in some years. Latest record in Kizil Agach Reserve on November 6th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), but in warm autumn of 1974, a flock was seen in Samur Delta in early December (Butiev et al., 1989). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Migrants observed at lakes of Mil and Shirvan steppes, and in Turianchai Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). Latest record at Lake Aggel on October 20th (Vinogradov, 1967). Glossy Ibises ringed in Kizil Agach reserve were recovered from Lenkoran Lowland (Azerbaijan), Astrakhan Region and Dagestan (Russia), Iran (3 shot near Pekhlevi), southern Iraq, Israel and Sudan (4 at Al Fasher, Al Duein and Blue Nile). Nesting population of Azerbaijan winter in northeast Africa (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Two young ringed in Dagestan taken at Divichi Liman (Tuaev, 1965). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: 12,500-18,000 pairs in the early 1990s (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: perhaps >10,000 pairs at Lake Aggel in the mid 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1969), c. 8,300 pairs in the late 1960s (Vasiliev, 1968) and 6,0008,000 pairs in 1988-1990 (S. Gasimov, pers. comm.). 75 pairs on Varvara Reservoir in 1963 (Tuaev, 1975), 50-60 pairs in 19881989 (MP) and 123 in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Also >100 pairs on Lake Sarisu, Mil Steppe in 1990 (MP) and 130 birds in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Abandoned Lake Mahmud-chala by the 1940s (Verestchagin, 1947), but returned in late 1980s: c. 11,000 pairs in 1988 (Litvinova, 1989b) and 5,500-6,000 pairs in 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991e). Perhaps as many as 50,000 pairs in Kizil Agach Reserve in the mid 1950s (Grekov, 1965a). Declined in the reserve through the 1960s, then somewhat recovered during the 1970s: 450 pairs in 1972, 1,500 pairs in 1973 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Morozkin, 1975), 2,500 pairs in 1975, 2,000 pairs in 1976 (Konovalova, 1977) and 900-3,000 pairs in 1982 (Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986). A part of this colony might have moved to Mahmud-chala. SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: 85 in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Passage: SPRING: Flocks of 4-50 in Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1989). FALL: Flocks of 20-70 in autumn (Verestchagin, 1950), e.g. a flock of 58 in Turianchai Valley on 2 September 1961 (Vinogra-

dov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). In Samur Delta, 92 in 1968, 133 in 1970 and >1,500 in1988 (Butiev et al., 1989). Over 500 passed through Cape Sangachal in 1989 (MP). BREEDING: Colonial. Usually in mixed colonies with spoonbills, egrets, herons and cormorants. On lakes Aggel and Mahmud-chala, nests in kobls or impassable reed thickets (in middle and lower levels) bending and breaking reed stems (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; Patrikeev, 1991e). At Kalinovsky Liman-Lopatinsky Marsh, nests in flooded tamarisks (from lower to upper levels) making nests of tamarisk twigs and lining with stems of Bolboschoenus maritimus. Nest measurements: diameter 280-350 mm, depth 40-60 mm (Grekov, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965a, Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a). Clutch usually contains 3-4 eggs, sometimes 5 to 6 (average 3.6) and occasionally 1, 2, 8 or even 9 eggs, when two females lay in the same nest (Vinogradov, 1967). Average egg measurements 52.4 x 35.8 mm (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966b). On Aggel, eggs laid mostly from c. April 27th to May 15th (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975), at Varvara Reservoir from late April (Tuaev, 1975), in Kizil Agach Reserve in late April-early May (Grekov, 1965a) and on Lake Mahmud-chala in late Mayearly June (Patrikeev, 1991e). Incubation lasts 19-23 days, average 21.2 days (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965b, 1966b). In Kizil Agach Reserve, large young in 20% of nests on 25-26 June 1958, and 90% of nests on by 23-26 June 1959 (Grekov, 1965a). Nestlings at Lake Aggel from late May, and at Mahmud-chala from c. June 20th (Patrikeev, 1991e). Chicks remain in nests 30-32 days (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966b). In Kizil Agach Reserve, losses of eggs and chicks amounted to 13% and 7.5%, respectively (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a). On Aggel, 3 fledglings/pair on average (Vinogradov, 1967). DIET: Amphibians (c. 47% of stomach content: mostly Marsh Frog, adults and tadpoles), fish (23.8%: mostly fry of European Carp), insects (22.8%: larvae of flies, dragonflies, May-flies, larvae and imago of water beetles, other beetles, e.g., Amara, Carabus, Polyphylla, water bugs and mole crickets), molluscs (2.8%: mostly Xerophila sp.), spiders (2.8%), and small rodents (0.2%) (Vasiliev, 1975). Nestlings mostly fed dragonfly larvae (Tuaev, 1975). MORTALITY: Considerable adult mortality during nesting season: many shot for food (illegally) as they travel between colonies and feeding sites, e.g. perhaps as many as 50% of nests failed in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1985 because at least one partner was shot outside the reserve (Litvinova, 1986). Many eggs (up to 44%) and young in low nests destroyed by Wild Boar visiting colony of Kalinovsky Liman after water level drops (Konovalova, 1977). Thus, combination of shooting and dry weather may have catastrophic effect on some colonies. Nestlings occasionally killed by Marsh Harriers (Grekov, 1965a). Large young often leave nests when disturbed, and some unable to find their way back and probably perish (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Early arrivals may be killed by cold weather, e.g. in April (Radde, 1884).

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60 The Birds of Azerbaijan 25. Sacred Ibis - Threskiornis aethiopicus Latham, 1790 STATUS: Extirpated. Straggler or possibly nesting species in the past. Last seen in 1944. Subspecies T. a. aethiopicus Latham, 1790. DISTRIBUTION: Probably nested in Lenkoran Lowland (including the town of Lenkoran) until 1830s. Called “birds of Prophet Ali” they were thought to ‘bring luck’ and probably not harassed (Radde, 1884). Baron Tisengauzen observed Sacred

Ibises near Archivan (south of Lenkoran Lowland) on 25 July 1874 and near Arduna (vicinity of Astara) on 23 July 1875 (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). The last record on 3 April 1944 when a flock of 7 observed in semi-desert near Cape Sangachal, 40 km south of Baku (Burchak-Abramovich, 1946). The nearest population was in marshes of southern Iraq (Cramp & Simmons, 1977-1994).

FAMILY PHOENICOPTERIDAE - FLAMINGO 26. Greater Flamingo - Phoenicopterus ruber Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

m Sa

Zakatali

IA

ur

Ri

ve

r

C

A

S

P

er

IA

N

S

EA

Gandja

of the peninsula including Lake Krasnoe (= Red Lake) (Verestchagin, 1947, 1950). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: At Aggel and Sarisu (Mil Steppe) from 1970s when these formerly fresh lakes turned brackish (Tuaev, 1975; MP). Observed on akhmas and other wetlands in Zardob District, and on Lake Hadjinour (MP).

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

s

e Riv

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

1952

1982-84

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Gizilgaz, Flamingo STATUS: Common migrant and wintering species, irregular nesting species. Subspecies P. r. roseus Pallas, 1811. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Nested in the vicinity of Kizil Agach Bay and possibly in Mugan in the late 19thearly 20th centuries. A nesting colony found on Lake Ah-chala (Mugan Steppe) in June 1952, but the lake dried out in the following year (Tuaev & Danilov, 1955). Nested at Lake Karakush (Kizil Agach Reserve) in 1982-1984, but later abandoned because of predation by Golden Jackals (Canis aureus). Perhaps nested in 1985: no colony found, but adults with young observed in July (Litvinov et al., 1984; Babaev, 1984; Vinogradov et al., 1990). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve: Greater Kizil Agach Bay from Kura spit to Kulagin and the mouth of Sbrosnoyi Channel, and Lake Karakush (Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984; Babaev, 1984; Vinogradov et al., 1990; V. Litvinov, pers. comm.; MP). Also at Shorgel Lakes in southeastern Shirvan and along the Caspian shore south of Kura Delta in Neftechala District (MP). Formerly in Saliani and Mugan steppes, Lenkoran Lowland (Bogdanov, 1879; Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Verestchagin, 1947, 1950) until 1955 on Lesser Kizil Agach Bays (Tuaev, 1960; Dobrokhotov, 1963; Babaev, 1984). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Occasionally in Absheron Peninsula (MP). In the past (until 1930s-1940s) at brackish lakes

HABITAT: NESTING: Small islets and shallow waters on relatively remote brackish lakes (Tuaev & Danilov, 1955; Vinogradov et al., 1990). FEEDING AND WINTERING: Shallow waters of brackish lakes and shoreline of the Caspian Sea (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Grekov, 1962; Morozkin, 1977; Babaev, 1984). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: C OASTAL : Some wander throughout lowlands as early as January possibly because of food depletion in the traditional wintering areas. Northbound movement from early February. Majority of wintering flamingo leave Kizil Agach Reserve between late February and mid April (Verestchagin, 1950; Grekov, 1962; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Morozkin, 1977) and Lake Kichick-Shorgel by April 16th (Patrikeev, 1991a). Passes through Samur Delta in early April with latest sighting on May 5th (Butiev et al., 1989). Recorded at Cape Pirsagat as late as May 14th (Patrikeev, 1991a) and to mid May on Divichi Liman (Karabanova, 1984). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: To mid April at Lake Aggel and Shilian Marsh (Tuaev, 1975). Fall passage: COASTAL: Some arrive at Kizil Agach Reserve as early as 10-15 July and in early August (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). However, passage is more conspicuous from mid October, e.g. in Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1989), Divichi Liman (Tuaev, 1965; Karabanova, 1984) and near Kilazi (Shelton, 2001). Passes through Absheron Peninsula and offshore islands (Chilov and Sangi-Mugan) in early November, many flying 30-40 km offshore, and head for Kizil Agach Bay (Verestchagin, 1950) where some remain while others head for Iran sometimes migrating over Talish Mountains (Grekov, 1962; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably 150-500 pairs, but does not nest annually. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: c. 500 adult and young on Lake Ah-chala, Mugan Steppe in early September 1952 (Tuaev & Danilov, 1955).

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

In Kizil Agach Reserve, 44 non-breeders in May 1958, 28 in summer 1959 (Grekov, 1962), <50 in the mid 1960s (Babaev, 1984), but 500-1500 by the early 1980s (Vinogradov, et al., 1990). 184 nests on Lake Karakush in 1982, and 212 nests in 1983; 3,500 were present in the reserve in June 1985 (Litvinov et al., 1984; Babaev, 1984; Vinogradov et al., 1990). Passage: SPRING : 400 passed through Kizil Agach Reserve in 1972, 800 in 1973, 800 in 1974, 200 in 1975, 300 in 1976 and 400 in 1977 (Morozkin, 1977). 40-50 annually passed through Samur Delta in the 1980s (Butiev et al., 1989). FALL: Flocks of 150-200 were arriving at Kizil Agach Reserve in early August, flocks of 500-1,000 from late August through early November; >11,000 passed through the reserve and Sara Peninsula between 31 October to 5 November 1959 (Verestchagin, 1950; Grekov, 1962; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). 600 recorded in 1971, 2,500 in 1972, 1,700 in 1973, 1,200 in 1974, 1,800 in 1975 and 1,800 in 1976 (Morozkin, 1977). 540 migrated through Samur Delta in 1968, 1,345 in 1976, 810 in 1979, and 542 in 1981. <100 in other years (Butiev et al., 1989). Winter: Declined dramatically through mid 20th century, but somewhat recovered by the late 1980s-early 1990s. May leave Azerbaijan in colder winters (Verestchagin, 1950; Mustafaev et al., 1969). 3,000-5,000 in the late 1980s-early 1990s, but up to 12,000-13,000 in some winters (MP).

SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: In Kizil Agach Reserve, greater numbers occur in early winter and decline by late January-February (see table). May completely disappear from the reserve in colder winters. Declined through 1950s-1960s with low numbers in the 1970s, but recovered in the late 1980s-1990s. Also winters at Shorgel Lakes, southeastern Shirvan: 180-200 in 1989 (MP) and 570 in January-February 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 100-200 at Lake Aggel In 1989-1991, e.g. 160-170 in January 1991 (MP). BREEDING: On Lake Ah-chala (Mugan Steppe), flamingo nested on small islets c. 0.5-1.5 x 50 m. Nests built of silt. Measurements: height 28-30 cm, diameter at base 20 cm. 1-3 eggs/nest on 18 June 1952, downy chicks on July 20th, and large young by early August (Tuaev & Danilov, 1955). In Kizil Agach Reserve, fledged young observed in late July (Litvinov et al., 1984; Vinogradov et al., 1990). DIET: Mostly molluscs of family Cardiaceae, also detritus and algae (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Grekov, 1962; Babaev, 1984). MORTALITY: Numbers of flamingo perish in cold winters, e.g. winters of 1924/25, 1934/35, 1936/37, 1945/46, 1949/50, 1956/

Number of Greater Flamingo wintering in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1935-1996 Winter 1935/36 1940/41 1949/50 1950/51 1952/53 1955/56 1956/57 1957/58 1958/59 1959/60 1961/62 1962/63 1964/65 1966/67 1970/71 1971/72 1972/73 1973/74 1974/75 1975/76 1976/77 1979 1981/82 1982/83 1983/84 1984/85 1989/90 1990/91 1994/95 1995/96

Number (early winter) c. 20,000 15,850-20,850 15,000 3,000-7,000 3,000-7,000 4,500 5,000 800-900 2,000-3,000 2,000

1,000

800 2,600 1,700 1,200 1,300 200 2,300 600 2,000 13,500 3,300 (Karakush only) 12,970+ 8,900 5,200

Number (late winter)

250-300

300-400

1,850 1,700 2,500 4,600 300 400 600 700 200 1,300 200 600 900 1,300

4,780

Source Verestchagin, 1950 Verestchagin, 1950 Grekov, 1962 Grekov, 1962; Tuaev, 1960 Grekov, 1962; Tuaev, 1960 Grekov, 1962 Grekov, 1962 Grekov, 1962 Grekov, 1962 Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a Dobrokhotov, 1963 Oliger, 1967 Gazanchian, 1965 Krivonosov et al., 1977; Morozkin, 1977 Krivonosov et al., 1977; Morozkin, 1977 Krivonosov et al., 1977; Morozkin, 1977 Krivonosov et al., 1977; Morozkin, 1977 Krivonosov et al., 1977; Morozkin, 1977 Krivonosov et al., 1977; Morozkin, 1977 Morozkin, 1977 Morozkin, 1977 Litvinov et al., 1984 Litvinov et al., 1984 Litvinov et al., 1984 Litvinov et al., 1984 Vinogradov et al.,1990 MP Litvinov & Litvinova, 1991 Paynter et al., 1996a Paynter et al., 1996a

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62 The Birds of Azerbaijan 57, 1968/69 and 1970/71. In Kizil Agach Reserve, mortality occurred when Kizil Agach Bay froze, snow depth reached 60-80 cm and temperature dropped to -20oC (Verestchagin, 1950; Grekov, 1962; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev et al., 1969; Morozkin, 1977). At least 108 perished in cold winter of 1949/50 (Grekov, 1962), >1,000 in 1968/69 (Mustafaev et al., 1969) and

100 in January-February 1971 (Morozkin, 1977). Terrestrial predators also took many weakened birds and some fell to Hooded Crows (Mustafaev et al., 1969). Hunted for food as recently as the 1940s (Verestchagin, 1950), although poaching was still taking place in the 1980s-early 1990s (MP). Sometimes perishes in oil spills and at oiled lakes in Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946).

FAMILY ANATIDAE – SWANS, GEESE AND DUCKS 27. Mute Swan - Cygnus olor Gmelin, 1789 G Tbilisi

EO

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DAGESTAN

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(Russian Federation)

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Riv

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Zakatali

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Gandja

SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman and Samur Delta (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965; Butiev et al., 1990b; Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Presently only at lakes Aggel and Sarisu (MP). Widespread prior to the 1930s-1940s (Satunin, 1907; Verestchagin, 1950).

Shemakha Baku

A

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Stepanakert

Ara

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e Riv

HABITAT: NESTING: Reed thickets in lakes and marshes. WINTER AND MIGRATION: Lakes, marshes, and coastal waters of the Caspian Sea (MP).

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Gu gushu (all swans) STATUS: Common wintering species and migrant (increasing), rare nesting species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Nesting confirmed at Karakush Lookout, Kizil Agach Reserve in 1989 (MP). Earlier, dozens of sub-adults or non-breeding adults occurred in the reserve in early summer (Verestchagin, 1950; Mustafaev, 1974). A territorial pair on Lake Kichik-Shorgel (Shirvan Reserve) in early May 1990 and sub-adults seen on this and adjacent lakes (Patrikeev, 1991a). Formerly considered resident in Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Sub-adults along the Caspian shore and islands near Cape Pirsagat in April-May 1989 (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Several nests found in Aggel Reserve in the 1980s (MP). Perhaps also on other lakes of Mil Steppe. Subadult and non-breeding adults observed elsewhere in Kura-Aras Lowland (Verestchagin, 1950). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Mostly in Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984; Babaev, 1984; Vinogradov et al., 1990; MP), but also in southeastern Shirvan, southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland (MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: the Caspian Sea between Absheron and the mouth of Kura with largest concentrations at islands of Baku Archipelago, e.g. Pirsagat Islands (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.; G. Bairamov, pers. comm.; MP). A few at Shah Spit (Bannikova et al., 1984).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: February to mid May. COASTAL: From February. Leaves Kizil Agach Reserve between early March and April (Vinogradov et al., 1990). Recorded in Samur Delta until mid May (Butiev et al., 1990b). Fall passage: September through mid December. COASTAL: Arrives at Samur Delta as early as September (Butiev et al., 1990b), but conspicuous passage along the Caspian shore from mid November to mid December. Migrants recorded at Divichi Liman, Absheron Peninsula, Sangachal Bay, Kura Delta, Lake Mahmud-chala and Kizil Agach Reserve (Satunin, 1912b; Verestchagin, 1950; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Tuaev, 1965; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Small numbers migrate through the lowland (Verestchagin, 1950; MP). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably 20-50 pairs and dozens of non-breeding adults (MP). Under 10 pairs on Lake Aggel in the late 1980s, a pair in Kizil Reserve in 1989, and a pair in Shirvan Reserve in 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). Passage: SPRING: Flocks of 20-30 in Samur Delta in February (Butiev et al., 1990b), 100-200 in Kizil Agach Reserve in April (Vinogradov et al., 1990). Winter: Difficult to track because often mixes with Whooper Swans and often counted as swan sp. However, outnumbered the former species in the late 1980s-early 1990s (Vinogradov et al., 1990; MP). Probably ranges from 2,000-3,000 in mild winters to 11,000-12,000 in cold winters (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Low numbers in Kizil Agach Reserve from 1950s through early 1980s, but a conspicuous increase from mid 1980s (see table). Formerly common in wetlands of southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884, Satunin, 1907), but only small numbers there in the late 1980s (MP). Paynter et al. (1996a) recorded 143 at Mahmud-chala and c. 100 at Shorgel Lakes in 1996.

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

Number of Mute Swans wintering in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1949-1991 Winter 1949/1950 1952-1959 1955/56 1958/59 1978/79 1979/80 1981/82 1982/83 1983/84 1984/85 1990/91

Swans (2 species) c. 30,000 >1,000

Mute Swans

35-40 >350 5,200 210 20 220-240 10-90 5,600 8,400

<300 <300 <100 9,200 8,510

SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Common in the 1930s-1950s (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965), but rare in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). Small numbers on Divichi Liman and Samur Delta in warmer winters (Butiev et al., 1990b; Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: 2,000-2,300 in the Caspian Sea between Baku and Kura Delta, and 50-100 at Shah Spit in 1989-1990 (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Only 3 at Lake Aggel in 1963 (Vinogradov, 1967), but c. 100 in January 1991 (MP). In February 1996, 22 at Lake Sarisu (Paynter et al., 1996a). BREEDING: A territorial pair on Lake Kichik-Shorgel (Shirvan Reserve) in early May (Patrikeev, 1991a). 2 adults with 2 young at Karakush lookout (Kizil Agach Reserve) in summer 1989 (MP).

Source Gazanchian, 1951 Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984; Babaev, 1984;Krivonosov, 1987 Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984; Babaev, 1984;Krivonosov, 1987 Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984; Babaev, 1984;Krivonosov, 1987 Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984; Babaev, 1984;Krivonosov, 1987 Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984; Babaev, 1984;Krivonosov, 1987 Vinogradov et al., 1990 Litvinov & Litvinova, 1991

MORTALITY: Considerable numbers perish in cold winters, e.g. >1,000 Mute and Whooper Swans died in Kizil Agach Reserve in January-March 1969 (Mustafaev, et al., 1969). Oil spills caused by frequent accidents on offshore rigs, platforms and pipelines pose a serious threat to swans wintering on the Caspian Sea: 52 died in an oil reservoir north of Baku in February 1945 (Verestchagin, 1946) and 9 in an oil-spill south of Baku on 10 February 1990 (G. Bairamov, pers. comm.). Oiled Mute Swans regularly brought to Baku Zoo (MP). In spring 1991, c. 200 Mute Swans died of unknown cause at Divichi Liman (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.). Poaching is also a threat. Poachers in powerboats ravage flocks wintering on the Caspian Sea south of Baku shooting dozens of swans a day (G. Bairamov, pers. comm.). On 14 February 1991, a poacher shot 15 at Divichi Liman (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.). Sub-adults killed by the Red Fox were found at Lake Aggel and Shah spit (MP).

28. Whooper Swan - Cygnus cygnus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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DAGESTAN

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(Russian Federation)

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Gandja Shemakha Baku

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Stepanakert

Ara

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Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Pirsagat Islands; also off Shah and Kilazi spits. Single swans and pairs occur on brackish lakes of Absheron Peninsula including Lake Mirzaladi (Bannikova et al., 1984; Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Once common in Kizil Agach Reserve, but fewer wintered recently (Tuaev, 1960; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Vinogradov et al., 1990). Small numbers at Mahmud-chala (southern Mugan). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Small numbers on Divichi Liman in warmer winters (Karabanova, 1984). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Presently only on lakes Aggel and Sarisu (Vinogradov, 1967; MP). More widespread in the past (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907).

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

HABITAT: WINTER: Coastal waters of the Caspian Sea and wetlands (MP).

Azeri name: Gu gushy (all swans) STATUS: Common migrant and wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: The most important wintering areas are on the Caspian Sea between northern Absheron and Kura Delta, e.g. in Baku Bay and

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: late February to mid May. COASTAL: Recorded in Samur Delta as early as late February (Butiev et al., 1990b). Leaves Kizil Agach Reserve in early March (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Observed at Divichi Liman from March with latest records in mid May (Karabanova, 1984). Fall passage: Mostly late October through December.

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64 The Birds of Azerbaijan Number of Whooper Swans wintering in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1949-1991 Winter 1935 1949/1950 1952-1958 1961/62 1978/79 1981-1984 1984/85 1990/91

Swans (2 species)

Whooper Swans <100

c. 30,000 >1,000 6 <5,000

5,200 <300 9,200 8,510

<1,000 10

COASTAL: Small numbers gather in Samur Delta from August to October (Butiev et al., 1990b). Some recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve in late October (earliest sighting on October 21st), but the majority arrive from mid November peaking after mid December (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Still migrates through Samur Delta in December (Butiev et al., 1990b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Migrants observed in Mil Steppe and Aras Valley (Verestchagin, 1950; Dahl, 1954). POPULATION SIZE: Passage: SPRING: Flocks of 20-30 in Samur Delta in late February (Butiev et al., 1990b). 100 on Divichi Liman in mid May 1982 (Karabanova, 1984). FALL: 500-600 at Shah Spit and c. 1,000 in Sangachal Bay in November-December (Verestchagin, 1950; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP). Flocks of 20-25 pass through Samur Delta in December (Butiev et al., 1990b). Winter: Presently outnumbered by the previous species. Often mixes with Mute Swan and hence counted as swan sp. Probably 4,000-7,000 with greater numbers in colder winters (MP).

Source Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938 Gazanchian, 1951 Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a Dobrokhotov, 1963 Krivonosov, 1987 Krivonosov, 1987 Vinogradov et al., 1990 Litvinov & Litvinova, 1991

CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: 4,000-4,700 on the Caspian Sea south of Absheron peninsula in the late 1980s-early 1990s, e.g. c. 100 at Shah Spit, 300-500 in Artem Bay, 200-400 in Sangachal Bay and 300-500 by Glinanyi Island in 1989 (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve: significant fluctuations between years (see table). In 1996, 102 recorded at Lake Mahmud-chala and 10 off Shirvan Reserve (Paynter et al., 1996a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 50-154 on Lake Aggel in early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967) and >900 in January 1991 (MP). In February 1996, 13 were observed at Lake Sarisu (Paynter et al., 1996a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: <150-200 in 1979-1986 (Tkachenko, 1984). MORTALITY: Poachers in powerboats and oil spills present a threat to swans wintering on the Caspian Sea. 5 found dead after a pipeline accident at Gum Island south of Baku in February 1990 (G. Bairamov, pers. comm.). Also perishes in very cold winters (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov et al., 1990).

29. Bewick’s Swan - Cygnus bewickii Yarrell, 1830 STATUS: Accidental visitor in winter and during migration. Monotypic. This species is sometimes treated as a subspecies of Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus Ord, 1815.

but not found there in the 1930s-1940s (Verestchagin, 1950). Four observed in Samur Delta in December 1987 (Butiev et al., 1990b) and 2 at Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan) in January-February 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a).

DISTRIBUTION: Winter: Lakes of Mugan and Samur-Divichi Lowland in late the 19th-early 20th centuries (Satunin, 1907),

30. Red-breasted Goose - Rufibrenta ruficollis Pallas, 1769 Azeri name: Girmizudosh, Kuba gazi STATUS: Rare migrant and wintering species (formerly common). Endangered in Azerbaijan. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION (Past): Winter: Until early 1970s almost the entire world population wintered in Azerbaijan, but later relocated to Bulgaria and Romania. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Formerly, the most important wintering grounds were in southern Mugan (Lake Novogolovka-chala, vicinity of Khilli, Kasumkent and Karabudjakh) and Kizil Agach Reserve: on the western shore of Greater Kizil Agach Bay including Babia spit (Radde, 1884; Tugarinov & Kozlova-

Pushkareva, 1938; Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Some wintered in southeastern Shirvan (Verestchagin, 1950). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes Aggel, Sarisu and Mekhman in Mil Steppe (Vinogradov, 1967), also in Saliani Steppe and Lake Hadjikabul (Satunin, 1907; Verestchagin, 1950). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: A recent sighting of one in January 1999 or 2000 near Cape Kilazi (Shelton, 2001). HABITAT: WINTER: Shallow wetlands, Caragana semi-desert, rice and cereal fields, islands (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967).

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The Birds of Azerbaijan G Tbilisi

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DAGESTAN

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(Russian Federation)

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Riv

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Zakatali

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Gandja Shemakha Baku

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Stepanakert

Ara

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Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

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IRAN

MOVEMENT (Past): Spring passage: COASTAL: Would leave Kizil Agach Reserve by March 17th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Observed at Divichi Liman in March-April (Tuaev, 1965). Last spring records are of 14 in Samur Delta 9 April 1982 and of 1 off Cape Pirsagat on 20 May 1989 (Butiev et al., 1989; Patrikeev, 1991a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Flocks of 20-30 departed from lakes Aggel and Sarisu in mid March (Vinogradov, 1967). Fall passage: Arrived in Azerbaijan from November (peak in mid November). COASTAL: Passes non-stop through Samur Delta and Divichi Liman heading for southern Mugan and Kizil Agach Reserve (Verestchagin, 1950). Last known records were from Samur Delta: 80 on 30 November 1967, 17 on 7 November 1972 and 1 on 31 October 1989 (Butiev et al., 1989). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Migrated over Mil Steppe in November (Verestchagin, 1950).

POPULATION SIZE (Past): Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Common in the southeast Caspian in the late 19th-early 20th centuries with “huge flocks on lakes of Mugan” and flocks of thousands “shaded the sun” near Astrakhanovka, now Astrakhanbazar (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b). In the 1930s1940s, flocks ranging from several dozen to several thousands occurred in Mugan (Verestchagin, 1950). Mostly confined to Kizil Agach Reserve from mid 1950s, where declined dramatically from the early 1970s and almost completely disappeared by the early 1980s (see the Kizil Agach table). Only single birds reported from Kizil Agach Reserve in the late 1980s, but not annually (Vinogradov et al., 1990). Allegedly still winters in southern Mugan in some winters, e.g. 300-500 on Lake Mahmud-chala (Masalli District) in 1988 or 1989 (A. Fatullaev, pers. comm). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 1,050-4,800 wintered on Lake Aggel (Mil Steppe) in the early 1960s (see the Aggel table) and 50-250 were caught there annually for zoo trade. Fewer than 100 on Lake Sarisu in the late 1960s (Tuaev, 1975). No records from the 1970s. Factors behind this catastrophic decline and virtual extirpation of Red-breasted Geese from Azerbaijan are not fully understood. Disappearance of this species usually attributed to the following factors: shift from cereals to cotton in agriculture in the early 1970s, conversion of semi-desert into fields and vineyards, intensive sheep grazing, poaching, disturbance in wintering grounds, salinisation of some lakes and reed encroachment in Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Morozkin, 1979; Babaev, 1984, 1990). However, all these factors did not have a similar effect on other wintering geese. MORTALITY: Formerly heavily hunted for feathers with nets and firearms. Hunts were especially successful during or after snowstorms when 60-200 were netted at once. Large numbers (>200/hunter) were caught near Astrakhanovka in winter 1879/ 80 (Radde, 1884).

Number of Red-breasted Geese formerly wintering in Kizil Agach Reserve (1958-late 1980s) Winter 1958 1959/60 1961/62 1966/67 1973 1975/76 1978/1979 1979/80 1980/81 1981/82 1982/83 Late 1980s

Number 2,000-2,400 11,000 7,500-8,000 23,800 4 500 18 23 31 3 45 Single birds

Source Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a Dobrokhotov, 1963 Vinogradov & Morozkin, 1979Vorobieva, 1982Babaev, 1984

Vinogradov et al., 1990

Number of Red-breasted Geese formerly wintering on Lake Aggel (early 1960s) Winter 1960/61 (Jan) 1961/62 (Nov) 1962/63 (Dec) 1963/64 (Dec to Feb) 1964/65 (Nov)

Number 4,200 1,050 4,800 4,500 to 210 3,300

Source Vinogradov, 1967

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66 The Birds of Azerbaijan 31. Greylag Goose - Anser anser Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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(Russian Federation)

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Zakatali

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Gandja Shemakha Baku

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Stepanakert

Ara

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Kura Ri

EN

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Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

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IRAN

Azeri name: Boz gaz, gaz STATUS: Uncommon nesting species, common migrant and wintering species. Declining. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes of Mil Steppe: mostly Aggel, but also Bos-koba, Shorbet-koba and Sarisu (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). Probably nested in Aras Valley in the 19th century (Satunin, 1907). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Regularly nested on islands of Kizil Agach Bay prior to 1940 when water level dropped allowing terrestrial predators to reach the islands. Nesting attempts reported in 1949 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a) and 1964 (Mustafaev & Gazanchian, 1967). Few pairs in Kizil Agach Reserve in the 1980s (Vinogradov et al., 1990) and single birds at lakes of Shirvan Reserve in late April 1990 (MP). Probably nested on lakes of Mugan and Saliani Steppe in the past (Satunin, 1907, 1912b). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Primarily in Kizil Agach Reserve: Greater Kizil Agach Bay, Babia spit, Akusha and Lopatinsky Marsh. Smaller numbers occur on lakes of southern Mugan and southeastern Shirvan (Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes Aggel and Sarisu (formerly also on Lake Mekhman), Hadjinour Steppe, Aldjiganchai Valley north of Evlakh and the vicinity of Mingechaur (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975, MP). Also wintered in semi-desert between Padar and Sagirly, south of Karasy Marsh and on Lake Hadjikabul in the past (Verestchagin, 1950). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Wintered in flooded areas west of Divichi Liman in the early 20th century (Verestchagin, 1950). In the 1970s-1980s, some occurred there in January (MP). GREATER CAUCASUS: Sheki Upland (Verestchagin, 1950; MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Reed stands and kobls around small ponds in lakes and marshes (Vinogradov, 1967). WINTER: Open water, shallows, marshes, wet meadows with sedges and Juncus, spits, semi-desert and arable lands (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Vinogradov, 1967).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Breeding population arrives in Azerbaijan in February (Vinogradov, 1967). COASTAL: In Kizil Agach Reserve, Absheron peninsula and Divichi Liman, conspicuous passage occurs from late February to mid March. Only small flocks in Kizil Agach in April (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Tuaev, 1965; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Karabanova, 1981). Latest record at Cape Pirsagat on May 25th (Patrikeev, 1991a). INTERIOR: In late February-April, Greylag Geese pass over KuraAras Lowland, Turianchai Bosdag, Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland and Greater Caucasus Mountains (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b), e.g. conspicuous migration at Lake Sarisu and Karasy Marsh during 10-15 March (Tuaev, 1975) and over Mount Alibek (Zakatali District) 24 February-24 March (Gambarov, 1954). The majority of migrants pass over KuraAras Lowland non-stop. Fall passage: September to mid December. COASTAL: Arrives as early as September-October (Verestchagin, 1950), but peaks in mid November when large flocks pass over the base of Absheron Peninsula and Gobustan Upland and head on to Kizil Agach Reserve and southern Mugan. Migration lasts until mid December (Verestchagin, 1950; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Nesting population leaves lakes of Mil Steppe in October (Vinogradov, 1967). In October-early November, some migrants following the Caspian shore turn westwards in the vicinity of Mount Beshbarmak, pass through Kilazi Gorge and continue on to Kura-Aras Lowland. Other flocks cross over Greater Caucasus Mountains and arrive in Hadjinour Steppe and vicinity of Mingechaur. In the lowland, fall migration peaks in late November-early December (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967). Migrants were also seen in Aras Valley (Dahl, 1954). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: c. 250 pairs in the early 1980s (Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984) and <200 pairs in the late 1980s (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: In early 1960s, 76-500 pairs nested at Lake Aggel alone (see table) with average density of 1 nest/100 ha of reedbeds (Vinogradov, 1967), but only 500-600 pairs through the entire lowland in the late 1960s (Vinogradov, 1974). In the 1970s, the nesting population of Aggel declined from 450 to 100 pairs (Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984). At least 2-3 pairs nested on Lake Sarisu (Tuaev, 1975). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: 2-3 pairs in Kizil Agach Reserve in the 1980s (Vinogradov et al., 1990). Passage: SPRING: Flocks of 20-200 over Mount Alibek (Zakatali District) in the 1930s, a total of 733 recorded (Gambarov, 1954). FALL: >100,000 Greylag and Greater White-fronted Geese migrated between Lesser Kizil Agach Bay and Kura Spit 7-9 November 1958 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Tens of thousands recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1976-1981 (Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984). Winter: 8,000 to 20,000 depending on weather condition (fewer in winters with less precipitation). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: In the 1930s-1940s, flocks of thousands still occurred in Mugan, e.g. c. 5,000 near Padar (Verestchagin,

T

The Birds of Azerbaijan

Number of Greylag Geese nesting on Lake Aggel in 1961-1980 Year 1961 1962 1963 1964 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1978 1980

Number of pairs c. 500 200 76 340 450 350 250 180 170 120 180 100

Source Vinogradov, 1967 Vinogradov, 1967 Vinogradov, 1967 Vinogradov, 1967 Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984 Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984 Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984 Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984 Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984 Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984 Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984 Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984

Number of Greylag Geese wintering in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1961-1996 Winter 1961/62 1976-81 1981/82 1982/83 1983/84 1984/85 1990/91 1995/96

Number 1,500-2,000 1,000-3,000 29,700 17,000-38,000 c. 1,500 16,400-23,200 6,040 9,500

Source Dobrokhotov, 1963 Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984 Litvinov, 1986 Litvinov, 1986 Litvinov, 1986 Litvinov, 1986 Litvinov & Litvinova, 1991 Paynter et al., 1996a

Number of Greylag Geese wintering in Mil Steppe in early 1961-1996 Winter 1961/62 1962/63 1963/64 1964/65 Early 1970s 1990/91 1995/96

Lake Aggel Aggel Aggel Aggel Sarisu Aggel Sarisu

Number 2,840 1,650 579 726 <1,000 c. 800 700

1950). Population wintering in Kizil Agach Reserve went through significant fluctuations with highest numbers recorded during the 1980s (see Kizil Agach table). In 1986, c. 1,600 wintered at Lake Mahmud-chala, southern Mugan (Litvinov, 1986), and 200-800 at Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala in 1989-1991 (MP). In 1996, 50 recorded at Shorgel Lakes, but only 2 at Mahmud-chala (Paynter et al., 1996a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Flocks of <5,000 between Mingechaur and Samukh and south of Karasy Marsh and thousands in Hadjinour Steppe in the 1930s-1940s (Verestchagin, 1950). Declined fourfold at Lake Aggel from early 1960s to mid 1990s (see Aggel table). In the early 1970s, <1,000 wintered on Lake Sarisu (Tuaev, 1975) where only 700 recorded in February 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). Also 65 in the vicinity of Mingechaur in 1998 (Cranswick et al., 1998). GREATER CAUCASUS: Thousands in Sheki Upland in the 1930s1940s (Verestchagin, 1950), but only few hundred in the late 1980s (MP). BREEDING: Pairs on Lake Aggel from late February-early March. Nests in reed stands near water or in kobls. Nest is a pile of reed stems (c. 70 cm in diameter) with a nest-cup lined with

Source Vinogradov, 1967

Tuaev, 1975 MP Paynter et al., 1996a

down. Completed clutches (4-5 eggs) from early March. Later in the season, 3 hatchlings in one of the nests (Vinogradov, 1967). In Kizil Agach Bay, a fresh clutch on April 17th (Radde, 1884). Broods of 3-6 downy goslings recorded on Aggel 10 April-14 May, and broods with flying young (average 2 young/brood) on June 24th. Broods gather in flocks by late July (Vinogradov, 1967). DIET: Tubers of Aeluropetum sp. and Bolboschoenus maritimus, shoots and roots of reed, Juncus acutus, grasses, sedges and Scirpus holochoenus in Kizil Agach Reserve. In search of tubers often visits diggings of Wild Boars (Sus scrofa). From the late 1970s, barley sown for geese wintering in Kizil Agach Reserve (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Litvinov, 1986). In Mil steppe, wintering geese feed on leaves of Aegilops cylindrica, Poa bulbosa, Carex, Setaria viridis, Rumex, Medicago minima, Amaranthus retroflexus and Salsola as well as tubers of Bolboschoenus maritimus. Visits harvested cereal fields in summer (Tuaev, 1975). MORTALITY: Migrants sometimes fly into power lines, e.g. in Kizil Agach and Shirvan reserves (Sultanov et al., 1991).

67

T

68 The Birds of Azerbaijan Some perished in oil in Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946). Hunted for food (MP). REMARKS: In Kizil Agach Reserve, Greylag Geese forage at spits and shallows at night, but return to marshes and semidesert during the day in early winter. In January and February, they feed in the morning and evening, and spend the rest

of the day on Greater Kizil Agach Bay (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). In Mil Steppe, Greylag Geese leave lakes Aggel and Sarisu early in the morning and head for their feeding grounds (semi-desert and arable lands) where they spend all day. Small numbers return to the lakes at noon, but the majority remain in semi-desert until c. 2000 hrs. (Vinogradov, 1967).

32. Greater White-fronted Goose - Anser albifrons Scopoli, 1769 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

m Sa

Zakatali

IA

ur

Ri

ve

(Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967; Litvinov, 1986).

r

C

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Ahalun gaz, gashga gaz STATUS: Common migrant and wintering species. Subspecies A. a. albifrons Scopoli, 1769. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: Important wintering grounds lie in Kizil Agach Reserve, Mugan, Shirvan, Mil and Hadjinour steppes (Verestchagin, 1950; Litvinov, 1986; Vinogradov et al., 1990). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Formerly concentrated in southern Mugan: in Pushkin (Astrakhanbazar), Masalli and Saliani districts (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Verestchagin, 1950), but mostly moved from Mugan to Kizil Agach Reserve in the 1960s1970s attracted to barley fields sown for wintering geese. Remain in the reserve during the day, but some move to Mahmudchala and Novogolovka-chala (southern Mugan) at night. Small numbers still winter at the two latter wetlands (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Litvinov, 1986). Others winter at Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan) and in the north of Lenkoran Lowland (Tuaev, 1975, MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mil, Shirvan, Mugan, Hadjinour and Karayasi steppes including lakes Aggel, Sarisu, Mekhman (formerly), Hadjikabul and Djandargel, Shilian Marsh, Aldjiganchai Valley, and also in Aras Valley (Verestchagin, 1950; Dahl, 1954; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; Litvinov, 1986; Vinogradov et al., 1990; Cranswick et al., 1998; MP). GREATER CAUCASUS: Small numbers winter in Sheki Upland (Verestchagin, 1950, MP). HABITAT: WINTER: Semi-desert (Salsola, Artemisia, Caragana), barley and wheat fields, fallow, wetlands, shores, open water

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early March to April. COASTAL: Early to late March in Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Small flocks and singles geese observed along the Caspian shore as late as April (Verestchagin, 1950). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: mid March in Mil Steppe. Latest record at Lake Aggel on March 27th (Vinogradov, 1967). Fall passage: COASTAL: Arrives at Divichi Liman and Kizil Agach Reserve in mid October (earliest record in the reserve on October 13th) and passes in numbers in early November. On the way south, White-fronted Geese migrate over the base of Absheron Peninsula and through Gobustan Upland. In Kizil Agach Reserve, large numbers pass between Lesser Kizil Agach Bay and Kura Spit (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND AND GREATER CAUCASUS: Some cross to Azerbaijan over Greater Caucasus Mountains and heads to lakes Aggel and Sarisu, Shilian and Karasy marshes, Mingechaur Reservoir and adjacent semi-desert (Verestchagin, 1950). POPULATION SIZE: Passage: FALL: c. 100,000 Greylag and Greater White-fronted Geese passed through Kizil Agach Reserve 7-9 November 1958 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Up to 400,000 Greater White-fronted Geese migrated through Azerbaijan in some years (Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986). Winter: Probably from 3,000-5,000 to 20,000-30,000 (MP). Greater numbers recorded in wetter winters. In years with less precipitation, these geese may move to Iran. Often mixes with Lesser White-fronted Geese making counts extremely difficult (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: In the early 1940s, 15,000-20,000 observed feeding between Novogolovka and Masalli, southern Mugan (Verestchagin, 1950). In November 1989, c. 400 observed at Mahmud-chala, southern Mugan (MP), and 1,000-3,000 wintered in southeastern Shirvan in 1990-1991 (MP). Numbers fluctuate widely in Kizil Agach Reserve (see table) where this species often mixes with Lesser White-fronted Geese making specific counts less accurate. According to some authors (Vorobieva, 1982, Tkachenko, 1997) this species was outnumbered by Lesser White-fronted Geese from the early 1970s, but Litvinov (1986) insisted that Greater White-footed Goose was more common in Kizil Agach Reserve than the latter species in the 1980s. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Several hundred in Hadjinour Steppe in the early 1940s (Verestchagin, 1950). 2,000-11,400 of both Greater and Lesser White-fronted Geese wintered at Aggel in 1961-

T

The Birds of Azerbaijan

Number of Greater and Lesser White-fronted Geese wintering in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1935-1996 Winter

Number Combined number of Number of White-fronted and Lesser White-fronted Geese White-fronted Geese 1,000s 7,600 900-5,800 6,000-12,000 8,000-15,000 Up to 25,000 3,000-6,000 6,000-6,300 >1,000 1,520 1,850 >750

1935 1967/68 1971-76 1979-82 1982/83 1983/84 1983-1986 1987-1988 1989/90 1990/91 1995/96

64 (Vinogradov, 1967), only 300 (both species) in 1972/73 (Zinoviev & Orlov, 1977) and 700 Greater White-fronted Geese in January 1991 (MP). 40 at Lake Sarisu in February 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a) and 441 between Lake Djandargel and Mingechaur in 1998 (Cranswick et al., 1998). DIET: Sprouts of wild and domesticated cereals including Bromus japonicus, B. patulus and barley (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1937; Verestchagin, 1950).

Source

Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938 Tkachenko, 1997 Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984 Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984 Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984 Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984 Litvinov, 1986 Tkachenko, 1997 MP Litvinov & Litvinova, 1991 Paynter et al., 1996b

REMARKS: In Kizil Agach Reserve, wintering Greater Whitefronted Geese occur in semi-desert and marshes throughout the day and spend nights on Greater Kizil Agach Bay or marshes of southern Mugan. Rests only in open areas providing good visibility (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938). In Mil Steppe, these geese forage in semi-desert from dawn to 1000-1100 hrs before returning to lakes to rest and drink, and then again from 14001500 hrs to dusk. On cloudy days, Greater White-fronted Geese may feed in semi-desert throughout the day (Vinogradov, 1967).

33. Lesser White-fronted Goose - Anser erythropus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

m Sa

Zakatali

IA

ur

Ri

ve

jikabul) and Hadjinour Steppe (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967; MP).

r

C

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Ahgash gaz STATUS: Common migrant and wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve (Akusha Marsh, Karakush, Babia Spit), southern Mugan (Mahmud-chala, Novogolovka-chala, vicinity of Khilli and Kasumkent); small numbers occur in southeastern Shirvan, e.g. near Shorgel Lakes (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov et al., 1990; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mil Steppe (including lakes Aggel, Sarisu, and, formerly, Mekhman), Shirvan Steppe (e.g. Lake Had-

HABITAT: WINTER: Semi-desert, barley and wheat fields, fallow, wetlands, shores, open water. Prefers large open spaces with shallow water nearby (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967; Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984; Tkachenko, 1997). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Passes through Divichi Liman and Samur Delta in late February-early March (Karabanova, 1981; Butiev et al., 1989). Conspicuous passage in Kizil Agach Reserve mostly in March, although occurs until early April in some years (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Migrates through Mil Steppe in March. Latest record at Lake Aggel on March 27th (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). Fall passage: Arrives at Azerbaijan from early October with conspicuous passage late October-early November. Often migrates in mixed flocks with Greater White-fronted or Greylag Geese, although monospecific flocks were also reported. Sometimes flies at considerable heights and could be easily overlooked (Verestchagin, 1950; Butiev et al., 1989). Passes non-stop through Samur-Divichi Lowland, crosses the base of Absheron Peninsula and arrive at Kizil Agach Reserve and Mil Steppe (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965). POPULATION SIZE: Passage: SPRING: In Samur Delta, usually migrate in mixed flocks with White-fronted Goose. Only two monospecific flocks of 7 and 80 were recorded (Butiev et

69

T

70 The Birds of Azerbaijan Number of Lesser and Greater White-fronted Geese wintering in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1952-1996 Winter

Number Combined number of Number of Lesser Lesser White-fronted and White-fronted Geese White-fronted Geese 1952/53 >13,000 1953/54 c. 1,000 1959/60 7,000* 1966/67 1,296 1967/68 21,800** 1971-76 900-5,400 1977/78 c. 25,000 1979-82 6,000-12,000 1979/1980 c. 30,000 1981/82 9,600 1982/83 8,000-25,000 1983/84 3,800 c. 500 1984/85 3,000 few 1985/86 1,000 >100 1986/87 6,300 1987/88 6,100 >50 1988/89 2,010 1990/91 1,520 1995/96 1,800 1,058 *- includes Greylag and Red-breasted Geese, ** - countrywide

al., 1989). Up to 250 on Lake Sarisu in mid March (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). FALL: Flocks of 20-50 observed in Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1989). Winter: 1,500 to 7,000 in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). Numbers greater in years with less precipitation, when it outnumbers the previous species. Often mixes with Greater White-fronted Geese making counts difficult (Verestchagin, 1950; Vorobieva, 1982, Tkachenko, 1997). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Dramatic decline in Kizil Agach Reserve from 20,000-30,000 in the late 1960s-1970s to a few thousands in the 1990s (see table). 27 observed in Shirvan Reserve in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996b).

Source

Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a Tkachenko, 1997 Mikheev & Orlov, 1972 Tkachenko, 1997 Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984 Morozov & Poyarkov, 1997 Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984 Morozov & Poyarkov, 1997 Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984; Litvinov, 1986; Morozov & Poyarkov, 1997; Tkachenko, 1997

Tkachenko, 1997

Litvinov & Litvinova, 1991 Paynter et al., 1996b

KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 2,000-11,400 Greater and Lesser Whitefronted Geese (mostly the former) at Lake Aggel in 1961-1963 (Vinogradov, 1967); 40 Lesser White-fronted Geese at Aggel in January-February 1978, >200 in 1985, and 20 in 1986 (Morozov & Poyarkov, 1997). Flocks of up to 80 observed at Lake Sarisu (Tuaev, 1975) where 40 unidentified white-fronted geese were seen in February 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996b). REMARKS: Rise of the Caspian Sea halved goose habitat in Kizil Agach Reserve. Many remaining areas are overgrowing with reeds and other aquatic plants further reducing wintering habitat of this species (Tkachenko, 1997).

34. Bean Goose - Anser fabalis Latham, 1787 STATUS: Accidental visitor. Possibly wintering species in the past. Subspecies A. f. fabalis Latham, 1787. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: Mugan Steppe and Kura Valley between Gandja and Mingechaur in the second half of 19th-early

20th century (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b). No recent sightings, but several allegedly shot in the 1980s (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.). Recently recorded in Stavropol Region (the North Caucasian Plain) during migration and in Turkmenistan in winter (Khokhlov, 1989; Perennou & Mundkhur, 1991).

35. Snow Goose - Chen caerulescens Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Accidental visitor in the past (prior to the 1930s). Subspecies C. c. hyperboreus Pallas, 1769. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: Irregular in Mugan, Kizil Agach Bay and Mingechaur District in the late 19th-early 20th centuries. 9 observed on Burunki Island (Kizil Agach Bay) 11-17

March 1880 (Radde, 1884), 1 in Mugan in February 1895, and 9 in Mingechaur District on 29 January 1895 (Satunin, 1907). No specimens were collected. Not recorded in Azerbaijan since the 1930s (Verestchagin, 1950).

T

The Birds of Azerbaijan

REMARKS: In 1979-1983, several Snow Geese were observed in Stavropol Region (the North Caucasian Plain, Russia) north of Azerbaijan. Those were probably escapees from the Aska-

nia-Nova (Ukraine) where various species of geese are kept in captivity (Khokhlov, 1989).

36. Common Shelduck - Tadorna tadorna Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

m Sa

Zakatali

IA

ur

Ri

ve

r

C

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Ala ordak, It gaz STATUS: Uncommon nesting species, common migrant and wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mil Steppe (e.g. vicinity of Aggel and Sarisu), Lake Hadjikabul, Karayasi and Mugan steppes and possibly elsewhere in Kura Valley (Vinogradov, 1967; Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southeastern Shirvan and southern Mugan (MP). Nests in Kizil Agach Reserve in some years (Vinogradov et al., 1990). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Baku Archipelago: islands Glinanyi and Los’, and Pirsagat Islands (Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). Nested in small harbours and coves around Absheron peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958), but remained only in few locations along the northern shore by the late 1980s (MP). Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mil Steppe (Aggel and Sarisu), Lake Hadjikabul, Kura Valley west to Karayasi and Aras Valley (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve (e.g. Akusha Marsh, Ivanovskaya Banka), southern Mugan (Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala) and southeastern Shirvan (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a, Paynter et al., 1996a; MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: North shore of Absheron Peninsula (MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Vicinity of lakes, marshes, irrigation channels and the Caspian shore. Usually does not occur in steppe and semi-desert. WINTER: Shallow waters of lakes and marshes (Tuaev, 1975; MP). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: From late February to April. Small numbers recorded at Divichi Liman (Tuaev, 1965; Kara-

banova, 1981). Breeding population arrives in Azerbaijan in March (Verestchagin, 1950). Fall passage: August to December. COASTAL: Recorded in Divichi Liman and Samur Delta from August, and conspicuous passage occurs from September to November, e.g. mostly in late October at Divichi Liman. Mostly migrates over the sea skirting Absheron Peninsula on the way to Kura Delta and Kizil Agach Reserve (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Breeding population leaves Mil Steppe in August-September and migrants from the north arrive at Aggel in November-December (Vinogradov, 1967). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: 200-300 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 15-20 pairs at Lake Aggel in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967), 15 broods at Aggel and 5 broods at Sarisu in 1971-1978 (Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: c. 20 broods in Shirvan Reserve (southeastern Shirvan) in the 1970s (Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984) and >30 pairs in 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: 12 pairs in Baku Archipelago in 1989: 10 pairs on Baburyi Island, 1 pair on Pelikanyi and 1 pair on Los’. Also several pairs on the mainland near Cape Pirsagat (Patrikeev, 1991a). Passage: FALL: Flocks of 20-100 observed September to November (Verestchagin, 1950). 6,000-7,000 migrated through Aggel in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967). Winter: 2,000-2,500 in the early 1990s (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 1,120-1,880 at Aggel in the early 1960s (only 120 in cold winter 1963/64), and c. 500 in January 1991. <150 wintered at Sarisu in the late 1980s (Vinogradov, 1967; MP). 205 at Lake Hadjikabul in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Flocks of 3-15 in Kizil Agach Reserve in the 1950s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), c. 200 in January 1991 (Litvinov & Litvinova, 1991) and 360 in 1996. Also in 1996, 400 at Mahmud-chala and 748 in Shirvan Reserve (Paynter et al., 1996a). BREEDING: Nests in abandoned fox and rabbit burrows or niches between rocks (Vinogradov, 1967; Patrikeev, 1991a). In Mil Steppe, pairs from early March (Vinogradov, 1967), but in flocks in southeastern Shirvan until late April (Patrikeev, 1991a). In Kizil Agach Reserve, clutches found in May (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). At Aggel, downy young from May 24th (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984). A brood of 9 ducklings observed on Baburyi Island (Baku Archipelago) on 4 June 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a) and in Kizil Agach Reserve brood on June 16th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). 6-11 young/brood (average 8-9). On the wing by early July (Vinogradov, 1967).

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72 The Birds of Azerbaijan DIET: Examined stomachs contained fragments of saltwort and cereal stems. Water bugs (family Notonectidae) found in duckling stomachs (Tuaev, 1975).

REMARKS: A Common Shelduck ringed in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1930 was shot there on 12 February 1935 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

37. Ruddy Shelduck - Tadorna ferruginea Pallas, 1764 G Tbilisi

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DAGESTAN

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(Russian Federation)

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Zakatali

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Ri

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TER AND PASSAGE:

Semi-desert. steppe, islands, flooded plains and saltpans (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1975; Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984; Patrikeev, 1991a).

r

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N

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Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

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Stepanakert

Ara

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Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Angut, Girmizi ordak STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant, uncommon wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mil Steppe (e.g. at Aggel and Sarisu), north shore of Mingechaur Reservoir, Korchai Game Preserve, tugai forests in Zardob and Sabirabad districts, low mountains at Lake Hadjikabul, Mugan Steppe, Karayasi Steppe (Lake Djandargel) and Aras Valley in Djabrail District (Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan (e.g. vicinity of Mahmudchala and Novogolovka-chala), southeastern Shirvan (near Cape Pirsagat and Shorgel Lakes), Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Tuaev, 1975; Patrikeev, 1991a, c). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Baku Archipelago (e.g. Pirsagat Islands and Glinanyi Island) and Absheron Archipelago including Zhiloyi (Chilov) Island (MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Vicinity of Divichi Liman (Tuaev, 1965). GOBUSTAN: Gobustan Upland, e.g. at Kargabazar and Saridash (Satunin, 1907; Burchak-Abramovich, 1962; MP). NAKHICHEVAN: Aras Valley in Nakhichevan Region (Satunin, 1907; Laister & Sosnin, 1942; MP). Winter: Mostly winters south of Azerbaijan (Verestchagin, 1950). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mil Steppe (Aggel and Sarisu), Mingechaur Reservoir, Mugan Steppe, Aras valley (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan, southeastern Shirvan and occasionally Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Tuaev, 1975; MP). HABITAT: NESTING: clayey and rocky semi-desert, upland steppe, islands of the Caspian Sea and rarely tugai forests. WIN-

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late February to late April (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1975; Karabanova, 1981). COASTAL: Migrants observed at Divichi Liman, Shorgel Lakes and Lenkoran Lowland (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965; Patrikeev, 1991a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Arrived to Iori Valley on March 5th (Satunin, 1907). Passage recorded in Mugan, Aggel and Hadjinour and Aras Valley (Verestchagin, 1950; Dahl, 1954; Vinogradov, 1967). Fall passage: August through October. COASTAL: Recorded at Divichi Liman, Absheron Peninsula and Kizil-Agach Reserve (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Tuaev, 1965; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Conspicuous passage at Aggel in AugustSeptember (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably >1,000 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Declined at Aggel (from 114 pairs in 1971 to 10 pairs in 1977) and in tugai forests of mid Kura: 50 broods/ 10 km2 in 1971, but only 7/10 km2 in 1976 and none in 19781979 (Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984). 12 at Lake Sarisu in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). BOSDAG: 10-15 pairs at Mingechaur Bosdag Mountains in 1989 (MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: 105-107 pairs in Baku Archipelago in the late 1980s-early 1990s, e.g. c. 50 pairs on Glinanyi Island, 27-28 pairs on Pirsagat Islands (Baburyi, Pelikanyi and Tashkent), 1 pair on Los’ Island and 9-10 pairs at Cape Pirsagat. >10 pairs in Absheron Archipelago (Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). GOBUSTAN: >5 pairs in the vicinity of Mount Kargabazar (northern Gobustan) in 1989-1990 (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: 15 pairs near Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala (southern Mugan) and 7-8 pairs in Shirvan Reserve in 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a, c). Passage: FALL: 300-500 at Lake Aggel in August-September (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). Winter: Probably <1,000. Small numbers on Aggel and Sarisu in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967), but >300 in Aggel in January 1991 (MP). 30 in Kizil Agach Reserve, 70 in Shirvan Reserve and 15-55 at Lake Sarisu in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). 327 reported countrywide in 1998 (Gilissen et al., 2000). BREEDING: Nests in abandoned burrows of foxes, badgers (Mil, Mugan and Shirvan steppes) and feral rabbits (islands Glinanyi and Los’), rock crevices and rock piles (Mingechaur Reservoir and Pirsagat Islands), hollow trees in tugai (Kura Valley) and in cliffs (Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev & Kur-

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

banov, 1984; Patrikeev, 1991a). Compete with Common Shelduck for nesting sites (Tuaev, 1975; Patrikeev, 1991a). On Pirsagat Islands, courtship and egg laying in late April, but no territorial behaviour in Shirvan Reserve by mid May (Patrikeev, 1991a). At Aggel, broods from May 4th (Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984) and on Pirsagat Islands from May 21st (Patrikeev, 1991a). 6-11 young/ brood, usually 8-9 (Tuaev, 1975). Only c. 50% of the young survive to late June. Red Fox and Marsh Harrier main predators of the young at Aggel (Vinogradov, 1967) and Yellow-legged Gulls in Pirsagat Islands (MP).

DIET: Seed of Bolboschoenus maritimus, Polygonum aviuculare, Lepidium, Plantago, Medicago, Cuscuta and Compositae; also insects. Ants (Formicidae) and Dermaptera were found in duckling stomachs (Tuaev, 1975). REMARKS: Often kept as pets in villages of Azerbaijan: hatched from eggs collected in the wild or caught as ducklings (Satunin, 1907; MP). Decline at Aggel sometimes attributed to draining of brood staging areas in western part of the lake (Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984).

38. Mallard - Anas platyrhynchos Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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DAGESTAN R

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(Russian Federation)

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Zakatali

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Gandja Shemakha Baku

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ver

era and Ohchu-chai in Zangelan District (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989; MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman (warmer winters). During storms, Mallards may move to fields and foothills west of Divichi (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965; Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Shores of Absheron Peninsula including Artem Bay, Shah Spit and vicinity of Baku; Pirsagat Islands (Bannikova et al., 1984; MP). NAKHICHEVAN: Aras Valley and the mouth of Arpa-chai in early winter (Verestchagin, 1950).

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Kogal, gaz-ordak STATUS: Common nesting species, very common migrant and wintering species. Subspecies A. p. platyrhynchos Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: In suitable habitat throughout the lowland, e.g. at lakes Aggel and Sarisu, Karasy Marsh, Turianchai Valley and Karayasi Forest (Tuaev, 1975; Vinogradov, 1967; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve (e.g. Lesser Kizil Agach Bay and adjacent marshes), Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan) and Lenkoran Lowland (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Tuaev, 1975; Patrikeev, 1991a). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Pirsagat Islands of Baku Archipelago (MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman (Tuaev, 1965, 1975). NAKHICHEVAN: May nest in Nakhichevan Region (Verestchagin, 1950; MP). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve, southern Mugan (Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala), Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan) and Lenkoran Lowland (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967; Vinogradov et al., 1991; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes of Mil Steppe (Aggel, Bos-Koba and Sarisu), Shirvan Steppe (Karasy Marsh, Shilian Marsh and smaller wetlands and Lake Hadjikabul), Mugan, Karayasi Forest, Lake Djandargel, streams and channels throughout Kura Valley; also Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland, Aras Valley west to Ak-

HABITAT: NESTING: Islands, spits, reed kobls at lakes and marshes, wet meadows, rocky islands in the Caspian Sea (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; Patrikeev, 1991a). WINTER: Marshes, flooded arable lands, rice fields (in the past), open water, channels, streams, rivers (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Verestchagin, 1950; MP). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early February to mid April. COASTAL: From early February in Kura Delta (Verestchagin, 1950), from late February-early March in Absheron Peninsula and Divichi Liman (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Karabanova, 1981). In Kizil Agach Reserve, passage peaks in mid March (usually 15-17 March). Mallards wintering south of Lenkoran Lowland usually pass through Kizil Agach Reserve non-stop (Verestchagin, 1950). Latest migrants recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve and Divichi Liman in mid April (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Tuaev, 1965). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND AND GREATER CAUCASUS: Conspicuous passage recorded at Lake Aggel and Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967). Crosses over Greater Caucasus Mountains in March-April, e.g. observed over Mount Alibek (Zakatali District) April 24th (Gambarov, 1954). Fall passage: Mid August to mid December. COASTAL: Arrives at Samur Delta and at Divichi Liman in mid August (Verestchagin, 1950) and to Absheron Peninsula, Kizil Agach Reserve and Mugan Steppe in early September (Verestchagin, 1950). Conspicuous passage in Kizil Agach Reserve in early to mid September and then from early November to early December. The majority heads non-stop for Kizil Agach Reserve and Iran, but some rest at Divichi Liman, Shah Spit, Artem Bay, lakes Mirzaladi and Mosazirgel (Absheron Peninsula), Shorgel

73

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74 The Birds of Azerbaijan Mallards wintering in Kizil Agach Reserve and Lake Aggel in 1953-1996 Winter 1953-55 Early 1960s 1981/82 1982/83 1991 1996

Kizil Agach Reserve 30,000

Lake Aggel 5,420-15,000

80,000 28,350-57,400 36,730 12,147

2,000

Lakes and Kura Delta (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Tuaev, 1975; MP). Passage is over by mid December (Verestchagin, 1950). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Reaches lakes of Mil Steppe in mid August-late September, but conspicuous passage occurs from November to mid December (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967). Winter Movements: Many Mallards wintering in Kizil Agach Reserve feed at Novogolovka-chala and Mahmud-chala (southern Mugan) and Lenkoran Lowland at night returning to the reserve c. ½ hour before dawn. May remain on feeding areas throughout the day if not disturbed (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Verestchagin, 1950). In some years, Mallards wintering at lakes of Mil and Mugan steppes almost completely consume available food by mid December-January and move to Kizil Agach Reserve and flooded cotton fields (Vinogradov, 1967). In cold winters, when lakes, marshes and other wetlands freeze over, Mallards move to channels, streams and rivers with strong current or flee south, e.g. c. 80% of wintering Mallards left Kizil Agach Reserve in January 1959 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: 5,000-10,000 pairs. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Average of 2 nests/ha in Lake Aggel in 1963 (Vinogradov, 1967). During 1971-1976, increased from 540 to 965 pairs (9.8 pairs/km2) at Aggel, but decreased from 130 to 35 pairs (2.7 pair/km2) at Sarisu (Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984). COASTAL: Decreased from 92 to 30 pairs (3.3 pairs/km2) at Divichi Liman in the early 1970s. >20 pairs nested in Kizil Agach Reserve (Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984). 5-10 pairs at Shorgel Lakes and Pirsagat Islands in 1989-1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Passage: SPRING: 3,000-4,000 passed through Lake Aggel in the early, 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967). FALL: 1,188 recorded at Lake Aggel in August 1963 and 6,492 in December 1962 (Vinogradov, 1967). In the 1940s flocks of 2060 off Absheron Peninsula in early September, and in the 1950s flocks of several hundred at Divichi Liman in November-early December (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965). Winter: 55,000-100,000 in early winter in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve: c. 30,000 in 19531955 (Tuaev, 1957a), c. 80,000 in mid January 1982, 57,400 in December 1982, 28,350 in January 1983 (Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984), 36,730 in January 1991 (Litvinov & Litvinova, 1991) and 12,147 in January-February 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). Only 347 at Lake Mahmud-chala and 95 at Shorgel Lakes in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). In Kizil Agach Reserve, male/female ra-

tio is close to 1:1 in early winter, but females predominate in late winter. Immature make up to 38% (Tuaev, 1957d). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: In the early 1960s, 15,000-18,000 at Lake Aggel in December, but 5,000-6,000 in January-February (Vinogradov, 1967). 2,000 at Aggel in mid January 1991 (MP), 600950 at Lake Sarisu in February 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a) and 430 at Lake Hadjikabul in November 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: 300-500 along shores of Absheron Peninsula, e.g. Shah Spit in 1982-1990 (Bannikova et al., 1984; MP). BREEDING: Nests built of reed stems and lined with down. Nest measurements: average diameter 30 cm, height 18-25cm. Clutches contain 10-11 eggs, replacement clutches 6-8 eggs. Egg measurements (n=8): 54.3-57.0 x 39.0-40.0 mm (av. 55.68 x 39.4 mm), weight 44.4-47.8 g (av. 46.4 g) (Vinogradov, 1967). At Lake Aggel, first clutches from early April, although majority lay in early May and some fresh clutches (probably replacements) found in late May-early June (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984). At Shorgel Lakes, pairs in mid April and clutches from late April-early May (MP). In Kizil-Agach Reserve, a brood of 8 recorded on May 8th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), and downy young at Aggel in late May-June (Vinogradov, 1967). Large flying young in Karayasi Forest on July 6th (MP). DIET: WINTER: Stomachs from Kizil Agach Reserve mostly contained seeds, fruits and stems of Bolboschoenus maritimus (found in 47.5% of all stomachs), Carex (in 32.5%), Compositae (in 31.1%), Myosotis (in 26%), Salsola soda and Salsola sp. (in 14.5%), Rumex (in 11.5%); also Echinochloa crus-galli, Chenopodium, Medicago, Solanum nigrum, Amaranthus retroflexus and some invertebrates (Tuaev, 1957d). Rice was important staple in southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland in the past (Tuaev, 1957a). In Mil Steppe, feeds on aquatic plants (e.g. Myriophyllum and Potamogeton), small invertebrates, and later in the season, on seed of saltworts, reeds and grasses and occasionally on fish fry (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). Stomachs of migrants collected in MARCH contained seeds of Convolvulus arvensis, Amaranthus retroflexus, Cuscuta, Myriophyllum and domesticated cereals, and also plant stems (Tuaev, 1975). MORTALITY: Hunted heavily for food (both legally and illegally). >10,000/year harvested in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). Occasionally perishes in oil in Absheron Peninsula, e.g. 182 found dead at one site (Verestchagin, 1946). Natural predators include Jungle Cat (Felis chaus), Marsh Harrier (takes ducklings), Peregrine Falcon and other terrestrial and avian predators (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

39. Common Teal - Anas crecca Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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DAGESTAN R

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(Russian Federation)

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Zakatali

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Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

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Stepanakert

Ara

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r Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

KURA-ARAS LOWLAND AND GREATER CAUCASUS: Some move from wetlands of Mil Steppe to Kizil Agach Reserve in late Februaryearly March. Conspicuous passage in Mil Steppe in March-early April (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967). Reported from Mingechaur Reservoir in April (Tuaev, 1975). Some cross over Greater Caucasus Mountains near Zakatali (Verestchagin, 1950). Fall passage: August to mid December. COASTAL: Arrives at Divichi Liman and Absheron Peninsula in August, and to Kizil Agach Reserve in early September with conspicuous passage 6-19 November. Migration is over by mid December (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: From August at Aggel and Sarisu, conspicuous passage in mid November; passage lasts until mid December (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967).

IRAN

Azeri name: Gerap, sirgi ordak, fitchi tzura STATUS: Very common migrant and wintering species, irregular nesting species. Subspecies A. c. crecca Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: S OUTHEAST LOWLANDS : Kizil Agach Reserve (Mustafaev & Gazanchian, 1967). Possibly nested in Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland in the past (Satunin, 1907, 1912b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Kura Valley including Lake Aggel (Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov, 1967). NAKHICHEVAN REGION: A pair in a small marsh near Bichenek at 1,600 m (Radde, 1884). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Mostly in Kizil Agach Reserve and adjacent part of southern Mugan (Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala). Also in southeastern Shirvan (Shorgel Lakes), Lenkoran Lowland and Kura Delta (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1975; Vinogradov et al., 1991). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: wetlands of Mil Steppe (e.g. Aggel and Sarisu), Shirvan Steppe (Karasy and Shilian marshes, Lake Hadjikabul and smaller wetlands), Barda and Mingechaur Districts, Karayasi Steppe, Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland and Aras Valley (Verestchagin, 1950; Zlotin, 1963; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989; Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta and Divichi Liman in early winter (Verestchagin, 1950). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Shah Spit (Bannikova et al., 1984; MP). NAKHICHEVAN REGION: Aras Valley (Verestchagin, 1950). HABITAT: WINTER: Shallow waters, mudflats, saltpans, spits, small bays, ponds, flooded shrub thickets and meadows (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1957c; Vinogradov, 1967). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late February through April. COASTAL: In Kizil Agach Reserve, migration from late February with peak in early March and some migrants recorded until March 15th; latest records in mid April (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

POPULATION SIZE: Passage: SPRING: 2,000-5,000 at lakes Aggel and Sarisu in mid March and several hundred in April in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967). FALL: 2,000-4,000 daily at Aggel and Sarisu in mid November during the 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967). Winter: >100,000 in wet winters during the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). 65,606 in 1996 (Delany et al., 1999). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve: 59,000 in 19531955 (Tuaev, 1957a), tens of thousands in the late 1950s (Dobrokhotov, 1963), 36,400 in mid January 1982, 115,000 in December 1982, 57,000 in January 1983 (Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984), 66,200 in January 1991 (Litvinov & Litvinova, 1991), and c. 68,300 in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). Male to female ratio in the reserve 1:2 in early winter; 37% were immature (Tuaev, 1957c). In 1996, 1,780 at Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan) and 550 at Mahmud-chala, southern Mugan (Paynter et al., 1996a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Only 0.3/km in marshes of Shirvan Steppe in January 1961 (Zlotin, 1963). At Lake Aggel, 5,50060,000 in December during 1961-1964 and 11,425 in January 1961 (Vinogradov, 1967). In January 1991, >11,000 at Aggel and 4,000-6,000 at Sarisu (MP). In February 1996, Paynter et al. (1996a) counted 2,500 and estimated 27,700 at Sarisu. 100 at Lake Hadjikabul in November 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). BREEDING: A female with 5 ducklings seen in Kalinovsky Liman (Kizil Agach Reserve) in mid July 1964 (Mustafaev & Gazanchian, 1967). DIET: Kizil Agach Reserve (111 stomachs): seed, fruit and also stems and leaves of Bolboschoenus maritimus (found in 51.3% of stomachs), Carex (in 14.7%), Schoenonlectus lacustris (in 12.2%), Scirpus (in 10.9%), Plantago indica (in 8.1%), Schoenoplectus (=Scirpus) tabernaemontani (in 6.3%), Lepidium draba (in 6.3%), Setaria viridis (in 5.6%), Medicago (in 4.6%), Amaranthus albus (in 4.6%), Schoenoplectus triqueter (in 3.6%), Chenopodium (in 3.6%), Polygonum aviculare (in 3.6%), Plantago (in 3.6%); also Juncus acutus, Echinochloa crus-galli, Amaranthus retroflexus, Solanum nigrum; rice Oriza sativa in the past (Tuaev, 1957c). In Mil Steppe, oesophagi of several individuals were full of mosquito larvae. Examined stomachs contained seed

75

T

76 The Birds of Azerbaijan Common Teal wintering in Kizil Agach Reserve, Aggel and Sarisu during 1953-1996 Winter 1953-1955 late 1950s early 1960s 1981/82 1982/83 1990/91 1995/96

Kizil Agach Reserve 59,000 tens of thousands

Aggel and Sarisu

5,500-60,000 36,400 57,000-115,000 15,000-17,000 2,500-27,700

68,300

of Medicago minima, Carex, Rubus, Aegilops cylindrica, Chenopodius, Medicago sativa, Lepidium, fruits of Rhaphanus rhaphanistrum, leaves of Poa bulbosa, and occasional ants (Tuaev, 1975).

MORTALITY: Heavily hunted for food. Up to 200-300 may perish annually in oil reservoirs and oiled lakes in Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946; MP).

40. Gadwall - Anas strepera Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

m Sa

Zakatali

IA

ur

Ri

ve

r

C

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: lakes of Mil Steppe (Sarisu, Aggel and formerly Mekhman), Kura Valley up to Karayasi Forest, and formerly at Karasy Marsh (Vinogradov, 1967; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989). HABITAT: NESTING: small rocky and mud islands, often close to colonies of gulls or terns (e.g. Sandwich Terns on Baburyi and Yellow-legged Gulls on Pelikanyi islands). WINTER: Shallows of lakes and marshes, flooded semi-desert depressions, open water (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1957d).

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Boz ordak STATUS: Uncommon nesting species, common migrant and wintering species (declining). Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve and probably at Shorgel Lakes, southeastern Shirvan (Vinogradov et al., 1990; Patrikeev, 1991a). Common on lakes of southern and eastern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland prior to the 1940s (Verestchagin, 1950). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Baku Archipelago (Pirsagat Islands including Baburyi and Pelikanyi) and probably small rocky islands around Absheron Peninsula (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes Aggel and Sarisu, Mil Steppe (Vinogradov, 1967). OTHER: Mountains of Armenia (Lesser Caucasus) close to border with Azerbaijan (Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Dahl, 1954). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: western Kizil Agach Reserve and adjacent lakes of southern Mugan (Novogolovka-chala and Mahmud-chala), Shorgel Lakes in southeastern Shirvan (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Coastal lakes and wetlands of Lenkoran Lowland, e.g. Lake Mortzo in the past (Radde, 1884; Verestchagin, 1950).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early February to late March. COASTAL: From early February with peak between mid February and mid March, e.g. at islands of the Caspian Sea and Divichi Liman (Verestchagin, 1950; Karabanova, 1981). K URA -A RAS L OWLAND : Passage observed at Varvara and Mingechaur Reservoirs and Shilian Marsh, Shirvan Steppe (Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984). Fall passage: Late August through early December. COASTAL: Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve and Absheron Peninsula from mid September. Conspicuous passage at Divichi Liman in early to mid November, and in Kizil Agach Reserve from mid November to early December. Spell of cold weather in December and January may push Gadwall into Iran, but some may return to Azerbaijan when temperatures revert to normal (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: At Lake Aggel from late August. Large numbers arrive at Sarisu (and formerly Mekhman) from early November, while only small numbers recorded at Aggel. Many move from Sarisu and other wetlands of Mil Steppe to southern Mugan and Kizil Agach Reserve in early December (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: 200-300 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). Declined at Lake Aggel from 1.2 pairs/ km2 in 1971 to 0.2 pairs/km2 in 1976 (Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984). c. 30 pairs nested at the lake in 1991 (MP), and 5-8 pairs in Pirsagat Islands in 1991 (Patrikeev, 1991a).

T

The Birds of Azerbaijan

Passage: FALL: Flocks of 12-180 observed in the 1940s (Verestchagin, 1950). Winter: Probably from 5,000-6,000 in normal winters to 10,000 in wetter winters (MP). 2,223 recorded countrywide in 1996 (Delany et al., 1999), 3,160 in 1997 and only 238 in 1998 (Gilissen et al., 2000). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: In the late 19th century, Mallards wintering in Lenkoran Lowland outnumbered Gadwall 50 to 1 (Radde, 1884). In Kizil Agach Reserve: 14,000-15,000 in 1953-1955 (Tuaev, 1957a), number remained stable through the 1960s and 1970s, but declined in early 1980s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984), 3,460 in January 1991 (Litvinov & Litvinova, 1991) and only 1,334 in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). In the reserve, male to female ratio was 1.2:1; immatures accounted for 45% (Tuaev, 1957d). In February 1996, 844 at Mahmud-chala and 27 at Shorgel Lakes (Paynter et al., 1996a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 1,000-4,500 at Lake Aggel in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967), but only 300-400 in January 1991. At

Lake Sarisu: c. 1,000 in the late 1980s (MP) and c. 1,100 in February 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). BREEDING: At Lake Aggel, eggs laid from April 4th. Up to 6 eggs in completed clutches (n=3). Two nests were on tiny islets and another on a hummock amongst reeds (Vinogradov, 1967). DIET: Stomachs from southern Mugan and Kizil Agach Reserve contained seed and fruit of Bolboschoenus maritimus (found in 53.5% of examined stomachs), Carex(in 30.2%), Scirpus (in 14%), Polygonum aviculare (in 9.3%), Schoenoplectus lacustris (in 9.3%), Schoenoplectus triqueter (in 7.0%), Echinochloa crus-galli (in 7.0%) and Salsola soda (in 7.0%); also invertebrates and sand (Tuaev, 1957d). In Mil Steppe, mostly feeds on shoots of Myriophyllum (Verestchagin, 1950). MORTALITY: Praised for its tasty meat, but surprisingly few are taken (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.). Occasionally perishes in oil in Absheron peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946).

41. Eurasian Wigeon - Anas penelope Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

m Sa

Zakatali

IA

ur

Ri

ve

SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Occurred in the past (Satunin, 1907; Verestchagin, 1950). No recent records.

r

C

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

HABITAT: WINTER: Marshes, lakes, flooded depressions, semidesert; formerly in rice fields (Verestchagin, 1950).

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Marek STATUS: Very common migrant and wintering species, irregular summer visitor. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: 2 males and 4 females (perhaps early migrants) observed in the vicinity of Lenkoran on July 5th (Verestchagin, 1950). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Mostly Kizil Agach Reserve, Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala (southern Mugan) and Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan). Some move from Kizil Agach Reserve to Iran in cold winters (Satunin, 1912b; Verestchagin, 1950; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Sarisu (until mid winter), Aggel (irregular), Karasy Marsh (Shirvan Steppe); formerly on lakes of Mingechaur District and Aras Valley (Satunin, 1907; Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Rare at Shah Spit (Bannikova et al., 1984).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late February to early May. COASTAL: Small flocks from Iran arrive at Kizil Agach Reserve in late February. The majority leaves the reserve 7-17 March; latest records in April (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). From early March at Divichi Liman (Karabanova, 1981). A pair on the Caspian shore south of Cape Pirsagat on 14 May 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Fall passage: COASTAL: Turns up at Divichi Liman in mid August, and in Kizil Agach Reserve from mid September. Conspicuous passage through the reserve in late September-early November (especially in mid November); the majority passes through the reserve non-stop heading for Iran. Migration is over by early December (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Arrives at Sarisu and other lakes of Mil Steppe in late September. Conspicuous passage at Sarisu in early November (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967). POPULATION SIZE: Passage: FALL: Flocks of 20-30 observed at Lake Aggel (Vinogradov, 1967). Winter: 60,000-70,000 in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP), but 135,224 recorded in 1996 (Delany et al., 1999) and only 141 in 1998 (Gilissen et al., 2000). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Very common in Kizil Agach Reserve: 44,300 in 1953-1955 (Tuaev, 1957a), outnumbered other dabbling ducks in 1953/54 and 1956/57 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), 61,900 in January 1991 (Litvinov & Litvinova, 1991) and astonishing 115,765 in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). Males outnumber females in Kizil Agach Reserve in December and January, but number of females increases in late winter;

77

T

78 The Birds of Azerbaijan immatures outnumber adults (Tuaev, 1957c). In February 1996, 19,350 at Lake Mahmud-chala (southern Mugan) and only 110 at Shorgel Lakes (Paynter et al., 1996a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 1,000 on Lake Aggel in January 1961, but very few in 1962 and 1963 (Vinogradov, 1967) and none in January 1991. >1,000 on Lake Sarisu in the late 1980s (MP) and 3,100 in February 1996 (Paynter, 1996a). DIET: Seed and fruit of Bolboschoenus maritimus (found in 77% of examined stomachs), Carex (in 23%), Salsola soda (in 26.9%),

Polygonum persicaria (in 16.1%), Myosotis (in 8.6%) and Lepidium draba (in 5.4%); also Capsella bursa-pastoris, Melilotus polonicus, Orobanche, Plantago indica and Setaria (Tuaev, 1957c). REMARKS: The majority of Eurasian Wigeon wintering in Kizil Agach Reserve remain on Greater Kizil Agach Bay during the day and visit marshes between Akusha and Vilajchai at night. Movements occur regularly because of intensive hunting, but the birds remain in feeding areas throughout the day if undisturbed (Verestchagin, 1950).

42. Northern Pintail - Anas acuta Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

m Sa

Zakatali

IA

ur

Ri

ve

SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Irregularly at Divichi Liman (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965). NAKHICHEVAN: Aras Valley in the west of the region (Verestchagin, 1950).

r

C

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

HABITAT: WINTER: Shallows, small lakes, flooded depressions and flooded cotton fields (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1958).

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Bizgyiryg STATUS: Common migrant and wintering species. Subspecies A. a. acuta Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve and adjacent lakes of southern Mugan (Mahmudchala and Novogolovka-chala); also Lenkoran Lowland. In January-February, small numbers occur in flooded depressions and cotton fields throughout Mugan (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1958, 1975). Rare in southeastern Shirvan (Paynter et al., 1996a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes Aggel and Sarisu (Mil Steppe), Shilian and Karasy marshes (Shirvan Steppe). Absent from Aggel in the 1930s-1960s (Verestchagin, 1950; Zlotin, 1963; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Rare at Shah Spit (Bannikova et al., 1984).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early February through April. COASTAL: Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve and southern Mugan from early February, and through Divichi Liman from late February. Conspicuous passage 5-15 March. Latest records in Kizil Agach Reserve: 14 March-20 April (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Karabanova, 1981). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND AND GREATER CAUCASUS: Conspicuous passage at Aggel: mid February to late March (Vinogradov, 1967). In March and April, migrates through Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland and across Greater Caucasus Mountains in Zakatali and Kutkashen districts (Verestchagin, 1950). Fall passage: Mid August through early December. COASTAL: Arrives at Divichi Liman and Absheron Peninsula from mid August (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965), and to Kizil Agach Reserve from late August-early September (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Conspicuous passage from mid October to early December peaking 31 October-28 November in Kizil Agach Reserve (Verestchagin, 1950; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Late November-early December in Mil Steppe (Vinogradov, 1967). The majority of migrants pass through Azerbaijan non-stop heading for Iran (Verestchagin, 1950). POPULATION SIZE: Passage: SPRING: 250 flocks of 10-300 each passed through Kulagin lookout, Kizil Agach Reserve on 8

Number of Northern Pintails wintering in Kizil Agach Reserve during 1953-1996 Winter 1953-1955 1958/59 1981/82 1989/90 1990/91 1995/96

Number 14,700 very common 31,500 >2,000 350 6,538

Source Tuaev, 1957a Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984 MP Litvinov & Litvinova, 1991 Paynter et al., 1996b

T

The Birds of Azerbaijan

March 1955 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). 3,000-4,000 migrated through Lake Aggel in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967). FALL: 18,000 at Lake Aggel in early December 1963 (Vinogradov, 1967). Winter: 3,000-15,000 in the late 1980s-early 1990s depending on weather conditions (MP). 6,994 recorded in 1996 (Delany et al., 1999). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Common in Kizil Agach Reserve throughout 1950s-early 1980s, but somewhat declined by the early 1990s (see the table). c. 40% of wintering population were immature (Tuaev, 1958). In February 1996, 447 at Lake Mahmud-chala (Paynter et al., 1996a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: >1,000 at Lake Aggel in January 1991 (MP).

DIET: Stomachs from Kizil Agach Reserve contained seed and fruit of Amaranthus retroflexus (found in 42.2% of stomachs), Bolboschoenus maritimus (in 35.5%), Salsola crassa (in 28.9%), Rumex acetosa (in 15.5%), Salsola soda (in 13.3%), Polygonum aviculare (in 8.8%) and Solanum nigrum (in 8.8%); also insects (Tuaev, 1958). MORTALITY: 63 dead ducks (mostly Pintails) were found along a 27 km transect in Kizil Agach Reserve in the cold winter of 1964 (Mustafaev, 1964).

43. Northern Shoveler - Anas clypeata Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

m Sa

Zakatali

IA

ur

Ri

ve

r

C

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

STATUS: Common migrant and wintering species, possible nesting species (nested in the past). Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan (e.g. at Lake Mahmud-chala) and Shorgel Lakes in southeastern Shirvan (Satunin, 1912b; Patrikeev, 1991a, c). Nested in the vicinity of Lenkoran (Radde, 1884), but no recent summer records (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Vinogradov et al., 1990). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes Aggel and Sarisu, Mil Steppe (Vinogradov, 1967). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: From southern Mugan (Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala) and Lenkoran Lowland to northwestern corner of Kizil Agach Reserve; also Shorgel Lakes and Kura Delta (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1958, 1975; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes Sarisu and Aggel (Mil Steppe), Shilian and Karasy marshes and Lake Hadjikabul (Shirvan Steppe), and wetlands of Mingechaur District (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Shah Spit (MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman (Verestchagin, 1950). NAKHICHEVAN: Aras Valley in the west of Nakhichevan Region (Verestchagin, 1950). HABITAT: WINTER: Shallow coastal areas, marshes and flooded depressions; avoids reedbeds (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1958, 1975). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: February to early May.

KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Some leave Mil Steppe and moves elsewhere in January. Conspicuous passage at Lake Aggel in March-April, few remain until early May (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967). COASTAL: Large numbers arrive at lakes of southern Mugan in February. Conspicuous passage through Kizil Agach Reserve 515 March, and latest sightings in mid April. Passes through Divichi Liman in March-April (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Karabanova, 1981). Fall passage: August to mid December. COASTAL: Arrives at Divichi Liman in August, at Absheron Peninsula and Kura Delta in mid September, and at Kizil Agach Reserve 16-27 September. Conspicuous passage through the reserve in November-early December (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1958, 1965, 1975; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: From August to mid December at lakes of Mil Steppe (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967). POPULATION SIZE: Passage: SPRING: 2,000-3,000 at Lake Aggel in April (Vinogradov, 1967). FALL: Several hundred at Divichi Liman in September. 37 flocks passed through Lesser Kizil Agach Bay at 1000-1030 hrs on 7 December 1951 (Tuaev, 1958, 1965; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Winter: 6,000-10,000 in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP), but 42,317 in 1996 (Delany et al., 1999), 10,790 in 1997 and 4,932 in 1998 (Gilissen et al., 2000). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve: 17,800 in 1953-1955 (Tuaev, 1957a); very common in winters of 1954/55, 1956/57 and 1958/59 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a); 3,060 in January 1991 (Litvinov & Litvinova, 1991) and 35,300 in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). c. 30% of wintering population were immature (Tuaev, 1958). In February 1996, c. 7,000 at Lake Mahmud-chala, but only 39 at Shorgel Lakes, southeastern Shirvan (Paynter et al., 1996a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 710-3,552 at Aggel in early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967), up to 10,500 in late 1960s-early 1970s (Tuaev, 1975) and 400 in January 1991 (MP). 2,000-3,000 at Sarisu in late 1980s (MP), but only 550 in February 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: In December-January 19891990, 200-300 occurred at Shah Spit (MP). BREEDING: A nest with fresh eggs in the vicinity of Lenkoran on April 30th (Radde, 1884). Pairs (possibly migrants) on Lake Sarisu in mid March (Tuaev, 1975).

79

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80 The Birds of Azerbaijan DIET: Kizil Agach Reserve: stems, leaves, seed and fruit of Bolboschoenus maritimus, Carex, Schoenoplectus lacustris, Scirpus, Polygonum aviculare, Echinochloa crus-galli, Potamogeton lucens and Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani; also beetles (Helophorus., Harpalus and weevils), crustaceans and molluscs Theodoxus pallasi and

Hydrobia acuta (Tuaev, 1958). Often feeds on mosquito larvae at Lake Sarisu (Tuaev, 1975). MORTALITY: Several found dead in oil reservoirs and oiled lakes in Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946).

44. Garganey - Anas querquedula Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

m Sa

Zakatali

IA

ur

Ri

ve

HABITAT: WINTER: Wetlands, flooded cotton fields, etc. (Verestchagin, 1950).

r

C

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

STATUS: Common migrant and uncommon wintering species, likely uncommon nesting species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lake Aggel in Mil Steppe (Vinogradov, 1967). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve, Lenkoran Lowland, Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan) and Lake Mahmud-chala (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Patrikeev, 1991a, c). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta and Divichi Liman (Butiev et al., 1990b; Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). LESSER CAUCASUS AND NAKHICHEVAN: Nested close to Karabakh Upland and Arpa-chai (Dahl, 1954). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan and Kizil Agach Reserve (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1975). K URA -A RAS L OWLAND : Throughout the lowland, e.g. in Mingechaur District (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1975).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: inconspicuous: mid March to late April. COASTAL: Mid March to late April in Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Passes through Lake Aggel and in ZakataliIsmailly Lowland in late March (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967). Fall passage: COASTAL: Arrives in August. Conspicuous passage at Divichi Liman from mid August to mid September. From there, some head for Lake Sarisu and on to Iran while others follow the Caspian shore passing through Absheron Peninsula, Kura Delta, Kizil Agach Reserve and Lenkoran Lowland also heading for Iran (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lake Sarisu and Aras Valley in September (Verestchagin, 1950). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Unknown. 10 pairs at Shorgel Lakes and single males at Mahmud-chala in 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a, c). 480 at Divichi Liman in June-July 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Passage: SPRING: Tens at Aggel and Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland in late March (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967). FALL: Flocks of 80-100 on the Caspian shore in the 1940s (Verestchagin, 1950). 1,300 passed through Divichi Liman in August 1961 (Tuaev, 1965). Winter: From several hundred to 2,000-3,000 depending on weather conditions (MP). MORTALITY: Sometimes perishes in oiled lakes and oil reservoirs at Absheron Peninsula, e.g. 11 dead in an oil reservoir north of Baku (Verestchagin, 1946).

45. Marbled Teal - Marmaronetta angustirostris Menetries, 1832 Azeri name: Ah ordak STATUS: Rare nesting species and migrant, irregular wintering species. Endangered. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Formerly common throughout Kura Valley (from Gandja to the delta) and Lenkoran Lowland (Bogdanov, 1879; Satunin, 1907), but the range dwindled as many wetlands were drained to meet agricultural needs (Tuaev, 1975). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes of Mil Steppe: Aggel, Sarisu and possibly Bos-Koba and Shorbet-koba (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984). Probably disappeared

from marshes of Shirvan Steppe, but observed on Lake Hadjikabul in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Possibly overlooked elsewhere. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala (southern Mugan) and Kizil Agach Reserve. Formerly in Lenkoran Lowland (Verestchagin, 1950; Ivanov, 1952; Tuaev, 1975; Babaev, 1984; Vinogradov et al., 1990; MP). Winter: Possibly occurs only in cold winters. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lake Aggel (Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan), Kizil Agach Reserve and Lake Mahmud-chala in southern Mugan (Ivanov, 1952; Paynter et al., 1996b).

T

The Birds of Azerbaijan G Tbilisi

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DAGESTAN

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(Russian Federation)

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Zakatali

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IA

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er

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Gandja Shemakha Baku

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Ara

Stepanakert

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Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

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IRAN

HABITAT: NESTING: Extensive reedbeds in lakes and marshes (Tuaev, 1975). WINTER: Marshes, flooded semi-desert (Paynter et al., 1996a). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Arrives at Mil Steppe in April (Vinogradov, 1967). COASTAL: Common on lakes of Mugan in the 19th century (Satunin, 1912b). Few recent records, e.g. in Samur Delta on 11 March 1968, and in Kizil Agach Reserve on 29 March 1980 and 2 May (Ivanov, 1952; Butiev et al., 1989; Vinogradov et al., 1990). Fall passage: COASTAL: Observed in flocks of Common Teal and Garganey in Divichi Liman and along the Caspian shore in August. Probably proceeds non-stop to Iran from there (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Leaves lakes of Mil Steppe in early September (Vinogradov, 1967).

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: <100 pairs in the late 1980searly 1990s (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 50-60 at Lake Aggel in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967), c. 50 pairs at Aggel and 20 pairs at Lake Sarisu in late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). 18 observed at Lake Hadjikabul and 7 at Sarisu in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: 2-3 pairs in Kizil Agach Reserve in the 1970s-1980s (Vinogradov et al., 1990). Several at Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala in 1990 (MP), and 10 at Mahmudchala in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Passage: SPRING: A pair at a fishpond in Samur Delta on 11 March 1968 (Butiev et al., 1989), 1 at Kalinovsky Liman (Kizil Agach Reserve) on 29 March 1980 (Vinogradov et al., 1990). Winter: Unknown. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Several hundred on Lake Aggel in the cold winter of 1971/72 (Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: One collected in Kizil Agach Reserve on 25 December 1943 (Khirmandalli) and another on 19 January 1950 (Ivanov, 1952). 285 wintered in southeast lowlands in February 1996: 240 in southeastern Shirvan (Shorgel Lakes), 44 in Kizil Agach Reserve and 1 near Mahmud-chala (Paynter et al., 1996b). BREEDING: Three broods recorded on Lake Aggel (Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984). MORTALITY: Migrants occasionally perish in oiled lakes in Absheron Peninsula, at least one found dead (1946). Mortality due to extreme temperatures recorded at Lake Aggel (Tuaev, 1977). REMARKS: Considered unpalatable and rarely shot (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.).

46. Red-crested Pochard - Netta rufina Pallas, 1773 G Tbilisi

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DAGESTAN R

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(Russian Federation)

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Riv

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Zakatali

IA

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Gandja Shemakha Baku

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Stepanakert

Ara

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ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

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IRAN

Azeri name: Girmiziburun, dalgach STATUS: Uncommon nesting species, common migrant and wintering species. Declining. Monotypic.

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Long regarded as resident (Satunin, 1912b), but nesting confirmed only in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes of Mil Steppe: Aggel, Sarisu and Bos-Koba (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984); also Lake Hadjikabul and Varvara Reservoir (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan (Lake Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala), Kizil Agach Reserve and Shorgel Lakes in southeastern Shirvan (Vinogradov et al., 1991; Patrikeev, 1991a, c). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve (Akusha Marsh, Kalinovsky Liman and Lesser Kizil Agach Bay), southern Mugan (Mahmud-chala, Ah-chala and smaller wetlands), southeastern Shirvan and Kura Delta (Tuaev, 1975; Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984; Vinogradov et al., 1990; Paynter et al., 1996a; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mil Steppe (Aggel and Sarisu), Shirvan Steppe (Karasy and Shilian marshes) and Kura Valley up to Karayasi Steppe (Tuaev, 1975; Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989: MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Sangachal Bay, Pirsagat Islands, north shore of Absheron Peninsula and Shah Spit (Bannikova et al., 1984; MP).

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82 The Birds of Azerbaijan SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.). HABITAT: NESTING: Reed kobls, hummocks and reed stand edges of lakes and marshes (Vinogradov, 1967). WINTER: Open waters, small lakes, ponds and the akhmas (Tuaev, 1975). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Passes through Divichi Liman from mid February (Karabanova, 1981). Non-breeding population leaves by late March-April (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967). Fall passage: Nesting population leaves in September-November (Vinogradov, 1967). Conspicuous passage through Divichi Liman and Absheron Peninsula in early December. Arrives at Mil and Shirvan steppes and southeast lowlands in mid December (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: >500 pairs in the late 1980searly 1990s (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Gradually decreased at Lake Aggel from early 1960s through mid 1970s (see table). 108 at Varvara Reservoir, but only 3 at Lake Hadjikabul and 3 at Lake Sarisu in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: >10 pairs at Lake Mahmud-chala in 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991c) and 25 birds in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Several pairs nested along the shores of Greater Kizil Agach Bay (Vinogradov et al., 1990). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: 210 in Divichi Liman in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Passage: FALL: Up to 5,000 migrated through Sangachal Bay in 1990-1991 (MP). Winter: Winter status has changed several times in the last 150 years: common in the 19th century (Bogdanov, 1879; Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907), wintered only in cold winters by 1930s-1940s (Verestchagin, 1950) and became common wintering species once more in the 1970s-early 1990s (Tuaev, 1975; MP). Probably 5,0006,000 in the 1980s-early 1990s (MP), but a dramatic increase with 179,000 recorded at four sites in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). I

Number of Red-crested Pochard nesting on Lake Aggel in 1962-1976 Year 1962-1964 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976

Number 1,200-1,600 550 pairs 450 pairs 370 pairs 250 pairs 340 pairs 185 pairs

Source Vinogradov, 1967

Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984

prefer to treat the latter number cautiously suspecting that winter of 1995/1996 was extraordinary in some way. Indeed, only 431 recorded in 1997 and 236 in 1998 (Gilissen et al., 2000). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: 2,600 in Kizil Agach Reserve in January 1991 (Litvinov & Litvinova, 1991) and 35,900 in 1996; also 1,750 at Lake Mahmud-chala (southern Mugan) and 26 at Shorgel Lakes, southeastern Shirvan (Paynter et al., 1996a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 2,000-3,000 on Lake Sarisu and Karasy Marsh in cold winters during 1930s-1940s (Verestchagin, 1950). At Lake Aggel, 560 in January 1990 (cold winter), and only 4050 in January 1991 (warm winter) (MP). An extraordinary count of 151,250 from Sarisu in February 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: 300 at Shah Spit in January-February 1982 (Bannikova et al. 1984), c. 1,000 in Sangachal Bay and 300-400 in Artem Bay and at Shah Spit in winter 1989/90 (MP). BREEDING: Mating from mid April (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1965c). Nests in kobls, on hummocks and along reedbed edges. Nests made of reed leaves and well camouflaged. At Aggel, clutches found 14 April-16 May (Vinogradov, 1967), and at Sarisu from late April (MP). First ducklings reported from Aggel on May 16th, and flying young on July 22nd. 6-9 ducklings/brood (Vinogradov, 1967). DIET: Stomachs contained larvae of dragon-flies (Odonata) and beetles (Hydrophilidae), seed and leaves of Bolboschoenus maritimus, Euphorbia and Cruciferae (Tuaev, 1975).

47. Common Pochard - Aythya ferina Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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DAGESTAN

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(Russian Federation)

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Azeri name: Girmizibash, kara ordak (also other diving ducks).

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Gandja Shemakha Baku

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Stepanakert

Ara

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Kura Ri

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ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

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IRAN

N

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EA

STATUS: Very common migrant and wintering species. Increasing. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve (e.g. Greater Kizil Agach Bay and Kumbashi), Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala (southern Mugan), Lenkoran Lowland and Shorgel Lakes (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Vinogradov et al., 1990; MP). K URA -A RAS L OWLAND : Ag gel and Sarisu (Mil Steppe), Mingechaur Reservoir; smaller numbers winter in Kura Valley, Aras Valley and Mugan Steppe. Formerly in marshes of Shirvan Steppe (Verestchagin, 1950; Dahl, 1954; Vinogradov, 1967; MP).

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Zorat to Mardakian, Artem Bay, Shah Spit, Sangachal Bay, Baku Archipelago (Duvanni, Glinanyi, Pirsagat Islands) and Kurinski Kamen Island (Verestchagin, 1950; Bannikova et al., 1984; MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.). HABITAT: Large expanses of open water, lakes, marshes, akhmas (oxbow lakes) and irrigation channels (Verestchagin, 1950; Dahl, 1954; MP). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid February to April. COASTAL: Passes through Divichi Liman from mid February (Karabanova, 1981). Sometimes leaves Kizil Agach Reserve by March, but normally present in small numbers until April (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Fall passage: Mid September through mid December. COASTAL: Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve as early as September 19th (usually not until early November) and peaks in mid November. In warmer winters, migrates until mid December (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Tuaev, 1965). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Recorded at Aggel, Sarisu, Shilian and Karasy in mid November-early December (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967).

POPULATION SIZE: Winter: 100,000-180,000 in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). 172,550 recorded in 1996, but only 7,750 in 1997 and 1,871 in 1998 (Paynter et al., 1996a; Gilissen et al., 2000). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Very common along the Caspian shore and in Mugan in the late 19th-early 20th century (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b). Kizil Agach Reserve: “many thousands” in the 1940s (Verestchagin, 1950), very common in winter of 1958/59 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), but only 1,140 on 16 February 1962 (Dobrokhotov, 1963). Outnumbered other diving ducks in January 1982 (Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984). 93,300 recorded in January 1991 (Litvinov & Litvinova, 1991) and 65,850 in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). Also in 1996, 9,400 at Lake Mahmud-chala and 50 at Shorgel Lakes (Paynter et al., 1996a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Flocks of 2,500-3,000 at Shilian and Karasy marshes in the 1930s-1940s (Verestchagin, 1950). 2,000-4,872 on Lake Aggel in 1961-1964 (Vinogradov, 1967), c. 3,000 in January 1991 (MP) and astonishing 97,250 at Lake Sarisu in February 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: 300 in Shah Spit in January-February 1982 (Bannikova et al., 1984).

48. Ferruginous Duck - Aythya nyroca Güldenstadt, 1770 G Tbilisi

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Gandja Shemakha Baku

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Stepanakert

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Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman and possibly smaller wetlands (Tuaev, 1965, 1975; Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984). Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lake Sarisu (Mil Steppe) is the most important wintering site; also at Aggel, Varvara Reservoir and other wetlands of Mingechaur District, Hadjikabul and probably elsewhere in Kura and Aras valleys, and Mugan Steppe (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1975; Gambarov, 1975; Cranswick et al., 1998; MP). Common at Karasy, Shilian and Kurchala marshes (Shirvan Steppe) in the 1940s-1960s (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1975), but no recent records. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala; rarely in Kura Delta, Lenkoran Lowland and Kizil Agach Reserve (Tuaev, 1975; MP).

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

STATUS: Threatened. Uncommon nesting species, common migrant and wintering species. A part of the population is probably resident. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Considered nesting in Azerbaijan in the early 20th century (Satunin, 1912b), but nesting was not confirmed until the late 1960s (Tuaev, 1975). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes Aggel and Sarisu (Mil Steppe), Shilian and Karasy marshes and fishponds at Lake Hadjikabul (Shirvan Steppe), and Varvara Reservoir (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1965c; Tuaev, 1975; Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984; Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lake Mahmud-chala and possibly elsewhere in Mugan (Patrikeev, 1991c; MP).

HABITAT: NESTING: Edge of reed stands in lakes and marshes (Tuaev, 1975). WINTER: Open water, shallows, marshes, akhmas and irrigation channels (Verestchagin, 1950). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: In early March in Mugan and Divichi Liman, in April at Lake Aggel (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967; Karabanova, 1981). Fall passage: COASTAL: Arrives at Samur-Divichi Lowland in early August (Tuaev, 1965). Passes through Absheron Peninsula in August-early September (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Migration observed at Aggel and Sarisu in September (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Declining. 150-200 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP) and 61-76 pairs at five sites in 1998 (Sultanov & Agaeva, 2003).

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84 The Birds of Azerbaijan Number of Ferruginous Ducks present at Divichi Liman in summers 1971-1979 (Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984) Year 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1978-1979

Number (pairs) 15 20 40 20 20 15 10

KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 70-230 individuals at Lake Aggel in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967), 60-70 pairs at Aggel and 20-30 pairs at Sarisu in early 1990s (MP). 11 pairs observed at Lake Hadjikabul, 11 pairs at Varvara Reservoir and 9 pairs at Sarisu in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: 24 pairs at Mahmud-chala in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). S AMUR -D IVICHI L OWLAND : 10-40 pairs at Divichi Liman through the 1970s (see table below), >5 pairs in the late 1980s (Tuaev & Kurbanov, 1984; MP) and 6 pairs in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Passage: SPRING: In early 1960s, 400-840 passed through Lake Aggel in April (Vinogradov, 1967). FALL: 40-60 daily at Divichi Liman in early and mid August (Tuaev, 1965). In 1961-1964, up to 600 on Lake Aggel in September (Vinogradov, 1967). Winter: <3,000-5,000 in the late 1980s-early 1990s, perhaps <1,000-2,000 (MP). K URA -A RAS L OWLAND : Flocks of 2,500-3,000 on Karasy Marsh in the 1940s (Verestchagin, 1950). About 25% of all ducks wintering on Lake Sarisu (Mil Steppe) in January-February 1962 belonged to this species (Tuaev, 1975); 250-500

at Sarisu in the late 1980s (MP) and 186 in November 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). 100-200 at Lake Aggel in 19611964 (Vinogradov, 1967) and c. 50 in January 1991 (MP). In 1998, 12 at Lake Hadjikabul (Shirvan Steppe) in February and 47 in November (Cranswick et al., 1998; Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). BREEDING: Pairs from early April. Nests built of dry reed leaves. At Aggel, nests with 6-9 eggs on April 17th. Egg measurements (n=9): 50-58 x 36-38mm, weight 32.2-41.5g. Incubation is c. 28 days (Tuaev, 1967, 1975). A female with 11 ducklings at Lake Mahmud-chala on 6 June 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991c) and a brood of 7 at Divichi Liman on August 9th (Tuaev, 1965, 1967). DIET: Summer: green algae, seed of Bolboschoenus maritimus, Cladium mariscus, Carex, Compositae, Euphorbia, Lepidium, Medicago sativa, Melilotus officinalis and Sophora alopecuroides, also larvae of Tendipedidae and mosquitos Anopheles, water bugs, beetles and molluscs. Usually feeds at 20-30 cm depth (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1975). MORTALITY: Hunting poses a major threat, and Lake Sarisu (the most important wintering area in Azerbaijan) is under intensive hunting pressure (MP). 10-15% of ducks sold near Hadjikabul in 1998 were Ferruginous Ducks (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). REMARKS: An estimate of 1,400-3,000 breeding pairs by Sultanov and Agayeva (2003) was incorrect due to mathematical errors and miscalculation of suitable habitat, and their call to subject this protected species to sustainable harvest (based on the above numbers) is irrelevant.

49. Tufted Duck - Aythya fuligula Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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(Russian Federation)

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Zakatali

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Gandja Shemakha Baku

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Stepanakert

Ara

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Kura Ri

EN

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Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

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IRAN

Azeri name: Kara ordak (also other diving ducks) STATUS: Very common migrant and wintering species. Declining. Summer status is unclear (may nest). Monotypic.

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Nested in Arpa-chai basin in Armenia close to Nakhichevan Region (Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Dahl, 1954) and considered resident on lakes of southern Mugan in the past (Satunin, 1912b). Vinogradov and Tcherniavskaya (1965a) suspected that hundreds of Tufted Ducks arriving at Kizil Agach Reserve in July and August nested elsewhere in southern Azerbaijan. No credible nesting evidence is available. Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southeastern corner of Greater Kizil Agach Bay is the most important winter site in Azerbaijan; also coastal waters between Lenkoran and Astara and off Shirvan Reserve, Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala (southern Mugan) and Kura Delta (Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Vinogradov et al., 1990; Paynter et al., 1996a). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Kurinski Kamen Island off Kura Delta, Baku Archipelago (Pirsagat Islands, Bulla Island), Sangachal, Karadag and Artem bays of the Caspian Sea, Shah Spit, coastal waters between Mardakian and Buzovna, islands Zhiloyi (Chilov) and Artem (Sviatoyi), underwater spits off Zorat, Kilazi, Yashma and Samur Delta c .1.5-3.5 km off-

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

Changes in numbers of wintering Tufted Ducks from the early 1940s to early 1990s Regions Kizil Agach Reserve Caspian Sea and islands Other Total in Azerbaijan

Early 1940s 300,000-1,260,000 c. 400,000 1,600,000-1,700,000

shore (Verestchagin, 1950; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Bannikova et al., 1984; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mingechaur Reservoir, lakes Aggel and Sarisu (Mil Steppe) and Hadjikabul (Shirvan Steppe), small wetlands and irrigation channels in Kura and Aras valleys. Common at Sor-Sor and Kurchala marshes, Shirvan steppe in 1930s1950s (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1975; Paynter et al., 1996a). HABITAT: WINTER: Bays, vicinity of underwater sandspits and ridges, reservoirs, marshes, akhmas and channels (Verestchagin, 1950).

Late 1980s-early 1990s c. 30,000 25,000-45,000 9,000 65,000-85,000

Mid late 1990s

10,000-63,000

CASPIAN SEA AND ABSHERON: 300,000-350,000 on the Caspian Sea off Kilazi and Zorat in the 1940s, e.g. c. 2,000-2,500 off Mardakian, 1,500-2,000 east of Artem Island, tens of thousands between Absheron Peninsula and Kura Delta, and 4,000-5,000 between Lenkoran and Astara (Verestchagin, 1950). 5,000-10,000 wintered at Kilazi Spit, 2,000-3,000 in Artem Bay, 2,000-3,000 off Shah Spit and 15,000-30,000 between Absheron Peninsula and Kura Delta including Sangachal Bay in 1989-1991 (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Up to 500 at Lake Aggel in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967) and 9,000 in January 1991 (MP). Only 80 at Lake Sarisu in February 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid February to early May. COASTAL: From mid February. Conspicuous passage in March, but some migrants reported until mid April (Verestchagin, 1950) or early May at Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Fall passage: COASTAL: Occasionally arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve in July and August, but usually from mid October to mid December. Conspicuous migration recorded off Samur-Divichi Lowland, Absheron Peninsula, Kura Delta and at Greater and Lesser Kizil Agach Bays (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Occurs in Kura Valley from mid winter (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967).

DIET: Distribution of Tufted Ducks on the Caspian Sea reflects range of Mytilaster molluscs. Also feeds on other molluscs (Neritina, Dreissena polymorpha, Theodoxus pallasi and Cardium edule) and crustaceans Pontogammarus robustoides. In search of molluscs, Tufted Ducks usually dive to 3-4 m, although some were found in gill-nets set as deep as 12-14 m (Tugarinov & KozlovaPushkareva, 1938; Verestchagin, 1950). On lakes of Kura-Aras Lowland, feeds on water plants, e.g. Polygonum, Sparganium, Bolboschoenus maritimus, Glyceria, Potamogeton and water insects (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1975).

POPULATION SIZE: Passage: FALL: Flocks of 200-500 in Kizil Agach Reserve in July-August (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). c. 10,000 passed through Shah Spit (Absheron Peninsula) in 1990 (MP). Winter: Most common diving duck in Azerbaijan until recently. Up to 1,600,000-1,700,000 wintered in the early 1940s (Verestchagin, 1950), but only 65,000-85,000 in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP) and 63,211 recorded in 1996 (Delany et al., 1999). Counts of 10,219 in 1997 and 1,044 in 1998 (Gilissen et al., 2000) probably omitted marine areas. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Up to 300,000 on Kizil Agach Bays in December 1940 and 1,230,000-1,260,000 in December 1942 (Verestchagin, 1950). Still outnumbered other diving ducks in Kizil Agach Reserve in the early 1960s with thousands on Greater Kizil Agach Bay and hundreds on Lesser Kizil Agach Bay (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). c. 37,000 recorded in the reserve in January 1991 (Litvinov & Litvinova, 1991) and 61,100 in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). c.100 at Lake Mahmud-chala in February 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a)

MORTALITY: Heavy pollution of the Caspian Sea affected Tufted Ducks directly and indirectly by killing the birds and their food supply - the molluscs. Many mollusc colonies disappeared from the vicinity of oil storage facilities, rigs and offshore platforms as early as the 1930s-1940s. Accidents at rigs and on pipe-lines are not uncommon around Absheron Peninsula. A pipeline accident off Absheron in mid February 1945 released thousands of tons of crude oil into the sea killing thousands of Tufted Ducks (Verestchagin, 1946). A more recent pipeline accident (10 February 1990) south of Baku killed at least 1,000 (Zakiev, 1990; MP). Many accidents at offshore rigs and platforms were never reported and numbers of waterfowl killed by oil spills are unknown. In the 1940s, 12,000-16,000 annually gill-netted off Zorat and Kilazi (Verestchagin, 1950). Gill-netting of diving ducks is still practised at villages along the Caspian shore. Dead Tufted Ducks were found in fish-traps at Lake Aggel (MP). White-tailed Sea Eagle and Marsh Harrier take sick, wounded or exhausted individuals (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

50. Greater Scaup - Aythya marila Linnaeus, 1766 STATUS: Common migrant and wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Caspian Sea off Kilazi Spit, Yashma Island, Shah Spit,

Artem Bay, Sangachal Bay and Pirsagat Islands (Verestchagin, 1950; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve and coastal waters off Lenkoran Lowland (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov & Tch-

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86 The Birds of Azerbaijan G Tbilisi

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MOVEMENT: Fall passage: COASTAL: Arrives in early December, e.g. recorded at Shah Spit (MP). Probably migrates well offshore and so overlooked (Verestchagin, 1950).

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erniavskaya, 1965a). Formerly common on lakes of southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Irregular at Aggel and possibly elsewhere in Mil Steppe (Vinogradov, 1967). HABITAT: Bays, vicinity of underwater sandspits and ridges; occasionally on lakes and marshes (Verestchagin, 1950; MP).

POPULATION SIZE: Passage: FALL: Up to 3,000 off Shah Spit in December1990 (MP). Winter: 5,000-7,000 in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: >500 along Shah Spit (Absheron Peninsula) and 2,000 off Yashma Island in January 1991 (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve: irregular in the late 1950s-early 1960s, e.g. 1/3 of the number of Tufted ducks in winter 1958/59 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), obvious minority in mixed rafts with Tufted Ducks in January 1991 (Litvinov & Litvinova, 1991) and 1,965 in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Single birds and flocks of 3-5 at Lake Aggel in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967). MORTALITY: Like the former species, affected by heavy pollution of the Caspian Sea and following die-off of benthos in many feeding areas. Gill-netted off Zorat, Kilazi and Yashma in the 1940s (Verestchagin, 1950) and the practice still continues.

51. Common Scoter - Melanitta nigra Linnaeus, 1758 DISTRIBUTION: Winter: Recorded from lakes of southern Mugan in the early 20th century (Satunin, 1912b). No later records.

STATUS: Accidental visitor. Monotypic.

52. Velvet Scoter - Melanitta fusca Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Probably leaves Azerbaijan by late March. One netted in the Caspian Sea off Zorat on 20 March 1946 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958).

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SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Irregular in Kizil Agach Reserve (Dobrokhotov, 1963). Wintered at lakes of southern Mugan in the past (Satunin, 1912b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lake Aggel (Vinogradov, 1967).

POPULATION SIZE: Winter: Unknown. 3 at Greater Kizil Agach Bay on 16 February 1962 (Dobrokhotov, 1963). Single birds or flocks of 3-5 observed at Lake Aggel in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967).

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Azeri name: Gilguirug STATUS: Rare migrant and wintering species Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: in rafts with other diving ducks off Zorat, Kilazi and Yashma; occasionally at the north shore and inland lakes of Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1950; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958).

MORTALITY: 3 dead in an oil reservoir north of Baku in the early 1940s. Sometimes caught in gill-nets (Verestchagin, 1946; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958).

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

53. Long-tailed Duck - Clangula hyemalis Linnaeus, 1758 Azeri name: Shimal gazi STATUS: Rare wintering species and migrant. Common in the past. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: Common on the Caspian Sea off Lenkoran Lowland, Absheron Peninsula and probably on lakes of southern Mugan in the late 19 th-early 20 th centuries

(Bogdanov, 1879; Satunin, 1907, 1912b), but rare throughout the rest of the 20th century. All records from Kizil Agach Reserve: 1 collected on 29 October 1953 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), several observed at Ivanovskaya Banka in late January-early February 1963 (Oliger, 1967), recorded in the 1980s (Vinogradov et al., 1990) and 1 as recently as 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a).

54. Common Goldeneye - Bucephala clangula Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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Fall passage: COASTAL: Arrives at Divichi Liman in November and conspicuous passage occurs in early to mid December (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965).

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Azeri name: Gulayan ordak STATUS: Common migrant and wintering species. Declining. Subspecies B. c. clangula Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISUnderwater spits off Zorat and Yashma, the north shore of Absheron Peninsula including Artem Bay, Shah Spit and Sangachal Bay (Verestchagin, 1950; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kura Delta, Kizil Agach bays; small numbers occur along the Caspian shore between Lenkoran and Astara, lakes of southern Mugan and Shorgel Lakes (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Paynter et al., 1996a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Uncommon at Sarisu and Aggel (Mil Steppe), Karasy Marsh (Shirvan Steppe), Varvara Reservoir. Rare in Kura Valley up to Mingechaur Reservoir (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; MP). LANDS:

HABITAT: Bays and near underwater sandspits and ridges; occasionally on lakes, marshes and akhmas of Kura Valley (Verestchagin, 1950). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Leaves Azerbaijan between mid February and mid April, peaks in early March (Verestchagin, 1950).

POPULATION SIZE: Winter: Conspicuous decline through the 20th century. 5,000-8,000 in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). 1,277 recorded in 1996 (Delany et al., 1999). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: 45,000-70,000 in rafts with other diving ducks off Zorat and Kilazi and thousands along the north shore of Absheron Peninsula in the 1930s-1940s (Verestchagin, 1950). Large numbers still wintered off the north shore of the peninsula in the late 1950s (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958), but only several hundred in the Zorat-Kilazi area and north of Absheron in 1988-1991 (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Thousands in the mouth of Kura in the 1930s-1940s. Kizil Agach Bays: 240,000-270,000 in December 1940 (Verestchagin, 1950), uncommon to rare by the late 1950s-early 1960s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), some signs of recovery with hundreds to thousands reported in the 1970s-1980s (Vinogradov et al., 1990) and 1,244 in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: No records from Aggel in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967), but several hundred on Aggel and Sarisu in 1991 (MP). DIET: Molluscs Mytilaster and small fish (Verestchagin, 1950) MORTALITY: A dramatic decline of this species in Azerbaijan is probably linked to heavy pollution of the Caspian Sea with oil and other chemicals (Verestchagin, 1946). In the 1940s, 3,000-3,500 annually gill-netted off Zorat and Kilazi (Verestchagin, 1950).

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88 The Birds of Azerbaijan 55. Smew - Mergus albellus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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HABITAT: Caspian Sea, reservoirs, large lakes; also marshes, akhmas, rivers and streams (Verestchagin, 1950; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958).

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MOVEMENT: Spring passage: inconspicuous. Latest records off Absheron Peninsula in late March, and in Kura Valley in mid April (Verestchagin, 1950; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Fall passage: Mid August through December. COASTAL: As early as mid August on Kura River (Satunin, 1907), but conspicuous passage from November through December. Some were recorded on the sea off Samur-Divichi Lowland and in Divichi Liman (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965).

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STATUS: Uncommon migrant and wintering species. Declining? Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Shores and occasionally lakes of Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Bannikova, 1984). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mingechaur and Varvara reservoirs, Lake Djandargel (Karayasi Steppe); rare at Lake Hadjikabul and Karasy Marsh (Shirvan Steppe), Aggel and Sarisu (Mil Steppe), Kura Valley from Kurdamir to Mingechaur, and Aras Valley (Verestchagin, 1950; Zlotin, 1963; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Tuaev, 1975, Cranswick et al., 1998). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Rare in Kizil Agach Reserve, coastal waters off Astara, the mouth of Kura and lakes of southern Mugan (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975).

POPULATION SIZE: Winter: Declined through the 20th century. Probably >1,000 in the late 1990s-early 1990s (MP), 10 in 1997, but 516 in 1998 (Gilissen et al., 2000). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Common around Absheron Peninsula in the 1950s (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Large numbers in Mugan in the late 19th century (Satunin, 1907). Uncommon in Kizil Agach Reserve in the 1950s, e.g. 51 on 18 February 1959 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), and 60 in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Common at Lake Hadjikabul in March 1889 (Satunin, 1907). Flocks of 2-5 irregularly at Aggel and Sarisu in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967). Fairly common at Varvara Reservoir in the late 1960s (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972). 400 at Lake Djandargel (Karayasi Steppe) in 1998 (Cranswick et al., 1998). DIET: Juvenile fish (European Carp, Lookup, Roach) and a diving beetle found in examined stomachs (Vasiliev, 1975).

56. Red-breasted Merganser - Mergus serrator Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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DISTRIBUTION: Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve (mostly Lesser Kizil Agach Bay), the mouth of Kura and lakes of southern Mugan (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1975). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Shores of Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: eastern Mingechaur Reservoir, Lake Aggel (extremely rare), Kura Valley up to Lake Djandargel, and Aras Valley (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Tuaev, 1975). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: mid November to December (Verestchagin, 1950). Fall passage: Observed on Kura and Aras and their tributaries in February-March (Verestchagin, 1950).

IRAN

Azeri name: Pazdimdik (all mergansers) STATUS: Rare wintering species and migrant. Monotypic.

POPULATION SIZE: Winter: Possibly under 200-300 in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). Regularly seen at the east end of Mingechaur Reservoir (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972). Only 1 recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

in 1996 (Paynter et al. 1996a), 2 in 1997 and 4 in 1998 (Gilissen et al., 2000).

DIET: Stomachs contained fish: juvenile Bream, European Carp and adult Gobies (Vasiliev, 1975).

57. Goosander (Common Merganser) - Mergus merganser Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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and their tributaries (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Small numbers in the mouth of Kura, Kizil Agach bays and lakes of southern Mugan (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Tuaev, 1975; Vinogradov et al., 1990). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Around Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958).

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HABITAT: Reservoirs, coastal areas, lakes, rivers and streams (Verestchagin, 1950).

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Azeri name: Pazdimdik (all mergansers) STATUS: Uncommon migrant and wintering species. Subspecies M. m. merganser Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: east part of Mingechaur Reservoir and Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland; irregular on lakes Sarisu and Aggel (Mil Steppe), Kura and Aras rivers

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: More conspicuous on Kura, Aras and the tributaries from February-March. Observed at Lake Sarisu (Mil steppe), Mingechaur Reservoir and Divichi Liman in March-April (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965, 1975; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972). Fall passage: COASTAL: Early November to early December. Majority of migrants passes over the Caspian Sea well offshore, but a few occur at Divichi Liman (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965). POPULATION SIZE: Winter: 1,000-2,000 in the late 1980searly 1990s (MP). More common in Kura-Aras Lowland.

58. White-headed Duck - Oxyura leucocephala Scopoli, 1769 G Tbilisi

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SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Bays; occasionally in Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala (southern Mugan) and south of Lenkoran (Verestchagin, 1950; Dobrokhotov, 1963; Tuaev, 1975, Babaev, 1991c). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes Sarisu, Aggel (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.; MP) and Hadjikabul (Cranswick et al., 1998). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Lake Krasnoe southwest of Baku (Cranswick et al., 1998).

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HABITAT: Expanses of open water on inland lakes and bays of the Caspian Sea (Verestchagin, 1950; MP).

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STATUS: Threatened. Uncommon, but irregular migrant and wintering species, possibly nested in the past. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Possibly nested in Azerbaijan in the late 19th-early 20th century: recorded on lakes of southern Mugan and Kura Valley (Satunin, 1907, 1912b). Winter: Perhaps does not occur in Azerbaijan every winter.

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Leaves in late February-early March (Bogdanov, 1879; Radde, 1884). Fall passage: COASTAL: Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve in mid October, small groups at Divichi Liman in November, but majority migrated over the Caspian Sea staying offshore. Some observed in Kura Delta (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965, 1975). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Migrants were seen in Aras Valley (Tuaev, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Passage: FALL: Large numbers passed through Absheron Peninsula in the 19th century: many sold in markets of Baku (Radde, 1884).

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90 The Birds of Azerbaijan Some record counts of White-headed Ducks wintering in Azerbaijan Area/Year Kizil Agach bays Lake Aggel Lake Hadjikabul Lake Krasnoe Total

1962 5,000

1991 520 3,100

5,000

3,620

Winter: Varies between years reaching 4,000-5,000 in some winters. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: A few collected in the vicinity of Lenkoran in the 1930s and a flock of 12 observed near Kulagin Island, Kizil Agach Reserve in 1935 (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938). Uncommon, but regular in Kizil Agach Reserve (e.g. Ivanovskaya Banka) in the early 1950s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), 5,000 recorded on Greater Kizil Agach Bay on 16 February 1962 (Dobrokhotov, 1963), uncommon in the reserve in the 1970s-1980s (Vinogradov et al., 1990), and finally 520 recorded in January 1991 (Litvinov & Litvinova, 1991). Two observed at Lake Mahmud-chala in winter 1989 (Babaev, 1991c).

1998

620 140 760

KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 3,100 in central part of Lake Aggel on 13 January 1991 (MP). Several dozen wintered at Lake Sarisu through the 1980s (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.), a lone male in February 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996b) and 39 in February 2000. 620 on Lake Hadjikabul in February 1998, 280 in November 1998, 320 in November 1999 and 257 in winter 1999/2000 (Cranswick et al., 1998; Sultanov, 2001; Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: 135 on Lake Krasnoe in January 1996, 200 in February 1997, 140 in March 1998 and >38 in January 2000; also 10 at Baburyi Island, Baku Archipelago in February 1997 (Sultanov, 2001).

FAMILY PANDIONIDAE - OSPREYS 59. Osprey - Pandion haliaetus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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Azeri name: Chai-garagushu STATUS: Endangered in Azerbaijan. Rare migrant; formerly a common nesting species and rare wintering species in the southeast. Subspecies P. h. haliaetus Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer (Former distribution): SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Nested in Lenkoran Lowland (Lenkoran and Astara Districts) including the mouth of Lenkoranchai and vicinity of Lenkoran and possibly in southern Mugan (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b). Several nests found in foothills of Talish Mountains, e.g. near Vel (Dementiev, 1951; Spangenberg, 1987). The last known nest in Sara Peninsula in 1952 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Irregularly observed in Kura and Aras valleys (Satunin, 1907).

LESSER CAUCASUS: Headwaters of Bargushad in Kubatli District (Satunin, 1907). Winter: Occurred in lowlands in milder winters (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Dementiev, 1951). No records since the 1950s. HABITAT: NESTING (PAST): Mature forests beside rivers and small lakes, flooded woodlots (istil), single trees in agricultural areas, e.g. rice fields (Satunin, 1907; Spangenberg, 1987). FEEDING: Rivers, lakes, fishponds, irrigation channels and coastal areas of the Caspian Sea. In treeless areas, perches on powerline pylons and poles (Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Butiev et al., 1989; Patrikeev, 1991a). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late March to early May. COASTAL: Passes though Kizil Agach Reserve and Lenkoran Lowland 30 March-16 April (Radde, 1884; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; E. Sultanov, pers. comm.). Recorded at Shorgel Lakes in mid to late April (Patrikeev, 1991a) and in Samur Delta 28 March-2 May (Butiev et al., 1989). Fall passage: Late September to mid November. COASTAL: Observed in Samur Delta 16 October-15 November (Butiev et al., 1989), and in Kizil Agach Reserve from late September to late October (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Observed in Kura Valley (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding (past): SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Common in southeastern Azerbaijan in the late 19th century, e.g. 20 collected in March- April 1866 (Radde, 1884). Tens of active nests in Lenkoran and Astara Districts in the 1930s (Spangenberg, 1987), but almost complete deforestation of Lenkoran Lowland along with specimen and egg-collection (primarily

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

by naturalists) and perhaps other factors resulted in extirpation by the late 1940s-early 1950s. The last nesting record in 1952 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Passage: SPRING: 2-4 almost daily in Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1989). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Small numbers occurred in warmer winters (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Dementiev, 1951). No records since the 1950s. BREEDING: Although Ospreys were common and nested in a well known and accessible area, there are almost no records on nesting biology of this species. Nests often built on tops of large elms and oaks (Satunin, 1907; Spangenberg, 1987). Three eggs taken from a nest near Vel (Spangenberg, 1987). The last

known nest in Sara Peninsula contained 2 eggs in May (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). DIET: Piscivorous. Recorded prey includes European Carp and Black Sea Roach. In the past, hunting Ospreys were often seen in the mouth of Lenkoranchai during the run of the latter species (Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). REMARKS: The role of insecticides and herbicides in the extirpation of the breeding Osprey population has never been investigated. Meanwhile, it is quite likely that a massive spraying of wetlands with DDT and crude oil during an anti-malaria campaign in the 1950s is directly linked to the disappearance of nesting Ospreys from Lenkoran Lowland.

FAMILY ACCIPITRIDAE - HAWKS, EAGLES and VULTURES 60. Honey Buzzard - Pernis apivorus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

LESSER CAUCASUS: No records, but undoubtedly present (MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Girkan Reserve (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Karayasi Forest in Akstafa District (MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta (MP). HABITAT: Broad-leaved forests in foothills and lowlands (MP).

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

s

e Riv

r Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: BOSDAG: One over Turianchai Reserve on 20 May 1963 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Recorded in Armenia in April and May (Dahl, 1954). Fall passage: Late September to mid October. COASTAL: Two collected in Kizil Agach Reserve on 21 September 1958 and 10 October 1957, respectively (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). BOSDAG: In Turianchai Reserve on 17 October 1961 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b).

STATUS: Uncommon nesting species and migrant. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Summer range is insufficiently known. GREATER CAUCASUS: Ilisu Reserve (Kah District), vicinity of Sheki and Pirgulu (Gasanov, 1990; MP).

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Unknown. In the late 1980s, several pairs in Ilisu Reserve and at least 2 pairs in Karayasi Forest (MP). Probably overlooked.

61. Red Kite - Milvus milvus Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Insufficiently known. Summer status in Azerbaijan is unclear. Might nest and winter in the southwest and Talish Mountains. Subspecies M. m. milvus Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: L ESSER C AUCASUS : East to Shusha (Nagorno-Karabakh Region) and Lachin (Dementiev, 1951). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Observed in the vicinity of Lerik on 4 March 1968 (Agaeva, 1969). Several unconfirmed sightings from the vicinity of Girkan Reserve, Vilajchai and Astara-chai valleys (MP). Nests (or nested) in the adjacent areas of Iran (Dementiev, 1951).

SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Collected in the mouth of Lenkoranchai on 9 April 1866 (Radde, 1884). Winter: TALISH MOUNTAINS: Observed in northern Zuvand Upland on 22 January 1969 (Agaeva, 1969). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Probably at Lake Karakush (Kizil Agach Reserve) on 28 November 1989 (MP). DIET: Corncrake and Common Quail taken by migrants (Dementiev, 1951).

91

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92 The Birds of Azerbaijan 62. Black Kite - Milvus migrans Boddaert, 1783 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

m Sa

Zakatali

IA

ur

Ri

ve

Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: South of Kura, e.g. near Saliani, Aggel (irregularly) and in Aras Valley (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov, 1967). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Dobrokhotov, 1963; Mustafaev, 1972) and Kizil Agach Reserve (Shubin, 1983). A large roost in a woodlot in Sara Peninsula prior to 1960, but disappeared after the woodlot was cleared (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

r

C

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

HABITAT: NESTING: Tugai, broad-leaved forests, woodlots, roadside woodbelts, orchards and agricultural habitats in lowlands, foothills and mountains up to 2,000-2,400 m. Usually close to water (Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971b). Occasionally in flooded tugai (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972). FEEDING, MIGRATION AND WINTER: Freshwater marshes, agricultural areas, the Caspian shore, vicinity of fish-processing plants and semi-desert (Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972).

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Chalagan STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant, rare wintering species. Subspecies M. m. migrans Boddaert, 1783. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Forested foothills in Zakatali, Ilisu and Sheki Districts, Ismailly Reserve, Mount Babadag and Shemakha Upland, e.g. vicinity of Shemakha and Alti-Agach (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990; MP). BOSDAG: Tree-covered slopes in Bosdag Mountains (MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Akera Valley in Lachin District and NagornoKarabakh Region (Satunin, 1907; Laister & Sosnin, 1942; MP). NAKHICHEVAN: Aras Valley in Ordubad District; probably elsewhere in the region (MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Girkan Reserve, Vilajchai Valley and Zuvand Upland (Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Throughout Kura Valley, e.g. Barda, Kurdamir, Mingechaur, Saliani, Udjari and Zardob Districts, vicinity of Gandja, Shamkhor Game Reserve, Karayasi Forest and Akstafa-chai valley. Also in Iori, Alazani, Agrichai and Turianchai valleys and possibly elsewhere (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1963; Gambarov, 1975; MP). Nested in treetops of flooded tugai forest in Mingechaur Reservoir in the late 1960s (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972). More sporadic in Aras Valley (Satunin, 1907). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland and possibly southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b; Sudilovskaya, 1951). Last nesting in Sara Peninsula in 1958 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Khachmas District, e.g. Samur Delta, Samur and Kusarchai valleys (Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; MP).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: March to late April. COASTAL: Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula in March to late April. In the late 1950s, wintering population would leave Sara Peninsula 7-8 April (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Earliest sighting in Absheron Peninsula on March 12th (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Migrants observed in Kura Valley near Saliani in late March (Satunin, 1907). Fall passage: Mid September through November. COASTAL: Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve from 17-25 September, but the majority during 22 September-6 October. Leaves the reserve in October and November (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Recorded in Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Latest record in the vicinity of Mingechaur on November 18th (Gambarov, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: >300 pairs in the late 1980searly 1990s (MP). Twelve nests found in tugai forests in Kura and Alazani valleys west of Mingechaur Reservoir (Gambarov, 1975). >50 active nests in Kurdamir, Zardob and Udjari Districts, 5 pairs in tugai near Barda, 2 pairs at Varvara Reservoir, 2 pairs in Ilisu Reserve, 4-5 pairs in Sheki District, 2-3 pairs in foothills of Babadag and >2 pairs near Alti-Agach in 1989-1991 (MP). Passage: SPRING: Flocks of 15-20 in Kizil Agach Reserve in March (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Winter: Large numbers wintered in the only woodlot of Sara Peninsula in the 1930s (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938)

Number of Black Kites wintering in the only woodlot of Sara Peninsula in 1955-1959 Winter 1955 1956/57 1957/58 1958/59

Number 130 c. 300 c. 300 340-380

Source Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

and 130-380 in 1955-1959. The woodlot was almost completely clear-cut in 1960 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). 1.5/ km in Sara Peninsula in January-February 1963 (Oliger, 1967). BREEDING: Carrying nesting material in Sara Peninsula 7-19 March (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). 65% of nests found in mid Kura valley were in orchards and roadside treebelts, e.g. in poplars and elms, 7-9 m above the ground. Irregularly, nests on telegraph and hydro poles (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971b; MP). Formerly in marginal areas of large mixed colonies of cormorants and wading birds in broad-leaved forests of Lenkoran Lowland (Sudilovskaya, 1951). 2 nests only 60 m apart in a riverine woodlot in

Shemakha Upland (Gambarov, 1954). Of 16 pairs studied in Kura Valley, 8 built their own nests and other 8 used abandoned nests of corvids: 5 pairs used nests of Hooded Crows, 2 pairs those of Rooks and 1 pair used old Magpie nest (Mustafaev, 1969a). In Iori and Alazani valleys, none of 12 nests contained eggs 13-15 May; a nest with 2 fresh eggs and another with 2 well incubated eggs in Shemakha Upland on May 28th (Gambarov, 1954, 1975). DIET: Mostly dead fish, fisheries refuse and other carrion, but House Mouse (Mus musculus), voles (Microtus), large beetles and occasionally chickens were also taken (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

63. White-tailed Sea Eagle - Haliaeetus albicilla Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

1955

1954

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Karagush, daniz gartali. STATUS: Endangered in Azerbaijan. Very rare resident and nesting species (disappeared from the majority of known nesting sites) and rare wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Occurred in mid Kura Valley in the 19th century (Radde, 1884), but only one known nesting site (a tract of tugai forest north of Lake Aggel) by the 1950s which was abandoned in the late 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967; Mustafaev, 1974a). Nested in flooded tugai at the west end of Mingechaur Reservoir 1953-late 1960s, but abandoned after the trees collapsed (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972) and possibly moved to Iori and Alazani valleys (Gambarov, 1975), although none found there in 1977-1980 and 1983-1985 (Abuladze, 1986a). Still occurred in Alazani Valley and the vicinity of Karayasi Forest in the 1980s (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990; MP), e.g. a nest at the confluence of Agrichai and Alazani until the late 1980s (S. Ibragimov, pers. comm.). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Possibly nested in Lower Kura, Lenkoran Lowland and southern Mugan in the 19th century, but no breeding evidence (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b). Nested in Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula in the 1950s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Non-breeding individuals occurred along the shores of Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta is the last known nesting site in Azerbaijan (Butiev et al., 1989, 1990b). Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes of Mil Steppe, upper Kura Valley and Mingechaur Reservoir (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Dobrokhotov, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Shubin, 1983; Vinogradov et al., 1990; MP) and Shirvan Reserve (Paynter et al., 1996a). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Frequently seen around Absheron Peninsula in the 1940s-1950s (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958), but no recent sightings. SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta and adjacent SamurDivichi Lowland including Divichi Liman (Butiev et al., 1989; Shelton, 2001). HABITAT: NESTING: Remnants of mature broad-leaved forest often surrounded with pastures and fields, small woodlots, single large dead trees, but also in low tamarisk bushes (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Butiev et al., 1990b; S. Ibragimov, pers. comm.). Formerly, in flooded tugai forest (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972). MIGRATION AND WINTER: Large lakes, marshes and coastal areas of the Caspian Sea, vicinity of fish-processing plants and semi-desert (Dobrokhotov, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Leaves Kizil Agach Reserve between March 13th and April 9th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Regularly passed through Absheron Peninsula in the past (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Fall passage: COASTAL: First records in Kizil Agach Reserve between September 10th and October 31st, although usually does not arrive until mid October-early November (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). In Samur Delta, migrants observed in mid November and early December (Butiev et al., 1989). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: 2-3 pairs in the late 1980searly 1990s (MP).

93

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94 The Birds of Azerbaijan SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: 2-3 pairs nested on islands of Kizil Agach Bay and Sara Peninsula prior to 1955-1959 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 1 pair in tugai north of Lake Aggel in the 1950s, but disappeared in the late 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967; Mustafaev, 1974a). Several pairs nested in flooded tugai at the west end of Mingechaur Reservoir from mid 1950s to late 1960s (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972). 1 pair at the confluence of Alazani and Agrichai until late 1980s (S. Ibragimov, pers. comm.). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: 2 pairs in Samur Delta in Azerbaijan and adjacent Dagestan in the late 1980s (Butiev et al., 1989, 1990b). Winter: 30-40 or fewer in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Up to 5-7/km along the shores of Kizil Agach Bay in the 1930s (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938). 20-25 wintered in Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula (e.g. 15-20 roosted in the only woodlot of the peninsula) in the late 1950s-early 1960s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a); 0.04/km in 1963 (Oliger, 1967), only 3-4 in 1981-1982 (Shubin, 1983), <10 in the late 1980s (Vinogradov et al., 1990; MP) and 6 in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). Also 3 at Shorgel Lakes (Shirvan Reserve) in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a) and 3 at Djandargel in February 2001 (Shelton, 2001). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 8-10 at lakes of Mil Steppe in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967), but only 1 semi-adult at Lake Aggel in January 1991 (MP).

BREEDING: In Samur Delta, two pairs nested 5-6 km from each other. Each pair had 4 to 6 nests used in different years (Butiev et al., 1989). In Kizil Agach Reserve, a nest containing 2 eggs was found in the Kulagin area on 25 February 1953. The nest was built in a tamarisk bush at only 70 cm above the ground! In February 1955, the nest was occupied again and 2 eggs were laid, however the clutch disappeared later. In Sara Peninsula, local children regularly took eggs from a nest in the only woodlot (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). In 1987, one pair raised one young in Samur Delta, but only adult birds were sighted in the following year (Butiev et al., 1989, 1990b). DIET: Waterfowl (often sick or wounded), other birds (gulls, bustards), fish and fish refuse, carrion including carcasses of Caspian Seal (Phoca caspica), Great Sturgeon (Huso huso) and other species of sturgeon, etc. In Kizil Agach Reserve, 15 examined food items included: European Carp (3), other fish (2), Mallard (2), White-headed Duck (1), diving duck (1), Coot (2), Water Rail (2), Little Bustard (1), tern (1) and 1 egg of Hooded Crow. Formerly frequently observed attacking rafts of Common Coots (Tugarinov & KozlovaPushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). MORTALITY: Two found dead after feeding on birds killed in an oil spill (Verestchagin, 1946). Another caught in a leg-trap set for Golden Jackal (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

64. Pallas’ Sea Eagle - Haliaeetus leucoryphus Pallas, 1771 STATUS: Accidental visitor in the 19th century. No recent records. DISTRIBUTION: 19TH CENTURY: An adult female collected near Kumbashi (presently within Kizil Agach Reserve) on 2

May 1866 (Radde, 1884). Also might have been seen near Saliani and elsewhere in the south Caspian (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912a).

65. Goshawk - Accipiter gentilis Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

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P

IA

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N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

DISTRIBUTION: Insufficiently known. GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali District (from foothills to the upper forest limit), Ilisu Reserve (Kah District), Pirgulu Reserve (Shemakha District), Kuba and Kusari Districts (Gambarov, 1954; Khanmammedov & Mustafaev, 1965; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: No records, but probably present (MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Girkan Reserve (MP) BOSDAG: Observed in juniper woodlands at the east of Turianchai Reserve in April-May 1991 (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Remnant broad-leaved forests of Lenkoran Lowland, e.g. the lowland portion of Girkan Reserve, Vilajchai and Astara-chai valleys (Gasanov, 1990; MP). Once recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve in winter (Oliger, 1967). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta and elsewhere in Khachmas District (Butiev et al., 1983).

Azeri name: Girghi (all accipiter hawks) STATUS: Uncommon resident. Some individuals roam in winter. Subspecies A. g. caucasicus Kleinschmidt, 1923.

HABITAT: NESTING: Montane and lowland broad-leaved forest, juniper woodlands (Gambarov, 1954; Butiev et al., 1983; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; MP).

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

MOVEMENT: Several observed in Baku in January-April 1990 and 1991 (MP). One collected in Sara Peninsula on 13 October 1950 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

one nest, young hatched in late June (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). A fledgling collected in the vicinity of Zakatali on July 10th (Gambarov, 1954).

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Unknown (probably <100 pairs; MP). Two pairs known from the lowland forests of Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1983).

DIET: No information. Seen attacking a flock of feral Rock Doves over a bazaar in Baku (MP).

BREEDING: In Zakatali Reserve, builds and repairs nests in February-March and lays eggs from late April to mid May. In

REMARKS: Formerly used in falconry, e.g. to hunt Black Francolins near Gandja, in Kura Valley and Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912a).

66. Sparrowhawk - Accipiter nisus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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Ku

DAGESTAN R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Fragmented lowland forest north of Khudat (MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: One (possibly a late migrant) on Mount Beuk-Dush (Gobustan Upland) in late April 1990 (Patrikeev, 1990b). Winter: TALISH MOUNTAINS: Talish Mountains (Mustafaev, 1968a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Shirvan and Mil steppes (e.g. around Lake Aggel), tugai of mid Kura, vicinity of Mingechaur, and Aras Valley (Dahl, 1954; Zlotin, 1963; Gambarov, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland and Sara Peninsula (Vinogradov & & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Absheron Peninsula, e.g. Baku (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP).

IRAN

Azeri name: Girghi, hirda garghi STATUS: Common nesting species (partly resident), uncommon migrant and wintering species. Subspecies A. n. nisus Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali District (e.g. Zakatali Reserve), vicinity of Ilisu (Kah District), Sheki, Kutkashen and Kuba districts, Ismailly Reserve and Shemakha Upland, e.g. at Pirgulu, Chagan-1 and Alti-Agach (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990; Patrikeev, 1991d). LESSER CAUCASUS: Geigel Reserve (Murovdag Ridge), Shahdag Ridge, the northern part of Nagorno-Karabakh Region and the vicinity of Agdam (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Gasanov, 1990; MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Mountains of Girkan Reserve (Gasanov, 1990). BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Karayasi Forest, Akstafa-chai, Alazani and Iori valleys, vicinity of Shamkhor and Samukh, and Barda Forest (Gambarov, 1975; Abuladze, 1986a; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland, e.g. the lowland section of Girkan Reserve and between Lenkoran and Astara (Mustafaev, 1969a; Gasanov, 1990). Observed in a tamarisk grove near Khaladz (southeastern Shirvan) in mid April 1990, but could have been a late migrant (Patrikeev, 1991a). Probably nested in Sara Peninsula in the past (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

HABITAT: NESTING AND YEAR ROUND: Broad-leaved sub-montane and lowland forests and tugai (e.g. fragmented forest), juniper woodlands, roadside woodbelts (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev, 1969a; MP). WINTER AND MIGRATION: Tugai, orchards, parks, tamarisk groves, towns and villages (Zlotin, 1963; Vinogradov & & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1968b, 1972; MP). FEEDING: Sometimes hunts in atypical habitats, e.g. alpine zone of Zakatali Reserve in summer (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985) and reedbeds of Lake Aggel in winter (MP). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: inconspicuous. Not seen in Baku after April 1st. Several in Gobustan Upland and southeastern Shirvan in April (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Patrikeev, 1991a, b; MP). Fall passage: Early October through mid November. COASTAL: Arrives at Sara Peninsula in early October and conspicuous passage in late October-early November (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Recorded near Mingechaur in mid November (Gambarov, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Unknown. Perhaps >300400 pairs (MP). 0.2 pairs/km2 in Turianchai Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Passage: Outnumbered Kestrel in the lower valley of Kura during fall migration in the late 19th century (Satunin, 1907). Winter: Up to 50/day in Sara Peninsula in the early 1930s (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938). In Kizil Agach Re-

95

T

96 The Birds of Azerbaijan serve, 0.1/km2 or 0.3/km in 1981-1982 (Shubin, 1983), also uncommon in the late 1980s (Vinogradov et al., 1990). BREEDING: In Zakatali Reserve (Greater Caucasus Mountains), nesting season starts in April-May (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). A nest found in Lenkoran Lowland was in an oak standing in the open next to a highway (Mustafaev, 1969a).

DIET: Stomachs from Kizil Agach Reserve contained remains of bats (2), Common Quail (2), lark (1), Blackbird (1), Common Starling (1), Chaffinch (2) and unidentified passerine birds (4). Observed hunting Crested Larks, Skylarks and young wagtails (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), Turtle Dove (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b) and House Sparrows (MP).

67. Levant Sparrowhawk - Accipiter brevipes Severtzov, 1850 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

67. Levant Sparrowhawk Accipiter brevipes 68. Shikra Accipiter badius

SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: May occur in Lenkoran Lowland, but the presence of a closely related species (Shikra - A. badius) hinders identification. Radde (1884) collected two females similar to “specimens from Beirut”, Lebanon (i.e., probably Accipiter brevipes) in the vicinity of Lenkoran on April 27th and 30th, but those could have been migrants (MP). Either A. brevipes or A. badius nested near large mixed colonies of wading birds and cormorants in forests of Lenkoran Lowland in the past (Sudilovskaya, 1951). One of the two species was also observed in Astara-chai Valley (MP). Possibly occurred in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b), but no recent sightings. HABITAT: Tugai forests, broad-leaved forests in lowlands and foothills up to 1,200-1,500 m (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; MP).

STATUS: Rare nesting species and migrant. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali Reserve, Sheki and Kutkashen districts (e.g. near Nidz) and foothills of Mount Babadag in Ismailly District (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Recorded in adjacent parts of Armenia (Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Dahl, 1954) and probably occurs in suitable habitats in Azerbaijan. NAKHICHEVAN: Present (V. Loskot, pers. comm.). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Barda Forest and possibly elsewhere in tugai of Kura Valley (MP).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Arrives at Zakatali in April and early May (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Unknown. >5 pairs in Barda Forest in 1991 (MP). BREEDING: No information. DIET: A female [of this species?] was seen chasing wagtails, sandpipers (Calidris) and Common Starlings (Satunin, 1907).

68. Shikra - Accipiter badius Gmelin, 1788 STATUS: Insufficiently known (probably a very rare nesting species). Subspecies A. b. cenchroides Severtzov, 1873.

HABITAT: Not well understood. Probably broad-leaved submontane and lowland forest, trees (and parks?) in villages.

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Distribution is not clear due to a possible range overlap with Accipiter brevipes. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Collected near Vel in the foothills of Talish Mountains (Dementiev, 1951). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: South of Lenkoran Lowland (e.g. near Avrora). One collected at Little Kizil Agach Bay on 13 May 1953 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

MOVEMENT and POPULATION SIZE: No information. BREEDING: “Three collected near the village of Vel, e.g. one from a nest” in June (Dementiev, 1951). A nest [of this species?] with eggs in an oak on a central street in Avrora on 19 May 1964 (Mustafaev, 1969a).

T

The Birds of Azerbaijan

69. Rough-legged Buzzard - Buteo lagopus Pontoppidan, 1763 STATUS: Uncommon migrant and wintering species. Subspecies B. l. lagopus Pontoppidian, 1763.

SOUTHEAST b; MP).

DISTRIBUTION: Winter: Range poorly known (probably widespread). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mugan and Mil steppes, e.g. vicinity of Lake Aggel (Satunin, 1912a, b; MP).

HABITAT: Semi-desert and arable lands in lowlands (MP).

LOWLANDS :

Lenkoran Lowland (Satunin, 1912a,

MOVEMENT: Insufficiently known. Common in Samur Delta in spring and fall (Butiev et al., 1983).

70. Long-legged Buzzard - Buteo rufinus Cretzschmar, 1827 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Shubin, 1983).

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

HABITAT: NESTING: Low semi-arid mountains (300-600 m) with cliffs or rock outcrops; perhaps up to 1,800-2,000 m. FEEDING AND WINTER: Lowlands, e.g. semi-desert and marshes (BurchakAbramovich & Gambarov, 1961; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Patrikeev, 1991a, b). MOVEMENT: Many descend to lowlands in winter, although migration from higher elevations elsewhere in the Caucasus to Azerbaijan should not be ruled out (Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; MP).

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

STATUS: Uncommon resident undertaking some local movements in winter. Subspecies B. r. rufinus Cretzschmar, 1827. DISTRIBUTION: insufficiently known. Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Langabiz Range (MP). NAKHICHEVAN: Negram Mountains and Mount Ilandag (MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; MP). BOSDAG: Turianchai, Gekchai and Mingechaur Bosdag Mountains and Djeiranchel Hills; may occur in low mountains north of Mingechaur Reservoir (Radde, 1884; Khanmammedov & Mustafaev, 1965; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Hunting Long-legged Buzzards occasionally wander from Gobustan Upland into southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: In Gobustan Upland: nests on Mounts Beuk-Dush, Djingirdag, Gush-gaya, a nameless mountain close to Mount Kargabazar, cliffs along the dry bed of Djeirankechmes and probably north of Sumgait-chai (Burchak-Abramovich & Gambarov, 1961; Patrikeev, 1991b; MP). Winter: Many resident Long-legged Buzzards move to lowlands in winter. GREATER CAUCASUS: near Agsu (Langabiz Range) in November (Radde, 1884). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mugan, Saliani and Hadjinour steppes (Satunin, 1912b; MP).

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably >50 pairs (many parts of the range were never surveyed properly). In 1990-1991: 4-5 pairs in Gobustan Upland (1 on Mount Beuk-Dush, 1 on Mount Djingirdag, 1 on Mount Gush-gaya and 1-2 in the vicinity of Mount Kargabazar), 2-3 pairs in Gekchai Bosdag Mountains, and 3 pairs in Korchai Game Reserve (Patrikeev, 1991b; MP). Winter: Rare in Kizil Agach Reserve (Shubin, 1983). 5 recorded in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). BREEDING: Two nests on the northeastern slope of Mount BeukDush (Gobustan Upland) on 20 April 1990 and 1 May 1991, respectively. One in a cliff niche 8-9 m above the ground and another in a sheltered cavity of a huge rock fragment (6-7 m above the ground). Both nests built of dry twigs and dry stems of herbaceous plants. Wool, pieces of fabric and gauze found in the nestcups. Nest diameter: c. 90-100 cm (Patrikeev, 1991b; MP). On Mount Gush-gaya, a nest built in an inaccessible vertical crevice in a cliff (Burchak-Abramovich & Gambarov, 1961). Two downy chicks on Beuk-Dush on 6 May 1990, and observed standing in the nest on May 19th. The nest was blown off the cliff by June 22nd. In 1991, the same pair nested in an easily accessible rock fragment below the first nest. Nothing in that nest on 1 May 1991: eggs (or young) probably taken by local children (Patrikeev, 1991b; MP). DIET: On Mount Beuk-Dush, recorded food items included several Caucasian Agama (Stellio caucasius), a snake and a Rock Dove (Patrikeev, 1991b).

97

T

98 The Birds of Azerbaijan 71. Common Buzzard - Buteo buteo Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Sar STATUS: Common nesting species (uncommon resident), migrant and wintering species. Subspecies B. b. menetriesi Bogdanov, 1879 nests, and B. b. vulpinus Gloger, 1833 migrates through Azerbaijan and probably winters there. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Throughout the southern slope of Greater Caucasus Mountains up to the tree limit (Gambarov, 1954), e.g. Zakatali and Ilisu reserves, Sheki, Kutkashen and Ismailly districts, Shemakha Upland (including Mount Pirgulu and Alti-Agach Reserve), foothills in Kusari and Kuba districts (Dementiev, 1951; Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990; Patrikeev, 1991d; Shelton, 2001). LESSER CAUCASUS: Kedabek District, Geigel Reserve (Murovdag Ridge) and the northern part of Nagorno-Karabakh Region (Radde, 1884; Dementiev, 1951; Gasanov, 1990). Probably widely distributed throughout montane forests of Lesser Caucasus. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Girkan Reserve and other parts of Ulasi Ridge (Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990). BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Karayasi Forest, Akstafa-chai Valley and perhaps elsewhere (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Possibly in Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). SAMUR-D IVICHI L OWLAND: Khachmas and Khudat districts (Drozdov, 1965; MP). Winter: GREATER CAUCASUS: Resident in Zakatali Reserve (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Common throughout the mountains (Mustafaev, 1968b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Shirvan Steppe, Mil Steppe (e.g. around Lake Aggel) and vicinity of Mingechaur (Zlotin, 1963; Vinogradov, 1967; Gambarov, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland and Kizil Agach Reserve (Dobrokhotov, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972; Shubin, 1983).

HABITAT: NESTING: Montane and lowland broad-leaved forests, and tugai (including small stands), juniper woodlands in semi-arid Bosdag Mountains (Gambarov, 1954; Drozdov, 1965; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). SUMMER FEEDING : Up to alpine zone in Zakatali Reserve (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). WINTER: Semi-desert, fields, marshes, forests and settlements in lowlands and mountains (Dobrokhotov, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1968b, 1972). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Very common in Absheron Peninsula in early May 1952-1954. Latest records 612 May (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). One B. b. menetriesi collected near Binagadi (close to Baku) on 10 May 1959 (Gambarov, 1960). Fall passage: Mostly passes through Azerbaijan to winter elsewhere (Dementiev, 1951). COASTAL: Observed near Buzovna, Absheron Peninsula on September 29th (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). A juvenile female B. b. vulpinus collected in Kizil Agach reserve on 15 October 1957 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Passage observed in Mingechaur District (Gambarov, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably >200-300 pairs. 4 pairs in the east of Karayasi Forest (Akstafa District) in summer 1989, 3 pairs in Turianchai Valley within the limits of Turianchai Reserve in 1991 (MP). Winter: Common in Lenkoran Lowland and Talish Mountains in December-January (Mustafaev, 1968b, 1972). Rare in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1981-1982 (Shubin, 1983). BREEDING: In Turianchai Reserve, courtship flights in early April (MP). Nests with eggs in Zakatali Reserve already in March and April, e.g. a nest with 2 eggs at 1,200 m, and two nests with 3 eggs each at 700 m. One nest was in a hornbeam tree (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). A low nest in a young hornbeam tree (3 m above the ground) in a regenerating forest near Pirgulu, Shemakha Upland (Patrikeev, 1991d). In Zakatali Reserve, young in late April-early May, although recently fledged young observed as late as July 5th (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). In Karayasi Forest, the young still in nests in June, but a pair with two fledglings observed on 2 July 1989 (MP). DIET: Stomachs and crops of two Common Buzzards collected in Absheron Peninsula during spring migration contained 18 Collared Dwarf Snakes (Eirenis collaris). Remains of lizards, scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae) and their larvae found in other stomachs (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Rodents including Social Voles (Microtus socialis), and large beetles recorded in stomachs collected in Greater Caucasus Mountains (Gambarov, 1954).

T

The Birds of Azerbaijan

72. Booted Eagle - Hieraaetus pennatus Gmelin, 1788 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Ara

Stepanakert

sR

ive

r Kura Ri

EN

mailly and Kusari districts, and Shemakha Upland including vicinity of Fahrakush, Kirovka, Tchagan and Alti-Agach (Gambarov, 1954; Gasanov, 1990; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Patrikeev, 1991d; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Recorded in Lachin District (MP). Probably more widespread. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Ulasi Ridge in Girkan Reserve; Vilajchai and Astara-chai valleys (MP).

ver

HABITAT: NESTING: Broad-leaved forests in foothills and low mountains (Gambarov, 1954; MP).

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

STATUS: Uncommon nesting species and migrant. Subspecies H. p. pennatus Gmelin, 1788. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Insufficiently known. GREATER CAUCASUS: At low elevations throughout the southern slope, e.g. Zakatali, Ilisu and Ismailly reserves, Kutkashen, Is-

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Arrives at Zakatali Reserve in early April (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Fall passage: Recorded in the vicinity of Kilazi in September (Shelton, 2001). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Unknown. Probably 60-100 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). DIET: Unknown. One shot after taking a chicken from a village in Shemakha Upland (Gambarov, 1954).

73. Bonelli’s Eagle - Hieraaetus fasciatus Vieillot, 1822 STATUS: Insufficiently known. Accidental visitor or possibly very rare nesting species. Subspecies H. f. fasciatus Vieillot, 1822. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: BOSDAG: One seen in Turianchai Reserve (Turianchai Bosdag Mountains) in 1987 or 1988 (E. Sultanov, pers. comm.) and a pair on 6 April 1991 (MP).

Remark: Low semi-arid mountains are poorly known throughout Azerbaijan, and there is a possibility that this species might occur elsewhere. In the late 1980s, a nest was discovered in Djurdjur Ridge (Lesser Caucasus) in Armenia (Belik, 1990). HABITAT: Semi-arid mountains (MP).

74. Steppe Eagle - Aquila nipalensis Hodgson, 1833 STATUS: Common migrant and rare wintering species. Declining. Subspecies A. n. orientalis Cabanis, 1854. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Occurred in Karayasi Steppe until early December in mild winters (Radde, 1884; Abuladze, 1986a). S OUTHEAST LOWLANDS : Rare in Kizil Agach Reserve (Shubin, 1983). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Possibly winters in Gobustan Upland (Burchak-Abramovich & Gambarov, 1961). HABITAT: MIGRATION AND other open habitats (MP).

WINTER:

Semi-desert, pasture and

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: At Divichi Liman in March (Shelton, 2001), and in Samur Delta in mid to late April (Butiev et al., 1989). Fall passage: More conspicuous during fall migration.

COASTAL: Early September to mid October at Divichi Liman, Yasamal Valley near Baku, Kizil Agach Reserve and southeastern Shirvan, e.g. near Saliani (Radde, 1884; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1968; Shelton, 2001; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Less conspicuous in the interior. Recorded in Mugan, Mil and Karayasi steppes, and Korchai Game Preserve (Radde, 1884; Abuladze, 1986a; MP). Not recorded at Lake Aggel (Mil Steppe) every year (Vinogradov, 1967). POPULATION SIZE: Passage: FALL: Common in Kizil Agach Reserve: 18 on 10 September 1955, and 0.7/km on 14 October 1958 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Winter: 2-4 in 1981-1982 (Shubin, 1983). MORTALITY: Almost the entire nesting population of Kalmikia, Russian Federation (to the north of Azerbaijan) was wiped out through electrocution at hydro poles (D. Mironov, pers. comm.).

99

T

100 The Birds of Azerbaijan 75. Greater Spotted Eagle - Aquila clanga Pallas, 1811 STATUS: Common migrant and wintering species; possibly nested in the past. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Formerly nested in the “South Caspian”, e.g. in “pristine forests of Lenkoran Lowland” (Radde, 1884) and perhaps southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). No summer records in the 20th century. Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan, Lenkoran Lowland and Kizil Agach Reserve (Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Oliger, 1967; Shubin, 1983). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Occasionally at Shah Spit (Bannikova et al., 1984). HABITAT: WINTER: Wetlands and adjacent semi-desert (Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Migrate through Samur Delta in April-early May with peak in late April (Butiev et al., 1989). Observed in Kizil Agach Reserve on May 21st (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Fall passage: more conspicuous. COASTAL: Recorded in Samur Delta from late August to early November, but mostly after mid October (Butiev et al., 1989), and in Lenkoran Lowland, Kizil Agach Reserve and foothills of

Talish Mountains in November. Latest record on November 25th (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). INTERIOR: Conspicuous migration in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains 6-25 October with peak 9-10 October (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). One shot in the vicinity of Mingechaur on November 24th (Gambarov, 1975). Also in November, in Karayasi and Mil steppes (e.g. at Lake Aggel) and in Zakatali District (Radde, 1884; Vinogradov, 1967; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). POPULATION SIZE: Passage: FALL: 49 passed through Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on 9-10 October (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Winter: Kizil Agach Reserve: groups of 4-6 roosted near Kumbashi in the late 19th century (Satunin, 1907), 0.02/km in 1963 (Oliger, 1967), rare in 1981-1982 (Shubin, 1983) and only 1 observed in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). 2 at Shah Spit (Absheron Peninsula) in January-February 1982 (Bannikova et al., 1984) DIET and MORTALITY: In Kizil Agach Reserve, wintering Greater Spotted Eagles feed mostly on wounded and weakened birds (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). One found dead after feeding on carcasses of birds killed in an oil spill (Verestchagin, 1946).

76. Lesser Spotted Eagle - Aquila pomarina C. L. Brehm, 1831 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

TALISH MOUNTAINS: Astara-chai and Vilajchai valleys, and Ulasi Ridge (MP). BOSDAG: Bosdag Mountains on the both sides of Turianchai River (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Karayasi Forest, Shamkhor Game Preserve, Akstafa-chai and Alazani valleys, and the mouth of Iori (Gambarov, 1975; Abuladze, 1986a; MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta (MP). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Sometimes winters in Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Paynter et al., 1996a).

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

HABITAT: NESTING: Tugai forest with tall trees, lowland and low montane broad-leaved forests, and juniper woodlands in semiarid mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP).

IRAN

Azeri name: Gartal (all eagles) STATUS: Uncommon nesting species and migrant; rare wintering species in the southeast. Subspecies A. p. pomarina C. L. Brehm, 1831. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Riverine and low montane forests. GREATER CAUCASUS: Foothills in Sheki and Kusari districts (MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: No records, although nests in Lesser Caucasus in Armenia, e.g. Megri Ridge (Dahl, 1954).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: inconspicuous. COASTAL: A few recorded in Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1989) and one in Kizil Agach Reserve on May 21st (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Fall passage: COASTAL: Rare in Samur Delta in October (Butiev et al., 1989). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Observed in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains, Mil Steppe and Aras Valley in October (Dahl, 1954; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Vinogradov, 1967). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: 50-80 pairs in the late 1980searly 1990s, e.g. 12-15 pairs occurred in Alazani Valley (some on

The Birds of Azerbaijan

the Georgian side), 2-3 pairs in Karayasi Forest, 2-3 pairs in Shamkhor Game Preserve, 1 pair in Akstafa-chai Valley, 2 pairs in Samur Delta, and >3 pairs in Astara-chai valley (MP). Winter: 1 in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a).

BREEDING: A nest with a hatching chick and an egg in a juniper in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on 26 April 1962. The nest was empty on June 12th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Adults carrying food observed in Karayasi Forest in mid June 1989 (MP).

77. Imperial Eagle - Aquila heliaca Savigny, 1809 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Observations from Gobustan Upland, e.g. near Mount Agdashdag south of Tcheildag (Burchak-Abramovich, 1962) were probably of non-breeding individuals (MP). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Rare in Kizil Agach and Shirvan reserves (Shubin, 1983; Paynter et al., 1996a). Formerly wintered in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: One recorded near Cape Kilazi in December (Shelton, 2001).

IRAN

Azeri name: Gartal, karagush (all eagles) STATUS: Rare nesting species, migrant and rare wintering species. Subspecies A. h. heliaca Savigny, 1809. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Sheki Game Preserve, Ismailly Reserve, lower slopes of Babadag and Shahdag, Shemakha Upland (vicinity of Pirgulu and Alti-Agach) and Kusari Game Preserve (Radde, 1884; Patrikeev, 1991d; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Distribution is poorly known. Observed at Mount Giamish (Murovdag Ridge) and north of Lachin (MP). NAKHICHEVAN: Recorded from the mountains north of Ordubad (MP). BOSDAG: Turianchai and Gekchai Bosdag Mountains (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Tugai forest in Kura Valley (Karayasi Forest, Shamkhor Game Preserve and Barda Forest), Alazani Valley and the mouth of Iori (Gambarov, 1975; Abuladze, 1986a; Patrikeev, 1990a; MP).

HABITAT: NESTING: Tugai forests, juniper woodlands in low semi-arid mountains, and broad-leaved forests in foothills. FEEDING: Riverine habitats, fields, pasture and semi-desert (MP). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Recorded in Samur Delta in mid and late April (Butiev et al., 1989). Fall passage: inconspicuous. COASTAL: One recorded in Samur Delta on 11 November 1972 (Butiev et al., 1989). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Observed north of Mingechaur on November 25th (Gambarov, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: c. 40-50 pairs in 1989-1991, e.g. 8-10 pairs in Alazani Valley (some on the Georgian side), 34 pairs in Karayasi Forest, 1-2 in Shamkhor Game Preserve, 24 pairs in Turianchai and Gekchai Bosdag Mountains, 2 pairs on Mount Babadag and 2 pairs in Ismailly Reserve (MP). Winter: 2-4 in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1981-1982 (Shubin, 1983). BREEDING: A pair defending a territory in Turianchai Reserve 8-11 April (MP). A nest found in Karayasi Forest on 10 June 1989 was on a side branch of a large polar tree c. 20 m above the ground. The nest contained 2 young c. 1.5 months of age on 1 July 1989. No aggression observed between the siblings. Deciduous twigs were delivered to the nest (Patrikeev, 1990a).

78. Golden Eagle - Aquila chrysaetos Linnaeus, 1758 Azeri name: Bargud, karagush, gartal. STATUS: Rare resident undertaking some movements in winter, and rare migrant. Subspecies A. c. homeyeri Severtzov, 1888. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Belokani and Zakatali districts (including Zakatali Reserve), Ilisu Reserve (Kah District), Mount Babadag, Ismailly Reserve, Mounts Bazar-Duzu and Shahdag, and vicinity of Alti-Agach (Dementiev, 1951; Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Shelton, 2001; MP).

LESSER CAUCASUS: Mount Dalidag (Karabakh Upland), Mount Giamish (Murovdag Ridge) and Karabakh Ridge (MP). Common at the headwaters of Akstafa-chai in Shahdag Ridge in the past (Radde, 1884). A semi-adult observed over Karayasi Forest on 28 June 1989 might have descended from Shahdag Ridge (MP). NAKHICHEVAN: Zangezur Range (Mounts Kapudjik and Soukh), Mount Kukudag in Shahbuz District, and Mount Ilandag (MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (MP) and possibly forested parts of Talish Mountains (Agaeva & Mustafaev, 1973). Winter: Some descend to the lowlands in winter.

T 101

T

102 The Birds of Azerbaijan G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

HABITAT: NESTING: Cliffs and rock outcrops in high mountains; possibly montane forests (Dementiev, 1951; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

N

er

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Ara

Stepanakert

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

POPULATION SIZE: Probably >25-30 pairs in 1989-1991, e.g. >1 pair in each of Ilisu and Ismailly reserves, and on Mount Babadag (MP).

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: One observed in Samur Delta on 9 April 1980 and several sub-adults 2-5 May 1988 (Butiev et al, 1989). Two over Baku on 20 April 1989 (MP). Fall passage: COASTAL: Recorded in Samur Delta on October 31st, and November 1st and 24th (Butiev et al, 1989).

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

BREEDING: No information.

KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Rare in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1981-1982 (Shubin, 1983). One near Kulagin lookout (Kizil Agach Reserve) in November 1989 (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Mugan Steppe (Satunin, 1912b; MP) and vicinity of Mingechaur (Gambarov, 1975).

DIET: European Hare, Caucasian Snowcock, Chukar and carrion in Zakatali District (Dementiev, 1951), waterfowl in Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1989) and Little Bustards in Kizil Agach Reserve (MP). MORTALITY: Formerly caught in leg traps set for Red Fox (Radde, 1884).

79. Egyptian Vulture - Neophron percnopterus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

Baku

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Gartal, leshueyan, karkas. STATUS: Uncommon nesting species, migrant and wintering species. A small part of the population remains on the nesting grounds, while the rest wander through the lowlands and foothills, and possibly even leave Azerbaijan. Subspecies N. p. percnopterus Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Vicinity of Laza (Kutkashen District), Mounts Shahdag and Babadag, Kusari Game Preserve, Shemakha Upland (e.g. Pirgulu and Alti-Agach reserves) and Langabiz Range (Gambarov, 1954; Patrikeev, 1991d; MP). Occurs in sub-alpine and alpine zones of Zakatali Reserve, but probably does not nest there (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

LESSER CAUCASUS: Distribution poorly known. Known from Mount Dalidag (Karabakh Upland), Mounts Kapaz and Giamish (both in Murovdag Ridge), and mountains of Lachin District (Gasanov, 1990; MP). NAKHICHEVAN: Negram Mountains, Mount Ilandag (and perhaps other low mountains in Julfa District), Zangezur Ridge in Ordubad and Shahbuz District, e.g. Mount Kukudag (Satunin, 1907; Laister & Sosnin, 1942; MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (MP). BOSDAG: Gekchai, Turianchai and Mingechaur Bosdag Mountains, Korchai Game Preserve and Djeiranchel Hills (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Gobustan Upland: cliffs along Djeirankechmes, on the left bank of Pirsagat-chai, Mount Kargabazar, Mount Agdashdag south of Tcheildag, etc. (Burchak-Abramovich & Gambarov, 1961; Patrikeev, 1991b). Winter: GREATER CAUCASUS: Absent from Zakatali Reserve in winter (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). NAKHICHEVAN: Winters in Nakhichevan Region (Radde, 1884; Laister & Sosnin, 1942). BOSDAG: Recorded in Turianchai Reserve in winters of 1961/ 1962 and 1962/1963 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Karayasi and Mugan steppes (Radde, 1884; MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Low semi-arid mountains with cliffs and ledges, also treeless slopes and rock faces in high mountains (Satunin, 1907; Burchak-Abramovich & Gambarov, 1961; MP). WINTER: Low mountains, semi-desert, pasture, e.g. close to sheep flocks and livestock-slaughtering facilities (Satunin, 1907).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

MOVEMENT: Observed far away from nesting grounds in summer, e.g. Mugan Steppe, Kizil Agach Reserve, Absheron Peninsula and Samur Delta (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Butiev et al., 1989). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: >80-100 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). c. 0.05/km2 in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains in 1961-1962 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b), but 2 pairs in the eastern part of Turianchai Reserve, and >5 pairs in Gekchai Bosdag Mountains in 1991. Also, 4-5 pairs on Mount Babadag and 10-15 pairs in Zuvand Upland in 1989-1990 (MP).

BREEDING: Courtship observed in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains 7-8 April. Two birds perched on the top of a low mountain were facing each other, touching beaks from time to time. Sometimes one of the birds was soaring, while the other remained on the mountain. Mating observed on the same spot on April 10th (MP). In 1947, a pair nested in a cave on Mount Kargabazar (Gobustan Upland), but in a cliff niche only 6-7 m above the ground in 1948 (Burchak-Abramovich, 1962). Nested in the same niche in 1991, incubation observed in May (A. Mustafaev, pers. comm.). DIET: Primarily carrion (Satunin, 1907; Dementiev, 1951).

80. Lammergeier - Gypaetus barbatus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

STATUS: Rare resident. Subspecies G. b. aureus Hablizl, 1783. DISTRIBUTION: GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali Reserve (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985), Mounts Bazar-Duzu, Babadag and Shahdag (MP). Observed in Ilisu and Ismailly reserves, and Langabiz ridge (Gasanov, 1990; E. Sultanov, pers. comm.), but it may not nest there. LESSER CAUCASUS: Mounts Giamish, Kapaz (Murovdag Ridge), Dalidag (Karabakh Upland) and mountains of Lachin District (Gasanov, 1990; MP). NAKHICHEVAN: Negram Mountains and Zangezur Ridge including Mount Kukudag (Laister & Sosnin, 1942; MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Probably still occurs in Zuvand Upland, e.g. near Lerik where a nest was found 20-25 years ago (I. Babaev, pers. comm.). BOSDAG: Possibly nests in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (500600 m) where observed on 7 April and 25 May 1991 (MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Cliffs or rock faces at 700-2,500 m and higher (Bogdanov, 1879; Satunin, 1912a). Observed at low clayey cliffs with caves and crevices at 500-600 m (MP). MOVEMENT: Descend to Mugan Steppe and (perhaps other lowland areas) in search of carrion or live prey (Satunin, 1912b).

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: c. 30-40 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). “Very common” in Zakatali Reserve in the past, but rare from the 1970s-1980s (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). BREEDING: A nest found in Zuvand Upland was in a cliff (I. Babaev, pers. comm.). Abuladze (1989) reported finding several nests in unspecified locations in Greater Caucasus Mountains of Azerbaijan. Eggs probably laid in January, because incubation was already under way in February, and chicks were seen in late March somewhere in the “Caucasus” (Radde, 1884). DIET: Formerly thought to feed primarily on animal carcasses, e.g. bones broken by dropping from a considerable height (Radde, 1884), but also newly born Goitred Gazelle and lamb (Satunin, 1912b). A recent study by Abuladze (1989) demonstrated that some pairs or individuals in Georgia and Azerbaijan specialize in hunting live prey, e.g. he observed capture of Caucasian Snowcock and Caucasian Black Grouse. Both birds were knocked down from the air after the Lammergeier surprised them by suddenly appearing from behind a ridge (Abuladze, 1989). Similar behaviour (a Lammergeier patrolling slopes at a low height and suddenly sweeping over the ridge, probably in attempt to surprise potential prey) was observed in Turianchai Reserve (MP). This behaviour may be peculiar to areas with low density of wild ungulates and domestic livestock. Abuladze (1989) identified 37 food items (5 species of birds and 8 species of mammals) delivered to or found beneath several nests: 10 Caucasian Black Grouse, 4 Caucasian Snowcocks (including 2 chicks), 1 Chukar, 1 Ring Ouzel, 5 Alpine Chough, 2 new-born Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), 1 young East Caucasian Tur (Capra cylindricornis), 2 lambs, 9 voles (Prometheomys schaposchnikovi and Microtus gud), 2 young European Hare (Lepus europaeus), 1 hedgehog (Erinaceus sp.), and a pup of Caucasian Shepherd Dog. Some of these animals were probably caught while still alive (Abuladze, 1989).

T 103

T

104 The Birds of Azerbaijan 81. Black Vulture - Aegypius monachus Linnaeus, 1766 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

HABITAT: NESTING: Juniper woodlands in low semi-arid mountains, montane broad-leaved forests, and possibly cliffs (Vinogradov, 1963a; MP). FEEDING: Open habitats (Gambarov, 1954; Vinogradov, 1963a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: c. 60-80 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s, e.g. 5 pairs in Lachin District (Karabakh Ridge) in 1988, 2-3 pairs in Ilisu Reserve (Kah District), 3-4 pairs on Mount Babadag and the vicinity, and 6-8 pairs in Turianchai and Gekchai Bosdag Mountains in 1989-1991 (MP). Winter: Increase in Bosdag Mountains in fall and winter due to birds descending from Greater Caucasus Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Rare in Kizil Agach and Shirvan reserves (Shubin, 1983; Paynter et al., 1996a).

IRAN

Azeri name: Karkas, kara karkas STATUS: Uncommon resident undertaking some local movements. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali, Belokani, Vartashen and Kuba districts, Ilisu Reserve (Kah District), Mounts Bazar-Duzu, Shahdag, and Babadag, Shemakha Upland including the Girkhbulak area of Pirgulu Reserve, AltiAgach Reserve and the headwaters of Sumgait-chai (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Patrikeev, 1991d; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Mounts Kapaz and Giamish (Murovdag Ridge), Karabakh Ridge (including Lachin District and Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region) and Karabakh Upland, e.g. Mount Dalidag (Radde, 1884; Gasanov, 1990; MP). NAKHICHEVAN: Zangezur Ridge including Mount Kukudag (MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (MP). BOSDAG: Turianchai and Gekchai Bosdag Mountains, and low mountains surrounding Mingechaur Reservoir (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Gambarov, 1975; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Radde (1884) reported nesting in Karayasi Forest (Kura Valley), but vultures must have disappeared from there decades ago. Foraging birds observed in Mugan Steppe (Satunin, 1912b). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: A pair was seen in northern Gobustan in early April 1990 (MP). Wanderers occur in Absheron Peninsula year-round (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Winter: Probably descends to lower altitudes and lowlands in winter. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: In autumn and winter, this species was recorded in semi-desert near Mingechaur and in Mugan Steppe (Satunin, 1912b; Gambarov, 1975). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Observed in Kizil Agach Reserve on 16 January 1955 and 30 December 1958 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), in Lenkoran Lowland during the very cold winter of 1969 (Mustafaev et al, 1969) and in Shirvan Reserve in January-February 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: 2 in Samur Delta on 30 November 1980, (Butiev et al., 1989).

BREEDING: All nesting information is from Turianchai Reserve, Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov, 1963a; MP). Nest building and repair from February. Every pair probably has several nests 100-500 m apart (Vinogradov, 1963a). 2 active and 4 old nests in a 2-3 km2 area of the reserve in April 1991. The nests were in low juniper 1.2-6 m above the ground on south-facing ledges and slopes. Nests (1.2-2 m in diameter, and 0.7-1 m in height) made of dry juniper twigs up to 1 m long and 1-3 cm thick, and lined with short twigs, grass, wool and small feathers of the vulture. Nests were heavy and sometimes bending down the nest-tree. Grass often grows in unused nests (MP). Usually 1 egg/clutch (Dementiev, 1951). One nest contained an egg as early as March 14th (Vinogradov, 1963a) and 2 other nests on April 10th. One egg measured 98 x 68 mm (MP). A small chick on April 26th (Vinogradov, 1963a) and another 2-2.5 weeks old on May 24th. A parent was present on the nest most of the time shielding the chick from the sun, and once attacked a pair of approaching Common Raven (MP). According to Vinogradov (1963a), one adult stayed with a large chick until at least June 12th, the chick remained in the nest until at least August 7th and fledged by September 1st. Another pair with fledgling observed on August 31st. Thus, nesting cycle lasts >6 months (Vinogradov, 1963a). DIET: Black Vultures nesting in Turianchai Reserve probably depend on sheep and cow carcasses from outside the reserve. Examined nests contained hair of sheep, cattle and hare, a hoof of the Wild Boar (young) and a tortoise’s leg (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

82. Griffon Vulture - Gyps fulvus Hablizl, 1783 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Ara

Stepanakert

sR

ive

r Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

1961). Strays into Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP). Winter: Some descend to the plains, although the majority remain in mountains during warm winters (Satunin, 1907; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Sometimes wanders into Kizil Agach Reserve in November-January (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Occurred in Lenkoran Lowland during the very cold winter of 1969 (Mustafaev et al., 1969). HABITAT: NESTING: Gorges, rock faces and cliffs in high and low mountains up to 2,800-3,000 m. FEEDING: May be seen over lowlands. In Zakatali District, regularly descends to Alazani Valley in the morning, and returns to the mountains before dark (Gambarov, 1954; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

Azeri name: Karkas, agbash karkasi STATUS: Uncommon to locally common resident undertaking some movements in winter. Subspecies G. f. fulvus Hablizl, 1783. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali Reserve, mountains of Kutkashen and Vartashen districts, Mounts Bazar-Duzu, Shahdag and Babadag, and Shemakha Upland, e.g. north of Pirgulu and near Alti-Agach (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Patrikeev, 1991d; MP). L ESSER C AUCASUS : Geigel Reserve and Mount Giamish (Murovdag Range), Mount Dalidag (Karabakh Upland) and Karabakh Ridge including Lachin Game Preserve (Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990; MP). NAKHICHEVAN: High mountains of Zangezur Ridge including Mounts Kapudjik and Kukudag, low semi-arid mountains of Aras Valley, e.g. Negram Mountains and Mount Ilandag (MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (Drozdov, 1965; MP). BOSDAG: Turianchai and Gekchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Foraging Griffon Vultures (probably from Talish Mountains) seen in Mugan Steppe (Satunin, 1912b; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Cliffs along Djeirankechmes in Gobustan Upland (Burchak-Abramovich & Gambarov,

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: c. 100-120 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). In the 19th century, 20-30 sometimes gathered at a carcass of large animal (Radde, 1884). 20 near Laza (Kutkashen District) on 15 July 1938 (Gambarov, 1954). Two colonies of 5-8 pairs each in Gekchai Bosdag Mountains, and one colony of 2 pairs in Turianchai Reserve in 1961-1962 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b), 4 pairs in Turianchai Reserve (2 colonies of 2 pairs each) and 12-15 pairs in Gekchai Bosdag Mountains in 1991. 8-10 pairs on Mount Babadag and the vicinity in 1990 (MP). Most common vulture in Zakatali Reserve (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Winter: Increases in Turianchai and Gekchai Bosdag Mountains in winter, e.g. 45 soaring over the village of Turianchai on 12 January 1962 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). BREEDING: Nests in caves and crevices in cliffs, and on ledges. A large nestling in a small cave in a cliff in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on 24 May 1991. Two adult vultures seen flying into a neighbouring cave. The two caves were 5-8 m below the top and c. 30 m above the bottom of the cliff (MP). DIET: Carrion and refuse (Radde, 1884).

83. Short-toed Eagle - Circaetus gallicus Gmelin, 1788 STATUS: Rare nesting species and migrant. Subspecies C. g. gallicus Gmelin, 1788. DISTRIBUTION: is poorly known. Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Sheki and Kusari Game Preserves, Ismailly Reserve and Alti-Agach Reserve in Shemakha Upland (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Mount Dalidag (Karabakh Upland) and Lachin Game Preserve (MP). NAKHICHEVAN: Negram Mountains, Ordubad Game Preserve and low mountains near Ordubad (MP).

TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (I. Babaev, pers. comm.). BOSDAG: Turianchai and Gekchai Bosdag Mountains (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Alazani Valley and the mouth of Iori (Gambarov, 1975; Abuladze, 1986a). One shot in Aras Valley in Mugan on 11 June 1897 (Satunin, 1907). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Formerly in Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884). No recent records. SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Observed near Nizovaya railway station (Khachmas District) on May 30th (Satunin, 1907).

T 105

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106 The Birds of Azerbaijan G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

arid mountains (Gambarov, 1954; MP). FEEDING AND MIGRATION: Forest clearings and semi-desert (Butiev et al., 1989).

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

N

er

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Ara

Stepanakert

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Passes through Samur Delta 5 April-5 May (Butiev et al., 1989). Fall passage: COASTAL: Recorded in Samur Delta 24 August-7 September (Butiev et al., 1989). INTERIOR: Observed in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on 13 September 1962 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: c. 30-40 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s, e.g. 2 pairs in Turianchai Reserve (Turianchai Bosdag Mountains) and 2-3 pairs in Gekchai Bosdag Mountains in April-May 1991 (MP).

IRAN

HABITAT: NESTING: Broad-leaved forest in foothills and lowlands, tugai forests in river valleys, and juniper woodlands in semi-

BREEDING: A pair calling and circling over a wooded ravine in Turianchai Reserve on 8 April 1991. A third Short-toed Eagle was attacked and driven away (MP).

84. Hen Harrier - Circus cyaneus Linnaeus, 1766 Azeri name: Belibahli (all harriers) STATUS: Uncommon migrant and wintering species; nested in the past. Subspecies C. c. cyaneus Linnaeus, 1766. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: No recent summer records. GREATER CAUCASUS: Formerly sighted near Ismailly, Shemakha and in lowlands of Sheki District. A semi-adult collected in the vicinity of Shemakha on 1 May 1896 (Satunin, 1907). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Several sets of eggs collected from Lenkoran Lowland in the 19th century (Radde, 1884). Considered resident in southern Mugan in the past (Satunin, 1912b). Winter: B OSDAG : Turianchai Reserve and the vicinity of Mingechaur (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Gambarov, 1975). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mil Steppe, e.g. Lake Aggel (Vinogradov, 1967; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland, Kizil Agach and Shirvan reserves (Shubin, 1983; Paynter et al., 1996a; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Absheron Peninsula including Shah Spit and Cape Sangachal (Gambarov, 1960; Bannikova et al., 1984; MP). HABITAT: WINTER: Wetlands, fields, semi-desert (MP).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: One collected south of Baku on 12 March 1936 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Latest spring record in Kizil Agach Reserve on April 2nd (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). INTERIOR: Migrants recorded in Karayasi Steppe (Radde, 1884) and Turianchai Reserve, e.g. on 14 and 30 March 1962 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Fall passage: COASTAL: Females and young arrive at Kizil Agach Reserve 18-26 August, but adult males not until 11-12 October. Conspicuous passage 12 October-25 November (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). INTERIOR: Observed in the vicinity of Mingechaur (e.g. at Agrichai) in October (Gambarov, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Passage: FALL: Common migrant in the early 1930s (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938), uncommon in the late 1980searly 1990s (MP). Winter: “Numerous” in Lenkoran Lowland in the late 19th century (Radde, 1884). <7 at Shah Spit in January-February 1982 (Bannikova et al., 1984). Only 0.2/km2 in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1981-1982 (Shubin, 1983) and 0.1/km in late November 1989 (MP). 146 in Kizil Agach Reserve and 7 in Shirvan Reserve in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a).

85. Pallid Harrier - Circus macrourus Gmelin, 1771 STATUS: Rare migrant and wintering species; nested in the past. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: One male in Sheki Game Preserve in late May 1991 (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mugan Steppe in the past (Satunin, 1912b).

SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Clutches collected in Lenkoran Lowland in the 19th century (Radde, 1884). Winter: BOSDAG: Observed in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on 26 January 1961 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Probably wintered in Mugan Steppe in the past (Satunin, 1912b). A male recorded near Evlakh on 26 February 1998 (P. Cranswick, pers. comm.).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: A semi-adult male collected in Lenkoran Lowland in April (Radde, 1884). Several observed in southeastern Shirvan and near Cape Pirsagat in April-early May 1989-1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a).

INTERIOR: A male and a female (not a pair) observed in low mountains of Turianchai Reserve in April 1991, and another female in northern Gobustan on 7 April 1990 (MP). Fall passage: No information.

86. Montagu’s Harrier - Circus pygargus Linnaeus, 1771 STATUS: Uncommon nesting species and migrant, rare wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Foothills in Ismailly, Sheki and Kusari districts, and in Shemakha Upland (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: A hunting male regularly seen in fields north of Karayasi Forest in late June-early July 1989 (MP). Recorded near Djandargel (E. Sultanov). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Occurred in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b) and may still do so. Winter: Rare in Kizil Agach Reserve (Shubin, 1983).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Arrives in Azerbaijan in March (Satunin, 1907). A male and a female observed over alfalfa fields and semi-desert at Khaladz (southeastern Shirvan) 25-26 April 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Fall passage: INTERIOR: Recorded in Karayasi Steppe and at Lake Aggel in October (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov, 1967). BREEDING: No information. DIET: Grasshoppers found in one stomach (Gambarov, 1954).

HABITAT: NESTING: Wet meadows along small rivers in foothills of Greater Caucasus Mountains (Gambarov, 1954). FEEDING: Fields and semi-desert (MP).

87. Marsh Harrier - Circus aeruginosus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Gandja Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Nakhichevan

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Belibahli (all harriers) STATUS: Common resident, migrant and wintering species. Subspecies C. a. aeruginosus Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes of Mil Steppe (e.g. Aggel, Bos-Koba, Shorbet-Koba and Sarisu), wetlands of Shirvan Steppe (e.g. Shilian and Karasy marshes and small wetlands in Kurdamir and Zardob District), Varvara Reservoir, the mouth of Iori and fishponds at Lake Hadjikabul (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; Gambarov, 1975; Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan (Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala), Kizil Agach Reserve (including Kalinovsky

Liman, Lopatinsky and Akusha marshes), Lenkoran Lowland, Kura Delta and southeastern Shirvan, e.g. at Shorgel Lakes and occasionally at Cape Pirsagat; (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Tuaev, 1975; Patrikeev, 1991a, c). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Rare in Absheron Peninsula, e.g. Shah Spit, Artem Bay and Cape Sangachal (MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman (Tuaev, 1965). Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mil Steppe (Aggel and Sarisu), Shirvan Steppe (Shilian and Karasy marshes and adjacent semidesert), Mugan and Karayasi steppes and vicinity of Mingechaur (Zlotin, 1963; Vinogradov, 1967; Gambarov, 1975; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve, Sara Peninsula, Lenkoran Lowland and lakes of southeastern Shirvan (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Shubin, 1983; MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Rare in Absheron Peninsula, e.g. Shah Spit, Artem Bay and Lake Mirzaladi near Baku (Bannikova et al., 1984; Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989; MP). HABITAT: NESTING, FEEDING AND WINTER: Extensive reedbeds at lakes, marshes, limans, channels, akhmas, reservoirs; also reed stands in relatively small water bodies. Feeding harriers may be seen in semi-desert adjacent to wetlands (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Tuaev, 1965; Vinogradov, 1967; MP). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Leaves Kizil Agach Reserve and Mil Steppe in late March-early April (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Vinogradov, 1967).

T 107

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108 The Birds of Azerbaijan Diet of Marsh Harrier in Kizil Agach Reserve based on stomach analysis and observations (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a) Class Mammals: n=19 (24.7%)

Birds and bird eggs: n=33 (44.0%)

Amphibians: n=5 (6.7%) Fish: n=12 (16%) Insects: n=2 (2.7%) Total: n=74 (100%)

Species House Mouse (Mus musculus) Water Vole (Arvicola terrestris) Social Vole (Microtus socialis) Nutria (a carcass) unidentified rodents Little Bittern Squacco Heron Little Egret Northern Shoveler Eurasian Wigeon domestic chicken Water Rail Common Moorhen Common Coot Coot eggs unidentified shorebird Skylark Reed Warbler unidentified songbirds unidentified birds egg of a passerine bird Marsh Frog (Rana ridibunda) Roach unidentified fish Locust

Fall passage: COASTAL: Conspicuous passage through Kizil Agach Reserve in early to mid November (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Passes through Lake Aggel in November (Vinogradov, 1967). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: 150-200 pairs in 1989-1991, e.g. 50-100 pairs on the lakes of Aggel-Sarisu system (Mil Steppe), 15-20 pairs at Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan), >5 pairs in Kura Delta, 2-3 pairs at Mahmud-chala (southern Mugan), and 1 pair at Shah Spit, Absheron Peninsula (Patrikeev, 1991a, c; MP). 26 birds at Hadjikabul, 15 at Divichi Liman and 4 at Mahmud-chala in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Winter: Probably 500-1,000 (MP). Common in Kizil Agach Reserve: 1.3/km2 in 1981 and 0.4/km2 in 1982 (Shubin, 1983), 16 south of Sbrosnoyi Channel (Kizil Agach Reserve) and 6-7 at Mahmud-chala in late November 1989. >50 at Lake Aggel In January 1991, and 10-15 in Absheron Peninsula in 1989-1991 (MP). 517 estimated for Kizil Agach Reserve, but only 4 recorded in Shirvan Reserve and 2 at Lake Sarisu in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). BREEDING: Adults with nest material (reed stems) recorded at Lake Aggel 26 March-6 April (Vinogradov, 1967) and at Lake Kichik-Shorgel on April 14th (Patrikeev, 1991a). In Kizil Agach Reserve, incubation in late April, and a brood as early as June 11th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). At

Number 3 3 2 1 10 1 1 1 1 1 2 3 1 7 3 1 1 1 7 4 1 5 5 7 2 74

Aggel, the young were on the wing after June 20th, and many broods have moved to the nearby akhmas in Kura Valley (Vinogradov, 1967). DIET: Birds, rodents and frogs, but will also eat dying fish or carrion. Many birds (especially wildfowl) caught by this species are weakened or injured (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Tuaev, 1965; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). During nesting season Marsh Harrier also raids nests, pecking eggs and stealing chicks of many waterbirds, e.g. Glossy Ibis in Kizil Agach Reserve (Grekov, 1965a; Vinogradov, 1967). MORTALITY: Considered a game pest as recently as the early 1990s and year-round shooting was encouraged outside nature reserves, but especially at lakes popular with waterfowl hunters (MP).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

FAMILY FALCONIDAE - FALCONS 88. Kestrel - Falco tinnunculus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Muimul STATUS: Common nesting species, migrant and wintering species. A part of the population is resident. Subspecies F. t. tinnunculus Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali, Kutkashen, Ismailly, Kuba and Kusari districts and Shemakha Upland including Alti-Agach Reserve (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Khanmammedov & Mustafaev, 1965; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Probably throughout Lesser Caucasus (MP); nests in Gandja (Mustafaev, 1973b). NAKHICHEVAN: from Aras Valley up to 1,700-1,800 m throughout the region (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965; MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Mostly in Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Agaeva & Mustafaev, 1973). BOSDAG: Turianchai and Gekchai Bosdag Mountains (Satunin, 1907; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Throughout Karayasi, Shirvan, Mil and Mugan steppes (including Aras Valley) and vicinity of Hadjikabul. Especially common between the confluence of Kura and Aras and Saliani (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1963; MP). Gambarov (1975) did not find this species in the vicinity of Mingechaur. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; MP). Uncommon in Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a) and southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Lowlands of Kusari, Khachmas and Divichi districts (Satunin, 1907; Khanmammedov & Mustafaev, 1965; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Common in Absheron Peninsula including Baku and its suburbs (Primorsk, Binagadi, etc.), capes Alat and Pirsagat (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP). Uncommon in Gobustan Upland, e.g. Mounts Beuk-Dush, SariDush and Bayan-Ata (Patrikeev, 1991b; MP).

Winter: Probably descends from higher elevations to foothills and lowlands. BOSDAG: Uncommon in Turianchai and Gekchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b), rare in Mingechaur Bosdag Mountains (Gambarov, 1975). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mugan, Mil and Shirvan steppes (Zlotin, 1963; Gambarov, 1975; MP). Probably throughout Kura and Aras valleys. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve, Lenkoran Lowland, southern Mugan (Dobrokhotov, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Shubin, 1983; MP). Avoided Lenkoran Lowland in the past, because frequent floods kept rodent populations low (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907), but hydrology was altered and floods suppressed early in the 20th century (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Uncommon in Baku and throughout Absheron Peninsula including Shah Spit (Bannikova et al., 1984; MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Villages, towns, parks, orchards, woodlots, river valleys and cliffs in lowlands and mountains up to alpine zone. FEEDING AND WINTER: Open natural and man-made habitats at various altitudes (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1973b). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Returns to breeding grounds as early as February in mild winters (Satunin, 1907). COASTAL: Passes through Lenkoran Lowland and Kizil Agach Reserve in early March (Radde, 1884; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Conspicuous passage in Absheron Peninsula in mid March (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958), e.g. one breeding pair arrived at its nesting site in a suburb of Baku 11-16 March (MP). INTERIOR: Conspicuous passage at Mount Alibek (Zakatali District, Greater Caucasus Mountains) on March 11th (Gambarov, 1954), and in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on April 4th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Very common at Lake Aggel in spring (Vinogradov, 1967). Fall passage: COASTAL: Very common in Absheron Peninsula including Baku in late September-early October (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP). Recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). INTERIOR: Conspicuous passage in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains in mid September (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Observed in Mugan and Mil steppes (e.g. at Lake Aggel), and near Mingechaur. Communal roosts recorded in the past (Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Vinogradov, 1967; Gambarov, 1975; MP). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably >1,000 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). Passage: SPRING: Up to 50 at Mount Alibek (Zakatali District) on 11 March 1937 (Gambarov, 1954). FALL: Combined counts of Kestrel and Lesser Kestrel in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains in September 1961 were as follow-

T 109

T

110 The Birds of Azerbaijan ing: 7/km on September 16th, 15.1/km on 1September 18th and 11.8/km on September 22nd (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Winter: In Kizil Agach Reserve, common only in winters when rodents were abundant. A few occurred in the reserve in winters 1958/1959, 1981/82 and 1989/1990 (Dobrokhotov, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Shubin, 1983; MP). BREEDING: Nests in tree cavities, corvids’ nests (in trees and on hydro poles), burrows in stream banks, ledges and natural cavities in cliffs, man-made structures (e.g. house attics, wall crevices, under cornices, in metal pipes, chimneys, smokestacks, water towers) and piles of firewood (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965; Mustafaev, 1971b; MP). In Shirvan Steppe, 63 nests were in abandoned corvid nests (41 of Magpie, 10 of Rook and 2 of Hooded Crow), 7 nests were in low cliffs, 8 in burrows, 2 in tree cavities and 7 in man-made structures (Mustafaev, 1969a). In the vicinity of Saliani and Zuvand Upland, Kestrels nested in cavities and abandoned Hooded Crow nests in poplars (Satunin, 1907; Agaeva & Mustafaev, 1973). In Samur-Divichi Lowland and around Lake Hadjikabul, nests were in burrows probably excavated by Eurasian Rollers (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). One nest was used two years in a row (Agaeva & Mustafaev, 1973).

In Baku, one pair arrived at its nesting site in mid March (MP). Copulation seen in Sheki District 5-7 April (Satunin, 1907) and in Turianchai Reserve on April 9th (MP). In Zuvand Upland, one incubating female was under observation from 0600 to 1900 hrs in the last 2-3 days before the eggs hatched. Each day, the female spent 8.8 hours incubating and was away for 4.2 hrs (2 to 60 min at a time). Incubation was most intensive between 0900 and 1300 hrs, and the female was often absent from the nest between 1300 and 1500 hrs (Agaeva & Mustafaev, 1973). Chicks near Saliani on May 24th (Satunin, 1907) and in Zuvand Upland hatched 29 May10 June (4 chicks in one nest in 2 consecutive years) and fledged probably on the 30th day. Both male and female feed the young, but male brings food more often, while female spends more time distributing food among the chicks (Agaeva & Mustafaev, 1973). DIET: Feeds on locusts, grasshoppers, beetles and small rodents in the northeast (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968), insects, rodents, small lizards, Caucasian Agama (Stellio caucasius) and snakes Eirenis in Zuvand Upland (Agaeva & Mustafaev, 1973), young Libyan Jirds (Meriones erythrourus) and lizards Eremias in southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a). One shot near Saliani was carrying earthworms (Satunin, 1907). Pellets (n=30) collected in Shah Spit in winter (Bannikova et al., 1984) contained remains of rodents (83.3%) and insects including mole crickets, grasshoppers and praying mantis.

89. Lesser Kestrel - Falco naumanni Fleischer, 1818 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Muimul (all kestrels) STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant, rare wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Common in foothills and adjacent lowlands from Sheki to Ismailly, but rare in Zakatali District (Dementiev, 1951; Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Also in Alti-Agach Reserve, Shemakha Upland (MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Shusha (Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region) and Lachin districts (Radde, 1884; Dementiev, 1951; MP).

NAKHICHEVAN: Low mountains in Ordubad, Babek and Norashen districts, Negram Mountains and Mount Ilandag in Julfa District (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965; MP). BOSDAG: Turianchai Reserve (Gasanov, 1990). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Colonies in villages and towns in Kurdamir, Zardob, Udjari, Barda and Evlakh districts (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1963; 1969; A. Mustafaev, pers. comm.; MP), also in Korchai Game Preserve, tugai forests in Shamkhor District (Gambarov, 1975) and Alazani Valley (MP). Very common in Aras Valley, e.g. near Djabrail in the past (Satunin, 1907). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Lowlands of Khachmas District (Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Uncommon in Absheron Peninsula, but more common in northern Gobustan, e.g. cliffs of Sumgait-chai and Mount Kargabazar (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Burchak-Abramovich, 1962; MP). Occasional at Mount Beuk-Dush (Patrikeev, 1991b). Winter: Small numbers winter in: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Shirvan Steppe (Zlotin, 1963). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a) ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Baku (Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989). HABITAT: NESTING: Villages, towns, ancient fortifications, stream banks, cliffs, gorges in low mountains and tugai forests (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1963, 1971b; Gambarov, 1975). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late March to mid May.

The Birds of Azerbaijan

COASTAL: Common in Kizil Agach Reserve in late March-mid May (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). INTERIOR: Recorded near Agsu from March 24th (Mustafaev, 1991), in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on April 4th (MP), and in the vicinity of Kurdamir from mid April (Mustafaev, 1991). Common migrant at Lake Aggel (Mil Steppe) in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967). Fall passage: Early August through mid September. COASTAL: Observed in Khachmas District and Shorabad (northern Absheron Peninsula) on September 28th (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve 30 August-14 September (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). INTERIOR: Leaves Kurdamir District from early August (Mustafaev, 1991). Conspicuous passage in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains c. September 13th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Common migrant at Lake Aggel, Mil Steppe in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably 500-800 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s, e.g. 2 colonies (c. 30 pairs) in the vicinity of Barda (MP). 63 nests in Kurdamir District in 1990, e.g. 57 nests in 3 colonies (Mustafaev, 1991). Passage: FALL: 30 in Kizil Agach Reserve on 2 October 1958 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Combined counts of Kestrel and Lesser Kestrel in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains in September 1961 were as following: 7/km on September 16th, 15.1/km on 1September 18th and 11.8/km on September 22nd (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b).

BREEDING: Usually nest in colonies of 5-15 pairs, but sometimes up to 35 pairs, often in or near villages (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965; Mustafaev, 1991). Nests in abandoned nests of corvids (Magpie, Rook and Hooded Crow), burrows in steep banks of rivers and channels, tree cavities, ledges and crevices in cliffs, abandoned and habitable houses (e.g. attics, wall crevices, roof rafters, under cornices, in hollow lumber, metal pipes and chimneys) and piles of firewood (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1963; 1969; Mustafaev, 1991). In Shamkhor District, nested in hollow old poplars in tugai forest (Gambarov, 1975). In Kurdamir District, 96.8% of recorded nests were in attics, and eggs (2-5, average 3.6) laid from late May. Egg measurements: 32-36x27-30 mm (average 34.6x28.3 mm). Incubation lasts 28-29 days and both birds incubate (Mustafaev, 1991). A nest with 3 slightly incubated eggs in a clayey cliff near Pirkishkul, western Absheron Peninsula on 9 May 1959 (Gambarov, 1960). The young leave nests when 33-34 days old. In Gadjali (Kutkashen District), where 8 pairs nested between planks and beams in a school’s attic, 50 large nestlings (i.e., c. 6 young per nest) recorded on 2 July 1938 (Gambarov, 1954). DIET: Collared Dwarf Snakes (Eirenis collaris) found in stomachs collected in the northeast (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965), locusts and mole-crickets in the foothills of Greater Caucasus Mountains (Gambarov, 1954). MORTALITY: Electrocution at hydro poles reported by Sultanov et al. (1991).

90. Merlin - Falco columbarius Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Uncommon migrant and wintering species. Subspecies F. c. aesalon Tunstall, 1771. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: Poorly known. Probably occurs throughout the lowlands (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mugan and Mil steppes, e.g. at Lake Aggel (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan, Lenkoran Lowland, Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula (Satunin, 1912b; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Shubin, 1983; MP). HABITAT: WINTER: Marshes, flooded areas, shorelines and semidesert (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; MP).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Latest sightings in Kizil Agach Reserve 11-21 April (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a); a male in southeastern Shirvan on April 23rd (Patrikeev, 1991a). Fall passage: Observed near Kilazi in September (Shelton, 2001). POPULATION SIZE: Winter: Unknown. Probably overlooked. 12 collected in Lenkoran Lowland in December-February (Radde, 1884), 0.06/km in Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula in 1959 (Dobrokhotov, 1963), rare in the reserve 19811982 (Shubin, 1983). Two at Lake Aggel in January 1991 (MP). DIET: Small passerines, but reportedly chased Common Snipe and diving ducks (Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

91. Red-footed Falcon - Falco vespertinus Linnaeus, 1766 STATUS: Rare migrant. Monotypic. MOVEMENT: Rare migrant in Mugan in the past(Satunin, 1912b).

Fall passage: 7 in Kizil Agach Reserve in October in the late 1950s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

T 111

T

112 The Birds of Azerbaijan 92. Hobby - Falco subbuteo Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Occasional in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b) and Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

N

er

S

EA

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

HABITAT: NESTING: Broad-leaved and tugai forests, woodlots, orchards, roadside treebelts, planted trees in villages and towns in lowlands and foothills up to 1,800 m (Radde, 1884; Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Agaeva & Mustafaev, 1968, 1973).

IRAN

Azeri name: Karagoz STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant; rare wintering species. Subspecies F. s. subbuteo Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Foothills of Zakatali, Belokani, Sheki, Kutkashen, Ismailly and Kuba districts, also in Shemakha Upland especially in the vicinity of Shemakha (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990; MP). L ESSER C AUCASUS : Poorly known. Observed at 1,800 m (Radde, 1884). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Throughout Talish Mountains (Agaeva & Mustafaev, 1973). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Remnant tugai of Kura Valley including Karayasi Forest, Shamkhor Game Preserve and Barda Forest; also the vicinity of Mingechaur (Gambarov, 1975; MP), roadside treebelts and settlements in Shirvan Steppe, e.g. Kurdamir (Mustafaev, 1963, 1969). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Nested in Sara Peninsula in 1955, but absent in 1958-1959. One recorded at Kalinovsky Liman, Kizil Agach reserve on 6 June 1959 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). S AMUR -D IVICHI L OWLAND : Samur Delta and woodlots of Khachmas District (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; MP).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late March through mid May. COASTAL: Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve 21 April-7 May (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). One observed west of Cape Pirsagat on 11 May 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). INTERIOR: Arrives at Karayasi Steppe 22 March-3 April (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). Migrants recorded at Lake Aggel (Vinogradov, 1967). Fall passage: COASTAL: Conspicuous passage in northeast lowlands in late September-early October (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965), although observed in Kizil Agach Reserve from 4-6 September with peak 10-17 September and latest sighting on November 5 th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). INTERIOR: Recorded in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains 17-19 October (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Also in Mil Steppe, e.g. at Lake Aggel (Vinogradov, 1967). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably >150-200 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). BREEDING: Nests in abandoned corvids’ nests, e.g. of Hooded Crow and Magpie. Some nests close to houses and roads (Mustafaev, 1963, 1969). In Talish Mountains, nesting from early May, e.g. incubating female at Kelakhan on May 23rd and a nest with 5 chicks on June 12th (Agaeva & Mustafaev, 1973). In Greater Caucasus Mountains, nests with eggs recorded as late as July 27th (3 eggs) and August 2nd (Gambarov, 1954). DIET: Small passerines (e.g. wagtails) and dragonflies, but also locusts, lizards and sometimes cicadas Cicada plebeica (Gambarov, 1954).

93. Saker - Falco cherrug Gray, 1834 Azeri name: Utalki, lachin, kizilgush (all large falcons). STATUS: Rare migrant and wintering species. Subspecies F. c. cherrug Gray, 1834 (probably). DISTRIBUTION: Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mugan Steppe (Satunin, 1912b). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland, Vilajchai Valley and marshes of Kizil Agach Reserve (Radde, 1884; Dobrokhotov, 1963). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Absheron Peninsula including Baku (Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989).

HABITAT: MIGRATION: Shore, forest edges, bushy areas and rocky pastures (Butiev et al., 1989). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Recorded at Kulagin (Kizil Agach Reserve) 6-9 March 1959 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Fall passage: COASTAL: Passes through Samur Delta from mid August to early December (Butiev et al., 1989). One observed in Sara Peninsula on 11 November 1958 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

INTERIOR: Possibly migrates over the foothills of Greater Caucasus Mountains in northeastern Azerbaijan (Butiev et al., 1989).

DIET: Observed hunting ducks, but also Little Egret, Little Gull and Hooded Crow (Radde, 1884; Butiev et al., 1990b).

POPULATION SIZE: Winter: No information. Only 3 collected in Lenkoran Lowland in the 19th century (Radde, 1884).

REMARKS: Radde (1884) erroneously presumed nesting in Talish Mountains.

94. Lanner - Falco biarmicus Temminck, 1825 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

N

er

Shemakha

1949

S

EA

Baku

1954

A

R

1954

M

EN

IA

s Ara

Stepanakert

Riv

er

Kura Ri

1940

HABITAT: Low semi-desert mountains (Burchak-Abramovich, 1962).

ver

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: A nest discovered on Mount Kargabazar (Gobustan Upland) on 30 June 1949 and female collected (Burchak-Abramovich, 1962). Not found in Kargabazar on 25 May 1954, but was present on Mount Agdush-dag (near Mount Tcheildag, central Gobustan) and at cliffs on the left bank of Pirsagat-chai 20-30 km west of Tcheildag (Burchak-Abramovich & Gambarov, 1961). No thorough searches undertaken since then, and this species might have survived in the remote parts of the upland or semi-arid mountains elsewhere in Azerbaijan.

IRAN

STATUS: Probably extirpated or extremely rare nesting species. Subspecies F. b. feldeggii Schlegel, 1843. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: N AKHICHEVAN : May nest in the region, e.g. on Mount Kukudag, Shahbuz District (Ivanov, 1976).

BREEDING: The only nest (Mount Kargabazar) was in a niche in a cliff, 6-7 m above the ground. Peeping chicks in the nest on 30 June 1949. A mummified carcass of another chick was found below the nest. After the female was shot, the male was seen visiting the nest and might have reared the young. A pair of Egyptian Vultures nested in the niche in 1948 (Burchak-Abramovich, 1962). DIET: Remains of Rock Doves found under the nest on Kargabazar (Burchak-Abramovich, 1962).

95. Peregrine - Falco peregrinus Tunstall, 1771 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

N

er

S

EA

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r Kura Ri

EN

ver

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Utalki, lachin, kizilgush (all large falcons). STATUS: Threatened in Azerbaijan. Subspecies F. p. brookei Sharpe, 1873 is a rare resident, and F. p. calidus Latham, 1790 a rare migrant and wintering subspecies.

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali and Ilisu reserves, Mounts Bazar-Duzu, Shahdag and Babadag, also mountains of Kutkashen District and Shemakha Upland, e.g. near Boskhal (Satunin, 1907; Dementiev, 1951; Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Observed on Mount Dalidag (Karabakh Upland), but may occur elsewhere (MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (I. Babaev, pers. comm.). Winter: Some F. p. brookei remain on the breeding grounds while others descend to lower altitudes or lowlands. F. p. calidus occurs only in lowlands. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mugan (Satunin, 1912b) and Hadjinour steppes (Shelton, 2001). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Small numbers winter in Kizil Agach Reserve, Sara Peninsula, Lenkoran Lowland and Shirvan Reserve (Dobrokhotov, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Shubin, 1983; Paynter et al., 1996a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1989). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: One recorded at Mount Beuk-Dash in February (Shelton, 2001).

T 113

T

114 The Birds of Azerbaijan Diet of Peregrine in Kizil Agach Reserve based on collected prey remains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a) Group Ducks: n=12 (60%)

Rails: n=1 (5%) Shorebirds: n=1 (5%) Passerines: n= 6 (30%)

Species Mallard Common Teal Gadwall Eurasian Wigeon Garganey unidentified teal unidentified duck Spotted Crake unidentified shorebird Calandra Lark inidentified lark Rook Common Starling

Total: n=20 (100%)

HABITAT: NESTING: Cliffs and forested slopes with rocky outcrops in mountains (Dementiev, 1951; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). MIGRATION: Coastal areas, semi-desert and fields (Butiev et al., 1989). WINTER: Marshes and flooded areas where waterfowl are abundant (Dobrokhotov, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Leaves Lenkoran Lowland in early March (Radde, 1884). Latest records in Kizil Agach Reserve 18 March-1 April (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a) and in Samur Delta on April 18th (Butiev et al., 1989). Fall passage: COASTAL: Observed in Samur Delta from October 10th (Butiev et al., 1989), in Absheron Peninsula in late October, e.g. one collected near Sumgait on 23 October 1960 (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968) and another observed at Shah Spit (Shelton, 2001). Occurs in Kizil Agach Reserve from 14-23 September, but conspicuous passage 1 November-8 December with peak in mid November (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). INTERIOR: Recorded near Mingechaur 20-22 November (Gambarov, 1975). Those might have been F. p. brookei from Greater Caucasus Mountains. Passed through Lake Aggel in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967), but no recent records.

Number 3 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 3 20

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: 20-30 pairs in the late 1980searly 1990s, e.g. a pair in Ilisu Reserve (MP). Passage: 0.3-1/km in Samur Delta in October (Butiev et al., 1989). Winter: Unknown. Radde (1884) collected 40 at Kumbashi (presently in Kizil Agach Reserve) where 0.02-0.03/km in JanuaryFebruary 1963 (Oliger, 1967), 4 in 1981 and 8 in 1982 (Shubin, 1983). One observed in Shirvan Reserve in January-February 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). BREEDING: Observed at nest sites in Zakatali District as early as late February. Eggs probably laid in late March and hatch in late April. Usually 2 chicks/nest, but a nest with 3 found near Zakatali. The young fledge by late May, although broods accompanied by adults seen as late as August (Dementiev, 1951; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). DIET: Primarily medium-sized birds, e.g. gulls, pigeons, Rooks and even Little Bustards in Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1989), Rock Dove in Sumgait (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968) and small passerines in the vicinity of Mingechaur (Gambarov, 1975). In Kizil Agach Reserve, one was observed catching a Mallard and a Common Teal 10 minutes apart: the falcon was flushed from the first kill by a Golden Jackal (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

FAMILY TETRAONIDAE - GROUSE AND ALLIES 96. Caucasian Black Grouse – Tetrao mlokosiewiczi Taczanovsky, 1875 STATUS: Vulnerable. Uncommon resident. Confined to Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains and the neighbouring parts of Turkey and Iran. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: GREATER CAUCASUS: The range is patchy. Common in Belokani District and western part of Zakatali District, e.g. Mounts Dingilov, Rochigel and Tundur-avagi. Rare in Tal and Katekh ridges (Zakatali District) and Kah District including Ilisu Reserve. Absent from Sheki, Kutkashen and most of Ismailly districts. Further east, from BazarDuzu and Shahdag, through the headwaters of Girdiman-

chai, northern portion of Ismailly Reserve and Mount Babadag to the headwaters of Velvelchai and Kusarchai and Shemakha Upland including subalpine meadows above Avakhil (Girkhbulak section of Pirgulu Reserve) and Mount Dubrar near Alti-Agach (Verestchagin, 1947; Gambarov, 1954; Popkova & Popkov, 1965; Khanmammedov, 1965a; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Potapov, 1987; Gasanov, 1990; Patrikeev, 1991d; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Poorly known. Alpine zone of Murovdag Ridge (e.g. Mount Giamish), Shahdag Ridge (Shahdag and Ginaldag) and Lachin Game Preserve on the western slope of Karabakh

The Birds of Azerbaijan G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Ara

Stepanakert

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Ridge (Radde, 1884; Gasanov, 1990; MP). Reported for Karabakh Upland (Potapov, 1987). NAKHICHEVAN: Mount Kapudjik, Zangezur Ridge (Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Khajakian, 1986; MP). HABITAT: Upper parts of coniferous and birch montane forests, rhododendron thickets, subalpine meadows and adjacent parts of alpine meadows (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Potapov, 1987) at 800-3,300 m (mostly 2,000-2,400 m) in Greater Caucasus Mountains (Khanmammedov, 1965a; Popkova & Popkov, 1965; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985), 1,500-3,000 m in Lesser Caucasus Mountains (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907) and at 1,5002,700 m in Zangezur Ridge (Laister & Sosnin, 1942). SEASONAL MOVEMENTS (altitudinal): Leks are in subalpine meadows along the upper forest limits and nests in adjacent rhododendron thickets and forests. After chicks leave nests, broods ascend to subalpine and alpine meadows, but return to the treeline in autumn. May descend to 800-1,000 m in winter (Potapov, 1987). POPULATION SIZE: 1,500-2,000 individuals at the beginning of breeding season in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). Intensive use of sub-alpine and alpine meadows for summer pastures negatively affects this species through disturbance, habitat degradation and losses of the young to shepherd dogs (Potapov, 1987). 0.7/km in June and 1.5/km in September 1961 near Anik, northeastern Azerbaijan (Khanmammedov, 1965a). 4-6.6/km

in Zakatali Reserve and 1-2/km on the neighbouring Tal Ridge in the late 1950s (Popkova & Popkov, 1965), 136-474 individuals recorded (see the table) and 300-500 extrapolated in Zakatali Reserve early in the breeding season in 1982-1990 (Mustafaeva, 1990a). In Lesser Caucasus this species was rare on Shahdag Ridge in 1989 (MP). 20-25 on the Armenian side of Mount Kapudjik, Zangezur Ridge (Khajakian, 1986). BREEDING: In Greater Caucasus Mountains males gather on leks in a narrow strip of subalpine meadows along the treeline at c. 2,200-2,400 m. Leks (2-3 ha in size) are usually on southern slopes. 5-10 males and up to 6 females seen at a lek at a time. Males arrive at c. 1700-1800 hrs, and display from 1800-1900 hrs until sunset, and from dawn to 0700-0800 hrs. No activity recorded on windy days. The display is very peculiar: male takes off, turns in the air and lands facing uphill. Displaying males perform in silence except for flapping of the wings (Potapov, 1987). In northeastern Azerbaijan, display and mating observed from late March-early April, but usually in late April-early May (Khanmammedov, 1965a). In Zakatali Reserve, courtship most intensive in late May-early June (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Female starts nest-building 2-3 days before laying. Nests are under shrubs, in dense grass, in rock crevices, under rocks in forest (especially birch forest) and clearings. Nests are low depressions filled with dry leaves of oak (Quercus longipes), blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) and birch (Betula pendula), stems of Tournefortia and Viburnum and pine needles, and lined with fine grass and feathers. Nests measurements (n=9): outer diameter 21-24 cm, interior diameter 17-21 cm, nest-cup depth 8-11 cm. In the northeast, eggs laid from early May to early June (Khanmammedov & Aslanbekova, 1965). Earliest nests in Zakatali Reserve in late April-early May (Popkova & Popkov, 1965). Clutch contains 6-12 eggs, fewer in replacement clutches. Incubation 23-25 days. Incubating female sits very tight, but may abandon nest if disturbed (Khanmammedov & Aslanbekova, 1965; Potapov 1987). In northeastern Azerbaijan chicks hatch from early June, but mostly in mid June (Khanmammedov, 1965a). First broods in Zakatali Reserve in mid June (Popkova & Popkov, 1965; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Newly hatched chicks covered with straw-yellow down with black and rusty spots on the cheeks, sides and the back (Potapov, 1987). In June, broods contained 5-9 chicks (n=6), 6-8 in July (n=10) and 5-7 in August (n=10). Some young die in their first weeks due of exposure and predation (Khanmammedov, 1965a). Each of three broods encoun-

Census of Caucasian Black Grouse in Zakatali Reserve (Greater Caucasus Mountains) early in the breeding season in 1982-1990 (Mustafaeva 1990a) Year Number

1982 252

1983 474

1984 359

1985 279

1986 426

1987 269

1988 257

1989 136

1990 221

Number of Caucasian Black Grouse in selected sites in the Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains in the late 1980searly 1990s Site Greater Caucasus

Lesser Caucasus

Zakatali Reserve Ilisu Reserve Ismailly Reserve Mt. Babadag Mt. Giamish

Number 300-500 c. 50 30-40 >100 c. 150

Source Mustafaeva, 1990a MP MP MP MP

T 115

T

116 The Birds of Azerbaijan Content of stomachs and crops of Caucasian Black Grouse collected in northeastern Azerbaijan Month March

Content Buds and shoots of Salix caprea, buds of Betula pendula, shoots of Pyrola and leaves of Thalictrum minus Parts of the following plants: Silene, Ornithogalum, Hieracium, Pimpinella, Prunus, Poa; also beetles: Coccinella, Broscus and Amara. Parts and seeds of: Inula, Veronica, Potamogeton, Umbelliferae, Ranunculus, Fagus orientalis and Quercus.

June September

tered in Zakatali Reserve during cold rainy summer of 1959 contained only one chick (Popkova & Popkov, 1965). Broods break up by late August (Khanmammedov & Aslanbekova, 1965). DIET: Buds, green parts, flowers, berries and fruit of a variety of plants; less commonly insects (Potapov, 1987). MORTALITY: The young are lost to shepherd dogs and natural predators. Golden Eagles and Lammergeier known to take

Source Gambarov, 1954 Khanmammedov, 1965a Khanmammedov, 1965a

adult grouse (Dementiev, 1951; Potapov, 1987; Abuladze 1989). Hunting pressure on this species was minimal due to the remote range, but some hunting occurred in the lower parts of Lesser Caucasus Mountains (MP). REMARKS: Caucasian Black Grouse often seeks shelter in the snow during snowstorms and on cold nights. In warmer weather they sleep under a rock or in the open. Often seen sitting motionless on a rock for a prolonged periods (Potapov, 1987).

FAMILY PHASIANIDAE - PHEASANTS, PARTRIDGES, QUAILS AND ALLIES 97. Caucasian Snowcock - Tetraogallus caucasicus Pallas, 1811 G Tbilisi

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(Kuba District) and east to Mount Gimushlu (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Verestchagin, 1947; Khanmammedov, 1965a; Baziev, 1978; Potapov, 1987). Rarely occurs below 2,500-2,600 m and neighbouring populations often completely isolated from each other (Baziev, 1978; Potapov, 1987).

DAGESTAN

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(Russian Federation)

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Zakatali

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Shemakha

HABITAT: Rocky outcrops, scree, talus and alpine meadows at 2,500-4,000 m; avoids tallgrass meadows (Baziev, 1978).

Baku

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Stepanakert

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Kura Ri

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MOVEMENT (altitudinal): Ascends to 3,500-4,000 m in mid summer, but descends to 2,500-2,600 m or even lower to the treeline after the first snowstorms (Baziev, 1978). One recorded in oak woodland at only 1,700 m in April 1959 (Popkova & Popkov, 1965).

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Ular, fer kaklik STATUS: Vulnerable. Uncommon resident. Endemic of Greater Caucasus Mountains. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: GREATER CAUCASUS: Mountains of Zakatali and Belokani districts including Zakatali Reserve where common on Mounts Kopo, Ruchug, Guton, Goridag, Kichik-Gudor, Kulunsu, Khalakhi and Djigikh (Gambarov, 1954; Popkova & Popkov, 1965; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). In the northeast: Mounts Bazar-Duzu, Shahdag and Kizildag (Kusari District), Babadag, Shahnishan, Malamaradz, Muk and Karadag

POPULATION SIZE: Probably 800-1,000 individuals in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). In the early 1960s, 7-10/day in western parts of Kuba and Kusari districts (Khanmammedov, 1965a) and 20-50/day in Zakatali Reserve, e.g. Mounts Guton and Ruchug (Popkova & Popkov, 1965; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). However, annual censuses in Zakatali Reserve in 1983-1990 (see table below) yielded only 81-129 birds (Mustafaeva, 1990b). 87 on the southern slopes of Mount Babadag in October 1990 (MP). BREEDING: Downy chicks observed in Zakatali District in early June to early July at 2,500-3,200 m, 3-7 young/brood (Gambarov, 1954; Popkova & Popkov, 1965; Alekperov & Mustafae-

Census of Caucasian Snowcock in Zakatali Reserve in 1983-1990 (Mustafaeva, 1990b) Year Number

1983 86

1984 129

1985 103

1986 120

1987 96

1988 98

1989 81

1990 115

The Birds of Azerbaijan

va, 1985). A brood of 7 large young in northeastern Azerbaijan in late July (Khanmammedov, 1965a).

REMARKS: Summer use of alpine meadows for pasture leads to increasing disturbance and habitat loss in some areas, e.g. Zakatali District (Gasanov, 1990).

DIET: Leaves, buds, stems, flowers and seed of a variety of plants (Baziev, 1978).

98. Caspian Snowcock - Tetraogallus caspius S.G. Gmelin, 1784 G Tbilisi

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DAGESTAN

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(Russian Federation)

G

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Zakatali

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Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Ara

Stepanakert

sR

ive

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Kura Ri

EN

ver

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Ular, fer kaklik STATUS: Threatened. Rare resident of Lesser Caucasus Mountains and Nakhichevan Region. Subspecies T. c. tauricus Dresser, 1876. DISTRIBUTION: The range is patchy with several isolated populations. LESSER CAUCASUS: Karabakh Upland: Mount Dalidag (perhaps the largest population in Azerbaijan), a few may survive on Mount Iskhankhasar near Lake Karagel or elsewhere in the upland (Baziev, 1978; MP). Murovdag Ridge: Mounts Giamish and Kapaz (Baziev, 1978; Gasanov, 1990). Presence in Karabakh Ridge is doubtful. NAKHICHEVAN: Southeastern part of Zangezur Ridge: Mounts Kukudag, Batabat, Darabogaz, Arindz (Shahbuz District), Duba-

khli, Susdara and Khoshli (Julfa District) and Soukh and Kapudjik (Ordubad District); possibly also west of Kukudag and south of Kapudjik (Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Khanmammedov, 1960, 1966; Baziev, 1978). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Extirpated, if indeed ever present. Radde (1884) claimed seeing Caspian Snowcock in Talish Mountains, but Satunin (1907) did not find it there. HABITAT: Steep slopes with shortgrass meadows, rocky outcrops and scree in sub-alpine and alpine zones at 1,800-3,900 m. Seasonal altitudinal migrations were not recorded (Khanmammedov, 1965b; Baziev, 1978). POPULATION SIZE: Probably <400-600 birds in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). Baziev (1978) reported male to female ratio 7:1 to 8:1 in Azerbaijan (normal sex ratio is 1:1), although his data were doubted by some (Potapov, 1987). BREEDING: Adults in flocks in November-March, and in pairs in March-October. Courtship and mating usually occur in morning and evening hours and last until late May (Baziev, 1978). In Lesser Caucasus, nests built from mid April. Nest is a shallow depression lined with dry plant material and feathers, diameter 270-300 mm, nest-cup diameter c. 255 mm, depth 70-90 mm. Egg-laying c. 17-18 April in Murovdag Ridge, and from 10-15 May in Zangezur Ridge, although laying delayed by 2-3 weeks in 1963 due to inclement weather. 5-12 eggs/ clutch (usually 6-8). Eggs are blue-greyish with brown-reddish mottles; measurements 63.6-68.3 x 46.2-49.0 mm, weight 85.287.9 g. Incubation lasts 28-29 days. Only female incubates, but male remains in the vicinity. At lower altitudes, hatching from

Number of Caspian Snowcocks recorded in Karabakh Upland and Murovdag Ridge (Lesser Caucasus) from mid 1960s to 1990 Karabakh Upland

Murovdag ridge

Mt. Dalidag Mt. Iskhankhasar Karabakh Upland (total) Mt. Giamish Mt. Kapaz (Geigel Reserve) Murovdag Ridge (total)

mid 1960s(Baziev, 1978) ? 4 (1964) 100

196

late 1980s-1990 (MP) 100-150 ? 100-150 50-80 30-84 150-200

Number of Caspian Snowcocks recorded in Zangezur Ridge from mid 1960s to 1990 Mt. Kapudjik Mt. Soukh Mt. Kukudag Zangezur Range (total)

Mid 1960s (Baziev, 1978)

Early 1980s (Khajakian, 1986) 30-35

256

?

Late 1980s (MP) >50 >50 40 150-200

T 117

T

118 The Birds of Azerbaijan 25-27 May, but at higher elevations downy chicks observed as late as July. 9-10 chicks/brood in June, 7-9 in July and only 56 in August. A day-old chick is covered with steel-blue down with black spots. The young reach the adult size by early October (Khanmammedov, 1965b, 1966; Baziev, 1978). DIET: Buds, leaves, flowers and seed of a variety of plants especially Astragalus and Oxytropus, but also grasses (Festuca, Alopecurus and Poa), bellflowers (Campanula) and buttercups (Ranunculus). In winter, forages in snowfree areas or digs through the snow searching for plants (Baziev, 1978). MORTALITY: According to Baziev (1978) Red Fox and Rock Marten (Martes foina) often destroy clutches and prob-

ably catch incubating females. The young are lost to natural predators and shepherd dogs. Also illegally hunted for its tasty meat. Hunting might have intensified during and after the Karabakh War (1990-1994) when fighting raged throughout the entire range of Caspian Snowcock in Azerbaijan and many firearms probably ended in the hands of local villagers (MP). Does not survive well in captivity (Khanmammedov, 1966). REMARKS: Flocks of sheep accompanied by shepherds with guns and dogs ascend into the range of this species in summer forcing the snowcocks to withdraw to higher altitudes (Khanmammedov, 1966; Baziev, 1978; MP).

99. Chukar - Alectoris chukar Gray, 1830 G Tbilisi

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Ku

DAGESTAN

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(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

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Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

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Stepanakert

Ara

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ive

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Kura Ri

EN

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Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Kaklik, Gozal kaklik. STATUS: Very common resident. Declining. Subspecies A. c. kurdestanica Meinertzagen, 1923. DISTRIBUTION: GREATER CAUCASUS: From Zakatali District to Langabiz Ridge. Rare in Zakatali District (uncommon in the 1930s, but a few records in the 1950s-1960s). Common in foothills and mountains of Sheki, Kutkashen, Kuba and Kusari districts, Girdimanchai Basin (Ismailly District) and Shemakha Upland (Shemakha and Khizi districts), e.g. Pirsagat-chai Gorge and Alti-Agach Reserve (Gambarov, 1954; Khanmammedov, 1955, 1965a; Popkova & Popkov, 1965; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Shahdag Ridge (e.g. Kazakh and Tauz districts), Murovdag Ridge (Khanlar and Gulistan districts including Geigel Reserve, Mount Giamish, and northern NagornoKarabakh Autonomous Region including Terter Gorge), Karabakh Upland (e.g. Mount Dalidag), and Karabakh Ridge (Lachin District, the vicinity of Shusha and southern Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region), Akera and Bargushad valleys in Kubatli and Zangelan districts (Satunin, 1907; Khanmammedov, 1955; Gasanov, 1990; MP).

NAKHICHEVAN: Throughout the region from Norashen to Ordubad, e.g. Negram Mountains, Mount Ilandag and Ordubad Game Preserve (Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Khanmammedov, 1955, 1960; Tarasov, 1974; MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Mostly in Zuvand Upland in Lerik and Yardimli districts (Khanmammedov, 1955; Agaeva, 1972; I. Babaev, pers. comm.). BOSDAG: Djeiranchel Hills, Mingechaur, Turianchai and Gekchai Bosdag Mountains (Khanmammedov, 1955; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Gambarov, 1975; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Nested in lowlands near Gandja and in Kura Valley in the past (Satunin, 1907). Recorded in the vicinity of Saliani in the 1950s (Khanmammedov, 1955). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Uncommon in low hills and lowlands in Divichi, Khachmas and Khudat districts, e.g. near Yalama, Shirvan and Yukhari-Zeikhur (Satunin, 1907; Khanmammedov, 1965aa). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Uncommon in Gobustan Upland, e.g. Mounts Kizil-Kum, Keklikdag, Beuk-Dush, Kichik-Dush, Kargabazar and Sumgait-chai Gorge near Pirkishkul (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Burchak-Abramovich & Gambarov, 1961; Patrikeev, 1991b; MP). Found on the isolated Khamamdag mudvolcano (Cape Pirsagat) in 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). HABITAT: Rocky slopes and gorges with scattered shrubs usually not far from springs or small streams, but also scree, barren hills, cereal fields, scrub, scattered juniper woodlands, sometimes orchards and villages in high and low mountains at 100-3,500 m, rarely lower (Khanmammedov, 1955; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Mustafaev, 1969a; MP). MOVEMENT (altitudinal): Ascends to 2,000-3,000 m or higher in the spring, but descends to foothills in the fall (Khanmammedov, 1955). POPULATION SIZE: Estimate of 800,000 in the 1940s-early 1950s with average density of 0.53-15/ha, e.g. in Zangelan, Kubatli, Agdam and Sheki districts (Khanmammedov, 1955). Perhaps 100,000-150,000 by the early 1990s (MP).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

GREATER CAUCASUS: 13 broods with 6-12 chicks each per 2 km near Lagich (Ismailly District) in the late 1930s (Gambarov, 1954). Flocks of 5-10 uncommon in foothills of Kuba and Kusari districts in the 1980s (MP). NAKHICHEVAN: 400-600 daily in 1955, e.g. near Ailis, Eladja, Nusnus, and on Mounts Surmalik and Asabnasar (Khanmammedov, 1960; Mustafaev, 1969a). BOSDAG: 1-6.3/km in Turianchai Reserve in the early 1960s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b) and 6,000-8,000 in the early 1990s, also c. 300 in Korchai Game Preserve (MP). GOBUSTAN AND ABSHERON: Rare in Gobustan Upland in the late 1980s, e.g. only 2 calling males on Mount Beuk-Dush in April 1990, and 22 birds in August 1990. Up to 10 on Khamamdag Mud-Volcano, Cape Pirsagat in 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a, b: MP). BREEDING: Usually monogamous reaching maturity at 1 year of age. Pairs form in late February-early March with males fighting in mornings and evenings. Calling Chukars heard from dawn to 1000 hr, and from 1800-1900 hrs to sunset (Khanmammedov, 1955). Nest is a small depression lined with grass, usually in a rock crevice, under a rock or a bush. One nest was under a fence on a cattle farm and another in an orchard (Mustafaev, 1969a). Nest measurements (n=10) from Zangelan District: diameter 19-24 cm, nest-cup 10-15 cm, depth 3.5-5.2 cm (Khanmammedov, 1955). Eggs usually laid from mid April to mid May. New data from Central Asia (Grachev, 1987) suggests that female lays two clutches incubated by the male and

the female respectively. Clutch contains 10-18 eggs. Egg measurements (n=50): 39-42 x 30-31 mm, weight 19.0-20.79 g (Khanmammedov, 1955). Incubation lasts 20-21 days. Hatching from mid May (Khanmammedov, 1955). Flapping chicks observed in Turianchai Reserve on June 11th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b), broods of 6-10 in Gobustan and Nakhichevan in June-early July, and of 4-12 in Great Caucasus Mountains and adjacent lowland in August (Gambarov, 1954; Khanmammedov, 1960, 1965a; Patrikeev, 1991b). Joint broods with as many as 90 young were seen. Broods scatter in late August (Khanmammedov, 1955). DIET: Content of 64 stomachs collected in Kubatli, Zangelan and Sheki included 15 species of insects (Orthoptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera and occasional Lepidoptera), and 30 species of plants from 16 families. Small stones found in stomachs and crops. Mostly feeds on insects in spring and summer, and on plants throughout the rest of the year (Khanmammedov, 1955). MORTALITY: Many died in cold winters, e.g. of 1948/1949 and 1949/1950 when snow depth reached 50 cm in Mingechaur, Sheki, Gekchai, Agdash and Shamkhor districts (Khanmammedov, 1955). Hunting from hides at water holes and from portable hides wipes out entire broods. Natural predators include Golden Eagle, Imperial Eagles, Black Kite, Goshawk, Eagle Owl, Golden Jackal and Red Fox. Magpies sometimes destroy clutches (Satunin, 1907; Khanmammedov, 1955; Mustafaev et al., 1969).

100. See-see Partridge – Ammoperdix griseogularis Brandt, 1843 STATUS: Rare resident restricted to the southwest. Monotypic.

HABITAT: Low semi-desert mountains.

DISTRIBUTION: NAKHICHEVAN: Found in the vicinity of Mount Ilandag on 6 June 1999, and again in the following winter. One male collected (Talybov, 2001).

POPULATION SIZE: No estimate. Six observed in the vicinity of Ilandag in June 1999 (Talybov, 2001).

101. Black Francolin - Francolinus francolinus Linnaeus, 1766 STATUS: Threatened. Uncommon to locally common resident. Subspecies F. f. francolinus Linnaeus, 1756.

Azeri name: Turadz.

DISTRIBUTION: Generally restricted to lowlands with fewer than 30 days of snow/year and average snow depth not exceeding 20 cm (Khanmammedov, 1956; Rustamov, 1987). GREATER CAUCASUS: Low parts of Sheki and Kutkashen District where locally common near Gadjali and Nidz. One recorded near Kutkashen in 1935 (Gambarov, 1954). A handful survived in Sheki Game Preserve in the late 1980s (MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: In foothills up to 700-800 m in the mid 19th century (Radde, 1884), but disappeared by the 1880s (Satunin, 1907). Reported in lower parts of Gulistan and Kasum-Ismail districts (MP). BOSDAG: Vicinity of Mingechaur and possibly along the southern slope of the Bosdag in Evlakh and Agdash districts (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Disappeared from Karayasi Forest, the vicinity of Akstafa and Alazani Valley by the late 1940s-early

T 119

T

120 The Birds of Azerbaijan 1950s (Verestchagin, 1947; Khanmammedov, 1956) and did not occur west of Tauz District in the 1980s. Present in lower valleys of Tauz-chai, Dzegam, Shamkhor-chai and Gandja-chai (up to Khanlar), Shamkhor Game Preserve, the mouth of Iori, Korchai Game Preserve, Barda District (including Barda Forest), Terter, Khachinchai, Karkarachai, Turianchai, Gekchai, Girdimanchai and Agsu-chai valleys, in Sabirabad, Ali-Bairamli, Saatli, Imishli and Saliani districts including the vicinity of Sarisu and Bos-Koba. Very few survive at Lake Aggel. In Aras Valley: in Imishli, Fisuli, Djabrail, Kubatli and Zangelan districts including the lower Akera-chai and Okhchu-chai valleys. Also in Mugan Steppe south of Saliani, e.g. along irrigation channels (Bheme, 1937; Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Khanmammedov, 1956; Vinogradov, 1967; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kura Delta, southern Mugan (a handful survive around Lake Mahmud-chala), Lenkoran Lowland, Sara Peninsula and Kizil Agach Reserve north to Lake Karakush (Satunin, 1907; Gazanchian, 1951; Khanmammedov, 1956; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Musaev & Babaev, 1989; Vinogradov et al., 1990; Patrikeev, 1991c; MP). Reached southeastern Shirvan probably in the 1970s, e.g. occurs at Khaladz, Shorgel Lakes, Shirvan Reserve and north to Kursangi (Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Probably absent from Gobustan Upland, but occurred near Maraza in the 19th century (Bogdanov, 1879; Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907), and at Khanagi, Pirsagat Valley in the 1940-1950s (Burchak-Abramovich & Gambarov, 1961). HABITAT: Tamarisk, blackberry, Juncus and reed thickets along rivers, channels and lakes, understorey of the remaining tugai, fields (clover, alfalfa, cotton and cereal), orchards and vineyards, e.g. close to populated areas. Often feeds along edges, e.g. roads. Does not occur far from fresh or brackish water (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Khanmammedov, 1956; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1974; Gambarov, 1975; Musaev & Babaev, 1989; Musaev, 1991; MP). POPULATION SIZE: Estimated 663,000 in 1947-1950 (Khanmammedov, 1956), c. 100,000 in 1958-1966 (Rustamov, 1987), but only 23,300 in October 1990 (the Azerbaijan State Committee for Nature Conservation) or perhaps as few as 3,000-4,000

(Babaev, 1991b). More realistic estimate: 15,000-18,000 in spring and 20,000-25,000 in autumn in normal years; fewer after cold winters (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Up to 20-25/ha in the 1930s (Verestchagin, 1947), but 0.06-6.6/ha (average of 0.25/ha) in the late 1940s (Khanmammedov, 1956). Only 3-5 broods at Lake Aggel in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967) and <20 individuals in January 1991 (MP). In the late 1980s, 100-150 birds in Barda Game Preserve, 250 in Korchai Game Preserve and 150-200 in Shamkhor Game Preserve (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve contains the largest remaining population in Azerbaijan (see table below), although many perish there in cold snowy winters (see Mortality). Highest densities (83.7/km2) recorded in tamarisk thickets providing good cover, but little food; 33.4/km2 in Juncus meadows, 20/km2 mixedgrass cereal steppe and 8.8/km2 in mixed Artemisia steppe (Litvinov & Konovalova, 1977). In 1990, 20-30 birds occurred at the northwestern boundary of Shirvan Reserve and <10 at Lake Mahmud-chala, southern Mugan (Patrikeev, 1991a, c). BREEDING: Monogamous (Rustamov, 1987) with sex ratio c. 1:1 (Litvinov, 1977). Pairs form in late February and early March, although pair bond may persist throughout the year. Courtship from late February through June (Khanmammedov, 1956). Two peaks of vocal activity in Shirvan Reserve: March-early April and early to late May (Patrikeev, 1991a). In Kizil Agach Reserve, males call from 30-40 min before sunrise. On sunny days, vocal activity diminishes by 0700 hrs, but calls until 1300-1600 hrs on cloudy days. Picks up after 1700-1900 hrs (Musaev, 1991; Patrikeev, 1991a). Males often call from an elevated point (hummock, embankment, a bush top, pole, tree or haystack), but also from roadside (Khanmammedov, 1956; Patrikeev, 1991a). Where common, calling males are 100-120 m apart or closer. During courtship, male walks behind female displaying his bright chest, fanning tail, dragging wings on the ground and calling. Finally, the male begins tossing his head backward and blocking the female’s way forcing her to squat, and then mates with her (Khanmammedov, 1956). Nest is a low depression with or without grass lining well-hidden in fields, orchards, grassy areas, under bushes, in tugai and reeds, sometimes close to houses, farms and roads. Nest measurements:

Population of Black Francolin in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1949-1987 Years Density January 1949 0.06-2/ha* 1958 0.01-0.03/ha late 1950s-early 1960s 5-8/km, increasing Winter 1963 0.08/km Winter 1964/65 1972 Spring 1973 Spring 1974 Spring 1975 Spring 1976 1984 1972-1984 up to 10 males/ha 1985-1987 * - Sara Peninsula only, ** - after cold winter

Total

150-500 350** 350-400 700 1,210 2,000 1,790 2,083 c. 2,200

Source Khanmammedov, 1956 Dobrokhotov, 1963 Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a Oliger, 1967 Gazanchian, 1965

Litvinov, 1977;Vinogradov et al., 1990

Musaev & Babaev, 1989

The Birds of Azerbaijan

13.5-24 cm in diameter and 3-6.5 cm deep. Where common, nests found 25-70 m apart (Khanmammedov, 1956; Mustafaev, 1974). Two clutches a year: late March-early April, and June-July. Some late nests found in August (Satunin, 1907; Khanmammedov, 1956; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Rustamov, 1987). Usually 5-12 eggs/clutch (usually 7-10). Eggs are olive-brown with whitish mottles. Measurements: 33-45 x 31-34 mm (av. 40.1 x 32.5 mm), weight: 19-26 g (av. 23 g). Only female incubates (c. 21 days), but male usually remains nearby (Khanmammedov, 1956). Chicks hatch from May through August (Khanmammedov, 1956; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Newly hatched chicks are darkgrey with 3-4 stripes on the back, a wide black stripe on the head and yellowish belly. Female leads chicks away from the nest 30-55 min after hatching. Broods forage in the mornings and evenings spending hot hours in the shade. In 4-10 days, the young are able to find and catch food (ants and other small insects) on their own. Male usually remains with the first brood after the female starts the second clutch. The young are able to fly on the 30th day, and become fully independent on the 55-60th day. Broods encountered in July-August contains 3-10 chicks (Khanmammedov, 1956; Rustamov, 1987). Young males acquire black and white feathers on the belly and chestnut collar when 5-6 months old (Khanmammedov, 1956). DIET: Examined stomachs (n=366) and crops (n=110) contained 210 species of insects: beetles (144 sp.), grasshoppers (22 sp.), bugs (22 sp.), ants and wasps (7 sp.), flies (7 sp.), butterflies (3 sp.), dragon-flies (2 sp.), earwigs (1 sp.), caddis-flies (1 sp.), and termites (1 sp.). Terrestrial molluscs were also found. Plants were represented by families Gramineae (18 sp.), Leguminosae (15 sp.), Cruciferae (8 sp.), Boraginaceae (8 sp.), Rosaceae (8 sp.), Polygonaceae (6 sp.), Malvaceae (4 sp.), Chenopodiaceae (4 sp.), Rubiaceae (3 sp.), Compositae (3 sp.), Cyperaceae (2 sp.), Solanaceae (2 sp.), Iridaceae (2 sp.), Euphorbiaceae (2 sp.), Amarantaceae (2 sp.), Ranunculaceae (2 sp.), Marsileaceae (1 sp.), Vitaceae (1 sp.), Cannabaceae (1 sp.), Convolvulaceae (1 sp.), Caryophyllaceae (1 sp.), Labiatae (1 sp.), Equisetaceae (1 sp.), Elaeagnaceae (1 sp.) and Cucurbitaceae (1 sp.). Especially favours seed, berries and leaves of Echinochloa, Hordeum, Oryza, Phragmites, Sorghum, Setaria, Tricticum, Medicago, Onobrychis, Trifolium, Vicia and Colestegia sp. Mostly feeds on plants October through March, and switches to invertebrates in April. In August-September, consumes plants and invertebrates in almost equal proportions (Khanmammedov, 1956). In captivity, eats 16-70 g/day. Chicks preferred boiled eggs, wheat, millet, grasshoppers, praying mantis and horse-flies, but also ate dragonflies, locusts, bird meat, beef, mutton, blackberry fruits and wheat sprouts (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

MORTALITY: Cold winters with deep snow severely affect this species. Considerable mortality reported in winters 1882/1883, 1924/1925, 1934/1935, 1939/1940, 1948/1949, 1949/1950, 1968/1969, 1971/1972 and 1976/1977 (Radde, 1884; Verestchagin, 1947; Khanmammedov, 1956; Mustafaev et al., 1969; Vinogradov et al., 1990). Very few survived in Kizil Agach Reserve through the winter of 1924/1925 and had not yet recovered in the early 1930s (Bheme, 1937; Verestchagin, 1947). 75% of the population lost in Kurdamir District in winter 1949/1950. Large numbers also perished in Imishli and Beilagan districts (Khanmammedov, 1956). A few remained in Kizil Agach Reserve after winter 1968/1969, 1971/1972 and 1976/1977 when the population was reduced to c. 10% (Mustafaev et al., 1969; Vinogradov et al., 1990). Feeding stations were set up in Kizil Agach Reserve in the 1980s to prevent further losses and enhance recovery (Musaev & Babaev, 1989). Ruthless poaching is another factor responsible for a dramatic decline of Black Francolin in Azerbaijan. Poaching is especially harmful in cold winters and decimate the remaining birds. Perhaps up to 50,000 bagged annually in the 1930s-1940s (Verestchagin, 1947). Black Francolins are not afraid of vehicles and many were shot on the roadside, e.g. in protected areas such as Kizil Agach Reserve the 1980s (Khanmammedov, 1956; MP). Natural predators include Golden Jackal, Red Fox, Jungle Cat (Felis chaus), Steppe Cat (Felis libyca), Marsh Harrier, Black Kite, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk and Peregrine. Golden Jackal, Red Fox, Hooded Crow, Magpie and Eurasian Jay destroy clutches and chicks (Verestchagin, 1947; Khanmammedov, 1956). Before embankment of Kura and Aras in the 1930s, floods caused significant losses of clutches and young (Khanmammedov, 1956). Mowing, burning and clearing of scrub and grass thickets also destroy nests. Villagers collected 123 eggs and chicks in fields in Zangelan and Kubatli districts in July and August 1948 (Khanmammedov, 1956). A large proportion of habitat in Kizil Agach Reserve was flooded by the rising level of the Caspian Sea in the mid 1980s-early 1990s (Vinogradov et al., 1990; MP). REMARKS: Well adapted to agricultural habitats and could easily recover to the 1930s levels if strong conservation measures (including supplemental feeding in winter) are implemented (Litvinov. 1977). Formally there is protection, although unabated poaching continued throughout Azerbaijan (MP). Babaev (1991b) suggested preserves in the vicinity of Muradbeily (Sabirabad District), Lake Ali (Saatli District), Arshali and Djardi (Kurdamir District) and Randjibar near Hadjikabul. Survives well in captivity, but apparently does not breed (Khanmammedov, 1956; A. Musaev, pers. comm.).

102. Grey Partridge - Perdix perdix Linnaeus, 1758 Azeri name: Chil, Bos kaklik. STATUS: Common resident. Two subspecies: P. p. fulvescens Zarudny 1911 occurs in Zuvand Upland (Talish Mountains) and P. p. canescens Buturlin, 1906 elsewhere.

DISTRIBUTION: P. p. canescens Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: From Sheki Upland to Gekchai District, Shemakha Upland (e.g. Pirgulu Reserve) and Kusari and Kuba districts (Satunin, 1907; Khanmammedov, 1962, 1969; Patrikeev, 1991d).

T 121

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122 The Birds of Azerbaijan G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

but most common at 900-1,000 m (Satunin, 1907; Khanmammedov, 1960, 1962, 1969; Mustafaev, 1968b).

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

POPULATION SIZE: Khanmammedov (1962, 1969) estimated 250,000 with average density 21/km2, e.g. 15-30/km2 on the southern slope of Greater Caucasus and northeast, and 20/km2 in Lesser Caucasus. 30,000-35,000 estimated in the late 1980searly 1990s (Azerbaijan Committee for Nature Conservation).

IRAN

LESSER CAUCASUS: Foothills along Shamkhor-chai (Tauz and Kedabek districts), Dzegam-chai (Shamkhor and Dashkesan districts) and Okhchu-chai (Zangelan District), Kubatli, Agdam and Kasum-Ismail Districts and Terter Valley in Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Khanmammedov, 1969). NAKHICHEVAN: Common at 900-1,000 m, but reaches 1,950 m near Nekedakh, and 2,000 m near Lake Ganligel, Shahbuz District (Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Khanmammedov, 1960, 1969). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Possibly nested in lowland (e.g. Mugan Steppe) in the past (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Gambarov, 1975). No confirmed records. SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: South to Divichi (Khanmammedov, 1969). Winter: Descends from foothills and mountains to lower areas (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). BOSDAG: Vicinity of Mingechaur (Satunin, 1907). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Kura Valley (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1975). P. p. fulvescens TALISH MOUNTAINS: Uncommon in Zuvand Upland (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Mustafaev, 1968a). HABITAT: Fields, forest edge, bush thickets, hedgerows, orchards, clearings and grassy areas in mountains, foothills and lowlands. Usually near water. Up to 2,000 m on Zangezur Ridge (Nakhichevan) and 2,200 m in Greater Caucasus Mountains,

BREEDING: Monogamous. In the foothills and lowlands of Kuba and Kusari districts, pairs from early March (Khanmammedov, 1962). Nest built of twigs and dry grass, and hidden under a bush, in grass or crops. Nest diameter: 19-26.6 cm, depth 4.5 cm (Satunin, 1907; Khanmammedov, 1962, 1969). One clutch a year (14-24 eggs). Nests with eggs from late April through early July. Egg size (P. p. canescens; n=30): 31.4-34.0 x 25.0-27.5 (av. 31.6 x 26.3 mm), weight 11.3-13.9 g (av. 12.6 g). Incubation 2022 days. Chicks in the northeast from mid June (Khanmammedov, 1962) and in Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region (Lesser Caucasus Mountains) on June 25th (Laister & Sosnin, 1942). Broods recorded in June (n=6) contained 16-22 chicks, and in September (n=10): 10-14. The young reach adult size by late August (Khanmammedov, 1962, 1969). DIET: In the northeast, stomachs and crops (n=30) contained 47 species of insects and 19 species of plants. The insects included Coleoptera (Meloe, Chrysomela, Anisoplia, Dascillus, Clytra, Platysoma, Cicindela, Zabrus, Amara), Lepidoptera, Orthoptera, Hymenoptera (Formica, Cataglyphis), Heteroptera and Diptera. The plants (12 families) included: Scrophularia, Cistanche, Rubus, Triticum, Lithospermum, Heliotropium, Cygnoglossum, Lappula, Lycopsis, Vicia, Fumaria, Bupleurum, Helianthemum, Onopordon, Tragopogon, Rhamnus and Chrozophora. Feeds mostly on insects in spring, both invertebrates and plants in summer and switches almost exclusively to plant matter (leaves, seed) in September-October (Khanmammedov, 1962). MORTALITY: Does not cope with cold and snow very well and large numbers perish in harsh winters, e.g. winter of 1968/1969 (Mustafaev et al., 1969). Nest failure more often caused by agricultural activities (45%) than predation (27%); the remaining 28% failed due to unknown causes. Up to 48.3% of broods lost to elements, fire and predation by October (Khanmammedov, 1969).

103. Common Quail - Coturnix coturnix Linnaeus, 1758 Azeri name: Bildirchin STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant, rare wintering species. Subspecies C. c. coturnix Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Common in foothills and mountains of Kusari and Kuba districts, Shemakha Upland (Alti-Agach to Shemakha and Kirovka), Girdimanchai Valley (Ismailly District), e.g. near Lagich and Djandakhar. Uncommon west of Kutkashen, e.g. Zakatali Reserve and the low-

land adjacent to the southern slope of Greater Caucasus Mountains (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Khanmammedov, 1965a; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Shahdag and Murovdag ridges (e.g. NagornoKarabakh Autonomous Region) and Karabakh Upland (Radde, 1884; Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Drozdov, 1965). NAKHICHEVAN: Foothills and mountains in Shahbuz (Mount Kukudag and the vicinity of Lake Ganligel) and Ordubad districts (Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Khanmammedov, 1960). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1965).

The Birds of Azerbaijan G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Karayasi Steppe, Shamkhor District and the vicinity of Mingechaur (Radde, 1884; Gambarov, 1975; MP). Probably nested in Mugan Steppe (Satunin, 1912b). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Rare in Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Present (Satunin, 1907; Khanmammedov, 1965a). Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Rare wintering species. Recorded in Karayasi (Radde, 1884) and Shirvan steppes, e.g. in Kurdamir and Udjari districts (Zlotin, 1963). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland and southern Mugan in warm winters (Satunin, 1912b; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Baku, e.g. in winter 1965/1966 (Alekperov, 1972). HABITAT: NESTING: Wheat, barley and alfalfa fields, montane steppes, subalpine and alpine meadows, clearing in montane forest, orchards and gardens up to 2,400-3000 m in Greater Caucasus Mountains and at 700-1,600 m in Lesser Caucasus Mountains (Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Gambarov, 1954; Khanmammedov, 1965a; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). WINTER: Parks, hedgerows (Alekperov, 1972). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early April through early May.

COASTAL: Arrives at Lenkoran Lowland, Kizil Agach Reserve, Sara Peninsula and southern Mugan in early April (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Recorded in southeastern Shirvan 25 April-10 May (Patrikeev, 1991a; Sultanov et al., 1991), Baku and Absheron Peninsula in mid to late April (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 24 April-9 May in Karayasi Steppe (Radde, 1884). Fall passage: Mid August through late November. COASTAL: Passes through Absheron Peninsula from mid August to mid October (peaks in late September), latest record on November 23rd (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP). Conspicuous passage in Kizil Agach Reserve in September (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), but may remain past late November in milder winters (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: 20,000-30,000 in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). Average 5-10/ha in mountains and foothills in the northeast (Khanmammedov, 1965a). Up to 10 calling males/station in Nakhichevan region in the late 1950s (Khanmammedov, 1960). Rare in lowlands (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1975; MP). 3-4 calling males in Kizil Agach Reserve in April-July 1958 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Winter: 0.03/ km in Kurdamir and Udjari districts, Shirvan Steppe (Zlotin, 1963). BREEDING: Clutch contains 12-20 eggs. Egg measurements (n=20): 23-30 x 20-24 mm, weight 6.5-8.3 g. In the northeast, nests with eggs from early May to mid July, and chicks from early June (Khanmammedov, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1969a). Broods in Zakatali Reserve in June (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985), and in Nakhichevan region 16-18 July, e.g. broods of 10-12 (Khanmammedov, 1960). DIET: Stomachs and crops (n=20) contained remains of 13 species of insects (8 sp. of beetles, 2 sp. of ants, 1 sp. of flies, 1 sp. of bugs), and 9 species of plants (Leguminosae, cereals, etc.) (Khanmammedov, 1965a). MORTALITY: Flies into powerlines on migration (Sultanov et al., 1991).

104. Common Pheasant - Phasianus colchicus Linnaeus, 1758 Azeri name: Girgovul STATUS: Two subspecies: P. c. colchicus Linnaeus, 1758 is common resident throughout the lowlands (Declining), and P. c. talischensis Lorenz, 1888 is a rare resident in the foothills of Talish Mountains (Endangered). In addition, escaped hybrid “game” pheasants established in some areas. DISTRIBUTION: P. c. colchicus: GREATER CAUCASUS: Foothills of Kusari and Kuba districts up to 1,000 m, Shemakha Upland (up to

700-850 m) including Alti-Agach and the vicinity of Shemakha, Langabiz Ridge near Agsu, and the lowland adjacent to the southern slope of Greater Caucasus Mountains and lower foothills in Ismailly, Kutkashen, Vartashen, Sheki, Kah and Zakatali districts (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Khanmammedov, 1965a; Gasanov, 1990). LESSER CAUCASUS: Terter Valley in Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region (up to 1,200 m), and foothills in Agdam District (Satunin, 1907; Laister & Sosnin, 1942). BOSDAG: Turianchai Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP).

T 123

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124 The Birds of Azerbaijan G Tbilisi

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Ku

va, 1938; Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Musaev & Babaev, 1989).

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Baku P. p. colchicus

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver ssp

ssp

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

P. c. talischensis

KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Iori, Alazani, Akstafa-chai and Kura valley, e.g. Karayasi Forest, tugai forests in Shamkhor, Mingechaur and Barda District including Barda Game Preserve. Probably occurs in the Lower Kura, e.g. in the vicinity of Ali-Bairamli. Also lower parts of Agdam District. In Aras Valley: absent or extremely rare in Zangelan District, but occurs in some parts of Fisuli District and possibly elsewhere (MP). Formerly occurred in Mugan Steppe, but no recent sightings (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Verestchagin, 1947; Gambarov, 1975; MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Common in Samur Delta, but increasingly rare further south, e.g. in the vicinity of Khudat and Khachmas; extirpated between Khachmas and Divichi (Satunin, 1907; Verestchagin, 1947; Bannikov, 1955; MP). P. c. talischensis (Talish Pheasant) TALISH MOUNTAINS: Widely distributed through the foothills and low mountains until the 1970-early 1980s. By the late 1980s, this subspecies survived in a handful of sites, e.g. near villages of Vistan, Vorgeduz, Khrama and Noda at altitudes 600-1,300 m, and also in scattered locations in Vilajchai and Astara-chai valleys (Musaev & Babaev, 1989; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Formerly, throughout Lenkoran Lowland and perhaps north to the Lower Kura where Radde (1884) collected “a specimen similar to the Talish Pheasant”. Extirpated in the vicinity of Lenkoran in the late 19th century, although several individuals still occurred near Kumbashi (presently in Kizil Agach Reserve) into early 20th century. Completely disappeared from the lowlands in the 1950s (Satunin, 1907; Musaev & Babaev, 1989). About 1850, birds of unclear origin (either P. c. colchicus or P. c. talischensis) were released on Sara Island (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938). That population was eliminated by terrestrial predators and poachers when Sara Island became a peninsula, joining the mainland after the Caspian Sea receded (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). HABITAT: Dense thickets of hawthorn, cornelian cherry, blackberry, sea-buckthorn and Juncus in tugai or agricultural habitats in river valleys, lowlands, foothills and low mountains (up to 1,200-1,300 m). Sometimes in dry reed stands and orchards. Visits cereal and corn fields in autumn. No altitudinal movements detected (Satunin, 1907; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkare-

POPULATION SIZE: P. c. colchicus: 20,000-25,000 estimated in the late 1980s (Azerbaijan Committee of Nature Conservation and the Azerbaijani Society of Hunters), but this number included hybrid ‘game’ pheasants (MP). Very common in the past, e.g. c. 40,000 (mostly this subspecies) taken annually in the 19401950s (Verestchagin, 1947). 0.2-0.3/ha in Kusari and Kuba districts in the early 1960s (Khanmammedov, 1965a), 4/km in the vicinity of Mingechaur in January (Gambarov, 1975), 3-4 /day in the vicinity of Khudat and Khachmas (Samur-Divichi Lowland) in the mid 1980s, >200 in Barda Game Preserve and 50-80 in Turianchai Reserve in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). P. c. talischensis: <200-300 in the late 1980s-early 1990s, e.g. 100-150 in Astara-chai Valley along the Iranian border (MP). Only c. 13 pairs in the vicinity of Vistan and Vorgeduz in 19791987 (Musaev & Babaev, 1989). BREEDING: In the northeast, pairs from early March (Bannikov, 1955), and in April in Turianchai Reserve (MP). Calling males heard throughout the spring and early summer. Fighting between males is not uncommon (Gambarov, 1954; Bannikov, 1955). In the northeast, mating recorded from late March to May. Nest is a depression in the ground lined with dry grass, feathers and twigs, and hidden in grass or under a bush in dense thickets, sometimes in roadside hedgerows. Nest size: diameter 24-25 cm, depth 6.8-10 cm (Khanmammedov, 1956). One clutch a year: 10-16, rarely 18 eggs. Egg measurements (n=24): 40-43 x 31.8-34 mm, weight 21.5-25.5 g (Radde, 1884; Khanmammedov, 1965a). In the vicinity of Mingechaur, first eggs laid in late April (Satunin, 1907). In the northeast, nests with eggs after mid April, but mostly in late May, and late or replacement clutches in early June (Bannikov, 1955; Khanmammedov, 1965a). In Terter Valley (Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region), a nest with 4 eggs on May 27th (Laister & Sosnin, 1942). Incubation 21-24 days. In Samur-Divichi Lowland, young recorded in May and June. Chick mortality is high and observed broods contained 3-6 young (Bannikov, 1955; Khanmammedov, 1965a), but only 1-2/brood (n=5) in Karayasi forest in early June 1989 (MP). Broods often feed in clearings, abandoned fields and orchards (Gambarov, 1954). In the northeast, young (n=7) weighed 325-422 g in early July, and young males already featured red feathers on the breast and the belly. In early August, young males (n=3) weighed 490-500 g (Khanmammedov, 1965a). DIET: In the northeast, examined stomachs contained seed, berries and green parts of 52 species of plants (12 families), 10 species of insects (beetles, bugs, ants, grasshoppers) and 10 species of “terrestrial” molluscs. Small stones found in 50% of the stomachs (Khanmammedov, 1965a). In Lenkoran Lowland, stomachs contained blackberry fruit, parts of cereals and beetles (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938). MORTALITY: Poorly controlled hunting, but especially poaching contributed to the decline of this species in Azerbaijan. In the past, villagers hunted pheasants using traditional methods (nets, falconry, etc.), but hunting intensified when guns became

The Birds of Azerbaijan

widely available (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Verestchagin, 1947). Natural predators include Jungle Cat, Red Fox, Golden Jackal, Eagle Owl and Goshawk (Verestchagin, 1947). In 19851986, 6 nests (54 eggs) of Talish Pheasants lost to people and predators (Musaev & Babaev, 1989).

REMARKS: Common Pheasants spend the night in trees, usually 5-6 m above the ground. Two to three pheasants may share a roost. In November, calls of Common Pheasants could be heard at dawn and sunset, but they fall silent by mid December (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938).

FAMILY GRUIDAE - CRANES 105. Common Crane - Grus grus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r Kura Ri

EN

ver

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Durna, Bos durna STATUS: Subspecies G. g. grus Linnaeus, 1758 is uncommon migrant (Declining), formerly wintering species. Subspecies G. g. lilfordi Sharpe, 1894 occurs in Lesser Caucasus Mountains in Armenia and may nest in adjacent parts of Azerbaijan. DISTRIBUTION: Summer (hypothetical): SOUTHEAST LOWMight have nested in Lenkoran Lowland in the 19th century (Mustafaev, 1974a), although neither Radde (1884) nor Satunin (1907, 1912b) reported any evidence of breeding or indeed summer occurrence. LESSER CAUCASUS: Small numbers of G. g. lilfordi nested in wet meadows, small bogs and montane steppes in Lesser Caucasus Mountains in Armenia at 1,490-2,210 m (Verestchagin, 1947; Dahl, 1954). Considering poor ornithological coverage of Lesser Caucasus in Azerbaijan, occasional nesting should not be ruled out, especially in Karabakh Upland (MP). Winter (former): KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Semi-desert adjacent to lakes Aggel and Mekhman (Mil Steppe), Shilian and Karasy marshes (Shirvan Steppe) until mid or late 1950s (Verestchagin, 1947; Mustafaev, 1974a). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland and southern Mugan (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b) through the 1930s-1940s (Verestchagin, 1947; Mustafaev, 1974a). LANDS:

HABITAT: MIGRATION AND WINTER: Lakeshores, marshes, muddy spits, semi-desert and cereal fields (Verestchagin, 1947). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid February through April.

COASTAL: Conspicuous passage through Lenkoran Lowland 2425 March (Radde, 1884), but not recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve until 2-17 April (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). INTERIOR: Large flocks cross Greater Caucasus Mountains at Zakatali, Belokani and Lagodekhi in mid February (Verestchagin, 1950). Observed in the vicinity of Mingechaur and adjacent Bosdag Mountains 3 March-22 April (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Flocks recorded in western and central districts of Nakhichevan Region in April. Also occurs in Mugan and Karayasi steppes (MP). Fall passage: August through December. COASTAL: Passes through Samur Delta from September (Butiev et al., 1990b) and through Kizil Agach Reserve in late September-October (mostly during 2-24 October) with latest sighting on October 27th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Conspicuous passage over Talish Mountains in mid October (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938). Recorded over Baku and Absheron Peninsula as late as December (J. Keskpaik, pers. comm.). INTERIOR: Cross Great Caucasus Mountains in Zakatali District in August (Verestchagin, 1950; Gambarov, 1954) and arrive in Mingechaur and Kasum-Ismail districts and Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region 17-21 August (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). Migrants also reported from Lake Aggel (Mil Steppe), Karasy Marsh (Shirvan Steppe) and Mugan Steppe (Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Passage: Common in the past (Mustafaev, 1968a, 1974a), but presently uncommon with exception of Nakhichevan Region. Possibly under recorded. SPRING: A flock of 120 at Mount Alibek (Zakatali District) on 17 March 1937 (Gambarov, 1954), 26 over Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on March 28th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). c. 1,350 in aggregation in Nakhichevan region in April 1990: 400 near Negram, 450 near Beuk-Duz in Babek District, 350 near Pusian and 150 near Sadarak in Norashen District (MP). FALL: Flocks of hundreds migrated over Great Caucasus Mountains in Zakatali District in the 1930s-1940s (Verestchagin, 1950), e.g. a flock of 100 at Khalakhi Pass on 23 August 1935 (Gambarov, 1954). In Kizil Agach Reserve: c. 500 at Ivanovskaya Banka 9-19 October 1958 and flocks of 200-300 until 27 October 1958 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). 30-40 at Lake Aggel in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967). Winter (past): Flocks of 20-100 in the past (Verestchagin, 1947). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Several hundreds wintered in the vicinity of Aggel and Mekhman (Mil Steppe), hundreds at Shilian

T 125

T

126 The Birds of Azerbaijan Marsh, and a few at Karasy Marsh (Shirvan Steppe) in the 1930s (Verestchagin, 1947).

MORTALITY: Hunted for meat in the 1930s (Verestchagin, 1947). Perhaps still targeted by poachers during migration.

DIET: Stomachs examined in December contained only tubers of Bolboschoenus maritimus (Verestchagin, 1947).

REMARKS: Causes behind disappearance from wintering grounds are not well understood, but conversion of cereal fields to cotton and vegetables might have contributed to it.

106. Siberian Crane - Grus leucogeranus Pallas, 1773 STATUS: Endangered. Very rare migrant; wintered in the past. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Winter (former): KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mugan Steppe, e.g. near the confluence of Kura and Aras (Satunin, 1907, 1912b) until the 1940s (Verestchagin, 1950). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Several unconfirmed sightings in Kizil Agach Reserve (Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986). MOVEMENT: A few collected at the Caspian shore south of Absheron Peninsula (Satunin, 1907) and one found dead in Lake Binagadi near Baku (Verestchagin, 1946). Already rare by the 1940s (Verestchagin, 1950). Long thought extirpated, but recorded in 1996 (see below). Spring passage: Several observed at Astara on 16 March 1880 (Radde, 1884). A satellite-tagged male passed through the coastal

lowland in March 1996 with a possible stopover on March 10th (Kanai et al., 2002). Also an unconfirmed sighting of 4 at Lake Aggel in spring 2000 (Shelton, 2001). Fall passage: 5 at Lake Aggel (Mil Steppe) in fall 1966. Possible records: 23-28 August 1974 (Vinogradov, 1977a) and autumn 2000 (Shelton, 2001). REMARKS: Siberian Cranes recorded in Azerbaijan belong to the population nesting in Western Siberia and wintering in Iran. By the early 1990s, that population dwindled to a handful of individuals, e.g. only 8 recorded in Iran 1990, 9 in 1991, and 11 in 1992 (Perennou et al., 1990; Perennou et Mundkhur, 1991, 1992). The latest experiment with satellite tracking (Kanai et al., 2002) has proved that at least some of the few remaining cranes of the western population pass through the Caspian Lowland of Azerbaijan.

[Sarus Crane - Grus antigonae] (Hypothetical) According to Radde (1884) Baron Tizengauzen collected 2 cranes with “reddish head, white neck, dark body and green-greyish beak” in Lenkoran Lowland: one near Astara on 6 March 1876, and another near Nikolaevka (presently in Kizil Agach Reserve)

on 5 March 1882. Radde himself did not examine those specimens (probably lost), but he observed a Sarus Crane near Derbent (currently in Dagestan, Russian Federation) to the north of Azerbaijan.

107. Demoiselle Crane - Anthropoides virgo Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Rare migrant; wintered in the past. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Winter (former): Mugan Steppe in the past (Satunin, 1912b). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: A few observed in Samur Delta 3-23 April (Butiev et al., 1989) and at Lake Djandargel in April (Shelton, 2001). Fall passage: COASTAL: Recorded in Absheron Peninsula, e.g. close to Baku, in the past (Bogdanov, 1879). Passed through Sara Peninsula in early October (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Observed at Lake Aggel in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967).

POPULATION SIZE: Passage: Three flocks (177 birds) passed over Sara Peninsula 3-13 October 1958 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). 30-40 at Lake Aggel in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967). Possibly under recorded.

The Birds of Azerbaijan

FAMILY RALLIDAE - RAILS, CRAKES, COOTS AND ALLIES 108. Water Rail - Rallus aquaticus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

aev, 1975; Vinogradov et al., 1990; MP) and Divichi Liman (Tuaev, 1965).

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Sihirchi, Su farala STATUS: Common resident, migrant and wintering species. Subspecies R. a. aquaticus Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA -A RAS L OWLAND : Kura Valley including lakes Aggel, Bos-Koba and Sarisu (Mil Steppe), Shilian and Karasy marshes (Shirvan Steppe), Varvara Reservoir and small wetlands of Karayasi Forest (Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; Kurochkin & Koshelev, 1987; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve (e.g. Lesser Kizil Agach Bay and Kalinovsky Liman), Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan), Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala (southern Mugan), etc. (Grekov, 1965c; Butiev et al., 1990b; Vinogradov et al., 1990; Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1990b). Surprisingly, not found at Divichi Liman in summer (Tuaev, 1965). NAKHICHEVAN: Recorded in the region (Khanmammedov, 1960). Winter: Winter range is somewhat wider, e.g. more widespread in Kizil Agach Reserve and southern Mugan, occurs in Sara Peninsula, Lenkoran Lowland, Kura Delta (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Gazanchian, 1951; Grekov, 1965c; Tu-

HABITAT: NESTING: Reedbeds, kobl and stands of other emergent vegetation at lakes, marshes and coastal lagoons with fresh and brackish water (Vinogradov, 1967; Kurochkin & Koshelev, 1987; Vinogradov et al., 1990). WINTER: Marshes, ponds, channels, flooded thickets, reedbeds and wet depressions (Grekov, 1965c; MP). MOVEMENT: Migrates at night. Spring passage: March through May. COASTAL: Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve from March to May (Grekov, 1965c) and through Divichi Liman from late March through April (Tuaev, 1965). Common in the vicinity of Baku, e.g. Yasamal Valley in early May (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP). Fall passage: mid September to early November. COASTAL: Often seen and caught in Baku and the suburbs in late September (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP). Passage also recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve and Kura Delta (Grekov, 1965c; Tuaev, 1975). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Passes through Lake Sarisu (Tuaev, 1975) and probably elsewhere. POPULATION SIZE: No information. Winter: 2,000 estimated in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). BREEDING: Broods observed, but no dates given (Grekov, 1965c; Kurochkin & Koshelev, 1987). MORTALITY: Sometimes perishes at oiled lakes of Absheron Peninsula and in oil spills (Verestchagin, 1946). Although rarely sought by hunters, some are shot opportunistically (MP). REMARKS: Pair bond apparently persists throughout the winter with both partners maintaining vocal contacts. Conflicts between males observed in late November and December (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Grekov, 1965c).

109. Spotted Crake - Porzana porzana Linnaeus, 1766 STATUS: Common resident, migrant and wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: poorly known. Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes Aggel and Sarisu (Mil Steppe), recorded at small wetlands of Karayasi Forest (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve (e.g. Lesser Kizil Agach Bay, Kalinovsky Liman and Akusha Marsh), Lenkoran Lowland, Kura Delta, Novogolovka-chala (southern Mugan) and

Shirvan Reserve (Radde, 1884; Spangenberg, 1951; Grekov, 1965c; Tuaev, 1975; Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta and Divichi Liman (Tuaev, 1965; Butiev et al., 1990b). NAKHICHEVAN: Recorded in Nakhichevan Region (Khanmammedov, 1960). Winter: Remains in Azerbaijan in milder winters (Grekov, 1965c). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Throughout Kura Valley including Karayasi Steppe (Tuaev, 1975; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989).

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128 The Birds of Azerbaijan G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

N

er

S

EA

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early March through late April (Grekov, 1965c; MP). COASTAL: Recorded in the vicinity of Baku and Divichi Liman in early March (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Tuaev, 1965), and in the vicinity of Lenkoran on March 17th (Radde, 1884). Fall passage: Little information. COASTAL: Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve from October to December (Grekov, 1965c).

Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Aras Rive

HABITAT: NESTING: Dense stands of emergent vegetation at marshes, lakes, ponds and lagoons. WINTER: Similar to nesting habitat, but also flooded blackberry and Juncus thickets (Gazanchian, 1951; Spangenberg, 1951; Grekov, 1965c).

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

POPULATION SIZE and BREEDING: No information.

SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve, the Caspian shore between Sara Peninsula and Port-Ilich, and southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b; Gazanchian, 1951; Spangenberg, 1951; Grekov, 1965c; Tuaev, 1975; MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Absheron Peninsula including Shah Spit (MP).

MORTALITY: Occasionally collides with powerlines (Sultanov et al., 1991) or perishes in oiled lakes (Verestchagin, 1946) during migration.

110. Little Crake - Porzana parva Scopoli, 1769 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: One collected at a small pond near Baku on 20 May 1960 (Gambarov, 1960). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman (Tuaev, 1965) and Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1990b). Winter: Winters or wintered in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). Unidentified small Porzana recorded elsewhere (MP).

Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

s

e Riv

HABITAT: NESTING: Reed and cattail stands in shallow areas (Tuaev, 1965; Kislenko, 1996).

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

STATUS: Uncommon nesting species and migrant, rare wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Poorly known. Probably occurred throughout lowlands of Azerbaijan in the early 20th century (Satunin, 1912a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Aggel and Sarisu, Mil Steppe (Kislenko, 1996; Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Wetlands of southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912a, b). A calling male in coastal reeds of Lake Kichik-Shorgel (southeastern Shirvan) from mid April to mid May 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a).

MOVEMENT: Little information. Spring passage: Mid March through mid April. COASTAL: Recorded at Divichi Liman on and after April 2nd (Tuaev, 1965) and in vicinity of Lenkoran on April 16th (Radde, 1884). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Collected at Mingechaur on March 20th (Satunin, 1912a). Fall passage: COASTAL: One collected on the north shore of Absheron Peninsula on 18 November 1955 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). POPULATION SIZE: Common at Lake Aggel in 1981 (Kislenko, 1996). No other information. BREEDING: A nest with 6 eggs found in a small reed patch at Lake Aggel on 28 April 1981, the last (7th) egg laid on April 29th. Egg size: 30.0-31.9 x 22.3-22.7 mm, average weight 8.37g. Nestcup: diameter 8 cm, depth 3.5 cm (Kislenko, 1996).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

111. Baillon’s Crake - Porzana pusilla Pallas, 1776 STATUS: Insufficiently known. Rarely recorded in Azerbaijan during migration and in winter. No recent records, but possibly overlooked. Subspecies P. p. pusilla Pallas, 1776. DISTRIBUTION: Summer (hypothetical): Considered nesting in East Transcaucasia, e.g. southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912a, b).

Winter: Recorded in southern Azerbaijan in warmer winters (Satunin, 1912b; Spangenberg, 1951). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Collected in Lenkoran Lowland on April 19th (Radde, 1884), and in the mouth of Vilajchai (Kizil Agach Reserve) on 24 April 1937 (Ivanov, 1952).

112. Corncrake - Crex crex Linnaeus, 1758 Azeri name: Chivdimdick

HABITAT: Grasslands and cereal fields (Satunin, 1907; Spangenberg, 1951).

STATUS: Uncommon migrant; nested in the past. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer (former): No 20th century summer records. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Nested in grasslands near Gandja and Mingechaur (Radde, 1884) and possibly in Aras Valley (Satunin, 1907). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Possibly in Sara Island (Satunin, 1907). GREAT CAUCASUS: Shemakha Upland (e.g. near Khaltava and Maraza) and foothills in Kuba District (Satunin, 1907).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: April through late May, peaks in late April (Spangenberg, 1951). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mostly migrates through interior regions, e.g. Mugan Steppe (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Spangenberg, 1951). Fall passage: COASTAL: Recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve from early September to November (Grekov, 1965c). Passes through Kura Delta (Tuaev, 1975). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Migrates through Mil and Shirvan steppes (Tuaev, 1975).

113. Common Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

gel Lakes and small wetlands in southeastern Shirvan (Grekov, 1965c; Kurochkin & Koshelev, 1987; Patrikeev, 1991a, c). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman to Samur Delta (Tuaev, 1965; Butiev et al., 1990b; MP). GREATER CAUCASUS: Small lakes near Vandom (Kutkashen District) and headwaters of Girdimanchai (Gambarov, 1954). Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Throughout Kura Valley, e.g. Aggel, Sarisu, Shilian, Karasy, and Varvara Reservoir (Tuaev, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve, Sara Peninsula, Mahmud-chala, Kura Delta and Shorgel Lakes (Grekov, 1965c; Tuaev, 1975; Paynter et al., 1996a; MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Absheron Peninsula, e.g. Shah Spit (MP).

IRAN

STATUS: Common resident, nesting species, migrant and wintering species. Subspecies G. c. chloropus Linnaeus, 1758.

HABITAT: NESTING: Reedbeds and cattail stands at lakes, marshes, ponds and flooded roadside ditches in lowlands and mountains up to 1,600 m (Gambarov, 1954; Vinogradov, 1967; Kurochkin & Koshelev, 1987; MP). WINTER: Marshes, channels, flooded bush thickets and woodland ponds (Grekov, 1965c; Mustafaev, 1972).

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Aggel and Sarisu (Mil Steppe), Shilian and Karasy marshes (Shirvan Steppe), Varvara Reservoir, small wetlands of Karayasi Forest, the mouth of Iori, Alazani Valley and Lake Hadjikabul (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; Gambarov, 1975; Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve, Lenkoran Lowland, Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala (southern Mugan), Shor-

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early March to mid April. COASTAL: Moves through Kizil Agach Reserve, southern Mugan, Absheron Peninsula and Divichi Liman (Satunin, 1912b; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Grekov, 1965c; MP). Fall passage: October-November. COASTAL: Passes through Absheron Peninsula, Kizil Agach Reserve and southern Mugan in October and November (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Grekov, 1965c; MP).

Azeri name: Su farasi

T 129

T

130 The Birds of Azerbaijan POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. Common at Lake Aggel (Vinogradov, 1967). 78 recorded at Mahmud-chala, 58 at Hadjikabul and 37 at Varvara Reservoir in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Winter: No estimate. 4,220 in Kizil Agach Reserve and 100 at Shorgel Lakes (Shirvan Reserve) in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a).

May, and downy chicks from early May through early June (Vinogradov, 1967). A brood with large young (about the adult size) seen near Yalama (Samur-Divichi Lowland) on 13 August 1986 (MP).

BREEDING: Nests in reedbeds and kobl. Clutch contains 7-10 eggs (size 39.7-43.7 x 29.8-30.2 mm). Possibly two clutches a year (Grekov, 1965c; Vinogradov, 1967: Tuaev, 1975; Kurochkin & Koshelev, 1987). Fresh and incubated clutches found at Aggel in early

MORTALITY: Many perish in cold winters, e.g. 95% at Lake Aggel in the harsh winter of 1963/1964 (Vinogradov, 1967). Downy chicks sometimes caught and swallowed by large Marsh Frogs Rana ridibunda (Grekov, 1965c).

DIET: Shoots of reed, and shoots and seed of Bolboschoenus maritimus in examined stomachs (Tuaev, 1965).

114. Purple Gallinule - Porphyrio porphyrio Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Sultan toyughu STATUS: Common resident (increasing) and uncommon migrant. Subspecies P. p. seistanicus Zarudny et Harms, 1911. DISTRIBUTION: Probably confined to wetlands between Saliani and Lenkoran, and flooded parts of Mugan Steppe in the 19thearly 20th century (Bogdanov, 1879; Satunin, 1907), but expanded into other lowlands of Azerbaijan from c. 1950s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1982; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986: MP). Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mil Steppe (lakes Aggel, BosKoba, Shorbet-Koba, Sarisu and possibly Mekhman), Shirvan Steppe (Lake Hadjikabul, Karasy and Shilian marshes, ponds and small wetlands in Zardob, Udjari and Kurdamir districts), Karayasi Steppe (Lake Djandargel) and Varvara Reservoir (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; Kurochkin & Koshelev, 1987; Guseinov, pers. comm.). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve, e.g. Lesser Kizil Agach Bay, Kalinovsky Liman, Arakelovskaya Banka, and from the early 1980s also in reed thickets adjacent to Greater Kizil Agach Bay (Grekov, 1965c; Tkachenko, 1987; Vinogradov et al., 1990), Lakes Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala (southern Mugan), small coastal wetlands between Lenkoran and Astara (Lenkoran Lowland), Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan) and Kura Delta (Babaev, 1984; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Patrikeev, 1991a, c; MP).

ABSHERON PENINSULA: Shah Spit and possibly at Lake Mirzaladi (MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Nests at Divichi Liman from the early 1970s (Tuaev, 1965; A. Akhundov, pers. comm.). Probably nested at fishponds in Samur Delta in the late 1970s-early 1980s, but disappeared in 1984 following the removal of emergent vegetation (Butiev et al, 1989). Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Wetlands throughout Mil, Shirvan and Karayasi steppes (Tuaev, 1975; Kurochkin & Koshelev, 1987; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Throughout wetlands of southeastern Azerbaijan, Kura Delta and southeastern Shirvan (Tuaev, 1975; Kurochkin & Koshelev, 1987; Paynter et al., 1996a). ABSHERON PENINSULA: Shah Spit and the south shore between Zikh and Turkan (G. Bairamov, pers. comm.; MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman, although may completely disappear from there in cold winters (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965). HABITAT: NESTING: Extensive reedbeds and kobl at lakes and marshes (Grekov, 1965c; Vinogradov, 1967; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1982; Patrikeev, 1991a). WINTER: Dense stands of emergent vegetation at lakes and marshes. Sometimes feeds in the open, e.g. near the shore and even in adjacent semi-desert (Vinogradov, 1967; Kurochkin & Koshelev, 1987). MOVEMENT: inconspicuous. Spring passage: COASTAL: Small numbers pass through lakes of Absheron Peninsula (MP). Earliest spring record in Samur Delta on April 19th and up to 5 recorded daily 23-27 April (Butiev et al., 1989). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Decreases at Aggel in March, probably due to some movement to lowlands of northeastern Azerbaijan and Dagestan (Vinogradov, 1967; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1982). Fall passage: COASTAL: 5-8/year in Samur Delta in mid October-early November, latest record on November 11th (Butiev et al., 1989). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Increases at Aggel in autumn, probably in response to the influx from northeastern Azerbaijan and Dagestan (Vinogradov, 1967). POPULATION SIZE: Fluctuates significantly between years due to significant mortality during cold winters, however the

The Birds of Azerbaijan

population usually recovers in 2-3 years (Vinogradov, 1967, 1977b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1982). Probably 12,00017,000 breeding pairs, and from several hundred in cold winters to 25,000-30,000 in normal winters. The positive trend will probably continue as this species colonizes reed stands in newlycreated reservoirs and other water bodies and as the level of the Caspian Sea continues to rise (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 8,000-10,000 pairs on lakes of Mil Steppe: Aggel, Bos-Koba and Sarisu (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; MP), e.g. 6,000 pairs or up to 2.5 birds/ha at Aggel alone (Vinogradov, 1967; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986) and 800-1,000 pairs at Sarisu (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.). Only 19 at Hadjikabul and 9 at Varvara Reservoir in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). This population of Mil Steppe is less prone to excessive winter mortality because the majority tend to flee southwards when a cold front approaches (Tuaev, 1975; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1982). However, 60-70% were lost at Aggel and up to 90% at Mekhman during extremely cold weather in JanuaryFebruary 1964 (Vinogradov, 1967). In normal winters, 6.8-7.0/

ha at Aggel (Vinogradov, 1967). Several thousand at Sarisu in January 1985 (Kurochkin & Koshelev, 1987). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: In Kizil Agach Reserve, severe winter weather conditions take catastrophic toll on the local population. After some cold and snowy winters Purple Gallinules may completely disappear from the reserve for 1-2 years (see the table). In southeastern Shirvan, c. 4,000 pairs at Lakes BeukShorgel and Kichik-Shorgel (Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986). Uncommon to rare at Mahmud-chala where only 30 recorded in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: 5-10 pairs at Divichi Liman, but may completely disappear for several years following a cold winter (Tuaev, 1965; MP), 12 recorded in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). ABSHERON: 8-10 pairs at Shah Spit in 1989-1991 (MP). BREEDING: Probably mates for life. A pair sometimes accompanied by 1-2 last-year offspring helping with brooding and

Number of Purple Gallinules wintering at Lake Aggel (Mil Steppe) in 1961-1991 Winter 1961 1962 1963/64* 1964/65 1965/66 1966/67 1971/72* 1972/73* 1973/74 1974/75 1985 1991 * - cold snowy winters

Number 960 (Nov) 340 (Dec) 1440 c. 3,400 c. 3,400 c. 3,400 1,200 1,200 2,700 2,700 Very rare >8,000 (Jan)

Source Vinogradov, 1967 Vinogradov, 1977b Vinogradov, 1977b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1982

Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1982 Kurochkin & Koshelev, 1987 MP

Number of Purple Gallinules in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1924-1996 Period 1924/1925* 1936/1937* 1949/1950* 1952

Winter number

1953 1957 groups of 20-30 1963/1964* 1964/1965* none 1968/1969* 1971/1972* 1973 low 1975/1967* 1976/1977* Early 1978 1982 500-600 1984 7,000-11,000 1996 1,270 * - cold snowy winters

Summer number none a few none first sighting since 1950 (27 July 1952) several birds recovered a few survived none a few survived a few survived low a few survived >35 110 >3,000 (1,500 pairs) 5,100 birds

Source Verestchagin, 1950 Tuaev, 1960; Grekov, 1965c

Mustafaev, 1964 Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1982; Babaev, 1984; Tkachenko, 1987 Mustafaev et al., 1969 Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1982; Babaev, 1984, 1990b; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Tkachenko, 1987; Vinogradov et al., 1990

Paynter et al., 1996a

T 131

T

132 The Birds of Azerbaijan rearing the young. Nesting season from mid March. Pairs may nest 50-100 m apart or closer (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1982; Kurochkin & Koshelev, 1987). 0.8-7 nests/ha in Kizil Agach Reserve (Babaev, 1984; Tkachenko, 1987). Two types of nests: 1) at the base of standing reeds or within a kobl in deeper areas; 2) on broken reeds 60-70 cm above the water in shallower coastal areas. Nest made of panicles and leaves of reed, cattail, sedge and grass, and lined with reed panicles. Nest diameter: 280-340 mm (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1982; Kurochkin & Koshelev, 1987). Clutch contains 4-5, sometimes 3 eggs. Egg measurements: 50.2-52.5 x 35.1-38.0 mm. Incubation lasts 22-25 days, mostly by female although male may incubate c. 1.5 hours/day (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1982; Kurochkin & Koshelev, 1987). First completed clutches at Aggel in mid April (Vinogradov, 1967), at Kalinovsky Liman, Kizil Agach Reserve on April 19th (Grekov, 1965c), at Shorgel Lakes from 12-13 April (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.). Nests with eggs found in Kizil Agach Reserve as late as June 30th (Grekov, 1965c; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1982). First young recorded 27 April-26 May. First days after hatching, chicks return to the nest to rest and sleep (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). Both parents feed the young, but 5-dayold chicks already search for food, and after 10 days they are capable of feeding on their own. Adults abandon the young and flee if surprised by a predator, and the young dive or swim away (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1982; Kurochkin & Koshelev, 1987). 3 or less young/brood in mid June-July. The young are on the wing in late June-July. Adults abandon broods in August (Vinogradov, 1967; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1982). DIET: Mostly roots and shoots of reed (Typha angustifolia and T. laxmanni) and Bolboschoenus maritimus, also seed of Potamogeton sp., shoots and seed of wild cereals. The young up to 1.5 month old feed on invertebrates (68-70% of their diet) including water bugs and their larvae, larvae of dragonflies and mayflies, also grasshoppers and locusts. Foraging Purple

Gallinule breaks reed shoots from the root with its powerful beak, then eats the inner parts of the root holding it in one foot. Also pulls out and eats clumps of green grass (Grekov, 1965c; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). In cold winters, when wetlands are frozen, sometimes feeds on carcasses of dead mammals and birds, and barley laid out at francolin feeding stations in Kizil Agach Reserve. Feeding on carcasses also reported after oil spills (Vinogradov, 1967; Tkachenko, 1987; Zakiev, 1990; G. Bairamov, pers. comm.). In captivity, eats grain, fruits, vegetables, bread, fresh and boiled meat, kitchen refuse, eggs and mice (Grekov, 1965c; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1982). MORTALITY: Many perish during inclement winters (see Population Size and Appendix 5). After snowstorms, many weakened Purple Gallinules observed close to the shore, and some walked into houses (Grekov, 1965c; Mustafaev et al., 1969). 109 found dead at Lake Aggel after a long cold spell in JanuaryFebruary 1964 (Vinogradov, 1967). The main natural predator is the Jungle Cat (Felis chaus). Nests and roosting platforms built well above the water in coastal areas probably in attempt to escape predation by Jungle Cats (Kurochkin & Koshelev, 1987). Purple Gallinules feeding along the shore and adjacent semi-desert often fall prey to Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) and Golden Jackal (Canis aureus). Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) and Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix) destroy clutches and chicks (Grekov, 1965c; Vinogradov, 1967; Kurochkin & Koshelev, 1987). Meat is considered tasty, but inferior to Coot’s, and this protected species is not specifically targeted, although aggregations foraging along the shoreline, close to causeways, etc. are shot at (Verestchagin, 1947; Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.; MP). Perishes in oiled lakes of Absheron Peninsula and during spills at the coastline (Verestchagin, 1946), e.g. 27 oiled but still alive Purple Gallinules picked up in coastal reeds of Absheron Peninsula after a spill in February 1990 (Zakiev, 1990; G. Bairamov, pers. comm.). Also threatened by fires lit in dry reeds (MP).

115. Common Coot - Fulica atra Linnaeus, 1758 Summer Distribution: G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

Azeri name: Gashgaldag

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

IA

Stepanakert

Ara

sR

ive

r

Kura Ri

EN

ver

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

N

S

EA

STATUS: Common resident and nesting species; very common migrant and wintering species (declining). Subspecies F. a. atra Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mil Steppe (including lakes Aggel and Sarisu), Shirvan Steppe (Shilian and Karasy marshes, small lakes, ponds, and other wetlands in Zardob, Udjari, Kurdamir, Saatli and other districts, and Lake Hadjikabul), Varvara Reservoir and adjacent wetlands, and Karayasi Steppe (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Tuaev, 1975; Vinogradov, 1967; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve, southern Mugan (Mahmud-chala, Ah-chala and Novogolovka-chala), Lenkoran Lowland, southeastern Shirvan (Shorgel Lakes) and Kura Delta

The Birds of Azerbaijan

(Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Grekov, 1965b; Tuaev, 1975; Vinogradov et al., 1990; Patrikeev, 1991a, c; MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Shah Spit. Observed in coastal lagoons south of Cape Pirsagat (Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman, Samur Delta and elsewhere (Tuaev, 1965; MP). GREATER CAUCASUS: Small numbers nest in the lowland adjacent to the southern slope of Greater Caucasus Mountains, e.g. at small lakes and ponds near Vandam, Kutkashen District (Gambarov, 1954). Reported from small lakes of Shemakha Upland (MP). Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mil Steppe (Aggel and Sarisu), Shirvan Steppe (Shilian, Karasy, Sor-Sor, Kurchala and Hadjikabul), Karayasi Steppe (including Lake Djandargel) and elsewhere in Kura Valley (Verestchagin, 1950; Zlotin, 1963; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Greater and Lesser Kizil Agach Bay and the adjacent aquatory (Verestchagin, 1947, 1950; Grekov, 1965c; Tuaev, 1975; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Vinogradov et al., 1990), Lenkoran Lowland, southern Mugan (Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala), southeastern Shirvan (Shorgel Lakes) and Kura Delta (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1975; MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Artem Bay, Shah Spit, the south shore of Absheron Peninsula, Baku Bay, Absheron Archipelago (e.g. near islands Zhiloyi and Urunos), Karadag and Sangachal Bays, Baku Archipelago (e.g. at Duvannyi, Glinanyi, and Pirsagat Islands) and at Kurinski Kamen Island (Verestchagin, 1947, 1950; Bannikova et al., 1984; MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965). HABITAT: NESTING: Lakes, marshes, ponds, oxbows, lagoons and small reservoirs with stands of reeds and other emergent vegetation. Highest densities recorded in reed stands and kobl interchanging with ponds of open water WINTER AND MIGRATION: Coastal areas of the Caspian Sea, e.g. around islands and along underwater ridges with thickets of Zostera marina and other aquatic plants, lakes, marshes and other wetlands (Verestchagin, 1950). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Wintering population leaves Kizil Agach Reserve from early February to early April (Grekov, 1965c). Moves through Absheron Peninsula from mid and late February (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Most conspicuous passage at Divichi Liman in mid February-early April (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965; Karabanova, 1981). At Kichik-Shorgel (southeastern Shirvan), sizable flocks of migrants still present 13-14 April (Patrikeev, 1991a). INTERIOR: Wintering population leaves by late February, although some passage recorded at Shilian and Karasy marshes in mid March, and elsewhere until mid April (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). Small numbers possibly migrate over Greater Caucasus Mountains. One recorded in juniper woodlands of Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on 8 April 1991 (MP). Fall passage: The nesting population mostly leaves Azerbaijan in late July-August to winter elsewhere. Arrival of migrants from the north from early September, but conspicuous passage from late October. The passage is most intensive during quiet moonless night with light drizzle (Verestchagin, 1950).

COASTAL: Flocks of 20-50 at Divichi Liman from early October and large flocks arrive in late October. Some remain at the liman, but the majority move on (Verestchagin, 1947, 1950; Tuaev, 1965), following the coastline and reaching Yashma Island, Absheron Peninsula, Karadag and Sangachal bays and the islands of Absheron and Baku archipelagos (peak from early through mid November). Some flocks lost in fog observed in Gobustan Upland west of Baku (Verestchagin, 1950; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP). Main stream of migrants proceeds further south and arrives at Greater and Lesser Kizil Agach bays, coastal waters between Lenkoran and Astara, wetlands of southern Mugan, and, to the less extent, Lenkoran Lowland, while others head inland to the wetlands of Kura-Aras Lowland. Passage continues to mid December (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Verestchagin, 1950; Grekov, 1965c; Mustafaev, 1972; Tuaev, 1975). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: In Mil Steppe, conspicuous passage in November-December, although in some years, it was already over by late November (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: 15,000-20,000 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Population of Kizil Agach Reserve fluctuates in response to weather and water levels, e.g. did not nest in the very dry 1955. In the late 1950s, highest nesting densities (8 nests/ha) at freshwater marshes, e.g. Kalinovsky Liman, Lopatinski and Akusha marshes (Grekov, 1965c), however, only 0.1 nest/ ha in 1966 and 0.1-0.6/ha in 1984 due to habitat degradation caused by decreased water flow and contaminants. Overall 12,00015,000 coots in the late 1970s-early 1980s, >1,900 in 1984, 13,410 in 1986 (Kurochkin & Koshelev, 1987; Tkachenko, 1989) and 10,700-11,200 pairs in the late 1980s (Vinogradov et al., 1990). 50-100 pairs at Mahmud-chala (southern Mugan) in 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991c) and 91 coots in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). >500 pairs at Shorgel Lakes in 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: High densities (28 nests/ha in 1963, 20 nests/ha in 1964, and 14 nests/ha in 1965) at western end of Lake Aggel, but only 0.5/ha elsewhere. Overall number 1,3906,210 in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967), 2,000-3,000 pairs in 1989-1990 (S. Gasimov, pers. comm.). 73 at Varvara Reservoir, 72 at Sarisu and 18 at Hadjikabul in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Uncommon at Divichi Liman: only 0.08 birds/ha in the early 1960s (Tuaev, 1965) and 35 birds in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Passage: SPRING: Flocks of 200-250 observed at Shilian and Karasy marshes in early and mid March in the 1940s (Verestchagin, 1950). c. 1,500 at Lake Kichik-Shorgel, southeastern Shirvan 13-14 April 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). FALL: Up to 150,000/year migrated through Divichi Liman in the early 1960s (Tuaev, 1965). >10,000 at Yashma Island, 40,000 at Shah Spit, >3,000 in Artem Bay, and up to 30,000 in Sangachal Bay in the late 1980s (G. Bairamov, pers. comm.; MP). Several hundred at Mahmud-chala on 25 November 1989, but >2,000 arrived on November 26th (MP). Winter: No numerical estimates available prior to the 1930s. Censuses are somewhat complicated because a significant proportion of the marine population moves to inland lakes and

T 133

T

134 The Birds of Azerbaijan Migration and winter distribution: G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

Liman, Akusha and Lopatinsky Marshes (Litvinov et al., 1984; Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984, 1986; Vinogradov et al. 1990).

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

EN

IA

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

marshes in late January (Verestchagin, 1950). Probably 300,000400,000 in early winter (200,000-300,000 on the Caspian Sea and 80,000-100,000 at wetlands) in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). 190,800 recorded in 1995, 141,716 in 1996 (Delany et al., 1999), 165,764 in 1997, but only 5,472 in 1998 (Gilissen et al., 2000). The latter number probably results from a census at one site or is an error. However, if not, it may signal drastic changes on wintering ground or indeed an environmental catastrophe. KIZIL AGACH RESERVE: Historically, “millions” wintered in Kizil Agach Reserve, primarily on Greater Kizil Agach Bay (Verestchagin, 1950), but their number decreased by over 95% by the early 1990s (see table below). Factors responsible for the decline included hunting and reduced food base (die-off of many Zostera patches because of pollution and changes in the water regime of Greater Kizil Agach Bay). Presently, still winters on Greater Kizil Agach Bay, but also Lesser Kizil Agach Bay, Kalinovsky

CASPIAN SEA (EXCLUDING KIZIL AGACH BAYS): An average of 51,200 along the Caspian shore from Divichi to Astara, e.g. off Primorsk (Karadag), Sangachal, islands Duvanly and Glinanyi in 1979-1986 (Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1986). 8,000-12,000 at Shah Spit in 1982 (Bannikova et al., 1984) and 6,000-10,000 in December 1989 (MP). >3,000 in Artem Bay, >5,000 in Baku Bay, and c. 5,000 in Sangachal Bay in 1989-1991 (G. Bairamov pers. comm.; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: 40,000-60,000 shot at wetlands of Lenkoran Lowland including Lake Mortzo in 1941-1943 (Verestchagin, 1950). c. 1,000 wintered at Lake Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala in 1979-1986 (Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1986), but 5,000-8,000 in 1989-1990 (MP). 2,500 recorded at Shorgel Lakes, Shirvan Reserve in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 72,000/year shot at Aggel in the 1950s, but only 6,000-20,000 wintered in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967), although 50,000 in January 1991 (MP). c. 25,000 wintered at Lake Sarisu in February 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a) and 15,000 in November 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Only 3,200 wintered at Divichi Liman in 1979-1986 (Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1986). BREEDING: Nest in stands of reeds, Potamogeton and other emergent vegetation at lakes and marshes. Nest is a floating platform 10-20 cm above the water and usually with 1-3 steps made of reed stems. It might be attached to adjacent reeds and is well hidden. A few nests built in forks of tamarisk bushes. Nest-cup measurements: diameter 180-230 mm, depth 40-75 mm. One to three ‘false’ (resting) nests could be built close to the active nest (Grekov, 1965b; Kurochkin & Koshelev, 1987). Of c. 500 nests examined by Grekov (1965b) in Kizil Agach

Number of Common Coots wintering in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1935-1996 Year 1935 December 1940 December 1942 late 1940s 1952-1955 1955-1956 November 1964 1973/1974 1974/1975 1977 1979-1986 January 1982 December 1982 January 1983 December 1983 January 1984 late 1980s 22-24 January 1991 November 1994 November 1995 January 1996

Number “millions” 4,500,000 + 1,500,000 >1,000,000 4,500,000 >3,000,000 200,000 147,200 343,500 157,000 50,600 (average) 221,500 263,000 51,400 45,800 50,400 35,000 to 265,000 243,250 240,500 190,800 38,000

Source Verestchagin, 1950

Tuaev, 1960 Grekov, 1965c Gazanchian, 1965 Krivonosov et al., 1977

Litvinov et al., 1984; Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984, 1986

Vinogradov et al., 1990; Litvinov & Litvinova, 1991 Paynter et al., 1996a

The Birds of Azerbaijan

Reserve, 70% were built of reed stems and leaves, 20% of cattail (Typha sp.) and Bolboschoenus maritimus, 6% of wild carrot, 3% of tamarisk twigs and 1% of lake reed. In 1959, Coots successfully nested in a mixed colony of Whiskered and White-winged Terns in flooded wild-carrot thickets (Grekov, 1965b). 3-11 eggs/clutch (average 6-8) in Kizil Agach Reserve (Grekov, 1965b), and 1-10 eggs/clutch (av. 4-7) at Lake Aggel (Vinogradov, 1967). Egg measurements: 50.0-50.5 x 24.0-38.1 mm (average 53.5 x 35.6 mm; n=196); weight (n=79) 26.0-43.1 g, average 34.9 g (Grekov, 1965b). Radde (1884) reported larger eggs: 61 x 47 mm. In Kizil Agach Reserve, eggs laid from mid to late April, but fresh clutches found until early June (Grekov, 1965b). At Lake Aggel, c. 90% of clutches laid in early April, and some in early May (Vinogradov, 1967). Two clutches of 8 eggs each in Mingechaur District on May 9th (Satunin, 1907) and nests with 1-11 eggs at Lake Kichik-Shorgel in mid April 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Incubation lasts 21-23 days. Both sexes incubate, but mostly the female. In Kizil Agach Reserve, newly hatched chicks observed 10 May-28 June (Grekov, 1965b). At Lake Aggel, over 70% of chicks hatched by May 15th (Vinogradov, 1967). 3-6 young/brood (n=14) at Mahmud-chala 6-23 June 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991c). In June-July, young coots gather in flocks of hundreds or thousands (Grekov, 1965b). DIET: varies between sites. In Kizil Agach Reserve, Coots wintering in coastal areas feed on shoots and leaves of reed, shoots and seed of Bolboschoenus maritimus, Potamogeton pectinatus, Myriophyllum spicatum, etc. In March, they switch to shoots of cattail Typha sp. The offshore population feeds on Zostera, algae (Chara), and molluscs (especially Theodoxus pallasi, but also Neritina, Dreissena polymorpha). By mid January, “sea” coots usually consumed all available food in the bays and move to inland wetlands (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Verestchagin, 1950; Grekov, 1965c). At lakes of Mil Steppe, feeds on Carex sp., Cyperus sp., Poa bulbosa, Bolboschoenus maritimus, Phragmites communis, Sophora leucoperiodes, seeds of Cladium mariscus, and also invertebrates including larvae of dragonflies, beetles, ants, molecrickets and molluscs Lymnaea (Tuaev, 1975). Feeds on Myriophyllum spicatum and Potamogeton pectinatus at Divichi Liman in late summer and fall (Tuaev, 1965). MORTALITY: Excessive hunting and poaching is partly responsible for the dramatic decline of wintering coots in Azerbaijan. c. 500,000 harvested annually in the 1930s. Hunting from pow-

erboats at sea was especially destructive: 350-400 per powerboat/day (Verestchagin, 1950). This practice (albeit illegal) was common around Absheron Peninsula as late as the early 1990s. Hunting is also destructive on cold windy and rainy days when a gunman wearing chest-waders or one in a small boat can easily approach a flock of coots (e.g. 250-300 shot in two hours in Absheron Game Preserve in November 1989). Flushed by a shot, coots soon come back forced down by strong winds and fall under new volleys (MP). Another factor responsible for decline of this species is oil pollution. In the past, coots migrating at night often landed on open oil storage facilities (reservoirs) in Absheron Peninsula, e.g. 12,000 oiled coots and ducks at one such pond in winter 1941/1942, 3,500 in winter 1942/1943 and 1,500 in winter 1943/ 1944. The actual death toll was probably much higher (Verestchagin, 1946). An oil spill in February 1945 killed 30,000-35,000 in Sangachal Bay (Verestchagin, 1946) and 5,000 perished in a similar spill off Gum Island on 10 February 1990 (Zakiev, 1990; G. Bairamov, pers. comm.). Other man-related mortality includes collisions with powerlines (Sultanov et al., 1991). Eggs collected in the past (Verestchagin, 1947), but this practice has not been reported lately. Numbers perish during cold winters, e.g. c. 80% of the entire wintering population of Kizil Agach Reserve in the winter 1924/ 1925. High mortality also reported in winters 1938/1939, 1946/ 1947, 1949/1950 (Verestchagin, 1950), 1963/1964 (56.8 carcasses/km of shoreline in Kizil Agach Reserve); 1968/1969 (>6,000 died) and 1971/1972 (Mustafaev et al., 1969; Tuaev, 1977). Predators include Jungle Cat (Felis chaus), Golden Jackal (Canis aureus), Red Fox and White-tailed Sea Eagle. Marsh Harrier sometimes takes injured or sick birds. (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Verestchagin, 1950; Bannikova et al., 1984). Egg predators include Hooded Crow, Diced Snake (Natrix tesselata) and possibly Purple Heron (Grekov, 1965b; MP). The European Pond Terrapin (Emys orbicularis) feeds on dead coots, but large specimens may kill chicks or sick adults (Grekov, 1965b). REMARKS: Coots wintering on the Caspian Sea weigh c. 680 g upon arrival, but reach 970-1,450 g by late November. By February, many (70-80%) are fat and unable to take off, i.e., “flightless”. If chased, they run on the water using wings and legs, but start diving after 50-60 m. By the time of departure, their weight return to the average of 750 g (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Verestchagin, 1950; Grekov, 1965c).

FAMILY OTIDIDAE - BUSTARDS 116. Great Bustard - Otis tarda Linnaeus, 1758 Azeri name: Dovdag STATUS: Rare migrant and wintering species, nested in the past. Endangered. Subspecies O. t. tarda Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer (former distribution): Probably ceased nesting in Azerbaijan in the 1940-1950s.

KURA-ARAS L OWLAND: Radde (1884) observed pairs in Karayasi Steppe, south of Shemakha and Saliani. Satunin found a nest near Alpaut lookout (Mugan Steppe) in May 1912 and observed 6 birds near Aslanduz lookout (Aras Valley) on July 11th. 4 adults at Sangiri (Saliani Steppe) on 12 June 1939. Already a rare nesting species in the 1930s (Verestchagin, 1940).

T 135

T

136 The Birds of Azerbaijan G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er wintering range to the 1930s

N

S

EA

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

EN

IA

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

INTERIOR: Crossed Greater Caucasus Mountains near Zakatali, e.g. flocks recorded at 1,900-2,000 m 14 February-21 March 1937 (Gambarov, 1954). Fall passage: Mostly October. COASTAL: Conspicuous passage in the past: through Samur-Divichi Lowland, Kilazi, Mount Beshbarmak, Gobustan Upland and Cape Sangachal, arriving at southeastern Shirvan and Kizil Agach Reserve in October (Verestchagin, 1940; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). INTERIOR: Through Shemakha Upland, Mugan Steppe and Nakhichevan Region (Verestchagin, 1940). Small numbers arrived after crossing Greater Caucasus Mountains in Zakatali District (Gambarov, 1954). Very few reports after 1950s (MP).

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Pairs seen in hills in Lenkoran Lowland in the 19th century (Radde, 1884). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Probably occurred throughout Gobustan Upland, but disappeared by the 1950s (Burchak-Abramovich & Gambarov, 1961). Winter: Common wintering species in the past, but a dramatic decline in numbers and a contraction of wintering range from the 1930-1940s (Mustafaev, 1974a). GREATER CAUCASUS: Sheki Upland in the past (Verestchagin, 1940); several unconfirmed reports in the 1980s (MP). NAKHICHEVAN: Small numbers in the 1930s (Verestchagin, 1940). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: In the middle of the 19th century, common in Hadjinour, Mugan, Saliani and Shirvan Steppe, Iori Upland and the vicinity of Mingechaur (Bogdanov, 1979; Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b), rare in Mil Steppe in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967). In the 1980s, reported from Karayasi, Mugan and Shirvan steppes, Djeiranchel Hills and Korchai Game Preserve (Abuladze, 1986; Gasanov, 1990; MP). May still winter in Hadjinour Steppe (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Wintered on islands (Kulagin and Burunki), coastal and semi-desert areas of Kizil Agach Reserve in the 1930s (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938), but almost disappeared from the reserve by the early 1960s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Formerly in southeastern Shirvan (Bogdanov, 1979; Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Occurred along the Caspian shore between Baku and Divichi in warm winters (Verestchagin, 1940; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). No recent records. ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Wintered in northern Absheron (Verestchagin, 1940; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958) and Gobustan Upland, but disappeared during the 1950s (Burchak-Abramovich & Gambarov, 1961; Mustafaev, 1974a). HABITAT: Steppe and semi-desert with wild cereals, Artemisia, Salsola, etc.; also arable lands (Verestchagin, 1940). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: occurred in February-March. COASTAL: Observed along the Caspian shore north of Absheron in the 1930s (Verestchagin, 1940). Latest (and last) spring sightings in Samur Delta: 7 March 1968 and 31 March 1969 (Butiev et al., 1989).

POPULATION SIZE: Passage: Few recent records (MP). SPRING: In Samur Delta: several flocks on 7 March 1968, and 11 birds on 31 March 1969 (Butiev et al., 1989). 60 recorded in Zakatali District 14 February-21 March 1937 (Gambarov, 1954). FALL: 207 in Kizil Agach Reserve on 26 November 1958 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Winter: Declined dramatically. Very common in the middle of the 19th century (Bogdanov, 1879; Satunin, 1907), still common in the 1930s (Verestchagin, 1940), but almost completely disappeared by the 1960s. Probably <100 in the late 1980searly 1990s (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 2-5 in Korchai Game Preserve and unspecified numbers in Mugan Steppe in 1989-1990 (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Flocks of 150-200 on Kulagin Island, Kizil Agach Reserve in 1935 (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938). Twenty flocks of 20-70 between Kulagin and Burunki in the late 1940s (Gazanchian, 1951), c. 500 between Akusha and Sbrosnoyi Channel and 13 between Akusha Marsh and Lake Karakush in January 1959 (Dobrokhotov, 1963), several dozen wintered in 1957-1962 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Probably completely disappeared from the reserve by the 1980s (Vinogradov et al., 1990). BREEDING: A nest near Alpaut lookout, Mugan Steppe in May 1912 (Verestchagin, 1940). DIET: Greenery on arable lands, locusts (Verestchagin, 1940). MORTALITY: Several hundred/year bagged in the 1920s-1930s (Verestchagin, 1940). REMARKS: Factors behind the dramatic decline of Great Bustard are not fully understood. Apparently adapted well to agricultural lands (Verestchagin, 1940).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

117. Little Bustard - Tetrax tetrax Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

EN

IA

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

runki and Kulagin islands (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938), but as lowlands of Azerbaijan were falling under the plough, ever more Little Bustards were spending winter in Kizil Agach Reserve. When poaching increased in the reserve in the late 1980s, the majority probably moved to Mugan Steppe. Also winters in Shirvan Reserve and adjacent parts of southeastern Shirvan (MP) and southern Mugan (Ivanov & Priklonsky, 1965). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Wintered in central and southern parts of Samur-Divichi Lowland in warm winters in the 19th-early 20th centuries (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Formerly wintered in Gobustan Upland and sometimes in northern Absheron Peninsula (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Verestchagin, 1940).

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Bozgak STATUS: Common migrant and wintering species, nested in the past. Decreasing. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer (former distribution): Small numbers nested in the 19th and early 20th centuries (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Verestchagin, 1940). No recent summer records, but parts of the former summer range remain poorly known. GREATER CAUCASUS: Hills south of Shemakha (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Verestchagin, 1940). LESSER CAUCASUS: Shusha District of Nagorno-Karabakh Region (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mugan, Mil, Karabakh (e.g. in Fisuli District) and Hadjinour steppes, and semi-desert near Gandja in the 19th century (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b). Still common in hills north of Mingechaur and occurred in Shirvan Steppe and Karabakh Steppe (Fisuli District) in the 1930s, and probably still nested in Hadjinour Steppe in the 1940s (Verestchagin, 1940, 1947). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Might have nested in Gobustan Upland in the 1940s-1950s (Burchak-Abramovich & Gambarov, 1961). Winter: GREATER CAUCASUS: Probably winters in Sheki Upland (MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Lower parts of Nagorno-Karabakh Region (Krivosheev & Stepanyan, 1959; S. Gasimov, pers. comm.). NAKHICHEVAN: Norashen District and vicinity of Mount Ilandag (MP). BOSDAG: Common along the foot of Bosdag Mountains in the past (Satunin, 1907). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: In the late 1980s-early 1990s, the most important wintering grounds were in Mugan Steppe (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.; MP). Also in Mil, Shirvan, Hadjinour, Saliani and Karayasi steppes, Korchai Game Preserve, Alazani Valley, the mouth of Iori and Djeiranchel Hills (Verestchagin, 1940; Zlotin, 1963; Vinogradov, 1967; Mustafaev, 1974a; Gambarov, 1975; Abuladze, 1986b; S. Gasimov, pers. comm MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Concentrates in semi-desert parts of Kizil Agach Reserve (Vorobieva, 1986; Vinogradov et al., 1990). Only small numbers wintered in the reserve in the 1930s, e.g. on Bu-

HABITAT: WINTER: Unploughed semi-desert with wormwood Artemisi, Salsola or Andropogon, but also in barley fields (Verestchagin, 1940; Vorobieva, 1977, 1986; Vinogradov et al., 1990; Babaev, 1991a) and abandoned cotton fields (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.; MP). Observed in other agricultural habitats in drier autumns (Verestchagin, 1940). Found in tallgrass areas after snowfalls (Vorobieva, 1977). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: from early February to mid April. COASTAL: The majority follows the Caspian shore (Verestchagin, 1940). Leaves Kizil Agach Reserve in early February-early March (Vorobieva, 1977). First records in Samur Delta 16-18 March, conspicuous passage in late March-early April and latest sighting on April 7th (Butiev et al., 1989). INTERIOR: Observed in Sheki Upland in early March (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Also in March crosses Greater Caucasus Mountains, e.g. at Mount Alibek in Zakatali District (Verestchagin, 1940; Gambarov, 1954). Fall passage: In normal and colder winters arrives in early October-November (Verestchagin, 1940; Isakov & Flint, 1987), but not until December to mid January in warmer winters (Verestchagin & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Gathers in large flocks soon after arrival at the wintering grounds (Verestchagin, 1940). COASTAL: The majority follows the Caspian shore. After reaching Kilazi, some move west to Shemakha, but the majority cross Absheron Peninsula and Gobustan Upland and head to Kizil Agach Reserve, Mugan Steppe and Iran (Verestchagin, 1940). Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve late October-early November, but mostly in November-early December (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Latest records in Samur Delta: 6-7 November (Butiev et al., 1989). In warmer winters, many remain on the Northern Caucasus Plain while the rest arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve from December through mid January (Verestchagin & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). INTERIOR: Passes through Kura-Aras Lowland, Aras Valley (e.g. in Nakhichevan Region) on to Iran (Verestchagin, 1940). Smaller numbers cross over Greater Caucasus Mountains in October (Gambarov, 1954). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding (former): 30 (e.g. 2-3 males in breeding plumage) along a 20-km route in Fisuli District on 22 April 1936. Several pairs and single individuals in Shirvan

T 137

T

138 The Birds of Azerbaijan Steppe and south of Shemakha in April-May 1940 (Verestchagin, 1940, 1947). Passage: SPRING : 1,200-2,000 passed over Mount Alibek (Zakatali District) in March 1936 and 400-450 on 24 March 1937 (Gambarov, 1954). A flock of 1,400 in Kizil Agach Reserve on 6 March 1959 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). 360 passed through Samur Delta 27-31 March 1969 and 1,500 on 31 March 1985 (Butiev et al., 1989). FALL: Tens of thousands in the past (Satunin, 1907). 200-400 north of Baku on 7 November 1936, seven flocks of 50-150 passed through Divichi on 3 December 1936 (Verestchagin, 1940). Flocks of 4-250 arrived at Kizil Agach Reserve in late October-early November (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Only small flocks of 2-8 in Samur Delta in the 1980s (Butiev et al., 1989). Winter: Numbers fluctuate in response to winter temperatures: greater numbers recorded in colder winters (Verestchagin, 1940; Vorobieva, 1986). From 8,000-12,000 in warmer winters to 35,000-40,000 in colder winters in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). Immature birds make c. 40% of the wintering population, and adult males and females c. 30% each (Vorobieva, 1986). In the early 19th century Menetries reported “masses of Little Bustards west of Baku” (Bogdanov, 1879). Radde (1884) observed “incredible numbers” in Mugan Steppe in 1878 and 1879. A flock of 20,000 in the vicinity of Mingechaur in 1916, flocks of similar size (c. 20,000) between Mingechaur and Evlakh in January 1937 and at Karasy Marsh (Shirvan Steppe) in February 1938. Perhaps, 200,000-300,000 wintered in Azerbaijan prior to the 1930s (Verestchagin, 1940). The last record of “thousands” in MingechaurEvlakh area was in the mid 1940s (Verestchagin, 1947).

From the 1940s, large numbers wintered in Kizil Agach Reserve (see Table), e.g. in the Kulagin area and Ivanovskaya Banka (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Ivanov & Priklonsky, 1965; Vorobieva, 1979, 1986). 5,000-10,000 wintered in Mil Steppe in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967). c. 30,000 recorded in central part of Mugan Steppe in January 1990 and 10,000 in winter 1990/1991 (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.; MP). In 1989, 150 in Saliani Steppe, 200 in Shirvan Reserve, 200 near Shilian in Shirvan Steppe (Babaev, 1991a), 200-300 west of Beuk-Dakhna (Hadjinour Steppe) and 300-600 in Korchai Game Preserve (MP). >900 in Shirvan Reserve and 40-590 in the vicinity of Lake Sarisu in January-February 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). A flock of 7000 between Evlakh and Kazi-Magomed in February 1998 (P. Cranswick, pers. comm.). Perhaps Little Bustards wintering in Azerbaijan are not very conservative about their wintering grounds. Probably moved from Shirvan Steppe and the Mingechaur-Evlakh area to the more or less protected Kizil Agach Reserve (and possibly to Hadjinour Steppe) in the 1930s-1940s. When illegal hunting and disturbance increased in Kizil Agach Reserve in the mid 1980s, the majority probably moved to the scarcely populated Mugan Steppe (MP). BREEDING: Males in breeding plumage and pairs observed in late April-May (Satunin, 1907; Verestchagin, 1940). A female with two chicks at the Alpaut lookout, Mugan Steppe on May 12th (Satunin, 1907). DIET: Shoots of herbaceous plants (up to 1,000 shoots/bird daily). Stomachs examined in the vicinity of Mingechaur (n=20)

Little Bustards wintering in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1935-1989 Year Number Source 1935 rare Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938 late 1940s c. 25,000 Gazanchian, 1951 1956/1957 >2,000 Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a 1957/1958 up to 12,000-13,000 February 1959 7,978 1959/1960 13,000 Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Ivanov & Priklonsky, 1965; Oliger, 1967 1960/1961 15,000-29,000 1963 >17,500 December 1971 62,300 Vorobieva, 1977; Morozkin & Vorobieva, 1977 1972/1973 18,000 1974 9,800 1975 13,500 January 1976 4,200 1977/1978 7,500 Vorobieva, 1979, 1986 1978/1979 8,000 1979/1980 6,000 1980/1981 9,000 February 1982 30,000 February 1984 15,300 1984/1985* none 1985/1986* none December 1989 >1,600 MP * -Warm winter Remark: Gazanchian (1965) reported 75,000 in November 1964 and 600,000 in January 1965. These numbers are not generally accepted by the ornithological community and are therefore excluded from the table.

The Birds of Azerbaijan

and near Karasy Marsh (n=3) in winter contained plant matter (Salsola crassa, Gagea commutata, Torularia conturtuplicata, Medicago minima, Artemisia, Cerastium, Veronica tournefortii, etc.), but also 3 Brachiurus beetles, 1 Calliptemus grasshopper, sand and other solid fragments. In the vicinity of Kurdamir, a stomach contents included green parts of Esperantum, Poa bulbosa and other Gramineae, Adonis bienertii, Cerastum and Veronica tournefortii. Observed feeding in rice and cereal fields (Verestchagin, 1940). MORTALITY: Commercial hunting, poaching and spread of agriculture in the 1930s-1950s are responsible for the dramatic decline in wintering Little Bustards. Extensive areas of semi-desert were converted to cotton and melon fields and vineyards. The stock of sheep increased sharply, causing overgrazing and disturbance, and is also competing with Little Bustards for green pastures (Verestchagin, 1940, 1947; Mustafaev, 1974a). Hunting, however, was the most destructive factor. Hunted (commercially and illegally) from motor vehicles from c. 1935, e.g. 150-200 birds killed per vehicle/day. The official quota was set at 30,000-35,000/year, but the actual take reached 40,000-50,000/year in the 1930s falling to <20,000/year in the 1940s (Verestchagin, 1940). Poachers killed 2,500 in Kizil Agach Reserve alone in winter 1960/1961 (Ivanov & Priklonsky, 1965). Most vulnerable to hunters after snowstorms, when flocks are easily approached. Many sold in the vicinity of Hadjikabul in November 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Cold winters also affect the wintering population. According to Verestchagin (1940) a large flock arrived at the village of Kus-

net (Demiraparanchai Gorge, Greater Caucasus Mountains) during a heavy snowstorm in January 1935. The birds landed in the middle of the village and many were killed. Mass mortality recorded in Astrakhanbazar District (southern Mugan) in cold winters (Ivanov & Priklonsky, 1965). Weakened birds caught by hand in Kizil Agach Reserve in the cold winter of 1969 (Mustafaev et al., 1969). When snow is deep Little Bustards may move from lowlands to low mountains where they often starve (Verestchagin, 1940). Many die after colliding with powerlines and other wires. Radde (1884) found dead Little Bustards under telegraph wires in Azerbaijan yet in the 19th century. Up to 10 dead/km of powerlines in Kizil Agach Reserve in the early 1960s. Villagers in Astrakhanbazar District are used to collecting dead and injured Little Bustards along powerlines (Ivanov & Priklonsky, 1965). Red Foxes, Golden Jackals, Peregrines, Sakers and Golden Eagles frequent the vicinity of large flocks, picking out wounded or sick birds. Remains of Little Bustards found in stomachs of 8 Red Foxes shot in Shirvan Steppe (Verestchagin, 1940). Combined mortality in Kizil Agach Reserve reached 9% in winter 1978/1979, 1.8% in 1979/1980 and 3.1% in 1980/1981. Some dead birds and their remains were probably overlooked, and the average mortality was likely c. 10% (Vorobieva, 1986). REMARKS: Cattle and sheep grazing in Kizil Agach Reserve negatively affects wintering Little Bustards through disturbance and competition (Vorobieva, 1977).

118. Houbara Bustard - Chlamydotis undulata Jacquin, 1784 STATUS: Insufficiently known. Rarely occurs (or occurred) in Nakhichevan Region. Subspecies C. u. macqueenii J. E. Grey, 1832. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: NAKHICHEVAN: De Filippi collected 2 near Julfa in the early 19th century (Bogdanov, 1879). Per-

haps nested in the region in the 1950s (Khanmammedov, 1960). Unconfirmed reports from lower parts of Negram Mountains (Julfa District) and other parts of Nakhichevan Region in the late 1980s (MP).

FAMILY BURHINIDAE - STONE CURLEWS 119. Stone Curlew - Burhinus oedicnemus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

Azeri name: Tchobandadan

DAGESTAN R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

EN

IA

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

N

S

EA

STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Subspecies B. o. oedicnemus Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: LESSER C AUCASUS : Karabakh Steppe (Satunin, 1907). NAKHICHEVAN: Ordubad District and vicinity of Mount Ilandag. Probably elsewhere (Khanmammedov, 1960; MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (MP). BOSDAG: At the foot of Bosdag Mountains (Gambarov, 1975; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Karayasi, Mil, Shirvan and Mugan steppes, Djeiranchel Hills, Alazani Valley, vicinity of Mingechaur Reservoir (e.g. Hadjinour Steppe and Korchai Game Preserve), semidesert parts of Shamkhor, Evlakh and Barda districts, and Aras

T 139

T

140 The Birds of Azerbaijan Valley (Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Dahl, 1954; Vinogradov, 1967; Gambarov, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Semi-desert part of Kizil-Agach Reserve (e.g. near Ivanovskaya Banka) to southeastern Shirvan (Grekov, 1965b; Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Semi-desert parts of Kuba District (Satunin, 1907). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Gobustan Upland, e.g. at Mount Kargabazar (MP).

Fall passage: Early September through November. COASTAL: Observed at Lake Karakush, Kizil Agach Reserve in August (Shubin, 1991b). Passes through Samur Delta from 8-10 September to November 2nd (Butiev et al., 1989). Recorded in Absheron Peninsula in late September (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Conspicuous passage through Kizil Agach Reserve from mid September to late November with peak in October. Latest sighting in the reserve on November 24th (Grekov, 1965b; Butiev et al., 1989).

HABITAT: NESTING AND MIGRATION: Wormwood and saltwort semi-desert, saltpans and coastal plain. Not recorded in agricultural habitats in Azerbaijan (Satunin, 1907; Grekov, 1965b; MP).

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably 300-500 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP).

MOVEMENT: Nocturnal migrant (Grekov, 1965b). Spring passage: (Early?) Late March to early May. COASTAL: Observed in Lenkoran Lowland from March 26th and good numbers 1-6 April (Radde, 1884). Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula from mid April to early May (Grekov, 1965b) and Absheron Peninsula in early May (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Observed in Samur Delta from March 30th (Butiev et al., 1989). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Arrives in central Azerbaijan by late April (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1975).

BREEDING: Territorial calls heard from late March (Satunin, 1907). Two nests with 2 eggs each in southeastern Shirvan on May 10th and 18th. One nest was in an old dirt track and the other close (8 m) to a frequently used dirt road (Patrikeev, 1991a). Flightless chicks near Lamberan (Mugan Steppe) as early as April 7th (Satunin, 1907). In southeastern Shirvan, one nest contained two newly hatched chicks on May 22nd, the chicks left the nest the following night (Patrikeev, 1991a). At Lake Aggel (Mil Steppe), 2 chicks on June 7th (Vinogradov, 1967). DIET: Remains of Astacus crayfish found in a stomach in Kuba District (Satunin, 1907).

FAMILY CHARADRIIDAE - PLOVERS and ALLIES 120. Grey Plover - Pluvialis squatarola Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

HABITAT: Sand beaches, mudflats, spits and saltpans (Resanov, 1983; MP).

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

EN

IA

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late March through mid May. COASTAL: Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve and Lenkoran Lowland from late March to early May peaking in April (Radde, 1884; Grekov, 1965b). Flocks of 3-15 in southeastern Shirvan 11-22 May (Patrikeev, 1991a). Fall passage: COASTAL: Collected at Arakelovskaya Banka (Kizil Agach Reserve) as early as 15 July 1957. In Sara Peninsula: flocks of 5-10 during 26-30 July and flocks of 10-15 in August. Conspicuous passage at the peninsula in September-October (Grekov, 1965b). Two in Samur Delta on 22 November 1987 (Butiev et al., 1989).

IRAN

STATUS: Common migrant and wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Mostly in Kizil Agach Reserve (e.g. shores of Greater Kizil Agach Bay) and Sara Peninsula (Grekov, 1965b; Resanov, 1983); also elsewhere in coastal areas of Lenkoran Lowland and in southern Mugan, e.g. near Novogolovka (Bogdanov, 1879; Satunin, 1912b; Resanov, 1983; MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Shah Spit (Bannikova et al., 1984).

POPULATION SIZE:Winter: Unknown. 252 in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a) and 273 in 1996 (Delany et al., 1999). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Small groups of 2-3 and a flock of 20 in Kizil Agach Reserve in January 1975 (Resanov, 1983). 25-30 near Novogolovka, southern Mugan on 26 November 1989 (MP).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

121. Golden Plover - Pluvialis apricaria Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Uncommon migrant and rare wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Rare in Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula. Observed on Lesser Kizil Agach Bay on 5 December 1955 and at Akusha Marsh, Kizil Agach Reserve in December 1958-February 1959 (Grekov, 1965b). Recorded on the Caspian shore near Lenkoran after snowstorms (Mustafaev, 1972). Wintered in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: One found dead near Baku on 13 February 1990 (G. Bairamov, pers. comm.). HABITAT: Sandbanks, beaches and other coastal areas (Grekov, 1965b). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid March through late April. COASTAL: 12 recorded at Sara Peninsula on March 14th (Grekov, 1965b). Passed through Lenkoran Lowland 14-20 April (Radde,

1884). Several flocks of 3-10 at Cape Pirsagat and Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan) in mid to late April 1989-1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Fall passage: inconspicuous. COASTAL : 2-3 in a flock of Grey Plovers near Novogolovka, southern Mugan on 26 November 1989 (MP). Collected in Lenkoran Lowland 11-12 December (Bogdanov, 1879; Radde, 1884). POPULATION SIZE: Winter: Large numbers in Lenkoran Lowland in the 19th century (Radde, 1884). Two males on Sara Peninsula on 2 November 1950 (Grekov, 1965b). 1,000 in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a) and 1,014 in 1996 (Delany et al., 1999). MORTALITY: Sometimes perishes in oil (Verestchagin, 1946; G. Bairamov, pers. comm.).

122. Pacific Golden Plover - Pluvialis fulva Gmelin, 1789 STATUS: Accidental winter visitor. Possibly wintered in the past. Monotypic.

1884). Considered wintering species in Mugan (Satunin, 1912a, b). No other records.

DISTRIBUTION: Winter (former): Two males collected near Lenkoran on December 4th and January 12th in 18..? (Radde,

123. Ringed Plover - Charadrius hiaticula Linnaeus, 1758 Azeri name: Bozdja, Kichik Bosdja STATUS: Common migrant and wintering species. Subspecies C. h. tundrae Lowe, 1915. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Mostly in Kizil Agach Reserve (shores of Greater and Lesser Kizil Agach bays) and Sara Peninsula (Resanov, 1983). Observed on the Caspian shore south of Lenkoran after snowstorms (Mustafaev, 1972). HABITAT: WINTER: Sandbanks, mudflats and small ponds (Rezanov, 1983). MIGRATION: Coastal areas, semi-desert, saltpans (MP). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid March through May. COASTAL: Conspicuous movement through Sara Peninsula in late April, few remained by May 6th (Grekov, 1965b). Passed through Cape Pirsagat and saltpan near Lake Beuk-Shorgel (southeastern Shirvan) 11-18 May (Patrikeev, 1991a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Observed in Karayasi Steppe in April (Satunin, 1907). Fall passage: COASTAL: Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve in late July-early August, and conspicuous passage occurs in September-October (Grekov, 1965b).

KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Small flocks in Karayasi Steppe in early September. Passes via Kura and Aras valleys (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1974a). POPULATION SIZE: Passage: SPRING: 150-170 at Sara Peninsula on 20 April 1958 (Grekov, 1965b). Flocks of 2-7 south of Cape Pirsagat, and c. 50 at Lake Beuk-Shorgel (southeastern Shirvan) 11-18 May 1989-1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Winter: In Kizil Agach Reserve: flocks of 5-10 or rarely 20 in 1975 (Resanov, 1983), 374 in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996). 374 recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1996 (Delany et al., 1999). MORTALITY: Occasionally perishes in oil (Verestchagin, 1946).

T 141

T

142 The Birds of Azerbaijan 124. Little Ringed Plover - Charadrius dubius Scopoli, 1769 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

NAKHICHEVAN: Throughout the region, e.g. Aldziganchai Valley and the vicinity of Ordubad (Satunin, 1907; MP).

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

N

er

S

EA

HABITAT: NESTING: Sandbanks, silt and pebble spits and islands, shores of fresh and brackish lakes, and the Caspian shore (Radde, 1884; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Vinogradov, 1967; MP).

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

EN

IA

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: From March through mid May. COASTAL: Migrates through Kizil Agach Reserve from the first half of March until May (Grekov, 1965b). Flocks of 3-5 at Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan) from mid April through mid May (Patrikeev, 1991a). Passage recorded in Kura Delta (Tuaev, 1975) Fall passage: Leaves Azerbaijan by late September. COASTAL: Small flocks in Kizil Agach Reserve in early August and larger flocks in September (Grekov, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Passage recorded at Lake Aggel (Vinogradov, 1967).

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Bosdja, Kichik Bosdja STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Subspecies C. d. curonicus Gmelin, 1789. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Banks and islands of Kura River up to Karayasi Steppe, shores of Mingechaur Reservoir, Mil Steppe (Aggel and Sarisu), Turianchai Valley and lowlands of Shemakha District (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Vinogradov, 1967; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Shores of Greater Kizil Agach Bay, Sara Peninsula, the vicinity of Lenkoran and Shorgel Lakes in southeastern Shirvan (Radde, 1884; Grekov, 1965b; MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Caspian shore and brackish lakes of Absheron Peninsula, e.g. near Zabrat (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). GREATER CAUCASUS: Shemakha Upland (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954).

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Common, no estimate (MP). Passage: Flocks of 7-10 recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve and of 30-40 at Lake Aggel (Grekov, 1965b; Vinogradov, 1967). BREEDING: Possibly two clutches a year, 3-4 eggs per clutch (MP). Display observed as early as March (Satunin, 1907). Eggs laid in Kizil Agach Reserve in early May (Grekov, 1965b). A nest with 4 eggs found on a pebble spit of Kura River near Karayasi on 10 June 1989, flooded the following day. Two nests with 3 eggs each in the same area on June 30th (MP). Two downy young collected near Zorat, Absheron Peninsula on May 7th (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). In Kizil Agach Reserve, hatching recorded in late May-early June (Grekov, 1965b). Large chick at Aggel on July 24th (Vinogradov, 1967). Broods reported until September (Satunin, 1907; Grekov, 1965b).

125. Greater Sand Plover - Charadrius leschenaultii Lesson, 1826 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

STATUS: Rare nesting species and migrant. Subspecies C. l. crassirostris Severtzov, 1873.

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

EN

IA

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

N

S

EA

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Distribution of this species is virtually unknown; probably overlooked. ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Early in the 20th century many specimens collected south of Baku by Bankovski and a nest found near Alat (Laister & Sosnin, 1942). One collected in Gobustan Upland on 21 May 1937 and another in the south of Absheron Peninsula on 13 June 1947 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: One collected on the Caspian shore near Shah-Agach, Lenkoran District on 29 May 1897 (Satunin, 1907). One observed in a mixed colony of Collared Pratincoles and Kentish Plovers in Shirvan Reserve, southeastern Shirvan in late April 1990 (MP).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

HABITAT: NESTING: Rocky and clayey semi-desert, saltpans (Laister & Sosnin, 1942). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late March to mid May. COASTAL: Two records in Samur Delta: 22 March 1977 and 7 April 1978 (Butiev et al., 1989). Passed through Lenkoran Low-

land 12-26 April (Radde, 1884). Five at Kilazi in April (Shelton, 2001). A male south of Cape Pirsagat on 14 May 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Fall passage: COASTAL: Recorded at Lake Karakush, Kizil Agach Reserve in August 1984 and 1985 (Shubin, 1991b). One in Samur Delta on October 19th (Butiev et al., 1989).

126. Caspian Plover - Charadrius asiaticus Pallas, 1773 STATUS: Rare migrant. Monotypic. MOVEMENT: Observed on the Caspian shore near Lenkoran and in Mugan in the late 19th-early 20th centuries (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b). A few records in the 20th century. Possibly overlooked.

Spring passage: COASTAL: Flocks of 15-20 at Lenkoran 1519 April, >100 collected (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). One collected on the seashore in Divichi District on 4 April 1948 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Recorded at Lake Karakush, Kizil Agach Reserve in August 1984 and 1985 (Shubin, 1991b).

127. Kentish Plover - Charadrius alexandrinus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

HABITAT: NESTING: Seashore, sandspits, rocky and clayey islands of the Caspian Sea, semi-desert, dried saltpans and coastline of drying lakes (Patrikeev, 1991a, c).

DAGESTAN R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

EN

IA

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

STATUS: Uncommon nesting species and migrant, rare wintering species. Subspecies C. a. alexandrinus Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southeastern Shirvan, e.g. vicinity of Shorgel Lakes; also in northern part of Kizil Agach Reserve and southern Mugan including Mahmud-chala (Grekov, 1965b; Vinogradov et al., 1990; Patrikeev, 1991a, c). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Cape Pirsagat and islands of Baku Archipelago including Glinanyi, Pervaya Grada, Baburyi and Pelikanyi (Patrikeev, 1991a), the vicinity of Sangachal and northern Absheron (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Formerly common near Baku (Bogdanov, 1879; Satunin, 1907). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Collected on the seashore in Khachmas and Divichi districts (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Tuaev, 1965). Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Aggel, Mil Steppe (MP) and Yekhana, Shirvan Steppe (Shelton, 2001) . SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve (Resanov, 1983). Observed on the Caspian shore near Lenkoran after snowstorms (Mustafaev, 1972).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: March to May. COASTAL: Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve from March to May (Grekov, 1965b). Migrants observed near Zorat, Absheron Peninsula on March 24th (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Fall passage: COASTAL: In August-November, migration recorded at Divichi Liman, southern Mugan and Kizil Agach Reserve (Satunin, 1912b; Tuaev, 1965; Grekov, 1965b; Shubin, 1991b). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably 200-300 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: 5-6 pairs near Cape Pirsagat in 1989, and 30-35 pairs in Shirvan Reserve in 1990. Also in 1990, 7-10 pairs at the south end of Lake Mahmud-chala (Patrikeev, 1991a, c). CASPIAN SEA (ISLANDS): 4-6 pairs in Pirsagat Islands in 1989: 2 pairs on Pervaya Grada, 1-3 pairs on Baburyi, and 1 pair on Pelikanyi (Patrikeev, 1991a). Passage: FALL: Up to 1,500 in Kizil Agach Reserve in August 1984-1985 (Shubin, 1991b). Winter: Rare. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Several in Kizil Agach Reserve in January 1975 (Resanov, 1983), 100 in 1997 and 12 in 1998 (Gilissen et al., 2000). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Several at Lake Aggel in January 1991 (MP). BREEDING: Often nests in mixed colonies with Collared Pratincole, Common and Little Terns. Nests frequently destroyed by elements (rain, surf) and nesting period is extended (late April through July). Eggs laid in a low depression scraped in the ground. All nests found contained 3 eggs. Two nests at Mahmud-chala only 7-8 m apart (Patrikeev, 1991a, c). In Kizil Agach Reserve, nesting from mid April in 1937, but later in the season in 1950 (Grekov, 1965b). In Shirvan Reserve, mating and territorial defence observed from April 26th. A pair seen “incubating” empty

T 143

T

144 The Birds of Azerbaijan nest several days prior to egg laying. Complete clutches in Shirvan Reserve on May 11th, but all known nests lost during continuous rains 12-16 May. Mating and newly scraped nests recorded in the colony as early as May 19th. Nests ready for a clutch at Cape Pirsagat and Lake Mahmud-chala 22 May-7 June, and nests with complete clutches at Mahmud-chala on June 22nd. A chick on Pervaya Grada Island on May 22nd (Patrikeev, 1991a, c). Flightless

young recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve in mid and late June 1956 and 1957, and on July 11th in dry summer of 1955 (Grekov, 1965b). DIET: During migration, feeds along the surfline taking various invertebrates including Dikerogammarus haemabaphes, Pontogammarus robustoides and Theodoxus pallasi (Tugarinov & KozlovaPushkareva, 1938).

128. Dotterel - Eudromias morinellus Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Rare migrant. Monotypic. MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: One observed on the seashore of Sara Peninsula on 5 April 1958 (Grekov, 1965b). Radde (1884) observed small flocks in southern Mugan and collected some near Lenkoran on April 16th. KURA -A RAS L OWLAND : Observed in mid Kura Valley and Mugan in March, collected in the vicinity of Mingechaur (Satunin, 1907, 1912b).

Fall passage: COASTAL: One collected from a flock of 12-17 near Puta southwest of Baku on 23 October 1949 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958), another from a flock of 3 in Sara Peninsula on 25 November 1958 (Grekov, 1965b). Late passage recorded near Lenkoran 4-17 January (Radde, 1884).

129. Sociable Plover - Chettusia gregaria Pallas, 1771 Fall passage: Recorded near Lenkoran in late December 1879 (Radde, 1884).

STATUS: Rare migrant. Monotypic. HABITAT: MIGRATION: Coastal areas and semi-desert (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Butiev et al., 1989). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid March to mid April. COASTAL: Arrived in the vicinity of Lenkoran on March 30th and recorded until April 15th (Radde, 1884). A large flock at Pirkishkul (Gobustan Upland) west of Baku on 31 March 1957 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Conspicuous passage in Samur Delta in mid March-early April 1977, 1978 and 1985, but not recorded in the delta in 1987 (Butiev et al., 1989).

POPULATION SIZE: Passage: SPRING: In Samur Delta, flocks of 10-30 in mid March-early April 1977 and 1978, 50 on March 31st and 27 in early April 1985 (Butiev et al., 1989). DIET: Examined stomachs contained caterpillars and beetles including weevils and ground beetles (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958).

130. White-tailed Plover - Chettusia leucura Lichtenstein, 1823 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

EN

STATUS: Rare nesting species, migrant and wintering species (possibly rare resident). Nesting first recorded in the early 1950s. Monotypic.

DAGESTAN

R

IA

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Chokukburun

N

S

EA

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Probably slowly expands its summer range in Azerbaijan. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mostly in Mil Steppe: shores and islets of Aggel, Sarisu, Bos-Koba and probably Mekhman (Gambarov, 1956; Vinogradov, 1963, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.). First summer record on 31 May 1954 at Lake Mekhman (Gambarov, 1956), first nesting record at Aggel in 1962 (Vinogradov, 1963). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Mahmud-chala (southern Mugan) and vicinity of Shorgel Lakes, southeastern Shirvan in 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a, c). Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Small numbers winter in Mil Steppe (Vinogradov, 1967; MP). Recorded at Lake Hadjikabul in 1998 (Cranswick et al., 1998).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: One specimen collected near Lenkoran on January 1st (Radde, 1884). Wintered in southern Mugan in the past (Satunin, 1912b). HABITAT: NESTING: Islets and spits in lakes and marshes (Vinogradov, 1967). MOVEMENT: Fall passage: is inconspicuous. COASTAL: Passage recorded along the Caspian shore in Kura Delta and Kizil Agach Reserve, and in southern Mugan. Two flocks of 2-3 each recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve on 21 October 1957 (Satunin, 1912b; Grekov, 1965b; Tuaev, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: <100 pairs in the late 1980searly 1990s (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 8 in a mixed colony at Lake Mekhman on 31 May 1954 (Gambarov, 1956). At Aggel: 7 pairs in April 1961, 34 individuals on 30 May 1961, and 9 pairs and 3 nests in 1962 and 26 nests in 1963 (Vinogradov, 1963, 1967). 12 at Sarisu in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: 5 on a tiny islet in Lake Mahmudchala (southern Mugan) and 2 pairs in the vicinity of the lake on 8 June 1990. 3 pairs and several single birds around

Shorgel Lakes, southeastern Shirvan in April-May 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a, c). 8 at Mahmud-chala in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Winter: KURA-A RAS L OWLAND : Flocks of 3-5 at Lake Aggel in January 1961 (Vinogradov, 1967) and >50 birds in January 1991 (MP). 3 at Sarisu in February 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a) and 3 at Lake Hadjikabul in February 1998 (Cranswick et al., 1998). BREEDING: Colonial species (up to 7 pairs per colony). Often nests in mixed colonies with Black-winged Stilt, Little Tern, Collared and Black-winged Pratincoles. Nest is a scrape in the ground (often under small saltwort bushes) lined with dry stems of saltwort. At Aggel, eggs laid throughout May and in early June. Clutch contains 3-4 eggs. Average egg size: 43.1 x 31.7 mm (Vinogradov, 1967). On 8 June 1990, eggshells found on a tiny islet (c. 20 m2) in Lake Mahmud-chala with 5 adults alarming nearby. The nests were probably trampled by domestic Water Buffaloes (Patrikeev, 1991c). DIET: Examined stomachs contained moth caterpillars (Noctuidae), other insect larvae, dragonflies and ants (Tuaev, 1975).

131. Lapwing - Vanellus vanellus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

EN

IA

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Khachmas and Divichi districts (e.g. Divichi Liman), although might be absent from there in dry years (Satunin, 1907; Tuaev, 1965). GREATER CAUCASUS: Lowland adjacent to the southern slope of the mountains, e.g. in Turianchai Valley in Kutkashen District (Gambarov, 1954). NAKHICHEVAN: Breeds in the region from the late 1960s (Mustafaev, 1974a). Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mil Steppe (Aggel and Sarisu), wetlands of Shirvan Steppe, Mingechaur District and the vicinity of Karayasi Forest in Akstafa District (Zlotin, 1963; Vinogradov, 1967; Gambarov, 1975; Tuaev, 1975; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve, Sara Peninsula, Lenkoran Lowland, southern Mugan (e.g. Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala) and Shirvan Reserve (Grekov, 1965b; Mustafaev, 1972; Tuaev, 1975; Vinogradov et al., 1990; Paynter et al., 1996a; MP).

Azeri name: Buizunli dzullut STATUS: Uncommon nesting species, common migrant and wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Small numbers nested at lakes Aggel, Sarisu and possibly at Hadjikabul (Vinogradov, 1967; Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve, e.g. near Burunki and “Sara 2” lookout (Grekov, 1965b). 4 at Mahmud-chala on 7 June 1990 and several others elsewhere in southern Mugan (Patrikeev, 1991c). A pair at Shorgel Lakes, southeastern Shirvan in May 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a).

HABITAT: NESTING: Wet meadows in river valleys and along lake shores (Gambarov, 1954; Vinogradov, 1967). WINTER: Lake shore and semi-desert (Resanov, 1983; MP) MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late February through April. COASTAL: Leaves Kizil Agach Reserve from late February-early March through April, but sometimes delayed by cold weather (Grekov, 1965b). In mid April, migrants observed at Shorgel Lakes, southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Passes through Mil and Shirvan steppes in early March. Departed from the vicinity of Lake Sarisu by March 13th (Satunin, 1907; Tuaev, 1975), although migrants observed at Aggel in March-April (Vinogradov, 1967).

T 145

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146 The Birds of Azerbaijan Fall passage: COASTAL: Recorded at Divichi Liman from August (Tuaev, 1965) and seashore of northern Absheron Peninsula from mid September (Gambarov, 1960). Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve from late August, but conspicuous passage in late October-early November (Grekov, 1965b; Vinogradov et al., 1990). Latest sighting in Absheron Peninsula on November 25th (Gambarov, 1960). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Very common at Aggel in September (Vinogradov, 1967). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Perhaps 100-150 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). 42 at Divichi Liman, 16 at Mahmud-chala, 2 at Sarisu and 8 at Hadjikabul in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Passage: SPRING: Hundreds in Mil and Shirvan steppes in early March (Satunin, 1907; Tuaev, 1975), 250-500/year passed through Aggel in March-April (Vinogradov, 1967). FALL: Flocks of 12-25 daily at Divichi Liman in August (Tuaev, 1965). In Kizil Agach Reserve: 200-300 in the mouth of Vila-

jchai on 12 September 1958, flocks of 200-300 at Lesser Kizil Agach Bay on 18 October 1957, flocks of 20-50 throughout the reserve and 3,000-4,000 gathered at the mouth of Vilajchai in late October-early November (Grekov, 1965b; Vinogradov et al., 1990). Common at Aggel in September: up to 345 recorded in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967). Winter: Probably c. 5,000-6,000 in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Flocks of 20-30 occur in Kizil Agach Reserve in warm winters. c. 3,000 wintered at Ivanovskaya Banka and flocks of 5-20 occurred elsewhere in the reserve in January 1975 (Resanov, 1983). In 1996, 3,117 recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve, but only 9 in Shirvan Reserve (Paynter et al., 1996a). BREEDING: Pairs in Kizil Agach Reserve in April and May (Grekov, 1965b). MORTALITY: Roadkills recorded (Alekperov & Mustafaev, 1971). Some perished in oil at lakes and oil storage facilities in Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946).

132. Red-wattled Lapwing - Vanellus indicus Boddaert, 1783 STATUS: Accidental visitor. Monotypic. MOVEMENT: One recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve on 24 May 1956 (Mustafaev et al., 1977). No other records, but rumours of a sighting or sightings in the early 1970s.

FAMILY RECURVIROSTRIDAE - STILTS and AVOCETS 133. Black-winged Stilt - Himantopus himantopus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

EN

IA

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Chaidag dzullut STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant, uncommon wintering species. Subspecies H. h. himantopus Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mil Steppe (lakes Aggel, Mekhman and Sarisu), Shilian Marsh (Shirvan Steppe),

Varvara Reservoir, lakes Djandargel (Karayasi Steppe) and Hadjikabul (Gambarov, 1956; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve (e.g. Greater and Lesser Kizil Agach Bays, Kalinovsky Liman, Lopatinsky and Akusha marshes, Lake Karakush), Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan) and Mahmud-chala, southern Mugan (Grekov, 1965b; Tuaev, 1975; Vinogradov et al., 1990; Patrikeev, 1991a, c). Nested in the vicinity of Lenkoran in the past (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Nested at salt lakes near Baku in the 19th century (Bogdanov, 1879; Radde, 1884). Small numbers may still nest in the peninsula, e.g. a pair near Karadag on 1 May 1991 (MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman (Tuaev, 1965; Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). NAKHICHEVAN: The mouth of Arpa-chai (MP). Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lake Aggel, Mil Steppe (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Possibly Lake Mahmud-chala (southern Mugan) where several observed on 26 November 1989 (MP). Absent from Kizil Agach Reserve in winter (Grekov, 1965b; Resanov, 1983; Vinogradov et al., 1990). HABITAT: NESTING: Hummocks, islets and silty spits in shallows of lakes and marshes (Gambarov, 1956; Vinogradov, 1967; Vinogradov et al., 1990).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid March to early May. COASTAL: Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve from March 6th, and conspicuous passage from mid March to early April (Grekov, 1965b). Migrants recorded in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b), southeastern Shirvan (mid and late April), Cape Pirsagat (second half of April) and between Alat and Sangachal in mid April (Patrikeev, 1991a). Passes through Samur Delta from early April, peaks 15-20 April, and latest sighting on May 8th (Butiev et al., 1989, 1990b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Arrives at Aggel and Sarisu (Mil Steppe) c. April 9th and to Varvara Reservoir on April 23rd (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). Fall passage: Early August through October. COASTAL: Nesting population leaves Kizil Agach Reserve from early August, but passage lasts until mid October (Grekov, 1965b). Passes through Samur Delta from August through late September: earliest record on August 3rd, latest flock on September 12th and single birds occur until October (Butiev et al., 1989). From early August, recorded at Divichi Liman (Tuaev, 1965), Yashma Island (MP) and Kura Delta (Tuaev, 1975). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Passes through Aggel and Sarisu (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: 500-600 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: In Kizil Agach Reserve, nests in colonies of up to 20 pairs, but 182 nests in a colony at Lake Karakush in 1982 (Grekov, 1965b; Vinogradov et al., 1990). >40 pairs at Lake KichikShorgel and territorial pairs at Lake Beuk-Shorgel (southeastern Shirvan) in May 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). 20-30 pairs at the south end of Mahmud-chala, southern Mugan in June 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991c), but only 14 birds in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: At least 230 young already flying well at Lake Aggel on 24 June 1962 (Vinogradov, 1967). c. 50 pairs nested at Lake Sarisu (Mil Steppe) and 20-30 pairs at Lake Djandargel (Karayasi Steppe) in 1989-1990 (MP). Only 10 at Sarisu in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: 250 in late June-early July 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Passage: SPRING: c. 200 at Lake Kichik-Shorgel, southeastern Shirvan on 13 April 1990, but c. 100 remained by April 23rd. On

13 April 1990, A flock of 13 between Alat and Sangachal on 13 April 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Up to 150 passed through Samur Delta in springs of 1969, 1970 and 1988 (Butiev et al., 1989, 1990b). FALL: 400 near Agjabedi in early August 1962 (Vinogradov, 1967). From early August flocks of 14-18 almost daily at Divichi Liman (Tuaev, 1965). Flocks of up to 40 in Samur Delta, but overall number was low: an average of 70 passed through the delta in 1969, 1970 and 1988 (Butiev et al., 1989). c. 60 at Kulagin (Kizil Agach Reserve) in August 1984-1985 (Shubin, 1991b). Winter: >500? (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Several at Lake Mahmud-chala on 26 November 1989 (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: >300 at Lake Aggel, Mil Steppe in January 1991 (MP). BREEDING: Colonial. Often nests in mixed colonies with Common Tern, Black-headed Gull, White-tailed Plover, Collared and Black-winged Pratincoles and Chlidonias terns (Gambarov, 1956; Vinogradov, 1967; Vinogradov et al., 1990). Pairs at Lake KichikShorgel from mid April (Patrikeev, 1991a) and at Aggel from late May (Vinogradov, 1967). Hummock-like nest often built in shallow water and lined with dry grass. Clutch contains 3-5 eggs. Fresh eggs at Aggel from May 14th and latest complete clutches on June 14th (Vinogradov, 1967). In Kizil Agach Reserve, eggs from May 24th to June 4th (Grekov, 1965b). No nests recorded at Shorgel Lakes in mid May and at Mahmud-chala in early June 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a, c). Young flying well at Aggel on June 21st (Vinogradov, 1967). In Kizil Agach Reserve, the young are on the wing by 1-15 July, although a nest with newly hatched chicks found on 16 July 1958 (Grekov, 1965b). When the young are able to fly, they disperse through adjacent lowlands and then gather in large flocks (Vinogradov, 1967). DIET: Stomachs examined at Aggel contained remains of dragonflies, larvae of gnats and beetles (Scarabaeidae), seeds of Lepidium, Bolboschoenus maritimus and plants from sub-family Cruciferae; also fragments of stems and leaves of Gramineae (Tuaev, 1975). MORTALITY: Some perished in oiled lakes and oil storage facilities in Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946).

134. Avocet - Recurvirostra avosetta Linnaeus, 1758 Azeri name: Bizdimdik STATUS: Uncommon nesting species, common migrant and wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mil Steppe (Aggel and Sarisu), Mugan Steppe and Lake Hadjinour (Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve, e.g. Kalinovsky Liman and possibly Ivanovskaya Banka (Grekov, 1965b; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a), Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan) and possibly the vicinity of Cape Pirsagat (Patrikeev, 1991a).

SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman (Satunin, 1907; Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mil Steppe including Aggel, Sarisu and Mekhman (Vinogradov, 1967; MP). Rarely at Lake Hadjikabul (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve (Greater Kizil Agach Bay including Ivanovskaya Banka, Arakelovskaya Banka and Kulagin, also Kalinovsky Liman, Lesser Kizil Agach Bay and Lake Karakush) and Sara Peninsula (Grekov, 1965b). Recorded in Lenkoran Lowland (Mustafaev, 1972) and at Shorgel Lakes (Paynter et al., 1996a). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Recorded in the vicinity of Alat in mid December (Shelton, 2001).

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148 The Birds of Azerbaijan G Tbilisi

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Zakatali

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Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

EN

IA

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

HABITAT: NESTING: Spits and islets in brackish lakes and marshes (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a; Vinogradov, 1967). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: March through May. COASTAL: Most conspicuous in Kizil Agach Reserve in March, although some migrants recorded until May (Grekov, 1965b). Recorded at Kelani, Absheron Peninsula on 12 March 1951 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Probably passes Samur Delta by mid March, because only single birds recorded in late March-early April, latest record on April 9th (Butiev et al., 1989). Observed in Kura Delta (Tuaev, 1975). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Recorded at Aggel and Sarisu in March (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). Fall passage: August through December. COASTAL: Passes through Samur Delta from early August and peaks in late August, however, in some years, conspicuous passage through the delta as late as October-November; latest sighting in the delta on November 27th (Butiev et al., 1989). Occurs at Divichi Liman from mid August (Tuaev, 1965). Observed near Shorabad and on Yashma Island in late October (MP). Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve (mostly Ivanovskaya Banka) from August to December with peak in October-November (Grekov, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Migrates through Aggel from August to December (Vinogradov, 1967). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably 100-150 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP).

SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: 5 pairs at Kalinovsky Liman, Kizil Agach Reserve in 1966 (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a). Up to 10 pairs in Shirvan Reserve in 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 200 at Lake Aggel on June 24th (Tuaev, 1975). 20-30 pairs at Aggel and 15-20 pairs at Sarisu in 19891990 (S. Gasimov, pers. comm.; MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: 19 at Divichi Liman in late June-early July 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Passage: SPRING: c. 400 on Greater Kizil Agach Bay on March 5th (Grekov, 1965b). Up to 265/year passed through Aggel (Vinogradov, 1967). FALL: 100-600 in Samur Delta in August 1969, 1970 and 1988, 224 in 1978 and 220 in 1986 (Butiev et al., 1989). In Kizil Agach Reserve, flocks of 30-35 common in August and September, c. 125 at Kabanya Spit in August 1984 and 1985. 1,500 at Ivanovskaya Banka and 500 elsewhere in the reserve on 10 October 1958. 50,000-60,000 cong regated at Ivanovskaya Banka 16-18 November 1955 (Grekov, 1965b; Shubin, 1991b). Winter: Perhaps1,000-2,000 in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP), but 2,471 in 1996 (Delany et al., 1999) and 22,980 in 1997 (Gilissen et al., 2000). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve: 500 at Kulagin in 1958, 3,000 at Ivanovskaya Banka on 8 February 1959 and 10,000 at Kulagin in February 1962. Moreover, 300-400 wintered at the southern tip of Sara Peninsula (Dobrokhotov, 1963; Grekov, 1965b). In 1996 1,200 in Kizil Agach Reserve and 70 at Shorgel Lakes (Paynter et al., 1996a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 900-1,000 at Lake Aggel in December 19621964 (Vinogradov, 1967), but only c. 200 in January 1991 (MP). 5 at Hadjikabul in November 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). BREEDING: Nests in small colonies, sometimes in mixed colonies with other shorebirds and terns (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a; Vinogradov, 1967). 3 nests at Lake Aggel 2-14 May 1963: one nest contained 3 eggs and the other two 4 eggs each. Nest is a simple scrape in the ground lined with dry reed stems, usually close to water (Vinogradov, 1967). DIET: Water bugs (e.g. backswimmers), beetles (e.g. whirling beetles) and other aquatic insects in examined stomachs (Tuaev, 1975). MORTALITY: Oiled Avocets found at some lakes of Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946).

FAMILY HAEMATOPODIDAE - OYSTERCATCHERS 135. Oystercatcher - Haematopus ostralegus Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Uncommon migrant and rare wintering species; rare nesting species in the past. Probably subspecies H. o. longipes Buturlin, 1910. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Formerly, on islets of Kura River near Karayasi, western Azerbaijan (Radde, 1884) where a pair recently observed in early May (Shelton, 2001).

Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Greater Kizil Agach Bay in some winters (Grekov, 1965b). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Wintered in the vicinity of Baku in the past (Bogdanov, 1879). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early March to late May.

The Birds of Azerbaijan

COASTAL: Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve from early March to late May (Grekov, 1965b). One observed on Baburyi Island (Baku Archipelago) on 27 April 1989 and 2 at Cape Pirsagat on 29 April 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Recorded at Cape Kilazi in April (Shelton, 2001). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: At Sari-Tchaban, Aras Valley on May 9th (Laister & Sosnin, 1942). Fall passage: August through October. COASTAL: Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve already in mid July, but the majority pass from early August through early September (Grekov, 1965b). Passes through Divichi Liman in August (Tuaev, 1965). Recorded in Absheron Peninsula from

mid August to October, latest record on October 21st (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). POPULATION SIZE: Passage: SPRING: Small flocks of 4-8 in Kizil Agach Reserve, but two larger flocks (15 and 18) on 15 March 1957 (Grekov, 1965b). FALL: A flock of 20-25 in Absheron Peninsula on 15 August 1953 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Common in Kizil Agach Reserve from early August to early September (Grekov, 1965b). BREEDING: Radde (1884) collected an adult and a young from an islet in Kura River near Karayasi on June 20th.

FAMILY SCOLOPACIDAE - SNIPES, SANDPIPERS and ALLIES 136. Green Sandpiper - Tringa ochropus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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Shemakha Baku

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Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

NAKHICHEVAN: At small ponds near Bichenek in the mountains of the region (Radde, 1884). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman, e.g. 59 in late Juneearly July 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Aggel and wetlands of mid Kura (Zlotin, 1963; Vinogradov, 1967). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Rare in Kizil Agach Reserve: observed in flocks of 2-3 (Resanov, 1983); also in Lenkoran Lowland and southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b; Mustafaev, 1972). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Small numbers in Absheron peninsula (MP). HABITAT: WINTER: Channels, rivers, flooded depressions and the Caspian shore (Resanov, 1983).

IRAN

STATUS: Common migrant and uncommon wintering species. Summer status is poorly understood. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: All summer records are probably of non-breeding individuals or early migrants. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lake Aggel (Vinogradov, 1967). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve from early March to early May peaking in late March (Grekov, 1965b). Recorded at Shorgel Lakes in mid to late April (Patrikeev, 1991a). Fall passage: Arrives at Azerbaijan in late June. Common in Kizil Agach Reserve in July-August, e.g. at Kalinovsky Lookout, Sbrosnoyi Channel and Lesser Kizil Agach Bay. Leaves Kizil Agach Reserve in late September-early October (Grekov, 1965b).

137. Wood Sandpiper - Tringa glareola Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Common migrant and possibly irregularly nesting species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Status is unclear. S OUTHEAST LOWLANDS : Considered a summer resident in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). Mustafaev & Kiazimov (1966a) suspected nesting at Kalinovsky Liman (Kizil Agach Reserve) in 1966. Groups of 5-6 observed at Arakelovskaya Banka (Kizil Agach Reserve) on 7 June 1956 were probably wandering individuals or early migrants (Grekov, 1965b).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: late and inconspicuous. Late April through mid May. COASTAL: Recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve from late April to mid May; earliest sighting in 1956 on May 20th (Grekov, 1965b). Several at Lake Kichik Shorgel (southeastern Shirvan) 11-12 May 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Common on the north shore of Absheron Peninsula 5-12 May (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). INTERIOR: An adult male collected at Lake Fakhrakush, Shemakha District on 12 May 1938 (Gambarov, 1954). Fall passage: July through October. COASTAL: Arrive at Kizil Agach Reserve in mid July: earliest record on July 19th. Increases in August (e.g. many young of the year),

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150 The Birds of Azerbaijan but the most conspicuous passage in September. Latest records in the reserve 16-20 October (Grekov, 1965b). Outnumbered other shorebirds at fishponds in Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1990b). Observed in Kura Delta (Tuaev, 1975). INTERIOR: Migrates through Aggel and Sarisu, Mil Steppe (Tuaev, 1975).

MORTALITY: Oiled Wood Sandpipers recovered in Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946; REMARKS: Usually seen in mixed flocks with other shorebirds: Redshank, Curlew Sandpiper and Charadrius plovers (Grekov, 1965b).

138. Greenshank - Tringa nebularia Gunnerus, 1767 STATUS: Uncommon migrant and wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes Aggel and Sarisu, Mil Steppe (Tuaev, 1975). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Small flocks winter in Kizil Agach Reserve (e.g. in the mouth of Pogranichnyi Channel, Greater Kizil Agach Bay), Sara Peninsula and southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b; Resanov, 1983). HABITAT: MIGRATION AND WINTER: Shallow freshwater ponds with silty bottom, and occasionally seashore (Resanov, 1983; Butiev et al., 1990b). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late February (?) to mid May.

COASTAL: Probably leaves Kizil Agach Reserve by March, but passage of migrants from further south occurs in April-early May (Grekov, 1965b). Two south of Cape Pirsagat on 12 May 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Fall passage: August to mid November. COASTAL: Passes through Samur Delta in August-October (Butiev et al., 1990b) and Kizil Agach Reserve from September to mid November (Grekov, 1965b). Migrants recorded at Divichi Liman and Kura Delta (Tuaev, 1965; 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Passage: FALL : 50-60/day in Samur Delta, August through October (Butiev et al., 1990b). Single birds and flocks of up to 30-40 in Kizil Agach Reserve (Grekov, 1965b).

139. Redshank - Tringa totanus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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Shemakha Baku

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HABITAT: NESTING: Wet meadows, depressions and islands (Patrikeev, 1991a). WINTER: Shores and shallows of freshwater and brackish wetlands (Grekov, 1965b).

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes Aggel and Sarisu (Vinogradov, 1967; Paynter et al., 1996a; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Wetlands of Kizil Agach Reserve, Lenkoran Lowland and southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b; Grekov, 1965b; Mustafaev, 1972; Vinogradov et al., 1990). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Formerly at brackish lakes near Baku (Bogdanov, 1879).

IRAN

Azeri name: Otlug dzullutu STATUS: Uncommon nesting species, common migrant and wintering species. Subspecies T. t. totanus Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lake Aggel (Vinogradov, 1967). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve (Grekov, 1965b), southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b; MP) and Shorgel Lakes, southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Baburyi Island, Baku Archipelago (Patrikeev, 1991a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman (MP). NAKHICHEVAN: Somewhere in the region (Khanmammedov, 1960).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: March to May. COASTAL: From mid March to May in Kizil Agach Reserve (Grekov, 1965b). One collected near Saliani on 9 March 1895 (Satunin, 1907) and another at Binagadi, Absheron Peninsula on 9 April 1960 (Gambarov, 1960). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: From March to May at Lake Aggel (Vinogradov, 1967). Fall passage: August through October. COASTAL: August to October in Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1990b) and Kizil Agach Reserve. Conspicuous passage in early October (Grekov, 1965b; Shubin, 1991b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Passes through Mil Steppe including Aggel in August-September (Vinogradov, 1967). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. On 16 June, Flocks of 10-30 in Kizil Agach Reserve on June 16th (Grekov, 1965b). Several at Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan) in May 1990 and a pair on Baburyi Island (Baku Archipelago) in 1989

The Birds of Azerbaijan

(Patrikeev, 1991a). 10 at Divichi Liman in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Passage: FALL: Very common in Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula in August 1956 and 1957; in 1958: only 7 in August, 70 in late September and 3,000 in early October (Grekov, 1965b). c. 230 at Kabanya Spit and Kulagin, Kizil Agach Reserve in August 1984 and 1985 (Shubin, 1991b). Winter: Probably 2,000-3,000 in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP), only 16 in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a), but 1,097 in 1996 (Delany et al., 1999). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: 150 in Kizil Agach Reserve on 18 December 1958 (Grekov, 1965b), only 0.5/km at Greater Kizil Agach Bay on 12 February 1962 (Dobrokhotov, 1963) and 995 in 1996; also 5 at Mahmud-chala in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a).

KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: >200 at Aggel in January 1991 (MP) and 230 at Lake Sarisu in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). BREEDING: A female with egg was collected in Kizil Agach Reserve on 3 May 1956 (Grekov, 1965b). One observed in a colony of Common Terns on Baburyi Island, Baku Archipelago on 27 April 1989; two alarming Redshanks seen there on 4 June 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). DIET: Sometimes feeds on Pontogammarus abbreviatus in winter (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938). MORTALITY: Occasionally perishes in oil in Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946).

140. Spotted Redshank - Tringa erythropus Pallas, 1764

Brackish and freshwater

on the Caspian shore near Divichi Liman in August (Tuaev, 1965). Conspicuous passage through Kizil Agach Reserve in late September through late October; numbers decrease in November, and this species is rare in the reserve by December (Grekov, 1965b). Passage also recorded in southern Mugan and Samur Delta (Satunin, 1912b; Butiev et al., 1990b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Observed in Karayasi Steppe (Radde, 1884) and Lake Hadjikabul (Shelton, 2001).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early March to early May. COASTAL: Migrates through Kizil Agach Reserve from early March to early May, conspicuous passage in mid April (Grekov, 1965b). Fall passage: COASTAL: Arrives at Ivanovskaya and Arakelovskaya bankas and Lake Karakush, Kizil Agach Reserve already in early June (Grekov, 1965b; Shubin, 1991b). Recorded

POPULATION SIZE: Passage: SPRING: Kizil Agach Reserve: 10 at Arakelovskaya Banka and Akusha Marsh on 5 March 1959, flocks of 20-30 at Sobachyi-Zub on March 8th and flocks of 530 in the reserve 12-13 March (Grekov, 1965b). FALL: Flocks of 10-15 in Kizil Agach Reserve in early June, 100-150 near Sbrosnoyi Channel in early November 1956 and flocks of 15-18 in the mouth of Vilajchai on 9 November 1957 (Grekov, 1965b).

STATUS: Uncommon migrant and rare wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve, e.g. in the mouth of Vilajchai (Grekov, 1965b) and in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). HABITAT: MIGRATION AND wetlands (Grekov, 1965b).

WINTER:

141. Marsh Sandpiper - Tringa stagnatilis Bechstein, 1803 STATUS: Common migrant and uncommon wintering species. Possibly nested in the past. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Southern Mugan in the late 19thearly 20th centuries (Satunin, 1912b). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve including Akusha Marsh, Vilajchai River, Kalinovsky Liman and Greater Kizil Agach Bay (Grekov, 1965b); also in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late March to early May. COASTAL: Observed at Lenkoran on March 24th (Radde, 1884). Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve from early April to early May (Grekov, 1965b). Fall passage: Mid June to early November. COASTAL: Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve in mid June (Grekov, 1965b). Common in Samur Delta and at Divichi Liman in August-October (Tuaev, 1965; Butiev et al., 1990b). Conspicuous

passage through Kizil Agach Reserve in late September-early October, a few records in early November (Grekov, 1965b). Observed on Yashma Island and in Kura Delta (Tuaev, 1975; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Recorded at Lake Aggel (Tuaev, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Passage: FALL: Kizil Agach Reserve: flocks of 10-15 at Akusha Marsh and Kulagin 15-16 June (Grekov, 1965b) and c. 200 at Kabanya Spit in August 1984 and 1985 (Shubin, 1991b). Flocks of up to 35 at Divichi Liman in August (Tuaev, 1965). Up to 20/day in Samur Delta in August-October (Butiev et al., 1990b).

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152 The Birds of Azerbaijan 142. Common Sandpiper - Actitis hypoleucos Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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Winter: CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Recorded at Shah Spit in January-February 1982 (Bannikova et al., 1984).

DAGESTAN

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Zakatali

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Shemakha Baku

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Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Sahildaishan dzullut STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant, rare wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Distribution is poorly known. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Turianchai Valley, shores of Mingechaur Reservoir, Kura Valley near Shamkhor and Karayasi, and Aras Valley at Mindzevan in Zangelan District (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Tuaev, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve (Grekov, 1965b; Vinogradov et al., 1990) and southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Kusarchai Valley (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1969a; MP). Probably elsewhere. GREATER CAUCASUS: Shemakha Upland, Girdimanchai Valley (Ismailly District), Talachai Gorge (Zakatali District) and Kusarchai Valley (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954). NAKHICHEVAN: Recorded in the region (Khanmammedov, 1960).

HABITAT: NESTING: Sandbanks and pebble spits in lowlands, foothills and low mountains up to 1,600 m (Gambarov, 1954, 1975). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early April to mid May. COASTAL: Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve in early to mid April, conspicuous passage from mid April to early May (Grekov, 1965b). Observed at Lake Kichik-Shorgel (southeastern Shirvan) from mid April to mid May (Patrikeev, 1991a). Recorded in Absheron Peninsula in mid April (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Fall passage: August to late November. COASTAL: Recorded at Divichi Liman in August-October (Tuaev, 1965). Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula from August through mid September, a few recorded until September 28th (Grekov, 1965b). Also observed in Kura Delta and southern Mugan. Latest sighting at Mahmud-chala on 26 November 1989 (Satunin, 1912b; Tuaev, 1975; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Migrates through Lake Sarisu, Mil Steppe (Tuaev, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably >400-500 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). Single birds and groups of 2-3 observed in Kizil Agach Reserve from May through July (Grekov, 1965b). Passage: FALL: Singles and groups of 4-5 at Divichi Liman in August, but 65 on August 24th (Tuaev, 1965). c. 200 in Sara Peninsula on 20 August 1957 (Grekov, 1965b). Winter: 30 in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1997 (Gilissen et al., 2000). BREEDING: A nest with 4 eggs at Kusarchai River (northeastern Azerbaijan) in early June (Mustafaev, 1969a). Chicks seen in Kizil Agach Reserve in July (Grekov, 1965b).

143. Terek Sandpiper - Xenus cinereus Güldenstadt, 1775 STATUS: Common migrant, rare wintering species and irregular summer visitor. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Small flocks of non-breeders observed at lakes Aggel and Sarisu, Mil Steppe in June (Tuaev, 1975). Winter: Kizil Agach Reserve (Oliger, 1967). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid April to late May. COASTAL: Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula, e.g. conspicuous passage from mid April to mid May 1937 (Tugarinov, 1950; Grekov, 1965b). 3 recorded south of Cape Pirsagat on 11 May 1989 and a flock of 20 on 22 May 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Fall passage: Mid July through mid September. COASTAL: Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula 1015 July, common in August and mostly through by mid Septem-

ber (Grekov, 1965b). In late August, conspicuous passage also recorded at Divichi Liman and the adjacent seashore (Tuaev, 1965) and Yashma Island (Tuaev, 1975; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Migrates through Aggel and Sarisu, Mil Steppe (Tuaev, 1975). REMARKS: Often in mixed flocks with Redshanks, Curlew Sandpipers or Charadrius plovers (Grekov, 1965b).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

144. Red-necked Phalarope - Phalaropus lobatus Linnaeus, 1758 Azeri name: Uzarcha STATUS: Common migrant; summer vagrant and wintering species in the past. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Non-breeding summer visitor in the past. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Formerly occurred in southern Mugan through the summer (Satunin, 1912b). Menetries collected many in the vicinity of Lenkoran in June (Bogdanov, 1879) and Radde (1884) observed them at Lenkoran until June 4th. No summer records in the 20th century. Winter (former distribution): SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Wintered in southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b). No recent records. HABITAT: MIGRATION: Brackish lakes, marshes and coastal waters of the Caspian Sea (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Grekov, 1965b) MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early April to early June. COASTAL: In the late 19th century recorded near Lenkoran from April 15th to June 4th (Radde, 1884). In the 1950s migrated through Kizil Agach Reserve from early April to mid May, conspicuous passage c. 17-29 April, but a large flock also on 19 May 1958 (Grekov, 1965b). Also recorded in Kura Delta (Tuaev, 1975).

Frequently seen on brackish lakes of Absheron Peninsula from early April through late May (Bogdanov, 1879; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958), e.g. 15 collected in the vicinity of Baku and several others near Cape Sangachal on 1 April 1956. Large flocks at Ziria on 7 May 1951, 20 May 1953 and 20 May 1956 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Gambarov, 1960). Several near Cape Pirsagat during 18-20 May 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Passes through Mil Steppe (e.g. at Aggel and Sarisu) from mid April, but not recorded every year (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). Fall passage: COASTAL: In Kizil Agach Reserve from August, but more conspicuous from early September. Largest numbers at Akusha Marsh in fall 1955 (Grekov, 1965b; Shubin, 1991b). POPULATION SIZE: Passage: SPRING: Varies between years. Common in the vicinity of Lenkoran in the 19 th century (Bogdanov, 1879; Radde, 1884), but only 2 recorded in spring 1937 and a few in 1950-1955 (Tugarinov, 1950; Grekov, 1965b). Flocks of 20-25 in Kizil Agach Reserve 17-29 April 1956, and a flock of 250-300 on 19 May 1958 (Grekov, 1965b). FALL: Flocks of 20-30 in Kizil Agach Reserve in the autumn of 1955 (Grekov, 1965b). MORTALITY: Migrants sometimes perished in oil in Absheron peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946).

145. Ruff - Philomachus pugnax Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Common migrant; wintered in the past. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Winter (former distribution): Lenkoran Lowland and Karayasi Steppe (Satunin, 1907). HABITAT: MIGRATION: Shores of brackish lakes, Caspian seashore and flooded tamarisk thickets (Grekov, 1965b). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late February to mid May. COASTAL: Large flocks appeared near Lenkoran on February 27th after snowstorms (Radde, 1884). Usually passes through Kizil Agach Reserve from March to early May: latest sightings on 27 April 1957 and 13 May 1953 (Grekov, 1965b). A pair at Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan) on 10 May 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Recorded in southern Mugan and Absheron Peninsula (Satunin, 1912b; Verestchagin, 1946). Fall passage: Early August to mid October.

COASTAL: Males usually arrive in Azerbaijan ahead of females and the young. Recorded at Divichi Liman from early August to mid September, most common in the second half of August (Tuaev, 1965). In Kizil Agach Reserve, flocks at Lesser Kizil Agach Bay and Kalinovsky Liman on August 20th, very common on 12 September 1958 and several remained until mid October (Grekov, 1965b). Passes through southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). POPULATION SIZE: Passage: SPRING: Flocks of 80-200 near Lenkoran in the 1870s (Radde, 1884), and of 20-40 in Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula in the late 1950s (Grekov, 1965b). FALL: Six flocks observed at Divichi Liman on 21 August 1961 (Tuaev, 1965), flocks of 30-50 at Lesser Kizil Agach Bay, Kulagin and Kalinovsky Liman c. August 20th (Grekov, 1965b; Shubin, 1991b).

146. Little Stint - Calidris minuta Leisler, 1812 STATUS: Common migrant and uncommon wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Mostly the shores of Greater and Lesser Kizil Agach bays (Tugarinov &

Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Grekov, 1965b). Formerly in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). KURA-A RAS L OWLAND : Lake Yekhana, Shirvan Steppe (Shelton, 2001). Wintered in Karayasi Steppe in the past (Satunin, 1907).

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154 The Birds of Azerbaijan HABITAT: MIGRATION AND WINTER: Muddy shores, brackish lakes, flooded saltpans, seashore and coastal marshes (Satunin, 1907; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Grekov, 1965b; Patrikeev, 1991a; MP).

ern Absheron Peninsula) 16-28 August 1990 (MP). Observed at lakes and marshes of southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Recorded at Lake Aggel (Mil Steppe), but not annually (Vinogradov, 1967).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late April through late May. COASTAL: Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve from late April to late May, latest record on May 29th (Grekov, 1965b). In southeastern Shirvan (Shorgel Lakes), flocks observed 13 April-20 May 1990 and at Cape Pirsagat 11-12 May 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Fall passage: Late June through early October. COASTAL: Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve as early as June 20th, common by mid August, e.g. at Lesser Kizil Agach Bay and Sara Peninsula, but most conspicuous passage in early September to early October (Grekov, 1965b). Small flocks near Bilgah (north-

POPULATION SIZE: Passage: SPRING: Southeastern Shirvan: several hundred at Lake Kichik-Shorgel on 13 April 1990, up to 3,000 at Lake Beuk-Shorgel on 9 May 1990 and several hundred remained by May 20th. Flocks of 30-70 at Cape Pirsagat 11-12 May 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). FALL: Flocks of 40-60 in Kizil Agach Reserve from early September to early October (Grekov, 1965b) and of 30-40 at Aggel (Mil Steppe), but not every year (Vinogradov, 1967). REMARKS: Often migrate in mixed flocks with Dunlins (Grekov, 1965b).

147. Temminck’s Stint - Calidris temminckii Leisler, 1812 STATUS: Insufficiently known. Probably uncommon migrant and possibly rare wintering species (likely overlooked). Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Possibly winters in Kura Lowland (Mustafaev, 1974a). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Recorded in southern Mugan in the past (Satunin, 1912b). A female collected at a mudflat in Kizil Agach Reserve in February 1934 (Tugarinov, 1950).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve on 24 March and 13 April 1937 (Tugarinov, 1950; Ivanov, 1952). Several dozens in a large flock of Little Stints at Lake Beuk-Shorgel (southeastern Shirvan) in May 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Fall passage: Small numbers recorded at the east end of Lake Karakush, Kizil Agach Reserve in August 1984 and 1985 (Shubin, 1991b).

148. Curlew Sandpiper - Calidris ferruginea Pontoppidan, 1763 STATUS: Common migrant; possibly wintered in the past. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Winter (former distribution): Possibly wintered at brackish lakes in Karayasi Steppe (Satunin, 1907). No recent winter records. HABITAT: MIGRATION : Seashore, mudflats and brackish lakes (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Patrikeev, 1991a; Shubin, 1991b). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late April to late May. COASTAL: Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve from late April to late May peaking in mid May, latest spring sightings on 2426 May (Tugarinov, 1950; Grekov, 1965b). Recorded at Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan) 9-20 May 1990 and at Cape Pirsagat 11-19 May 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). One collected at Ziria, Absheron Peninsula on 20 May 1956 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Fall passage: COASTAL: Recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve as early as July 20th (Grekov, 1965b). Very common at Divichi Liman, adjacent seashore and Yashma Island in August (Tuaev, 1965; Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.; MP). Conspicuous passage through Kizil Agach Reserve (Lake Karakush, Greater Kizil Agach Bay, Arakelovskaya Banka) and Sara Peninsula

in mid August, latest record on September 13th (Grekov, 1965b; Shubin, 1991b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Formerly passed through Karayasi Steppe (Satunin, 1907). No recent inland records. POPULATION SIZE: Passage: SPRING: 17 at Ivanovskaya Banka, Kizil Agach Reserve on 19 May 1958 (Grekov, 1965b). 100 at Lake Beuk-Shorgel and several at Lake Kichik-Shorgel (southeastern Shirvan) on 9 May 1990, dozens remained at BeukShorgel on May 20th. c. 100 south of Cape Pirsagat 11-19 May 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). FALL: 80 (5 flocks) at the seashore near Divichi Liman on August 21st (Tuaev, 1965). Flocks of 40-80 at Arakelovskaya Banka (Kizil Agach Reserve) and Sara Peninsula 20-29 August (Grekov, 1965b). Up to 2,600 at Kulagin and Lake Karakush (Kizil Agach Reserve) in August 1984 and 1985 (Shubin, 1991b). REMARKS: Often migrates in mixed flocks with Dunlins and Terek Sandpipers (Tugarinov, 1950; Grekov, 1965b).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

149. Dunlin - Calidris alpina Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

EN

IA

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

STATUS: Common migrant and wintering species. Subspecies C. a. alpina Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Mostly in Kizil Agach Reserve (e.g. shores of Greater Kizil Agach Bay and Lake Karakush) and Sara Peninsula. Recorded on the Caspian shore south of Lenkoran after snowstorms. Small numbers winter in southern Mugan (Grekov, 1965b; Mustafaev, 1972; Resanov, 1983; MP) and southeastern Shirvan (Paynter et al., 1996a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lake Hadjinour (Shelton, 2001). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Shah Spit (Bannikova et al., 1984). HABITAT: WINTER: Mudflats (Grekov, 1965b). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid March to mid May. C OASTAL : Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve from mid March to mid May with peak in late April-early May, latest sighting on May 19th (Grekov, 1965b). One collected near

Zorat, northern Absheron Peninsula on March 24th (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Fall passage: Late August through mid November. COASTAL: Arrives at Kizil Agach in mid September, later than other Calidris sandpipers. Conspicuous passage through the reserve in early through mid November, e.g. in the mouth of Vilajchai and at Sbrosnoyi Channel (Grekov, 1965b). Passes through Absheron Peninsula and southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b; Verestchagin, 1946; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: One collected at a brackish lake in Karayasi Steppe on 27 August 1895 (Satunin, 1907). Observed in Mil Steppe, e.g. at Aggel, but not every year (Vinogradov, 1967). POPULATION SIZE: Passage: SPRING: Flocks of 600-800 at Lenkoran in the middle of the 19th century (Radde, 1884). FALL: Flocks of 30-40 in Sara Peninsula on October 8th. Kizil Agach Reserve: 500-600 in the mouth of Vilajchai on November 9th and 7,000-8,000 along Sbrosnoyi Channel, Kizil Agach Reserve in November 1956 (Grekov, 1965b). Flocks of 30-40 at Lake Aggel, but not every year (Vinogradov, 1967). Winter: Probably 6,000-7,000 in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: c. 1,000 per 2 km of shoreline of Greater Kizil Agach Bay on 12 February 1962 (Dobrokhotov, 1963). >5,000 (e.g. >2,000 at mudflats of Ivanovskaya Banka) in Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula in winter 1975 (Rezanov, 1983). Flocks of 40-150 at Lake Karakush, Kizil Agach Reserve in late November 1989 (MP). 2,750 in Kizil Agach Reserve and 30 in Shirvan Reserve in 1996 (Paynter et al. 1996a). DIET: Stomachs examined in Kizil Agach Reserve on December 31st contained small crustaceans: 66 Hydrobia pusilla and 6 Theodoxus pallasi (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938). MORTALITY: Sometimes perishes in oil in Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946).

150. Sanderling - Calidris alba Pallas, 1764 STATUS: Uncommon migrant and rare wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Observed in the vicinity of Lenkoran on December 21st (Radde, 1884). Wintered in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b) and Kizil Agach Reserve, e.g. in 1937 (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938). In 1960s several observed on the seashore south of Lenkoran after a snowstorm (Mustafaev, 1972). Sightings of 6 in 1997 and 2 in 1998 (Gilissen et al., 2000), probably in Kizil Agach Reserve. HABITAT: MIGRATION: Seashore, lakeshore, mudflats and flooded plains (Grekov, 1965b; Patrikeev, 1991a; Shubin, 1991b). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late March through mid May.

COASTAL: At Lenkoran on March 24th (Radde, 1884). Several hundred at Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan) in April 1990, small flocks in early May 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Fall passage: Mid September through early October. COASTAL: Several at Bilgah, Absheron Peninsula on 18 September 1955 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). A few at Lake Karakush, Kizil Agach Reserve in August 1984-1985 (Shubin, 1991b). Two flocks (18 and 25-30) at Ivanovskaya Banka, Kizil Agach Reserve on 26 September 1958, 2 in Sara Peninsula on 6 October 1958 (Grekov, 1965b). DIET: Small crustaceans (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938).

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156 The Birds of Azerbaijan 151. Knot - Calidris canutus Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Rare migrant. Probably C. c. canutus Linnaeus, 1758. HABITAT: Mudflats (Shubin, 1991b).

MOVEMENT: Fall passage: Small numbers recorded at east end of Lake Karakush, Kizil Agach Reserve in August 19841985 (Shubin, 1991b).

152. Pectoral Sandpiper - Calidris melanotus Vieillot, 1819 STATUS: Accidental migrant. Monotypic. Listed by Mustafaev et al. (1977). Probably rarely occurs in Azerbaijan during migration.

153. Broad-billed Sandpiper - Limicola falcinellus Pontoppidan, 1763 STATUS: Rare migrant and wintering species. Subspecies L. f. falcinellus Pontoppidan, 1763. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Karayasi Reserve, western Azerbaijan (Sultanov & Musaev, 1989).

MOVEMENT: Fall passage: COASTAL: 2 observed in Samur Delta on 16 September 1989 (Butiev et al., 1990b). Recorded in Kura Delta (Tuaev, 1975). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Passes through Mil Steppe, e.g. Aggel and Sarisu (Tuaev, 1975).

HABITAT: WINTER: Wet meadows (Sultanov & Musaev, 1989).

154. Ruddy Turnstone - Arenaria interpres Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Rare migrant and irregular wintering species. Subspecies A. i. interpres Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: One winter record: 1 in Sara Peninsula in January 1969 (Rezanov, 1983). HABITAT: Seashore, lakeshore, mudflats and semi-desert (Patrikeev, 1991a; Shubin, 1991b).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid April to late May. COASTAL: Two flocks (of 6-7) observed on the Caspian shore near Lenkoran in mid April and early May (Radde, 1884). Two flocks of 10-12 south of Cape Pirsagat on 19-22 May 1989 and several at Lake Beuk-Shorgel, Shirvan Reserve on 20 May 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Fall passage: COASTAL: Recorded at Lake Karakush, Kizil Agach Reserve in August 1984 and 1985 (Shubin, 1991b) and in Samur Delta 16-23 September 1989 (Butiev et al., 1990b).

155. Jack Snipe - Lymnocryptes minimus Brunnich, 1764 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

er

IA

N

S

EA

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

EN

IA

Stepanakert

DISTRIBUTION: Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Wetlands of Shirvan Steppe (from Zardob to Kurdamir), Lake Sarisu, the vicinity of Mingechaur and Karayasi Steppe (Satunin, 1907; Zlotin, 1963; Tuaev, 1975). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve, southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland, (Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Mustafaev, 1972; Resanov, 1983). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: One collected near Binagadi close to Baku (Gambarov, 1960). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman in January (Shelton, 2001). HABITAT: WINTER: Small wetlands, mudflats, stands of reeds, Juncus acutus and sedges, saltwort semi-desert (Resanov, 1983).

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

STATUS: Uncommon migrant and wintering species. Monotypic.

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: February through late April. COASTAL: In Kizil Agach Reserve, passage recorded as early as February, but conspicuous migration from March to late April (Grekov, 1965b) and in Lenkoran Lowland 30 March-

The Birds of Azerbaijan

26 April (Radde, 1884). Observed near Andreevka, Mugan on March 6th (Satunin, 1907), Fall passage: Early September through early November. COASTAL: One in Samur Delta on 16 September 1989 (Butiev et al., 1990b). Recorded in the vicinity of Lenkoran from 1 September-4 October (Radde, 1884), and in Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula: from late September to early November with peaks in mid October and early November (Grekov, 1965b). Migrates through Absheron Peninsula and southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b; Verestchagin, 1946).

KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Recorded at Lake Aggel (Tuaev, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Passage: FALL: In Kizil Agach Reserve, trained dog flushed 70 from 2-3 ha of saltwort semidesert on 16 October 1957, but only 10 on November 11th (Grekov, 1965b). MORTALITY: Oiled Jack Snipes recovered in Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946).

156. Great Snipe - Gallinago media Latham, 1787 STATUS: Uncommon migrant and rare wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Small numbers winter in Kizil Agach Reserve (Resanov, 1983; Vinogradov et al., 1990). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: May winter at Lake Aggel (MP). HABITAT: WINTER: Small wetlands and thickets of Juncus (Resanov, 1983).

day (Satunin, 1907). Small flocks passed through Sara Peninsula in early May 1937 (Tugarinov, 1950). A female collected at Sbrosnoyi Channel, Kizil Agach Reserve on 1 April 1956 (Grekov, 1965b). Passage recorded in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). INTERIOR: A male in a wet montane meadow at Alti-Agach, Shemakha Upland on 13 May 1939 (Gambarov, 1954). Fall passage: COASTAL: In the 1930s, conspicuous passage observed in Talish [Mountains?] in mid October (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Many flocks at Lenkoran in mid March 1899 with hunters bagging 30-40/

157. Common Snipe - Gallinago gallinago Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

EN

IA

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve (Kalinovsky Liman, Akusha Marsh, Greater and Lesser Kizil Agach bays and Lake Karakush), Sara Peninsula, Lenkoran Lowland, southern Mugan and southeastern Shirvan (Grekov, 1965b; Oliger, 1967; Mustafaev, 1972; Paynter et al., 1996a; MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Shah Spit, Absheron Peninsula (Bannikova et al., 1984; MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman (Tuaev, 1965). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Common at a small reservoir near Kelakhan, Zuvand Upland in January-February (Agaeva, 1969). HABITAT: WINTER: Wetlands, flooded tamarisk or Juncus thickets, wet meadows and flooded semi-desert (Dobrokhotov, 1963; Grekov, 1965b; Gambarov, 1975; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989; MP).

IRAN

STATUS: Common migrant and wintering species, possibly rare nesting species. Subspecies G. g. gallinago Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Observed at Lake Aggel (Mil Steppe) throughout the year, but no evidence of breeding (Vinogradov, 1967). Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Aggel and Sarisu (Mil Steppe), wetlands of Shirvan Steppe, Mingechaur District (e.g. near Gavarli) and wet meadows of Karayasi Forest (Zlotin, 1963; Vinogradov, 1967; Gambarov, 1975; Tuaev, 1975; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: March to early May. COASTAL: Common in Kizil Agach Reserve in late March. Single birds recorded in Sara Peninsula until 5-7 May (Grekov, 1965b). Large numbers near Saliani in March 1895 (Satunin, 1907). Single individuals and groups of 2-5 occurred at Shorgel Lakes and Cape Pirsagat (southeastern Shirvan) in April (Patrikeev, 1991a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Passes through Aggel in March-April (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). Fall passage: Mid July through early October. COASTAL: Single birds observed in Kizil Agach Reserve after June 15th, and groups of 4-8 in mid July-early August (Grekov, 1965b; Shubin, 1991b). Outnumbers other shorebirds in Samur Delta in

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158 The Birds of Azerbaijan August-September (Butiev et al., 1990b). Conspicuous passage through Divichi Liman and Kilazi Spit in mid August (Tuaev, 1965). In Kizil Agach Reserve: flocks of 30-50 in mid September and passage mostly over by late September-early October (Grekov, 1965b). Also migrates through Absheron Peninsula (e.g. one collected in Baku on 11 October 1946), Kura Delta and southern Mugan (Verestchagin, 1946; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Tuaev, 1975). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Passes via Aras Valley and Lake Aggel (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Winter: No estimate. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: 3 hunters bagged 120 near Lenkoran in mid December (Radde, 1884). In Kizil Agach Reserve, consid-

erable numbers occur from December through February in warmer winters (Grekov, 1965b; Resanov, 1983), e.g. 1.6/km 15 February 1962 (Dobrokhotov, 1963) and 2.7-8.3/km in late January-early February 1963 (Oliger, 1967). Only 50 recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1996 plus 10 estimated in Shirvan Reserve (Paynter et al. 1996a) KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: >400 at Lake Aggel and 125-155 at Lake Sarisu in January 1991 (MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Common at Shah Spit (Bannikova et al., 1984). MORTALITY: Popular game bird (MP). Some perish at oiled lakes of Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946).

158. Woodcock - Scolopax rusticola Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

EN

IA

HABITAT: WINTER: Blackberry, Juncus and tamarisk thickets, lowland and tugai forests, coastal reeds, gardens and orchards (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Zlotin, 1963; Agaeva, 1969; Gambarov, 1975; MP).

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve, Sara Peninsula, and southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b; Verestchagin, 1947; Vinogradov et al., 1990). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta (MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (Agaeva, 1969).

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Mesha dzullutu STATUS: Common migrant and wintering species, possibly rare summer resident (in the past?). Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer (former distribution): No summer records in the 20th century. GREATER CAUCASUS: Formerly observed in forests of Kuba District in June (Bogdanov, 1879). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Forests of Lenkoran Lowland in June (Radde, 1884). Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Zardob, Udjari and Kurdamir Districts (Shirvan Steppe), the vicinity of Gandja and Mingechaur, Alazani Valley and Lake Aggel (Verestchagin, 1947; Zlotin, 1963; Gambarov, 1975; MP).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: February through early May. COASTAL: Leaves Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula in February-early March, latest spring records on March 29th (Grekov, 1965b). Observed in the vicinity of Lenkoran 16-23 March (Radde, 1884) and in Absheron Peninsula in early April (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). One observed on Mount Beuk-Dush (Gobustan Upland) on 4 April 1991 (MP). INTERIOR: Passage at Mount Alibek in Zakatali District (Greater Caucasus Mountains) on 6 May 1937 (Gambarov, 1954). Fall passage: Mid September to mid November. COASTAL: Arrives at orchards of Absheron Peninsula (e.g. Baku) in late October-early November (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP) and at Kizil Agach from early October to mid November (Grekov, 1965b). INTERIOR: Recorded on Mount Alibek (near Zakatali) in September 1936 and 2-7 daily during 12 October-8 November 1937 (Gambarov, 1954). In Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on 14 September 1961 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b).

159. Eurasian Curlew - Numenius arquata Linnaeus, 1758 Azeri name: Airidimdik (all curlews) STATUS: Common migrant and wintering species, and rare summer resident (no evidence of breeding). Subspecies N. a. arquata Linnaeus, 1758 and N. a. orientalis C. L. Brehm, 1831.

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Considered a summer resident in Mugan by Satunin (1912b). Flocks of nonbreeders observed in Kizil Agach Reserve throughout the summer (Verestchagin, 1950; Grekov, 1965b). A pair in semi-desert south of Cape Pirsagat 11-23 May 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a).

The Birds of Azerbaijan G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

EN

IA

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Small numbers at lakes Aggel and Sarisu (Paynter et al., 1996a; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve (e.g. Kulagin and Lake Karakush), Lenkoran Lowland and southeastern Shirvan (Grekov, 1965b; Vinogradov et al., 1990; Paynter et al., 1996a). Wintered in southern Mugan in the past (Satunin, 1907, 1912b). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Recorded at Cape Alat in mid December (Shelton, 2001). HABITAT: MIGRATION AND WINTER: Semi-desert, coastal meadows, islands of the Caspian Sea (MP). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late February through early May.

COASTAL: Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve from late February-early March to May (Grekov, 1965b). A large flock between Saliani and Lenkoran on March 7th (Bogdanov, 1879). Migrates through southeastern Shirvan, Cape Pirsagat and Baku Archipelago in late April-early May (Patrikeev, 1991a). Fall passage: COASTAL: Small flocks of males arrive at Absheron Peninsula, islands of the Caspian Sea and Kizil Agach Reserve in mid July. Conspicuous passage in August through mid October, e.g. in Samur Delta, Divichi Liman, Kilazi Spit, Yashma Island, Absheron Peninsula, Sangachal Bay, Kura Delta and Kizil Agach Reserve (Verestchagin, 1950; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Grekov, 1965b; Tuaev, 1965, 1975; Butiev et al., 1990b; MP). Latest sighting in Kizil Agach Reserve on November 13th (Grekov, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes Sarisu and Aggel, Mil Steppe (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Passage: FALL: Flocks of 20-50 on Yashma Island in August (MP). In Kizil Agach Reserve: flocks of 8100 adult males in July, 600-700 at Akusha Marsh on 28 September 1958 (Grekov, 1965b) and 250 at Kabanya Spit in August 1984 and 1985 (Shubin, 1991b). Flocks of 30-40 recorded at Lake Aggel, but not annually (Vinogradov, 1967). Winter: Probably <1,500 in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP).<200 in Kizil Agach Reserve in the 1950s and 1980s (Grekov, 1965b; Vinogradov et al., 1990) and 220 in 1996. Also 180 at Lake Sarisu and 6 in Shirvan Reserve in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). MORTALITY: Found dead in oiled lakes and oil storage facilities in Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946).

160. Whimbrel - Numenius phaeopus Linnaeus, 1758 Azeri name: Airidimdik (all curlews) STATUS: Common migrant and uncommon wintering species. Subspecies N. p. phaeopus Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Small numbers winter in Mugan, Lenkoran Lowland and Kizil Agach Reserve (Satunin, 1912b; Tugarinov, 1950; Grekov, 1965b). HABITAT: MIGRATION: Semi-desert, seashore and islands of the Caspian Sea (Verestchagin, 1950; MP). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late March through late May. COASTAL: Some in the vicinity of Prishib (Mugan) on March 20th and good numbers at Lenkoran 25 March-14 April (Radde, 1884). In Kizil Agach Reserve spring passage is inconspicuous (Grekov, 1965b). Recorded near Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan) and Cape Pirsagat from mid April through late May (Patrikeev, 1991a). One collected at Divichi Liman on April 22nd (Tuaev, 1965). Fall passage: June through early October. COASTAL: Single birds and small flocks recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve as early as June 3rd, but generally arrives at the reserve (e.g. Arakelovskaya Banka) and Sara Peninsula in July-

August (Grekov, 1965b). A young bird collected in northern Absheron Peninsula on August 15th (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958), but most conspicuous in the peninsula, nearby islands (including Yashma Island) and the Caspian shore between Baku and Lenkoran after mid August (Verestchagin, 1950; MP). Latest fall records in Kizil Agach Reserve in early October (Grekov, 1965b). POPULATION SIZE: Passage: SPRING: Flocks of 15-50 at Shorgel Lakes (Shirvan Reserve) in April-May 1990, e.g. c. 150 on 25-26 April (Patrikeev, 1991a). F ALL : 150-200 at Arakelovskaya Banka (Kizil Agach Reserve) in July-August 1958 and flocks of 10-20 common elsewhere in the reserve and in Sara Peninsula in August (Grekov, 1965b).

T 159

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160 The Birds of Azerbaijan 161. Slender-billed Curlew - Numenius tenuirostris Vieillot, 1818 STATUS: Globally endangered species, close to extinction. Rare migrant in Azerbaijan. Monotypic. HABITAT: MIGRATION: Low-lying islands of the Caspian Sea (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.). MOVEMENT: Already rare in Azerbaijan, e.g. Mugan Steppe in the late 19th-early 20th centuries (Satunin, 1912b). A well-preserved specimen recovered from Binagadi Asphalt Lake, Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946). Fall passage: COASTAL: Remains of one bird (a partly decomposed head and a handful of feathers) examined on Yashma Island (to the north of Absheron Peninsula) in August 1988.

The bird was apparently taken from a group of 3-4. Hunters frequenting the island insisted on seeing these “smaller” or “lesser” curlews almost every year. Similar information was obtained from Y. Guseinov (Absheron Committee for Nature Conservation) who probably observed Slender-billed Curlew on Yashma Island in the late mid-1980s (MP). REMARKS: The Asian Waterfowl Census of 1990-1992 revealed small numbers of Slender-billed Curlews wintering in Iran (e.g. 38 in 1990 and 21 in 1992), Oman and Saudi Arabia (Perennou et al., 1990; Perennou & Mundkhur, 1991, 1992). Perhaps some of those were birds passing through Yashma Island during migration.

162. Black-tailed Godwit - Limosa limosa Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Recorded near Cape Alat in mid December (Shelton, 2001).

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Shemakha

HABITAT: WINTER: Mudflats and shallow lakes (Grekov, 1965b; Resanov, 1983).

STATUS: Common migrant and uncommon wintering species; possibly a rare summer resident. Subspecies L. l. limosa Linnaeus, 1758.

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid March through late April. COASTAL: Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve from mid March, peaks in late March-early April and latest sightings in late April (Grekov, 1965b). Recorded at Shorgel Lakes and Cape Pirsagat (southeastern Shirvan) from mid to late April (Patrikeev, 1991a). One collected near Kilazi (to the north of Absheron Peninsula) on 21 April 1960 (Gambarov, 1960). Fall passage: Early July through early December. COASTAL: Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve in early to mid July (Grekov, 1965b). Observed at Divichi Liman, Yashma Island and Kura Delta in August (Tuaev, 1965, 1975; MP) and in Samur Delta from August to October with sightings of single birds as late as early December (Butiev et al., 1990b). Conspicuous passage through Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula from August to November (Grekov, 1965b; Shubin, 1991b).

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Summer status is unclear. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: A pair and 8 non-breeding birds recorded at Lake Aggel (Mil Steppe) on June 1st (Tuaev, 1975). According to the staff of Aggel Reserve, this species was relatively common at Aggel in summers 1989-1990 (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS : 19 th century summer records from southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b) and Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884). Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes Aggel and Sarisu, Mil Steppe (Tuaev, 1975; MP) and Lake Hadjikabul in Shirvan Steppe (Radde, 1884; Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve (e.g. Ivanovskaya Banka, the mouth of Vilajchai, the mouth of Pogranichnyi Channel and Lake Karakush), Sara Peninsula (Grekov, 1965b; Resanov, 1983; MP), Lenkoran Lowland and southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b; MP).

POPULATION SIZE: Passage: SPRING: Kizil Agach Reserve: 600-700 at Sobachyi-Zub on March 17th and flocks of 30-40 at Kalinovsky Liman and Lesser Kizil Agach Bay throughout March in the late 1950s (Grekov, 1965b). >100 at Lake Kichik-Shorgel on 13 April 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). FALL: 43 at Sobachyi-Zub (Kizil Agach Reserve) on 12 July 1957 and 500-600 at the tip of Sara Peninsula in mid October 1957 (Grekov, 1965b). Flocks of 8-12 at Divichi Liman in early August (Tuaev, 1965) and of 20-30 on Yashma Island in mid August (MP). Up to 5,650 in Kizil Agach Reserve: Lake Karakush, Kabanya Spit and Kulagin in August 1984 and 1985 (Shubin, 1991b). Winter: No estimate. 896 in 1996 (Delany et al., 1999). S OUTHEAST LOWLANDS : In Kizil Agach Reserve: 40-50 at Ivanovskaya Banka on 8 February 1959 and 150 on 5 March 1959 (Grekov, 1965b), 12.5/km on the shores of Greater Kizil

Baku

A

R

M

EN

IA

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Okh-dzullut

The Birds of Azerbaijan

Agach Bay on 16 February 1962 (Dobrokhotov, 1963), up to 50 in the mouth of Pogranichnyi Channel in January 1975 (Resanov, 1983) and 813 in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a).

KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: >300 at Lake Aggel, Mil Steppe in January 1991 (MP). 2 at Lake Hadjikabul in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003).

163. Bar-tailed Godwit - Limosa lapponica Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Rare migrant and possibly rare wintering species. Subspecies L. l. lapponica Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: No records in the 1950s-early 1990s, but 2 reported in 1997 (Gilissen et al., 2000). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes of Mil Steppe in the 1930s-1940s (Verestchagin, 1950). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early April to mid May.

COASTAL: Earliest record (11 birds) in Sara Peninsula on 5 April 1958. Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve from April to mid May; latest sighting May 17th (Grekov, 1965b). One observed south of Cape Pirsagat on 18 May 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Fall passage: July to mid November. COASTAL: Single birds (mostly adult males) recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve in July. Five adults in Sara Peninsula on August 7th, 15-18 at Arakelovskaya Bank (Kizil Agach Reserve) on October 18th. Passage is over by mid November (Grekov, 1965b).

FAMILY GLAREOLIDAE - PRATINCOLES and COURSERS 164. Collared Pratincole - Glareola pratincola Linnaeus, 1766 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

EN

IA

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Nachaguirut dzullut STATUS: Common migrant and nesting species. Subspecies G. p. pratincola Linnaeus, 1766. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes Aggel, Sarisu and Mekhman (Mil Steppe), Lake Hadjikabul and Karayasi Steppe (Gambarov, 1956; Vinogradov, 1967; Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Several colonies in Kizil Agach Reserve, e.g. at Avarinyi and Sbrosnoyi Channels, Kulagin Lookout, Ivanovskaya Banka (Grekov, 1965b; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a). Also in southern Mugan (e.g. Lake Mahmud-chala) and southeastern Shirvan, e.g. Shirvan Reserve, along the Main Shirvan Channel and at Cape Pirsagat (Patrikeev, 1991a, c). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Islands of Baku Archipelago: Glinanyi, Pervaya Grada, Baburyi and possibly Tashkent (Patrikeev, 1991a, c). One observed near Shikhovo south of Baku on 6 July 1990 (MP).

SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman and the vicinity of Kelani. Apparently absent from the liman from the early 20th century to c. 1958 (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Tuaev, 1965; Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). HABITAT: NESTING: Saltpans, dry ponds, livestock-trampled shores of freshwater ponds, lake islets and ridges of seashells overgrown with herbaceous plants on islands of the Caspian Sea (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a; Vinogradov, 1967; Israfilov, 1989; Patrikeev, 1991a, c). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early April to mid May. COASTAL: Usually arrives in southeast lowlands and Mugan in mid to late April, e.g. c. 16-27April in Kizil Agach Reserve, but later in cold springs: earliest sighting in the reserve in 1956 on May 8th (Grekov, 1965b; Tuaev, 1975; Patrikeev, 1991a). Earliest records in Samur Delta in early April, conspicuous passage in late April-early May and latest sighting on May 15th (Butiev et al., 1990a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Arrives at Aggel and Sarisu in mid to late April (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975). Fall passage: August through mid October. COASTAL : Leaves Kizil Agach Reserve in August-early September, latest record on September 12th (Grekov, 1965b). In Samur Delta, fall passage is inconspicuous: recorded 26 August-12 September (Butiev et al., 1990a). One collected in Gobustan Upland on 1 October 1937. Flocks and single birds observed between Kilazi Spit and northern Absheron Peninsula in mid October (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Tuaev, 1965). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Leaves Lake Aggel in September (Israfilov, 1989). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably >500 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP).

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162 The Birds of Azerbaijan SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: At least 3 colonies in Kizil Agach Reserve in the mid 1950s (e.g. a colony of 50-60 pairs). Large flocks of fledged young (e.g. 5,000-7,000 at Ivanovskaya Banka on 11 July 1955) might have come from elsewhere. At least 58-67 pairs in the reserve in 1957-1958 (Grekov, 1965b), <75 pairs in the early 1960s (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a). Numbers remained low in the late 1980s-early 1990s. In 1990 7-8 pairs at Zavvar (Lake Mahmud-chala) and 15 pairs at Lake Kichik-Shorgel, southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a, c; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: >19 pairs at Aggel in 1975, and a flock of 45 (including juveniles) on July 28th (Israfilov, 1989). 33 at Sarisu and 3 at Hadjikabul in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). ISLANDS OF THE CASPIAN SEA: 80-90 pairs nested in Pirsagat Islands (Baku Archipelago) in 1989, e.g. 35 pairs on Pervaya Grada and 40 pairs on Baburyi (Patrikeev, 1991a). c. 50 pairs on Glinanyi Island (Baku Archipelago) in 1990 (MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: 74 at Divichi Liman in late June-early July 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Passage: SPRING: Uncommon in Samur Delta. In 1988: 12 on April 21st, flocks of 10-11 during 20-30 April, 50 on April 30th and tens on May 4th (Butiev et al., 1990a). FALL: 150-200 on September 12th in Kizil Agach Reserve (Grekov, 1965b). Rare in Samur Delta: 2 on 12 September 1988 and 11 on 26 August 1989 (Butiev et al., 1990a).

8.9-12.1 cm, depth 25-30 mm (Israfilov, 1989). Clutch contains 2-3 eggs; measurements 29.0-34.1 x 23.4-25.7 mm (Israfilov, 1989). In southeastern Shirvan, complete clutches of 2 eggs laid by 11-12 May 1990. 3 nests with eggs on Pervaya Grada Island, Baku Archipelago on 22 May 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). At Aggel, eggs laid throughout May, e.g. 5 nests with 1 egg each, 2 nests with 2 eggs and 11 nests with 3 eggs on 25 May 1975 (Israfilov, 1989). In Kizil Agach Reserve, nests with 1-2 eggs on 24 May 1959, but a female with egg collected on 5 June 1956 (Grekov, 1965b). Two nests with 2 eggs each found at Kelani (Samur-Divichi Lowland) on June 26th and July 8th respectively (Tuaev, 1965). Incubation lasts 17-18 days and both partners incubate (Israfilov, 1989). A newly hatched chick on Lake Aggel on 25 May 1975 (Israfilov, 1989). A brood on Pervaya Grada Island on 22 May 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). In Kizil Agach Reserve small young recorded from mid June to mid July (Grekov, 1965b; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a) and at Divichi Liman in early July (Tuaev, 1965). The young are on the wing on c. 22nd day (Israfilov, 1989). Nests often fail due to elements, e.g. all nests in one colony in Kizil Agach Reserve flooded after heavy rains in May 1956 (Grekov, 1965b) and continuous rains and cold weather caused nest failures in Shirvan Reserve in mid May 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a).

BREEDING: Colonial species often nesting in mixed colonies with other shorebirds and terns, e.g. Kentish Plover, Blackwinged Stilt, Avocet, Common Tern and Little Tern (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a; Patrikeev, 1991a, c). Nest is a scrape in the ground lined with a few grass stems or without any lining. Nests are usually in the open on the mainland, but hidden under saltworts or other perennial plants on islands of the Caspian Sea, possibly to avoid gull predation (Patrikeev, 1991a, c). At Lake Aggel, nests 1-10 m apart. Nest diameter (n=6)

DIET: Insectivorous. Mostly aerial feeder catching flying insects on the wing, but also feeds on the ground. Collared Pratincoles nesting on the islands of Baku Archipelago regularly make 6-10 km feeding trips to the mainland (Patrikeev, 1991a). Stomachs examined at Lake Aggel (n=8) contained beetles (48.2%), grasshoppers (13.8%), ants and other Hymenoptera (6.9%), flies and other Diptera (6.9%) and other insects (24.1%) (Israfilov, 1989). Stomachs of other four individuals completely filled with ants (Tuaev, 1975).

165. Black-winged Pratincole - Glareola nordmanni Nordmann, 1842 STATUS: Rare nesting species and migrant. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Nested at Lake Aggel (Mil Steppe) in 1962 (Vinogradov, 1967), but not found there in 1975 (Israfilov, 1989). Possibly overlooked. SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: One near Sarivan at Divichi Liman on 27 June 1892 (Satunin, 1907). HABITAT: NESTING: At Lake Aggel, nested on a silty spit with scattered reeds (Vinogradov, 1967). MOVEMENT: Migrated through Mugan Steppe in the past (Satunin, 1912b). Spring passage: Rare in Samur Delta: recorded from early to mid May (Butiev et al., 1990a). Fall passage: Recorded in Samur Delta from mid August to mid September (Butiev et al., 1990a).

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No recent summer records. May no longer breed in Azerbaijan. Lake Aggel: 2 nests in 1962 and 17-20 pairs in 1963 (Vinogradov, 1967). Passage: SPRING: In Samur Delta, 1 on 1 May 1988, single birds and flocks of 3-5 during 4-9 May 1988 and single birds 11-17 May 1989 (Butiev et al., 1990a). FALL: In Samur Delta, c. 30 recorded 19 August-10 September 1988, e.g. a flock of 21 on September 7th (Butiev et al., 1990a). BREEDING: At Lake Aggel, nested in mixed colonies with White-tailed Plovers, Black-winged Stilts, Common Terns and Little Terns. 2 nests with 2 eggs found at the lake (first nesting record for Azerbaijan) on 25 June 1962 and 2 colonies (5 and 12-15 pairs) in 1963, e.g. 2 nests with 1 and 3 eggs. All nests had no lining (Vinogradov, 1967).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

166. Cream-coloured Courser - Cursorius cursor Latham, 1787 STATUS: Accidental visitor in the past (no records since the early 19th century). Probably subspecies C. c. bogolubovi Zarudny, 1886.

ably no other records. In 1838 Nordmann referred to Menetries’ observations (Bogdanov, 1879; Satunin, 1907).

REMARKS: Menetries observed this species in saltwort semidesert between Baku and Saliani in the early 19th century. Prob-

FAMILY STERCORARIIDAE - SKUAS or JAEGERS 167. Pomarine Skua - Stercorarius pomarinus Temminck, 1815 STATUS: Accidental winter visitor. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: Occasionally recorded on the Caspian shore of Azerbaijan and in Mugan in the late 19th-early

20th centuries (Satunin, 1907, 1912b). No recent records from Azerbaijan, although recorded in Armenia in 1966 (Airumian et al., 1968) and on the Caspian shore of Turkmenistan in 1973 (Scherbina, 1977).

168. Arctic Skua - Stercorarius parasiticus Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Accidental winter visitor in the past. Monotypic.

Caspian shore of Azerbaijan and in Mugan. No other records.

DISTRIBUTION: Winter: In the late 19th-early 20th centuries Satunin (1912a; 1912b) observed this species on the

FAMILY LARIDAE - GULLS and TERNS 169. Great Black-headed Gull - Larus ichthyaetus Pallas, 1773 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

EN

IA

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

STATUS: Uncommon migrant and wintering species; nested in the past. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer (former distribution): SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: A colony of c. 60 pairs at the north end of Sara Island (Kizil Agach Bay) in the mid and late 19th century (Radde, 1884) was abandoned by the early 20th century, but a large colony found on Burunki Island to the north of Sara (Satunin, 1907). The Burunki colony probably disappeared in the late 1930s, when Burunki and other islands of Kizil Agach Bay were

connected to the mainland (due to the retreat of the Caspian Sea) and terrestrial predators arrived on the islands (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Observed around Absheron Peninsula in the past, e.g. on 10 June 1898 (Satunin, 1907). Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mingechaur Reservoir, Varvara Reservoir (rare), Lake Aggel in Mil Steppe, the vicinity of Shamkhor and Djandargel (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Cranswick et al., 1998; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Greater and Lesser Kizil Agach Bay (Gazanchian, 1951; Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Rare in southeastern Shirvan (Paynter et al., 1996a). Wintered in southern Mugan in the past (Satunin, 1912b). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Occasionally at Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958), e.g. Shah Spit (Bannikova et al., 1984) and Kilazi Spit (Shelton, 2001). HABITAT: NESTING (PAST): Low seashell beach (Radde, 1884). WINTER: Coastal waters of the Caspian Sea; lakes and reservoirs (Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late February to early April. COASTAL: Earliest spring sighting at Lenkoran on February 28th and conspicuous arrival on March 22nd (Radde, 1884). Recorded near Kilazi Spit in early April (Shelton, 2001).

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164 The Birds of Azerbaijan Fall passage: Up to 20 observed at fishponds in Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1990b). POPULATION SIZE: Winter: Probably >500 in the late 1980searly 1990s (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lake Aggel: flocks of 2-10 irregularly seen in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967), but small numbers winter regularly from the late 1960s (Tuaev, 1975), e.g. c. 20 in January 1991 (MP). Up to 300 at Mingechaur Reservoir in the late 1960s (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972). c. 40 in Kizil Agach Reserve and 2 in Shirvan Reserve in 1996 (Paynter et

al. 1996a), 300 at Shamkhor Reservoir in February 1998 (Cranswick et al., 1998) and 65 at Lake Djandargel in February 2001 (Shelton, 2001). BREEDING: Nests on Sara Island contained eggs or chicks on June 1st. Egg size: 79-85 x 46-55 mm (Radde, 1884). DIET: Fish and fish refuse in Kizil Agach Reserve and surrounding villages, e.g. observed catching small Sanders (Stizostedion lucioperca) in the mouth of Kumbashi (Satunin, 1907; Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963).

170. Mediterranean Gull - Larus melanocephalus Temminck, 1820 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

EN

IA

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: 60 (single birds and flocks of up to 10) observed in Samur Delta on 9 May 1988 (Butiev et al., 1989). One recorded in a mixed flock of Blackheaded and Little Gulls at Lake Kichik-Shorgel, southeastern Shirvan on 13 April 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: 28 nests on Pelikanyi Island on 21 May 1989 (Patrikeev, 1990b). BREEDING: On 21 May 1989 nests (n=28) contained 1-3 eggs (18 nests with 3 eggs each, 9 nests with 2 eggs and 1 nest with 1 egg). Nests built of dry grass or algae 0.5-1 m apart. Several pairs of Common Terns nested on the edge of the colony (Patrikeev, 1990b).

IRAN

STATUS: Rare nesting species and migrant. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: One colony discovered on Pelikanyi Island (Pirsagat Islands of Baku Archipelago) on 13 May 1989. First breeding record for Azerbaijan and the Caspian Sea (Patrikeev, 1990b). HABITAT: NESTING: Islands of the Caspian Sea. In 1989 nested on limestone outcrops in the south part of Pelikanyi Island (Patrikeev, 1990b).

DIET: Regularly seen on the mainland (7-10 km from Pelikanyi Island) where probably forages for terrestrial invertebrates (Patrikeev, 1990b). REMARKS: Recent arrival in the region. A few accidental records in the northern and eastern sectors of the Caspian Sea in the 1950s (Zaletaev, 1960). Closest colonies are on islands of Manich Reservoir, North Caucasus Plain c. 900 km from Baku Archipelago (Zubakin, 1988).

171. Little Gull - Larus minutus Pallas, 1776 STATUS: Common migrant and wintering species; summer status is unclear. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Common at the Caspian shore in the late 19th-early 20th centuries; several specimens collected (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). Recent summer records from Varvara Reservoir, e.g. 3 in 1998 (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lesser Kizil Agach Bay (MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: The vicinity of Baku (Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989), Shah Spit, Kilazi Spit and probably elsewhere in Absheron Peninsula (Bannikova et al., 1984; Shelton, 2001; MP).

HABITAT: WINTER AND MIGRATION: Seashore, lakes, marshes and rubbish dumps (Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989; Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early March to mid May. COASTAL: Recorded near Nardaran (northern Absheron Peninsula) on March 3d (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958), Divichi Liman in March, Kilazi Spit in early April (Shelton, 2001), at Lenkoran in mid April (Radde, 1884) and at Shorgel Lakes throughout April-early May 1990, latest sighting on the lakes on May 12th (Patrikeev, 1991a). Fall passage: August through October.

The Birds of Azerbaijan G Tbilisi

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POPULATION SIZE: Passage: SPRING: c. 200 at Lake KichikShorgel (southeastern Shirvan) in April 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). FALL: Flocks of 5-150 at Divichi Liman in August, but c. 400 recorded on August 21st (Tuaev, 1965). Winter: 30 in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1996 (Paynter et al. 1996a), 325 in 1997 (Gilissen et al., 2000).

Shemakha Baku

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Aras Rive

DIET: Examined stomachs contained insects (49.8%, including larvae of gnats Chironomidae), amphibians (40%, mostly tadpoles of Marsh Frog Rana ridibunda), fish (10%) and spiders (0.2%) (Tuaev, 1965; Vasiliev, 1975).

Lenkoran

r

1958; Butiev et al., 1990b). Recorded in Kura Delta and Mugan (Satunin, 1912b; Tuaev, 1975). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Observed at Lake Aggel, Mil Steppe (Tuaev, 1975).

IRAN

COASTAL: Common at Divichi Liman in August (Tuaev, 1965). Passes through Samur Delta and Absheron Peninsula (e.g. at Shuvelan) in September-October (Gambarov & Gazanchian,

MORTALITY: Some perished in oiled lakes of Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946).

172. Black-headed Gull - Larus ridibundus Linnaeus, 1766 G Tbilisi

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Ku

DAGESTAN R

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Shemakha Baku

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Stepanakert

Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mingechaur Reservoir, lakes Aggel and Djandargel (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Tuaev, 1975; E. Sultanov). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Small numbers winter in Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), Shorgel Lakes and Kura Delta (Vasiliev, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; Paynter et al., 1996a). Observed in Lenkoran Lowland after snowstorms (Mustafaev, 1972). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Recent wintering species in Absheron Peninsula, e.g. in Baku suburbs, but also in Shah Spit (Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989; MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Islands (Gambarov, 1956). WINTER AND MIGRATION: Marshes, lakes, semi-desert and rubbish dumps (Vinogra-

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

dov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989)

IRAN

STATUS: Rare nesting species, common migrant and wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Nested on Lake Mehman (Mil Steppe) in the 1950s (Gambarov, 1956). Flocks of 3-9 seen at other lakes of Mil Steppe (e.g. Aggel and Sarisu) and Lake Hadjikabul, but no breeding records (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Irregular nesting species in Kizil Agach Reserve, e.g. at Kalinovsky Liman and Lake Karakush (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Vinogradov et al., 1990). Single birds observed at Shorgel Lakes, southeastern Shirvan in late May 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Recorded in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b), e.g. at Mahmud-chala (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Non-breeders observed on Pirsagat Islands of Baku Archipelago in April-May 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid February to mid April. COASTAL: Conspicuous migration at Lenkoran, in Kizil Agach Reserve, Kura Delta and Absheron Peninsula (Radde, 1884; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Tuaev, 1975). Passes via Absheron Peninsula from mid February (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP) and through Kizil Agach Reserve from March (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Recorded at Shorgel Lakes, southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Migrates through Lake Sarisu (Mil Steppe), Shilian Marsh (Shirvan Steppe) and Pirsagat Valley; also through Aras and Arpa-chai valleys in Nakhichevan Region (Tuaev, 1975; MP). Fall passage: From mid August. COASTAL: Arrives at Kura Delta c. 18-24 August (Vasiliev, 1967). Also recorded in southeastern Shirvan (e.g. at Shorgel Lakes) and Kizil Agach Reserve (Tuaev, 1975; MP). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Unknown. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve: 1 nest at Kalinovsky Liman in 1954 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a) and 5

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166 The Birds of Azerbaijan pairs at Lake Karakush in 1982 (Vinogradov et al., 1990). 2 at Mahmud-chala in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 8 at Hadjikabul and 3 at Sarisu in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Passage: SPRING: Up to 2,000 Black-headed AND Common Gulls in Kizil Agach Reserve in March (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). c. 100 at Lake Kichik-Shorgel, southeastern Shirvan on 13 April 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). FALL: 300-400 in Kura Delta in August in the early 1960s (Vasiliev, 1967). Winter: Up to 600 at fishponds in Kura Delta in the early 1960s (Vasiliev, 1967). Thousands wintered in and around Baku in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). 10 estimated in each of Kizil Agach and Shirvan reserves in 1996 (Paynter et al. 1996a), 344 recorded in 1997 and 740 in 1998 (Gilissen et al., 2000).

BREEDING: All known nests at Lake Mehman and in Kizil Agach Reserve in mixed colonies with terns and shorebirds (Gambarov, 1956; Vinogradov et al., 1990). DIET: Stomachs (n=46) of individuals collected by Vasiliev (1967) during February-April and June-July mostly contained insects (especially larvae of gnats Chironomidae, but also weevils, leaf-beetles, imago and larvae of diving beetles, beetles of family Staphylinidae, water bugs and flies), but very little fish (fry of European Carp Cyprinus carpio and Asp Aspius aspius), some fisheries refuse, but also plant fragments. Some crops contained earthworms (Vasiliev, 1967). MORTALITY: Oiled Black-headed Gulls recovered in Absheron Peninsula, particularly near Binagadi (Verestchagin, 1946).

173. Slender-billed Gull - Larus genei Breme, 1840 G Tbilisi

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HABITAT: NESTING: Small predator-free rocky or volcanic islands in the Caspian Sea; possibly islands in some lakes (MP).

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Aras Rive

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IRAN

STATUS: Uncommon nesting species, common migrant and uncommon wintering species. Monotypic. Vulnerable. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON

AND IS-

LANDS: Nesting first confirmed in the mid 1980s by Y. Guseinov

(pers. comm.) on Pelikanyi Island (Pirsagat Islands of Baku Archipelago). Three colonies in Baku Archipelago in 1989 on Pelikanyi, Baklanyi and Los’ (Karasy) islands (Patrikeev, 1991a). Not found on Pirsagat Islands in the mid 1960s (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969). May colonize (perhaps have colonized) other islands of Baku Archipelago (MP). Satunin (1907) suspected nesting on Sviatoyi (Artem) Island in April 1891. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: May nest at lakes of southeastern Shirvan where groups and courtship observed at Lake Beuk-Shorgel on 9 May 1990; some remained at the lake in late May (Patrikeev, 1991a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: A pair in breeding plumage collected at Lake Aggel, Mil Steppe on 8 June 1962 (Tuaev, 1975). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Irregular wintering species in Kizil Agach Reserve (Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963; MP) and possibly in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Absheron Peninsula (Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963; MP).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Migrates through Kizil Reserve, Kura Delta, Kilazi Spit and possibly southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b; Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963; Tuaev, 1975; Shelton, 2001). Fall passage: COASTAL: Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve from August to early December (Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Possibly in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: >500 pairs in the late 1980searly 1990s (MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: c. 450-550 pairs in Baku Archipelago in 1989: 300-400 pairs on Pelikanyi Island, 80-100 pairs on the tiny and barren Baklanyi Island and 46 pairs on Los’ (Karasy) Island (Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: 22 on a tiny islet in Lake Beuk-Shorgel (southeastern Shirvan) and 50 on a flooded plain to the east of the lake on 9 May 1990, 20 at Lake Beuk-Shorgel on 20 May 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Passage: SPRING: Up to 1,500 in Kizil Agach Reserve in the late 1950s (Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963). FALL: 500-600/year passed through Kizil Agach Reserve in the late 1950s (Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Winter: Only 1 in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1996 (Paynter et al. 1996a). BREEDING: Nests in dense colonies: nests 20-50 cm apart in Baku Archipelago. On Los’ Island, 46 nests of this species and 3 nests of Common Terns in a 7 x 5.5 m area. Nests built of dry twigs, grass and algae. At the north end of Pelikanyi Island all nests were in long narrow grooves in limestone providing some protected from the wind (MP). Clutch contains 2-3 eggs. Nests on Pelikanyi Island contained 2-3 eggs on 13 May 1989; 32 of 46 nests on Los’ Island contained 2 eggs and the rest 1 egg each on 4 June 1989 (MP). Nesting in dense

The Birds of Azerbaijan

colonies might be advantageous to reduce predation by Yellow-legged Gulls common on the islands (MP). Slender-billed Gulls usually avoid nesting in proximity to that species (Zubakin, 1988). When a Yellow-legged Gull or other bird flew over a colony of Slender-billed Gulls, all of the latter “buzzed” the intruder (MP).

etc.) insects 39% (larvae of gnats Chironomidae, Diptera, ants), amphibians 5.2% (Vasiliev, 1975). On Pelikanyi Island, several individuals preyed on eggs of Sandwich Terns; the incubating terns sometimes attacked these Slender-billed Gulls wandering freely between tern nests, but the gulls pecked eggs in several unattended nests (MP).

DIET: Fish 55.8% (European Carp, Lookup Culter sp., Atherine Atherina mochon, introduced Mosquito Fish Gambusia punctata,

REMARKS: Probably affected by oil pollution; plumage of several birds on Pelikanyi Island stained with oil (MP).

174. Lesser Black-backed Gull – Larus fuscus Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Accidental visitor. Subspecies L. f. fuscus Linnaeus, 1758. The only record is from Shelton (2001) who observed this species in April of 1999 or 2000 in the vicinity of Cape Kilazi (north of Baku).

175. Yellow-legged Gull - Larus cachinnans Pallas, 1811 G Tbilisi

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IRAN

Azeri name: Gagai (all gulls, but especially this species) STATUS: Common resident, migrant and wintering species. Increasing. Subspecies L. c. cachinnans Pallas, 1811. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Locations of nesting colonies changed in the past due to fluctuations of the Caspian Sea and possibly human disturbance. CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Mostly in Baku Archipelago since the mid 1950s. The largest colony is on Glinanyi Island off Cape Alat (since the mid 1960s). Smaller colonies on Los’ (Karasy), Svinoyi (Sangi-Mugan), Pirsagat Islands (e.g. Pelikanyi, Baburyi, Tashkent and Rakushechnyi), Oblivnoyi, Kamen-Ignatia and possibly other islands of the archipelago. Small numbers may nest on abandoned oilrigs and platforms, e.g. between Los’ Island and the mainland (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969; Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). Only small numbers nested in the archipelago in the 1950s; a colony on Bulla Island abandoned by the mid 1960s because of oildevelopment (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969). Also nests on smaller islands of Absheron Archipelago (Sultanov & Karabanova,

1989; MP), but colonies on larger islands, e.g. Nargin, abandoned in the early 1950s (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Non-breeding individuals occur along the entire Caspian shore (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS AND ISLANDS: From the late 19th century to the 1950s the largest colony in Azerbaijan was found on islands of Kizil Agach Bay: first on Sara Island (until the mid 1930s), then Kulagin (until 1938-1940) and Krestovyi (until 1954). The colony moved from one island to another following the retreat of the Caspian Sea connecting the islands to the mainland and the subsequent influx of terrestrial predators such as Red Fox and Golden Jackal. In 1954-1956 Yellowlegged Gulls still nested at Kizil Agach Bay but later disappeared (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Verestchagin, 1947; Gazanchian, 1951; Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). In the past might have nested on lakes of southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). During April-May 1990 dozens of adults and semi-adults seen at Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan), but those were probably visitors from Oblivnoyi Island (Patrikeev, 1991a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: In the late 1980s-early 1990s, both Larus cachinnans and L. armenicus were treated as subspecies of Herring Gull L. argentatus (Ilichev & Zubakin, 1988) or L. armenicus included in L. cachinnans (Stepanyan, 1990), and field records did not differentiate between the two species. However, the majority of sub-adults of L. argentatus-L. cachinnans complex observed in Kura Valley (up to Karayasi), Aras and Arpa-chai valleys in Nakhichevan Region (Tuaev, 1975; MP) were probably L. cachinnans. Winter: CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Along the entire Caspian seashore. Large numbers in Absheron Peninsula, e.g. at dumps around Baku, Baku Bay, Shah Spit and Lake Mirzaladi (Bannikova et al., 1984; Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Greater and Lesser Kizil Agach bays, southeastern Shirvan and lower Kura (Dobrokhotov, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Tuaev, 1975; Vinogradov et al., 1990).

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168 The Birds of Azerbaijan KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Gulls of L. argentatus-L. cachinnans complex winter in Mil Steppe (e.g. lakes Aggel and Sarisu), Mugan Steppe, Aras Valley and along Arpa-chai River in Nakhichevan Region (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Volcanic and rocky islands of the Caspian Sea including islands with active mud-volcanoes. WINTER AND MIGRATION: Seashore, rivers and lakes, rubbish dumps and fish processing plants (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969; MP). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Mid March through April. Conspicuous passage in Absheron Peninsula and at Lesser Kizil Agach Bay (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; MP). Fall passage: COASTAL: Large numbers recorded on the Caspian shore of Samur-Divichi Lowland (Tuaev, 1965) and Absheron Peninsula in August (MP). The majority of local birds remain in the Caspian Sea region. 24 of 25 recoveries of Yellowlegged Gulls ringed as chicks in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1935 were from the Caspian Sea and only 1 from the vicinity of Basra, Iraq (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably c. 12,000 pairs in the 1980s-early 1990s (MP). (See the table below). In addition, 100-200 pairs occur on small islands of Absheron Archipelago (Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989; MP). 50 (non-breeders) at Lake Hadjikabul in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Passage: SPRING: Up to 3,000 passed through the Lesser Kizil Agach Bay every spring (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Winter: Common, but no overall estimate. 1,028 reported in 1997 and 483 in 1998 (Gilissen et al., 2000) from only a handful of sites. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Flocks of 3-10 occasionally recorded at Lake Aggel in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967), but >100 birds in January 1991 (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: 100 estimated in Kizil Agach Reserve and 10 at Shorgel Lakes in 1996 (Paynter et al. 1996a). BREEDING: Colonial. Nest-building from mid March. Nests built of twigs, algae and grass 0.5-10 m apart. Nesting close to active mud-volcanoes recorded on Los’ Island. Egg-lying

from mid March to early June (peaks in April). Clutch contains 2-3 eggs (usually 3), but nests with 4 and 5 eggs also recorded. Egg size: 64-75 x 49-53 mm (Satunin, 1907; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969; Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). Chicks hatch from mid April through early July. The majority of nests on Pelikanyi Island still contained eggs on 21 May 1989 (MP). On Sara Island chicks mostly hatched by June 1st (Satunin, 1907) and c. 80% hatched on Los’ Island by June 3rd (MP). c. 22% of eggs failed to hatch on Glinanyi Island in 1968 (Tuaev et al., 1972). The majority of young are on the wing by mid August (MP). DIET: Almost exclusively fish (c. 90%), but also crustaceans (8.5%), insects (1.5%) (Vasiliev, 1968, 1975), rodents (e.g. young Libyan Jirds Meriones erythrourus) and occasionally birds (e.g. ducklings of the Ruddy Shelduck and weakened Common Starlings). No records of predation on chicks or eggs of other gulls and terns in Azerbaijan (Mustafaev et al., 1969; MP). Of fish, Kilkas (Clupeonella sp.) eaten most frequently (93.5% of all consumed fish) including those in commercial fisheries waste; also Roach, European Carp, Atherine and Gobies (Vasiliev, 1968, 1975; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969). MORTALITY: Ornithosis virus killed >1,000 fledged young on Glinanyi Island and the vicinity in June 1968 (Tuaev et al., 1972). c. 40 dead chicks found on Los’ Island on 3 June 1989. Some had stabbing wounds and were probably pecked to death by adult Yellow-legged Gulls, but others had no visible injuries. A few dead young were found mired in volcanic mud (MP). Regularly perishes in oil spills at Absheron Peninsula and in the Caspian Sea, e.g. 64 dead found after a spill near Gum Island in February 1990 (Verestchagin, 1946; Zakiev, 1990; G. Bairamov, pers. comm.). Eggs of Yellow-legged Gulls were traditionally harvested for food in Azerbaijan. In the late 19th century, inhabitants of Lenkoran and Sara Island regularly raided the colony of this species filling whole boats with eggs (Satunin, 1907). In the 1930s, c. 30,000 eggs collected annually and sold to bakeries in Baku (Verestchagin, 1947). In the 1960s, ships’ crews often robbed colonies on Pelikanyi and Kamen-Ignatia islands (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969). Illegal egg harvesting still occurs on Glinanyi Island and perhaps other islands of Baku Archipelago (MP).

Number of Yellow-legged Gulls nesting in Azerbaijan in 1866-1989 Year 1866 1940 1930s-1940s

Islands of Kizil Agach Bay >3,000 pairs1 c. 3,000 pairs 2 10,000 pairs

Glinanyi I.5

Baku Archipelago Pirsagat Is. Los’ (Karasy) I.

500-1,000 pairs3

Source Radde, 1884 Verestchagin, 1947 Verestchagin, 1947; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969a

1965 1,500 pairs a few pairs 300-350 pairs 1966 3,000 pairs 1967 7,000 adults 1989 10,000-11,000 pairs >100 pairs4 150-200 pairs G. Bairamov pers. comm.; MP 1 – Sara Island; 2 – Kulagin Island; 3 – the entire Baku Archipelago; 4- mostly Pelikanyi Island; 5 - Glinanyi Island was declared a seasonal bird reserve in 1973 and the number of nesting Yellow-legged Gulls increased steadily throughout the 1970s-late 1980s.

The Birds of Azerbaijan

[Armenian Gull – Larus armenicus Buturlin, 1934] (Hypothetical) In the late 1980s-early 1990s, both Larus cachinnans and L. armenicus were treated as subspecies of the Herring Gull L. argentatus (Ilichev & Zubakin, 1988) or L. armenicus included in L. cachinnans (Stepanyan, 1990). Thus, most of known records did not differ-

entiate between these two species and sub-adult Armenian Gulls might have been present among sub-adults of L. argentatus-L. cachinnans complex observed in Kura Valley (up to Karayasi), Aras and Arpa-chai valleys in Nakhichevan Region (Tuaev, 1975; MP).

176. Great Black-backed Gull - Larus marinus Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Rare wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: In the late 19th-early 20th centuries, observed on the Caspian shore of Azerbaijan and in Mugan

(Satunin, 1912a, 1912b). In the 1930s or 1940s, one found dead in oil in Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946). The only recent record is of 11 in Kizil Agach Reserve in January-February 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a).

177. Common Gull - Larus canus Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Uncommon migrant and wintering species; nested in the past. Subspecies L. c. heinei Homeyer, 1853. DISTRIBUTION: Summer (former): SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS AND ISLANDS: Nested on Sara Island, Kizil Agach Bay (Radde, 1884) and possibly in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b) in the late 19th-early 20th centuries. Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Kura Valley up to Karayasi (Mustafaev, 1974a). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Irregular in Kizil Agach Reserve (e.g. Lesser Kizil Agach Bay) appearing in years when the number of small rodents is high. Not recorded in the reserve in 1958/1959 when the number of voles was low (Gazanchian, 1951; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Vinogradov et al., 1990). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Small numbers winter in Absheron Peninsula, e.g. at Lake Mirzaladi and Shah Spit (Bannikova et al., 1984; MP).

HABITAT: WINTER: Semi-desert and vicinity of water bodies (MP). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Conspicuous passage at Lesser Kizil Agach Bay in the late 1950s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: Passage: SPRING: Up to 2,000 Common AND Black-headed Gulls at Lesser Kizil Agach Bay in the late 1950s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Winter: 10 estimated in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1996 (Paynter et al. 1996a), 73 in 1997 and 80 in 1998 (Gilissen et al., 2000). DIET: Mostly small rodents (e.g. voles) in Kizil Agach Reserve in winter (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Vinogradov et al., 1990).

[Black-tailed Gull - Larus crassirostris Vieillot 1818] (Hypothetical) Included in the list of the birds of Azerbaijan by Mustafaev et al. (1977). This species is confined to northwest Pacific and its

occurrence in Azerbaijan is highly unlikely. Perhaps included due to misidentification.

178. Black-legged Kittiwake - Rissa tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Accidental winter visitor. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: Menetries observed this species somewhere on the Caspian Sea (Bogdanov, 1879) and Satunin

(1912a, 1912b) recorded Kittiwakes on the Caspian shore in southeastern Azerbaijan and also in Mugan. No confirmed recent records, although Cranswick et al. (1998) possibly observed one at Shah Spit (Absheron Peninsula) in February 1998.

179. Black Tern - Chlidonias niger Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Rare migrant; summer status is unclear, probably no longer nests in Azerbaijan. Subspecies C. n. niger Linnaeus, 1758.

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Apparently inhabited lowlands throughout Eastern Transcaucasia (i.e., mostly Azerbaijan) in the late 19th-early 20th centuries (Satunin, 1912a). However, no recent summer records.

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170 The Birds of Azerbaijan KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Possibly nested at Lake Mehman, Mil Steppe in the early 1950s (Gambarov, 1956). Also summer records from Varvara Reservoir, Mingechaur District (Tuaev, 1975). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Nested in marshes between Saliani and Prishib (Mugan) in 1897 and 1898 (Satunin, 1907).

Fall passage: COASTAL: Collected in Absheron Peninsula 2-9 September (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Migrates through lakes of Mil Steppe (Tuaev, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Passage: SPRING: Only a few recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve in the 1950s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

HABITAT: NESTING: Marshes (Satunin, 1907). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve, southern Mugan and Kura Delta (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Tuaev, 1975). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Recorded in Shirvan Steppe (e.g. Shilian Marsh), Mil Steppe (e.g. Lake Sarisu) and at Mingechaur Reservoir (Tuaev, 1975).

BREEDING: Black Terns currying nesting material observed in marshes between Saliani and Prishib on 11 June 1897 and 6 June 1898 (Satunin, 1907). MORTALITY: 14 found dead in oil reservoirs of Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946).

180. White-winged Tern - Chlidonias leucopterus Temminck, 1815 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

EN

IA

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

STATUS: Uncommon nesting species and common migrant. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Mostly in Kizil Agach Reserve, e.g. Akusha and Lopatinsky marshes, Kalinovsky Liman and Lesser Kizil Agach Bay (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a; Vinogradov et al., 1990). Probably nests at Lake Kichick-Shorgel (Shirvan Reserve) and in southern Mugan, e.g. Ah-chala and Mahmudchala (Patrikeev, 1991a, c; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Occasional at Lake Hadjikabul (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). SAMUR-DIVICHI LIMAN: Divichi Liman (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). HABITAT: NESTING: Lakes and marshes with floating mats of submergent vegetation or muddy islets (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a; Vinogradov et al., 1990). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: From early April through mid May. COASTAL: Conspicuous passage at Lake Kichik-Shorgel in late April-early May (Patrikeev, 1991a) and in Kizil Agach Reserve

during the first ten days of May (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). In April-May, also recorded in Kura Delta, Cape Pirsagat, vicinity of Baku, the islands of Baku Archipelago, and Samur Delta. A few recorded after mid May (Tuaev, 1975; Butiev et al., 1989; Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Small numbers in Evlakh District in early April (Satunin, 1907). Also migrates through Lake Sarisu (Tuaev, 1975). Fall passage: COASTAL: August-September in Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 2 in Kura Valley near Karayasi on 10 November 1895 (Satunin, 1907). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: >300 pairs in the late 1980searly 1990s (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: 5 pairs at Kalinovsky Liman, Kizil Agach Reserve in July 1966 (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a), 3 to 6 colonies (10-70 nests/colony) in the reserve in the late 1980s (Vinogradov et al., 1990). c. 50 at Lake Kichick-Shorgel, Shirvan Reserve in May 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: 170 at Divichi Liman in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Passage: SPRING: c. 400 at Kichik-Shorgel, southeastern Shirvan in late April-early May 1990, flocks of 20-40 in the vicinity of Cape Pirsagat in April-May 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). BREEDING: Often nests in mixed colonies with other terns and shorebirds. Nests built on floating mats of submergent vegetation and muddy islets in lakes and marshes (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a; Vinogradov et al., 1990). No other information.

The Birds of Azerbaijan

181. Whiskered Tern - Chlidonias hybridus Pallas, 1811 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

EN

IA

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

STATUS: Uncommon nesting species and migrant, rare wintering species. Subspecies C. h. hybridus Pallas, 1811. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Common in marshes of Kura Valley in the late 19th century (Satunin, 1907), but found only at Lake Mehman, Mil Steppe in the 1950s (Gambarov, 1956). Recorded at Hadjikabul, Sarisu and Varvara Reservoir in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve, e.g. Kalinovsky Liman and Lesser Kizil Agach Bay (Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a), southern Mugan (e.g. Mahmud-chala) and Shorgel Lakes, southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a, c). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Winter: Recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1996 (Paynter et al., 1996a). HABITAT: NESTING: Lakes and marshes with floating mats of submergent vegetation or small muddy islets (Gambarov, 1956; Patrikeev, 1991c). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: April-May.

COASTAL: Passes through southeastern Shirvan, Kura Delta, Kizil Agach Reserve and Lenkoran Lowland in April and May (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Tuaev, 1975; Patrikeev, 1991a). KURA-ARAS Lowland: Recorded in Mil Steppe (Aggel and Sarisu), Aras Valley and Arpa-chai valley in Nakhichevan Region in April and May (Radde, 1884; Tuaev, 1975). Fall passage: COASTAL: Late August and September in Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). One observed at Shuvelan (Absheron Peninsula) on 6 November 1948 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably 400-500 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: c. 500 pairs at Kalinovsky Liman, Kizil Agach Reserve in 1954-1956 (Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963), but only c. 300 pairs in 1966 (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a). Two small colonies (14-15 pairs) at Lake Mahmud-chala in 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991c), but perhaps as many as 2,500 pairs in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: 700 at Sarisu, 100 at Varvara and 42 at Hadjikabul in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: 420 at Divichi Liman in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Winter: 10 in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1996 (Paynter et al. 1996a). BREEDING: Often nests in mixed colonies with other marsh terns and shorebirds. Nests built on floating mats of submergent vegetation or small muddy islets (Gambarov, 1956; Patrikeev, 1991c). Recently completed nests found at Mahmud-chala on 23 June 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991c). In Kizil Agach Reserve, eggs laid in late May (usually 23-25 May). Egg size (n=73): 35-42 x 25-30 mm, average 36.9 x 28.7 mm. Incubation lasts 18-20 days (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a). DIET: Mostly insects: 47% (e.g. larvae of dragonflies and mayflies, backswimmers, beetles, biting flies), also fish: 27% (primarily fry of European Carp and Mosquito Fish), amphibians: 25% (Marsh Frogs and their tadpoles) and spiders: 1% (Vasiliev, 1975).

182. Gull-billed Tern - Gelochelidon nilotica Gmelin, 1789 STATUS: Rare nesting species and uncommon migrant. Subspecies G. n. nilotica Gmelin, 1789. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: CASPIAN SEA AND ISLANDS: Nesting first confirmed in 1989: 2 nesting colonies found on Baburyi and Pelikanyi islands, Pirsagat Islands of Baku Archipelago (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Possibly nests at Lake Kichik-Shorgel (southeastern Shirvan) where observed on a tiny islet in mid April and early May 1990. Looked agitated when approached on May 12th (Patrikeev, 1991a). Summer records from Mugan in the past (Satunin, 1912b).

HABITAT: NESTING: Seashell beaches with sparse vegetation and low ridges of seashells on islands of the Caspian Sea; possibly muddy islets on inland lakes. FEEDING: Coastal semi-desert and irrigation channels (MP). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Observed in Kizil Agach Reserve in April (Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: At Shilian Marsh (Shirvan Steppe) in spring (Tuaev, 1975). Fall passage: COASTAL: August and September in Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula (Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963).

T 171

T

172 The Birds of Azerbaijan G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

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A

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er

N

S

EA

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

EN

IA

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

Baburyi and 25 pairs on Pelikanyi in 1989 (MP) and c. 20 at Lake Kichik-Shorgel, southeastern Shirvan in mid April 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Passage: FALL: 200-250/year in Kizil Agach Reserve in the late 1950s (Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963). BREEDING: Colonial. Nests are shallow scrapes in aggregations of seashells. Nine nests examined on Pelikanyi Island on 13 May 1989 contained 1-3 eggs (6 nests with 3 eggs, 2 with 2 eggs and 1 with 1 egg). Clutches of 2 eggs in the majority of nests and very few clutches of 3 eggs on Baburyi Island on 4 June 1989. On the latter island, nested in the middle of a colony of Common Terns with some nests of the two species close by (MP).

IRAN

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably c. 100 pairs in the early 1990s, e.g. 74 pairs on Pirsagat Islands: 49 pairs on

DIET: Small lizards (Ophisops elegans and Eremias velox) in southeastern Shirvan (MP); mostly locusts in Kizil Agach Reserve during migration (Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963).

183. Caspian Tern - Hydroprogne caspia Pallas, 1770 STATUS: Rare migrant and wintering species; nested in the past. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer (former): SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Nested on the islands of Kizil Agach Bays: first on Sara, and later on Kulagin in the late 19th century (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). The colony on Kulagin Island was probably abandoned by the 1930s (Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Rare in Kizil Agach Reserve, e.g. Greater Kizil Agach Bay (Radde, 1884; Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963). HABITAT: NESTING: Islands (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). MICaspian shore; occasionally marshes and irrigation channels (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Tuaev, 1965).

GRATION:

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early March through mid April. COASTAL: Early March through mid April in Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Also occurs in

the mouth of Lenkoran-chai and in Kura Delta (Radde, 1884; Tuaev, 1975). Fall passage: Mid August to October. COASTAL: Arrives at Samur-Divichi Lowland (e.g. Divichi Liman) and Absheron Peninsula in mid August (Tuaev, 1965; Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.); occurs in Kizil Agach Reserve in September-October (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding (former): <100 pairs nested on Sara Island in the late 19th century (Radde, 1884). Passage: SPRING: Common in the mouth of Lenkoran-chai in the late 19th century (Radde, 1884). <150 passed through Kizil Agach Reserve every spring in the 1950s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: 12 observed on Greater Kizil Agach Bay on 18 February 1959 (Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963). BREEDING: On Sara Island, nested alongside Yellow-legged Gulls, Great Black-headed Gulls and Common Terns. Slightly incubated eggs on June 1st. Egg size: 60-68 x 47-48 mm (Radde, 1884).

184. Sandwich Tern - Thalasseus sandvicensis Latham, 1787 STATUS: Uncommon nesting species and migrant. Vulnerable. Subspecies T. s. sandvicensis Latham, 1787. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Distribution of nesting colonies changed in the last 100 years because of fluctuations of the Caspian Sea and disturbance. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Several pairs observed at the north end of Sara Island, Kizil Agach Bay in the mid 19th century (Radde, 1884). There were also summer records from Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). Small numbers nested on spits and islets of Lesser Kizil Agach Bay until 1956 when all known nesting sites were flood-

ed after a dam was built in the mouth of the bay (Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Two colonies found in Pirsagat Islands (Baburyi and Pelikanyi) of Baku Archipelago in 1989. The colony on Baburyi was soon abandoned due to extensive disturbance caused by fishermen. Unverified reports suggest nesting on small islands in Absheron Archipelago (MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Islands of the Caspian Sea. Nests on seashell beaches, limestone bed outcroppings and sand spits, sometimes close to artificial structures (Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963; MP).

The Birds of Azerbaijan G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

N

er

S

EA

Shemakha

BREEDING: Nests in single-species colonies or mixed colonies with Common and Little Terns (Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963; MP). Nests are shallow scrapes in seashell beach or natural depressions. On 13 May 1989 the majority of nests on Pelikanyi Island contained 1-3 eggs, although courtship and mating was still taking place on the periphery of the colony (MP).

Baku

A

R

M

EN

IA

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

colonies on Pelikanyi Island and c. 500 pairs on Baburyi Island (Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). Passage: SPRING: Hundreds observed in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1937, but only dozens in the 1950s (Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

DIET: Mostly small fish (MP).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Arrived at Kizil Agach Reserve in mid March (Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Migrates through Kura Delta (Tuaev, 1975). Fall passage: August through November. COASTAL: Observed in large congregations of seabirds off Samur Delta in August (MP). Recorded off Samur-Divichi Lowland, Absheron Peninsula and nearby islands in September (Tuaev, 1965; MP). Recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve in November (Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: 3,800-4,000 pairs in Pirsagat Islands in April-May 1989, e.g. 3,300-3,500 pairs in two sub-

MORTALITY: Two dead found in Kizil Agach Reserve after a snowstorm in late March 1956 (Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963). Excessive human disturbance may cause colony abandonment, e.g. on Baburyi Island in 1989. Several abandoned or unattended clutches on Pelikanyi Island were predated by Slender-billed Gulls (MP). REMARKS: Sandwich Terns nesting on Pirsagat Islands probably arrived from the islands of Krasnovodsk Bay (eastern Caspian Sea, Turkmenistan) where 45,000 pairs nested in 1987 (Gauzer & Vasiliev, 1989).

185. Common Tern - Sterna hirundo Linnaeus, 1758

STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant (increasing). Subspecies S. h. hirundo Linnaeus, 1758.

SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve, e.g. Lake Karakush (Vinogradov et al., 1990), Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan) and Mahmud-chala, southern Mugan (Patrikeev, 1991a, c). In the past, nested on islands of Kizil Agach Bay (e.g. Sara) until the islands became connected to the mainland following the retreat of the Caspian Sea in the 1920s-1930s and also on islands of Lesser Kizil Agach Bay that were flooded in 1956 (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Islands of Baku Archipelago: Glinanyi, Pirsagat Islands (Baburyi, Pelikanyi, Tashkent and Pervaya Grada), Los’, Kamen-Ignatia, Svinoyi (Sangi-Mugan) and Oblivnoyi. Also on the mainland near Cape Pirsagat (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969; Patrikeev, 1991a; MP) and on small islands in the north of Absheron Archipelago (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Nested at Divichi Liman (Satunin, 1907; Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003).

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes of Mil Steppe (Aggel, Mehman and Sarisu), Varvara Reservoir, islands of Kura Valley near Karayasi, Lake Hadjikabul and at the confluence of Bargushad and Aras (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1956; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003; MP).

HABITAT: NESTING: Mostly islands: limestone or volcanic islands of the Caspian Sea, sandy, silty and pebbly islands and spits in lakes and rivers. On larger islands, often nests in grassy areas, among washedup debris or in the open. Known to nest in areas covered with oil slick, e.g. on Pelikanyi Island (Vinogradov, 1967; MP). FEEDING: Coastal areas of the Caspian Sea, lakes, ponds and marshes (MP).

G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

DAGESTAN R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

N

S

EA

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

EN

IA

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

T 173

T

174 The Birds of Azerbaijan Numbers of Common Terns nesting in Baku Archipelago from the mid 1960s to 1989 Year Glinanyi Pirsagat Islands Los’(Karasy)3 Kamen-Ignatia Total Source mid 1960s 35-40 pairs 51-60 pairs 85-100 pairs 40-50 pairs 211-250 pairs Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969 1989 500 pairs 435 pairs1 15-20 pairs ?2 950-955 pairs MP 1 - 300 pairs on Baburyi Island, 100 pairs on Pelikanyi Island (4 sub-colonies), 30 pairs on Tashkent Island, and 6 pairs on Pervaya Grada Island. 2 – Not visited in 1989. 3 - Decrease in numbers of nesting terns on Los’ Island might have been caused by frequent eruptions of mudvolcanoes abundant throughout the island. The terns also moved from the central part of the island closer to the shore (MP).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: March through mid May. More conspicuous along the Caspian shore. COASTAL: Occurs in Kizil Agach Reserve, Mugan and Kura Delta in mid April through mid May (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Tuaev, 1975). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Shilian Marsh in March (Tuaev, 1975) and Lake Aggel in early April (Vinogradov, 1967). Fall passage: August to early November. COASTAL: Observed in Samur Delta, Divichi Liman and Absheron Peninsula from late August (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Tuaev, 1965; MP). Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve from August through October (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Latest sighting on 6 November 1948 near Nardaran, Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Arrives at Shilian Marsh (Shirvan Steppe) in late August (Tuaev, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: >1,500 pairs in the late 1980searly 1990s (conspicuous increase since the mid 1960s). ISLANDS OF THE CASPIAN SEA: 200 pairs nested in Sara Island, Kizil Agach Bay in the mid 19th century (Radde, 1884). Main nesting colonies are in Baku Archipelago (see table). In 1989, 56 pairs also nested on a sand spit south of Cape Pirsagat (Patrikeev, 1991a). Perhaps up to 100 pairs on the islands of Absheron Archipelago (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: 13 pairs at Karakush, Kizil Agach Reserve in 1982 (Vinogradov et al., 1990). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: c. 80 pairs at Lake Aggel in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967; Vasiliev, 1968). 52 birds at Hadjikabul and 5 at Varvara in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003).

SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: 18 at Divichi Liman in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). BREEDING: Nests in single-species or mixed colonies with other species of terns (usually Little Tern), shorebirds (Kentish Plover) or even gulls, e.g. Mediterranean and Slender-billed Gulls in Pirsagat Islands (Patrikeev, 1991a, c; MP). Courtship and mating observed in Baku Archipelago in late April-early May (MP) and at Aggel in late May-early June (Vinogradov, 1967). Nest is a shallow scrape lined with a few twigs, but massive nests of dry twigs found in wet or muddy areas (MP). 1-3 eggs per clutch. In 1989 60% of all examined clutches contained 3 eggs, 35% 2 eggs and 5% only 1 egg (MP). In the mid 19th century Radde (1884) found many nests with 4 eggs on Sara Island. Egg measurements: 41-43 x 29-33 mm. In Baku Archipelago first eggs laid 11-17 May; incubated and fresh clutches found on Baburyi Island on June 4th (MP), and well-incubated clutches on Glinanyi Island on July 3rd (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969). Seventeen nests examined at Aggel on 2 June 1963 still contained eggs (Vinogradov, 1967). Majority of chicks in Baku Archipelago and at Aggel hatch in early and mid June (Vinogradov, 1967; MP). DIET: Mostly ichthyophagous. On the Caspian Sea, 96% of the diet is fish: primarily Kilkas (Clupeonella sp.), but also Pipefish and Atherine. At inland lakes feeds mostly on fish and aquatic invertebrates (total of 84.5%), but also flying insects (11.5%), e.g. dragonflies (Aeschnidae) and moths (Nocturnidae [Noctuidae?]). Of fish, at inland lakes, this species catches fry of European Carp (up to 46.1% of stomach content), also fry of Roach, Barbel, Asp, Lookup, Redeye, Sander and the Mosquito Fish (Vasiliev, 1967, 1975; Tuaev, 1975).

186. Little Tern - Sterna albifrons Pallas, 1764 G Tbilisi

EO

Ku

STATUS: Uncommon nesting species and migrant. Subspecies S. a. albifrons Pallas, 1764.

DAGESTAN

R

ra

(Russian Federation)

G

Riv

Zakatali

C

IA

A

S

P

IA

er

Shemakha Baku

A

R

M

EN

IA

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

N

S

EA

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Aggel and Sarisu in Mil Steppe (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975), small islands of Kura River near Karayasi (MP) and Lake Hadjikabul (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Vicinity of Cape Pirsagat, Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan), saltpans adjacent to Mahmud-chala, southern Mugan (Patrikeev, 1991a, c; MP). Nested on spits and islands of Lesser Kizil Agach Bay until 1956 when those sites were flooded following the completion of a dam in the mouth of the bay (Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963). Nested on Sara Island in the 19th century (Radde, 1884). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Islands of Baku Archipelago: Glinanyi, Baburyi, Svinoyi (Sangi-Mugan), Kamen-Ignatia and

The Birds of Azerbaijan

Number of Little Terns nesting in Baku Archipelago from the mid 1960s to 1989 Year Glinanyi Pirsagat Islands mid 1960s c.10 pairs 25-30 pairs 1989 c. 80 pairs 25 pairs1 1 – nested only on Baburyi Island in 1989

Oblivnoyi. Nested on Los’ Island in the 1960s, but not found there in 1989 (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969; MP). Also nested near Yashma north of Absheron Peninsula (Tuaev, 1965). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman (Tuaev, 1965). HABITAT: NESTING: Rocky, sandy, clayey, muddy and pebbly islands of the Caspian Sea, lakes and rivers. Also sand spits and saltpans. Usually nests in areas devoid of any vegetation (Patrikeev, 1991a, c; MP). FEEDING: Mostly coastal areas, shallow lakes and lagoons (Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963; Vasiliev, 1975). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Throughout April. COASTAL: Mid to late April in Kizil Agach Reserve and at Shorgel Lakes (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Patrikeev, 1991a). Also migrates through Kura Delta and southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b; Tuaev, 1975). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Arrives at Lake Aggel in the first two weeks of April (Vinogradov, 1967). Observed at Shilian Marsh (Shirvan Steppe) and Lake Sarisu, Mil Steppe (Tuaev, 1975). Fall passage: Mid August to late September. COASTAL: Recorded at Buzovna, Absheron Peninsula in mid to late August (MP). Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve 6-25 September, most conspicuous passage 6-10 September (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably 350-400 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). ISLANDS OF THE CASPIAN SEA: See the table above. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: 18 pairs in a mixed colony south of Cape Pirsagat in 1989; 10-12 pairs at Lake Mahmud-chala in 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a, c; MP) and 32 in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). In the mid 19th century, several pairs nested

Los’(Karasy) c. 20 pairs -

Total 55-60 pairs c. 105 pairs

Source Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969 MP

on Sara Island, Kizil Agach Bay (Radde, 1884). c. 100 pairs nested on islands of Lesser Kizil Agach Bay in 1954-1955, but only 20 pairs in 1956 (Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963). Has not nested in Kizil Agach Reserve since 1956 (Vinogradov et al., 1990). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mixed colonies at Lake Aggel contained 6-28 nests of this species (Vinogradov, 1967) with a total of c. 80 pairs in the late 1960s (Vasiliev, 1968). 18 at Lake Hadjikabul and 4 at Lake Sarisu in 1998 (Sultanov & Agayeva, 2003). Passage: 150-300 passed through Kizil Agach Reserve every autumn in the late 1950s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). BREEDING: Often nests in mixed colonies with Common Terns, Kentish Plovers and Collared Pratincoles (Patrikeev, 1991c; MP). Courtship observed in mid May at Cape Pirsagat (MP) and in late May at Aggel (Tuaev, 1975). Male usually feeds female a small fish before copulation (MP). Nest is a shallow scrape in sand or seashells. At Mahmudchala, one pair laid eggs in a cow hoof print (Patrikeev, 1991c; MP). Clutch contains 2-3 eggs, rarely 1 or 4 eggs. 26 of 28 nests examined at Aggel contained 3 eggs (Vinogradov, 1967). At Cape Pirsagat, fresh eggs from mid May (MP), on Glinanyi Island from June 6th (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969), at Aggel from c. May 26th (Vinogradov, 1967) and at Mahmud-chala c. June 26th (Patrikeev, 1991c). Incubating Little Terns seen on islands near Karayasi on 29 June 1989 (MP). On Glinanyi Island, the majority of chicks hatched in late July (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969). DIET: Mostly ichthyophagous. Fish (Atherine, Kilka, Mosquito Fish and fry of European Carp) form c. 98% of their diet; insects and spiders account for c. 1% each (Zablotzky & Zablotzkaya, 1963; Vasiliev, 1975).

FAMILY PTEROCLIDIDAE - SANDGROUSE 187. Black-bellied Sandgrouse - Pterocles orientalis Linnaeus, 1758 Azeri name: Bahrigara STATUS: Threatened. Uncommon nesting species and migrant. Probably resident in Nakhichevan Region and Mugan, but migratory elsewhere. Subspecies P. o. orientalis Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: All recent summer records are from Nakhichevan Region, but many parts of the former range are poorly known ornithologically. NAKHICHEVAN: Negram Mountains, vicinity of Mount Ilandag and probably elsewhere in Aras Valley (Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Khanmammedov, 1960; MP).

TALISH MOUNTAINS: Formerly in Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1974). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Past records and unconfirmed sightings from Mugan, Hadjinour and Karayasi steppes and Korchai Game Preserve (Bogdanov, 1879; Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Mustafaev, 1974; Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Shirvan Reserve (Gasanov, 1990), but not found in 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Recorded in Gobustan Upland, e.g. vicinity of Mount Kargabazar until 1940s-1950s (Radde, 1884; Burchak-Abramovich & Gambarov, 1961). Recent unconfirmed reports (MP).

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176 The Birds of Azerbaijan G Tbilisi

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KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Formerly common in Mugan Steppe in cold winters (Satunin, 1912b); recent unconfirmed reports (MP).

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Shemakha Baku

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IA

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

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IRAN

HABITAT: NESTING: Semi-desert and montane grass steppe (Tarasov, 1974). Up to 1,700 m in Armenia (Dahl, 1954). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Groups of 5-6 recorded near Mingechaur in mid March (Satunin, 1907). Migrants also observed in Zuvand and Gobustan uplands (Radde, 1884; Burchak-Abramovich & Gambarov, 1961; MP). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Unknown. 1.5/km in Nakhichevan Region on 23 March 1955 (Khanmammedov, 1960). Accounted for 70-75% of all birds observed in montane grass steppe of Aras Valley in April-May 1970 and 1971 (Tarasov, 1974).

Winter: NAKHICHEVAN: Flocks reported in lower parts of the region (Khanmammedov, 1960; MP).

188. Pin-tailed Sandgrouse - Pterocles alchata Linnaeus, 1766 STATUS: Probably extirpated or a very rare visitor. Common and possibly nested in the past. Subspecies P. a. caudatus S. G. Gmelin, 1789. DISTRIBUTION: No recent sightings. Summer (former): NAKHICHEVAN: Accidental in the 1940s1950s (Khanmammedov, 1960). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Occurred in Mugan and Mil steppes in the 19th century (Bogdanov, 1879; Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b). S OUTHEAST LOWLANDS : Formerly in Lenkoran Lowland (Bogdanov, 1879) and southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b).

ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Vicinity of Baku in the early 19th century (Bogdanov, 1879). Winter (former): SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: “Good numbers” near Saliani in the early 19th century, e.g. large flocks in a very cold winter (Bogdanov, 1879). Thousands arrived on the Caspian shore near Lenkoran (north to Kumbashi) in winter 1875 and late March 1880, but soon moved elsewhere (possibly to Mugan Steppe). Several collected near Lenkoran on December 13th and 3-4 April (Radde, 1884). HABITAT: SUMMER (FORMER): Clayey and rocky semi-deserts (Radde, 1884). WINTER: Caspian shore and steppe (Radde, 1884).

189. Pallas’s Sandgrouse - Syrrhaptes paradoxus Pallas, 1773 STATUS: Accidental visitor in the past. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: No recent records. Summer and winter (former): KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Irregular in Mugan Steppe in the late 19th-early 20th centuries (Satunin, 1907, 1912b).

SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: A flock of 6 observed near Lenkoran winter 1875 and 2 birds collected. Two more collected in the vicinity of Lenkoran in 1878 (Radde, 1884). Occasionally encountered in semi-desert areas along the western shore of the Caspian Sea in the late 19th-early 20th centuries (Satunin, 1907).

FAMILY COLUMBIDAE - PIGEONS AND DOVES 190. Rock Dove - Columba livia Gmelin, 1789 Azeri name: Goyarchin, Chol goyarchin STATUS: Very common resident (migratory in Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula). Both wild and feral Rock Doves occur in Azerbaijan. The wild birds belong to subspecies C. l. neglecta Hume, 1873. DISTRIBUTION: GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali District, Ilisu and the vicinity, Sheki, Nidz (Kutkashen District), Lagich (Is-

mailly District), Pirgulu, Kaleibugurt, Kirovka and Alti-Agach (all in Shemakha Upland), between Alti-Agach and Kizil-Burun, Langabiz Mountains, Kusari and Kuba District e.g. in towns Kusari and Kuba (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Patrikeev, 1991d; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Foothills of Shahdag Ridge, towns Kedabek, Lachin and Kubatli; Agdam, Fisuli, Djabrail and Zangelan dis-

The Birds of Azerbaijan G Tbilisi

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dov, 1965; Mustafaev, 1971a, 1973a; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Patrikeev, 1991a, b; MP).

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(Russian Federation)

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MOVEMENT: Seasonal movements occur in Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula. Spring passage: Migrants recorded in April 1954 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Fall passage: Passage observed on 31 October 1953 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

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IRAN

tricts and in Nagorno-Karabakh Region, e.g. in Stepanokert and Terter Valley (Mustafaev, 1969a; MP). NAKHICHEVAN: Very common. From Aras Valley up to 2,0002,500 m, e.g. in towns of Nakhichevan, Kegili, Shahbuz and Bichenek, and in Negram Mountains (Khanmammedov, 1960; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965; MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968; MP). BOSDAG: From Mingechaur to Agsu (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Feral doves are very common in towns and villages of Shirvan and Mil steppes, e.g. in Saliani, Ali-Bairamli, Kurdamir, Udjari and Agjabedi districts (Zlotin, 1963; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1974a; MP) and Gandja (Mustafaev, 1973b). Nests in Karayasi Steppe, e.g. in steep riverbanks of Kura near Demirchilar (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Did not nest in Lenkoran Lowland and southern Mugan in the 19th century (Satunin, 1907). Rare at lookouts of Kizil Agach Reserve in the 1950s, but present in Lenkoran, Masalli, Djabrail and other towns and villages in the lowland and in Sara Peninsula by the 1960s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1974). Occurs in villages and other settlements in southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a). CASPIAN SEA AND ISLANDS: Baburyi and Tashkent Islands (Pirsagat Islands of Baku Archipelago). Rock Doves nesting on the islands regularly fly to the mainland to forage (Patrikeev, 1991a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Very common in Samur-Divichi Lowland, e.g. in Khachmas (Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Settlements throughout Absheron Peninsula. Common in centre of Baku especially in the vicinity of the old mill. Also in low mountains of the peninsula and Gobustan Upland, e.g. Mounts Kargabazar, Beuk-Dush and Djingir (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Burchak-Abramovich, 1962; Mustafaev, 1973a; Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989; Patrikeev, 1991b; MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Cliffs in foothills and mountains up to 2,500 m, rocky islands of the Caspian Sea, steep riverbanks. Feral Rock Doves nest in buildings and in a variety of artificial structures in cities, towns, villages and rural regions (Gambarov, 1954; Burchak-Abramovich, 1962; Mustafaev & Khanmamme-

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably >250,000 pairs (the majority of the population is probably feral). In Turianchai Bosdag Mountains: 0.5-0.8/km in the early 1960s, but up to 1,200/day in the vicinity of Agdash in December (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b) and 110-120 on 6 April 1991 (MP). Flocks of 30-50 at Pirgulu, Shemakha Upland in September 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991d). Also in 1989, 50 pairs nested on Baburyi Island (Baku Archipelago) and 30-40 pairs in steep riverbanks at Demirchilar, Karayasi Steppe. 5-6 pairs on Mount BeukDush, Gobustan Upland in 1990-1991 (Patrikeev, 1991a, b; MP). BREEDING: Nests in attics, cornices, roofs, pipes and other niches in buildings and other structures in towns, villages and elsewhere (Mustafaev, 1971a, 1973a, b). In Shirvan Reserve, one pair nested in a horizontal metal pipe of an observation platform several years in row, even though the eggs failed every year due to overheating (Patrikeev, 1991a). In natural habitats, nest in cliff cavities (often near water), sheer riverbanks, well shafts (e.g. in Absheron Peninsula) and rock piles, e.g. on Pirsagat Islands (Gambarov, 1954; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Burchak-Abramovich, 1962; Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). Colonial nester, although single pairs also recorded. Colonies in settlements tend to be larger: 8-130 pairs (av. 36 pairs per colony) compared to 3-50 pairs/colony in natural habitats. Nesting season starts earlier and lasts longer in towns and villages: from early March through late September. In early March, cooing and fighting between males frequently observed, e.g. in Baku. In natural habitats, nesting season is shorter: early April to mid August (Mustafaev, 1963b, 1971a; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). In southeastern Shirvan, nest building observed on May 12th (Patrikeev, 1991a). Clutch normally contains 2 eggs, but clutches of 3 also recorded. The third egg is probably laid by a strange female and is usually discarded. Egg size (n=24): 34-42 x 26-30.5 mm (av. 38 x 28.4), weight 10-20 g (av. 16.5 g). Up to 3 clutches a year, especially in towns and villages. In colonies, nests could be 20-25 cm to several meters apart. Incubation lasts 16 days. The young remain in the nest for 28-30 or sometimes 33 days. Survival rate is higher in settlements (78%) vs. natural habitats (62%) (Mustafaev, 1963b, 1971a). Recently fledged young were seen in Greater Caucasus Mountains in late July (Gambarov, 1954). DIET: Granivorous in the wild and opportunistic in settlements. Eleven crops examined in the northeast contained grains of wheat, barley and corn, but also seed of Carduus and Heliotropium (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). In towns and villages this species also takes advantage of various food wastes (Mustafaev, 1963b; MP).

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178 The Birds of Azerbaijan 191. Stock Dove - Columba oenas Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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Stepanakert

Aras Rive

HABITAT: NESTING: Tugai and broad-leaved forest in lowlands and foothills, montane forests (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; MP). WINTER: Fields, semi-desert and woodlots (Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972).

Lenkoran

r

SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Remains of broad-leaved forests in Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Uncommon in lowlands of Khachmas District (MP). Winter: GREATER CAUCASUS: In foothills (Gambarov, 1954). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Vicinity of Mingechaur (Gambarov, 1975). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland and Mugan (Satunin, 1912b; Mustafaev, 1972). Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula after spells of cold weather (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: 8 in Yasamal Valley near Baku on 8 January 1964 (Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1968).

IRAN

Azeri name: Mesha goyarchin STATUS: Uncommon resident and migrant. Subspecies C. o. oenas Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Mostly resident, e.g. on the lower slopes. Common in foothills of Kuba and Kusari districts, uncommon in montane forests in Belokani and Zakatali districts, and foothills of Sheki and Ismailly districts. No records from Shemakha Upland (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Khanmammedov & Mustafaev, 1965; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). LESSER CAUCASUS: Present, but distribution poorly known. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Foothills of Talish Mountains, e.g. in Girkan Reserve (Radde, 1884; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Karayasi Forest (Akstafa District), tugai forests of Shamkhor and Barda districts, Iori and Alazani valleys (Gambarov, 1975; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; MP).

MOVEMENT: Little information. Uncommon migrant in Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Flocks of 25-30 observed In Kusari District after breeding season (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably several thousand pairs (MP). Rare in Zakatali Reserve (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985); 20-30 pairs at the east end of Karayasi Forest in 1989 (MP). Winter: Flocks of 7-30 at Kulagin lookout (Kizil Agach Reserve) after a snowstorm in December 1956 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). BREEDING: Nests in tree cavities. Pairs in Lenkoran Lowland on March 21st (Radde, 1884). Birds collected in the northeast on 22 April 1961 were not in breeding condition (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968).

192. Wood Pigeon - Columba palumbus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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STATUS: Common resident undertaking local movements in winter and uncommon migrant. Subspecies C. p. palumbus Linnaeus, 1758.

DAGESTAN

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Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

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IRAN

Azeri name: Mesha goyarchin, Alabakhta

S

P

IA

N

S

EA

DISTRIBUTION: Resident throughout most of its summer range. Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali Reserve, Ismailly District (e.g. Girdimanchai Valley up to Djandakhar), Kusari and Kuba districts and forested parts of Shemakha Upland including Alti-Agach (Verestchagin, 1947; Gambarov, 1954; Khanmammedov & Mustafaev, 1965; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Patrikeev, 1991d; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Vicinity of Lake Geigel (Drozdov, 1965). Probably throughout forested portions of these mountains. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Montane forests (Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990; MP). BOSDAG: Two observed in juniper woodlands of Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on 17 March 1962 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b) might have been migrants.

The Birds of Azerbaijan

K URA -A RAS L OWLAND : Kura Valley, e.g. Karayasi Forest, Shamkhor Game Preserve and Barda Forest; also in Alazani Valley and Iori Delta (Gambarov, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Remaining woodlots in Lenkoran Lowland (Satunin, 1907; MP). Nested in Sara Island in the 19th century (Radde, 1884). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Khachmas District, e.g. in Samur Delta (Drozdov, 1965). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Roams through southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland. Large mixed flocks with Rock and Stock Doves seen in Lower Kura, e.g. near Saliani (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b; MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Broad-leaved and mixed forests from lowlands to the upper tree limits in the mountains, tugai forests, isolated woodlots, abandoned orchards and single trees (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; MP). WINTER: Fields, semi-desert and woodlots (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early March to early May. COASTAL: Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve from early March to early May, first sightings 1-6 March, but sometimes not until 18-23 March (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Recorded in Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). INTERIOR: Passage recorded at Mount Alibek (Zakatali District) on 23 and 30 March 1937 (Gambarov, 1954).

Fall passage: October through mid November. COASTAL: Passes through Absheron Peninsula in October (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958) and Kizil Agach Reserve in early November (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Observed at Mingechaur on November 19th (Gambarov, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably 20,000-30,000 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). Winter: Flocks of 100-200 near harvested fields in Zakatali District (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). BREEDING: Loose stick nests in trees. Two eggs per clutch. In Lenkoran Lowland, mating as early as March 24th (Radde, 1884). In the northeast a nest with 2 eggs on May 3rd and a nest with 2 chicks in on June 10th (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). A nest with 2 large nestlings in an isolated tree at the edge of Karayasi Forest on 30 June 1989, but a fledgling as early as June 10th (MP). DIET: In the past, flocks of thousands seen feeding on acorns in oak stands (Satunin, 1907). In Talish Mountains feeds on beechnuts and also grain in nearby fields (Radde, 1884). Stomachs of 4 individuals collected in the northeast contained grains of wheat, barley and corn, but also nuts of beech Fagus orientalis (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968).

193. Turtle Dove - Streptopelia turtur Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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DAGESTAN R

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(Russian Federation)

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Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Gurgur, Gumtru STATUS: Very common nesting species and migrant. Subspecies S. t. turtur Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Usually on lower slopes, e.g. in Zakatali, Kuba and Kusari districts and Shemakha Upland from Shemakha to Alti-Agach, but up to 1,700 m in Girdimanchai Valley (Ismailly District). Very common in Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland between Kah and Ismailly (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Drozdov, 1965;

Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Probably common throughout lower elevations in Lesser Caucasus Mountains, but the only published records are from Agdam District (Satunin, 1907). NAKHICHEVAN: From Aras Valley up to 1,800-2,000 m, e.g. on Mount Kukudag and near Batabat (Khanmammedov, 1960). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Common in the foothills (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1965) BOSDAG: Wooded slopes and adjacent tugai, e.g. in Turianchai Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Very common in Kura Valley, e.g. Karayasi Forest, Shamkhor Game Preserve, Akstafa and Gandja, but especially in anthropogenic landscapes of mid and lower Kura. Also common in Alazani, Iori and Aras valleys (Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971a, 1974a; Gambarov, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Common in Lenkoran Lowland and southern Mugan, e.g. at Mahmud-chala (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Drozdov, 1965; Patrikeev, 1991c), but uncommon in Kizil Agach Reserve and southeastern Shirvan (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Patrikeev, 1991a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Throughout the lowland, e.g. in Samur Delta (Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Common in anthropogenic habitats in northern and central parts of the peninsula, also in Baku and Sumgait-chai Valley (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP).

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180 The Birds of Azerbaijan Nested in Pirsagat Valley south of Gobustan Upland (BurchakAbramovich & Gambarov, 1961).

1965b), and up to 6 calling males/station at the edge of Karayasi Forest in early June 1989 (MP).

HABITAT: NESTING: Lowlands and lower mountain slopes, but up to 1,700 m in Greater Caucasus Mountains and to 2,000 m in Nakhichevan Region (Gambarov, 1954; Khanmammedov, 1960). Nests in tugai and edges of broad-leaved forests, isolated woodlots, thickets of tamarisk, Russian olive (Eleagnus angustifolia), pistachio (Pistacia sp.) and hawthorn, tangles of creepers, juniper woodlands, pine plantations, gardens, orchards, roadside tree belts and single trees, e.g. in towns and villages. Also nests in flooded tamarisk thickets in lakes and marshes (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971a; Patrikeev, 1991a, c).

BREEDING: Nests from early April in Nakhichevan Region, e.g. 10 nests recorded near Batabat (1,800 m) as early as 30 April 1957 and other 17 nests at 900 m in May 1955 (Khanmammedov, 1960). In mid Kura, breeding season lasts from mid May to mid September in villages and towns, but only from late May through late July in other habitats (Mustafaev, 1971a). Vocally active and males chasing females in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains in late May (MP). Nests built of twigs, but pieces of wire recorded in nests in settlements (Mustafaev, 1971a). In mid Kura Valley, nests in towns and villages were 2.2-11.0 m above the ground (av. 3.2 m; n=84), but 1.3-2.4 m (av. 1.8m) elsewhere (Mustafaev, 1971a). In Nakhichevan Region, nests in trees at 0.6-5.0 m (Khanmammedov, 1960). In Dagirmanly village (Kurdamir District), one nest in a tree where at least 30 chickens roosted every night and another on a pile of dry cotton plants stored under a roof (Mustafaev, 1974a). Two clutches a year with 2 eggs per clutch. In the northeast, egg measured 24.5-26.0 x 21.0-24.5 mm (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). In Shamkhor District a female with egg as early as May 11th (Gambarov, 1975) and several nests with completed clutches near Mingechaur on 16 May 1894 (Satunin, 1907). In the northeast, nests with eggs recorded from late May-early June to 24-24 July (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). Two out of 3 nests located in Karayasi Forest 2630 June 1989 contained eggs and the third one a large nestling and a bad egg (MP). A nest with 2 large young in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on 30 June 1961 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). The young remain in nests 15-18 days in settlements and 17-20 days elsewhere. Nesting success is lower in towns and villages (44%) compared to 61% in other habitats (Mustafaev, 1971a).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: April through early May. COASTAL: Arrives at Lenkoran Lowland and Kizil Agach Reserve in late April, e.g. first record on April 22nd (Radde, 1884; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), although one observed further north (near Divichi) as early as April 20th (Tuaev, 1965). Arrived in southeastern Shirvan 8-9 May in 1989 and 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Large numbers in Absheron Peninsula from early May (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP). INTERIOR: Conspicuous arrival in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains 28 April-4 May 1962 and 2 May 1963 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Fall passage: Late September through early October. COASTAL: Latest sightings in the northeast on September 27th near Divichi, September 30th in Khachmas and October 2nd in Kusari (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). Still common in Absheron Peninsula in late September (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP). Leaves Kizil Agach Reserve in early October (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably >100,000 pairs (MP). >100 nests in parks, gardens and other urban and rural habitats in Kurdamir District (Mustafaev, 1971a), up to 1.2/km in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya,

DIET: Poorly known. Observed feeding in wheat fields in the foothills of Greater Caucasus Mountains (Gambarov, 1954).

194. Collared Dove - Streptopelia decaocto Frivaldszky, 1836 STATUS: Rare resident in Baku, other cities and villages. New arrival. Subspecies S. d. decaocto Frivaldszky, 1836. DISTRIBUTION: Probably arrived in Azerbaijan as recently as the 1980s. Not listed by Mustafaev et al. (1977). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: A pair in the village of Samur in Dagestan (Russian Federation) near the border with Azerbaijan on 10 September 1988 (Butiev et al., 1989). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: One observed in Baku (in the Old City below the Nagornyi Park) on 8 May 1990. In 1991 record-

ed on the new property of Baku Zoo on January 19th and in the Waterfront Park on June 9th. Other sightings from Buzovna (northern Absheron Peninsula) on 11 August 1990 and the village of Gobustan (south of Baku) on 25 September 1990 and 9 June 1991 (MP). May occur in other towns and villages along the Caspian shore. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Arrived at Gandja by the late 1990s (Shelton, 2001). HABITAT: Parks in towns and villages (MP).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

195. Laughing Dove - Streptopelia senegalensis Linnaeus, 1766 G Tbilisi

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Gobustan and Alat south of Absheron Peninsula (MP). Observed at a hunting lodge south of Alat in 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Further range extension is expected (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Occurred in Gandja by the late 1990s (Shelton, 2001). HABITAT: NESTING: Parks and single trees in towns and villages; possibly in buildings (MP).

M

EN

IA

POPULATION SIZE: Still rare in Baku in the mid 1970s (MP), but increased to at least 500-600 pairs by the late 1980s (Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989).

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

STATUS: Uncommon resident (locally common in Baku). New arrival. Subspecies S. s. ermanni Bonaparte, 1856. DISTRIBUTION: ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: First arrived in Baku probably in the late 1960s or the early 1970s. By the early 1990s occurred throughout Baku and the vicinity and in villages

BREEDING: Nests in trees. Breeding season probably lasts from early May to late August. Territorial conflicts recorded in Baku on May 10th and cooing heard in the village of Gobustan as late as August 16th (MP). REMARKS: Might have arrived in Azerbaijan from Turkmenistan where very common in the 1980s, or from Iran. There is also a possibility that this population originated from a deliberate or accidental release (MP).

FAMULY CUCULIDAE - CUCKOOS 196. Eurasian Cuckoo - Cuculus canorus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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DAGESTAN R

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(Russian Federation)

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Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Gugu-gushy, Gugu STATUS: Common breeding species and migrant. Subspecies C. c. canorus Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Uncommon from Zakatali to Kutkashen; more common east of Kutkashen, e.g. in Girdimanchai Valley (Ismailly District), montane forests of Kuba and Kusari districts and Shemakha Upland including vicinity of Shemakha and Alti-Agach (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

LESSER CAUCASUS: Kedabek and lower slopes of Shahdag Ridge (Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev, 1969a). Probably elsewhere, but no published records. NAKHICHEVAN: Probably present, but no published records. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Girkan Reserve, Ulasi Ridge, Mounts Ruarut and Kalvas. Up to the tree limit, but also in treeless Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1965). BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains and Turianchai Valley (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: In Kura Valley: Karayasi Forest, Shamkhor District, vicinity of Varvara (Mingechaur District), Barda Forest, woodlots in Zardob, Kurdamir and Udjari districts, and in the mouth of Iori (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1969a; Gambarov, 1975; MP). Common in Gandja in the early 1970s (Mustafaev, 1973b). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Semi-desert south of Cape Pirsagat, reedbeds of Shorgel Lakes (Shirvan Reserve), southern Mugan, e.g. reedbeds of Mahmud-chala. Common in Lenkoran Lowland, but uncommon in Kizil Agach Reserve (Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Patrikeev, 1991a, c; MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: The valley and the delta of Samur; woodlots in Khachmas District (Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Orchards in the north of Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958), but some heard in suburbs of Baku, e.g. one in the 7th Micro-district on 30 May 1991 (MP). Recorded on Mount Beuk-Dush and in the vicinity of Maraza in Gobustan Upland (Satunin, 1907; Patrikeev, 1991b).

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182 The Birds of Azerbaijan HABITAT: BREEDING: Broad-leaved and mixed forests in lowlands and mountains, tugai forests, open juniper woodlands, isolated woodlots, bush thickets, gardens and orchards, reedbeds at lakes and marshes, bush patches in semi-desert and other open country. Up to 1,800 m in Talish Mountains and to 2,300 m in Greater Caucasus Mountains. In 1981, one observed on Mount Kichik-Gudor (Zakatali Reserve) at 2,800 m (Radde, 1884; Gambarov, 1954; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; MP). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early April through mid May. COASTAL: Earliest sightings in Lenkoran Lowland and Kizil Agach Reserve between April 8th and May 7th, and conspicuous passage 8-14 May. First calling male heard in the reserve on May 11th (Radde, 1884; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). First records at Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan) on April 24th and south of Cape Pirsagat on April 29th (Patrikeev, 1991a); in Gobustan Upland: near Maraza on May 1st (Satunin, 1907) and on Mount BeukDush on May 11th (MP); from first days of May in Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP). Although some recorded on the Caspian Lowland near Khachmas as early as 2326 April (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). INTERIOR: Recorded in Zakatali Reserve as early as April 12th (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Elsewhere in Greater Caucasus Mountains, calling males first heard 19-21 May (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954). Earliest records in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on April 26th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b), in Shamkhor District) on May 3rd (Gambarov, 1975) and the vicinity of Varvara (Mingechaur District) on May 4th (Satunin, 1907). Fall passage: Late September through early October. COASTAL: One collected near Novkhana, Absheron Peninsula on 29 September 1959 (Gambarov, 1960). Recorded in Kizil

Agach Reserve from c. September 20th, latest sighting on October 10th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). INTERIOR: Passes through the northeast in late September (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. >10 calling males in reedbeds of Lake Kichik-Shorgel (southeastern Shirvan) in May 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). In Turianchai Bosdag Mountains: 0.6 calling males/km on 26 April 1962 and 0.4/km on the same route on 3 May 1963 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). BREEDING: Brood parasite: lays eggs in nests of songbirds. Only three breeding records in Azerbaijan (Mustafaev, 1969a): a cuckoo nestling in a Grey Wagtail’s nest by a small waterfall near Kedabek (Lesser Caucasus Mountains); another in a nest of White Wagtail under a bridge near Zakatali (foothills of Greater Caucasus Mountains); and the third one in a nest of Rufous Bushchat in Kurdamir (Kura Lowland). No dates were given. Probably parasitises Great Reed Warbler and Reed Warbler at Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan). One frequented territories of Woodchat and Lesser Grey Shrikes south of Cape Pirsagat in May 1989, but no examined nests contained cuckoo eggs or young (Patrikeev, 1991a). On Mount Beuk-Dush (Gobustan Upland) one seen near pair of Red-backed Shrikes (Patrikeev, 1991b). DIET: Stomachs of cuckoos collected in Greater Caucasus Mountains contained beetles (Luperus armenicus, Melanotus sp., other Carabidae and Scarabaeidae and a larva Calosoma inquisitor), ants, grasshoppers (Acridae) and wasps (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). Woolly caterpillars were found in stomachs in Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov, 1960).

FAMILY STRIGIDAE – TRUE OWLS 197. Scops Owl - Otus scops Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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DAGESTAN

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(Russian Federation)

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Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

Azeri name: Baigush, Isa-Musa STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Subspecies O. s. scops Linnaeus, 1758.

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Alazani Valley, Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland, lower slopes in Zakatali, Belokani and Kutkashen Districts, Ilisu Reserve and Shemakha Upland, e.g. the vicinity of Shemakha, Boskal and Alti-Agach (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990). LESSER CAUCASUS: Probably throughout lower slopes, but no published records. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Montane forests (e.g. Girkan Reserve) and Zuvand Upland, e.g. Kalvas and Amburdara (Agaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990). BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains and Turianchai Valley (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Kura Valley, e.g. in Kurdamir, Udjari, Zardob, Barda and Shamkhor districts, Karayasi Forest (Akstafa District) and the mouth of Iori (Mustafaev, 1963a, 1969; Gambarov, 1975; MP); inhabit gardens and parks in Gandja (Mustafaev, 1973b). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland including the town of Lenkoran and Sara Peninsula (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: No records, but probably present.

The Birds of Azerbaijan

ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Heard in the Kirov (Nagornyi) Park in Baku on 29 July 1967 (Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1968). HABITAT: Tugai, lowland and montane broad-leaved forests, open juniper woodlands, isolated woodlots, gardens and orchards (Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Agaeva, 1985; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; MP). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late March through early May. COASTAL: Arrives at Lenkoran Lowland from early April, e.g. recorded in Sara Peninsula on April 6th (Radde, 1884; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). INTERIOR: Recorded in Karayasi Forest (western Azerbaijan) in late March-early April (Radde, 1884), in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains from early April (MP) and in Talish Mountains from the last week of April-first week of May (Agaeva, 1985). Fall passage: Late August to mid October. INTERIOR: Possibly leaves the Karayasi area in late August (Satunin, 1907), but recorded in Talish Mountains as late as mid October (Agaeva, 1985). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably >500 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). In Sara Peninsula: several pairs in

1937, 1 pair in 1956 and 1958, and 2 pairs in 1959 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Up to 3 calling males/station in Turianchai Reserve in April 1991 (MP). BREEDING: Not very vocal in Turianchai Reserve in early to mid April, but vocal activity increased in May: calling from 1840-1850 hrs and through the night (MP). Actively calling in May elsewhere in Azerbaijan (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1975). Nests in tree cavities, but also in ruins, abandoned houses and old nests of crows and magpies. In Kurdamir District (mid Kura), 4 of 8 examined nests were in tree cavities, 2 in old nests of corvids (Hooded Crow and Magpie), 1 in a burrow in a riverbank and 1 in ruins (Mustafaev, 1963a). A nest with 6 incubated eggs in a hollow tree in Sara Peninsula on 26 June 1956 (the nest cavity 5 m above the ground). Nested in the same cavity in 1958 and first egg laid on June 9th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). A dead fledgling found in Karayasi Forest on 7 July 1989 (MP). DIET: Mostly insectivorous. In Talish Mountains, examined stomachs contained remains of ground beetles (Carabidae), locusts and grasshoppers (Agaeva, 1985).

198. Eagle Owl - Bubo bubo Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

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IRAN

TALISH MOUNTAINS: Montane forests and Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; MP). BOSDAG: Heard in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on 18 October and 21 December 1961 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Formerly in Mugan Steppe and Karayasi Forest (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b). No recent records. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Winter sightings at freshwater marshes in Kizil Agach Reserve in the early 1960s (Dobrokhotov, 1963), but not recorded in the reserve in the late 1980s (Vinogradov et al., 1990). HABITAT: Montane forests with rock outcroppings and cliffs, low semi-arid mountains and occasionally semi-desert; possibly also in abandoned artificial structures (Satunin, 1912b; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; MP). In Mugan Steppe, one found living in a pit (Satunin, 1912b).

Azeri name: Yapalag STATUS: Rare resident. Subspecies B. b. interpositus Rothschild et Hartert, 1910. DISTRIBUTION: GREATER CAUCASUS: Lower forested slopes in Zakatali District, e.g. on Mount Saribash, near Tali and in Katekh Ridge (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985), Ilisu Reserve (Kah District), Mounts Babadag, Shahdag and Bazar-Duzu and vicinity of Alti-Agach, Shemakha Upland (MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Mount Dalidag (Karabakh Upland) and in Karabakh Ridge near Lachin (MP). Possibly elsewhere. NAKHICHEVAN: Negram Mountains, mountains of Shahbuz District (e.g. Kukudag) and Ordubad Game Preserve (MP).

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably c. 40-50 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). BREEDING: Vocal activity increases in March (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

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184 The Birds of Azerbaijan 199. Little Owl - Athene noctua Scopoli, 1769 G Tbilisi

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Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

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IRAN

Azeri name: Baigush, Kor Yapalag STATUS: Common resident. Subspecies A. n. indigena C. L. Brehm, 1855. DISTRIBUTION: GREATER CAUCASUS: Uncommon in Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland, but common in Shemakha Upland and Kuba District (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Khanmammedov & Mustafaev, 1965). LESSER CAUCASUS: Recorded only in Geigel Reserve, Murovdag Ridge (Gasanov, 1990), but clearly occurs elsewhere. NAKHICHEVAN: Aras Valley, Negram Mountains and other semiarid mountains in Julfa and Ordubad Districts (MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Common in treeless areas, e.g. Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Agaeva, 1985). K URA -A RAS L OWLAND : Kura Valley, e.g. Karayasi Steppe, Shamkhor District, Korchai Game Preser ve, Gandja, Mingechaur, Barda, Evlakh, Kurdamir, Udjari and Zardob districts, Mugan Steppe and probably Saliani District (Satunin, 1907; Zlotin, 1963; Mustafaev, 1963a, 1973b; Gambarov, 1975; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989; MP). Zangelan and Djabrail districts in Aras Valley (Satunin, 1907).

SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan, Lenkoran Lowland and Sara Peninsula. Recorded near Kalinovsky and Akusha lookouts of Kizil Agach Reserve (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev & Gazanchian, 1967). Apparently absent from the vicinity of Cape Pirsagat and Shorgel Lakes, southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: No records, but probably present. ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Common in Absheron Peninsula, especially in villages and towns in the north (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.). Recorded on Shah Spit (Bannikova et al., 1984). HABITAT: Settlements, cemeteries, ruins, piles of rocks, low semi-arid mountains, semi-desert and montane steppe up to 1,800 m (Gambarov, 1954; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Mustafaev, 1971b; Agaeva, 1985). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably >1,000 pairs (MP). Winter: More common in Sara Peninsula in winter probably due to influx from elsewhere (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). BREEDING: In Kura Valley, nests in crevices and niches in houses, metal pipes, rock fences, dry wells, burrows and old corvid nests. In Kurdamir District 10 of 14 examined nests were under roofs of abandoned houses, 2 in burrows, 1 in a hollow tree and 1 in old nest of Magpie (Mustafaev, 1971b). In Kuba District nested in burrows and tree cavities (Satunin, 1907). A nest with 6 young ready to fledge found in ruins in Zuvand Upland on 17 June 1971 (Agaeva, 1985). DIET: Stomachs examined in Talish Mountains contained beetles and moths (Agaeva, 1985) and remains of Chaffinch found in a stomach near Mingechaur in February (Gambarov, 1975). MORTALITY: One found dead in oil in Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946).

200. Tawny Owl - Strix aluco Linnaeus, 1758 Azeri name: Yapalagdza, Baigush STATUS: Uncommon resident. Subspecies S. a. wilkonskii Menzbier, 1896. DISTRIBUTION: GREATER C AUCASUS : Southern slope of Greater Caucasus Mountains (e.g. Zakatali, Ilisu and Ismailly reserves), adjacent Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland (e.g. in Gadjali, Kutkashen District) and forests of Kusari District (Gambarov, 1954; Khanmammedov & Mustafaev, 1965; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Murovdag Ridge, e.g. Lake Geigel and vicinity of Turagai (Satunin, 1907; Gasanov, 1990). Probably elsewhere.

TALISH MOUNTAINS: Montane forests including Girkan Reserve and old orchards in Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Agaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Karayasi Forest (Akstafa District), tugai forests of Shamkhor District, the vicinity of Mingechaur and Kurdamir District (Mustafaev, 1971b; Gambarov, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland and southern Mugan (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta and remaining woodlots near Khudat (Khanmammedov & Mustafaev, 1965; MP). HABITAT: Tugai, lowland and montane broad-leaved forests, isolated woodlots, orchards, gardens, and isolated hollow trees

The Birds of Azerbaijan G Tbilisi

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POPULATION SIZE: Probably 200-300 pairs in the late 1980searly 1990s (MP).

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Stepanakert

Aras Rive

DIET: Stomachs of specimens collected in Talish Mountains contained remains of beetles and moths (Agaeva, 1985).

Lenkoran

r

BREEDING: Nests in tree cavities, but occasionally in abandoned houses, other artificial structures or old corvid nests. In Kura Valley, often nests in hollow trees in backyards and gardens. 3 of 4 nests found in Kurdamir District were in hollow trees and 1 in an abandoned Magpie nest (Mustafaev, 1963a, 1971b). In Karayasi Forest, a pair nested in a large cavity in old poplar tree with nest entrance almost completely hidden by lianas and other creepers (MP).

IRAN

in settlements. Up to the upper forest limits in Greater Caucasus Mountains (Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971b; Gambarov, 1975; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Agaeva, 1985).

REMARKS: Rufous, grey and intermediate forms were seen or collected in Talish Mountains (Agaeva, 1985). Rufous form also observed in Karayasi Forest (MP). No records of the dark-brown form of S. a. wilkonskii from Azerbaijan.

201. Long-eared Owl - Asio otus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

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IRAN

Azeri name: Baigush, Gulagli baigush STATUS: Common resident, migrant and wintering species. Subspecies A. o. otus Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Distribution is poorly known. Inconspicuous and often overlooked. GREATER CAUCASUS: Lower slopes and the adjacent lowland, e.g. in Zakatali and Kutkashen districts, Ilisu Reserve (Kah District) and the vicinity of Shemakha, Shemakha Upland (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990). LESSER CAUCASUS: No information, but probably present. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Talish Mountains and Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Agaeva, 1969, 1985). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Kura Valley, e.g. in Kurdamir, Zardob, Udjari, Barda and Shamkhor districts (Mustafaev, 1963a, 1969; Gambarov, 1975; MP) and parks in and around Gandja (Mustafaev, 1973b).

SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland, Lower Kura, e.g. in Saliani (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907) and some villages in southeastern Shirvan, e.g. Khaladz (MP). Winter: Recorded in lowlands outside of the breeding range. Not clear whether those are migrants from the north or residents descending from the mountains or both. NAKHICHEVAN: Aras Valley in Nakhichevan Region (MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Regularly winters in orchards in Zuvand Upland (Agaeva, 1969). BOSDAG: Two observed in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on 26 February 1963 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland (Mustafaev, 1972), e.g. regularly wintered in the only woodlot of Sara Peninsula until it was cleared (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: An immature collected in Shah Spit on 31 January 1982 (Bannikova et al., 1984). HABITAT: NESTING: Tugai, broad-leaved montane and lowland forests, isolated woodlots, orchards, gardens and parks (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1963a, 1969; Agaeva, 1969, 1985). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Leaves Sara Peninsula in March (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Fall passage: COASTAL: One collected in Sara Peninsula on 26 October 1951 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Groups seen in Lenkoran Lowland in October and November (Mustafaev, 1972). INTERIOR: Observed in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains 16-18 October 1961 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably >500 pairs (MP). Winter: 6 in Sara Peninsula in December 1935 (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938) and 11 on 12 February 1959 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

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186 The Birds of Azerbaijan BREEDING: Usually nests in old corvid structures, but occasionally in abandoned houses. In orchards and tugai of Kurdamir District 18 of 21 examined nests were in old corvid nests, e.g. those of Magpie (15), Hooded Crow (2) and Rook (1). The three remaining nests in hollow trees (Mustafaev, 1963a, 1969). Old Magpie nest in Kalvas (Talish

Mountains) contained 4 young ready to fledge on 26 June 1970 (Agaeva, 1985). DIET: Pellets collected in Kizil Agach Reserve contained remains of Black Rat Rattus rattus and Water Vole Arvicola terrestris (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

202. Short-eared Owl - Asio flammeus Pontoppidan, 1763 G Tbilisi

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ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Shah Spit (Bannikova et al., 1984).

DAGESTAN

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(Russian Federation)

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Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

r

IRAN

STATUS: Threatened. Uncommon migrant and wintering species; nesting status is unclear. Subspecies A. f. flammeus Pontoppidan, 1763. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Might have nested in the past, but no reliable records. GREATER CAUCASUS: Occurred in wet meadows along the southern slope (Gambarov, 1954). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Reported from mid Kura, Shirvan and Mugan steppes in the 19th century. One collected near Gandja on 23 April 1895 might have been a migrant (Satunin, 1907; Satunin, 1912b). No recent summer sightings. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: A non-breeding female shot at Akusha River, Kizil Agach Reserve on 8 July 1955 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Shirvan and Mugan steppes (Satunin, 1912b; Zlotin, 1963). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a) and Lenkoran Lowland (Mustafaev, 1972).

HABITAT: WINTER: Semi-desert, marshes, meadows, shoreline, Juncus, tamarisk and blackberry thickets and vicinity of small reservoirs (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Zlotin, 1963; Mustafaev, 1972; Bannikova et al., 1984). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Latest sighting in Kizil Agach Reserve on February 27th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), but recorded in Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884) and at Kilazi Spit (Shelton, 2001) in April. Fall passage: COASTAL: Passes through Divichi Liman, vicinity of Kilazi, Absheron Peninsula, Lenkoran Lowland and Kizil Agach Reserve in October-November. Earliest record in Kizil Agach Reserve on October 6th and latest record in Absheron Peninsula on November 24th (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972; Shelton, 2001; Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.). POPULATION SIZE: Passage: FALL: Common on all islands of Kizil Agach Bay in the 1930s (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938) and flocks observed at freshwater marshes of Kizil Agach Reserve in the late 1950s-early 1960s (Dobrokhotov, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Formerly common in Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). A few recent records. Winter: 4 on Burunki Island, Kizil Agach Bay on December 6th (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938); groups of 2-3 in Kizil Agach Reserve in the 1950s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). DIET: Stomach of a specimen collected in Kizil Agach Reserve contained a Water Vole Arvicola terrestris (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

[Tengmalm’s Owl - Aegolius funereus] Hypothetical Present in Lesser Caucasus Mountains in southern Armenia (Pukinski, 1977) and may occur in the adjacent parts of Azerbaijan.

The Birds of Azerbaijan

FAMILY CAPRIMULGIDAE - NIGHTJARS AND ALLIES 203. European Nightjar - Caprimulgus europaeus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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Aras Rive

Lenkoran

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Azeri name: Kechisagan STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Subspecies C. e. meridionalis Hartert, 1846. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Lower slopes in Zakatali, Kutkashen and Vartashen districts (e.g. vicinity of Kutkashen, Vartashen and Nidz), Shemakha Upland (e.g. between Kirovka and Pirgulu) and Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland including Alazani Valley (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Patrikeev, 1991d; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS AND NAKHICHEVAN: No records, but undoubtedly present. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Talish Mountains and Zuvand Upland, e.g. Mount Sahal (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1965; Agaeva, 1985). BOSDAG: Turianchai Reserve (Turianchai Bosdag Mountains) and other Bosdag Mountains from Agdash to Gadjali (Gambarov, 1954; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Probably widespread. Known from Karayasi Forest, Shamkhor and Korchai Game Preserves (MP) and in Mugan Steppe (Satunin, 1912b). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan, Lenkoran Lowland and possibly Sara Peninsula (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). In southeastern Shirvan, occurs in the vicinity of Cape Pirsagat, but was not found at Shorgel Lakes and elsewhere in Shirvan Reserve (Patrikeev, 1991a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta (Drozdov, 1965; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Uncommon in the north and the east of Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). HABITAT: NESTING: Semi-desert, forest glades, juniper woodlands, bush thickets, orchards and abandoned cotton fields in lowlands and low mountains; openings, logged areas and edges of montane forest, and montane steppes (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Agaeva, 1985). MIGRATION: Coastal dunes, Juncus thickets and semi-desert (Radde, 1884; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late April through late May. COASTAL: Recorded at Lenkoran in late April (Radde, 1884) and in Kizil Agach Reserve from May 8th, conspicuous passage on May 27th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Arrives in Talish Mountains in early to mid May (Agaeva, 1985). One observed in Absheron Peninsula on 20 May 1956 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Recorded in the vicinity of Ganja 2-3 May (Satunin, 1907) and at Shamkhor on May 8th (Gambarov, 1975). Fall passage: Early September to late October. COASTAL: Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve 4 September-19 October (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Recorded in Absheron Peninsula on 1 October 1951 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). INTERIOR: Still present in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains 8-9 September, in Shemakha Upland in mid September and in Talish Mountains on October 20th (Gambarov, 1954; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Agaeva, 1985). POPULATION SIZE: No information. BREEDING: Calls and aerial displays from late April to at least early June in lowlands (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a, b; Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). Nests on the ground; usually 2 eggs per clutch. A nest with 2 slightly incubated eggs near Lenkoran on May 22nd (Radde, 1884) and in Talish Mountains a nest with 1 egg on 9 June 1971 (Agaeva, 1985). Fledglings recorded in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains 30 June-11 August, and a well flying young collected at Turianchai on September 17th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). DIET: Stomach contents included beetles (Copris lunaris, other Scarabaeidae and Agelastica alni) in Greater Caucasus Mountains (Gambarov, 1954), beetles and grasshoppers in Talish Mountains. Seen chasing moths in Lenkoran Lowland (Agaeva, 1985).

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188 The Birds of Azerbaijan

FAMILY APODIDAE - SWIFTS 204. Alpine Swift - Tachymarptis melba Linnaeus, 1758 Azeri name: Usunganad (all swifts) STATUS: Uncommon nesting species and migrant. Subspecies A. m. melba Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Distribution poorly known. GREATER CAUCASUS: Mountains of Kuba and Kutkashen districts (Bogdanov, 1879; Radde, 1884; Gambarov, 1954). LESSER CAUCASUS: Southern part of Karabakh Ridge (Radde, 1884) and possible elsewhere. NAKHICHEVAN: Mountains of Ordubad District (e.g. Zangelan Ridge) and Mount Ilandag in Julfa District (MP). BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Mount Gush-gaya in Gobustan Upland (Burchak-Abramovich & Gambarov, 1961).

HABITAT: NESTING: Crevices in inaccessible cliffs (BurchakAbramovich & Gambarov, 1961; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Arrives in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains 30 March-7 April (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). Fall passage: A flock of 150 near Gadjali (Kutkashen District) on 5 July 1937 (Gambarov, 1954). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. 20-25 pairs on Mount Gush-gaya, Gobustan Upland (Burchak-Abramovich & Gambarov, 1961).

205. Common Swift - Apus apus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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Azeri name: Usunganad (all swifts) STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Significantly expanded breeding range in the mid 20th century. Subspecies A. a. apus Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Apparently only in foothills, mountains and ancient fortresses in the 19th century (Radde, 1884), but expanded into lowlands and colonized man-made structures in the 1960s (Mustafaev, 1974a, b). GREATER CAUCASUS: Forests and alpine zone, e.g. in Zakatali District and near Laza on Mount Shahdag, Kuba District (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). LESSER CAUCASUS: No information, but undoubtedly present. NAKHICHEVAN : Mostly in settlements including Norashen, Givrag, Nakhichevan, Ordubad, etc. (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965).

TALISH MOUNTAINS: Talish Mountains and Zuvand Upland (Drozdov, 1965). BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Nests in man-made structures throughout Kura and Aras valleys from the mid 1960s (Mustafaev, 1973b, 1974a, b; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: First nested in Lenkoran Lowland and Sara Peninsula in 1960s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1974a, b). By the 1980s, nested in Lenkoran, Akstafa, Aurora and many villages along the Caspian shore, vicinity of Lake Hadjikabul and southeastern Shirvan, e.g. Khaladz (MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Nests in Samur-Divichi Lowland from 1960s (Mustafaev, 1974a, b). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: First nesting record in Absheron Peninsula (Mashtagi and Buzovna) in early 1960s (Gambarov, 1960; Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1968) and in Baku probably in the early 1970s. Common in downtown Baku (e.g. the ancient tower Giz-Galasi and adjacent old buildings) and in new suburbs in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Also nests in villages along the Caspian shore south of Baku (e.g. Gobustan and Alat) and Gobustan Upland, e.g. Sumgait-chai Valley and Mount Beuk-Dush (Gambarov, 1960; Mustafaev, 1973a; Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989; Patrikeev, 1991b; MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Apparently only in cliffs and rock crevices in foothills and mountains (up to 2,000 m), and clayey walls of ancient fortresses in the 19th century. Presently also nests in buildings, water towers and other tall artificial structures (Radde, 1884; Mustafaev, 1974a, b). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early to mid April. COASTAL: Earliest record near Lenkoran on April 17th (Radde, 1884). Observed in southeastern Shirvan and southern Absher-

The Birds of Azerbaijan

on Peninsula (e.g. Primorsk) 4-5 April and in Pirkishkul (Gobustan Upland) and Khurdalan (Absheron Peninsula) on April 7th (MP). Arrived in Baku 11-12 April in 1989 and 1990 (MP). INTERIOR: In Nakhichevan Region from c. April 27th (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965) and Shamkhor District from May 5th (Gambarov, 1975). Fall passage: Late July through early September. COASTAL: Leaves Baku in late July-early August (MP). INTERIOR: in Greater Caucasus Mountains from mid July (Gambarov, 1954). Leaves Nakhichevan Region in August-early September (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). Latest record in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on September 3rd (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b).

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. Flocks of up to 100-120 in Sara Peninsula in the mid 1960s (Mustafaev & Gazanchian, 1967). Colonies of 50 pairs and greater in Nakhichevan, Ordubad and Norashen in Nakhichevan Region (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). >20 pairs nested in the GizGalasi Tower in Baku in 1989-1991 (MP). BREEDING: Colonial. 10-50 pairs per colony, but colonies of >50 pairs found in Nakhichevan Region. Nests under roofs in buildings, and in cracks and holes in other man-made structures. Some still nest in cliff crevices (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1974b). Carrying nestmaterial in Baku on May 14th (MP).

206. Little Swift - Apus affinus Gray, 1830 STATUS: Insufficiently known. Probably rare nesting species and migrant. Subspecies A. a. galilejensis Antinori, 1855. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Poorly known. May nest in Nakhichevan Region. GREATER CAUCASUS: Observed near Laza (Mount Shahdag, Kusari District) on 17 May 1896 (Satunin, 1907, 1912a)

NAKHICHEVAN: Reported from semi-desert mountains, e.g. Negram Mountains (MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Recorded between Ruarut and Kalvas in Baransar Passage on 26 June 1898 (Satunin, 1907, 1912a). HABITAT: Semi-desert mountains (MP).

FAMILY CORACIIDAE - ROLLERS AND ALLIES 207. European Roller - Coracias garrulus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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Aras Rive

Lenkoran

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Azeri name: Goidza-karga STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Subspecies C. g. garrulus Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Common throughout Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland, but rare in montane forests. Apparently does not occur above Zakatali, Kutkashen and Ismailly. In Shemakha Upland: vicinity of Shemakha and Pirgulu, but may be absent from Alti-Agach (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Patrikeev, 1991d; MP).

LESSER CAUCASUS AND NAKHICHEVAN: Widespread in lower elevations and adjacent valleys (MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Common (Drozdov, 1965; Agaeva, 1985). BOSDAG: Uncommon in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Throughout Kura Valley, e.g. Karayasi Forest, Djeiranchel Hills (especially between Poili and SougBulak), Shamkhor, Tauz and Barda districts, the mouth of Iori, Alazani Valley, lower Turianchai Valley, Gandja, Shirvan and Mugan steppes, vicinity of Lake Hadjikabul (Mustafaev, 1963a, 1969, 1971b, 1973b; Gambarov, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Common in southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland (Satunin, 1912b; Drozdov, 1965), uncommon in Kizil Agach Reserve, Sara Peninsula and southeastern Shirvan (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a; Vinogradov et al., 1990; Patrikeev, 1991a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: From Samur Delta to Divichi and Yashma (Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Absheron Peninsula, e.g. in Sumgaitchai Valley and outskirts of Baku (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Tugai and broad-leaved forests, semi-desert, low cliffs, quarries, orchards, settlements and planted trees. Mostly in lowlands, but also in foothills (Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971b; Agaeva, 1985; MP).

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190 The Birds of Azerbaijan MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Arrives in April. COASTAL: First records in Absheron Peninsula c. April 15th (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958), near Lenkoran on April 19th (Radde, 1884), in Kizil Agach Reserve during 18-25 April (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), in southeastern Shirvan on April 25th (Patrikeev, 1991a), near Khachmas (Samur-Divichi Lowland) on April 24th (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968) and in Talish Mountains in late April (Agaeva, 1985). INTERIOR: Flocks seen in Karayasi Steppe on April 12th (Satunin, 1907), in Turianchai Bosdag from April 27th, but conspicuous passage 1-5 May (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Fall passage: August to mid October. COASTAL: In the northeast, latest records on 27 September 1959 in Divichi and on 12 October 1959 in Khudat (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). Leaves Lenkoran Lowland and Kizil Agach Reserve by mid September, latest record on September 30th (Radde, 1884; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b).

dov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a, b; Mustafaev, 1963a, 1969, 1971b; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; Agaeva, 1985; MP). Tree cavity nests were 3-12 m above the ground, some of the cavities excavated by Green Woodpeckers (Agaeva, 1985; MP). In settlements, pairs may nest close by (Mustafaev, 1969a), but in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains 2 nests were 2 km apart (MP). Clutch contains 4-5 eggs. Egg measurements (n=27): 35-37 x 25-27 mm, weight 10.2-13.6 g. Incubation begins before the clutch is completed. In the northeast, egg-laying starts in late May (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968), but in the vicinity of Ismailly, females with eggs collected as late as July 17th (Gambarov, 1954). A nest with 3 young in Karayasi Forest on 10 June 1989 (MP) and adults carrying food seen in Talish Mountains in mid July (Agaeva, 1985). Newly fledged young observed in Karayasi Forest in late June (MP) and in Zakatali District on July 28th (Gambarov, 1954). After fledging, broods gather in flocks of up to 40-60 (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968).

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No total estimate. 3-8/km in the northeast (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968) and 0.4/ km in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains in May 1962 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b).

DIET: Examined stomachs contained grasshoppers, large beetles, bugs (family Cydnidae), cicadas and occasionally seed (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968).

BREEDING: Nests in tree cavities, hollow trees, burrows excavated in clayey cliffs, riverbanks and walls of pits and quarries (often in mixed colonies with European Bee-eaters, Common Starlings, Kestrels, House Sparrows and other passerines), manmade structures (wall crevices, under cornices, in abandoned houses, under overpasses and bridges), rarely in abandoned Magpie nests and bird-boxes (Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Vinogra-

MORTALITY: Frequently killed on roads in Azerbaijan (Alekperov & Mustafaev, 1971). REMARKS: Inhabitants of Greater Caucasus Mountains hunt European Rollers for food. The meat has unpleasant smell, but considered a cure for whooping cough (Gambarov, 1954). In Karayasi Forest, locals soak roller feathers in water and use the solution to treat sore throat when lacking proper medicine (MP).

FAMILY ALCEDINIDAE - KINGFISHERS 208. Common Kingfisher - Alcedo atthis Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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Aras Rive

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Azeri name: Baligdzil STATUS: Common resident and migrant. Probably leaves Azerbaijan in cold winters. Subspecies A. a. atthis Linnaeus, 1758.

DISTRIBUTION: Vacates parts of the summer range in winter. Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Lower slopes and the adjacent lowland (e.g. Alazani Valley), although up to the tree limit in Zakatali District (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). LESSER CAUCASUS: No published records, but probably occurs on lower slopes. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Throughout Kura Valley, e.g. in Karayasi Forest, Shamkhor, Tauz and Barda districts, Turianchai Valley, Varvara Reservoir, the vicinity of Mingechaur, wetlands of Shirvan and Mugan steppes, Kura Delta and Aras Valley (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Zlotin, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b;Vasiliev, 1968; Mustafaev, 1969a; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Gambarov, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve (Kalinovsky Liman, Akusha Marsh, Ivanovskaya Banka and the channels), southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland south to Astara-chai (Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1969a; MP). Uncommon along channels in southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta and small rivers flowing through the lowland. South to Divichi (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; MP).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lenkoran Lowland and Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Wetlands of Shirvan Steppe (Zlotin, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972; MP). Not recorded in Mingechaur District after November 25th (Gambarov, 1975). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Twice recorded in Shah Spit in January-February 1982 (Bannikova et al., 1984). HABITAT: Rivers, lakes, reservoirs, large ponds, irrigation channels and wetlands (Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972). In Lenkoran Lowland, prefers shallow rivers with transparent waters (Radde, 1884), but observed hunting over turbid and murky waters elsewhere (MP).

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No overall estimate. 2-5 pairs/km in Kura Valley near Karayasi (MP). BREEDING: Nests in burrows excavated in steep banks of rivers and irrigation channels. Near Karayasi, nest-building started in late June 1989, after the water level in Kura River has dropped: 2 burrows under construction in a low bank of a dried channel on June 27th, 1-2 m above the riverbed (MP). Elsewhere in Kura Valley, egg-laying recorded in early May (Satunin, 1907). DIET: Mostly piscivorous (Radde, 1884). REMARKS: On Lake Dambartan (Nidz, Kutkashen District), a wounded kingfisher was snatched by a large Marsh Frog Rana ridibunda), although the frog had failed to drown the bird (Gambarov, 1954).

209. White-breasted Kingfisher - Halcyon smyrnensis Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Accidental visitor. Subspecies H. s. smyrnensis Linnaeus 1758. DISTRIBUTION: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Two specimens collected in Lenkoran Lowland in 1884, e.g. a semi-adult male

on the banks of Lenkoran-chai (Radde, 1884). Unconfirmed records from Talish Mountains in the 1970s-1980s (I. Babaev, pers. comm.) and Kizil Agach Reserve in summer 1999 (Shelton, 2001).

FAMILY MEROPIDAE - BEE-EATERS 210. European Bee-eater - Merops apiaster Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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Azeri name: Kizlar-gushu (all bee-eaters) STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Common along the southern slope of Greater Caucasus Mountains (e.g. Alazani Valley, lowlands in Vartashen, Kutkashen and Ismailly districts) and in Shemakha Upland (e.g. in the vicinity of Shemakha), although apparently absent from the Alti-Agach area. A few colonies in foothills in the northeast (Kusari and Kuba districts). After the young have fledged (late July-early August),

broods often move to mountains up to alpine zone (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1961; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Patrikeev, 1991d). LESSER CAUCASUS: Distribution poorly known. NAKHICHEVAN: Aras Valley and foothills. Colonies found near Sadarak, Khanaga, Julfa, Ordubad, Vanad, Nusnus, Yukhari-Ailis, Shahbuz and Gadjali (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Uncommon in Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1965; Agaeva, 1985). BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Karayasi Steppe, Shamkhor District, the mouth of Iori, vicinity of Mingechaur and Gandja (Mustafaev, 1973b; Gambarov, 1975; MP) and Mugan Steppe, especially in Sabirabad and Saatli districts (Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1961; MP). Distribution in Aras Valley is poorly known. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve and northern Sara Peninsula (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a). Small numbers occur in Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; MP). Rare in southeastern Shirvan, e.g. near Alat and Khaladz (Patrikeev, 1991a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Common in Samur, Kusarchai, Kudial-chai, Velvelchai and Gilgilchai valleys, and the vicinity of Divichi (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1961; Drozdov, 1965; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Yashma, Sumgait-chai Valley and northern Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958;

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192 The Birds of Azerbaijan MP). In Gobustan Upland, common in Pirsagat Valley, but rare on Mount Beuk-Dush. Observed on slopes of Airan-Tekan mudvolcano and in low mountains around Lake Hadjikabul (Burchak-Abramovich & Gambarov, 1961; Patrikeev, 1991b; MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Lowlands, foothills and sometimes treeless uplands (e.g. Zuvand Upland). Nests in burrows excavated in sheer banks of rivers, channels, walls of ravines, quarries and sandpits sometimes close to villages and towns. Radde (1884) reported nesting in burrows excavated in coastal flats. May nest in tree cavities in Karayasi Forest: seen carrying food towards the forest in late June (MP). FEEDING: Aerial feeder. Recorded over a variety of habitats, but also in vicinity of apiaries, forested mountain gorges and up to alpine zone, e.g. at 2,500 m in Zakatali Reserve (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid to early May. COASTAL: Earliest records in Kizil Agach Reserve 12-29 April (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). In 1990, first observed in Shirvan Reserve on April 25th, and on Mount Beuk-Dush, Gobustan Upland by May 11th (Patrikeev, 1991a, b). Usually arrives at Absheron Peninsula after April 28th (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP). INTERIOR: Flocks of 20-30 observed in Karayasi Steppe as early as 14-15 April, but not until 2-10 May in other years (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). Recorded in Nakhichevan Region on April 21st (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). Arrives in Alazani Valley, Zakatali District in April (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985) and to Turianchai Bosdag Mountains between 28 April and 4 May (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Fall passage: Late August through late September. COASTAL: Leaves the northeast in late August-early September, although some remain as late as 28-29 September (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). Southbound observed near Baku 5-12 September after the nesting population have already left (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). INTERIOR: Departs Turianchai Bosdag Mountains 13-19 September (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b) and Karayasi Steppe in mid September (Satunin, 1907). Still present in Shemakha Upland in mid September (Patrikeev, 1991d). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: 3,000-5,000 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). In the mid 1960s, average density of 5/km on slopes of Greater Caucasus and in Kura Aras Lowland, 3.2/km in Nakhichevan region, Zangelan and Kubatli districts, 2.4/km in Samur-Divichi Lowland, 0.45/km in Absheron Peninsula and 0.16/km in Lenkoran Lowland (Khanmammedov & Gasanova, 1969). In Turianchai Bosdag Mountains, 0.6/km on 19 May 1962 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b) and 3-4 pairs in eastern part of Turianchai Reserve in 1991 (MP). In Samur-Divichi Lowland, 3-100 pairs/colony (average 20-30), but single pairs also recorded (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1961). In Kizil Agach Reserve 6-26 pairs/colony (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), 125 pairs nested there in 1964, 140 in 1965 and 175 in 1966 (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a). In southeastern Shirvan up to 10 pairs east of Khaladz in 1990 and 1 pair in a small

quarry south of Alat in 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Colonies in foothills and uplands are usually smaller: 4-6 pairs in Zuvand Upland (Agaeva, 1985), 2-3 pairs on Mount Beuk-Dush, Gobustan Upland (Patrikeev, 1991a). In Nakhichevan Region, colonies consisted of 10-15 pairs, but sometimes up to 25-35 pairs (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). BREEDING: Colonial, although single pairs also reported. Nests in burrows excavated in sheer banks of rivers, channels, walls of ravines, quarries and sandpits. European Rollers, Kestrels and some passerines are known to nest in colonies of European Bee-eaters (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1961). Suspected nesting in tree cavities in Karayasi Forest (MP). Radde (1884) reported an unusual mixed colony of European and Bluecheeked Bee-eaters on the Caspian shore: burrows of both species reportedly excavated in flats consisting of mixture of sand and seashells. In the northeast, burrows 70-289 cm long (av. 140 cm) with entrances 6-9.5 cm in diameter (av. 7.3 cm). A nesting burrow ends with a chamber of 18-30 x 14-26 cm (av. 24 x 19.8 cm), height 7-8 cm. Occasionally two chambers, but eggs found only in one. In Zuvand Upland, examined burrows only 65-80 cm long possibly because of rocky soils. Nest excavated in 1218 days depending on soil texture. Nests have no lining except a layer of insect exoskeletons (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1961; Khanmammedov & Gasanova, 1969; Agaeva, 1985). In Turianchai Bosdag Mountains, excavation of burrows recorded as early as May 2nd (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). One clutch (5-8 eggs)/year; 70% of 23 examined clutches in the northeast contained 6-7 eggs (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1961). Eggs (n=5) from Zuvand Upland measured 27-28 x 22-23 mm, average weight 6.3 g (Agaeva, 1985), elsewhere (n=167): 24.0-29.5x10.2-23.0 (average 26.6x21.8), weight 5.37.7 g, average 6.5 (Khanmammedov & Gasanova, 1969). In the northeast, Kura-Aras and Lenkoran lowlands, eggs are laid from mid May. In mid May completed clutches also found in Mingechaur District and in Kizil Agach Reserve. In the vicinity of Divichi, the majority of nests contained eggs in mid June. Both partners incubate for c. 20 days (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1961; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a; Khanmammedov & Gasanova, 1969; Gambarov, 1975). The young hatch from mid June. In Karayasi Forest, adults carrying food were observed in late June (MP). In early July, nests containing young of different ages recorded in the northeast and Shemakha District. The young remain in nests for c. 30 days and leave from 10-15 July. In Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland fledglings recorded from late July. After the young are on the wing, broods sometimes move to mountains (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1961, Khanmammedov & Gasanova, 1969). In Zuvand Upland, broods were very common in early to mid August. Those were probably birds that have nested in the adjacent lowlands and foothills (Agaeva, 1985). DIET: Insect-eater catching its prey on the wing. In the northeast, examined stomachs and pellets contained remains of Tenebrionidae, ground beetles, Dorcadion sp., ants, moths (Nocturnidae [Noctuidae?]), Acrididae, Gryllus sp., Aelia sp. and Eurygaster sp. The majority of those insects are considered agricultural pests

The Birds of Azerbaijan

(Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1961). Stomachs collected in Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland mostly contained beetles (Trox scaber and other species of family Scarabaeidae), wasps Hylocapa violacix and tree bugs (Gambarov, 1954). In Zuvand Upland, this species feeds on beetles, dragonflies and bugs Coriomeus (Agaeva, 1985) and in Mugan Steppe on locusts (Satunin, 1907, 1912b). Predation on domestic honeybees should be examined separately. Satunin (1907, 1912b) presumed that this species feeds on honeybees only during migration or on cold days when no other food is available. Indeed, a group of 38 European Beeeaters was perching on wires near an apiary in Shemakha Upland on a cold morning in mid September 1989, probably wait-

ing for bees to emerge (Patrikeev, 1991d). However, in some areas in the northeast honeybees make up to 60% of the diet during nesting period (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1961). Remains of domestic honeybees also found at burrow entrances in Shemakha District, where stomachs of some collected individuals contained up to 25 bees each (Gambarov, 1954). Nonetheless, damage caused by bee-eaters to apiaries is probably exaggerated, and these colourful birds animating otherwise bleak semi-desert landscapes of Azerbaijan deserve some protection. MORTALITY: In the late 1980s apiary-keepers often paid a little bounty on both species of bee-eaters (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.).

211. Blue-cheeked Bee-eater - Merops persicus Pallas, 1773 G Tbilisi

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mon at Shorgel Lakes and Cape Pirsagat, southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Rare in Absheron Peninsula in the 1940s-1950s: one collected near Buzovna on 14 May 1941, another at Ziria on 20 May 1951 and third near Zagulba on 26 May 1956 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Uncommon in the peninsula in the late 1980s, but no confirmed nesting records so far (MP). Small numbers nested in Gobustan Upland (BurchakAbramovich & Gambarov, 1961).

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

Lenkoran

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IRAN

Azeri name: Kizlar-gushu (all bee-eaters) STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Subspecies M. p. persicus Pallas, 1773. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: In the mid to late 19th century, this species occurred only in the southeast: between the Iranian border and Saliani (Bogdanov, 1879; Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907), but found elsewhere in the 20th century and probably expanding. NAKHICHEVAN: Nests only in the northwest corner: one small colony near Sadarak, Norashen District (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). BOSDAG: Foothills of Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Gasanov, 1990). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Common in Mugan and Mil steppes (e.g. Saliani and Saatli Districts and vicinity of Lake Aggel). Small numbers nest near Ali-Bairamli (Satunin, 1912b; Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1961; Gasanov, 1990; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland is a stronghold of this species in Azerbaijan. In the 1980s-early 1990s, common between Lenkoran and Masalli, but uncommon between Lenkoran and Astara. Nests in Sara Peninsula, Kizil Agach Reserve and southern Mugan, e.g. vicinity of Mahmud-chala (Satunin, 1912b; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a; Mustafaev & Gazanchian, 1967; Vinogradov et al., 1990; Patrikeev, 1991c; MP). Uncom-

HABITAT: NESTING: Semi-desert, coastal areas, pasture, melon and vegetable fields in lowlands; also in hills and rarely in low semi-arid mountains. Some colonies very close to villages and other settlements (Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1961; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Mustafaev, 1969a; MP). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late April-early May. COASTAL: Arrives at Lenkoran Lowland and Kizil Agach Reserve in late April. First flock recorded in the reserve on April 25th and conspicuous passage on May 8th (Radde, 1884; Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1961; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). At Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan), earliest record on April 25th and at Cape Pirsagat on April 30th. A flock of 100 arrived at Lake Kichik-Shorgel at 2000 hrs on 8 May 1990 and roosted in reeds at the lake (Patrikeev, 1991a). Recorded in Absheron Peninsula c. May 10th (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). INTERIOR: Arrived in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains 28 April-4 May (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b) and to Nakhichevan Region on April 30th (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). Fall passage: Early September to early October. COASTAL: Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve and the vicinity from September 6th. Mostly leaves this area by mid September, although single birds recorded in Kizil Agach as late as October 4th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably over 1,500-2,000 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). Outnumbers European Bee-eater in southern Mugan and northern Lenkoran Lowland, but numbers of both species are roughly equal in Lower Kura Valley, e.g. near Ali-Bairamli, Sabirabad and Saatli (Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1961; Gasanov, 1990). In

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194 The Birds of Azerbaijan Sara Peninsula and Kizil Agach Reserve, up to 80-100 nests/ha in colonies near Port-Ilich and Kumbashi, e.g. a colony of 500700 nests near the office of Kizil Agach Reserve (Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1961; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev & Gazanchian, 1967; Vinogradov et al., 1990). Less common elsewhere: only 6 pairs in the vicinity of Cape Pirsagat in 1989 and several pairs at Shorgel Lakes in 1990. Rare in Absheron Peninsula (Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). The only known colony in Nakhichevan Region contained 13 nests in the early 1960s (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). BREEDING: Colonial species usually nesting in single-species colonies (4-700 pairs), but single pairs also recorded (Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1961; Mustafaev, 1971b; Patrikeev, 1991a). In the 19th century, two mixed colonies of Blue-cheeked and European Bee-eaters reported from the vicinity of Lenkoran (Radde, 1884) and Kumbashi (Satunin, 1907). Nests in burrows excavated in flats, but occasionally in low cliffs and ravines. In colonies near Kumbashi and Port-Ilich burrows were close to each other (Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1961), but in southeastern Shirvan neighbouring burrows 30-40 m apart (Patrikeev,

1991a). Burrows excavated in flats descend at 5-6o angle, with nesting chambers 45-80 cm (av. 65 cm) below the surface. Dimensions of burrows examined in Lenkoran Lowland were as following: length 120-300 cm (av. 190 cm), entrance diameter 79 cm (av. 7.6 cm), nest chamber 17-30 x 20-23 cm, chamber height 9-16 cm (Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1961). On 13 May 1898 only burrows still under construction found near Kumbashi (Satunin, 1907). In southeastern Shirvan, excavation observed 20-24 May 1989 and at Lake Mahmud-chala copulation and excavation were under way in early June 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a, c). Clutch contains 5-10 eggs (av. 6-8). Eggs are white with slight salmon tint. Incubation begins with the first or second egg. Both partners incubate, but female does most of the work (Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1961). In Lenkoran Lowland, incubated and freshly laid clutches found from 24 May to 13 June (Satunin, 1907; Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1961). DIET: In Lenkoran Lowland, examined stomachs mostly contained dragonflies (c. 60%), beetles (c. 40%, e.g. long-horned, leaf and scarab beetles and weevils), locusts, bugs and butterflies, but NO domestic bees (Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1961).

FAMILY UPUPIDAE - HOOPOES 212. Hoopoe - Upupa epops Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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Aras Rive

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Azeri name: Hop-hop, Shanapipik STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant, rare wintering species. Subspecies U. e. epops Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER C AUCASUS: Southern slope and the adjacent lowland, e.g. from Alazani Valley to alpine zone in Zakatali District, but up to 1,500 m in Ismailly District (Girdimanchai Valley) and at 1,000-1,500 m in Shemakha Upland. Also in Kutkashen, Kah and Kusari districts (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Patrikeev, 1991d). LESSER CAUCASUS: Probably widespread, but no published records.

NAKHICHEVAN: Throughout the region except perhaps the highest mountains (Satunin, 1907; Khanmammedov, 1960). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Montane forests up to treeline, and Zuvand Upland, e.g. near Kelokhan, Ambirdara and Gosmalian (Agaeva, 1985). BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Throughout Kura-Aras Lowland, e.g. Shirvan, Karayasi and Mugan steppes and Zangelan District (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971b; Gambarov, 1975; MP). Nests in Gandja (Mustafaev, 1973b). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Common in southern Mugan e.g. near Mahmud-chala (Satunin, 1912b; Patrikeev, 1991c). Small numbers nest in Lenkoran Lowland, Sara Peninsula, Kizil Agach Reserve and southeastern Shirvan, e.g. at Shorgel Lakes and Cape Pirsagat (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). CASPIAN SEA AND ISLANDS: One seen on Tashkent Island (Pirsagat Islands of Baku Archipelago) c. 3 km offshore (Patrikeev, 1991a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Common in lowlands of Kusari, Khachmas and Divichi districts (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Common in Absheron Peninsula including some areas in Baku, but uncommon in coastal semidesert and settlements further south and in Gobustan Upland, e.g. Mounts Kargabazar and Beuk-Dash (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Mustafaev, 1973a; Patrikeev, 1991b; MP). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Irregular in Lenkoran Lowland (MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Forest edge, scrub, orchards, parks, tree plantations, built-up areas and semi-desert in lowlands and moun-

The Birds of Azerbaijan

tains; also montane forests. Up to alpine zone in Greater Caucasus Mountains (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a, b; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971b, 1973a; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Agaeva, 1985). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid March through mid April. COASTAL: Arrives at Lenkoran Lowland 12-18 March (Radde, 1884) and Kizil Agach Reserve 3-21 March. Conspicuous passage through the reserve: 20 March-10 April (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). In the northeast, earliest record on March 20th (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). In 1952-1955, a pair routinely arrived in the Botanical Gardens of Baku on April 1st (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). One observed in northern Gobustan Upland on 7 April 1990 (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mid March through early April near Zakatali and Sheki (Radde, 1884; Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). In Turianchai Bosdag Mountains, recorded from 3-5 April (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Fall passage: September to November. COASTAL: Departs Kizil Agach Reserve by September 10th, although some recorded on September 21st and October 5th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Latest record in the northeast on 2 October 1959 (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). Collected in Lenkoran Lowland in November 1880 (Radde, 1884). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably thousands of pairs. 1-10 /km in Zuvand Upland (Agaeva, 1985) and up to 5/km (av. 2/km) in the northeast (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov,

1968). Only one pair on Mount Beuk-Dush (Gobustan Upland) in 1990-1991 (Patrikeev, 1991b). BREEDING: Calls heard from early April through mid August (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Patrikeev, 1991a, b). Nests in burrows, crevices, rock piles, tree cavities, in buildings (e.g. under roofs or floors) and stone fences. One burrow was 45 cm long. Occasionally nests in bee-eater colonies (Gambarov, 1954; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1969a; 1971b; Agaeva, 1985). In Talish Mountains, 6 nests in tree cavities 0.9-5 m above the ground. Nest contains no lining (Agaeva, 1985). Eggs laid from mid April to early June (3-7 eggs per clutch). In the northeast, hatching recorded from 9-10 May (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). In Kizil Agach Reserve a nest with 6 young found on 14 June 1956 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). In Karayasi Forest, adults carrying food observed in late June (MP). On 19 June 1970, nestlings examined in Zuvand Upland weighed 40-68 g. If disturbed, nestlings may shoot liquid odorous feces at the intruder (Agaeva, 1985). A brood observed in Kizil Agach Reserve contained 5 young (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). DIET: Insectivorous. Mostly forages on the ground sometimes picking insects from manure or offal (Satunin, 1907). In Absheron Peninsula, examined stomachs contained remains of beetles, caterpillars (Agrotis sp. and Plusia gamma) and larvae of Tentyria sp. (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). MORTALITY: Frequently road-killed (Alekperov & Mustafaev, 1971).

FAMILY PICIDAE - WOODPECKERS AND WRYNECKS 213. Wryneck - Jynx torquilla Linnaeus, 1758 tafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968), but very rare along the southern slope: 6 specimens collected near Zakatali (Gambarov, 1954) and also observed in lower montane forests of Zakatali Reserve (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). On 23 July 1939, a male collected in upper Girdimanchai Valley near Lagich (Ismailly District) at 1,500 m (Gambarov, 1954). LESSER CAUCASUS: No information, but probably present. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Recorded near Lerik (1,500 m), Gosmalian, Makhlababad, Guseinabad and Kalvas (Agaeva, 1985). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: No recent records, but in the 19th century observed and collected in Lenkoran Lowland, e.g. near Rua on 7 May 1897 (Satunin, 1907). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: One seen in a park in Mardakian, Absheron Peninsula on 20 August 1961 (Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1968) was probably an early migrant. STATUS: Uncommon nesting species and migrant. Subspecies J. t. torquilla Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Common in foothills of the northeast, e.g. in the vicinity of Kusari (Mus-

HABITAT: NESTING: Orchards, parks and cleared valleys with old hollow trees in foothills and mountains (up to c. 1,500 m). Apparently rare in older forest. In the 19th century, observed in bush thickets in wet ravines in Lenkoran Lowland (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; Agaeva, 1985).

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196 The Birds of Azerbaijan MOVEMENT: Spring passage: April. COASTAL: Observed in the vicinity of Lenkoran on April 12th (Radde, 1884). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Early and mid April in Karayasi Steppe (Satunin, 1907). Fall passage: Rarely seen during fall migration. COASTAL: Probably a migrant in Mardakian, Absheron Peninsula on 20 August 1961 (Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1968). Observed near Kilazi in September (Shelton, 2001). One collected in Sara Peninsula on 7 September 1958 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Unknown. BREEDING: Clutch contains 3-7 eggs. Possibly two clutches a year. Incubation begins with the first egg. Of 20 nests examined in the northeast all but one were in tree cavities in

parks and orchards (mostly in apple and pear trees) 1-6 m above the ground. One nest was in a horizontal crevice in a stone fence surrounding a school. One pair completed cavity-excavation on 10 June 1960. Nests with eggs found as late as July 10th (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; Mustafaev, 1969a). In Talish Mountains, nests with young found on 17 and 21 June (Agaeva, 1985) and in the northeast large nestlings (2-3/ nest) recorded from June 29th through July 23rd (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; Mustafaev, 1969a). A nest with 7 large young ready to fledge found near Zakatali on 11 July 1939 and a newly-fledged young collected on 11 August 1937 (Gambarov, 1954). In the northeast, broods observed from late June (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; Mustafaev, 1969a). DIET: Stomachs contained remains of ants and other insects (Gambarov, 1954).

214. Green Woodpecker - Picus viridis Linnaeus, 1758 KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Remnant tugai forests, orchards and planted trees in Kura Valley: from Karayasi Forest and Akstafa to Barda District and Shirvan Steppe; also in the mouth of Iori (Mustafaev, 1969a; Gambarov, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Orchards and settlements of southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Lowlands of Khachmas District including Samur Delta (Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965; MP). Winter: In winter, many descend from mountains and foothills to adjacent lowlands, e.g. in Kura-Aras and Lenkoran lowlands (Zlotin, 1963; Mustafaev, 1972; Gambarov, 1975).

Azeri name: Agachdalan (all woodpeckers) STATUS: Common resident. Subspecies P. v. viridis Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Common throughout the southern slope and the adjacent lowland, e.g. from Alazani Valley to the upper forest limits in mountains of Zakatali District (including Mount Alibek), Ilisu Reserve (Kah District), lowlands of Vartashen and Kutkashen districts, the vicinity of Ismailly, and Shemakha Upland, e.g. near Pirgulu, Thagan and Tchanut (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990; Patrikeev, 1991d). In the northeast, common in foothills and lowlands of Kuba and Kusari districts (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Recorded in the upper Shamkhor-chai Valley and near Lake Geigel, Murovdag Ridge (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990), but probably present elsewhere (MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Forested foothills, e.g. in Girkan Reserve (Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990).

HABITAT: Broad-leaved forests, oak woodlands, orchards (especially those with old walnuts and chestnuts), parks, gardens and planted trees in lowlands and mountains (up to the tree limit), also in riverine tugai forests (Gambarov, 1954; Zlotin, 1963; Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev, 1969a; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Common. Population size unknown. Winter: Number increases in Lenkoran and Kura-Aras Lowlands, e.g. in Shamkhor District, and towns and villages of mid Kura (Zlotin, 1963; Mustafaev, 1972; Gambarov, 1975). BREEDING: A nest with young in orchard in Dadili, Kuba District on 30 May 1896 (Satunin, 1907). In Kurdamir District (mid Kura), 2 nests were 30-50 m from houses (Mustafaev, 1969a). On southern slope of Greater Caucasus Mountains, fledglings seen from June (Gambarov, 1954) and in Karayasi Forest (Akstafa District) a fledgling recorded on July 4th (MP). DIET: Regularly forages on the ground. Stomachs of specimens collected in Greater Caucasus Mountains contained remains of beetle larvae, ants and their larvae (Gambarov, 1954).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

215. Grey-headed Woodpecker - Picus canus Gmelin, 1788 STATUS: Accidental visitor in the past. Possibly subspecies P. c. canus Gmelin, 1788.

de, 1884). No dates, precise locations or specimens. No records in the 20th century.

DISTRIBUTION: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Menetries, Maximovich and Radde observed this species in Lenkoran Lowland (Rad-

216. Black Woodpecker - Dryocopus martius Linnaeus, 1758

Azeri name: Gara agachdalan STATUS: Uncommon resident. Subspecies D. m. martius Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Throughout middle and upper montane forests on the southern slope, e.g. in Belokani and Zakatali districts (including Mount Alibek), Ilisu Reserve (Kah District), Kutkashen and Ismailly districts and foothills of Sheki District (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990; MP).

LESSER CAUCASUS: Recorded in montane forests of the upper Shamkhor-chai Valley, Murovdag Ridge (Radde, 1884). Probably occurs in other forested parts. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Primarily in old beech forests up to 1,5001,800 m (Radde, 1884; MP) SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Occurred in forests of Lenkoran Lowland, e.g. near Tanchevan and Mashkhan in the 19th-early 20th centuries (Satunin, 1907). The forests were completely cleared by the 1930s. Winter: Some move to lowlands in winter. GREATER CAUCASUS: Some descend to Zakatali, Djari and Alazani Valley, but the rest winters in the mountains. Ivkin observed pairs and single birds on Mount Alibek in February 1937 (Gambarov, 1954). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Tugai forests in Kura Valley (Satunin, 1907). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Orchards and woodlots in Lenkoran Lowland (Mustafaev, 1972). HABITAT: NESTING: Montane forests up to the tree limits in Greater Caucasus Mountains, and up to 1,500-1,800 m in Talish Mountains. Prefers old beech forests in the latter (Radde, 1884; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Formerly in lowland beech forests in Lenkoran Lowland (Satunin, 1907). WINTER: Montane forests at perhaps lower elevations, but also tugai forests, orchards and woodlots in lowlands (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1972). POPULATION SIZE and BREEDING: No information.

217. Great Spotted Woodpecker - Dendrocopos major Linnaeus, 1758 Azeri name: Agachdalan (all woodpeckers) STATUS: Common resident. Subspecies D. m. tenuirostris Buturlin, 1906 occurs in Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains, Kura-Aras and Samur-Divichi lowlands, and D. m. poelzami Bogdanov, 1879 inhabits Talish Mountains and Lenkoran Lowland. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: D. m. tenuirostris: GREATER CAUCommon on the southern slope although rare in upper montane forests. Recorded near Zakatali, in Tsilbanchai Gorge and on adjacent mountains, Alazani Valley, Ilisu and Ismailly reserves, montane forests of Kutkashen District, and in Shemakha Upland, e.g. near Pirgulu, Tchagan and Alti-Agach. Common in foothills and lowlands of the northeast (Gambarov, 1954;

CASUS:

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198 The Birds of Azerbaijan Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990; Patrikeev, 1991d; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Shamkhor-chai Gorge (Murovdag Ridge), southern slopes of Murovdag Ridge in Nagorno-Karabakh Region, and in Karabakh Ridge (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; MP). Probably elsewhere. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Overlaps with Syrian Woodpecker in Kura-Aras Valley. Recorded in Karayasi Forest, Akstafa District (Radde, 1884; MP), and possibly in Gandja (Mustafaev, 1973b) although the latter is more probably inhabited by Syrian Woodpecker. SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta and woodlots along Caspian shore south of the delta (Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965; MP). D. m. poelzami: TALISH MOUNTAINS: Montane forests, e.g. in Girkan Reserve and other parts of Ulasi Range (Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland (Bogdanov, 1879; Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990). Winter: Some descends from mountains and foothills to valleys. Both D. m. tenuirostris and D. m. poelzami were recorded in Kura Valley in winter (Radde, 1884). GREATER CAUCASUS: Mount Alibek (Zakatali District) in February 1937 (Gambarov, 1954). L ESSER C AUCASUS : Seen at “relatively high altitudes” in Shamkhor-chai Gorge (Murovdag Ridge) on 8 November 1896 (Satunin, 1907).

KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Turianchai Valley near Turianchai in October and November (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland including Lenkoran (Satunin, 1912b; Mustafaev, 1972). One collected in Kizil Agach Reserve on 12 September 1953 and another in Sara Peninsula in September 1955 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). HABITAT: NESTING: Montane forests up to the limit, tugai forests, woodlots, old orchards, parks and roadside treebelts in foothills and lowlands (Gambarov, 1954; Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev, 1969a; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). WINTER: Montane and tugai forests, woodlots, clearings, towns and villages in foothills and lowlands (Satunin, 1912b; Mustafaev, 1972). POPULATION SIZE: Unknown. BREEDING: Often nests close to houses. Nests excavated in oak, beech, elm and other tree species were found in backyards, orchards, parks and roadside treebelts (Mustafaev, 1969a). On Mount Alibek (Zakatali District), a fledgling recorded on 19 June 1937 (Gambarov, 1954). DIET: In the northeast, ants, ground and scarab beetles, and other insects found in examined stomachs (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968).

218. Syrian Woodpecker - Dendrocopos syriacus Hemprich et Ehrenberg, 1833 and Aras Valley (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1969a; Gambarov, 1975; MP). Sympatric with Great Spotted Woodpecker in Karayasi Forest, but apparently not elsewhere in Azerbaijan (Radde, 1884). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b), but apparently absent from Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884). HABITAT: NESTING: Tugai forests, old orchards, parks and settlements in lowlands, but also mountains of Nakhichevan Region and Zuvand Upland (Mustafaev, 1968a, b, 1969; Gambarov, 1975). WINTER: Observed in tamarisk thickets in autumn and winter (Gambarov, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Unknown. Winter: Up to 2.2/km in villages and orchards of Zuvand Upland (Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968). STATUS: Common resident. Subspecies D. s. transcaucasicus Buturlin, 1910. DISTRIBUTION: NAKHICHEVAN: Aras Valley and the mountains (Satunin, 1907; Khanmammedov, 1960; Mustafaev, 1968a). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Rural habitats in the upper Vilajchai Valley and Zuvand Upland (Mustafaev, 1968b; Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Common in Kura Valley from Karayasi Forest to the confluence of Kura and Aras, e.g. in Shamkhor, Barda, Zardob, Udjari and Kurdamir districts; also in Iori delta

BREEDING: Regularly nests in settlements. A nest in a mulberry tree next to a house in Kurdamir (Shirvan Steppe) on 24 May 1960 (Mustafaev, 1969a).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

219. Middle Spotted Woodpecker - Dendrocopos medius Linnaeus, 1758 KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Karayasi Forest (Akstafa District), tugai forests of Shamkhor District, the mouths of Iori and Alazani, vicinity of Mingechaur, and Barda District including the lower Terter Valley (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1969a; Gambarov, 1975; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan and Astara-chai Valley (Satunin, 1912b; MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Old orchards, parks, backyards and forest edges in lowlands, foothills and mountains up to 1,600 m; also in tugai forests. Very rare in beech and montane hornbeam forests (Gambarov, 1954; Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev, 1969a; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

STATUS: Common resident. Subspecies D. m. caucasicus Bianchi, 1905. DISTRIBUTION: GREATER CAUCASUS: Uncommon on the southern slope, but common in the northeast. Recorded in Zakatali and Ilisu reserves, and in the vicinity of Kutkashen, Ismailly and Kuba (Gambarov, 1954; Drozdov, 1963; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990). LESSER CAUCASUS: Observed only at Lake Geigel (Murovdag Ridge) at 1,600 m (Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990), but probably more widespread.

POPULATION SIZE: Unknown. Less common than the Great Spotted Woodpecker in Zakatali Reserve (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). BREEDING: Often nests in parks, backyards and close to houses (Mustafaev, 1969a). A nest with large young ready to leave near Alpaut at the confluence of Kura, Iori and Alazani on 29 April 1895 (Satunin, 1907). DIET: Stomachs of collected individuals contained ants and beetles (Gambarov, 1975).

220. White-backed Woodpecker - Dendrocopos leucotos Bechstein, 1803 STATUS: Insufficiently known. Probably rare resident in Zakatali District in the northwest. Subspecies D. l. lilfordi Dresser, 1871.

records. Occurs in Lagodekhi (Georgia) adjacent to Zakatali District of Azerbaijan (Gambarov, 1954).

DISTRIBUTION: GREATER CAUCASUS: Serebrovsky (1925) collected one specimen near Djari (Zakatali District), but no other

221. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker - Dendrocopos minor Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Rare resident. Two subspecies: D. m. colchicus Buturlin, 1909 inhabits Greater Caucasus Mountains, Kura-Aras and Samur-Divichi lowlands, and D. m. quadrifasciatus Radde, 1884 occurs in Talish Mountains and Lenkoran Lowland. DISTRIBUTION: D. m. colchicus: GREATER CAUCASUS: On the southern slope, recorded in the vicinity of Zakatali and Ilisu, also in Ilisu Reserve (Kah District), Kutkashen and Ismailly districts (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990). LESSER CAUCASUS: No information. K URA -A RAS L OWLAND : Karayasi Forest (Sultanov & Musaev, 1989; MP) and possibly tugai of Shamkhor District. In the vicinity of Mingechaur observed only in winter (Gambarov, 1954).

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200 The Birds of Azerbaijan S AMUR -D IVICHI L OWLAND : Samur Delta (Drozdov, 1965; MP). D. m. quadrifasciatus: TALISH MOUNTAINS: Foothills of Talish Mountains including Girkan Reserve (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland and possibly southern Mugan (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b; MP).

HABITAT: NESTING: Tugai forests in river valleys, orchards and forest edges in foothills (Gambarov, 1954, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Unknown. BREEDING: No nests documented in Azerbaijan. A young collected in Tsilbanchai Gorge (Zakatali District) in July (Gambarov, 1954).

FAMILY HIRUNDINIDAE – SWALLOWS and MARTINS 222. Sand Martin - Riparia riparia Linnaeus, 1758

Azeri name: Sahil garangushu STATUS: Common nesting species and very common migrant. Subspecies R. r. riparia Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Distribution is poorly known. GREATER CAUCASUS: Several small flocks near Nidz (Kutkashen District) on 23 July 1938 (Gambarov, 1954). Sand Martins observed near Kirovka and Pirgulu (Shemakha Upland) in mid September 1989 were probably migrants (Patrikeev, 1991d). LESSER CAUCASUS: No information, but probably occurs. NAKHICHEVAN: Colonies near Norashen, Yukhari-Yaidji and Yukhari-Ailis, Aras Valley (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Two colonies in the sheer right bank of Kura near Demirchilar and Omaraglu, Karayasi Steppe. Also nests in the vicinity of Saliani, the lower Kura (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan (e.g. at Lake Mahmudchala), Lenkoran-chai and Vilajchai valleys and Kizil Agach Reserve, e.g. Saladjinka Channel and between Kulagin and SobachyiZub, although apparently does not nest in the reserve every year (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a; Patrikeev, 1991c). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: No records, but probably occurs. HABITAT: NESTING: Burrows in sheer banks of rivers and channels. FEEDING AND MIGRATION: Aerial feeder over lakes and wetlands. Often roosts in reedbeds during migration (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a; MP).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid March to early June. COASTAL: In 1881, single birds recorded north of Lenkoran after March 18th, and flocks after March 24th. However, many migrants killed by cold weather in late March 1880 (Radde, 1884). In the late 1950s-early 1960s, first records in Kizil Agach Reserve during 7-18 April and large flocks from late April to early June (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Also migrates through Mugan (Satunin, 1912b) and Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan) from late April to late May (Patrikeev, 1991a). In Absheron Peninsula, recorded at Ziria on 23 April 1953 and 20 May 1956 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). INTERIOR: Arrives in Nakhichevan Region c. March 24th (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). Fall passage: September. COASTAL: Leaves Kizil Agach Reserve in mid September (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). INTERIOR: Departs from Nakhichevan Region in September (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably >50,000 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). 100-120 pairs/colony in Nakhichevan region (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). In Kizil Agach Reserve 9,000-9,500 in the 1950s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a) and 30,000-35,000 in mid July 1966. The latter were probably broods from Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland (Mustafaev & Gazanchian, 1967). Passage: SPRING: Kizil Agach Reserve: a flock of 2,000-2,500 at Kalinovsky Liman on 18 April 1958; flocks of thousands between May 4th and June 18th; 1.2 km of telegraph wires completely covered with roosting Sand Martins on May 17th; a flock of 1,600-1,700 at Lopatinsky Marsh on 29 May 1961 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Several hundred at Shorgel Lakes in early May 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). BREEDING: Colonial. Nests in burrows excavated in sheer banks of rivers and channels. In Karayasi Steppe, seen in colonies in June and July (MP). DIET: Aerial feeder. Often seen catching flying insects around herds of livestock (Kokshaisky & Mustafaev, 1967). MORTALITY: Some perish in oiled lakes of Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

223. Crag Martin - Hirundo rupestris Scopoli, 1769 STATUS: Uncommon nesting species and migrant. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Distribution is poorly known. Probably more widespread than indicated below. GREATER CAUCASUS: Often nests in man-made structures above Kutkashen (L. Patrikeev, pers. comm.). Most probably occurs throughout Greater Caucasus Mountains. LESSER CAUCASUS: A large colony near Istisu, Karabakh Upland (Radde, 1884); probably elsewhere. NAKHICHEVAN: Colonies near Norashen, Gulus, Bichenek, Ganligel, Dirnis and Yukhari-Ailis (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965; Tarasov, 1974). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Cliffs of Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Mount Beuk-Dush, Gobustan Upland (Patrikeev, 1991b). HABITAT: NESTING: Rocky cliffs and man-made structures in low and high mountains, e.g. up to alpine zone in Nakhichevan Region (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965; MP).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid April through early May. COASTAL: One in low mountains near Baku on May 5th (Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1968). INTERIOR: Arrives in Nakhichevan Region c. April 12th (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). Fall passage: Early September. INTERIOR: Departs Nakhichevan Region c. September 8th (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Unknown. In Nakhichevan Region, 15-20 nests per colony (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965); several hundred pairs in a colony near Istisu (Radde, 1884). BREEDING: Near Istisu, nests clustered under overhanging cliff 45-60 m above the ground (Radde, 1884). A large nestling with an underdeveloped wing fell from a nest in Kutkashen District in August 1984 (L. Patrikeev, pers. comm).

224. Barn Swallow - Hirundo rustica Linnaeus, 1758 Azeri name: Garangush or Garangushu STATUS: Very common nesting species and migrant. Subspecies H. r. rustica Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: One of the most common songbirds in villages and other settlements. Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Common in villages along the southern slope, in Shemakha Upland and the northeast: up to the treeline (Gambarov, 1954; Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Observed in Kedabek, Shahdag Ridge (Radde, 1884), but undoubtedly occurs in settlements throughout the region. NAKHICHEVAN: From Aras Valley to 2,100-2,200 (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965; Tarasov, 1974). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Undoubtedly occurs, but no published information. BOSDAG: Valleys in Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Very common in settlements of Kura Valley from Karayasi Steppe (e.g. Akstafa and Soug-Bulak) to Kura Delta. Nests in Gandja (Mustafaev, 1969a, 1973b, 1974b; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan, Kizil Agach Reserve, Sara Peninsula, Lenkoran Lowland south to Astara, and southeastern Shirvan (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a; Patrikeev, 1991a, c). CASPIAN SEA AND ISLANDS: Feeding Barn Swallows observed on Pirsagat Islands of Baku Archipelago (Patrikeev, 1991a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Throughout the lowland (Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; MP).

ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Nests in Absheron Peninsula (e.g. Sumgait-chai Valley) and coastal villages south to Cape Pirsagat. Barn Swallows observed in Gobustan Upland (e.g. Mount Beuk-Dush and Airan-Tekan) probably nested in adjacent coastal settlements (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Patrikeev, 1991a, b; MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Houses and other man-made structures (including underground bunkers) in villages, towns and elsewhere; from lowlands to the upper forest limits in Greater Caucasus Mountains and up to 2,100-2,200 m in Nakhichevan Region. FORAGING: Feeding Barn Swallows seen in a variety of habitats with the exception of dense forests and alpine meadows (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965; Mustafaev, 1969a). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early March through mid April. COASTAL: Appeared in the vicinity of Lenkoran as early as 8-10 March, although early migrants often perished during spells of cold weather (Radde, 1884). Earliest records in Kizil Agach Reserve between March 13th and April 1st, and conspicuous passage between March 18th and April 4th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Some observed in Gobustan Upland 4-7 April and flocks at Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan) in mid April (Patrikeev, 1991a, b; MP). INTERIOR: Arrives in Nakhichevan Region 17-20 March (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965) and to Iori and Alazani valleys 6-7 April (Gambarov, 1975). In Turianchai Bosdag Mountains, first sightings on March 17th and conspicuous passage c. 23 March (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Fall passage: September-October. COASTAL: Latest record in Khachmas District (the northeast) on 28 September 1959 (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). Mi-

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202 The Birds of Azerbaijan grates through Kizil Agach Reserve from c. 25 September through mid October; latest sightings 20-23 October (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). INTERIOR: Leaves Kura Valley from 5-7 September, but still present near Turianchai 14-20 September (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Departs Nakhichevan Region also in September (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably >50,000 pairs (MP). 4-22 nests/colony in Sara Peninsula (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), but only 3-5 nests/colony in Nakhichevan Region (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). In the early 1960s, >450 pairs nested in Kizil Agach Reserve (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a). Ten pairs in an abandoned underground bunker near Cape Pirsagat in 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Passage: SPRING: Several hundred at Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan) in mid April 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a, b; MP). BREEDING: In Azerbaijan, nest exclusively in man-made structures: mostly under roofs and in attics in houses, but also in other structures including towers and factories (Mustafaev, 1969a; Patrikeev, 1991a). Colonies found close to smelter furnaces, inside variety stores and in abandoned bunkers. In Soug-Bulak (Akstafa District) Barn Swallows built nests on the outer walls of a railway station shelter whereas House Martins nested inside (Radde, 1884; MP). Nests built 1.8-2 m above the ground

or higher (Mustafaev, 1969a). Two clutches a year (4-5 eggs/ clutch). Incubation lasts 16 days. On March 30th some nests with eggs in Turianchai (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). The majority of nests examined in Shamkhor in mid May contained incubated eggs (Gambarov, 1975). In Kusari District, eggs laid in May and June (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). Nestbuilding near Cape Pirsagat in mid to late May 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a) and in Kizil Agach Reserve nests built 1-7 April, first clutches laid 14-18 April and second clutches 1-10 June. In this reserve first broods hatch 10-11 May and second broods in late June-early July (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). The young remain in nests 22-25 days (Mustafaev, 1971a). In Turianchai first fledglings observed on May 17th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). In Kusari District the young fledged in early June and mid July (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). In Karayasi Steppe broods seen on July 8th. By late August, the second broods are on the wing (MP). DIET: Aerial feeders catching insects on the wing. Often seen feeding over open habitats, sometimes close to livestock or even horsemen (Satunin, 1907; Kokshaisky & Mustafaev, 1967). MORTALITY: Spells of cold weather often kill early arrivals (Radde, 1884). Many are killed on the roads (Alekperov & Mustafaev, 1971) and some perish in oil reservoirs (Verestchagin, 1946).

225. House Martin - Delichon urbica Linnaeus, 1758

Azeri name: Garangush STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Subspecies D. u. urbica Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: In the 19th-early 20th centuries, apparently nested only in foothills and mountains (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907), but expanded into lowlands during the mid 20th century (Mustafaev, 1968a, 1974a). GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali District (Karachai and Nourchai valleys), Ilisu, Vartashen, Sheki, Ismailly, Turianchai Valley and

Kusari District, up to 2,500 m (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev, 1974a; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). LESSER CAUCASUS: No published records, but undoubtedly occurs. NAKHICHEVAN : Nests in villages (e.g. Khanaga, Gazanchi, Yukhari-Ailis and Yukhari-Yaidjaand) and cliffs in the mid montane zone (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Settlements, e.g. in Teg Gorge (Radde, 1884). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Nests in the lowland since the mid 20th century, e.g. in Kurdamir and Udjari districts, Gandja, Akstafa, Soug-Bulak and other sites (Mustafaev, 1968a, 1969, 1973b; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Nests in Lenkoran Lowland since the mid 20th century, e.g. in Lenkoran and Aurora (Mustafaev, 1974a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: By the late 1980s, throughout the lowland from Samur Delta to Divichi (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Small numbers in Gobustan Upland, e.g. in Maraza and Mount Beuk-Dush (Satunin, 1907; MP). First nesting in Absheron Peninsula in 1962 at Buzovna (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1968), nested in Baku and the suburbs in the early 1990s (MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Settlements and cliffs from lowlands up to 2,500 m (Radde, 1884; Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev, 1968a, 1974a; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late March to early May.

The Birds of Azerbaijan

COASTAL: In 1937, passed through Kizil Agach Reserve between 7 April to 4 May, but in 1954, first sighting in the reserve on March 23rd (Tugarinov, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Observed on Mount Beuk-Dush, Gobustan Upland on 4 April 1991 (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Arrives in Nakhichevan Region c. 28-29 April (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). Fall passage: August-September. COASTAL: Recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve on September 21st (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Leaves Nakhichevan Region in August (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Less common than Barn Swallow. Colonial. In Nakhichevan Region, 15-30 nests/colony, but >400 nests in Khanaga (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965), 8-60 nests (av. 25 nests)/colony in Kura Valley (Mustafaev, 1971a), 36 nests under a roof of a two-storey house in Kusari (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968), 12 pairs in Buzovna (Absheron Peninsula) in 1962 (Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1968), and 15 individuals on Mount Beuk-Dush (Gobustan Upland) in mid May 1991 (MP). Flocks of 800-1,000 during post-breeding season (MP).

Passage: SPRING: Common to very common in Kizil Agach Reserve: thousands recorded 7 April-4 May 1937 (Tugarinov, 1950). BREEDING: Nests in man-made structures (especially under roofs and balconies) and on cliffs, e.g. in Nakhichevan Region and Zakatali District: the largest known colony of >400 pairs on a cliff near Khanaga (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971a; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). In Soug-Bulak (Akstafa District) House Martins nested inside a railway station shelter, while Barn Swallows nested on the outside (MP). Nest-building in late April in Absheron Peninsula (Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1968), on May 2nd in Gobustan Upland (Satunin, 1907), from 5-10 May in mid Kura, but not until May 21st in mountains and foothills (Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971a). In Zakatali District, nest building recorded in June and July (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Apparently 2 clutches/ year in settlements, and only 1 in natural habitats; 3-5 eggs/ clutch. The young remain in nests 18-22 days. Nesting success is c. 71% in settlements, but 50% in natural habitats (Mustafaev, 1971a). In the northeast, first broods fledged in mid June, and second broods in the second half of July (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968).

FAMILY ALAUDIDAE - LARKS 226. Skylark - Alauda arvensis Linnaeus, 1758

STATUS: Common nesting species, migrant and wintering species. Subspecies A. a. cantarella Bonaparte, 1850 occurs in Azerbaijan year-round, and A. a. arvensis Linnaeus, 1758 only during migration and in winter. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Common in Shemakha Upland from Alti-Agach to Shemakha. Also occurs in the upper Girdimanchai Valley (e.g. near Lagich and Djandakhar), and Sheki Upland; rare in lowlands of Kutkashen and Ismailly districts (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Spurs of Megri Range in Zangelan and Kubatli Districts (MP).

TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (mostly above 2,000 m), e.g. near Ruarut and Kalvas (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1965). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Possibly nested in Karayasi (Radde, 1884) and Mugan steppes (Satunin, 1912b), but no recent sightings. Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Shirvan and Hadjinour Steppe (Zlotin, 1963; Shelton, 2001; MP). Recorded in Mingechaur District, e.g. near Mingechaur and in Khanabad Valley (Gambarov, 1975). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Common in Kizil Agach Reserve, e.g. shores of Lesser Kizil Agach Bay, Burunki, Kulagin, northeast of Lake Karakush and northern Sara Peninsula (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Dobrokhotov, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Paynter et al., 1996a), Lenkoran Lowland and Mugan Steppe (Satunin, 1912b; Mustafaev, 1972). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Very common in Gobustan Upland in some winters. Also in Absheron Peninsula, e.g. close to Baku and Sumgait (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Mustafaev, 1977), and at Shah Spit (Bannikova et al., 1984). HABITAT: NESTING: Montane steppe, clearings, fields and pasture. Above 2,000 m in Zuvand Upland, but lower elsewhere (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Drozdov, 1965). WINTER: Semi-desert, steppe, fields, vicinity of villages and towns in lowlands and foothills, dunes along the Caspian shore (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Zlotin, 1963; Mustafaev, 1972; Gambarov, 1975). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early March to mid May.

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204 The Birds of Azerbaijan COASTAL: Leaves Kizil Agach Reserve and Mugan in early to late March, although some remained as late as May 15th (Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Passes through Karayasi Steppe in March (Radde, 1884) and through the vicinity of Sheki in early April (Satunin, 1907). Fall passage: October. COASTAL: Passage recorded in Absheron Peninsula on October 29th (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Earliest record in Kizil Agach Reserve on October 11th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). INTERIOR: Still common in Shemakha Upland in mid September (Patrikeev, 1991d). Migrates through Karayasi Steppe in October (Radde, 1884). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No population estimate. Locally common, e.g. in Shemakha Upland (Gambarov, 1954; MP). Winter: In Kizil Agach Reserve, only 0.8/km in stands of Juncus acutus in mid February 1962 (Dobrokhotov, 1963), but flocks of hundreds occurred in cold winters (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya,

1965a). In Shirvan Steppe 7/km in clayey semi-desert pastures, and 11.2/km in semi-desert with no grazing pressure in January 1961 (Zlotin, 1963). Flocks of 20-30 at Shah Spit (Absheron Peninsula) in January-February 1982 (Bannikova et al., 1984). BREEDING: Sings from early April. In Sheki District mating observed 5-7 April (Satunin, 1907). A nest with 4 eggs found in the vicinity of Shemakha on 28 May 1960 (Mustafaev, 1969a). Nests with eggs and chicks, but also fledglings recorded near Kirovka, Shemakha Upland in early July. Six-day-old nestlings seen leaving nest during hottest hours of the day, but returning afterwards (Gambarov, 1954). MORTALITY: Frequently killed on roads especially in winter (Alekperov & Mustafaev, 1971). Some perish in oil in Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946). REMARKS: Often occurs in mixed flocks with Calandra Larks and sometimes with White-winged Larks (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907).

227. Small Skylark - Alauda gulgula Franklin, 1831 STATUS: Accidental visitor in the past. DISTRIBUTION: Satunin (1911) collected a specimen on the Caspian shore near Lenkoran (not dated). No other records.

228. Woodlark - Lullula arborea Linnaeus, 1758 LESSER CAUCASUS: Range is poorly known. Spurs of Megri and Bargushad ranges in Zangelan and Kubatli districts (MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland and the vicinity of Lerik (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1965). BOSDAG: Turianchai Reserve (MP). Winter: GREATER CAUCASUS: Absent in winter (Gambarov, 1954), TALISH MOUNTAINS: Upper parts of Talish Mountains (Mustafaev, 1968b). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Mostly in Lenkoran Lowland, Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: 2 collected near Baku on February 13th (Radde, 1884).

STATUS: Uncommon nesting species, migrant and wintering species. Subspecies L. a. pallida Zarudny, 1902 nests in Azerbaijan. DISTRIBUTION: Insufficiently known. Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali District (Tsilbanchai Gorge and Zakatali Reserve), Kutkashen District (e.g. Demiraparanchai Valley), Ismailly District (near Djandakhar in the upper Girdimanchai Valley), Kuba District and the vicinity of Kirovka, Shemakha Upland (Gambarov, 1954; Drozdov, 1965; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Shelton, 2001).

HABITAT: NESTING: Forest edge, meadows and clearings in hills and mountains up to the treeline. At 250-300 m in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Dahl, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; MP). WINTER: Edge, vicinity of woodlots and shrubby fields (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late March to early April. COASTAL: Leaves Kizil Agach Reserve in late March-early April, latest record before April 7th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Recorded in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). Fall passage: Early September

The Birds of Azerbaijan

COASTAL: Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve in early September (earliest sighting on September 6th). Large flocks observed in Sara Peninsula in mid September, but only small numbers remain throughout the winter (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Migrates through southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b).

POPULATION SIZE: No information. BREEDING: Two fledglings in Demiraparanchai Valley, Kutkashen District on 8 July 1938 (Gambarov, 1954).

229. Crested Lark - Galerida cristata Linnaeus, 1758

Azeri name: Kakilli torahai STATUS: Very common resident undertaking some local movements. Two subspecies: G. c. subtaurica Kollibay 1912 south of Karabakh Ridge in Lesser Caucasus Mountains, and G. c. caucasica Taczanowski, 1887 elsewhere in Azerbaijan. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Uncommon along the southern slope, e.g. between Kutkashen and Sheki. Not found in the vicinity of Zakatali, although good numbers were present in Alazani, Aldjiganchai and Turianchai valleys. Common in Shemakha Upland (Gambarov, 1954; Drozdov, 1965; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: No published information, but most probably occurs at lower elevations (MP). NAKHICHEVAN: Very common in Aras Valley (Khanmammedov, 1960; Tarasov, 1974). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1965). BOSDAG: Mingechaur Bosdag Mountains and Djeiranchel Hills (Gambarov, 1975; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Very common in Shirvan, Mil and Mugan steppes, Korchai Game Preserve, other semi-desert in Mingechaur and Shamkhor Districts, Gandja, Karayasi Steppe and Aras Valley (Mustafaev, 1969a, 1973b; Gambarov, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Very common in the north half of southeastern Shirvan (e.g. near Cape Pirsagat and Khaladz), but decreases farther south and uncommon at Shorgel Lakes and elsewhere in Shirvan Reserve (Patrikeev, 1991a). Common in southern Mugan (e.g. at Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala), Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Patrikeev, 1991c).

S AMUR -D IVICHI L OWLAND : Coastal semi-desert from Khachmas to Divichi and Sumgait (Khanmammedov & Mustafaev, 1965; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Very common in Absheron Peninsula, e.g. near Mashtaga and Zagulba. Nests in Baku and Sumgait (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Mustafaev, 1973a, 1977; MP). Observed in the north of Gobustan Upland and on Mount Beuk-Dush (Patrikeev, 1991b; MP). Winter: TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mil, Shirvan, Mugan and Karayasi steppes, the vicinity of Lake Hadjikabul, and Mingechaur District (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Zlotin, 1963; Gambarov, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Very common in Lenkoran Lowland, southern Mugan and Kizil Agach Reserve (Satunin, 1912b; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Dobrokhotov, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Very common in Absheron Peninsula, e.g. in Shah Spit and near Baku (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Bannikova et al., 1984; MP). At lower elevations in Gobustan Upland (MP). HABITAT: NESTING : Semi-desert, steppe, fields, pasture, roadsides, young pine plantations, and open space in villages and towns in lowlands, foothills and uplands. Up to 2,000 m in Zuvand Upland (Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1973a, b). In southeastern Shirvan, more common in anthropogenic habitats and moderately grazed semi-desert, rare in overgrazed areas (Patrikeev, 1991a); rare in fields and other man-made habitats in Shamkhor and Mingechaur Districts where common in semi-desert (Gambarov, 1975). WINTER: Caspian shore, lowlands and uplands: in semi-desert, steppe, dry montane meadows, orchards, fields, villages and near wetlands (Satunin, 1907; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Dobrokhotov, 1963; Zlotin, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968; Gambarov, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Most common lark in Azerbaijan. Probably >50,000 pairs (MP). In 1990, c. 20 pairs on Mount Beuk-Dush (Gobustan Upland), but only 2 pairs at Lake Kichik-Shorgel, southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a, b). Winter: Number increases in lowlands due to birds descending from foothills, mountains and arriving from the north. Only 0.55/km in clayey semi-desert of Kizil Agach Reserve on 24 January 1958 (Dobrokhotov, 1963), but 4.7/km in grazed semidesert in Shirvan Steppe in January 1961 (Zlotin, 1963).

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206 The Birds of Azerbaijan BREEDING: In early March, mating observed in Karayasi Steppe and Alazani Valley (Radde, 1884). Males singing and chasing each other on Mount Beuk-Dush, Gobustan Upland on 4 April 1991 (MP). In southeastern Shirvan, courtship and nest building observed in mid April (Patrikeev, 1991a). Nests under saltworts, wormwood or other plants. Regularly nests close to houses and on roadsides (c. 50% of recorded nests). One nest was on a flat roof covered with soil and dry grass (Mustafaev, 1969a; Patrikeev, 1991a). Probably 2 clutches a year (3-5 eggs/clutch). First clutches laid from early April to mid May, and second clutches in June (Gambarov, 1954; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1971a, b; Patrikeev, 1991a). The young remain in the nest 7-11 days (Mustafaev, 1971a). In

southeastern Shirvan and Shamkhor District the young leave nests from early May (Gambarov, 1975; Patrikeev, 1991a). In Absheron Peninsula fledglings observed on May 25th (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958) and in Karayasi Steppe in early June (MP). In mid June, nests with eggs, nestlings, but also fledglings recorded near Kirovka, Shemakha Upland (Gambarov, 1954). According to Mustafaev (1971a) breeding success is higher in natural habitats (51%) than in settlements (40%). MORTALITY: Frequently road-killed along both highways and rural roads (Alekperov & Mustafaev, 1971). Some perish when drinking from water-oil mixture seeping from oiled lakes or oil reservoirs in Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946).

230. Short-toed Lark - Calandrella brachydactyla Leisler, 1814 STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant, and uncommon wintering species. A small part of the population is probably resident. Subspecies C. b. longipennis Eversmann, 1848. DISTRIBUTION: insufficiently known. Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Foothills of Kuba District in the northeast (Satunin, 1907), and Alazani Valley (Radde, 1884). NAKHICHEVAN: Common in Aras Valley (Tarasov, 1974). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Common in Mugan Steppe and observed elsewhere in the lowland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Shorgel Lakes (southeaster Shirvan) and Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Patrikeev, 1991a). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Uncommon in Absheron Peninsula where probably resident (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland and Kizil Agach Reserve. Probably resident in the latter (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Oliger, 1967; Mustafaev, 1972). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Common in semi-desert of Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958).

HABITAT: NESTING: Saltwort semi-desert and steppe in lowlands and foothills (Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Tarasov, 1974; Patrikeev, 1991a). WINTER: Semi-desert and open spaces in villages and towns (Mustafaev, 1972). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Large numbers near Kilazi in early April (Shelton, 2001). Fall passage: Migrates through Mugan Steppe in November (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). POPULATION SIZE: BREEDING: Less common than Lesser Short-toed Lark (MP). WINTER: Flocks of 20-50 in Kizil Agach Reserve in late January-early February 1963 (Oliger, 1967). BREEDING: Females in breeding condition collected in Absheron Peninsula on May 4th (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). MORTALITY: Oiled Short-toed Larks found in Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946).

231. Lesser Short-toed Lark - Calandrella rufescens Vieillot, 1820 Azeri name: Torahai or Turagai (all larks) STATUS: Common resident. Subspecies C. r. pseudobaetica Stegmann, 1832. DISTRIBUTION: NAKHICHEVAN: Aras Valley (Tarasov, 1974; MP). BOSDAG: Turianchai and Mingechaur Bosdag Mountains and Djeiranchel Hills (Gambarov, 1975; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mil Steppe (e.g. at Lake Aggel), Hadjinour and Mugan steppes, Korchai Game Preserve and Shamkhor District (Satunin, 1912b; Gambarov, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southeastern Shirvan, e.g. in the vicinity of Cape Pirsagat, Shorgel Lakes and elsewhere in Shirvan Reserve (Patrikeev, 1991a). CASPIAN SEA AND ISLANDS: Baburyi Island and probably Tashkent Island, Baku Archipelago (Patrikeev, 1991a).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Coastal semi-desert throughout the lowland (Satunin, 1907; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Absheron Peninsula (e.g. vicinity of Baku) and probably in Gobustan Upland: several seen on Mount Beuk-Dush on 4 April 1991, but not later in the season (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Semi-desert and grasslands in lowlands, at low elevations, and occasionally on offshore islands (Tarasov, 1974; Patrikeev, 1991a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: In early 1990s, very common near Cape Pirsagat, southeastern Shirvan (10-20 pairs/km), but less common at Shorgel Lakes (Shirvan Reserve) possibly

due to overgrazing and disturbance by large flocks of sheep (Patrikeev, 1991a). Winter: Flocks of 30-100 near Lake Aggel, Mil Steppe in January 1991 (MP). BREEDING: In southeastern Shirvan all nests were under saltwort including one on a roadside. A nest with 4 eggs on April 25th, another with 3 chicks (4-5 days old) and 1 unhatched egg on May 11th, and a nest with 3 young ready to fledge on May 6th (2 of them left on May 8th). Two broods on Baburyi Island on June 4th (Patrikeev, 1991a). MORTALITY: Collision with powerlines recorded in southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a).

232. Calandra Lark - Melanocorypha calandra Linnaeus, 1766 Winter: Flocks wander through lowlands and some uplands. GREATER CAUCASUS: In colder winter large numbers occurred in mixed flocks with Skylarks and White-winged Larks east of Shemakha (Bogdanov, 1879; Satunin, 1907). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Shirvan, Mugan and Hadjinour steppes (Zlotin, 1963; Shelton, 2001; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southeastern Shirvan, Kizil Agach Reserve and Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Large flocks in Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). HABITAT: Semi-desert (mostly wormwood semi-desert), steppe and fields in lowlands and low uplands (Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Patrikeev, 1991a). Azeri name: Chol turagai STATUS: Common resident and wintering species. Subspecies M. c. calandra Linnaeus, 1766. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Common in Shemakha Upland, e.g. near Astrakhanovka, Tchukhuryurt, Kirovka and Shemakha (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Shirvan Steppe (Udjari and Kurdamir districts), Mil, Mugan and Hadjinour steppes, lower Aldjiganchai Valley, Korchai Game Preserve and Shamkhor District (Satunin, 1912b; Drozdov, 1965; Gambarov, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Very common in semi-desert of Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Also occurs in the vicinity of Lenkoran and in southern Mugan (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b). Local in southeastern Shirvan, e.g. near Cape Pirsagat, around Shorgel Lakes and near Khaladz (Patrikeev, 1991a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Nests in the vicinity of Divichi (Mustafaev, 1969a). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Absheron Peninsula (e.g. vicinity of Baku and Sumgait-chai Valley) and adjacent parts of Gobustan Upland (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958).

MOVEMENT: In cold and snowy winter, some Calandra Larks move from plains of the Northern Caucasus to Azerbaijan, e.g. in winter 1989/1990 (MP). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. Very common in Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a); less common than Lesser Short-toed and Crested Larks in southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a). Winter: In semi-desert of Shirvan Steppe: 1.9 /km in pastures and 1.3/km in areas with no grazing in January 1961 (Zlotin, 1963). BREEDING: In Mugan Steppe, still in flocks on March 20th (Satunin, 1907), but pairs in Gobustan Upland on April 7th (MP). In southeastern Shirvan singing males heard from mid April to mid May. Nests from late April through late May. Sometimes nests close to a roadside. One clutch a year? Three nests found in semi-desert near Cape Pirsagat in 1989 were under wormwood. In Cape Pirsagat area: a nest with 5 eggs on May 10th, a nest with 3 large nestlings on May 24th (left on May 26th) and a nest left by a large young one on May 26th (Patrikeev, 1991a). In Kizil Agach Reserve a nest with eggs on May 16th, and a fledgling killed by a mower on May 25th (Vinogradov & Tchernia-

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208 The Birds of Azerbaijan vskaya, 1965a). A nest with the young near Divichi on 25 May 1959 (Mustafaev, 1969a. (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). DIET: Stomachs of Calandra Larks wintering in Absheron Peninsula contained seed of Ephemeretum (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958).

MORTALITY: Many perish while drinking from water-oil mixture seeping from oiled lakes or oil reservoirs in Absheron Peninsula, e.g. 38 dead recorded by Verestchagin (1946). Frequently killed on highways and rural roads (Alekperov & Mustafaev, 1972).

233. Bimaculated Lark - Melanocorypha bimaculata Menetries, 1832 NAKHICHEVAN: Valleys and foothills of Nakhichevan Region (Bogdanov, 1879; Tarasov, 1974; MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (Drozdov, 1963; Agaeva, 1972). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND (ACCIDENTAL): A female collected on the Caspian shore in Samur Delta on 21 May 1989 (Butiev et al., 1990a). HABITAT: NESTING: Rocky semi-desert, montane steppe and field edges up to 2,000 m (Agaeva, 1972; Tarasov, 1974). MOVEMENT: Winter: Descends from Zuvand Upland to Mugan Steppe where sometimes mixes with Calandra Larks (Satunin, 1912b). May leave Nakhichevan Region in winter. POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. Very common in Nakhichevan Region and Zuvand Upland (Drozdov, 1963; Tarasov, 1974). STATUS: Locally common resident undertaking some altitudinal movements. This species and subspecies M. b. bimaculata Menetries 1832 were described from Talish Mountains of Azerbaijan. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: LESSER CAUCASUS (HYPOTHETICAL): May occur in Karabakh Upland (MP).

BREEDING: In Zuvand Upland, 4 nests under Astragalus 150-200 m from cultivated fields. Eggs laid from mid May through early June, 4-5 eggs/clutch. Average egg measurements (n=17): 24.3 x 17.5 mm; average weight 3.8 g. Incubation lasts 12-13 days, and small chicks recorded on May 29th and June 19th (Agaeva, 1972).

234. White-winged Lark - Melanocorypha leucoptera Pallas, 1811 STATUS: Irregular migrant and wintering species. May be common in cold winters. Monotypic.

1880. Many were collected near Baku on February 11th (Radde, 1884)

DISTRIBUTION: Winter: Apparently arrives in Azerbaijan only during very cold winters. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mugan Steppe (Satunin, 1911). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: One taken from a flock of Skylarks near Lenkoran on February 19th (Radde, 1884). Many observed in flocks of Skylark northeast of Lake Karakush, Kizil Agach Reserve (Paynter et al., 1996a). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Large mixed flocks of Whitewinged and Calandra Larks in Gobustan Upland in January

HABITAT: MIGRATION AND WINTER: Semi-desert in lowlands and low uplands (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1911). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: 5 observed in Samur Delta 21-28 March 1987 (Butiev, 1990a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Leaves Mugan Steppe in late March (Satunin, 1911).

235. Black Lark - Melanocorypha yeltoniensis Forster, 1768 STATUS: Irregular wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: Probably occurs in Azerbaijan only during cold winters KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Might have occurred in Mugan Steppe in winter 1876/1877 (Radde, 1884).

SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: On 27 December 1876 (after heavy snowstorms), 12 specimens (11 males and a female) collected in the vicinity of Lenkoran, some from flocks of Skylarks (Radde, 1884). After cold winter 1989/1990 recorded in southeastern Shirvan: a flock of 6 males in semi-desert near Lake KichikShorgel 13-14 April 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

236. Shore Lark - Eremophila alpestris Linnaeus, 1758 TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968). Winter: LESSER CAUCASUS: Some descend to foothills and lowlands during snowstorms and spells of cold weather, e.g. observed in Kedabek on 7 September 1896 and near Agdam on 8 March 1898. However, a part of the population apparently remains in the mountains all year round (Satunin, 1907). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mugan Steppe (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: In Lenkoran Lowland in mid February (Radde, 1884). HABITAT: NESTING: Rocky slopes and montane meadows in sub-alpine and alpine zones at 1,500-3,610 m (Radde, 1884; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). WINTER: Fields, meadows, steppes and semi-desert in uplands, foothills and lowlands (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968). STATUS: Uncommon resident descending to lower elevations in winter. Subspecies E. a. penicillata Gould, 1838. DISTRIBUTION: poorly known Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Alpine zone of Belokani and Zakatali District, also in the upper Girdimanchai Valley (above Djandakhar), Mounts Babadag and Tkhan in Ismailly District (Satunin, 1911; Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). LESSER CAUCASUS: Above 1,500-1,800 m in Shahdag (above Kedabek) and Murovdag ridges (Radde, 1884). Probably at higher elevations elsewhere. NAKHICHEVAN: At 3,050-3,610 m in Zangezur Ridge (e.g. Mounts Kapudjik and Soukh), although also recorded at lower elevations (Radde, 1884).

MOVEMENT: Fall: Descend from Zangezur Ridge (Nakhichevan Region) already in September (Radde, 1884), but linger on breeding grounds in Zakatali District (Greater Caucasus Mountains) until mid December (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No overall estimate. The average of 0.8 nest/km2 in alpine zone of Zakatali Reserve, Greater Caucasus Mountains (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). BREEDING: Nests in shallow depressions lined with stems of clover and grass. Average nest measurements: diameter 104 mm, height 49 mm, diameter of nest-cup 81 mm, depth 39 mm. In Zakatali District chicks found after June 20th and fledglings in early July (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

FAMILY MOTACILLIDAE - WAGTAILS AND PIPITS 237. Richard’s Pipit – Anthus richardi Vieillot, 1818 STATUS: Accidental visitor. Possibly subspecies A. r. richardi Vieillot, 1818.

MOVEMENT: One observed in the vicinity of Shirvan Reserve on 29 September 2000 (Shelton, 2001).

238. Tawny Pipit - Anthus campestris Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Uncommon nesting species and migrant, possible wintering species. Subspecies A. c. boehmii Portenko, 1960 nests in Azerbaijan. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Distribution unclear. Known from many areas from the 19th century records only. GREATER CAUCASUS: Foothills and lower slopes (up to 1,500 m) from Sheki Upland to Kutkashen District and Girdimanchai Valley (Ismailly District); also in Shemakha Upland (from Astrakhanovka to Shemakha and Kirovka) and Kuba District (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954).

LESSER CAUCASUS: Nagorno-Karabakh Region and Aras Valley (Radde, 1884; Tarasov, 1974; MP). NAKHICHEVAN: Foothills in Aras Valley (Tarasov, 1974). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Treeless slopes of Talish Mountains including Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1965). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lower Aldjiganchai Valley, Karayasi and Mugan steppes (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b). No recent observations. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Vicinity of Lenkoran (Radde, 1884). No recent sightings. Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mugan Steppe (Satunin, 1912b).

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210 The Birds of Azerbaijan MOVEMENT: Spring passage: inconspicuous (early April through late May). COASTAL: Several small flocks west of Mount Beuk-Dush (Gobustan Upland) on 4 April 1991 (MP). In Absheron Peninsula, recorded in Sumgait-chai Valley during 6-8 May 1952 and near Pirkishkul on 26 May 1956 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Fall passage: Leaves Azerbaijan from mid September (Satunin, 1907). POPULATION SIZE: No information. BREEDING: Tawny Pipits carrying nest material observed somewhere in Azerbaijan on 11 April 1899. In early June, fledglings collected in Kuba District (Satunin, 1907).

HABITAT: NESTING: Steppe, semi-desert, fields, scrub and forest openings in lowlands and foothills up to 1,500 m (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Tarasov, 1974).

239. Tree Pipit - Anthus trivialis Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Uncommon nesting species and migrant. Small numbers may winter in Azerbaijan. Subspecies A. t. trivialis Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Above the forest limit and in treeless areas at 1,500-2,500 m, e.g. in Zakatali District (Mounts Gamzigora and Khalakhi), vicinity of Lagich (Ismailly District), in Shemakha Upland including Alti-Agach, and in Kuba and Kusari districts in the northeast (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Upper forest and alpine zones in Murovdag Ridge (Satunin, 1907). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Recorded near Lerik (1,500 m) and in KusYurdi (Radde, 1884). Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Old records from Mugan Steppe (Satunin, 1912b). HABITAT: NESTING: Scrub, meadows, clearings, fields and forest edges in mountains above 1,500. Recorded in sub-alpine and alpine zones (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid March to mid May. COASTAL: Recorded on Mount Beuk-Dash (Gobustan Upland) from 4 to 20 April (Patrikeev, 1991b), near Lenkoran 12-16 April (Radde, 1884), at Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan) on May 12th (Patrikeev, 1991a) and in Zagulba (Absheron Peninsula) 3-5 May (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). INTERIOR: Passes through Karayasi Steppe from mid March to early April (Satunin, 1907). Two observed in juniper woodlands of Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on 6 April 1991 (MP). Fall passage: COASTAL: On 26 August 1948, recorded near Shuvelan, Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Migrates through Mugan Steppe (Satunin, 1912b). POPULATION SIZE: No information. DIET: Stomachs examined in Greater Caucasus Mountains contained bees (Halictus), ants (Lasius alienus), bugs (Brachycarenus and Laria pisorum), weevils (Phyllobius, Olibrus and Lacolius), etc. (Gambarov, 1954).

240. Meadow Pipit - Anthus pratensis Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Locally common migrant and wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland, Kizil Agach Reserve (e.g. shores of Lesser Kizil Agach Bay, Kulagin and Burunki), Sara Peninsula (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Dobrokhotov, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972) and the vicinity of Saliani (Satunin, 1907). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Shah Spit (Bannikova et al., 1984).

HABITAT: WINTER: Semi-desert, wet meadows, fields, open spaces near villages and towns (Satunin, 1907; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Dobrokhotov, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Latest spring record in Kizil Agach Reserve on 31 March 1958 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Observed at the confluence of Kura and Aras on March 24th (Radde, 1884).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

Fall passage: COASTAL: Common in Kizil Agach Reserve and near Lenkoran from early November (Radde, 1884; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

POPULATION SIZE: Winter: 8.6/km in semi-desert of Kizil Agach Reserve on 15 February 1962 (Dobrokhotov, 1963). A flock of 7 at Shah Spit in January-February 1982 (Bannikova et al., 1984).

241. Red-throated Pipit - Anthus cervinus Pallas, 1811 STATUS: Accidental in spring. Monotypic. MOVEMENT: Spring passage: In May. No recent records. Possibly overlooked.

COASTAL: A male collected near Lenkoran on 10 May 1882 (Radde, 1884); other specimens collected in Absheron Peninsula (Sumgait-chai Valley, near Pirkishkul, orchards in Ziria and Bilgah) between May 7th and 20th (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958).

242. Water Pipit - Anthus spinoletta Linnaeus, 1758 KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Alazani Valley and Shirvan Steppe (Satunin, 1907; Zlotin, 1963). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland (Mustafaev, 1972). HABITAT: NESTING: Common in subalpine and alpine meadows (2,000-3,000 m) and uncommon in rocky areas (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985); also along forest edge (Radde, 1884). WINTER: Fields, semi-desert, marshes and other wetlands in lowlands, rocky slopes in mountains (Zlotin, 1963; Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968; Mustafaev, 1972).

STATUS: Common resident, migrant and wintering species. Subspecies A. s. coutellii Audouin, 1828 nests in Azerbaijan. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Common throughout sub-alpine and alpine zones (1,800-3,000 m), e.g. in Zakatali, Belokani, Kutkashen and Ismailly districts (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). LESSER CAUCASUS: Mounts Kapaz (Geigel Reserve) and Giamish, Murovdag Ridge (Gasanov, 1990). Probably elsewhere at high elevations. NAKHICHEVAN: Mounts Kapudjik and Soukh, Zangezur Ridge (Radde, 1884). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Talish Mountains including Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). Winter: In mountains some descend to lower elevations. Those wintering in lowlands are probably migrants from the north. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Remains at high elevation throughout the winter (Mustafaev, 1968b; Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late April to mid May. COASTAL: On 17 May 1956, one collected on Mount Kizil-Kum (Gobustan Upland) not far from the Caspian shore (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). INTERIOR: Arrives at Zakatali Reserve 20-24 April (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Fall passage: October-November. INTERIOR: Recorded in Karayasi Steppe in October and November (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. In Zakatali Reserve: 60 individuals/km2 in subalpine meadows and 47/km2 in alpine meadows (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Winter: In Shirvan Steppe in January 1961: 0.96/km in semidesert pastures, 2.43/km in non-grazed semi-desert, 2.96/ km in marshes and other wetlands and 0.53/km in Kura Valley (Zlotin, 1963). BREEDING: Male displays in mid air descending with a loud song (Satunin, 1907). In Zakatali Reserve 24 of 26 recorded nests were in subalpine and alpine meadows (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

243. Yellow Wagtail - Motacilla flava Linnaeus, 1758 Azeri name: Sari chaidachapan STATUS: Common nesting species, very common migrant and rare wintering species. Subspecies M. f. flava Linnaeus,

1758 and M. f. feldegg Michaelles, 1830 nest, migrate and winter in Azerbaijan, and M. f. thunbergi Billberg, 1828, M. f. beema Sykes, 1832 and M. f. lutea Gmelin, 1774 only occur during migration.

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212 The Birds of Azerbaijan

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Distribution poorly known; possibly distributed wider than indicated below. GREATER CAUCASUS: Unidentified subspecies in Zakatali District, e.g. near Djari (Mustafaev, 1969a). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Possibly M. f. feldegg near Kalvas at 2,100 m (Radde, 1884). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Unidentified subspecies in the vicinity of Turianchai (Agdash District) and at Lake Djandargel in Akstafa District (Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: M. f. flava and M. f. feldegg nest in Lenkoran Lowland, Kizil Agach Reserve and southern Mugan, e.g. at Lake Mahmud-chala (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Patrikeev, 1991c). Also M. f. feldegg may nest at Lake Kichik-Shorgel, southeastern Shirvan: recorded in mid May (Patrikeev, 1991a). Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: M. f. flava and M. f. feldegg winter in Mugan Steppe (Satunin, 1912b). Unidentified subspecies in the vicinity of Turianchai, Agdash District (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: M. f. flava and M. f. feldegg recorded in southern Mugan and near Lenkoran (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b). In January 1958 one (subspecies unknown) observed in Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). HABITAT: NESTING: Wet meadows and wetland edges in lowlands and mountains up to 2,100 m (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1969a; Patrikeev, 1991c). MIGRATION AND WINTER: Caspian shore, semi-desert, fields, pasture, orchards and wet meadows (Radde, 1884; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Butiev et al., 1990b; Patrikeev, 1991a). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: M. F. FELDEGG: March through April. Often does not mix with other subspecies while feeding and roosting (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Butiev et al., 1990a). As early as March 16th near Lenkoran and 20-21 March in Kizil Agach Reserve. Conspicuous passage in the vicinity of Lenkoran during 27-30 March (Radde, 1884; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). On 9 April 1897, observed in southern Mugan and near Saliani (Satunin, 1907, 1912b). In

Samur Delta, flocks recorded from March 28th through April 23rd; rare in late April. Latest sighting in the delta on 23 May 1989 (Butiev et al., 1990a). M. F. FLAVA: Early March through late May. Sometimes migrates in mixed flocks with other subspecies (Butiev et al., 1989). On 11 March 1895 large flocks of [probably this subspecies] in Mugan (Satunin, 1907, 1912b). Intensive passage near Lenkoran 25-28 March (Radde, 1884), and in Kizil Agach Reserve 14 April-2 May (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). In Samur Delta, conspicuous passage from late March through late April, latest record on May 20th (Butiev et al., 1990b). Common in Absheron Peninsula 11-20 May (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). M. F. THUNBERGI: In Lenkoran Lowland and Mugan Steppe 27 March-14 April (Radde, 1884). On 11 May 1955, one taken from a flock of M. f. flava near Pirkishkul, northern Gobustan Upland (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). M. F. BEEMA: Passes through Absheron Peninsula from late March to early May (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). M. F. LUTEA: Rare migrant in Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). M. F. FELDEGG, M. F. FLAVA AND M. F. THUNBERGI: Conspicuous passage through Shorgel Lakes (southeastern Shirvan) from mid and to mid May 1990 (peak in late April), but none observed near Cape Pirsagat in 1989. May take a shortcut through Gobustan Upland to Sumgait-chai Valley and northern Absheron and then follow the Caspian shore to Samur Delta (MP). UNIDENTIFIED SUBSPECIES: A flock in Shamkhor District on May 14th (Gambarov, 1975). Fall passage: less conspicuous. M. F. FLAVA: Rare in Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1990a); recorded near Pirshaga, Absheron Peninsula on September 13th (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958); migrates through Kizil Agach Reserve 5 September-10 October (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). M. F. FELDEGG: Rare in Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1990a). M. F. THUNBERGI: Possibly in Kizil Agach Reserve in Septemberearly October (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. Spring Passage: M. F. FELDEGG: Several hundred in Samur Delta during 1-5 April 1980 ((Butiev et al., 1990a). M. F. FLAVA: c. 100 on 23 April 1980 in Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1990b). M. F. FELDEGG, M. F. FLAVA AND M. F. THUNBERGI: At least 10,000 passed through Shirvan Reserve (southeastern Shirvan) from mid April to mid May 1990: flocks of 400-500 in mid April and up to 50 until mid May at Shorgel Lakes (MP). Winter: 1-4/day near Turianchai (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). BREEDING: In Kizil Agach Reserve: a nest on May 16th and fledglings from early June (Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). In June 1990 alarming adults at Lake Mahmud-chala, southern Mugan (Patrikeev, 1991c). A nest of unspecified subspecies with 4 large nestlings near Djari, Zakatali District on 13 June 1963 (Mustafaev, 1969a).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

244. Citrine Wagtail - Motacilla citreola Pallas, 1776 STATUS: Uncommon migrant. Subspecies M. c. citreola Pallas, 1776 and M. c. werae Buturlin, 1907. HABITAT: MIGRATION: Wet meadows, vicinity of wetlands, fields and semi-desert in lowlands (Satunin, 1912b; Ochapovski, 1965; Butiev et al., 1990a). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: March to late May. COASTAL: Recorded at Divichi Liman as early as March (Shelton, 2001), but from mid April in Samur Delta, peaks in late Aprilearly May, and then again during 15-20 May (Butiev et al., 1990a). INTERIOR: Recorded in the vicinity of Julfa, Nakhichevan region 11-14 April (Ochapovski, 1965).

Fall passage: Rare. August-September. COASTAL: Single individuals in Samur Delta in August (Butiev et al., 1990a) and Divichi Liman in September (Shelton, 2001). POPULATION SIZE: Passage: SPRING: 3-10/day in the vicinity of Julfa in April 1957 (Ochapovski, 1965). In Samur Delta, 18-140/km2 in April and May. Up to several tens/day in late April-early May 1988, and up to 100/day in May 1989 (Butiev et al., 1990a). REMARKS: Observed in mixed flocks with White and Yellow Wagtails and Meadow Pipits (Ochapovski, 1965).

245. Grey Wagtail - Motacilla cinerea Tunstall, 1771 Winter: GREATER CAUCASUS: Descends to foothills (e.g. at 600 m in Zakatali District) and adjacent lowlands (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Some remain in Zuvand Upland (Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968; Mustafaev, 1968b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Near Khaldan (Aldjiganchai Valley) on November 24th (Gambarov, 1975). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland and Kizil Agach Reserve (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972).

STATUS: Common resident undertaking altitudinal movements. Subspecies M. c. cinerea Tunstall, 1771. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Districts: Zakatali (e.g. Tsilbanchai Gorge), Kah (Kurmunchai and Ilisu Reserve), Kutkashen (Demiraparanchai near Laza), Ismailly (upper Girdimanchai Valley, e.g. near Lagich and Djandakhar) and Kuba districts; Girkhbulak and Tchanut valleys in Shemakha Upland (Gambarov, 1954; Drozdov, 1965; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990; Patrikeev, 1991d; Shelton, 2001). Satunin (1907) reported nesting in the adjacent lowland. LESSER CAUCASUS: Upper Terter Valley in Nagorno-Karabakh Region (e.g. in Sarsang), vicinity of Kedabek and in upper Shamkhorchai Valley (Shahdag Ridge), Karabakh and Murovdag ridges (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1969a). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Upper Lenkoranchai and Astara-chai valleys (e.g. near Alashavend), and Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968). BOSDAG: Three observed in Turianchai Valley (at 300-400 m) on 7 April 1991 could have been altitudinal migrants not yet returned to their nesting grounds (MP).

HABITAT: NESTING: Rocky area along fast-flowing streams in foothills and mountains, e.g. at 1,100-2,500 m in Zakatali District. Occurs in both forested and cleared areas (Radde, 1884; Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). WINTER: Valleys in foothills; wetlands, orchards and villages in lowlands (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968; Mustafaev, 1968b; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). POPULATION SIZE: No estimate. Outnumbers White Wagtail in mountains of Zakatali District (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). BREEDING: Arrives on breeding grounds in Zakatali District 20-21 March. Nests in rock crevices and cavities (e.g. in stream banks and near waterfalls), but also in holes in manmade constructions (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev, 1969a; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). In Zakatali District examined nests built of moss, leaves, twigs and grass, and lined with animal fur. Average nest measurements: diameter 101 mm, height 86 mm, diameter of nest-cup 66 mm, and depth 48 mm (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Two clutches/ year (usually 5 eggs/clutch). Average eggs size: 20.4 x 14.9 mm, and weight 1.72 g (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). In Astara-chai Valley incubation as early as April 24th (Satunin, 1907). In Zakatali District first clutches 15-20 May, and second clutches from mid June. First chicks hatched in early June. A newly-hatched chick weighs 1.65 g (av.), and 9-days-old 15.5 g (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Fledglings on 24 May 1898

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214 The Birds of Azerbaijan in Astara-chai Valley, Talish Mountains (Satunin, 1907) and after June 10th in Zakatali District (Alekperov & Mustafaeva,

1985). A young Eurasian Cuckoo in a nest near Kedabek, Lesser Caucasus (Mustafaev, 1969a).

246. White Wagtail - Motacilla alba Linnaeus, 1758 Azeri name: Chaidachapan STATUS: Very common nesting species and common migrant, a small part of the population is resident, and small numbers from the north also winter. Subspecies M. a. dukhunensis Sykes, 1832 nests in Azerbaijan, and M. a. alba Linnaeus, 1758 possibly occurs during migration. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Widespread throughout Azerbaijan. GREATER CAUCASUS: Common in foothills and mountains from Zakatali District to Shemakha Upland, e.g. in river valleys near Ilisu, Laza, Lagich, Djandakhar, Kirovka and Alti-Agach. Rare in lowlands adjacent to the southern slope (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Patrikeev, 1991d). In the northeast occurs in foothills of Kuba and Kusari districts (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). LESSER CAUCASUS: Present (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Dahl, 1954). NAKHICHEVAN: Nakhichevan Region including Aras Valley (Radde, 1884; Khanmammedov, 1960). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Present (Radde, 1884; Mustafaev, 1968b). BOSDAG: River valleys in Bosdag Mountains, e.g. vicinity of Turianchai (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Villages and towns of Shirvan and Mugan steppes and Kura Valley (Satunin, 1912b; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971a; Gambarov, 1975); also in Aras Valley and Gandja (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1973b). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan, Lenkoran Lowland and Kizil Agach Reserve (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1968b). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: From Samur Delta to Divichi (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; MP). Winter: Descends from mountains and foothills to lowlands. BOSDAG: At low elevations in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Kura Valley, Karayasi, Shirvan, Mil and Mugan steppes (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Zlotin, 1963; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Mustafaev, 1972). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Along the Caspian shore (Satunin, 1907; MP). HABITAT: NESTING: River valleys, streams, openings, anthropogenic habitats and settlements from lowlands to alpine zone; in semi-desert regions, occurs mostly in towns and villages (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; MP). MIGRATION AND WINTER: Wetlands, Caspian shore and villages (Zlotin, 1963; Mustafaev, 1972; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid March to late April.

COASTAL: Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve between 17 and 23 March, and conspicuous passage during 15-16 April (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). In mid April 1990 only single birds at Shorgel Lakes, southeastern Shirvan. One observed on Baburyi Island (Baku Archipelago) in late April 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Recorded in Turianchai Valley on 17 March 1962 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Fall passage: Late September through November. COASTAL: In Kizil Agach Reserve first sightings of migrants between September 28th and October 1st, peaks 9-12 October (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). In Absheron Peninsula in October (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: In the vicinity of Turianchai (Agdash District), passage recorded 23-28 September (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Flocks of 4-6 common in Mingechaur District in the second half of November (Gambarov, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate, but very common. 0.6 nests/ha in Kusarchai Valley, the northeast (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). Winter: Rare in Lenkoran Lowland in the 19th century (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907) and uncommon in the late 1960s (Mustafaev, 1972). In January 1961, 0.4/km in wetlands of Shirvan Steppe (Zlotin, 1963). 1-4 near Turianchai all winter (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). BREEDING: Often nests in man-made constructions (e.g. house attics and under bridges), under rocks, among debris on pebble river islets, in crevices and occasionally in tree holes (Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971a; MP). Three nests under a roof of a house in Kusari and one in a fork of a large willow standing in a river, 1.2 m above the water (Mustafaev, 1969a). In settlements nests 0-7 m above the ground (Mustafaev, 1971a). Near Lenkoran nests built grass and lined with paper, moss, leaves and fur (Radde, 1884). Breeding season begins c. 1624 April. Two clutches a year: 3-6 eggs/clutch, but usually 45 (Mustafaev, 1971a). A female with eggs collected in Agsu Valley on May 8th (Satunin, 1907). The young remain in nests 9-14 days (Mustafaev, 1971a). In Zakatali District fledglings observed from late May (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). In Kusari District (the northeast) well-incubated clutches and newly hatched chicks found in late June and fledglings in early July (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). Nesting success higher outside settlements: 53% vs. 35% (Mustafaev, 1971a). A nest in Zakatali District contained a young Eurasian Cuckoo (Mustafaev, 1969a). MORTALITY: Often killed along highways and rural roads (Alekperov & Mustafaev, 1971); also perishes in oil in Absheron Peninsula during migration (Verestchagin, 1946).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

FAMILY LANIIDAE - SHRIKES 247. Red-backed Shrike - Lanius collurio Linnaeus, 1758 1973a); also on Mount Beuk-Dash (Gobustan Upland) on 17 May 1991 (MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Hedgerows, forest edge, neglected orchards, parks, scattered bushes (e.g. tamarisk, pistachio, Russian olive) in lowlands, foothills and mountains up to 1,700 m. (Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Khanmammedov & Mustafaev, 1960; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971a; Patrikeev, 1991a).

Azeri name: Aladjahra STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Common (locally very common) at lower elevation of the southern slope, although ascends to 1,400-1,700 m in cleared river valleys (e.g. near Laza, Lagich and Djandakhar). Common in Shemakha Upland, e.g. near Alti-Agach, Tchukhuryurt and Kirovka and adjacent lowlands. Occurs in lowlands in Kutkashen and Ismailly districts (Gambarov, 1954; Drozdov, 1965; MP). Common in Kusari and Kuba districts in the northeast (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Probably occurs in foothills, but no published information. NAKHICHEVAN: Vicinity of Nakhichevan and Shahbuz (Radde, 1884; Khanmammedov, 1960) and probably elsewhere in Aras Valley. BOSDAGS: Probably in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1965). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Very common in Kura Valley, e.g. settlements of Shirvan Steppe; also in Shamkhor District, Karayasi Forest, islets of Kura, Turianchai Valley and in Gandja (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971a, 1973b; Gambarov, 1975; MP). Common in Aras Valley in Zangelan District (Satunin, 1907). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Uncommon in southeastern Shirvan, but common in southern Mugan, Sara Peninsula and Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). CASPIAN SEA AND ISLANDS: A male seen on Pelikanyi Island (Baku Archipelago) on 21 May 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Throughout the lowland, e.g. in Samur Delta (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: North shore of Absheron Peninsula and parks in Baku (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Mustafaev,

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early April through May. COASTAL: In the 19th century observed near Lenkoran as early as early April (Radde, 1884), but in the mid 20th century not recorded in coastal areas until May, e.g. in Kizil Agach Reserve from 6-8 May (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Arrives in southeastern Shirvan 10-11 May (Patrikeev, 1991a). On 17 May 1991, a male on Mount Beuk-Dush, Gobustan Upland (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Recorded in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains in early to mid April (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Fall passage: Mid August to mid October. COASTAL: From mid August (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). Latest sightings in Kizil Agach Reserve on September 22nd and October 13th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. In Kusari District 2 nest/ha in orchards and bushes (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). On the southern slope of Greater Caucasus Mountains outnumbers many other species of songbirds (Gambarov, 1954). BREEDING: Nests in bushes (often in hawthorn bushes) 0.32.5 m (av. 0.6-0.8 m) above the ground. Nests built of rootlets and plant stems, and lined with rootlets, grass, fur and feathers. Measurements of a nest from Shemakha Upland were: diameter 9 cm, depth of the nest-cup 7 cm. A nest may weigh 45-110 g, average 86 g (Radde, 1884; Khanmammedov & Mustafaev, 1960; Mustafaev, 1971a). Nesting season lasts from late April to late July-August (Mustafaev, 1971a). In Turianchai Bosdag Mountains a male feeding a begging female observed as early as April 15th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Clutch contains 3-6 eggs (usually 5). Average eggs measurements: 22.2 x 16.3 mm, weight 2.9 g (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). In Kusari District eggs mostly laid in mid June (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968), but in Ismailly and Kutkashen districts and in Shemakha Upland nests with eggs found in July (Gambarov, 1954). Incubation lasts 14-15 days. A newly-hatched chick weighs 2.3 g (av.) and reaches 26 g on the 12th day (Khanmammedov & Mustafaev, 1960). In one nest in Shemakha Upland the young hatched only on July 21st, and in Djari (Zakatali District), a nest with 4 large nestlings on 30 July 1937 (Gambarov, 1954). Female remains on the nest with the young until they are 5-7 days old while male feeds them. At the beginning only male brings food to nest.

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216 The Birds of Azerbaijan During a study in Shemakha Upland a male fed young 45-50 times/day, and the female only 8-9 times/day. In Kusari District a male brought food 7.5 times/hour on average, female only 1.7 times/hour (Khanmammedov & Mustafaev, 1960; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). The young remain in nests 14-15 days, but may leave earlier if disturbed, e.g. some fledged on 12th day in settlements. Nesting success varies from 38% in settlements to 51% in other habitats (Mustafaev, 1971a). In Karayasi Forest broods observed on 27 June and 1 July

1989 (MP), in Shemakha Upland fledglings recorded from late June (Gambarov, 1954) and in Sara Peninsula from mid July (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). DIET: Locusts, grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars, ants, bugs, spiders and molluscs (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). MORTALITY: Killed along highways and rural roads in Azerbaijan (Alekperov & Mustafaev, 1971).

248. Woodchat Shrike - Lanius senator Linnaeus, 1758 MOVEMENT: Spring passage: April? COASTAL: Small numbers recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula 7-10 May (Tugarinov, 1950). Probably arrives earlier, because nesting recorded in early May (MP). Fall passage: Probably leaves early. COASTAL: One observed in Turianchai Valley on 14 July 1963 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Perhaps latest record in the area. POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. In May 1989, 1.5 pairs/ha in semi-desert near Cape Pirsagat, southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a); 1 pair on Mount Beuk-Dush, Gobustan Upland in 1990-1991 (MP); 5-6 pairs/km in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b).

STATUS: Uncommon nesting species and migrant. Subspecies L. s. niloticus Bonaparte, 1853. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Semi-desert parts of Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland in Sheki (1 record), Kutkashen and Ismailly districts (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954). BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: In Kura Valley in Shamkhor District (Gambarov, 1975) and in Aras Valley in Zangelan District (Satunin, 1907). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Common in the vicinity of Cape Pirsagat in 1989, but not found in the north of Shirvan Reserve in 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Uncommon in southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b). A pair in Sara Peninsula on 8 May 1958 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Two pairs in Samur Delta in May 1989 (Butiev et al., 1990a). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Rare in Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Nested on Mount Beuk-Dash (Gobustan Upland) in 1990 and 1991 (MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Semi-deserts with scattered Russian olive, pistachio, tamarisk and Paliurus australis in lowlands and low mountains. Near Cape Pirsagat nests in tiny bush patches and single bushes, but not recorded in a 0.05 ha patch of Russian olive. Absent from some visually suitable habitats (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Patrikeev, 1991a).

BREEDING: In southeastern Shirvan, 3 nests in Russian olive and 3 in tamarisks (e.g. in one surrounded by water), 0.91.5 m above the ground (Patrikeev, 1991a). In Turianchai Bosdag Mountains and Mingechaur District nests in Paliurus australis and pistachio, e.g. one at 1.7 m (Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Nests built of grass, twigs and sheep wool and lined with sheep wool. Probably renovates and reuses old nests in southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a). In Turianchai Bosdag Mountains, a new nest was 200-250 m from a previous-year nest (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Clutch contains 5-7 eggs. In southeastern Shirvan lays 30 April-19 May. Incubation lasts 14-15 days. In 1989 hatching observed from May 14th, and fledging 27 May-5 June (Patrikeev, 1991a). In Mingechaur District several nests on 19 May 1894 (Satunin, 1907). A nest with 4 fresh eggs in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on 19 May 1962 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). In southeastern Shirvan 25 chicks hatched from 30 eggs in 5 nests, 3 eggs were infertile and 2 were knocked out of a nest by grazing camels. A European Cuckoo observed and chased by the adults in the vicinity of the nests, but no cuckoo eggs or chicks were recorded (Patrikeev, 1991a). On 22 June 1990 an adult with a fledgling on Mount Beuk-Dush, Gobustan Upland (Patrikeev, 1991b). DIET: Mostly grasshoppers fed to brooding females and the young in southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

249. Lesser Grey Shrike - Lanius minor Gmelin, 1788 (Radde, 1884; Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971a; Patrikeev, 1991a). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid April to late May. COASTAL: Collected near Lenkoran as early as 18 April 1866 (Radde, 1884). Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve between April 29th and May 7th with conspicuous passage 8-23 May (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). First sighting at Shorgel Lakes on April 26th (Patrikeev, 1991a). INTERIOR: A small flock in Kura Valley north of Gandja on 27 April 1895 (Satunin, 1907). Arrives in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains 2-15 May (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Fall passage: Late August-early September. COASTAL: Decreases in Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland in late August (Gambarov, 1954). Latest sighting in Sara Peninsula on September 6th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Azeri name: Aladjahra (all shrikes) STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Common in lowland adjacent to the southern slope and in the foothills up to 700-800 m: in Zakatali (e.g. in Tsilbanchai Gorge), Sheki, Kutkashen and Ismailly districts (Gambarov, 1954); uncommon in Kusari and Kuba District in the northeast (Khanmammedov & Mustafaev, 1968; Shelton, 2001). LESSER CAUCASUS: Shamkhor-chai Valley in foothills of Shahdag Ridge near Kedabek, Bargushad Valley near Lachin (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). NAKHICHEVAN: Vicinity of Ordubad, Nakhichevan and Shahbuz. Up to 2,000 m in mountains, e.g. near Yukhari-Ailis (Radde, 1884; Khanmammedov, 1960; MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (Drozdov, 1965). BOSDAG: Common in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Kura Valley, e.g. in Shamkhor District and villages and towns of Shirvan Steppe (Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971a; Gambarov, 1975; MP), Gandja and Gandja-chai Valley (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1973b). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan (e.g. at Lake Mahmud-chala), Lenkoran Lowland, Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Patrikeev, 1991c; MP). Rare in southeastern Shirvan where bushes and trees are scarce (Patrikeev, 1991a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Common in the vicinity of Khachmas (Khanmammedov & Mustafaev, 1968). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Absheron Peninsula including parks in Baku and suburbs (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958: Mustafaev, 1973a). HABITAT: NESTING: Orchards, woodlots, roadside treebelts, bush patches, backyards and single trees in river valleys, settlements and semi-desert in lowlands and foothills, although ascends to 2,000 m in Nakhichevan Region and Zuvand Upland

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. Outnumbers other shrikes in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains and Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a, b), and matches Red-backed Shrike in Samur-Divichi Lowland. 0.1 nests/ha in neglected orchards of Kusari District (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). Rare in southeastern Shirvan: 2 pairs (5 km apart) south of Cape Pirsagat in 1989; 2 pairs at Shorgel Lakes and 1 pair in Khaladz in 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). BREEDING: Nests in trees and bushes (e.g. tamarisk and Russian olive) 1.8-12 m above the ground. On average, nests were higher in settlements (4 m) compared to 2.5 m in other habitats (Mustafaev, 1971a). Nest is built of twigs and sheep wool and lined with soft plant material (Satunin, 1907; Patrikeev, 1991a). Nesting starts in early to mid May, shortly after arrival. Clutch contains 4-6 eggs; average measurements 26 x 19 mm (Radde, 1884). In Kizil Agach Reserve, Sara Peninsula and southeastern Shirvan lays during 24-30 May (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Patrikeev, 1991a). In the northeast (Kusari) nests with eggs found in early June (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). In Sara Peninsula chicks hatched in mid June (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). The young remain in nests 13-17 days. In settlements c. 46% of nestlings have fledged, and 54% in other habitats (Mustafaev, 1971a). DIET: Stomachs of individuals collected in Greater Caucasus contained beetles (weevils, click beetles, leaf beetles), locusts, grasshoppers, flies, wheat grain, other seed and fine rock fragments (Gambarov, 1954).

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218 The Birds of Azerbaijan 250. Great Grey Shrike - Lanius excubitor Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Uncommon migrant and rare wintering species, accidental in summer. Subspecies L. e. excubitor Linnaeus, 1758 and L. e. homeyeri Cabanis, 1873. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: BOSDAG: Observed in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b), but nesting is unlikely. Winter: TALISH MOUNTAINS: 3 records in Zuvand Upland in January and February 1969 (Agaeva, 1969). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: The vicinity of Mingechaur and Turianchai (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Gambarov, 1975). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Both L. e. excubitor and L. e. homeyeri collected in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). One taken in Sara Peninsula on 23 January 1954 and another observed at Kalinovsky Liman, Kizil Agach Reserve on 24 March 1959 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Pairs and single individuals in Samur Delta 22 February-13 March (Butiev et al., 1990a).

HABITAT: MIGRATION AND WINTER: Thickets of pomegranate, hawthorn, blackberry and tamarisk (Gambarov, 1975). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late March to late May. COASTAL: In Samur Delta, 1-4 daily from March 28th through April 5th; left by May (Butiev et al., 1990a). In Kizil Agach Reserve, a female collected on 18 May 1955 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Fall passage: Mid August to late November. COASTAL: Migrates through Samur Delta from mid August to late November: up to 3 daily from mid August to early September 1988, but only 3 records in 1989 (between August 25th and October 10th). More common in November (Butiev et al., 1990a). In Kizil Agach Reserve, one recorded on 25 September 1935 (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938) and another in late November 1989 (MP). INTERIOR: On 6 November 1896, one collected near Novo-Goreloe in foothills near Gandja (Satunin, 1907). Passes through Mingechaur District (Gambarov, 1975).

FAMILY BOMBYCILLIDAE - WAXWINGS 251. Waxwing - Bombycilla garrulus Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Irregularly wintering species (locally common in cold winters). Subspecies B. g. garrulus Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: Apparently arrives in Azerbaijan only in cold winters. GREATER CAUCASUS: Recorded on Mount Alibek (Zakatali District), e.g. on 19 January 1938 (Gambarov, 1954). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Irregular in Sara Peninsula: 1 on 16 February 1952, 3 on 10 February 1958 and 2 on 13 March 1958 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Adult female collected near Lenkoran on 18 December 1879 (Radde, 1884). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Common in Absheron Peninsula and Baku in cold winters (Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1968; MP); also recorded in Gobustan Upland, e.g. near the village of Gobustan (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958).

HABITAT: WINTER: Parks, gardens, juniper woodlands and forests in lowlands and mountains up to the tree limits (Gambarov, 1954; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1968; MP). MOVEMENT: Spring: Leaves Baku in late April (MP). POPULATION SIZE: Winter: In Baku, 40-45 on 25 March 1962 (Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1968). Flocks of 20-25 common in Baku parks in March 1979 (MP). DIET: Fruits of wild rose, exotic Sophora japonica and probably juniper berries (Gambarov, 1954; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP).

FAMILY ORIOLIDAE - OLD WORLD ORIOLES 252. Golden Oriole - Oriolus oriolus Linnaeus, 1758 Azeri name: Sarikoinak STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Subspecies O. o. oriolus Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Common in foothills and the adjacent lowland (e.g. in Zakatali District), although ascends up to 1,800 m in Girdimanchai Valley, Ismailly District (Gambarov, 1954; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). In the northeast, occurs in Kusari and Kuba districts

including Kusarchai Valley (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; Shelton, 2001; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Observed on southern slopes of Karabakh Ridge (Mukhtarov, 1991), but probably inhabits lower elevations elsewhere (MP). NAKHICHEVAN: Vicinity of Ordubad and Gansa; also in Bichenek Forest (Zangezur Ridge) at 2,000 m (Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Mukhtarov, 1991). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Present (Drozdov, 1965; MP).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

April 26th and May 18th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). In late April and early May 1989, several recorded in bush patches near Cape Pirsagat, southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a). INTERIOR: In Turianchai Valley, earliest record on 26 April 1962, and conspicuous passage 5-7 May 1962 and 1963 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Arrived in vicinity of Gandja on April 24th (Satunin, 1907) and in Zakatali District after mid May (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Fall passage: August-September. COASTAL: Leaves early. Latest sightings in Sara Peninsula 17-20 September (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Not recorded in foothills of Zakatali District after August 25th, although flocks still occurred in the adjacent lowland (Gambarov, 1954).

BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains and Turianchai Valley (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Common in western Kura Valley including Karayasi Forest, Shamkhor District and Akstafa (Mustafaev, 1969a, 1974a; Gambarov, 1975; MP). Also in Alazani Valley, Gandja, and Aras Valley in Zangelan District (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1973b). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan, Lenkoran Lowland and Sara Peninsula (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Lowlands of Khachmas District including Samur Delta (Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Nested in northern Absheron Peninsula in the 1950s; singing males heard in Baku on 29 May 1969 and 11 June 1952 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Alekperov, 1972), but no recent records.

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. In 1963, 4-5 pairs in planted trees in Turianchai (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b) and 3 pairs in a wooded valley in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains in May 1991 (MP). In Kusari District, 0.17 nests/ha (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968).

HABITAT: NESTING: Open woods, forest edges, tugai forests, orchards, parks, gardens, tree plantations, roadside treebelts, bush thickets (e.g. blackthorn) and juniper woodlands in lowlands and foothills; also in mountains up to 2,000 m (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev, 1969a; Alekperov, 1972).

BREEDING: Active singing in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains in late May. Nest-building in Karayasi Forest on 10 June 1989 (MP). In Kusari, Zakatali District and Karayasi Forest, nests built in oak, walnut and other trees 2-8 m above the ground (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; Mukhtarov, 1991; MP). In Kurdamir and Zakatali, some nests were 1040 m from houses, and others in roadside treebelts (Mustafaev, 1969a). Egg laying begins in early June; usually 3-4 eggs/clutch (Mukhtarov, 1991). One nest in Karayasi Forest robbed by Magpies (MP). Incubation lasts 15 days. In a nest in Karabakh Ridge, chicks hatched in late June and fledged on July 4 th (Mukhtarov, 1991). In Kusari (the northeast), broods common in mid July (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). During 22 August-6 September 1958, young Golden Orioles (probably from southern Mugan) observed in Sara Peninsula (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid April to late May. COASTAL: Arrives at Lenkoran Lowland from mid to late April (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907), and to Sara Peninsula between

DIET: Larvae of Phyllobius beetles and fruits of Mulberry (Morus alba) in stomachs of specimens collected in Greater Caucasus (Gambarov, 1954).

FAMILY STURNIDAE - STARLINGS 253. Common Starling - Sturnus vulgaris Linnaeus, 1758 Azeri name: Sigirchin STATUS: Very common nesting species, migrant and wintering species. Subspecies S. v. purpurascens Gould, 1868 and S. v. caucasicus Lorenz, 1887 nest in Azerbaijan, and S. v. vulgaris Linnaeus, 1758, S. v. poltaratskyi Finch, 1878 and possibly S. v. tauricus Buturlin, 1904 occur in winter and during migration. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Apparently only in foothills in the mid 19th century (Radde, 1884), but expanded into lowlands dur-

ing the first half of the 20th century (Mustafaev, 1968b). S. v. purpurascens nests west of a line running through Zakatali District, Shirvan, Mil and Mugan steppes, S. v. caucasicus occurs east of the line and also in Lenkoran Lowland and Talish Mountains. S. v. purpurascens: GREATER CAUCASUS: Lowlands of Zakatali District (Gambarov, 1954). LESSER CAUCASUS: Foothills in the vicinity of Agdam (Satunin, 1907), and probably elsewhere. NAKHICHEVAN: Throughout the region, e.g. near Ordubad and Nakhichevan; from Aras Valley up to 2,200 m in Norashen

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220 The Birds of Azerbaijan SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Very common in southern Mugan, e.g. at Lake Mahmud-chala, Kizil Agach Reserve and Lenkoran Lowland (Satunin, 1912b; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Dobrokhotov, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev et al., 1969; Mustafaev, 1972; MP). Probably winters in southeastern Shirvan (MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Throughout Absheron Peninsula, e.g. in Shah Spit, Baku and the suburbs, Sumgait and other settlements. Also in Gobustan Upland (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Mustafaev, 1977; Bannikova et al., 1984; MP).

District (Khanmammedov, 1960; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Very common in settlements of Kura Valley, e.g. Shirvan Steppe, Barda, Evlakh, Shamkhor and Tauz districts, and Karayasi Forest; also in Gandja, the mouth of Iori and Alazani Valley. Western Mil and Mugan steppes (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Mustafaev, 1968b, 1969, 1973b; Gambarov, 1975; MP). S. v. caucasicus: GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland east of Zakatali District, and Shemakha Upland, e.g. near Alti-Agach, Shemakha and Sharadil (Gambarov, 1954; MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Fragmented montane forests and Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1965). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: From Shirvan, Mil and Mugan steppes eastwards (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1968b, 1969). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southeastern Shirvan, southern Mugan (e.g. near Belasuvar and Lake Mahmud-chala), Sara Peninsula, Kizil Agach Reservoir and Lenkoran Lowland (Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a; Patrikeev, 1991a, c). CASPIAN SEA AND ISLANDS: Observed on Los Island (Baku Archipelago) 7-8 km from the mainland (Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Throughout the lowland south to Divichi and Gandov (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Very common in Absheron Peninsula including Baku. South of Baku, mostly confined to settlements along the Caspian shore (e.g. Gobustan) and man-made constructions in adjacent semi-desert. Also in northern Gobustan Upland, e.g. near Maraza and Karasakhala (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). Winter: TALISH MOUNTAINS: Villages in forest zone and Zuvand Upland (Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968). BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Very common in Shirvan Steppe and elsewhere in Kura-Aras Lowland including villages and towns, e.g. in Mingechaur District, Turianchai Valley and Karayasi Steppe. Large numbers winter at Lake Aggel, Mil Steppe (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Zlotin, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Vinogradov, 1967; Gambarov, 1975; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989; MP).

HABITAT: NESTING: Villages, towns, man-made constructions in semi-desert and elsewhere, broad-leaved and tugai forests (usually close to edges) and woodlots in lowlands, foothills and mountains up to 2,200 m. At present, more common in anthropogenic habitats in lowlands (Radde, 1884; Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971a; Drozdov, 1965; Patrikeev, 1991a, MP). WINTER AND MIGRATION: Orchards, parks, gardens, arable lands, villages and towns, bush thickets, wetlands and semi-desert in lowlands, foothills and uplands up to 2,000 m, e.g. in Zuvand Upland. Often roosts in extensive reedbeds in lakes and marshes (Satunin, 1912b; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Dobrokhotov, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Vinogradov, 1967; Mustafaev et al., 1969; Mustafaev, 1972; MP). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early February through mid May. COASTAL: S. v. vulgaris and S. v. poltaratskyi leave Absheron Peninsula in early and mid February (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). In Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula spring passage recorded from March 11th through April 12th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). On 7 April 1990, flocks seen in northern Gobustan Upland (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: In Shamkhor District flocks seen prior to May 17th (Gambarov, 1975). Fall passage: Early October to early December. COASTAL: Fall passage of subspecies nesting in Azerbaijan is inconspicuous. In 1952-1955, S. v. vulgaris and S. v. poltaratskyi arrived at Absheron Peninsula from early November with peak in early December (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). In Kizil Agach Reserve, conspicuous passage occurred 1-2 December (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: In early October, migration in Kura Valley near Karayasi (Radde, 1884). In the second half of November, large flocks in river valleys in Shamkhor and Mingechaur districts (Gambarov, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably 50,000-100,000 pairs or greater (MP). Up to 400 individuals in Sara Peninsula in the late 1950s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). In Nakhichevan Region, 10-15 nests/colony, but up to 100 nests/ colony in Norashen District (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). On 24 June 1958, 800-1,000 (c.70% were newly-fledged young) at Kalinovsky Liman, Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Passage: SPRING: Flocks of 50-500 in northern Gobustan Upland on 7 April 1990 (MP). Winter: Probably 100,000-500,000 individuals or greater (MP).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

In the mid 19th century, thousands near Arab (Shirvan Steppe), and “millions” in lower parts of Kura and Aras valleys (Radde, 1884). On 22 January 1958, 25/km in semi-desert of Kizil Agach Reserve, mostly near sheep flocks (Dobrokhotov, 1963); in Shirvan Steppe in January 1961: 23.7/km in grazed clayey semidesert, 3.9/km in ungrazed semi-desert, and only 0.08/km in wetlands (Zlotin, 1963). In winter 1961/1962, thousands in Turianchai Valley and Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). In the early 1960s, up to 10,000 roosted in reedbeds of Lake Aggel, Mil Steppe (Vinogradov, 1967), and flocks of 1,000-2,500 arriving at the roost in January 1991 (MP). Up to 130/km2 in Sumgait (Mustafaev, 1977). BREEDING: At present, majority of nests are in man-made constructions, e.g. under roofs of houses, cracks in house walls, bird-houses, hollow powerline poles, metal pipes, cavities in concrete blocks and dry wells in towns, villages and semi-desert. Natural nesting sites include tree cavities (e.g. often in tugai forest), rock crevices and burrows including those of bee-eaters and rollers, and communal nests of Spanish Sparrows (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965, 1968; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971a; Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). In Karayasi Forest, occupied tree cavities in dead poplars 6-16 m above the ground (MP). Nests lined with grass and leaves (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Colonial nester: 4-200 nests/colony (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965; Mustafaev, 1971a). In northern Gobustan Upland and Divichi District, nested in mixed colonies with European Bee-eaters and European Rollers (Satunin, 1907). Sings in Kizil Agach Reserve from mid February. Occupies nestboxes in Sara Peninsula 1-3 March (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Up to 2 clutches a year, sometimes 3 in settlements; 4-7 eggs (av. 5)/clutch. Egg size: 28.8-29.0 x 21.0-21.9 mm, weight 7.0-7.8 g (Mustafaev, 1971a). Incubation in early March near Lenkoran (Radde, 1884). On 20 April 1958, nests in 20 bird-boxes in Sara Peninsula contained 1-7 eggs (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Nests later in other areas: c. 720 April in Kura Lowland (Mustafaev, 1971a); nest-building in Shamkhor District on May 3rd (Gambarov, 1975). In Shirvan

Reserve, nest-building from early April to May (Patrikeev, 1991a). In Sara Peninsula, not all pairs lay second clutches. On June 16th, only 6 of 20 examined bird-boxes were occupied: 3 contained eggs and 3 chicks (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). In southeastern Shirvan, young hatch in late April (Patrikeev, 1991a). In the vicinity of Shemakha, adults carrying food observed from mid May (Gambarov, 1954) and in Karayasi Forest on June 10th (MP). In Gandov (the northeast), nests contained small and full-grown nestlings, but also fresh and well incubated eggs on June 15th (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1958). In Sara Peninsula, the young of the first brood fledged in mid May, and the second brood between June 22nd and July 5th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). In southeastern Shirvan, first fledglings recorded on May 15th and the majority fledged on May 22nd (Patrikeev, 1991a). In the vicinity of Shemakha, fledglings seen from early June (Gambarov, 1954). In Karayasi forest, first fledglings from June 12th, but nests with young (second brood?) until June 30th (MP). Some young ringed in Sara Peninsula were recovered there at a later date (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). DIET: In Divichi, Khachmas and Shemakha districts, stomachs contained ground beetles, cicadas, grasshoppers and locusts. Four of the stomachs also contained grains of wheat and barley. The young are fed insects at first, and berries later (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). Common Starlings feed in semi-desert, e.g. often around herds of livestock, also in settlements including dumps (Satunin, 1907; Kokshaisky & Mustafaev, 1967; Patrikeev, 1991a). MORTALITY: Large numbers perish during cold winter. In cold winters of 1950 and 1964, tens of dead Common Starlings found on streets and in yards. Perhaps >80% of Common Starlings wintering in towns perished during cold winter of 1969 (Mustafaev, 1964; Mustafaev et al., 1969). In January 1990, many dead starlings found in Baku after a snowstorm (E. Sultanov, pers. comm.; MP). Others get killed on roads, short-circuited and also perish in oil (Verestchagin, 1946; Alekperov & Mustafaev, 1971; E. Sultanov, pers. comm.). In the vicinity of Lake Aggel (Mil Steppe), shepherds hunted Common Starlings for food, e.g. in January 1991 (MP).

254. Rose-coloured Starling - Pastor roseus Linnaeus, 1758 Azeri name: Ala sigirchin STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Distribution is poorly known partly because nesting is irregular and nesting localities change between years. GREATER CAUCASUS: Recorded in lowlands near Ismailly and Shemakha (Gambarov, 1954). NAKHICHEVAN: From Aras Valley up to 1,700-1,800 m. Colonies found in the vicinity of Sadarak, Norashen, Yukhari-Yaidji, Kechili and Bichenek (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965).

KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Karayasi Steppe, Korchai Game Reserve, Mugan Steppe, e.g. at the confluence of Kura and Aras; also in Aras Valley in Djabrail District (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Occurred in southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b), but no recent records. ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Northern and central parts of Gobustan Upland, e.g. near Maraza (nested in 1990) and Sumgait-chai Gorge (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Burchak-Abramovich & Gambarov, 1961; V. Bairamov, pers. comm.).

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222 The Birds of Azerbaijan (Satunin, 1907) and in western Absheron Peninsula in May (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Recorded in Kura-Aras Lowland from mid April (Satunin, 1907), and in Nakhichevan Region c. May 7th (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). Also in May in the vicinity of Gandja (Satunin, 1907). Several in flocks of Common Starlings in Shamkhor District during 10-20 May (Gambarov, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. Up to 100,000 birds in Karayasi Steppe in 1865 (Radde, 1884). In Nakhichevan Region, 6-15 pairs/colony, although a colony of 70-80 pairs near YukhariYaidji, Norashen District (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). On 18 July 1958, 100-200 adults and young near Sbrosnoyi Channel, Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

HABITAT: NESTING: Semi-desert from lowlands to uplands to 1,700-1,800 m (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid April through May. COASTAL: Arrives in Lenkoran Lowland from mid April (Radde, 1884). Common in Kizil Agach Reserve during 8-12 May (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). A flock of 40-50 near Cape Pirsagat on 10 May 1989, but only one on May 14th (Patrikeev, 1991a) and in mid May in Khudat District (Shelton, 2001). Recorded near Maraza (northern Gobustan Upland) on May 1st

BREEDING: Observed in a colony near Maraza, Gobustan Upland in late May-early June 1990 (V. Bairamov, pers. comm.). Adults with young flying well (probably nested in Mugan Steppe) seen in Kizil Agach Reserve on 18 July 1958 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). DIET: In the 19th century huge flocks of Rose-coloured Starlings followed flocks of locusts through semi-deserts of Azerbaijan. This habit of eating locusts earned this species a sympathy and protection from local people, although Rose-coloured Starlings are also known to feed on fruits in vineyards, cherry and mulberry orchards (Satunin, 1907, 1912b).

FAMILY CORVIDAE - CROWS, JAYS AND ALLIES 255. Eurasian Jay - Garrulus glandarius Linnaeus, 1758

Azeri name: Zih-zih, Boyagchi, Mesha sahsagani STATUS: Common resident undertaking some altitudinal movements. Subspecies: G. g. krynicki Kaleniczenko, 1839 and G. g. hyrcanus Blanford, 1873. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: G. g. krynicki: GREATER CAUCASUS: Very common in forests and anthropogenic habitats on the

southern slope, e.g. in Zakatali, Kutkashen and Vartashen districts, Ismailly and Ilisu reserves, and in Shemakha Upland including all three sections of Pirgulu Reserve and Alti-Agach Reserve (Gambarov, 1954; Drozdov, 1965; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990; Patrikeev, 1991d). Also very common in the northeast: Kuba and Kusari District including the vicinity of Kusari (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). LESSER CAUCASUS: Recorded in Geigel Reserve (Murovdag Ridge), southern slope of Murovdag Range in Nagorno-Karabakh Region, e.g. near Stepanokert and Shusha, in vicinity of Kedabek and in Agdam, but probably elsewhere (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990). BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains and tugai in Turianchai Valley (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Karayasi Forest, tugai and thickets of Shamkhor District, the mouth of Iori and Barda Forest (Gambarov, 1975; MP), settlements of Shirvan Steppe, e.g. in Kurdamir District including the town of Kurdamir (Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971a). Not recorded in lower Kura (MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta and coastal forests and woodlots between Yalama and Khudat (Drozdov, 1965; MP). G. g. hyrcanus: TALISH MOUNTAINS: Throughout the mountains including Ulasi Ridge (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; MP). Winter: In winter some descend to lowlands, while others remain in mountains. It is not known whether the two subspecies overlap in winter. GREATER CAUCASUS: Mountains, e.g. in Zakatali District (Gambarov, 1954). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Observed in foothills of Talish Mountains (Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Some descend to Kura Valley in November, e.g. common in Mingechaur District from where there were no summer records (Gambarov, 1975). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Villages and towns of Lenkoran Lowland (Mustafaev, 1972). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: One collected in northern Absheron Peninsula on 29 November 1939, (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). HABITAT: Broad-leaved forests, juniper woodlands, dense scrub, orchards and planted trees in settlements in lowlands, foothills and mountains; also tugai forest in river valleys (Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1972, 1976). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably >1,000-1,500 pairs (MP). G. g. hyrcanus: average 1/km2 in lowland forests and overgrown clearings, but 9/km2 in foothill forests (Mustafaev, 1976). Only 0.17/km in Turianchai Reserve in the early 1960 (Vino-

gradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b), but 3 pairs in eastern part of the reserve in April-May 1991 (MP). Winter: G. g. hyrcanus: 1-19/km2 in lowlands and 4-28/km2 in mountains. Density depends on presence/absence of snow cover with higher counts on snowy days (Mustafaev, 1976). BREEDING: In Talish mountains and Lenkoran Lowland, pairs from early April and nest building from mid April (Mustafaev, 1976). In the northeast and Kura Lowland, nesting season starts c. 16-20 April and lasts until c. July 20th (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; Mustafaev, 1971a). In the northeast, 20 nests in oaks and 13 in hawthorns, 1.2-5 m (average 2.4 m) above the ground (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). In the southeast, 8 of 9 recorded nests were in small oaks (diameter 11-16 cm). In settlements, nests built as high as 7 m above the ground (Mustafaev, 1971a, 1976). In the southeast, eggs laid in late April-early May, usually 3-6 eggs (usually 4)/clutch. Egg measurements: 25.2-31.5 x 20.0-23.6 mm, weight 7.5-8.9 g. Incubation lasts 15-18 days. The young remain in nests 17-20 days. In settlements, only 36% of nestlings fledge compared to 45% in other habitats (Mustafaev, 1971a, 1976). In Karayasi forest, broods recorded 5-12 June 1989 and a nest with 1 large nestling on June 26th (MP). DIET: Scarab, ground, click and leaf beetles, wood borers (Buprestidae), stink bugs, locusts, corn and wheat in the northeast (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968).

256. Magpie - Pica pica Linnaeus, 1758

Azeri name: Sahsagan; Gadzala STATUS: Common resident undertaking some winter movements. Subspecies P. p. pica Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: GREATER CAUCASUS: Up to 1,800 m on the southern slope and in the adjacent lowland, e.g. in Zakatali, Sheki, Vartashen and Kutkashen districts, vicinity of Lagich and Djandakhar (Ismailly District), near Agsu, and in Shemakha Upland, e.g. near Pirgulu and Alti-Agach (Gambarov, 1954; Drozdov,

1965; Patrikeev, 1991d). Foothills in Kusari and Kuba Districts in the northeast (Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). LESSER CAUCASUS: The only published sightings were from Agdam District (Satunin, 1907), but probably widespread in foothills and adjacent lowland (Mustafaev, 1960b). NAKHICHEVAN: Julfa, Ordubad and Babek districts (Satunin, 1907; Khanmammedov, 1960). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Villages of Zuvand Upland (Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968). BOSDAG: In Turianchai Bosdag Mountains and tugai forest in Turianchai Valley (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Very common in Kura Valley: edges of Karayasi Forest, vicinity of Akstafa, thickets and tugai of Shamkhor District, the mouth of Iori, Alazani Valley, Barda Forest especially near Tchilabilar where Terter River joins Kura, Kurdamir, Zardob and Udjari districts, Agjabedi and its vicinity, at lakes Bos-Koba and Sarisu, and near Saliani (Radde, 1884; Zlotin, 1963; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1974a; Gambarov, 1975; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989; MP). Also in Aras Valley in Fisuli and Zangelan districts (Satunin, 1907). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan, e.g. near Astrakhanbazar and Lake Mahmud-chala, Masalli District (Satunin, 1912b; Patrikeev, 1991c). Rare in Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), but common in Lenkoran Lowland, e.g. lowland section of Girkan Reserve (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1965;

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224 The Birds of Azerbaijan Mustafaev, 1972). In southeastern Shirvan, north to the Main Shirvan Channel; observed at Lake Kichik-Shorgel (Patrikeev, 1991a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Throughout the lowland (Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). Winter: ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Prior to the 1960s, Magpies wintered in orchards in the north of Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958), but no recent records (Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989). HABITAT: YEAR-ROUND: Bush thickets, woodlands, tugai forests, scattered juniper woodlands, semi-desert with tamarisk patches, orchards, clearings, villages and towns in lowlands and mountains up to 2,000 m. Observed in extensive reedbeds and near wetlands, but not clear whether it nests there. Often feeds in pastures and clearings (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1972; Patrikeev, 1991a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: 2,000-5,000 pairs or greater (MP). In Astrakhanbazar District (southern Mugan), 90 nests (active and old)/km in roadside treebelts in 1990 (MP). In Turianchai Bosdag Mountains, 0.4 /km in juniper woodlands, and 1/ km in Turianchai Valley (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). In the late 1950s, only 2-3 pairs in Kizil Agach Reserve and 1 pair in Sara Peninsula (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). In southeastern Shirvan, 1.2-2 pairs/km (Patrikeev, 1991a). Winter: In January 1961, 3.1 /km in clayey semi-desert and bush thickets in Shirvan Steppe (Zlotin, 1963). BREEDING: Nests in shrubs and small trees. In settlements of Kura Valleys, nests 1.6-21 m (av. 6.5 m) above the ground, but only 0.6-6.5 m (av. 2.4 m) in other habitats (Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971a). In southeastern Shirvan, nests in tamarisk 4-6 m above the ground. Usually a pair has several nests on its territory (Patrikeev, 1991a).

Pairs 150 m apart in the vicinity of Alti-Agach (Gambarov, 1954), and 500-800 m apart in southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a). Mating from late March (Satunin, 1907). Clutch contains 3-9 eggs, but usually 4-7 eggs. In Kura Lowland, egg-laying from early March to late June, peaking after mid April (Mustafaev, 1971a). A nest with 7 eggs at Shorgel Lakes on 15 April 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a), but nests near Alti-Agach contained 1 and 2 eggs, respectively, on 14 May 1939 (Gambarov, 1954). Near Kusari (the northeast), eggs mostly laid in mid May (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). The young remain in nests 20-26 days (Mustafaev, 1971a). On 9 June 1989, a brood of 4 observed near edge of Karayasi Forest (MP). In the southern slope of Greater Caucasus Mountains, fledglings seen from mid June (Gambarov, 1954). Nesting success is lower in settlements (56%) compared to 72% elsewhere (Mustafaev, 1971a). Domed nests of Magpies provide good protection and vacant or abandoned nests are frequently used by other bird species. In mid Kura, Kestrel, Lesser Kestrel, Hobby, Long-eared Owl, Scops Owl and even Tawny Owl and European Roller used Magpie nests for nesting (Mustafaev, 1963a, 1969). DIET: Stomachs from Greater Caucasus Mountains contained weevils, ground beetles, locusts, grasshoppers, crickets, molluscs, seed and berries (Gambarov, 1954). Some individuals regularly steal eggs and chicks of other bird species and sometimes of poultry (Satunin, 1907). Regularly forages around cattle, domestic water buffalo and other livestock (Kokshaisky & Mustafaev, 1967). MORTALITY: Some perish during cold winters. During a heavy snowstorm on 8 March 1898, a yard of a post station in Agdam was full of Magpies looking for shelter (Satunin, 1907). Frequently killed on roads (Alekperov & Mustafaev, 1971), some are shortcircuited while perching in hydro-poles (Sultanov et al., 1991) and others perished in oil in Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946).

257. Red-billed Chough - Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Linnaeus, 1758

Azeri name: Girmizidimdick STATUS: Uncommon resident. Subspecies P. p. docilis S. G. Gmelin, 1774.

DISTRIBUTION: Poorly known. In cold winters some descend from mountains to valleys while others remain in the mountains and uplands year-round (Gambarov, 1954). GREATER CAUCASUS: Alpine zone of Zakatali District (c. 3,000 m), mountains of Kutkashen District, and in the vicinity of Laza on Mount Shahdag (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). LESSER CAUCASUS: Recorded in Shahdag Ridge, e.g. in upper Shamkhorchai Valley and above Kedabek (Radde, 1884). NAKHICHEVAN: Common from mid elevations up to 2,380 m in Zangezur Range: at least 10 colonies near Garadash, Batabat, Khoshlu, Kechimli, Khanaga, Nusnus, Yukhari-Ailis, Akulis; also near Lake Ganligel in Shahdag District and on Mount Ilandag in Julfa District (Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Khanmammedov, 1960; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Low semi-arid mountains (100-400 m) in Gobustan Upland (cliffs of Pirsagat Valley near Khanaga, Mount Djingirdag west of Sangachal, Mounts Karadag, Karagez

The Birds of Azerbaijan

and the vicinity, and possibly Mount Beuk-Dash) and western Absheron Peninsula, e.g. vicinity Shubani and Puta, Mounts Shihi-gaya and Atmandag (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). HABITAT: NESTING: Rocky slopes, cliffs and ledges in low semiarid mountains (100-400 m) and high mountains up to 3,000 m (Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Burchak-Abramovich & Gambarov, 1961; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). POPULATION SIZE: No estimate. In Nakhichevan Region, 15-20 nests/colony, but 50-55 nests in a colony near Khanaga (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). Flocks of 55-65 in

Zakatali District in June (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985) and a flock of 200 on Mount Gamzigora, Zakatali District on 23 August 1937 (Gambarov, 1954). In Gobustan Upland, pairs nest separately (Burchak-Abramovich & Gambarov, 1961; MP). BREEDING: Lives in flocks throughout most of the year. In Gobustan Upland, two nests in cliff crevices 10 and 15 m above the ground. Nests with young in June 1948 and 27 June 1954, and fledglings in late June (Burchak-Abramovich & Gambarov, 1961). In alpine zone of Zakatali District, not in pairs until early June. In Zakatali Reserve, also nests in cliff crevices (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

258. Alpine Chough - Pyrrhocorax graculus Linnaeus, 1766 STATUS: Rare resident. Not clear whether P. g. graculus Linnaeus 1766 or P. g. forsythi Stoliczka, 1874 occurs in Azerbaijan. DISTRIBUTION: Poorly known. GREATER CAUCASUS: At 3,000-3,600 m in Zakatali District, e.g. Mounts Ruchug, Guton, and possibly Kala and Gudor in Zakatali Reserve (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985); also on Mounts Bazar-Duzu and Shahdag (MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Mounts Giamish and Kapaz, Murovdag Ridge (Gasanov, 1990; MP). NAKHICHEVAN: At 2,800-3,900 m in Zangezur Ridge including Mounts Kapudjik and Soukh (Satunin, 1907; Dahl, 1954).

HABITAT: Cliffs and rocky slopes in alpine zone at altitude 2,800-3,900 m (Satunin, 1907; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). POPULATION SIZE: No information. Flocks observed in Zakatali Reserve (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). BREEDING: In 1969-1970 nests seen in inaccessible cliffs on Mounts Ruchug and Guton, Zakatali Reserve (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

259. Jackdaw - Corvus monedula Linnaeus, 1758

Azeri name: Dolasha, Tahan STATUS: Uncommon nesting species, migrant and wintering species. Subspecies C. m. monedula Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Distribution poorly known. GREATER CAUCASUS: Formerly common in Kuba District (Satunin, 1907), but no recent records. Not found on the southern slope (Gambarov, 1954).

LESSER CAUCASUS: No information, but may occur. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Nested near Gedara in 1970-1971 (Agaeva, 1972). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Occurs in settlements of Shirvan Steppe, e.g. a colony in Kurdamir in 1955 and 1956 (Mustafaev, 1969a). Rare in tugai of Shamkhor District (Gambarov, 1975). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Old records from southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b) and Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884). No recent information. ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Nested in cliffs at Lake Hadjikabul (Satunin, 1907). Winter: Apparently nomadic in winter. NAKHICHEVAN: Old records from this region (Radde, 1884). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Winters in Talish Mountains (Mustafaev, 1968a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Shirvan Steppe (Zlotin, 1963). Formerly common east of Mingechaur, especially in cold winters (Satunin, 1907). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland and Sara Peninsula (Radde, 1884; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Roaming flocks observed in Absheron Peninsula (Radde, 1884). HABITAT: NESTING: Broad-leaved and tugai forests, orchards, parks and other planted trees in settlements, and cliffs; from

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226 The Birds of Azerbaijan lowlands to uplands (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1969a; Agaeva, 1972; Gambarov, 1975). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Appeared near Lenkoran in mid February and remained until early spring (Radde, 1884). In Kizil Agach Reserve, single birds in late March (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Fall passage: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: A flock in Turianchai Valley on September 30th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Observed in Mingechaur District in late November (Gambarov, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably <2,000 pairs. Possibly declining (MP). In Kura Lowland: 4-12 nests in 6 colonies in settlements, and 15-250 (av. 85) nests in 17 colonies in other habitats (Mustafaev, 1971a). Single pairs in Talish Mountains (Agaeva, 1972). Passage: SPRING: Several hundred near Lenkoran in mid February (Radde, 1884).

FALL: A flock of 30 in Turianchai Valley on 30 September 1961 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Winter: In Shirvan Steppe, 2.5/km in tugai and tamarisk thickets, 2.4/km in grazed semi-desert and 0.1/km in ungrazed semidesert in January 1961, (Zlotin, 1963). BREEDING: Cavities in oaks, poplars and other trees, burrows of Eurasian Rollers and cliff crevices (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1969a; Agaeva, 1972). Radde (1884) reported nesting in stick nests in Lenkoran Lowland. No nests in manmade structures reported from Azerbaijan. Eggs on April 13th in Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884), and nestlings in Kuba District during the first half of May (Satunin, 1907). In Talish Mountains, a nest in a cliff crevice (5.5 m above the ground) contained 5 and 6 young on 4 June 1971 and 4 June 1970, respectively. Both broods successfully fledged (Agaeva, 1972).

260. Rook - Corvus frugilegus Linnaeus, 1758

Azeri name: Zakhcha, Zakhdza STATUS: Common resident, migrant and wintering species. Subspecies C. f. frugilegus Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Lowlands of Azerbaijan. GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland in Ismailly and Kutkashen districts (Gambarov, 1954). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Common in Kura Valley in Akstafa, Tauz, Mingechaur, Agdash, Evlakh, Barda, Zardob and Kurdamir districts (e.g. colonies in Kurdamir and Mollakend in the latter). Colonies also near Karasy, Ali-Bairamli, Saliani, Bank, Neftechala and Gandja (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1960a, 1969, 1973b; Gambarov, 1975; MP), and in Mil Steppe including reedbeds of Lake Aggel (Vinogradov, 1967; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Formerly nested in southern Mugan, Sara Peninsula and Lenkoran Lowland, e.g. in Lenkoran and Astara. Disappeared from Sara by 1948, and from Lenkoran Lowland during the 1950s-early 1960s. Driving factors behind its disap-

pearance from the southeast are unknown (Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1960a; 1974a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Reedbeds of Divichi Liman (BurchakAbramovich & Tuaev, 1960). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Summers in Absheron Peninsula, but probably does not nest there (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Winter: Mostly remain within the nesting range. NAKHICHEVAN: Aras Valley in Nakhichevan region (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Lakes Aggel and Bos-Koba in Mil Steppe, Shirvan and Mugan steppes, Mingechaur District and Karayasi Steppe (Zlotin, 1963; Vinogradov, 1967; Gambarov, 1975; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan, Lenkoran Lowland, Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula (Satunin, 1912b; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: From the late 1960s-early 1970s, regularly winters in Absheron Peninsula including dumps near Baku (Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989; MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Planted trees in villages and towns, parks, orchards, roadside treebelts, tugai forests and reedbeds in lakes and marshes (Mustafaev, 1960a; Burchak-Abramovich & Tuaev, 1960; Vinogradov, 1967). WINTER: Semi-desert, wetlands, pastures, settlements, dumps; often roosts in reedbeds (Vinogradov, 1967; Mustafaev, 1972). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Leaves Sara Peninsula by February 18th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Passage recorded in Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP). INTERIOR: Some cross over Greater Caucasus Mountains, e.g. at Mount Alibek (Zakatali District) on 16 March 1937 (Gambarov, 1954), and over Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on 19 March 1962 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

Fall passage: COASTAL: Observed in Absheron Peninsula in fall (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958), e.g. in Baku in late Octoberearly November 1990 (MP). First flocks arrive at Kizil Agach Reserve on October 22nd (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably 4,000-5,000 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). 37 colonies with 6,936 active and inactive nests in 1955-1957 (Mustafaev, 1960a). Additionally, c. 100 pairs in a colony of Divichi Liman in 1959 (BurchakAbramovich & Tuaev, 1960); >1,000 pairs in two colonies at Lake Aggel (Mil Steppe) in the early 1960s and c. 5,000 adults and fledglings at one of the colonies in June (Vinogradov, 1967). In April 1991, c. 50 pairs in Karrar, Kurdamir District (MP). Passage: SPRING: Ivkin observed a flock of 250 at Mount Alibek, Zakatali District on 16 March 1937 (Gambarov, 1954), and c. 2,500 over Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on 19 March 1962 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Winter: Shirvan Steppe: 51.7/km in semi-desert pastures and 4.2/ km in ungrazed semi-desert in January 1961 (Zlotin, 1963). In the early 1960s, 3,000-5,000 roosted at Lake Aggel, Mil Steppe (Vinogradov, 1967). Flocks of several hundreds occur in dumps near Baku and elsewhere in Absheron Peninsula (Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989; MP), and up to 107/km2 in Sumgait (Mustafaev, 1977). In November 1989, several hundred near Glubinka (southern Mugan) and at Lake Karakush, Kizil Agach Reserve (MP). BREEDING: Colonial species nesting in orchards, parks, isolated trees in villages, towns and railway stations, tugai forests and reedbeds (Mustafaev, 1969a). Nests in poplar, willow, elm, oak, apricot and acacia 6-31 m above the ground, average 4-15 m, but sometimes in saplings. About 50.8% of all nests in Azerbaijan were in poplars (Mustafaev, 1960a, 1971a). At Lake Aggel and Divichi Liman, nests of reed stems and twigs built on the top of broken reed clumps 0.1-1.1 m above the water, and lined with panicles and cuticle of reeds, stems of saltwort and other plants. Size such nests: diameter 36-46 cm, nest-cup di-

ameter 21-25 cm, depth 8.5-10 cm (Burchak-Abramovich & Tuaev, 1960; Vinogradov, 1967). 7-412 pairs/colony (Mustafaev, 1960a), but up to 1,000 pairs in 2.1 ha of reedbeds at Lake Aggel (Vinogradov, 1967). Sometimes, in single pairs, e.g. near Gachadjili, Kurdamir District in 1954. In Kura Valley, neighbouring colonies 0.25-27 km apart (Mustafaev, 1960a, 1969). Colonies may persist for decades, e.g. for at least 35 years in Karrar, Kurdamir District, but if harassed (shooting, egg-collecting) may move elsewhere (Mustafaev, 1960a, 1969, 1971a; MP). Colonies in reedbeds shift frequently (Burchak-Abramovich & Tuaev, 1960; Vinogradov, 1967). Pairing from mid February, and nesting season lasts from early April to early July. In Shirvan Steppe 3-7 eggs/clutch, average 4-6 eggs (Mustafaev, 1960a, 1971a). On 12 April 1991, nest building and incubation observed in Kurdamir District (MP). Nests examined in Lenkoran Lowland in April contained eggs (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). At Divichi Liman, the majority of nests contained fresh clutches on 19 April 1959 and 2-3 large young on May 22nd (Burchak-Abramovich & Tuaev, 1960). At Lake Aggel, nest building in early April and hatching in early May. On 16 May, 30% of examined nests contained eggs, 40% small young, and 30% larger young. By 3 June 1964, 80% of nests contained large young, average 3.4/nest (Vinogradov, 1967). The young remain in nests 33-36 days. Only 30-63% fledged from tree nests (Mustafaev, 1971a). DIET: Locusts, mole-crickets, molluscs, seed and refuse (Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; MP). Often forages around herds of livestock (Kokshaisky & Mustafaev, 1967). MORTALITY: Many die during cold winters, e.g. c. 20% of wintering population perished in the winter of 1969 (Mustafaev et al., 1969). Others are electrocuted, killed on roads or perish in oil (Verestchagin, 1946; Alekperov & Mustafaev, 1971; Sultanov et al., 1991).

261. Hooded Crow - Corvus cornix Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Very common resident. Increasing. Subspecies C. c. sharpii Oates, 1889.

Azeri name: Garha, Karga, Boz Karga, Ala Karga

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Common in the lowland adjacent to the southern slope (e.g. in Kutkashen, Sheki and Zakatali districts), but also occurs in the mountains up to Djandakhar (2,000 m) in Girdimanchai Valley; common in Shemakha Upland (Gambarov, 1954; MP) and in the northeast (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968;). LESSER CAUCASUS: Distribution is poorly known, but probably widespread. Recorded in foothills near Agdam (Satunin, 1907). NAKHICHEVAN: Aras Valley in Nakhichevan Region (Satunin, 1907; Tarasov, 1974; MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (Drozdov, 1965) and possibly around villages elsewhere. BOSDAG: Turianchai Valley and Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP).

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228 The Birds of Azerbaijan KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Very common in Kura Valley: Karayasi Steppe, Shamkhor and Tauz districts, the mouth of Iori, Alazani Valley, vicinity of Mingechaur Reservoir, Evlakh and Barda districts, Agjabedi and its vicinity, at lakes Aggel and Sarisu, in Zardob, Udjari and Kurdamir districts, at the confluence of Aras and Kura, in Saliani District and Kura Delta (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov, 1967; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971a; Gambarov, 1975; MP). Fisuli, Djabrail and Zangelan districts in Aras Valley (Satunin, 1907; MP). Nests in Gandja (Mustafaev, 1973b). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Settlements and lakes of southeastern Shirvan (including Shorgel Lakes); very common in southern Mugan (e.g. at Mahmud-chala) and Lenkoran Lowland south to Astara, and Kizil Agach Reserve, e.g. flooded tamarisk thickets of Kalinovsky Liman and Lesser Kizil Agach Bay near large mixed colonies of cormorants and wading birds (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Grekov, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1974a; Patrikeev, 1991a, c; MP). CASPIAN SEA AND ISLANDS: Occasionally visits islands of Baku Archipelago (Patrikeev, 1991a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Widespread through the lowland south to Divichi Liman (Satunin, 1907; Burchak-Abramovich & Tuaev, 1960; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Rare in Gobustan Upland, e.g. near Saribash (northern Gobustan) and on Mount Beuk-Dush, and probably does not nest there (MP). Winter: Throughout the breeding range, but mostly in lowlands and along the Caspian shore. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Remains in Zuvand Upland throughout winter (Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968). BOSDAG: Lowlands adjacent to Turianchai Bosdag (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Winters throughout the lowland, but not common at Lake Aggel, Mil Steppe (Zlotin, 1963; Gambarov, 1975; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Very common in southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland, but uncommon at Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala and in Kizil Agach Reserve (Satunin, 1912b; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972; MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Along the Caspian shore from Yalama to Absheron Peninsula (MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Only small numbers wintered in northern Absheron Peninsula in the 1950s (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958), but widespread throughout the peninsula by mid 1980s, e.g. in Baku, Shah Spit, lakes Mirzaladi, Mosazirgel and elsewhere (Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989; MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Orchards, parks, roadside treebelts, planted trees in and near settlements, tugai forests, tamarisk thickets and reedbeds (Burchak-Abramovich & Tuaev, 1960; Vinogradov, 1967; Mustafaev, 1969a; Gambarov, 1975; Patrikeev, 1991a). FEEDING AND WINTER: Caspian shore, semi-desert, wetlands, fields, clearings, rubbish dumps, towns and villages (Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968; Mustafaev, 1972; MP). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably 8,000-10,000 pairs or greater in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP). Very common in

mid Kura and Samur-Divichi Lowland, e.g. >100/km along the Caspian shore in Khachmas District in August-September 19781980 and 1986 (MP); 2 flocks of 70 (including many fledglings) in Kizil Agach Reserve on 3 June 1959 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a); 5-8 nests/km2 in reedbeds of Lake Aggel in early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967). Winter: Probably >30,000-50,000 or greater. In January 1961, 0.24/km in ungrazed semi-desert and 0.13/km in semi-desert pastures in Shirvan Steppe (Zlotin, 1963). In Kizil Agach Reserve: 6.5/km on mud flats along Big Kizil Agach Bay, and 0.3/ km in clayey semi-desert on 17 February 1962 (Dobrokhotov, 1963). In Baku, c. 420 in winter 1985/1986 and 760 in winter 1986/1987 (Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989). Only 15 at Lake Aggel, Mil Steppe on 13 January 1991 (MP). BREEDING: In Kura Valley, nesting season lasts from early March to early July. In Shirvan Steppe, nests were 4.5-28 m (average 18 m) above the ground in settlements, and 1.3-7.5 m in other habitats (Mustafaev, 1971a). In Kizil Agach Reserve, nests often built in flooded tamarisk bushes 1.5-2.5 m above the water (Grekov, 1965a). At Lakes Aggel and Shorgel, nests of twigs and branches built on piles of broken reeds. A nest found in reeds at Kichik-Shorgel was 1.3 m above the water (Vinogradov, 1967; Patrikeev, 1991a). Nests in settlements lined with rags, cotton, paper, pieces of polythene, wood-chips and wool (Mustafaev, 1971a), and nests in reedbeds with dry reed stems, wool and odd feathers (Vinogradov, 1967; Patrikeev, 1991a). In Shirvan Steppe, usually 3-6 eggs/clutch, average 4-5 eggs (Mustafaev, 1971a). In Kizil Agach Reserve, nests with eggs on March 28th and April 3rd (Grekov, 1965a; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), and slightly incubated eggs in Lenkoran Lowland in April (Radde, 1884). At Lake Aggel, earliest clutch on 26 March 1963, but completed clutches mostly from mid April (Vinogradov, 1967). At Lake Kichik-Shorgel, 6 incubated eggs on 24 April 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). At Lake Aggel, chicks hatched 3-8 April (Vinogradov, 1967) and in Kizil Agach Reserve from mid April (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Grekov, 1965a). On May 14th, a nest with 4 nestlings in Shamkhor District (Gambarov, 1975). In Shirvan Steppe, the young remain in nests 30-36 days; c. 66% fledge in settlements, and c. 76% in other habitats (Mustafaev, 1971a). First fledglings at Lake Aggel observed on May 24th (Vinogradov, 1967) and in Kizil Agach Reserve on May 26th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Grekov, 1965a). Abandoned and old nests of Hooded Crows often occupied by Kestrels, Black Kites, Hobbies, Long-eared Owls and other birds (Mustafaev, 1963a; 1969). DIET: Omnivorous. Feeds on insects (locusts and small beetles; sometimes picks insects from cattle), mollusks (Theodoxus pallasi, Hydrobia pusilla and Cardium edule), carrion, refuse, fruit and grain (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Gambarov, 1954; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Kokshaisky & Mustafaev, 1967; Vinogradov, 1967). During cold winters, Hooded Crows seen attacking other birds and mammals, e.g. weakened Flamingo and Nutrias (Mustafaev et al., 1969). Hooded Crows nesting in and near wetlands often specialise in stealing chicks and eggs of waterbirds, e.g. from

The Birds of Azerbaijan

mixed colonies of wading birds and cormorants in Kizil Agach Reserve (Grekov, 1965a). At Lake Aggel, Hooded Crows also destroy eggs and young of ducks, coots and shorebirds, e.g. one crow brought 25 duck eggs, 28 eggs of terns and shorebirds and 1 egg of Purple Gallinule to a feeding station between May 15th and June 10th (Vinogradov, 1967). Thus control or complete eradication of Hooded Crow is

recommended around important nesting colonies of wading birds, cormorants, shorebirds and terns. MORTALITY: A few are road-killed (Alekperov & Mustafaev, 1971) or electrocuted while perching on hydro-poles (Sultanov et al., 1991). A small bounty was paid for this species in the late 1980s-early 1990s (MP).

262. Carrion Crow - Corvus corone Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Insufficiently known. Probably irregular visitor or possibly rare nesting species. Probably subspecies C. c. orientalis Eversmann, 1811.

KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: In the early 19th century Hohenacker observed Carrion Crow in the vicinity of Gandja (Bogdanov, 1879). No recent records.

DISTRIBUTION: NAKHICHEVAN: A group of 4 observed between Julfa and Ordubad on August 1955 and in July 1956 (Mustafaev, 1968a).

263. Raven - Corvus corax Linnaeus, 1758 TALISH M OUNTAINS : Throughout the mountains including Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; MP). BOSDAG: Rare in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: A pair at a steep bank of Kura River near Demirchilar (Karayasi Steppe) in July 1989 (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Rare visitor to Kizil Agach Reserve (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Regularly observed in Absheron Peninsula in the past (Radde, 1884). One seen chasing a Goshawk in a suburb of Baku on 10 February 1990 (MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Rocky and clayey cliffs in low and high mountains, 300 to 3,000 m (Radde, 1884; Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; MP). Azeri name: Guzgun, Beuk Kara Karga STATUS: Uncommon resident. Subspecies C. c. corax Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: is poorly known. GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali and Belokani districts (including Mounts Gamzigora and Alibek), Ilisu Reserve (Kah District) and Shemakha Upland (e.g. near Pirgulu, Tchagan, Keshmeddin and in Girkhbulak Valley). Rare south of Shemakha (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Patrikeev, 1991d). LESSER CAUCASUS: Murovdag, Shahdag (e.g. upper Shamkhorchai Valley, and Terter Valley in Nagorno-Karabakh Region) and Karabakh ridges, and mountains of Zangelan and Kubatli District (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Laister & Sosnin, 1942; MP). NAKHICHEVAN: Low mountains in Julfa District, and Zangezur Ridge up to 2,900 m (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Laister & Sosnin, 1942).

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably several hundred pairs (MP). In 1989, a pair near Tchagan and another near Keshmeddin, Shemakha Upland (Patrikeev, 1991d). In eastern Turianchai Bosdag Mountains, only 1 pair in the early 1960s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b) and in 1991 (MP). Winter: Flocks of 10-12 observed in winter (Radde, 1884). BREEDING: Two nests in Zakatali District, Greater Caucasus Mountains: a nest in a cliff 70 m above the ground in Korchai Gorge in June 1969 (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985) and a nest with 3-day-old chicks on Mount Gamzigora on 3 July 1955 (Mustafaev, 1969a). DIET: Mostly carrion and refuse (Radde, 1884; MP).

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FAMILY CINCLIDAE - DIPPERS 264. Common Dipper - Cinclus cinclus Linnaeus, 1758 Gosmalian (Lerik District), and in headwaters of Vilajchai (Smogordzevsky & Zolotukhina, 1965). Winter: Mostly remains within the breeding range, although some descend to lower altitudes. GREATER CAUCASUS: Some descend from alpine zone in Zakatali District to lower elevations in mid November (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Recorded in Zuvand Upland in winter (Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968). HABITAT: Montane rivers and streams with clear water and rocky banks in forest, sub-alpine and alpine zones (Gambarov, 1954; Smogordzevsky & Zolotukhina, 1965; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. On average 1 pair/km along rivers in Talish Mountains (Smogordzevsky & Zolotukhina, 1965).

Azeri name: Su sarchasi STATUS: Uncommon resident. Subspecies C. c. caucasica Madarasz, 1903. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Common along streams in Zakatali and Belokani districts (e.g. at Tsilbanchai, Kopachai, Kalachai, Nourchai and Gutorchai rivers); also in Ilisu Reserve (Kah District), on slopes of Mounts BazarDuzu and Shahdag, and in Shemakha Upland, e.g. near Pirgulu (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Common at 1,800 m in upper Shamkhorchai Valley, Shahdag Ridge (Radde, 1884). Possibly occurs in mountains of Zangelan and Kubatli districts. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Headwaters of Lenkoranchai and its tributaries, e.g. near Alekseevka (Lenkoran District), Vizezemin and

BREEDING: Ball-shaped nests usually built on rocks, boulders and cliffs near water (0.45-19 m above the water). A nest found in Zakatali District mostly built of moss with lining of hornbeam, beech and maple leaves; nest measurements: diameter 215 mm, height 210 mm, diameter of nest-cup 105 mm (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). In Talish Mountains, egg laying from late January: 3 nests with 5 eggs each found on 1 February 1963, 11 and 13 February 1961 (Smogordzevsky & Zolotukhina, 1965). Two clutches a year in Zakatali District: in early May and after mid June (3-5 eggs/clutch). Egg measurements: 25.5 x 18.1 mm, av. weight 4.58 g. Several nests contained young of the first brood on 30 May 1971. One-day-old chick weighs 6 g reaching a maximum of 52.3 g on the 15th day. The young remain in nests 17-18 days (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

FAMILY TROGLODYTIDAE - WRENS 265. Wren - Troglodytes troglodytes Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Common resident and wintering species. Subspecies T. t. hyrcanus Zarudny et Loudon, 1905 nests in Azerbaijan. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: From foothills to sub-alpine zone in Zakatali, Belokani, Vartashen and Kutkashen districts, Ilisu and Ismailly Reserve. In Shemakha Upland, recorded near Kirovka, on Mount Pirgulu and Tchanut Gorge (Gambarov, 1954; Drozdov, 1965; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990; Patrikeev, 1991d). LESSER CAUCASUS: Distribution poorly known: observed only in forests around Lake Geigel, Murovdag Ridge (Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990), but probably occurs elsewhere. NAKHICHEVAN: Zangezur Ridge including Bichenek Forest; up to 2,700 m (Radde, 1884; Laister & Sosnin, 1942).

TALISH MOUNTAINS: Common in Girkan Reserve and Ulasi Range (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990). Probably occurs elsewhere. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Observed in woodlots and orchards of Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev, 1969a). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Observed in Sumgait-chai Valley in late April 1961 (Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1968). Winter: Some descend from mountains to valley and lowlands, while others probably arrive from the north. GREATER CAUCASUS: In Zakatali District, descends from mountains to valleys in cold winters (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

HABITAT: NESTING: Broad-leaved forest and forest edges, shrub thickets in river valleys and ravines, rocky areas, overgrown dry ditches and orchards in lowlands, foothills and mountains; also sub-alpine meadows (Radde, 1884; Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev, 1969a; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). WINTER: Woodlots, overgrown clearings, man-made swamps (bidjar and istyl), reeds, bush thickets, orchards and villages (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. Winter: In January 1961, 0.2/km in wetlands of mid Kura and 1.1/km in adjacent tugai (Zlotin, 1963).

NAKHICHEVAN: Occurs in Aras Valley from November to May (Laister & Sosnin, 1942). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968; Mustafaev, 1968b). BOSDAG: Small numbers in Turianchai Valley from October to March (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Karayasi and Shirvan Steppes, the vicinity of Mingechaur and Lake Aggel, September to March (Radde, 1884; Zlotin, 1963; Gambarov, 1975; MP). SOUTH-EAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan, Sara Peninsula, Kizil Agach Reserve and Lenkoran Lowland from November to late March (Satunin, 1912b; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972; MP).

BREEDING: Nest building observed in Lenkoran Lowland in late March (Satunin, 1907), but in sub-alpine meadows of Zakatali District (Greater Caucasus Mountains) collect nest material from June 20th. In Zakatali District, nests built on moss- and lichen-covered rocks, close to streams. Moss-covered nest is round with a side entrance, and lined with feathers and fur. Average nest measurements: diameter 87 mm, height 60 mm, and interior diameter 31 mm. One clutch/year in Zakatali District. Three nests found in sub-alpine meadows in Zakatali Reserve contained 5 eggs each. Average egg measurements: 17.8 x 12.7 mm, weight 1.59 g. Incubation lasts 13 days. Newly-hatched young weigh 1.2 g reaching the maximum of 9.9 g on the 12th day. Average feeding rate is 6 times/hour. The young remain in nests 16 days and fledge in late July-early August in Zakatali District (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

FAMILY PRUNELLIDAE - DUNNOCKS OR ACCENTORS 266. European Dunnock - Prunella modularis Linnaeus, 1758

STATUS: Common resident, migrant and wintering species. Subspecies P. m. obscura Hablitzl, 1783 nests in Azerbaijan, and P. m. modularis Linnaeus, 1758 probably occurs during migration and in winter. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Distribution is poorly known.

GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali and Belokani districts, vicinity of Laza (Kutkashen district), Ilisu and Ismailly reserves (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990). LESSER CAUCASUS: No information, but probably occurs. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Girkan Reserve and Ulasi Range (Radde, 1884; Gasanov, 1990) and probably elsewhere. Winter: TALISH MOUNTAINS: Winters in the mountains (Mustafaev, 1968b). BOSDAG: Turianchai Valley (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Common in Kura Valley from Karayasi Forest (Akstafa District), Shamkhor and Mingechaur districts to Saliani (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Zlotin, 1963; Gambarov, 1975; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan, Lenkoran Lowland, Sara Peninsula and Kizil Agach Reserve (Satunin, 1912b; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972). HABITAT: NESTING: Understorey in upper forest zone, rhododendron and juniper thickets in mountains (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). WINTER: Woodlots, bush thick-

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232 The Birds of Azerbaijan ets, dry reeds, orchards and villages (Satunin, 1912b; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Mustafaev, 1972).

INTERIOR: Arrives in Turianchai Valley in November (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: March through late April (Satunin, 1907). COASTAL: Observed on Mount Beuk-Dush, Gobustan Upland on 4 April 1991 (MP). INTERIOR: Leaves Turianchai Valley in March (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Fall passage: November-December. COASTAL: Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula in early November (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). One recorded on Mount Beuk-Dush, Gobustan Upland on 25 November 1990 (MP). In Sara Peninsula number decreases in December (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938).

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. In Zakatali and Belokani districts, 22 nests/km2 in montane forests and 8 nests/ km2 in sub-alpine zone (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Winter: 1.2/km in tugai of Kurdamir and Zardob districts, mid Kura in January 1961 (Zlotin, 1963). BREEDING: In Zakatali and Belokani districts, nests found in montane forests and sub-alpine zone (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). DIET: Terrestrial molluscs in a stomach examined in Kizil Agach Reserve (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938).

267. Alpine Accentor - Prunella collaris Scopoli, 1769 GREATER CAUCASUS: Alpine and sub-alpine zones in Zakatali and Belokani districts, e.g. on Mount Kulunsu (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985); also on Mount Shahdag (Satunin, 1907) and possibly elsewhere. LESSER CAUCASUS: Mounts Kapaz and Giamish, Murovdag Ridge (Radde, 1884; Gasanov, 1990) and probably elsewhere. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Mount Kus-Yurdi (Radde, 1884). No other records. HABITAT: NESTING: Narrow rocky gorges with grassy slopes at 2,000-3,000 m in Zakatali Reserve (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). MOVEMENT: Some altitudinal post-breeding movements recorded (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

STATUS: Uncommon resident. Subspecies P. c. montana Hablizl, 1783. DISTRIBUTION: insufficiently known.

POPULATION SIZE: No estimate. In Zakatali Reserve: 1-4 nests/km2 (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). BREEDING: Five nests found in Zakatali Reserve (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

268. Radde’s Accentor - Prunella ocularis Radde, 1884 STATUS: Rare resident. Monotypic. Threatened. Described from Azerbaijan. DISTRIBUTION: poorly known LESSER CAUCASUS: Karabakh Upland around Lake Karagel at 2,100-2,200 m (Dahl, 1954; Loskot, 1988). NAKHICHEVAN: Southern portion of Zangezur Ridge at c. 2,7002,800 m (Loskot, 1988). TALISH MOUNTAINS: The type specimen collected on eastern slope of Mount Kus-Yurdi on the Iranian border (Radde, 1884). No other records from Talish Mountains and the type might have been a straggler.

HABITAT: NESTING: Almost exclusively in juniper thickets along streams on slopes with rocky or clayey outcrops at 2,100-2,800 m (Loskot, 1988). POPULATION SIZE: No information. According to Loskot (1988) total number in Armenia and Azerbaijan may not exceed several hundred pairs. BREEDING: Arrives at nesting grounds on Mount Alagez (Armenia) in late April-early May. Nests in junipers 0.16-0.4 m above the ground. The first clutch is laid in late May-early June, and the second clutch in late July-early August. 45-48 days from nest

The Birds of Azerbaijan

building to fledging. Independent young of the first brood recorded already in late June (Loskot, 1988).

REMARKS: On Mount Alagez (Armenia), deliberate burning of juniper habitats pose a serious threat to this species (Loskot, 1988).

FAMILY TURDIDAE - THRUSHES, CHATS, WHEATEARS AND ALLIES 269. Whinchat - Saxicola rubetra Linnaeus, 1758 SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Observed in Lenkoran Lowland in May (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Rare in Kizil Agach Reserve and in Sara Peninsula, e.g. one was collected on 4 February 1951 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). HABITAT: NESTING: Montane grasslands and sub-alpine meadows at 1,200-2,500 m (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

STATUS: Uncommon nesting species and migrant, rare wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Distribution poorly known. GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali District, above Ilisu (Kah District) and Girdimanchai Valley in Ismailly District. Rare in Shemakha Upland, e.g. near Pirgulu (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Patrikeev, 1991d). LESSER CAUCASUS: No information, but probably occurs. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (Drozdov, 1965). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Possibly nests (or nested) in Karayasi Steppe (Radde, 1884). No recent records.

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid April through early May. COASTAL: Recorded in Lenkoran Lowland and Kizil Agach Reserve 19-22 April (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a) and in southeastern Shirvan 23 April-7 May (Patrikeev, 1991a). One seen in Gobustan Upland on 5 May 1955 (Gambarov, 1960). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Arrived in the vicinity of Mingechaur and Gandja from mid April (Satunin, 1907) and to the breeding grounds in Zakatali District in late April (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Fall passage: COASTAL: Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve after September 6th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: No information. BREEDING: In Zakatali District, nests with fresh eggs found in late May (6 eggs/nest). Egg measurements: 17-20 x 13-15 mm; average 18.3 x 14.0 mm (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). In upper Girdimanchai Valley, fledglings collected in mid July (Gambarov, 1954). May have 2 clutches in Azerbaijan.

270. Stonechat - Saxicola torquata Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Uncommon nesting species, common migrant and rare wintering species. Up to 4 subspecies: S. t. variegata S. G. Gmelin, 1774 and S. t. armenica Stegmann, 1935 nest in Azerbaijan, and S. t. rubicola Linnaeus, 1766 and possibly S. t. maura Pallas, 1773 occur during migration. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: S. t. variegata: GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali District (e.g. above treeline on Mount Verketel), foothills of Vartashen District, lowlands of Kutkashen District (e.g. at Gadjali); Shemakha Upland: vicinity of Kirovka, Pirgulu and Shemakha (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Patrikeev, 1991d). BOSDAG: A singing male observed in Turianchai Valley on 9 April 1991 might have been a migrant (MP). S. t. armenica: LESSER CAUCASUS: No records, but nests in Lesser Caucasus in Armenia (Stepanyan, 1990).

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234 The Birds of Azerbaijan NAKHICHEVAN: Very common in Babek and Norashen districts (Radde, 1884; MP). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Small numbers regularly winter in Sara Peninsula and Kizil Agach Reserve (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). HABITAT: NESTING: Grasslands, wet meadows and steppe in lowlands, foothills and mountains (Gambarov, 1954; Tarasov, 1974; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). MIGRATION AND WINTER: Blackberry thickets, river valleys and stands of reeds (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid March to early May. COASTAL: Conspicuous passage through Kizil Agach Reserve and Lenkoran Lowland 17-27 March (Radde, 1884; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Recorded in Mugan (Satunin, 1912b).

KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Observed in Kura Valley in March (Satunin, 1907). Arrives in Shemakha Upland after May 8th (Gambarov, 1954). Fall passage: Late October to late December. COASTAL: Subspecies S. t. rubicola arrives at Sara Peninsula in late October-early November and mostly leaves by late December (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938). POPULATION SIZE: No estimate. BREEDING: Nests with young found near Kirovka (Shemakha Upland) in early July. Fledglings seen in lowlands of Kutkashen District on July 3rd (Gambarov, 1954). Adults feeding large fledglings observed on Mount Verketel, Zakatali District (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). May have 2 clutches/year.

271. European Wheatear - Oenanthe oenanthe Linnaeus, 1758 KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Nests (or nested) in Gandja (Mustafaev, 1973b). Probably occurs in Mugan Steppe, but no published information. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Uncommon at Cape Pirsagat and Shorgel Lakes, southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Rocky areas and steep slopes throughout Absheron Peninsula, e.g. in Baku (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Mustafaev, 1973a), and in northern and eastern Gobustan Upland (MP). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Wintered in Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884), but no recent records.

Azeri name: Tchahragdzil (all wheatears) STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant, possibly rare wintering species. Subspecies O. o. oenanthe Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Uncommon in Zakatali Reserve: Mounts Tsorigimer and Kala, and in Kalachai Gorge at 2,300-2,800 m; also possibly on Mounts Ruchug and Badaga (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Also near Ilisu (Kah District), Sheki Upland, Demiraparanchai Valley (Kutkashen District), Girdimanchai Valley (Ismailly District) and vicinity of Pirgulu in Shemakha Upland (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Patrikeev, 1991d). Not found in Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland, but occurs in Alazani Valley (Gambarov, 1954). In the northeast, recorded in Kusarchai Valley and probably elsewhere (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; Mustafaev, 1969a). LESSER CAUCASUS AND NAKHICHEVAN: No records, but probably present. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Vicinity of Kalvas (2,100 m), and Mount KusYurdi (Radde, 1884). BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP).

HABITAT: NESTING: Clayey cliffs, ravines, hilly semi-desert, rocky areas, ruins and houses, cemeteries, villages and suburbs in lowlands, foothills and uplands, also rocky grasslands in subalpine and alpine zones up to 2,800 m (Radde, 1884; Gambarov, 1954; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1973a, b; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Patrikeev, 1991a). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late March-early April. COASTAL: Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve, Lenkoran lowland and southern Mugan in late March (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; MP). In Gobustan Upland, males seen 4-7 April (MP). INTERIOR: In Turianchai Bosdag Mountains, a female observed on April 6th (MP). Arrives at breeding grounds in Zakatali District from early April (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Fall passage: Late September through late November. COASTAL: Migrates through Kizil Agach Reserve between September 30th and November 25th (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). INTERIOR: Leaves breeding grounds in mountains of Zakatali District in late September (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Common, but no overall estimate. Only 2-4 pairs in Turianchai Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

BREEDING: A nest with 4 young (10 days old) under a rock at 2,300 m in Kalachai Gorge (Zakatali District) on 21 June 1976. The nest was built of twigs and dry grass, and lined with tender parts of plants, feathers and fur; measurements: diameter 100 mm, height 51 mm, diameter of the nest-cup 60 mm, and depth of the nest-cup 37 mm. The young left the nest on June 25th (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Also nests in bur-

rows. On June 26th, fledglings collected on Mount Kus-Yurdi, Talish Mountains (Radde, 1884). Nests earlier in lowlands. In Absheron Peninsula, fledglings seen after mid May (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958), and in southeastern Shirvan on 23 May 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). In Kusari District, broods often recorded in “the second half of summer of 1961” (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968).

272. Pied Wheatear - Oenanthe pleschanka Lepechin, 1770 BOSDAG: Korchai Bosdag Mountains and Djeiranchel Hills (Satunin, 1911; Gambarov, 1975; Loskot, 1986). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Small numbers in Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958) and mixed population on Mount Beuk-Dush, Gobustan Upland (Panov, 1999; MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Clayey and rocky slopes and rock piles in foothills and semi-desert mountains (Loskot, 1986; Panov, 1999; MP). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Recorded in Lenkoran Lowland and southern Mugan, but no dates given (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b). Arrives at Mount Beuk-Dash, Gobustan Upland after April 4th (MP). Fall passage: Recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve in mid October (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938). STATUS: Uncommon nesting species and migrant. Subspecies O. p. pleschanka Lepechin, 1770. This species hybridises with the Black-eared Wheatear and sometimes both species nest in mixed colonies. It is possible that the majority of O. pleschanka nesting in Azerbaijan are of hybrid origin. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Distribution poorly known. GREATER CAUCASUS: In foothills, e.g. in Kurmukh Valley (Kah District), Turianchai and Gekchai valleys (Loskot, 1986; Panov, 1999), and in Shemakha District (Satunin, 1907). LESSER CAUCASUS: A hybrid male collected near Naftalan on 26 June 1934 (Loskot, 1986). Probably elsewhere in the foothills.

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. A mixed colony (with Black-eared Wheatear) of 60 pairs near Kah included 19 hybrid males (Loskot, 1986) and another of 50-70 pairs on eastern slope of Mount Beuk-Dush, Gobustan Upland included 55% of hybrids (Panov, 1999). Less common than other wheatears in Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). BREEDING: Nests in niches and crevices between rocks. In hybrid population of Gobustan Upland, 4-6 eggs/clutch, egg size (n=56): 17.2-20.7 x 13.5-15.4 mm (av. 19.3 x14.7 mm). Young hatched 11 May-14 June, average 4.7 young/nest (Panov, 1999).

273. Black-eared Wheatear - Oenanthe hispanica Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Subspecies O. h. melanoleuca Güldenstadt, 1775. This species hybridizes with Pied Wheatear in foothills of Greater Caucasus Mountains and eastern Gobustan Upland. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Found in mixed colony with Pied Wheatear in Kurmukh Valley near Kah, foothills of Kah District (Loskot, 1986). Another hybrid collected in Shemakha District on 17 May 1896 (Satunin, 1907). LESSER CAUCASUS: A hybrid male collected in foothills of Murovdag Ridge on 26 June 1934 (Loskot, 1986). Probably more widespread. NAKHICHEVAN: Very common between Nakhichevan and Julfa, and also in the vicinity of Ordubad. No hybrids recorded in the region (Radde, 1884; Tarasov, 1974; Loskot, 1986).

TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (Agaeva, 1972) and possibly treeless foothills of the mountains (Satunin, 1912b). BOSDAG: Turianchai, Korchai and Mingechaur Bosdag mountains, lower Aldjiganchai Valley (Drozdov, 1965; Gambarov, 1975; Loskot, 1986) and possibly Djeiranchel Hills (MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Sumgait-chai Valley, and at the foot of Mount Beuk-Dush, eastern Gobustan Upland (MP). Mixes with O. pleschanka at the latter location (Panov, 1999). HABITAT: NESTING: Rocky slopes and ravines in low semi-arid mountains and foothills; up to 2,000 m in semi-desert of Zuvand Upland (Agaeva, 1972; Gambarov, 1975; Loskot, 1986; Panov, 1999; MP).

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236 The Birds of Azerbaijan years not seen until after April 26th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Fall passage: No information. POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. In Turianchai Bosdag Mountains, 0.8/km in the early 1960s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). A mixed colony (with Pied Wheatear) of 60 pairs near Kah included 19 hybrid males (Loskot, 1986), and another of 50-70 pairs on eastern slope of Mount BeukDush, Gobustan Upland included 55% of hybrids (Panov, 1999).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late March through late April. COASTAL: Migrates through Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula 3-12 April (Tugarinov, 1950). A hybrid collected in Lenkoran Lowland during spring migration (Radde, 1884). Also passes through southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). Arrives in Gobustan Upland after April 4th (MP). INTERIOR: Arrives in Nakhichevan from 28-31March, and at Mingechaur from March 30th. Conspicuous arrival in Nakhichevan from 3-8 April (Satunin, 1907; Panov, 1999). In Turianchai Reserve, a male observed on 10 April 1991 (MP), but in other

BREEDING: Pairs from mid April-early May. Nests usually in a niche under a flat rock. Only female builds. In Nakhichevan nests with eggs from late April, and in Zuvand Upland a nest with 5 well-incubated eggs on May 22nd. Egg size (n=26): 17.522.2 x 12.4-15.7, average weight 2.3 g; 5-6 eggs/clutch, probably one clutch/year. Incubation 12-13 days. In Nakhichevan nests with nestlings from 7-14 May; in Zuvand Upland nestlings by May 29th, and 2 broods on 11 and 14 June 1970, e.g. one brood of 4 (Agaeva, 1972; Panov, 1999). In hybrid population of Gobustan Upland 4-6 eggs/clutch, egg size (n=56): 17.2-20.7 x 13.5-15.4 mm (av. 19.3 x14.7 mm). Young hatched 11 May-14 June, average 4.7 young/nest (Panov, 1999). MORTALITY: Young in one nest predated by Dahl’s Whip Snake Coluber najadum (Agaeva, 1972).

274. Finch’s Wheatear - Oenanthe finschii Heuglin, 1869

STATUS: Common nesting species; possibly resident. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Common near Shemakha (Gambarov, 1954) and Alti-Agach (Shelton, 2001). NAKHICHEVAN: Foothills in Julfa, Babek and Ordubad districts (Tarasov, 1974; Panov, 1999; V. Loskot, pers. comm.; MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: At 2,000 m near Kalvas (V. Loskot, pers. comm.). BOSDAG: Korchai, Mingechaur and Gekchai Bosdag mountains (Gambarov, 1954, 1975; MP).

SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Khamamdag Mud-Volcano (Cape Pirsagat) and perhaps other mud-volcanoes and hills in coastal southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Recorded near Kilazi and Khizi (Satunin, 1907). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Gobustan Upland: Mounts Kargabazar, Gush-gaya, Beuk-Dash and Kizil-Kum, also Airantekan Mud-Volcano and in Djeirankechmes (Burchak-Abramovich & Gambarov, 1961; Patrikeev, 1991b; MP). Common in Absheron Peninsula, e.g. Mount Karadag near Puta, on slopes of Yasamal Valley and near suburbs of Baku (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Winter: In fall and winter, some descend to lowlands. NAKHICHEVAN: Some remain in the region throughout the winter (Panov, 1999). BOSDAG: During 18-25 November, several collected on slopes of Mingechaur Bosdag Mountains, but was absent from there in winter (Gambarov, 1975). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: On 25 November 1990, only one male recorded on Mount Beuk-Dush, Gobustan Upland (MP). Some winter in Absheron Peninsula, e.g. near Zikh and Baku (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). HABITAT: NESTING: Rocky and clayey slopes, narrow ravines with burrows and niches, montane steppe (Tarasov, 1974; Patrikeev, 1991a, b; V. Loskot, pers. comm.). FALL AND WINTER: Semidesert and orchards (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Arrives at nesting grounds in Nakhichevan 5-10 March (Panov, 1999). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. In 1989, 10 pairs on slopes of Khamamdag Mud-Volcano, southeastern Shirvan. In late April 1990, 9.5 pairs/km2 on Mount Beuk-Dush (Patrikeev, 1991a, b). Very common in Nakhichevan Region: 4.7-17.4/ km (Tarasov, 1974; V. Loskot, pers. comm.). BREEDING: Nests in cavities and crevices between rocks, sometimes in cliffs or abandoned burrows, small flat rocks are usually placed at the entrance. Two or perhaps even three

clutches/year, 5 eggs/clutch. In Nakhichevan region nestbuilding (by female only) from mid to late March, but sometimes earlier as a nest with large young found as early as April 8th. Usually nestlings of the first brood hatch 11-17 April. Fledglings from late April (Panov, 1999). Two fledglings recorded on Beuk-Dash on May 6th and other two on Khamamdag MudVolcano on May 8th. On Mount Beuk-Dash, adults feeding fledglings of the second brood observed in mid June (Patrikeev, 1991a, b; MP). DIET: Stomachs examined in May-June contained insects, but also seed in September (Gambarov, 1954).

275. Desert Wheatear - Oenanthe deserti Temminck, 1825 STATUS: Accidental visitor. Probably subspecies O. d. salina Eversmann, 1850.

ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Radde (1884) collected one specimen near Baku (Absheron Peninsula), but no evidence of nesting.

DISTRIBUTION: Considered nesting in Eastern Transcaucasia by Satunin (1907, 1911), but no records given.

276. Red-tailed Wheatear – Oenanthe xanthoprymna Hemprich et Ehrenberg, 1833 STATUS: Uncommon nesting species with restricted range. Subspecies O. x. chrysopygia De Filippi, 1863.

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Up to 10 pairs/km in the vicinity of Julfa (Panov, 1999). No other information.

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: LESSER CAUCASUS: Possibly in mountains of Zangelan and Djabrail districts (Stepanyan, 1990; MP). NAKHICHEVAN: Mountains in Babek, Julfa and Ordubad districts, e.g. Negram Mountains and Mount Ilandag (Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Panov, 1999; MP).

BREEDING: In Nakhichevan region, pairs from mid March. Copulation and nest building in late March-early April. Nests in narrow crevices or abandoned burrows, often on a layer of small rocks brought by the birds. Two clutches/year, 4-5 eggs/clutch. Egg size (n=5) 20.6-22.0x14.9-15.2. Incubation is probably by female only. Five-days-old young in 4 nests examined on April 26th and 2 nests examined on May 9th. Fledglings from 3-4 May (Panov, 1999).

HABITAT: NESTING: Desert slopes with scree and rock fragments (Panov, 1999). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Arrives at breeding grounds from 7-10 March (Panov, 1999).

277. Isabelline Wheatear - Oenanthe isabellina Temminck, 1829 STATUS: Very common nesting species and migrant, a smaller part of the population is resident. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: In Zakatali District, on rocky slopes at 1,600-2,500 m, and in Girdimanchai Valley (Ismailly District) at 1,500 m. Common in Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland, east of Shemakha, and in Alazani Valley (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: No information, but probably occurs in the foothills. NAKHICHEVAN: Aras and Arpa-chai valleys, foothills near Nakhichevan, Julfa, Negram, and also in Ordubad District; up to 1,200 m (Radde, 1884; Khanmammedov, 1960; Tarasov, 1974; MP).

BOSDAG: Turianchai and Mingechaur Bosdag Mountains, and Djeiranchel Hills (Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Gambarov, 1975; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Shirvan, Mil, Mugan and Karayasi steppes, Korchai and Shamkhor game preserves, and Gandja and its vicinity (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1973b; Gambarov, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: In southeastern Shirvan, very common near Cape Pirsagat, but uncommon at Shorgel Lakes, Shirvan Reserve (Patrikeev, 1991a). Small numbers in semi-desert of Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev & Gazanchian, 1967). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: No records, but probably occurs.

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238 The Birds of Azerbaijan (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). In Absheron Peninsula increases in early March (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Arrives at nesting grounds in central Azerbaijan in February (Satunin, 1907). Fall passage: Mid September to mid November. COASTAL: Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve from c. September 11th to mid October (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). INTERIOR: Latest record in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on October 9th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b), but good numbers near Mingechaur in late November (Gambarov, 1975).

ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: In Gobustan Upland: vicinity of Mounts Kargabazar, Bayanata and Beuk-Dash, Sumgait-chai Valley, and near the village of Gobustan (Burchak-Abramovich & Gambarov, 1961; Burchak-Abramovich, 1962; Drozdov, 1965; MP). Very common in Absheron Peninsula, e.g. in suburbs of Baku (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Mustafaev, 1973a; MP). Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Wintered in Mugan Steppe and possibly elsewhere in the lowland (Satunin, 1912b). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Small numbers in Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958).

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. Most common wheatear in Azerbaijan. In southeastern Shirvan, 20-60 pairs/ km in semi-desert near Cape Pirsagat in April-May 1989, but only 1-2 pairs/km in overgrazed semi-desert near Shorgel Lakes, Shirvan Reserve in April-May 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). In early April 1991, 5-20 pairs/km west of Mounts Beuk-Dush and Djingirdag, eastern Gobustan Upland (MP). In Nakhichevan Region, Isabelline Wheatears and Crested Larks accounted for 65-70% of all birds recorded in semi-deserts of Aras Valley, and this species and Bimaculated Larks made 48-50% of all birds in foothills (Tarasov, 1974).

HABITAT: NESTING: Saltwort-wormwood clayey semi-desert in lowlands and foothills, rocky semi-desert, montane steppe and overgrazed slopes in foothills and mountains up to 2,500 m. Often nests in burrows along roads, close to railways and human habituation (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev, 1969a; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Patrikeev, 1991a).

BREEDING: Nests in abandoned burrows, e.g. those of Red-tailed Jird Meriones erythrourus. Territorial pairs from late March-early April (Satunin, 1907; Patrikeev, 1991a). In southeastern Shirvan, burrows with young 23 April-14 May. Large young often remain at the burrow entrance waiting for adults with food, but disappearing into the burrow at the first sign of danger (Patrikeev, 1991a). In central Azerbaijan fledglings seen from late April (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954), in southeastern Shirvan on May 6th (Patrikeev, 1991a), in Absheron Peninsula after May 20th (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958) and in Greater Caucasus Mountains (Ismailly District) on July 22nd (Gambarov, 1954). Probably 2 clutches/year.

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: February-late March. COASTAL: Arrives at Lenkoran as early as February 23rd (Radde, 1884), but not recorded in Kizil Agach Reserve until 20-23 March

DIET: Stomachs of specimens collected in Greater Caucasus Mountains contained insects including weevils and grasshoppers (Gambarov, 1954).

278. Rufous Bushchat - Cercotrichas galactotes Temminck, 1820 STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Subspecies C. g. familiaris Menetries, 1832. DISTRIBUTION: In the 19th century, this species was probably confined to the southeast lowlands (Satunin 1907, 1911, 1912a, b). Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Foothills in Zakatali District, near Sheki, lowlands of Kutkashen District (e.g. near Nidz and Gadjali), and also near Shemakha (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). LESSER CAUCASUS AND NAKHICHEVAN: No information, but probably occurs in foothills. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Shirvan and Mugan steppes, tugai in Barda and Shamkhor districts, Gandja, Alazani and Iori Valleys (Mustafaev, 1969a, 1973b; Sikharulidze, 1974; Gambarov, 1975; MP).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan, Kizil Agach Reserve and southeastern Shirvan, e.g. at Cape Pirsagat and Lakes Aggel (Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Vinogradov et al., 1990; Patrikeev, 1991a). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Sumgait-chai Valley (e.g. near Pirkishkul), Mount Beuk-Dush (Gobustan Upland) and Absheron Peninsula including Mashtaga (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Drozdov, 1965; Patrikeev, 1991b). HABITAT: NESTING: Tamarisk and blackberry thickets, hedgerows, edges of tugai forest, overgrown dry ditches, ravines, ruins and agricultural habitats in semi-desert lowlands and foothills (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1969a; Gambarov, 1975; Patrikeev, 1991a). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late migrant. Late April through mid May. COASTAL: Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve between April 25th and May 6th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), to Shorgel Lakes on May 9th, and to Cape Pirsagat after May 19th (Patrikeev, 1991a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: In Shamkhor District first sighting on May 10th (Gambarov, 1975). In Iori and Alazani Valleys first arrivals recorded on May 11th, but the majority showed up after May 16th (Sikharulidze, 1974).

Fall passage: No information. POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. At Cape Pirsagat (southeastern Shirvan), 2-3 singing males/km in May 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). In Iori and Alazani Valleys, 1.3 singing males/ km (Sikharulidze, 1974). BREEDING: Males start singing almost immediately on arrival at the breeding grounds (MP). Nests in niches, semi-cavities, on the ground and sometimes low in bushes or trees up to 1.5 m above the ground. In southeastern Shirvan a completed nest found on May 23rd, and in Iori and Alazani valleys egg laying from May 22nd. Completed clutches in Kizil Agach Reserve on June 2nd, and near Cape Pirsagat on June 5th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Sikharulidze, 1974; Patrikeev, 1991a). Probably 1 clutch/year; 4-5 eggs/clutch (MP). Incubation lasts 14 days. In Iori and Alazani valleys hatching 6 June-18 July (Sikharulidze, 1974). In Kizil Agach Reserve fledglings recorded on June 14th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b), but in Iori and Alazani Valley as late as July 25th (Sikharulidze, 1974). A nest of Rufous Bushchat found in Kurdamir contained a young European Cuckoo (Mustafaev, 1969a). DIET: Ants and small ground-beetles Carabidae in one stomach (Gambarov, 1954).

279. Common Redstart - Phoenicurus phoenicurus Linnaeus, 1758 TALISH MOUNTAINS: Recorded near Lerik, and at 2,400 m on Mount Kus-Yurdi (Radde, 1884). P. p. samamisicus: GREATER CAUCASUS: Forested foothills in Zakatali and Ismailly districts, e.g. Mount Alibek (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Apparently also recorded near Lerik (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907), but perhaps at lower altitudes? KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Tugai forests of Shamkhor District, vicinity of Mingechaur and Gandja (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1973b; Gambarov, 1975). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Vicinity of Tangerud, Mashkham and Vel, Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). No recent information. SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta (Drozdov, 1965). Azeri name: Odguirug STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Two subspecies: P. p. phoenicurus Linnaeus, 1758 nests in high mountains and P. p. samamisicus Hablizl, 1783 in foothills. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Distribution of this species and both subspecies not well known. P. p. phoenicurus: GREATER CAUCASUS: Mountains near Lagich, and in Shemakha Upland, e.g. near Pirgulu, Shemakha and AltiAgach (Gambarov, 1954; Patrikeev, 1991d). LESSER CAUCASUS AND NAKHICHEVAN: No information, but probably occurs at higher elevations.

HABITAT: NESTING: Broad-leaved forests and orchards in lowlands, foothills, mountains; occasionally in ruins and man-made structures (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev, 1969a; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid March through late May. P. p. phoenicurus: First sightings in Lenkoran Lowland from 26 March to 16 April (Radde, 1884). A pair at Cape Pirsagat 2829 April 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). P. p. samamisicus: As early as March 11th, but usually not until March 29th in the vicinity of Lenkoran (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). A male in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on 6 April 1991 (MP).

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240 The Birds of Azerbaijan SUBSPECIES UNKNOWN: Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve from April 2nd to May 20th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), and in northern Absheron Peninsula 5-15 May (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Fall passage: Mid September through mid November. P. p. phoenicurus: Recorded in Absheron Peninsula on 3 October 1954 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958), in a suburb of Baku on 15 October 1990, and on Mount Beuk-Dush (Gobustan Upland) on 25 November 1990 (MP). SUBSPECIES UNKNOWN: Observed in Turianchai Reserve on 9 September 1961 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Conspicuous passage near Kilazi in September (Shelton, 2001). Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve from 15-25 September, intensive passage: 3 October-11 November (Tugarinov

& Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: No estimate. BREEDING: Nests in tree cavities. In Zakatali District a nest of P. p. samamisicus on Mount Alibek on 11 May 1937, and other nest with 3 large young in late June; fledglings from 24 May to early July (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). A fledgling of P. p. phoenicurus collected near Lagich (Greater Caucasus Mountains) on 31 July 1939 (Gambarov, 1954) and other fledglings of this subspecies observed at 2,400 m on Mount Kus-Yurdi, Talish Mountains on June 26th (Radde, 1884).

280. Black Redstart - Phoenicurus ochruros S. G. Gmelin, 1774 TALISH MOUNTAINS: High altitudes in Talish Mountains including Mount Kus-Yurdi and Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1965). HABITAT: NESTING: Rocky slopes, river valleys, forests and villages at 2,000-3,000 m (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev, 1969a; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid March through early April. COASTAL: Observed in Sara Peninsula on March 23rd and at Lenkoran on March 26th (Radde, 1884; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). One recorded on Mount Beuk-Dush, Gobustan Upland on 4 April 1991 (MP). INTERIOR: Arrives at breeding grounds in mountains of Zakatali District from mid March (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Fall passage: No information. STATUS: Common nesting species and uncommon migrant. Subspecies: P. o. ochruros S. G. Gmelin, 1774. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: At 2,000-3,000 m in Zakatali and Belokani districts (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985); also near Laza on slopes of Mount Shahdag (Satunin, 1907). Probably elsewhere. LESSER CAUCASUS: Foothills of Shahdag Ridge, e.g. in Kedabek and its vicinity (Radde, 1884; Mustafaev, 1969a). NAKHICHEVAN: Very common in mountains in Shahbuz, Julfa and Ordubad districts (Radde, 1884; Tarasov, 1974; MP).

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Average of 34 birds/km2 in mountains of Zakatali District, (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). BREEDING: In mountains often nest in rock fences and niches in house walls; sometimes near waterfalls (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1969a). In Kedabek a nest with 6 eggs on 16 June 1961, and another with 5 large young on 29 June 1961 (Mustafaev, 1969a). On Mount Kus-Yurdi (Talish Mountains) fledglings on 26 June (Radde, 1884), and in Zakatali Reserve from mid July (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

281. Güldenstadt’s Redstart - Phoenicurus erythrogaster Güldenstadt, 1775 STATUS: Uncommon resident in high mountains. Subspecies P. e. erythrogaster Güldenstadt, 1775. DISTRIBUTION: GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali District (e.g. on Mount Kichik-Gudor) above 2,800 m (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985), also above 2,500 m on Mounts Bazar-Duzu and Shahdag (Gambarov, 1954). LESSER CAUCASUS: No information, but probably occurs.

TALISH MOUNTAINS: A male recorded on Mount Kalvas in 1961, and nesting confirmed near Giladara in 1968. Another male collected at Amburdara on 24 April 1972 (Agaeva & Mustafaev, 1973). HABITAT: Rocky slopes in sub-alpine and alpine zone above 1,500 m. Descends to the upper forest limits in winter (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

POPULATION SIZE: No information. BREEDING: A nest with 3 eggs under a rock at 2,800 m on Mount Kichik-Gudor, Zakatali District. The nest built of dry alpine plants, feathers of Caucasian Snowcock, sheep wool, fur of the East Caucasian Tur and rootlets, and lined exclusively with feathers of Caucasian Snowcock (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). In Talish Mountains, a fledgling observed near Giladara on 8 July 1968 (Agaeva & Mustafaev, 1973).

282. Eversmann’s Redstart - Phoenicurus erythronotus Eversmann, 1841 STATUS: Probably accidental visitor. Monotypic. REMARKS: Listed by Mustafaev et al. (1977). This species nests in Central Asia and may accidentally enter Azerbaijan during migration or in winter.

283. Robin - Erithacus rubecula Linnaeus, 1758

Azeri name: Shafag bulbulu STATUS: Common nesting species (a part of the population is resident) and uncommon migrant. Two subspecies: E. r. caucasicus Buturlin, 1907 nests in Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains, and E. r. hyrcanus Blanford, 1874 in Lenkoran Lowland and Talish Mountains. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: E. r. caucasicus: GREATER CAUCASUS: Foothills and lower slopes up to 1,600-1,800 m in Zakatali

and Belokani districts, also in Ilisu Reserve (Kah District), Kutkashen and Ismailly districts, and Shemakha Upland including Mount Pirgulu, Tchanut Gorge and Alti-Agach (Gambarov, 1954;

Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990; Shelton, 2001; MP). In the northeast, occurs in mountains in Kusari and Kuba districts (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). LESSER CAUCASUS: Geigel Reserve in Murovdag Ridge (Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990), but probably also on forested slopes elsewhere. BOSDAG: Turianchai Valley and Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Recorded in Gandja (Mustafaev, 1973b). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta (Drozdov, 1965). E. r. hyrcanus: TALISH MOUNTAINS: Woodlands and thickets in Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Talish Mountains (e.g. Girkan Reserve and other parts of Ulasi Range) and Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965). Winter: GREATER CAUCASUS: Foothills off Zakatali District (Gambarov, 1954). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Montane forests (Mustafaev, 1968b). BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Vicinity of Mingechaur, Karayasi Forest and elsewhere in Kura Valley, Lake Aggel and Shirvan Steppe (Zlotin, 1963; Gambarov, 1975; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan, Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula (Satunin, 1912b; Tugarinov & KozlovaPushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Small numbers winter in Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP).

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242 The Birds of Azerbaijan HABITAT: NESTING: Broad-leaved forests with dense understorey, tugai, orchards and thickets from lowlands to uplands up to 2,000 m (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev, 1969a; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). WINTER: Blackberry, tamarisk, Juncus and reed thickets, tugai, overgrown clearings, orchards, swamps and marshes in lowlands and foothills, also in montane forests (Dobrokhotov, 1963; Zlotin, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1968b, 1972; Gambarov, 1975; MP). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Leaves Absheron Peninsula in early March (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Fall passage: In autumn some descend from mountains to lowlands. Migrants from the north are also present. COASTAL: Present in Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula from late October to late March (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. In Turianchai Reserve, 0.1-0.2/km in the early 1960s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b), but more common in early 1990s (MP). Winter: In Shirvan Steppe, 0.9/km in tamarisk thickets and 1.1/ km in wetlands in January 1961 (Zlotin, 1963). BREEDING: Singing from mid February (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). In the southeast mating probably takes place in March. A fledgling collected in foothills of Talish Mountains on 8 May 1897 and young flying well seen in Zuvand Upland on 18 June 1897 (Satunin, 1907).

284. Nightingale - Luscinia megarhynchos L. C. Brehm, 1831 S AMUR -D IVICHI L OWLAND : Samur Delta (Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965). HABITAT: NESTING: Tugai, broad-leaved forests, forest edge, orchards, roadside treebelts and parks in lowlands and foothills (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev, 1969a). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late April through mid May. COASTAL: Recorded near Vel, Lenkoran Lowland on 19 April 1897 (Satunin, 1907) and near Lenkoran on April 24th (Radde, 1884). Also passes through southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: In Shamkhor District, songs heard from 3-17 May (Gambarov, 1975). Fall passage: No information. POPULATION SIZE: No information. Azeri name: Bulbul STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Subspecies L. m. africana Fisher et Reichenow, 1884. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Common in lowlands adjacent to the southern slope and foothills (e.g. in Zakatali and Kutkashen districts). In Shemakha Upland, recorded near Shemakha, Kirovka and Alti-Agach (Gambarov, 1954), and in northeast near Kuba (Satunin, 1907). LESSER CAUCASUS: No information, but probably occurs in foothills. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Girkan Reserve (Ulasi Range) and mountains around Lerik (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1965). BOSDAG: Turianchai Valley (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Karayasi Forest (Akstafa District), tugai in Shamkhor District, settlements of Shirvan Steppe including Kurdamir, and also in Gandja (Mustafaev, 1969a, 1973b; Gambarov, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan, Lenkoran Lowland (including Lenkoran) and Sara Peninsula (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

BREEDING: Singing through the night in tugai in Turianchai Valley on 24 May 1991 (MP). Nests on the ground. A nest with 4 eggs found near Lenkoran was built of dry oak leaves and rice straw, and lined with tender parts of cereals, thin rootlets and some hair (Radde, 1884). In Karayasi Forest: a nest with 4 young (3-4 days old) on 10 June 1989, and another one with 2 newlyhatched chicks and 1 egg on 1 July 1989 (MP).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

285. Sprosser - Luscinia luscinia Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Accidental. Possibly nested in the past. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Old records only. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Radde (1884) reported Sprosser for the Karayasi, but only Nightingales found in Karayasi Forest in the late 1980s (MP).

SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: A specimen collected at Rya near Lenkoranchai on 7 May 1897 (Satunin, 1907) was probably a migrant. MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Migrated through southern Mugan. Also collected at Azur-Akhmedli near Gandja on 20 April 1895 (Satunin (1907, 1912b).

286. Bluethroat - Luscinia svecica Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Uncommon migrant. Subspecies L. s. magna Zarudny et Loudon, 1904 and L. s. cyanecula Meisner, 1804 migrate through Azerbaijan. MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early March to mid April. COASTAL: Recorded in Sara Peninsula between March 31st to April 12th (Tugarinov, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a)

and near Lenkoran on April 1st (Radde, 1884). Both subspecies were recorded in Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Observed in Mingechaur District from early March (Satunin, 1907). Fall passage: COASTAL: Observed near Kilazi by Shelton (2001). 2-3 late autumn records from Sara Peninsula (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938).

287. White-throated Robin - Irania gutturalis Guerin, 1843 Fall passage: Possibly moves southwards or descend to valleys. POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. In 1969, 8 singing males and 2 females observed in Djagri-chai Valley (Mitropolsky, 1989).

STATUS: Uncommon nesting species restricted to the southwest; possibly winters. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: LESSER CAUCASUS: Mountains of Zangelan and Kubatli districts (Mustafaev, 1968a). NAKHICHEVAN: Mountains east of Arpa-chai, e.g. common in Djagri-chai Valley and east Tanam, also nests near Djamaldin and Kazilu, Negram Mountains, Mount Ilandag and mountains near Ordubad (Mitropolsky, 1989; MP). Winter: Suspected in Lenkoran Lowland and Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1911), but no specimens collected. HABITAT: NESTING: Dry rocky gorges with pear and almond trees at 1,000-1,400 m, but mostly between 1,100 and 1,200 m (Mitropolsky, 1989). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Arrived in Djagri-chai Valley by April 22nd (Mitropolsky, 1989).

BREEDING: In Nakhichevan region sings actively from late April, usually perching in a tree, but also performs a display flight. Six nests found in Djagri-chai valley built in bushes 0.40.6 m above the ground. Nest built of dry plants and lined with bast, tender plants and feathers. Nest measurements: diameter 100-110 x 110-130 mm, height 100-120 mm, nest-cup diameter 55-65 x 55-70 mm, nest-cup depth 55-85 mm. Egg laying from 4-10 May, but in one nest from May 20th (possibly a replacement clutch); 4 eggs/clutch. Eggs are greenish, slightly mottled with brown. Egg measurements: 19.4-21.3 x 15.0-16.5 mm, weight 1.95-2.75 g (av. 2.51 g; n=10). On 11 June 1929, fledglings observed near Djamaldin, Nakhichevan Region (Mitropolsky, 1989).

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244 The Birds of Azerbaijan 288. Rock Thrush - Monticola saxatilis Linnaeus, 1766 TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (e.g. near Kalvas) and Mount Kus-Yurdi (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1965). HABITAT: NESTING: Rocky slopes with scarce bushes in subalpine and alpine zones and montane steppe (Radde, 1884; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Arrives at breeding grounds in Zakatali District in late April (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Fall passage: One collected in Gobustan Upland west of Sangachal on 14 September 1960 (Gambarov, 1960). POPULATION SIZE: No information.

STATUS: Uncommon nesting species and migrant. Subspecies M. s. saxatilis Linnaeus, 1766. DISTRIBUTION: Poorly known. Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Uncommon in Zakatali and Belokani districts at 1,900-2,800 m (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985); also observed near Djandakhar in upper Girdimanchai Valley, Ismailly District (Gambarov, 1954). LESSER CAUCASUS: No information, but probably occurs.

BREEDING: In mountains of Zakatali District nest-building from early May. Nests built of rough grass stems and mud, and usually placed under or among rocks. In Zakatali Reserve fresh clutches found from 13-24 May. Two clutches a year. Nests with young of the first brood recorded 3-5 June and the second brood in early July. The young remain in nests 12-14 days. The first brood fledges in mid June and the second brood in mid July (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Also in mid July, a fledgling collected near Djandakhar, Ismailly District (Gambarov, 1954). In Talish Mountains young found on June 26th (Radde, 1884).

289. Blue Rock Thrush - Monticola solitarius Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Uncommon nesting species. Subspecies M. s. solitarius Linnaeus, 1758.

HABITAT: NESTING: Rocky slopes with large rock fragments (Radde, 1884; Tarasov, 1974).

DISTRIBUTION: Distribution poorly known. Probably occurs in Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains, and Zuvand Upland, but no published records or specimens. NAKHICHEVAN: Common in the region (Radde, 1884; Tarasov, 1974).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: A female collected in Sara Peninsula on 23 March 1953 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

290. Black-throated Thrush - Turdus ruficollis Pallas, 1776 STATUS: Common migrant and wintering species. Subspecies T. r. atrogularis Jarocki, 1819. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: TALISH MOUNTAINS: Upper forest zone throughout the mountains, and Zuvand Upland (Mustafaev, 1968a, b; Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968; Agaeva, 1969). BOSDAG: Recorded in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains 6-26 January 1962 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). HABITAT: WINTER: Forest edge, orchards, juniper woodlands and villages in high and low mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: A female collected in the vicinity of Lenkoran on 24 March 1882 (Radde, 1884).

Fall passage: Recorded near Lenkoran during autumn migration (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1911). A male collected at Kulagin lookout, Kizil Agach Reserve on 11 December 1957 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: Winter: Most common in Talish Mountains in late February-early March, e.g. 7.3/km in villages and orchards and 0.6/km on rocky slopes 3-5 March 1968 (Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968). Less common in winter 1969 (Agaeva, 1969). DIET: Often feeds on wild rose hips in Zuvand Upland (Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968; Agaeva, 1969).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

291. Fieldfare - Turdus pilaris Linnaeus, 1758 ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Does not occur in Absheron Peninsula every winter. One recorded at Sangachal on 12 December 1954 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958), some in Baku and the village of Gobustan in January-early February 1972 (Alekperov, 1972) and in Shah Spit in January-February 1982 (Bannikova et al., 1984). HABITAT: WINTER: Tugai forest, woodlots, orchards, clearings, villages and clayey semi-desert in lowlands and foothills (Satunin, 1907; Zlotin, 1963; Mustafaev, 1972), juniper woodlands, orchards, villages, steppe and rocky slopes in foothills and mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Agaeva, 1969).

STATUS: Common migrant and wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: GREATER CAUCASUS: Foothills and lowlands of Zakatali District (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Common in Talish Mountains and Zuvand Upland, especially from late February to early March (Mustafaev, 1968a, b; Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968; Agaeva, 1969). BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Shirvan Steppe, Kura Valley west to Karayasi Forest, and vicinity of Gandja (Satunin, 1907; Zlotin, 1963; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Rare in Lenkoran Lowland, Sara Peninsula and Kizil Agach Reserve (Radde, 1884; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: March to mid April. COASTAL: Leaves Lenkoran Lowland by late March-early April (Radde, 1884). Latest spring record in Kizil Agach Reserve on April 14th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Fall passage: Late October to mid December. COASTAL: Earliest autumn record in Kizil Agach Reserve on October 31st (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a) and in Absheron Peninsula on December 12th (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). INTERIOR: Recorded in Turianchai Bosdag on 29 October 1961 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b), but in Kura Valley only from mid winter (Satunin, 1907). POPULATION SIZE: Winter: Very common in orchards and montane steppe of Zuvand Upland in late February-early March 1968, but not as common in 1969 (Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968; Agaeva, 1969). In Shirvan Steppe, only 0.1/km in grazed semidesert in January 1961 (Zlotin, 1963).

292. Ring Ouzel - Turdus torquatus Linnaeus, 1758 DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Distribution not well known. GREATER CAUCASUS: Sub-alpine zone from Zakatali and Belokani districts to upper Girdimanchai Valley and Mount Babadag (Ismailly District) and possibly further east (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). LESSER CAUCASUS: No information, but probably occurs. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Probably present, but no solid evidence. A pair observed in Sara Peninsula on 3 March 1956 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a) probably descended from Talish Mountains. Winter: Descends from sub-alpine zone. BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains, January through mid March (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b).

Azeri name: Ahdosh garatoiug STATUS: Common resident undertaking some altitudinal movements. Subspecies T. t. amicorum Hartert, 1923.

HABITAT: NESTING: Subalpine meadows with rocky outcrops, junipers and rhododendrons at 1,800-2,300 m (Mustafaeva, 1965a), e.g. sometimes close to summer shepherd camps (Mustafaev, 1969a). WINTER: Juniper woodlands in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No information.

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246 The Birds of Azerbaijan Winter: 1-3/day in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains in JanuaryMarch (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). BREEDING: In Zakatali Reserve pairs from 27 March-3 April and nest building from April 18th. Nests built of grass and mud or manure on large rock fragments (46.4%), in bushes (25%), trees (14%) or on the ground (14.6%). Average nest measurements: diameter 160 mm, nest-cup diameter 104 mm, depth of nest-cup 48 mm (Mustafaeva, 1965a, b, 1966; Mustafaev, 1969a). Two clutches/year: first laid in late April-late May and the second in late

June-early July; 3-4 eggs/clutch. Egg measurements: 30.0-35.5 x 22.0-25.5 mm (av. 32.9 x 22.3 mm), weight 8.0-9.4 g (av. 9.0 g; n=60). Incubation lasts 12-14 days (av. 13 days). A newly-hatched chick weighs 5.8 g. Both parents feed the young (c. 46 times/day). The young remain in nests 12-15 days (av. 13 days). Pre-fledging mortality rate is 12.6% (Mustafaeva, 1965a, b, 1966). DIET: Invertebrates in 75% of examined stomachs, fruits and berries (cowberry, bilberry, raspberry, bird-cherry and juniper) in 42.8%. Mostly feeds on berries in autumn (Mustafaeva, 1965a, 1966).

293. Blackbird - Turdus merula Linnaeus, 1758

Azeri name: Garatoiug STATUS: Common resident and very common nesting species undertaking some local movements during non-breeding season. Common migrant. Subspecies T. m. aterrimus Madarasz, 1903. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Significant range expansion into anthropogenic habitats during the 20th century. GREATER CAUCASUS: Very common in forests through the southern slope and in the adjacent lowlands, e.g. in Zakatali and its vicinity, Ilisu Reserve (Kah District), Sheki, Vartashen and Kutkashen districts, Ismailly Reserve and upper Girdimanchai Valley up to Djandakhar (Ismailly District). Rare in lowlands, but common in mountains of Shemakha District, e.g. near Pirgulu (Gambarov, 1954; Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaeva, 1966; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990; Patrikeev, 1991d). In the northeast: montane and lowland forests in Kuba and Kusari districts (Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Forests of Murovdag Ridge (e.g. Geigel Reserve and Indjachai Valley), Shahdag Ridge (Kedabek, Shamkhorchai and Tauz-chai valleys), towns of Stepanakert and Shusha (Nagorno-Karabakh Region) and other parts of Karabakh Ridge, and mountains of Kubatli and Zangelan districts (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990; MP). NAKHICHEVAN: No information, but probably occurs in Aras Valley. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Girkan Reserve, Ulasi Ridge, Zuvand Upland and elsewhere (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965; MP).

BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains, Turianchai Valley, and nearby settlements, e.g. Agdash and Turianchai (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Settlements of Shirvan and Mil steppes, and Kura Valley from Barda west to Shamkhor, Akstafa and Karayasi Forest; also in Gandja (Mustafaev, 1968a, 1971a, 1973b; Gambarov, 1975; MP), and Aras Valley in Kubatli and Zangelan districts including Basutchai Reserve (Satunin, 1907; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Common in southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland, but uncommon in Sara Peninsula (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Khachmas District including Samur Delta and the town of Khachmas (Drozdov, 1965; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Established in Baku in the late 1970s. In the late 1980s-early 1990s, occurred throughout parks and tree plantations in Baku and Absheron Peninsula (Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989; MP). Winter: The majority descend from mountains to valleys and lowlands. GREATER CAUCASUS: Small numbers remain near the upper forest limit, e.g. in Kulunsu Gorge and Mount Alibek, Zakatali District (Gambarov, 1954). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Throughout the mountains (Mustafaev, 1968b; Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968). BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains and Turianchai Valley (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Kura Valley, e.g. from Karayasi Forest and Mingechaur District to Kurdamir, and Mil Steppe, e.g. at Lake Aggel (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1975; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan, Lenkoran Lowland, Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula (Satunin, 1912b; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Parks and orchards throughout the peninsula (Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989; MP), but also recorded in Shah Spit (Bannikova et al., 1984). HABITAT: Tugai, broad-leaved forests and woodlots, forest edge, shrub thickets, orchards, parks, tree plantations, roadside treebelts and backyards in lowlands, foothills and mountains up to 1,0001,500 m, although sometimes up to the tree limit (Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Mustafaeva, 1964, 1966; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1972; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

MOVEMENT: Spring: In the late 19th century-early 20th century, Blackbirds descended from montane forests to lowlands in winter returning back to mountains by March 17th (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). Fall: Mid October through mid November. COASTAL: In Absheron Peninsula, numbers increase from mid November due to influx from elsewhere (Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989; MP). In the 1940s (i.e. before a resident population established in the peninsula), arrived at Absheron from late October (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). INTERIOR: Arrives in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains from mid October (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Probably c. 100,000 pairs. Winter: Unknown. In early 1960s, 1.3/km in tugai, and 0.3/km in wetlands in Zardob and Kurdamir districts (Zlotin, 1963), and 190/km2 in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). BREEDING: Early nester. Sings in Baku from February 12th, although mostly from late February to late April (MP). In Kura Valley and Lenkoran Lowland singing starts in March (Satunin, 1907; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938), but in Sara Peninsula earliest song recorded only on March 31st (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). In settlements of Shirvan Steppe pairs from 10-15 March (Mustafaev, 1971a), but in Zakatali Reserve from 24-30 March (Mustafaeva, 1964). In Baku a female with nesting material on April 22nd (MP). Nest-building takes 3-6 days (av. 4 days). In Zakatali District nests (n=140) in plum, medlar, beech, hornbeam, hazelnut, blackberry, hawthorn, maple and date-plum often entwined with Chondrilla or blackberry vines; 86% of nests 0.2-3m above the ground (average 2.2 m) and 14% as high as 3-10 m (Mustafaeva, 1964, 1965b, 1966). In Shirvan Steppe nests are higher in settlements (1-6.5 m, av. 2.2 m), and lower (0.4-2.5 m, av. 1.3 m) in other habitats (Mustafaev, 1971a); 0.6-1.9 m (av. 1.0 m) in the northeastern Azerbaijan (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). Nests built of moss, ferns, grass, leaves, twigs, rootlets and mud, manure or lime, and lined with feathers, horse and cattle hair and sheep wool. Average nest mea-

surements: diameter 150 mm, nest-cup diameter 84 mm, depth 50 mm (Mustafaeva, 1964, 1965b, 1966). Two clutches/year. In Zakatali District first clutch is laid in early April and second in late May; 3-5 eggs (av. 3.6; n=290)/clutch. In the northeast, first clutch contains 3-5 eggs (usually 5) and the second only 3-4. Eggs measurements (n=278): 26.5-34.6 x 20.0-23.5 mm (av. 29.2 x 21.3), weight 6-9 g, av. 7.4 g (Mustafaeva, 1964, 1965b; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). Incubation lasts 12-15 days, av. 13 days (Mustafaeva, 1964). A newly-hatched nestling weighs 5.0 g. The young remain in nests 12-13 days in Zakatali District (Mustafaeva, 1964) or up to 15 days in settlements of Shirvan Steppe (Mustafaev, 1971a). Both adults feed the young on average 69 times/day (Mustafaeva, 1964). In the vicinity of Kusari nests contained young of the first brood in early June, and of the second brood in early July (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). In Zakatali District nestling mortality was c. 9.2% (Mustafaeva, 1964), but in Kurdamir District (Shirvan Steppe) 36% of chicks fledged in settlements and 63% in other habitats (Mustafaev, 1971a). On 10 June 1989 Karayasi Forest was full of broods (MP). A fledgling collected in Sara Peninsula on 1 July 1958 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), and newly fledged young of the second brood observed in mountains above Djandakhar in upper Girdimanchai Valley, Greater Caucasus on 29 July 1939 (Gambarov, 1954). DIET: Invertebrates found in 76% of examined stomachs, and fruit and other plant matter in 47%. Recorded invertebrates included snails, small crustaceans, millipedes and insects (e.g. grasshoppers, bugs, moths, butterflies, earwigs, ants and beetles), and plants: mulberry, medlar, grape, date-plum, pear, hawthorn, blackberry, wild rose, plum and bird-cherry (Mustafaeva, 1964, 1966). In Turianchai Bosdag Mountains, feeds on juniper berries (3 species) and pomegranate (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Fruits and other plant matter mostly consumed in autumn (Mustafaeva, 1964). MORTALITY: Often killed on highways and rural roads (Alekperov & Mustafaev, 1971). Traditionally hunted for food in Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; MP).

294. Redwing - Turdus iliacus Linnaeus, 1766 STATUS: Uncommon migrant and wintering species. Subspecies T. i. iliacus Linnaeus, 1766. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: TALISH MOUNTAINS: Common near Gosmalian, Amurdara and Makhlababad in late January-early February 1969 (Agaeva, 1969). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Kura Valley (Satunin, 1907). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Small numbers in Kizil Agach Reserve, Lenkoran Lowland and southern Mugan (Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Tugarinov, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: One collected in orchard in Mashtaga, Absheron Peninsula on 2 January 1939 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Leaves Kizil Agach Reserve by mid April (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). In the 19th century observed in Lenkoran Lowland, Talish Mountains and near Gandja as late as May (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). Fall passage: Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve, Mugan and Absheron Peninsula from early November (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; MP). MORTALITY: Many perish during snowstorms (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907).

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248 The Birds of Azerbaijan 295. Song Thrush - Turdus philomelos C. L. Brehm, 1831 and orchards in villages and towns (Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Mustafaev, 1968b, 1972; Gambarov, 1975).

STATUS: Common nesting species, migrant and wintering species. Subspecies T. p. philomelos C. L. Brehm, 1831. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali and Belokani districts, the vicinity of Laza (Kutkashen District), upper Girdimanchai Valley (e.g. near Djandakhar) and Ismailly Reserve, Ismailly District (Gambarov, 1954; Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaeva, 1965b; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990); also in Shemakha Upland including Tchanut Gorge and Mount Pirgulu (Patrikeev, 1991d). LESSER CAUCASUS: Observed only at Lake Geigel, Murovdag Ridge (Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990), but probably widely distributed throughout forested habitats. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Girkan Reserve and Ulasi Range (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev, 1968a; Gasanov, 1990). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Alazani and Kura valleys, e.g. in Karayasi Forest (Gambarov, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Small numbers in Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1965). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Uncommon (Satunin, 1907; MP). Winter: GREATER CAUCASUS: Good numbers winter in Tsilbanchai Gorge, Zakatali District (Gambarov, 1954). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Montane forests (Mustafaev, 1968b). BOSDAG: Rare in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains in January (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). K URA -A RAS L OWLAND : Kura Valley, e.g. very common in Mingechaur and Shamkhor districts (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1975). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland (Satunin, 1912b; Mustafaev, 1972). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Absheron Peninsula including Baku and Shah Spit, mostly in cold winters (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Broad-leaved forests, tugai, roadside treebelts, orchards, parks, backyards in lowlands and mountains up to 1,700-1,800 m (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaeva, 1966; Mustafaev, 1969a). WINTER: Woodlots, shrub thickets, overgrown clearings, montane forests, parks

MOVEMENT: Undertakes vertical movements in the mountains. Spring passage: March through early April. COASTAL: Passes through Sara Peninsula between March 20th and April 5th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). On 4 April 1991 a flock of 15-20 on Mount Beuk-Dush, eastern Gobustan Upland (MP). INTERIOR: Mostly leaves Kura Valley in March (Satunin, 1907); recorded on Mount Alibek (Zakatali District) after March 14th (Gambarov, 1954). Fall passage: C OASTAL : Recorded in Sara Peninsula (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Arrives in mid Kura Valley in October (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No information. Winter: 5/km in juniper woodlands of Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on 13 March 1962 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). BREEDING: Sings from mid February in Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884). In Zakatali District nesting season lasts from mid March through mid July, e.g. nest-building on Mount Alibek from early April; nests (n=132) in hornbeam, medlar, hazelnut, wild plum, elm, other trees and shrubs sometimes thorny or entwined with Chondrilla or blackberry (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaeva, 1965b, 1966). In Tchanut Gorge (Shemakha Upland) nests in young yews (Patrikeev, 1991d). The majority of nests (74%) at 1-4 m (av. 3 m) above the ground, 17% at 4-10 m, and 9% at only 0.7-1 m (Mustafaeva, 1965b). Nests in settlements often built at greater heights than elsewhere (Mustafaev, 1971a). Nest material includes moss, dry grass, leaves, twigs and rootlets. Average nest measurements: diameter 139 mm, diameter of nest-cup 83 mm, depth 53 mm; weight 98.5 g (Mustafaeva, 1965b). Two clutches a year (3-5 eggs/clutch; av. 4.1). Incubation lasts 14 days and only female incubates. A newly-hatched chick weighs 4.4 g. Both adults feed the young (av. 54 times/day). In Zakatali District nestling mortality was c. 12.5% (Mustafaeva, 1966), but as high as 49-54% in Shirvan Steppe and the northeast (Mustafaev, 1971a). DIET: Mostly invertebrates, but also berries and fruits (especially in autumn): bird-cherry, blackberry, cornelian cherry, grape, hawthorn, medlar, mulberry, pear, wild plum and wild rose (Mustafaeva, 1966). MORTALITY: One found dead in oil in Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

296. Mistle Thrush - Turdus viscivorus Linnaeus, 1758 HABITAT: NESTING: Broad-leaved (mostly beech-hornbeam and beech-chestnut) forests at 700-2,200 m, but sometimes up to 3,000 m, e.g. on Mount Guton, Zakatali Reserve (Mustafaeva, 1966; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). WINTER: Broad-leaved forests, thickets of wild rose and juniper woodlands in the mountains, woodlots and overgrown clearings in lowlands (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Mustafaev, 1968b, 1972; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

STATUS: Common resident, migrant and wintering species. Subspecies T. v. viscivorus Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Breeding population is confined to montane forests. GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali Reserve, Tsilbanchai Gorge near Zakatali, Ilisu Reserve (Kah District), Kutkashen and Ismailly districts including Ismailly Reserve; Mount Pirgulu and the vicinity of Alti-Agach in Shemakha Upland (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaeva, 1966; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990; Patrikeev, 1991d). LESSER CAUCASUS: Karabakh Ridge, e.g. north of Shusha, and probably montane forests elsewhere. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Montane forests of Talish Mountains (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1911; Gasanov, 1990). Winter: GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali District (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Small numbers winter in Talish Mountains (Mustafaev, 1968b). BOSDAG: Very common in juniper woodlands of Turianchai Bosdag Mountains in fall and winter (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Rare in the vicinity of Mingechaur and elsewhere in Kura Valley (e.g. Karayasi Forest) where probably descends after heavy snowstorms in the mountains (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1975). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Sara Peninsula, Kizil Agach Reserve (e.g. near Burunki) and elsewhere in Lenkoran Lowland (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1968b, 1972).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: A female collected near Lenkoran on March 7th (Radde, 1884). Leaves Sara Peninsula by April 6th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Recorded in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). Fall passage: Late October through November. COASTAL: Arrives at Sara Peninsula between October 31st and November 12th (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938). INTERIOR: Recorded in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains after October 9th, but in numbers after November 14th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No information. Winter: Outnumbers other wintering thrushes in juniper woodlands of Turianchai Bosdag Mountains: up to 340/km2 in the early 1960s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Flocks of 69 in Zakatali Reserve (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985), and of up to 10 in Sara Peninsula (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938). BREEDING: Pairs on Mount Alibek (Zakatali District) from March 19th and nests from April 2nd (Gambarov, 1954); breeding season lasts into early July (Mustafaeva, 1965a, 1966). In Zakatali District, nests (n=18) built in hornbeam (39%), pear, elm and beech 3.4-11.8 m above the ground (average 6 m). Avoids thorny bushes and vines. Average nest measurements: diameter 126 mm, diameter of nest-cup 93 mm, depth 55 mm; weight 123 g (Mustafaeva, 1965b, 1966). Two clutches a year (usually 4 eggs). Incubation by female alone (14 days), but both adults feed the young (28 times/day on average). The young remain in the nest 14 days. In Zakatali Reserve nestling mortality was c. 27% (Mustafaeva, 1966). On Mount Alibek (Zakatali District) fledglings after June 11th, and in Tsilbanchai Gorge on July 28th (Gambarov, 1954). When young are on the wing, broods move to the upper forest limits (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). DIET: Mostly invertebrates, but also fruit (especially in fall), e.g. grape, date-plums, pear, Chondrilla, juniper and Russian olive (Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Mustafaeva, 1966).

FAMILY SYLVIIDAE - WARBLERS (OLD WORLD WARBLERS) REMARK on CETTIA, LOCUSTELLA, LUSCINIOLA, ACROCEPHALUS and HIPPOLAIS Warblers belonging to these five genera are poorly understood in Azerbaijan and their ranges remain largely unknown. Difficulties with field identification and dull plumage are probably

responsible for a lack of interest in this group and inadequate literature record. A thorough study of these genera may reveal species previously unknown in this country.

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250 The Birds of Azerbaijan 297. Cetti’s Warbler - Cettia cetti Temminck, 1820 Kizil Agach Reserve and southern Mugan (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Blumental, 1969; Mustafaev, 1972). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Rare in Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1990b). Probably absent from the delta in winter (MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Has nested in Zuvand Upland (Bogdanov, 1879). HABITAT: NESTING: Dense reedbeds in marshes, other wetlands and fishponds (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Butiev et al., 1990b; MP). Possibly also in hedgerows, e.g. in Zuvand Upland (Bogdanov, 1879). WINTER: Reedbeds and flooded woodlots (Mustafaev, 1972; MP). MOVEMENT: Migrants recorded in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). STATUS: Uncommon resident. Populations in the north of the country are probably migratory. Subspecies C. c. orientalis Tristram, 1867. DISTRIBUTION: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Uncommon to common in wetlands of mid Kura (e.g. Zardob, Udjari and Kurdamir Districts) and at Lake Aggel, Mil Steppe (Zlotin, 1963; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Common in Lenkoran Lowland, e.g. the vicinity of Lenkoran and in Astara District, rare in the south of

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Uncommon to common locally. No estimate. Winter: 3.25/km in wetlands on mid Kura in January 1961 (Zlotin, 1963). BREEDING: Menetries reported nesting in hedgerows of Zuvand Upland (Bogdanov, 1879). No other information.

298. Western Grasshopper Warbler - Locustella naevia Boddaert, 1783 STATUS: Insufficiently known. Probably uncommon migrant and possibly nesting species. Subspecies L. n. naevia Boddaert, 1783.

SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Rare at fishponds in Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1990b).

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Recorded singing males might have been migrants. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Singing in thickets along Shirvan Drainage Channel and coastal reeds of Lake Kichik-Shorgel (southeastern Shirvan) on 25 April 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a) and in dense reeds in Sara Peninsula on 3 June 1880 (Radde, 1884).

HABITAT: Thickets and reeds along channels, wetlands and fishponds (Radde, 1884; Butiev et al., 1990b; Patrikeev, 1991a). MOVEMENT: Late migrant probably overlooked on migration.

299. River Warbler - Locustella fluviatilis Wolf, 1810 STATUS: Rare migrant (possibly overlooked). Monotypic. HABITAT: Reedbeds in wetlands and at fishponds (Radde, 1884; Butiev et al., 1990b).

DISTRIBUTION (MOVEMENT): In the 19th century 2 collected at Avchal Marsh (Kura Valley) on May 9th and August 8th respectively (Radde, 1884). No other sightings until the 1980s when recorded at fishponds in Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1990b).

300. Savi’s Warbler - Locustella luscinoides Savi, 1824 STATUS: Accidental visitor. Possibly subspecies L. l. sarmatica Kazakov, 1973.

REMARKS: Rarely occurs in Azerbaijan during migration (Mustafaev et al., 1977).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

301. Moustached Warbler - Lusciniola melanopogon Temminck, 1823 STATUS: Uncommon nesting and common wintering species. Resident in part. Subspecies L. m. mimica Madarasz, 1903.

HABITAT: Reedbeds in marshes and lakes (Radde, 1884; Zlotin, 1963).

DISTRIBUTION: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Common resident in Zardob and Kurdamir districts, mid Kura (Zlotin, 1963). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland, southern Kizil Agach Reserve and southern Mugan, e.g. at Mahmud-chala (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Common at fishponds in Samur (Butiev et al., 1990b), but probably absent in the winter.

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: A female collected in Lenkoran Lowland on 18 May 1882 (Radde, 1884). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. Winter: 7.1/km in wetlands of Zardob and Kurdamir districts (mid Kura) in January 1961, (Zlotin, 1963). BREEDING: No information.

302. Sedge Warbler - Acrocephalus shoenobaenus Linnaeus, 1758 1965a), south of Lenkoran District, Astara District (e.g. near Vel) and southern Mugan, e.g. at Lake Mahmud-chala and the vicinity of Archivan (Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Patrikeev, 1991c). HABITAT: NESTING: Stands of reeds and rushes in shallow lakes and marshes (Patrikeev, 1991c). MIGRATION: Observed in wetlands and orchards (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid April through May. COASTAL: Earliest records in Lenkoran District on April 12th, in southern Mugan on April 23rd, and in Kizil Agach Reserve on May 12th. Passes through the reserve in May (Satunin, 1907; Tugarinov, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Collected in Absheron Peninsula near Ziria on May 20th, and near Pirkishkul (Sumgait-chai Valley) on 24 May 1946 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). STATUS: Uncommon nesting species and migrant. Monotypic. POPULATION SIZE and BREEDING: No information. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kalinovsky Liman of Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya,

303. Marsh Warbler - Acrocephalus palustris Bechstein, 1798 STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Rare in mountains of Zakatali and Belokani districts, but common near Ilisu (Kah District), in Shemakha Upland (e.g. near Alti-Agach) and mountains of Kuba District (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Old records from Mingechaur District (Satunin, 1907). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Old records from southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Valley and delta (Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965; Butiev et al., 1990b). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Singing male in Mashtaga, Absheron Peninsula in June 1991 (MP).

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252 The Birds of Azerbaijan HABITAT: NESTING: In mountains: meadows, grassy forest openings and streamside grass thickets in the upper forest and lower sub-alpine zones (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Cereal fields and reeds in Samur Valley and delta (Satunin, 1907; Butiev et al., 1990b). The latter habitat is usually associated with Reed Warbler and not Marsh Warbler (MP).

May 12th (Gambarov, 1954). Recorded in Mingechaur District on May 10th, and the vicinity of Kurdamir (Shirvan Steppe) on May 19th (Satunin, 1907). Fall passage: COASTAL: One collected in Baku on 19 September 1960 (Gambarov, 1960). POPULATION SIZE: No information.

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late April through mid May. COASTAL: Recorded in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). INTERIOR: Arrives at breeding grounds in mountains of Zakatali District from late April (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Observed in mountains near Alti-Agach (Shemakha Upland) on

BREEDING: In Zakatali District, nests found in dense grass 1530 cm above the ground. Fresh clutches from early June (usually 4 eggs/clutch). Average egg measurements: 18.5 x 13.5 mm, weight 1.9 g. Incubation lasts 12 days (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

304. Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus scirpaceus Hermann, 1804 STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA -ARAS LOWLAND: Aggel and Sarisu, Mil Steppe and probably other wetlands of mid Kura (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southeastern Shirvan: Shorgel Lakes, alongside channels and ditches crossing Shirvan Reserve, and the vicinity of Kursangi (Patrikeev, 1991a). Also in southern Mugan, e.g. at Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala (Satunin, 1912b; Patrikeev, 1991c; MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: A singing male immediately north of Baku in June 1991 (MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman and Samur Delta (MP).

HABITAT: NESTING: Extensive reedbeds and isolated reed stands in wetlands and lakes of various sizes; also reeds bordering irrigation channels and ditches (MP). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Heard at lakes of southeastern Shirvan from late April (Patrikeev, 1991a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. Very common at Shorgel Lakes in 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a). BREEDING: In southeastern Shirvan, singing from late April through June. Eurasian Cuckoos frequenting reedbeds of Shorgel Lakes may indicate nest parasitism on Reed Warbler (Patrikeev, 1991a).

305. Great Reed Warbler - Acrocephalus arundinaceus Linnaeus, 1758

STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant, rare wintering species. Subspecies A. a. arundinaceus Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Karasy and Shilian marshes, lakes Aggel, Bos-Koba, Sarisu and Djandargel, mouth of Iori, Varvara Reservoir; other wetlands in Shemakha, Zardob, Kurdamir, Udjari, Barda, Shamkhor and Akstafa districts (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1975; MP).

SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland, Kizil Agach Reserve, southern Mugan (e.g. Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala), Kura Delta, Shorgel Lakes and coastal lagoons north to Cape Pirsagat (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Patrikeev, 1991a, c). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: Absent from Absheron Peninsula in the 1950s (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958), but singing males recorded in a suburb of Baku in May-June 1991 (MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman and Samur Delta (Satunin, 1907; Butiev et al., 1990b). GREAT CAUCASUS: Observed at a small lake near Nidz, Kutkashen District (Gambarov, 1954). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Two winter records from Kizil Agach Reserve: a female collected on 30 January 1950, and another specimen obtained from Kalinovsky Liman on 17 January 1959 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). HABITAT: NESTING: Reedbeds and smaller reed patches at lakes and marshes of various sizes; also reeds bordering irrigation channels (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Patrikeev, 1991a, c). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid April through mid May.

The Birds of Azerbaijan

COASTAL: As early as April 15th at Lake Kichik-Shorgel, southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a). In Lenkoran Lowland first specimen collected on April 21st and conspicuous passage recorded a week later (Radde, 1884); from early May in Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). On 20 May 1956 several collected at Ziria, Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Common in Samur Delta in May (Butiev et al., 1990a, b). Fall passage: COASTAL: Recorded near Buzovna, Absheron Peninsula on 13 October 1946 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958).

POPULATION SIZE: No estimate. Very common locally, e.g. in Kizil Agach Reserve and Shorgel Lakes. At the latter, singing males 20-30 m apart (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Patrikeev, 1991a). BREEDING: In southeastern Shirvan singing from mid April (Patrikeev, 1991a). Vocally active in Kizil Agach Reserve in May-June. Two nests in the reserve on May 14th: one recently completed and another with 1 egg (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

306. Icterine Warbler - Hippolais icterina Vieillot, 1817 STATUS: Accidental visitor (might have nested in the past). No recent records. Monotypic.

woods near Butasar, Lenkoran Lowland (Satunin, 1907, 1911). Might have been migrants. No other records.

DISTRIBUTION (former): SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Many singing males reported from Lenkoran-chai Gorge near Rua and

HABITAT: Reportedly alders in ravines and gorges; also woods (Satunin, 1907, 1911).

307. Booted Warbler - Hippolais caligata Lichtenstein, 1823 STATUS: Common migrant. Subspecies H. c. caligata Lichtenstein, 1823. HABITAT: MIGRATION: Bushes in coastal areas and semi-desert, but also in reeds (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Butiev et al., 1990a, b). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early April though early June. COASTAL: As early as April 7th in Lenkoran Lowland, but not conspicuous until May; latest record in the lowland on June 2nd (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). From late April-early May in Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1990a, b); also in May in Saliani District and the vicinity of Cape Pirsagat (Satunin, 1907; MP).

Fall passage: August through mid October. COASTAL: Rare to uncommon in Samur Delta in August-early October (Butiev et al., 1990a); in Kizil Agach Reserve in mid October (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938). POPULATION SIZE: Passage: SPRING: In Samur Delta, combined number of Booted and Olivaceous Warblers in mid May ranged from a low of 1 to a high of 80/km2 (Butiev et al., 1990a, b). FALL: 1-4 Booted/Olivaceous Warblers daily in Samur Delta in 1988 (Butiev et al., 1990a).

308. Olivaceous Warbler - Hippolais pallida Hemprich et Ehrenberg, 1833

STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Subspecies H. p. elaeica Lindermayer, 1843.

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Lower parts and foothills in Agsu, Sheki, Kutkashen (e.g. near Gadjali) and Kuba districts (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1969a). LESSER CAUCASUS: Terter Valley up to lower parts of Karabakh Ridge (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). Probably at lower elevations elsewhere. NAKHICHEVAN: Aras Valley within the region (Satunin, 1907). BOSDAG: Eastern part of Turianchai Reserve (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Aras Valley in Zangelan District (Satunin, 1907) and the mouth of Iori (Gambarov, 1975). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland, southern Mugan and southeastern Shirvan north to Cape Pirsagat (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b; MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Vicinity of Nizovaya and Naradjan (Khachmas District) and Samur Delta (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1969a; Butiev et al., 1990b). ABSHERON AND G OBUSTAN: Collected in villages Ziria and Zagulba in late May 1953 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958).

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254 The Birds of Azerbaijan Common on eastern slope of Mount Beuk-Dush, Gobustan Upland (MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Thickets and scattered bushes of Russian olive, tamarisk and blackberry, often near water; also in orchards (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1975; Lebedeva, 1991; MP). Up to 1,075 m in Armenia (Dahl, 1954). MIGRATION: Thickets, semi-desert and reeds (Butiev et al., 1990a, b). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late April through early June. COASTAL: From late April in southeastern Shirvan and Samur Delta; conspicuous passage in the delta in mid May (Butiev et al., 1990a; MP). In Lenkoran Lowland collected as late as May 29th-June 1st (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). Fall passage: August through early October. COASTAL: A few in Samur Delta between August 13th and October 7th (Butiev et al., 1990a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. In Dagestani part of Samur Delta, 17-108 pairs/km2 (Lebedeva, 1991).

Passage: SPRING: In Samur Delta, combined number of Booted and Olivaceous Warblers in mid May ranged from a low of 1 to a high of 80/km2 (Butiev et al., 1990a, b). FALL: 1-4 Booted/Olivaceous Warblers daily in Samur Delta in 1988 (Butiev et al., 1990a). BREEDING: Sings in Samur Delta from mid May (Butiev et al., 1990a). Nests in loose colonies of 2-5 pairs, but each pair occupies and defends a territory of c. 0.14 ha. On territories from the end of May. Nest building from 27-28 May (completed in 2-3 days by female only). Of 13 examined nests 12 were in tamarisk 0.55-1.30 m above the ground, and 1 in a wormwood clump at 0.45 m. Nests made of dry twigs, straw, pieces of bark, plant down and insect cocoons, lined mostly with down. Nest measurements: diameter 66-78 mm, height 55-75 mm, nest-cup depth 38-51 mm. Eggs laid from 1-11 June, 3-5 eggs/clutch. Incubation lasts 12 days, mostly by female (Lebedeva, 1991). A nest with 5 eggs near Naradjan (Khachmas District) on 25 May 1959 (Mustafaev, 1969a). Eggs hatch from mid June (Lebedeva, 1991).

309. Upcher’s Warbler - Hippolais languida Hemprich et Ehrenberg, 1833 STATUS: Uncommon (?) nesting species and migrant restricted to the southwest. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Poorly understood. Summer: NAKHICHEVAN: Aras Valley within the region (Stepanian, 1990), e.g. on or near Ilandag (Shelton, 2001). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Aras Valley in southwestern Azerbaijan (Stepanian, 1990).

SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: A pair observed at fishpond in Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1990b) was probably lost or perhaps misidentified. HABITAT: Semi-deserts of Aras Valley (Stepanian, 1990). No other information. Up to 1,850 m in Armenia (Dahl, 1954).

310. Barred Warbler - Sylvia nisoria Bechstein, 1795 STATUS: Uncommon nesting species and migrant. Subspecies S. n. nisoria Bechstein, 1795.

KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Recorded in Kura Valley in late April (Satunin, 1907).

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Range very patchy or not well known. No recent records. GREATER CAUCASUS: An immature male collected in foothills of Zakatali District on August 27th (Gambarov, 1954). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Recorded in the vicinity of Gandja (Karasahkal) and Karayasi Forest (Akstafa District) in late May (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland (e.g. near Vel), and possibly in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1907, 1912b).

POPULATION SIZE: No information.

HABITAT: NESTING: Forest edge and bush thickets (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid April through May. COASTAL: In Lenkoran Lowland from mid April (Radde, 1884). A male in semi-desert south of Cape Pirsagat on 19 May 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). Conspicuous passage in Samur Delta in May (Butiev et al., 1990a). Also in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b).

BREEDING: A nest with 3 fresh eggs in the vicinity Lenkoran on May 24th. The nest was built of stems and rootlets, and lined with soft rootlets and hair (Radde, 1884).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

311. Orphean Warbler - Sylvia hortensis Gmelin, 1789 STATUS: Insufficiently known. Probably a rare nesting species and migrant. Subspecies S. h. crassirostris Cretzschmar, 1826.

LOWLANDS: Observed in lowlands of Azerbaijan (Satunin, 1911; Loskot, pers. comm.).

DISTRIBUTION: virtually unknown. Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Nested in lower forest zone, e.g. in Agsu (Satunin, 1907). No recent records.

MOVEMENT: Recorded in southern Mugan in the past (Satunin, 1912b).

312. Blackcap - Sylvia atricapilla Linnaeus, 1758 occur in mid Kura. Also near Begmanlu (Djabrail District) in Aras Valley (Satunin, 1907). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan, Lenkoran Lowland and in the south of Kizil Agach Reserve between Avarinyi Channel and Narimanabad (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Mustafaev & Gazanchian, 1967). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Khachmas District (Satunin, 1907; MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Thickets of blackberry, pomegranate and hawthorn, tugai, woodlots, treebelts, gardens and orchards in lowlands and foothills (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Mustafaev, 1969a; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Subspecies S. a. dammholzi Stresemann, 1928 nests in Azerbaijan, and S. a. atricapilla Linnaeus 1758 occurs during migration. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland and adjacent foothills from Zakatali to Ismailly and Kuba; also in Shemakha Upland, e.g. near Kirovka, Astrakhanovka and Agsu (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990). LESSER CAUCASUS: Vicinity of Lake Geigel, Murovdag Ridge (Gasanov, 1990) and probably elsewhere. BOSDAG Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: From Karayasi Forest and Akstafa-chai Valley through Shamkhor District (Gambarov, 1975; MP). May

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late March through early May. COASTAL: In Lenkoran Lowland from March 31 (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907) and conspicuous passage in Kizil Agach Reserve 11-12 April (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Observed in Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). One collected in Yasamal Valley, Absheron Peninsula on 28 April 1954 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). INTERIOR: Arrives in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains 3-10 May (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Fall passage: COASTAL: Recorded near Lenkoran 13-15 September (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). POPULATION SIZE: No information. BREEDING: Singing in Astrakhanovka (Shemakha Upland) on May 19th (Satunin, 1907). Nests earlier in lowlands of Shamkhor District: a nest with 5 incubated eggs on May 8th, and another with 4 newly hatched chicks on May 13th (Gambarov, 1975).

313. Garden Warbler - Sylvia borin Boddaert, 1783 STATUS: Rare migrant; possibly nests in the northeast. Subspecies S. b. borin Boddaert, 1783.

MIGRATION: Blackberry thickets (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938).

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta (Drozdov, 1965). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Possibly nested in Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Collected in Absheron Peninsula on 14 May 1952, 20 and 24 May 1956 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Fall passage: COASTAL: One taken in Sara Peninsula on October 28th (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938).

HABITAT: Summer: Lowland broad-leaved forest (Drozdov, 1965).

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256 The Birds of Azerbaijan 314. Lesser Whitethroat - Sylvia curruca Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Uncommon nesting species and migrant. Subspecies S. c. caucasica Ognev et Bankovski, 1910. Some authors (e.g. Stepanian, 1990) consider S. c. caucasica a subspecies of Hume’s Lesser Whitethroat: Sylvia althaea, e.g. S. althaea caucasica. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Distribution poorly known. Recent records are scarce. GREATER CAUCASUS: Kuba District (Satunin, 1907) and Shemakha Upland, e.g. in the vicinity of Kirovka (Gambarov, 1954). LESSER CAUCASUS: Foothills of Murovdag Ridge (Satunin, 1907). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Lerik District (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Kura Valley in Shamkhor District (Gambarov, 1975). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907).

HABITAT: NESTING: Bush thickets, tugai and woodlots in lowlands and low mountains up to 1,500 m (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954, 1975). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early April through mid May. COASTAL: Earliest records in Lenkoran Lowland and Kizil Agach Reserve 3-14 April, latest 9-15 May (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Tugarinov, 1950). Conspicuous passage in Samur Delta in May (Butiev et al., 1990a). Fall passage: COASTAL: Several collected in Sara Peninsula on 28 September 1953 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Observed in Kuba District in mid September (Shelton, 2001). POPULATION SIZE: No information.

315. Common Whitethroat - Sylvia communis Latham, 1787 ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: North of Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). HABITAT: NESTING: Bush thickets, forest edge, tugai forests, orchards, young tree plantations and other man-made habitats in lowlands and foothills; up to 1,800 m in Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev, 1973b).

STATUS: Common nesting species and uncommon migrant. Subspecies S. c. icterops Menetries, 1832 nests in Azerbaijan and S. c. communis Latham, 1787 occurs during migration. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Foothills in Zakatali, Belokani and Sheki districts, the vicinity of Lagich (Ismailly District) and Shemakha Upland (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). TALISH MOUNTAINS: The vicinity of Lerik, and Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Karayasi Forest (Akstafa District), Akstafa-chai Valley, Kura Valley in Shamkhor District (Gambarov, 1975; MP). Common in Gandja and the vicinity (Mustafaev, 1973b). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b), Sara Peninsula (Mustafaev & Gazanchian, 1967) and Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). A pair observed south of Cape Pirsagat on 7 May 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a) were probably migrants. SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: No records, but probably present.

MOVEMENT: is inconspicuous (probably overlooked). Spring passage: Late April-May. COASTAL: Collected in Lenkoran Lowland on April 22nd (Radde, 1884) and observed on Mount Beuk-Dash (Gobustan Upland) on 4 May 1991 (MP). Conspicuous passage in Samur Delta in May (Butiev et al., 1990a). Fall passage: One collected in Sara Peninsula on 8 September 1959 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Unknown. Only 2-3 pairs in Sara Peninsula in 1964 (Mustafaev & Gazanchian, 1967). BREEDING: A nest with 5 eggs in a saltwort in Shamkhor District as early as May 13th (Gambarov, 1975). On June 2nd, 2 nests near Lerik, Talish Mountains. Also in early June, a male with enlarged gonads collected in Sara Peninsula (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Tugarinov, 1950). Often nests close to settlements and roads (Mustafaev, 1969a).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

316. Menetries’ Warbler - Sylvia mystacea Menetries, 1832 Delta earliest record on April 6th in 1985, but not until April 20th in 1988. Conspicuous passage as early as April 13th. Latest sightings 9-23 May (Butiev et al., 1990a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: In the vicinity of Kurdamir (Shirvan Steppe), at the confluence of Kura and Aras, and in Mugan from late March (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1960c). Fall passage: August to late October. COASTAL: Rare in Samur Delta in August (Butiev et al., 1990a). Latest sightings in Kizil Agach Reserve 18-25 September, but one collected in Sara Peninsula on October 28th (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Leaves Kurdamir District (Shirvan Steppe) by late October (Mustafaev, 1960c).

STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Subspecies S. m. mystacea Menetries, 1832 described from Kura Valley near Saliani, Azerbaijan. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Mostly in Kura Valley and Caspian Lowland. GREAT CAUCASUS: Turianchai Valley north to Gadjali, Kutkashen District (Gambarov, 1954). BOSDAG: Small numbers in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Kura Valley from Shamkhor-chai to Saliani. Very common in Shirvan, Mil and Mugan steppes, vicinities of Mingechaur and Khaladz (Bogdanov, 1879; Satunin, 1912b; Mustafaev, 1960c, 1969; MP). Probably also in Aras Valley. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southeastern Shirvan north to Cape Pirsagat (Satunin, 1907; Patrikeev, 1991a), southern Mugan, Lenkoran Lowland and Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Vinogradov et al., 1990). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Kuba and Khachmas districts including Samur Delta (Satunin, 1907; Butiev et al., 1990a). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Western and central parts of Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). HABITAT: NESTING: Saltwort-tamarisk semi-desert, bush thickets (blackberry and tamarisk), orchards, young tree plantations and roadside treebelts (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1960c, 1969; Gambarov, 1975; Patrikeev, 1991a). MIGRATION: Edges of bush thickets (Butiev et al., 1990a). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late March to late May. COASTAL: Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve between March 27th and April 7th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), and to southeastern Shirvan from mid April (Patrikeev, 1991a). In Samur

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Outnumbers other Sylvia, but no estimate. Up to 30 nests/km2 in a two-year-old mulberry plantation near Dagirmanli, Kurdamir District (Mustafaev, 1960c). Only several pairs in Samur Delta (Butiev et al., 1990a). Passage: SPRING: In Samur Delta, 5-8/day during 22-23 April 1988, but up to 6.5-22/km2 in 1989 (Butiev et al., 1990a). BREEDING: Singing in Kelagoini (northern Mugan) as early as March 24th (Satunin, 1907); from mid April in southeastern Shirvan. Singing male usually remains well-hidden (MP). In Shirvan Steppe, nests in young trees (mulberry, pomegranate, plum and Ailanthus) usually 0.2-0.8 m (av. 0.5 m) above the ground, but as high as 1.2-1.5 m near settlements (Mustafaev, 1960c; 1969, 1971a). In southeastern Shirvan, nests in wormwood and saltwort at 0.20.8 m (Patrikeev, 1991a). Nest measurements: diameter 6-7 x 7-9 cm, nest-cup 4.5-5 cm, height 4-5 cm (Mustafaev, 1960c). Nesting season in Kurdamir District (Shirvan Steppe) from late April through mid July. Two clutches/year, 4-6 eggs (Mustafaev, 1960c). Perhaps only 1 clutch/year in southeastern Shirvan (MP). At Lake Kichik-Shorgel a newly built nest found on April 27th contained 6 eggs by May 8th (Patrikeev, 1991a). In Kizil Agach Reserve completed clutches from early May (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Vinogradov et al., 1990). The young hatch within 2-3 days, perhaps because warm weather triggers embryo development before actual onset of incubation. In southeastern Shirvan newly hatched chicks during 12-17 May, but young ready to fledge as early as May 14th (Patrikeev, 1991a). Young usually remain in nests 7-12 days, av. 9-11 days (Mustafaev, 1971a). In Kizil Agach Reserve fledglings from 12 May to 6 June (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), and in southeastern Shirvan broods with 2-3 young during 23-24 May (Patrikeev, 1991a). In Kura Lowland the first brood fledges from late May, and the second brood in early July (Mustafaev, 1960c). In Shirvan Steppe low survival rate (28%) in settlements, higher (55%) elsewhere (Mustafaev, 1971a). In Caspian Lowland, broods move from coastal semidesert to the adjacent foothills shortly after the fledge (MP).

317. Desert Warbler - Sylvia nana Hemprich et Ehrenberg, 1833 STATUS: Accidental visitor (one record). Probably S. n. nana Hemprich et Ehrenberg, 1833.

MOVEMENT: One collected near Lenkoran in October (Satunin, 1911).

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258 The Birds of Azerbaijan 318. Willow Warbler - Phylloscopus trochilus Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Uncommon nesting species and common migrant. Subspecies: P. t. acredula Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Distribution poorly understood. Might have been confused with other Phylloscopus species or perhaps non-breeding individuals were recorded. GREATER CAUCASUS: Upper forest zone, e.g. in Zakatali Reserve (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). An immature bird collected near Kirovka, Shemakha Upland on 25 July 1950 (Gambarov, 1954). LESSER CAUCASUS: Nests on Bargushad and Megri ridges in Armenia (Dahl, 1954), and perhaps also in Azerbaijan. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Radde (1884) reported nesting in Lenkoran Lowland, but nests described by him were atypical: e.g. built in bush forks above the ground, nesting material included threads and lining: pieces of paper. Perhaps misidentified. ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: One collected near Pirshaga, Absheron Peninsula on 1 July 1938 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958).

COASTAL: In Kizil Agach Reserve as early as 20-26 March, but sometimes not until April 10th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Migrates through southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b) and southeastern Shirvan, e.g. at Lake Kichik-Shorgel 10-12 May 1990 (MP). In Absheron Peninsula recorded throughout May (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). One on Los’ Island (Baku Archipelago) on 3 June 1989 (MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Arrives in Kura Valley in late April. Some collected in Iori Valley on May 11th (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1975). Fall passage: Mid August to mid October. COASTAL: Collected and observed in Absheron Peninsula (e.g. in Baku and Zagulba) between August 18th and September 29th (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Alekperov, 1972). Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve between September 10th and mid October (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

HABITAT: NESTING (?): Upper forest zone (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). MIGRATION: Thickets of shrubs, e.g. tamarisk, and orchards (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Gambarov, 1975; MP).

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No information. Passage: SPRING: c. 30 near Lake Kichik-Shorgel (southeastern Shirvan) 10-12 May 1990 (MP).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late March to early June.

BREEDING: No information.

319. Chiffchaff - Phylloscopus collybita Vieillot, 1817 STATUS: Common migrant and rare wintering species; possibly nests in the northeast. Subspecies P. c. abietinus Nilsson, 1819.

orchards (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Zlotin, 1963).

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Recorded in the mountains, probably in the northeast (Marova, 1991). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Probably in Samur Delta (Drozdov, 1965). Winter: No recent records, but probably overlooked. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Kura Valley in Zardob and Kurdamir districts (Zlotin, 1963). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Wintered in Kizil Agach Reserve in the 1930s (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938), not observed in 1955-1959 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), but then again recorded in 1968 (Blumental, 1969). As late as mid December in Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early March through late April. COASTAL: In Lenkoran Lowland as early as March 5th, but conspicuous passage 20-27 March, and in Kizil Agach Reserve 26 March-27 April (Radde, 1884; Tugarinov, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Passes in numbers through Absheron Peninsula (e.g. Baku) from late March-early April (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Fall passage: Late September through mid November. COASTAL: Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula in late September, but sometimes not until mid October. Conspicuous passage on November 16th (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

HABITAT: SUMMER: Up to 2,000 m in montane forest (Marova, 1991). MIGRATION AND WINTER: Bush thickets, tugai forests and

POPULATION SIZE: No estimate. Winter: In January 1961, 0.5/km in tugai of Kura Valley, Zardob and Kurdamir Districts (Zlotin, 1963).

320. Caucasian Chiffchaff – Phylloscopus lorenzii Lorenz, 1887 STATUS: Uncommon nesting species and migrant; perhaps winters at lower altitudes. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Poorly known, but probably widespread. GREATER CAUCASUS: Upper forest zone in Zakatali and Belokani districts (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985), and Ismailly Reserve

(Gasanov, 1990). One collected near Kirovka, Shemakha Upland on 28 June 1950 (Gambarov, 1954). LESSER CAUCASUS: Recorded in Geigel Reserve on the northern slopes of Murovdag Ridge (Gasanov, 1990), and on southeastern slopes of Megri Ridge (Dahl, 1954).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

HABITAT: NESTING: Montane forests at 1,400-2,000 m (Dahl, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). MOVEMENT: Recorded in southern Mugan by Satunin (1912b). In Armenia and Georgia, passage in March and late October (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Dahl, 1954). POPULATION SIZE: No estimate. Uncommon in Zakatali and Belokani districts (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). BREEDING: Nests of this species are larger and with thicker walls than those of Chiffchaff; also nests of this species tend to be higher above the ground: 0.15-2 m (Marova, 1991).

321. Greenish Warbler - Phylloscopus trochiloides Sundevall, 1837 Khaltava Springs and possibly near Maraza (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). LESSER CAUCASUS: Vicinity of Lake Geigel (Murovdag Ridge) and mountains of Zangelan District (Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Foothills of Ulasi Ridge (Drozdov, 1965). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Recorded in Samur Delta (Drozdov, 1965). HABITAT: NESTING: Woodlands, bush thickets and orchards in foothills and mountains; sometimes in lowlands (Gambarov, 1954; Drozdov, 1965; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Subspecies P. t. nitidus Blyth, 1843 (sometimes considered a full species - Green Warbler Phylloscopus nitidus Blyth, 1843).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Passes through Sara Peninsula and Kizil Agach Reserve mid April through May (Tugarinov, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Recorded in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). Fall passage: COASTAL: Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve 10 September-16 October (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Also in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b).

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali, Belokani and Kuba District; also in Shemakha Upland, e.g. near Shemakha, Alti-Agach, Kirovka, Djandakhar, Astrakhanovka,

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No information. Passage: Common migrant in Kizil Agach Reserve in the late 1950s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

[Wood Warbler - Phylloscopus sibilatrix Bechstein, 1793] (Hypothetical) Possibly migrated through Azerbaijan in the past. Records by Menetries (Bogdanov, 1879) were dismissed by Radde (1884). No other information.

322. Scrub Warbler - Scotocerca inquieta Cretzschmar, 1826 STATUS: Accidental visitor. Probably S. i. platyura Severtzov, 1873.

REMARK: Included by Mustafaev et al., (1977). Probably rarely wanders into Azerbaijan in fall and winter.

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FAMILY REGULIDAE - KINGLETS AND ALLIES 323. Goldcrest - Regulus regulus Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Common wintering species; possibly nests. Subspecies R. r. regulus Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Possibly nests in pine plantations in Baku and the vicinity (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.). Winter: TALISH MOUNTAINS: Winters in montane forests (Radde, 1884; Mustafaev, 1968b). BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Kura Valley (Radde, 1884); also south of Shemakha (Satunin, 1907). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Sara Peninsula, Lenkoran Lowland and southern Mugan (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1968b, 1972). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Absheron Peninsula including Baku (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.) and Shah Spit (Bannikova et al., 1984).

HABITAT: WINTER: Forests, woodlots, juniper woodlands, bush thickets, orchards, parks, pine plantations, villages and towns in lowlands and hills; also in montane forests (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Mustafaev, 1968b, 1972). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: INTERIOR: Leaves Kura Valley by early March (Satunin, 1907), but remains in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains as late as mid April (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). Fall passage: COASTAL: Arrives at Sara Peninsula already in late October, but sometimes not until late November-early December (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

FAMILY MUSCICAPIDAE - OLD WORLD FLYCATCHERS 324. Pied Flycatcher - Ficedula hypoleuca Pallas, 1764 STATUS: Rare migrant (last observed in 1956). Probably subspecies F. h. hypoleuca Pallas, 1764.

gle birds in Sara Peninsula) on 28 March and 1 April 1954, and 1 April 1956 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Arrived in Lenkoran Lowland 23 March-4 April, conspicuous passage recorded on 8-14 April (Radde, 1884; Tugarinov, 1950). Last records (sin-

MORTALITY: A snowstorm of 14-16 April 1880 killed almost all Pied Flycatchers that had arrived in the vicinity of Lenkoran: c. 100 carcasses recovered (Radde, 1884).

325. Semi-collared Flycatcher - Ficedula semitorquata Homeyer, 1885 DISTRIBUTION: Summer range poorly known. GREATER CAUCASUS: Upper forest zone in Zakatali District (Serebrovsky, 1925). LESSER CAUCASUS: Bargushad Ridge in Kubatli and Zangelan districts (Laister & Sosnin, 1942). NAKHICHEVAN: Recorded near Ordubad and Aza, Ordubad District (Laister & Sosnin, 1942). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Vicinity of Lerik and elsewhere (Satunin, 1907; Peklo, 1987). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta (Drozdov, 1965). HABITAT: NESTING: Broad-leaved montane forests with meagre understorey, also orchards (Satunin, 1907; Serebrovsky, 1925).

STATUS: Uncommon nesting species and migrant. Monotypic.

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late March to mid April COASTAL: A male collected in “southern Azerbaijan” on 24 March 1880 (Radde, 1884), and others in Sara Peninsula on 1 April

The Birds of Azerbaijan

1956, 4-8 April 1937 (Tugarinov, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Recorded in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Arrives at breeding grounds in Zakatali District by April 10th (Serebrovsky, 1925). Fall passage: COASTAL: One collected in Sara Peninsula on 12 August 1952 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

POPULATION SIZE: No information. BREEDING: Singing male near Archevan, Talish Mountains on 24 April 1898 (Satunin, 1907).

326. Red-breasted Flycatcher - Ficedula parva Bechstein, 1794 HABITAT: NESTING: Broad-leaved forests (e.g. beech forests), woodlots and orchards in lowlands and mountains up to at least 1,200 m (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Peklo, 1987).

STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant, rare wintering species. Subspecies F. p. parva Bechstein, 1794. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Lowlands and low mountains from Zakatali to Ismailly; also in Shemakha Upland, e.g. Mount Pirgulu and Tchanut Gorge (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Patrikeev, 1991d). LESSER CAUCASUS: Geigel Reserve, Murovdag Ridge (Drozdov, 1965), and probably elsewhere. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Ulasi Range, vicinity of Lerik, and mountains west of Astara (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965; Peklo, 1987). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Peklo, 1987). Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Several remained in Sara Peninsula until early January (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early April to early May. COASTAL: Earliest sightings in Sara Peninsula and Lenkoran Lowland: 8-20 April, and latest on May 1st (Radde, 1884; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). A male on Baburyi Island, Baku Archipelago on 27 April 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a). INTERIOR: Arrives at breeding grounds in Zakatali District in early April (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985), but observed in Kura Valley and the vicinity of Gandja only from April 20th (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). Passes through Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). Fall passage: Early August to mid December. COASTAL: Migrates through Sara Peninsula from 6-10 September to late October, but some as late as December 14 th (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). INTERIOR: Common in Kura Valley and Mugan from early August to mid October (Satunin, 1907, 1912b). Leaves Zakatali District by mid October (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Late records: one in Turianchai Valley on 29 October 1961 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b), and several in Kura Valley during 15-24 November (Satunin, 1907). POPULATION SIZE: No information. BREEDING: In Zakatali District, a nest with 5 eggs in a small hornbeam 1.1 m above the ground. Average egg size: 16 x 13 mm. Fledglings recorded from July (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

327. Spotted Flycatcher - Muscicapa striata Pallas, 1764 STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Subspecies M. s. striata Pallas, 1764. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Lowlands and low mountains in Zakatali District (e.g. Tsilbanchai Gorge), Ilisu and Ismailly reserves, vicinity of Agsu and Lagich, and Kuba District. In Shemakha Upland, recorded near Kirovka, Pirgulu, Tchanut Gorge and Alti-Agach (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Drozdov, 1965; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Peklo, 1987; Gasanov, 1990; Patrikeev, 1991d).

LESSER CAUCASUS: No information, but undoubtedly occurs. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Ulasi Range, the vicinity of Lerik and elsewhere (Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965; Peklo, 1987). BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Kura Valley from Karayasi Forest (Akstafa District) to the confluence of Kura and Aras, also Alazani Valley and Gandja (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 196, 1973b9; Gambarov, 1975; Peklo, 1987; MP).

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262 The Birds of Azerbaijan (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Mustafaev, 1969a; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Patrikeev, 1991a). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid March through mid May. COASTAL: Earliest records in Sara Peninsula between March 14th and April 9th; conspicuous passage after April 10th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Arrived in southeastern Shirvan and Baku in late April and at Mount Beuk-Dush (Gobustan Upland) during the first week of May (Peklo, 1987; Patrikeev, 1991a, b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Not seen in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains until 19-20 May (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Fall passage: Mid September through early October. COASTAL: In Sara Peninsula, conspicuous passage 13-21 September, and latest sightings on September 28th and October 4th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland, Sara Peninsula, southern Mugan and southeastern Shirvan, (Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev & Gazanchian, 1967; Peklo, 1987; Patrikeev, 1991a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Lowlands of Khachmas District (Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Absheron Peninsula including Baku (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Mustafaev, 1973a) and in Gobustan Upland including Mount Beuk-Dush (Patrikeev, 1991b). HABITAT: NESTING: Woodlots, bush thickets (e.g. in semidesert), broad-leaved forest, orchards, parks, villages and livestock farms in lowlands, foothills and mountains up to 1,500 m

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. Only 1 pair in Sara Peninsula in 1958, but 2-3 pairs from 1964 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev & Gazanchian, 1967). In Turianchai Bosdag Mountains, 0.3-0.5/km (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). In 1990-1991, >10 pairs on Mount BeukDush, Gobustan Upland (MP). BREEDING: A pair in Lenkoran Lowland on April 28th (Satunin, 1907), and a breeding male in Sara Peninsula in early June (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). On 12 June 1989, a fledgling recorded in Karayasi Forest (MP). In Greater Caucasus Mountains, large young collected in August (Gambarov, 1954).

FAMILY TIMALIIDAE – BABBLERS AND ALLIES 328. Bearded Reedling - Panurus biarmicus Linnaeus, 1758 Varvara Reservoir (Satunin, 1907; Zlotin, 1963; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1965a, 1972). Formerly at Lake Hadjikabul (Radde, 1884). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Shorgel Lakes and connecting channels in southeastern Shirvan, Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala in southern Mugan, Kizil Agach Reserve including Kalinovsky Liman and wetlands of Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Dobrokhotov, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972; Patrikeev, 1991a, c; MP). CASPIAN SEA, ABSHERON AND ISLANDS: May nest in Absheron Peninsula, but so far only recorded in winter, e.g. near Plaj Railway Station on 5 December 1958 (Gambarov, 1960) and in Shah Spit (Bannikova et al., 1984). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman (Satunin, 1907).

STATUS: Common resident undertaking some local movements. Subspecies P. b. russicus C. L. Brehm, 1831.

HABITAT: Extensive reedbeds, small reed patches and kobls in freshwater and brackish wetlands (Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1965a; Patrikeev, 1991a).

DISTRIBUTION: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Wetlands of Mil Steppe (Aggel, Bos-Koba and Sarisu) and Shirvan Steppe (Shilian, Karasy and small marshes in Zardob and Udjari districts),

POPULATION SIZE: Locally very common, but no overall estimate. Breeding: At Lake Sarisu nests 1-3 m apart (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1965a), but 30-200 m at Lake Kichik-Shorgel, southeastern Shir-

The Birds of Azerbaijan

van (Patrikeev, 1991a); 3/km in Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Winter: 1/km in wetlands of Zardob and Udjari districts in January 1961 (Zlotin, 1963), and flocks of up to 20 at Lake Aggel in January 1991 (MP). In Kalinovsky Liman (Kizil Agach Reserve), 0.2/km in August, 3/km in September and 4.2/km in January (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Common at Shah Spit in January-February 1982 (Bannikova et al., 1984).

BREEDING: Often nests in kobls 20-50 cm above the water. Nest built of dry reed leaves and lined with reed panicles. 2 clutches/year, e.g. in late March-early April and late Mayearly June in Kura Lowland (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1965a). At Lake Kichik-Shorgel, nests with eggs from mid April, up to 6 eggs/clutch. In southeastern Shirvan, fledglings from May 8th; broods at Mahmud-chala, southern Mugan in early June (Patrikeev, 1991a, c).

FAMILY AEGITHALIDAE - LONG-TAILED TITS 329. Long-tailed Tit - Aegithalos caudatus Linnaeus, 1758 KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Kura Valley from Karayasi Forest (Akstafa District) to Shamkhor and Mingechaur districts, also in the mouth of Iori (Gambarov, 1975; MP). A. c. alpinus: TALISH MOUNTAINS: Girkan Reserve in Ulasi Ridge and probably elsewhere. Remains in montane forests through the winter (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev, 1968b; Gasanov, 1990). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Drozdov, 1965). In winter also occurs in Sara Peninsula and Kizil Agach Reserve, towns and villages of Lenkoran Lowland (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972).

STATUS: Common resident undertaking some winter movements. Subspecies A. c. major Radde, 1884 nests in Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains and adjacent areas, and A. c. alpinus Hablizl, 1783 in Talish Mountains and Lenkoran Lowland. DISTRIBUTION: A. c. major: GREATER CAUCASUS: Lower forest zone and lowlands in Zakatali, Sheki, Kuba and Kusari districts, Shemakha Upland including Mount Pirgulu, Tchanut Gorge and Alti-Agach Reserve (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Patrikeev, 1991d; Shelton, 2001). LESSER CAUCASUS: Vicinity of Lake Geigel (Murovdag Ridge), the upper Shamkhorchai Valley in Shahdag Ridge (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990) and probably elsewhere. BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains and Turianchai Valley (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP).

HABITAT: NESTING: Broad-leaved and tugai forest, woodlots, juniper woodlands, bush thickets, forest edge and orchards in low mountains and lowlands (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; MP). WINTER: Similar habitats, but also villages and towns (Mustafaev, 1972). MOVEMENT: Increases in upper Kura Valley in winter probably due to birds descending from foothills of the Caucasus Mountains (Gambarov, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: No information. BREEDING: Early nester. A female with egg was collected near Mingechaur as early as March 3rd (Satunin, 1907). Birds with nesting material in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains 5-7 April (MP). Fledglings observed in Talish Mountains from mid April (Radde, 1884), and in lowlands of Kuba District on May 23rd (Satunin, 1907). In Turianchai Bosdag Mountains, broods of 79 young flying well 25-27 May 1991 (MP).

FAMILY REMIZIDAE - PENDULINE TITS and ALLIES 330. Penduline Tit - Remiz pendulinus Linnaeus, 1758 Azeri name: Pasnak gush STATUS: Common resident undertaking some winter movements. Subspecies R. p. menzbieri Zarudny, 1913 occurs throughout Azerbaijan with the exception of Lenkoran

Lowland and Zuvand Upland where it is replaced by R. p. altaicus Radde, 1899. The latter sometimes included in Remiz macronyx Severtzov 1873, i.e., R. m. altaicus (Stepanian, 1990). However, validity of R. macronyx is not widely recognized.

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264 The Birds of Azerbaijan SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Divichi Liman (Satunin, 1907). R. p. altaicus: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve and Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). HABITAT: NESTING: Usually in trees, shrubs and thickets adjacent to rivers, lakes, wetlands and channels (e.g. in villages), but sometimes as far as 2 km from nearest water; occasionally in reeds. Mostly in lowlands, but also inhabits Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev, 1969a; Patrikeev, 1991a, c). MOVEMENT: Arrives at Shorgel Lakes, southeastern Shirvan by April 25th (Patrikeev, 1991a). POPULATION SIZE: No information. DISTRIBUTION: R. p. menzbieri: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Kura Valley from Karayasi Forest (Akstafa District) to Saliani, e.g. Shilian and Karasy marshes (Shirvan Steppe), Aggel and Sarisu (Mil Steppe). Also in Alazani Valley, the mouth of Iori, Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland, and Fisuli and Djabrail districts in Aras Valley (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Mustafaev, 1969a; Gambarov, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Shorgel Lakes and irrigation channels of southeastern Shirvan, Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Patrikeev, 1991a, c).

BREEDING: Pouch-like nest woven of tamarisk fibre or willow down is suspended from branches 1-2 m over water, less commonly over ground. Many nests left unfinished (Patrikeev, 1991a, c; MP). Nest-building recorded from early May through mid June. In Shamkhor District, a nest with 2 eggs on 12 June 1935 (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1975).

FAMILY PARIDAE - TITS 331. Sombre Tit - Parus lugubris Temminck, 1820 STATUS: Uncommon resident with restricted range. Subspecies P. l. anatoliae Hartert, 1905 occurs in Megri Ridge, and P. l. talischensis Stepanyan, 1974 in Talish Mountains. The latter is sometimes included in Parus hyrcanus Zarudny et Loudon, 1905, i.e. P. h. talischensis (Loskot, 1978). Parus hyrcanus is not widely recognized. DISTRIBUTION: P. l. anatoliae: LESSER CAUCASUS: Megri Ridge in Zangelan District (Loskot, 1982; Stepanian, 1990). P. l. talischensis: TALISH MOUNTAINS: Vicinity of Lerik, Vizezamin and Gosmalian, also along highway Lerik-Lenkoran. Probably remains in the mountains through the winter (Loskot, 1978). HABITAT: NESTING: P. l. anatoliae: dry forests including juniper forest (Loskot, 1982). P. l. talischensis: frequently logged and intensively grazed Fagus and Carpinus forest, small openings in mature forest, forest edges and roadside at 550-1250 m, usually above 1,000 m (Loskot, 1978). POPULATION SIZE: No estimate. In April and June 1976, 14 pairs (0.6 pair/km) near Lerik, Talish Mountains. Neighbouring pairs 0.3-2 km apart (Loskot, 1978). BREEDING: P. l. anatoliae apparently nests only in natural cavities and rock crevices, while P. l. talischensis excavates its own cavities. Nests of the former subspecies contain green moss

not found in nests of the latter (Loskot, 1982). Detailed information on P. l. talischensis was collected in the vicinity of Lerik, Talish Mountains. This species excavates nesting cavities in dead or living trees and snags in 5-14 days. The majority of cavities were near tree/snag top 0.7-11 m (av. 4.5 m) above the ground. Nesting cavity dimensions (n=7): entrance diameter 3.0-3.8 cm (av. 3.3 cm), cavity depth 14.5-27.5 cm (av. 21.6 cm). Nests built in 6-8 days of strips of tree bark, animal fur, Aster down and feathers. Nest measurements: diameter 6.8-8.2 cm (av. 7.3 cm), height 4.8-6.3 cm (av. 5.6 cm), nest cup 4.6-6.0 cm in diameter and 3.0-4.3 cm deep (Loskot, 1978). At 550-800 m first eggs laid 14-17 April, and at 1150-1250 m from 22 April to early May. Egg size (n=30): 16.0-18.1 x 12.2-13.3 mm (av. 16.9 x 12.8), weight 1.2-1.5 g (av. 1.4 g). Incubation does not exceed 13-14 days. Feeding rate c. 21 times/hour. A brood of 6 recorded on June 3rd (Loskot, 1978). DIET: P. l. talischensis forages in canopy and shrub thickets while P. l. anatoliae spends more time feeding on the ground. Stomachs of talischensis (n=14) examined in April and June contained caterpillars Yponomeutidae and Pieridae, beetles, terrestrial molluscs and seed (Fabaceae). The young often fed gnats Tipulidae. Stomachs of anatoliae (n=11) collected in southern Transcaucasia contained large quantities of ants, aphids, beetle larvae, also caterpillars, Orthoptera and Isopoda (Loskot, 1978).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

332. Coal Tit - Parus ater Linnaeus, 1758 BOSDAG: One recorded in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on October 18th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Winters in Aras Valley, e.g. Fisuli District (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). P. a. gaddi: TALISH MOUNTAINS: Ulasi Ridge, Girkan Reserve and elsewhere (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: In 1964-1968, found nesting in remaining forest fragments of Lenkoran Lowland (Mustafaev, 1969a) where long known to winter (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1968b, 1972). Collected in Kizil Agach Reserve on 28 October 1959 and 15 December 1952 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

STATUS: Uncommon resident. Subspecies: P. a. michalowskii Bogdanov, 1879 inhabits Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains and adjacent lowlands, while P. a. gaddi Zarudny, 1911 is confined to the southeast. DISTRIBUTION: Distribution of both subspecies not well documented. P. a. michalowskii: GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali Reserve and adjacent areas, Kutkashen and Kuba districts, Ismailly and AltiAgach reserves (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990; Shelton, 2001). LESSER CAUCASUS: Geigel Reserve (Murovdag Ridge) and upper Shamkhorchai Valley, Shahdag Ridge (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1965).

HABITAT: Broad-leaved forests, woodlots, overgrown clearings, orchards and villages in lowlands and mountains up to 2,000 m (Radde, 1884; Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1972). MOVEMENT: Some remain in montane forests in winter while many descend to lowlands (Mustafaev, 1968b, 1972). POPULATION SIZE: Common in Zakatali Reserve (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). No overall estimate. BREEDING: Nests in tree cavities, often in villages or close to roads (Mustafaev, 1969a). In Talish Mountains (e.g. Borjali, Rafidenlu), singing from early March, and broods in late May-early June (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907).

333. Crested Tit - Parus cristatus Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Accidental visitor. Subspecies P. c. cristatus Linnaeus, 1758. REMARK: Recorded in Alazani Valley (Mustafaev et al., 1977). No other records. In the 19th century, once observed in the vicinity of Borjomi, Georgia (Radde, 1884).

334. Blue Tit - Parus caeruleus Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Common resident and wintering species. Subspecies P. c. satunini Zarudny, 1908. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Lower forest zone in Belokani and Zakatali districts, Ilisu Reserve (Kah District) and Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland adjacent to the southern slope of the mountains. Also in Shemakha Upland including Mount Pirgulu and its vicinity, Alti-Agach Reserve; forests of Kuba and Kusari districts (Gambarov, 1954; Drozdov, 1965; Khanmammedov & Mustafaev, 1968; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990; Patrikeev, 1991d). LESSER CAUCASUS: Forests near and south of Shusha, NagornoKarabakh Region (Satunin, 1907) and probably elsewhere.

TALISH MOUNTAINS: Throughout lower forest zone, e.g. in Girkan Reserve and Lerik District (Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990). KURA -A RAS L OWLAND : Karayasi Forest (Akstafa District), Shamkhor District and the city of Gandja (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1973b; Gambarov, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Khachmas District including Khudat and Samur Delta (Drozdov, 1965; Khanmammedov & Mustafaev, 1968; MP). Winter: GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali District throughout the year (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

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266 The Birds of Azerbaijan HABITAT: Forest edge, open woodlands, overgrown clearings, orchards, villages and towns in lowlands and mountains up to 1,500 m (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968; Mustafaev, 1972, 1973b). In winter, also occurs in bush thickets and reedbeds (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938). MOVEMENT: In Turianchai Bosdag Mountains: from early October to late March-early April (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b), and in Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula: October to late February (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Tugarinov, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

TALISH MOUNTAINS: Wanders into Zuvand Upland (Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968). BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Vicinity of Mingechaur (Gambarov, 1975) and Lake Aggel, Mil Steppe (MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan, Lenkoran Lowland, Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula (Satunin, 1912b; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Tugarinov, 1950; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958).

POPULATION SIZE: No estimate. Breeding: Common in Shemakha Upland and the northeast (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). Winter: In the early 1960s, 0.6-2.5/km in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). BREEDING: Nests in tree cavities, often close to villages and roads (Mustafaev, 1969a). A fledgling collected in the vicinity of Gandja on 25 May 1895 (Satunin, 1907), and a brood observed in Karayasi Forest on 10 June 1989 (MP). DIET: Stomachs of specimens collected in the northeast in summer contained caterpillars and ants, and in autumn: beetles, bugs Arlia acuminata and seed (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968).

335. Great Tit - Parus major Linnaeus, 1758

Azeri name: Arigushu (also other tits) STATUS: Common resident undertaking some movements in autumn and winter. Subspecies P. m. major Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Southern slope (e.g. Zakatali, Ilisu and Ismailly reserves) and the adjacent lowland, Shemakha Upland including Mount Pirgulu and AltiAgach Reserve, Kusari and Kuba districts (Gambarov, 1954;

Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; Mustafaev, 1969a; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990; Patrikeev, 1991d). LESSER CAUCASUS: Upper Shamkhorchai Valley (Shahdag Ridge), vicinity of Lake Geigel (Murovdag Ridge) and probably elsewhere (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990). TALISH MOUNTAINS: No records, but probably occurs. BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: From Karayasi Forest (Akstafa District), Shamkhor District and the mouth of Terter to villages of Shirvan Steppe and the confluence with Aras; also in Gandja (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1973b; Gambarov, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland including the town of Lenkoran and the lowland section of Girkan Reserve (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta and the vicinity of Khudat, Khachmas District (Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev, 1969a; MP). Winter: GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali District throughout the year (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). LESSER CAUCASUS: Small numbers winter on Shahdag Ridge up to 1,500 m (Radde, 1884). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

BOSDAG: Resident in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains, but number increases in autumn due to birds descending from Greater Caucasus. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: From Karayasi Forest and Shamkhor to Mingechaur, Zardob, Kurdamir and Agjabedi (Satunin, 1907; Zlotin, 1963; Gambarov, 1975; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland, Sara Peninsula and Kizil Agach Reserve (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Dobrokhotov, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Orchards and parks of Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989). HABITAT: Broad-leaves forests, tugai, juniper woodlands, orchards, parks, towns and villages in lowlands and foothills, less common in mountains (Gambarov, 1954; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1972, 1973b; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; MP). MOVEMENT: In Kura Valley numbers increase from September (Gambarov, 1975), and in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains: from 10-25 October (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). POPULATION SIZE: No estimate. Breeding: In some areas (e.g. Kusari District), limited by availability of tree cavities: from 0.2 nests/ha in orchards with a few

hollow trees to 4 nests/ha in old orchards (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). Very common in Zakatali Reserve (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985) and Turianchai Bosdag Mountains where 13.3 pairs/km recorded in April 1991 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). Winter: 8.5/km in tugai of Zardob and Kurdamir districts in January 1961 (Zlotin, 1963). Only small flocks of 3-4 in Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Dobrokhotov, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). BREEDING: Singing and defending territories in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains in early April (MP). Cavity nester: usually in tree cavities, but also those in bridges and houses. One nest in a vertical metal pipe standing in a river (Mustafaev, 1969a). Two clutches a year: usually 8-13 eggs in the first and 6-9 eggs in the second clutch. In the northeast (Kusari District), first clutches laid in early May and second clutches in mid June (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). Elsewhere nests with eggs found 5-27 May (Radde, 1884; Mustafaev, 1969a; Gambarov, 1975), and with small young 23 May-8 June (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). Broods as early as May 17th in the mouth of Terter (Satunin, 1907), and in early June in Kusari District (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). Survival to fledge ranges from 57% in settlements to 74% in other habitats (Mustafaev, 1971a).

FAMILY SITTIDAE - NUTHATCHES 336. Common Nuthatch - Sitta europaea Linnaeus, 1758

STATUS: Common resident. Subspecies S. e. caucasica Reichenow, 1901 occurs in Greater and Lesser Caucasus Mountains and Kura-Aras Lowland, and S. e. rubiginosa Tchusi et Zarudny, 1905 in Lenkoran Lowland and Talish Mountains.

District (Zakatali Reserve, Tsilbanchai Gorge and the town of Zakatali) to Ilisu Reserve (Kah District); also in Shemakha Upland, e.g. in the vicinity of Shemakha, Kirovka and Tchukhururt. Recorded in Kusarchai Valley including the town of Kusari (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Drozdov, 1965; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990; Patrikeev, 1991d). LESSER CAUCASUS: Upper Shamkhorchai Valley (Shahdag Ridge), vicinity of Lake Geigel and Gasanrez (Murovdag Ridge), upper Terter Valley in Karabakh Ridge, forests of Zangelan and Kubatli districts (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Dahl, 1954; Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990). KURA -A RAS L OWLAND : Karayasi Forest (Akstafa District), Shamkhor District and the mouth of Iori, also in Gandja (Mustafaev, 1973b; Gambarov, 1975; MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta and the vicinity of Khudat (Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965; MP). S. e. rubiginosa: TALISH MOUNTAINS: Girkan Reserve, Ulasi Range and probably elsewhere (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland including Lenkoran, Astara and the vicinity (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev, 1969a).

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: S. e. caucasica: GREATER CAUCASUS: Lower forest zone and the adjacent lowland from Zakatali

HABITAT: Broad-leaved forests, tugai, woodlots, orchards and parks in lowlands and foothills. Up to 1,800 m in post-breeding

Azeri name: Dzilovchi (all nuthatches)

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268 The Birds of Azerbaijan season (Radde, 1884; Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1973b; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). POPULATION SIZE: No information. Common in Zakatali and Ilisu reserves (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990).

times close to human habitation (Mustafaev, 1969a). In Lenkoran Lowland, nests with 3-5 freshly laid eggs on May 19th (Radde, 1884), and large nestlings near Astara on June 25th (Mustafaev, 1969a). Other pairs nest earlier: broods observed in tugai forests of Shamkhor District as early as April 28th (Satunin, 1907), but not until late June in Shemakha Upland (Gambarov, 1954).

BREEDING: In the vicinity of Lenkoran, singing as early as February 24th (Radde, 1884). Nests in tree cavities, some-

337. Rock Nuthatch - Sitta neumayer Michahelles, 1830 MOVEMENT: Mostly remains within the breeding range, but some roam. Fewer on Mount Beuk-Dush (Gobustan Upland) in November (MP). Sometimes descends to river valleys (Radde, 1884). POPULATION SIZE: No estimate. Breeding: Common in Nakhichevan region, where often nests in loose colonies of 6-30 pairs (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965), and in Gobustan Upland, e.g. 10-18 pairs on Mount BeukDush in 1990-1991 (Patrikeev, 1991b; MP). Rare in Greater Caucasus Mountains and Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; MP). Post-breeding: In Turianchai Bosdag Mountains, 1.2-1.6/km in July-August, and 0.3-0.5/km in December-March in the early 1960s (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). In Zuvand Upland, 3.6 “rock nuthatches”/km in winter (Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968), but it is possible that S. tephronota also included in this count. Azeri name: Dzilovchi (all nuthatches) STATUS: Common resident. Subspecies S. n. rupicola Blanford, 1873. DISTRIBUTION: GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali Reserve (above 2,400 m), above Ilisu (Kah District), and Shemakha Upland including the vicinity of Shemakha (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). LESSER CAUCASUS: No records, but probably present. NAKHICHEVAN: Vicinity of Sadarak, Yukhari-Yaidji (Arpa-chai Valley), Kechili, Bichenek (Zangezur Ridge), Sirab, Khanaga, Gazanchi and Yukhari-Ailis (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968). BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). Perhaps also Mingechaur Bosdag Mountains (Gambarov, 1975). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Mounts Kargabazar, Kizil-Kum, Beuk-Dush, Kichik-Dush, low mountains near Baku and probably elsewhere (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Burchak-Abramovich & Gambarov, 1961; Patrikeev, 1991b). HABITAT: Cliffs and rocky outcrops from 100 to 600 m in Gobustan Upland (Patrikeev, 1991b) to over 2,400 m in Greater Caucasus Mountains (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Occasionally observed in trees in river valleys in winter (Radde, 1884).

BREEDING: Sings from March. In Gobustan Upland, nests completed by early April, and in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains nest-building observed on April 8th. Nest is a massive mud structure attached to a rock surface, usually with a cavity behind it. Nest shape is highly variable: a classical nest is a semi-sphere with a short tubular entrance attached to a rock wall, but nests built under rock ledges may have longer entrance tubes. Some nests fitted entirely within rock cavities had only the outer wall and the entrance tube protruding from the rock (Patrikeev, 1991b; MP). Construction usually takes 15-18 days, and squeezed caterpillars are smeared over the nest surface making it less conspicuous against rocky outcrops (Adamian, 1965). On Mount Beuk-Dash, nests 2-10 m (usually 4-6 m) above the ground and 100-150 m apart; 3 of 7 examined nests faced southeast, two east and two northeast. May prefer places shaded from the direct sunlight: one nest lit only between 0900 and 1000 hrs, and another for a shorter period of time. Nests may last several years. On Beuk-Dash, one nest used in 1990 and 1991 and another vacant in 1990 was active in 1991. Remains of old nests often found close to active nests (Patrikeev, 1991b; MP). Clutch contains 6-8, sometimes up to 13 eggs, incubated for 15-18 days. On Beuk-Dush, chicks hatched in some nests prior to May 1st. Faecal sacs are deposited at the entrance, and picked up and carried away by the adults from there. Large nestlings are noisy and could be heard from 20-30 m away. On Beuk-Dash, they remained in nests through 17-19 May 1991, even though they were completely feathered and matched the

The Birds of Azerbaijan

adults in size. An adult feeding fledglings observed on BeukDash on June 9th (Patrikeev, 1991b; MP).

FOOD: A butterfly (Vanessa sp.) delivered to a nest on Mount Beuk-Dash (MP).

338. Eastern Rock Nuthatch - Sitta tephronota Sharpe, 1872 STATUS: Insufficiently known. Probably resident in southern Azerbaijan Subspecies S. t. obscura Zarudny et Loudon, 1905. DISTRIBUTION: Basic information in Stepanian (1990) with no specific localities or sources.

LESSER CAUCASUS: Mountains of Zangelan and Kubatli districts (Stepanian, 1990). NAKHICHEVAN: Probably in Zangezur Ridge. TALISH MOUNTAINS: “Western foothills of Talish” (Stepanian, 1990) and probably in Zuvand Upland where “rock nuthatches” observed (Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968).

FAMILY CERTHIIDAE – TREECREEPERS AND WALLCREEPERS 339. Wallcreeper - Tichodroma muraria Linnaeus, 1766 NAKHICHEVAN: Mount Kapudjik, Zangezur Ridge (Radde, 1884). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Known only from the Iranian side of Mount Kus-Yurdi (Radde, 1884). BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). ABSHERON AND G OBUSTAN: Observed at 150 m on Mount Beuk-Dush (eastern Gobustan Upland) on 4 April 1991 (MP). May nest. Winter: Descends to foothills and sometimes to lowlands. BOSDAG: Observed in Mingechaur Bosdag Mountains on January 18th (Gambarov, 1975). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Two specimens collected in Absheron Peninsula: one in low mountains near Puta on 12 January 1936 and another in the vicinity of Baku on February 12th (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). STATUS: Uncommon resident roaming widely during nonbreeding season. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: is poorly known. Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali Reserve (Mounts Ruchug, Beuk-Kopo, Iki-Khalakhi, Katekh-chai and Talachai gorges) and Sheki District (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). LESSER CAUCASUS: No records, but probably occurs.

HABITAT: NESTING: Steep cliffs and rocky outcrops in high and low mountains at 500-3,300 m (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya. 1965b; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). POPULATION SIZE: No information. Rare in Zakatali and Turianchai reserves (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). BREEDING: No information.

340. Eurasian Treecreeper - Certhia familiaris Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Common resident. Subspecies C. f. persica Zarudny et Loudon, 1905 inhabits Talish Mountains and Lenkoran Lowland, and C. f. caucasica Buturlin, 1907 occurs in Greater and Lesser Caucasus and adjacent lowlands. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: C. f. caucasica: GREATER CAULower forest zone of Belokani, Zakatali and Vartashen districts, Ilisu and Ismailly reserves and probably elsewhere (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev, 1969a; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990).

CASUS:

LESSER CAUCASUS: Recorded in the vicinity of Lake Geigel and Gasanru (Murovdag Ridge), and upper Shamkhorchai Valley, Shahdag Ridge (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1965). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta (Drozdov, 1965). C. f. persica: TALISH MOUNTAINS: Lower forest zone (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev, 1968b). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland (Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev, 1972). Winter: Roams within and outside the breeding range.

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270 The Birds of Azerbaijan BOSDAG: Observed in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains from mid October to early March (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). HABITAT: NESTING: Broad-leaved forests and orchards in lowlands and low montane (Gambarov, 1954; Drozdov, 1965). POPULATION SIZE: No information. BREEDING: A nest with young under bark of an old chestnut in Djari, Zakatali District on 8 May 1962 (Mustafaev, 1969a).

341. Short-toed Treecreeper - Certhia brachydactyla C. L. Brehm, 1820 STATUS: Insufficiently known species with restricted range. Subspecies C. b. harterti Hellmayr, 1901. DISTRIBUTION: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Discovered in remains of broad-leaved forests in Lenkoran Lowland in the early 1960s by Stepanian (Mustafaev, 1968a).

FAMILY PASSERIDAE – SPARROWS 342. House Sparrow - Passer domesticus Linnaeus, 1758

Azeri name: Dam sarchasi, Sarchasi STATUS: Very common resident (increasing). Subspecies P. d. caucasicus Bogdanov, 1879. DISTRIBUTION: Throughout Azerbaijan, although generally avoids natural landscapes and high elevations. GREATER CAUCASUS: Throughout Zakatali-Ismailly Lowland, but confined to towns and villages in the mountains (up to 2,000 m in Girdimanchai Valley). Widespread in Shemakha Upland and

foothills of Kuba and Kusari districts (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Towns and villages including Kedabek, Stepanakert, Shusha, Agdam and Kubatli (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1969a; MP). NAKHICHEVAN: Throughout man-modified landscapes from Aras and Arpa-chai valleys up to 2,200 m (Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Settlements in the mountains and Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1963, 1965). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Throughout Kura Valley from Georgian frontier to Saliani including settlements in Shirvan, Mil and Mugan steppes and Gandja; also throughout Aras Valley (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971a, 1973b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Gambarov, 1975). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Villages and towns in southeastern Shirvan, southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Patrikeev, 1991a, c). Small numbers in Kizil Agach Reserve and the vicinity (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Throughout the lowland (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Widespread in Baku, its suburbs and all towns and villages of Absheron Peninsula including Sumgait (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Mustafaev, 1973a, 1977; Bannikova et al., 1984; Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989;

The Birds of Azerbaijan

MP). In Gobustan Upland, confined to villages and seasonal shepherd camps (MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Cities, towns, villages, seasonal camps and other man-made structures in lowlands, foothills and mountains up to 2,500 m. In mountains, often confined to villages with cereal fields in the vicinity. Small numbers occur in orchards and natural habitats, although avoids wetlands and older forests (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1973a, b). WINTER: In addition to the above, occurs in fields, semi-desert, bush thickets and tugai (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Zlotin, 1963; Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968; Mustafaev, 1972; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989). POPULATION SIZE: Probably 500,000-1,000,000 pairs or greater. Highest densities in Sumgait (317-535/km2, summer and winter, respectively) and central Baku (170/km2), but also very common in suburbs and adjacent settlements (Mustafaev, 1973a, 1977; Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989). Colonies of 20-80 pairs in Nakhichevan (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965), and of 6-300 or even 1,200 pairs elsewhere in Azerbaijan (Mustafaev, 1971a). In the early 1960s, >1,000 in Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a). In January 1961, 3.6/km in pastures of Shirvan Steppe (Zlotin, 1963). BREEDING: In Baku, collective singing from December till February, and singing on territories from early March. Search for suitable nest-sites and building from late March in Baku and Lenkoran Lowland, and from late April in Gobustan Upland (Radde, 1884; Patrikeev, 1991b; MP).

Nests almost exclusively in crevices and cavities provided by man-made structures including buildings, hollow pipes, oil rigs, street-lamps, chimneys, dugouts, etc. (Radde, 1884; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1973a; MP). Occasionally nests in tree cavities, burrows, and nests of the White Stork and Barn Swallows (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1969a; Patrikeev, 1991a, b). Sometimes builds nests of straw in trees and shrubs (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a). Nests 0.8-22 m (usually within 2.29 m) above the ground. In lowlands, laying from mid March through September: 3-4 clutches/year in settlements and 2-3 in other habitats, 3-8 eggs/clutch, average 5.3. Egg measurements 18-27x13-16 (Mustafaev, 1969b, 1971a). In Lesser Caucasus Mountains, 2 clutches/year on lower slopes and only 1 (June) in high mountains (Radde, 1884). Nests with small chicks found in Greater Caucasus Mountains as late as mid August (Gambarov, 1954). The young remain in nests 15-21 days (Mustafaev, 1971a). In Baku and Cape Pirsagat, fledglings observed from mid April and in Greater Caucasus Mountains from early May (Gambarov, 1954, MP). This species enjoys a high rate of nesting success: up to 70% of the young survive to fledge in settlements and c. 85% in other habitats; average 3.7 fledglings/nest (Mustafaev, 1969b, 1971a). DIET: In the northeast, weed seed in only 6 of 56 examined stomachs, the rest filled with wheat (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). The young fed mostly insects (Mustafaev, 1969b; MP). MORTALITY: High mortality during cold winters, e.g. up to 40% of urban populations in 1969 (Mustafaev et al., 1969). Frequently road-killed (Alekperov & Mustafaev, 1971), occasionally perishes in oil (Verestchagin, 1946).

343. Spanish Sparrow - Passer hispaniolensis Temminck, 1820

Azeri name: Garadosh sarcha STATUS: Very common resident (declining). A part of the population is migratory. Subspecies P. h. transcaspicus Tshusi, 1902.

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Confined to lowlands. Colonial. NAKHICHEVAN: Colonies near Dervishlar, Engidja and Leninabad, Aras Valley (Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Large colonies in mid Kura (Murtuli, Kasum-beili and Udjari) and lower Kura (vicinity of Bank, Saliani and Lake Hadjikabul). In Shirvan Steppe: near Kurdamir, Arabmekhti-bek and Musa-beili (Agsu District). In Mil Steppe: 6 colonies in Beilagan District in 1954-1963, small colonies in Agjabedi District, e.g. in Lamberan. In Mugan Steppe: Karachala, Saatli, Suvorovka (Imishli District) and Bilasuvar. In Aras Valley: between Djabrail and Fisuli, and near Mindjavan (Zangelan District) at the mouth Okhchu-chai (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov & Mustafaev, 1966). Also in Turianchai Valley (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: In Kizil Agach Reserve: 3 large (Kulagin, Kalinovsky Liman and Sbrosnoyi Channel) and 3 small colonies in the early 1960s, plus another colony in southern Sara Peninsula (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a; Mustafaev & Gazanchian, 1967). In 1979, a new large colony in Lebajyia Spit in the north of the reserve

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272 The Birds of Azerbaijan (Vinogradov et al., 1990). Rare in Lenkoran Lowland in the late 19th century (Radde, 1884), but spread as forests were cleared away (Gambarov & Mustafaev, 1966). Also in southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b; MP) and southeastern Shirvan, e.g. near Khaladz and south of Cape Pirsagat (Patrikeev, 1991a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Widespread in the late 19th century-early 20th century and nested near Sayat, Keimiri and Nizhnie-Kustchi (Satunin, 1907). No colonies found in the early 1960s, although large flocks observed west of Khudat (Gambarov & Mustafaev, 1966). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Flocks recorded in Absheron Peninsula, e.g. near Zagulba (Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1968), but no nesting records. Winter: Mostly within the breeding range, but some move south of Azerbaijan. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Kura Valley up to Evlakh and Mingechaur (not every winter at the latter site), Mugan, Shirvan and Mil steppes including Lake Aggel (Zlotin, 1963; Gambarov & Mustafaev, 1966; Gambarov, 1975). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland (Mustafaev, 1972). Fewer in Kizil Agach Reserve where usually recorded in mixed flocks with other sparrows, finches and buntings (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). HABITAT: NESTING: Tamarisk and blackberry thickets or White Stork nests in rural habitats and semi-desert, roadside treebelts, tree plantations, orchards and occasionally in tugai (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov & Mustafaev, 1966: Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971a; Vinogradov et al., 1990). WINTER: Fields, semi-desert, thickets, wetlands, villages and towns (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Mustafaev, 1972). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late March through mid April. COASTAL: Arrives at Lenkoran Lowland and Mugan in late Marchearly April (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). In Kizil Agach Reserve, first flock on March 26th, and large flocks on April 14th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Recorded at Lake Hadjikabul on April 5th, and near Saliani on April 7th (Radde, 1884). Fall passage: Gathers in huge flocks and roams during cold winters sometimes leaving Azerbaijan (Gambarov & Mustafaev, 1966). COASTAL: Departs Samur-Divichi Lowland in early September (Satunin, 1907). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Declining. Perhaps fewer than 150,000 pairs in the late 1980s (MP). In the late 19th century, colonies of up to 100,000 pairs, usually 5,000-10,000 pairs. In 1954, 20,000 nests near Suvorovka (Imishli District), 200 pairs in the vicinity of Saatli, and 50-60 pairs near Agjabedi. Three colonies in Nakhichevan Region contained 50-75 pairs each (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965; Gambarov & Mustafaev, 1966). Over 500,000 pairs (26 colonies) in the mid 1960s, including 115,600 nests in 6 colonies of Kizil Agach Reserve (Gambarov & Mustafaev, 1966; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a). A colony of 70,000 pairs found in Lebajyia Spit, Kizil Agach Reserve in

1979 (Vinogradov et al., 1990) is probably the largest remaining in Azerbaijan (MP). Passage: SPRING: In Kizil Agach Reserve, a flock of 100 on 26 March 1958, and 4 flocks of 800-1,000 birds each on 14 April 1959 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Winter: 11.1/km in ungrazed semi-desert, 8.5/km in tugai, 6.2/ km in semi-desert pastures and 2.6/km in wetlands of Kura Valley in January 1961 (Zlotin, 1963). BREEDING: Nests in colonies (50-70,000 pairs), but sometimes in single pairs. Colonies are in traditional areas, but may relocate within such area. Where trees are sparse, a colony may remain at the same site for several years (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov & Mustafaev, 1966). Nests in almost any trees and shrubs available, e.g. poplar, elm, oak, mulberry, blackthorn, plum, apricot, plane-tree, ash, Russian olive, pine, locust-tree, pomegranate, Gleditsia, Amorpha, Sophora, blackberry, tamarisk and thistle thickets. Also in nests of White Stork (up to 100 Spanish Sparrow nests per a stork nest). New nest built for every clutch. Nests built of dry grass, feathers, sometimes roots and leaves, 0.5-18 m (av. 2.5-7 m) above the ground (Satunin, 1907; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Gambarov & Mustafaev, 1966; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1966a; Mustafaev, 1971a). Usually 5-50 nests/tree, but occasionally just 1. In areas with fewer trees nests built close together forming a massive loose structure (Gambarov & Mustafaev, 1966). Sometimes builds a truly communal nest with common roof and numerous entrances on sides. Common Starlings are known to nest in communal nests of Spanish Sparrows (Satunin, 1907). In Kizil Agach Reserve, nest building observed from April 15th, but peaks c. May 10th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Gambarov & Mustafaev, 1966). Usually 2 clutches (late April to late May and in mid June) of 4-10 (usually 5-6) eggs. Average egg measurements: 21.9 x 15.5 mm, weight 2.0-3.7 g (Radde, 1884; Gambarov & Mustafaev, 1966). In Suvorovka (Mugan Steppe), nests contained 1-4 eggs on May 18th, and 5-8 eggs May 22nd, whereas in Beilagan (Mil Steppe) 5 nests with 1 egg each and 16 nests still empty on May 26th (Gambarov & Mustafaev, 1966). The young remain in nests 18-21 days. In Kizil Agach Reserve, first brood fledges 15-21 May (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Nesting success is high (when nests are not destroyed) amounting up to 77% in settlements and 80% in other habitats (Mustafaev, 1971a). DIET: Mostly grain of cultivated cereals, but also weed seed and insects (especially locusts). One individual eats up to 3 kg of grain/season, thus a large colony may inflict up to 10% harvest loss. This species also damages fruit and vegetables (Gambarov & Mustafaev, 1966). MORTALITY: Generally considered a pest in rural Azerbaijan and control carried out to destroy colonies close to villages: poisoned grain and torching nests used most frequently (Gambarov & Mustafaev, 1966).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

344. Tree Sparrow - Passer montanus Linnaeus, 1758 1968). WINTER: Mostly in cultivated habitats and settlements (Radde, 1884; Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968; Mustafaev, 1972). MOVEMENT: Passes through Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula in mid to late April, and again in late autumn (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

STATUS: Very common resident undertaking some winter movements. Subspecies P. m. transcaucasicus Buturlin, 1906. DISTRIBUTION: GREATER CAUCASUS: Lower forest zone and adjacent lowland in Sheki, Kutkashen, Ismailly and Kusari districts (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968) and probably elsewhere. Satunin (1907) pointed out absence from Kuba District. LESSER CAUCASUS: A few records, e.g. from Shihauz and Alabashli (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907), but probably more widespread. NAKHICHEVAN: From Aras Valley to mid montane zone, e.g. in Sadarak, Norashen, Nakhichevan, Julfa, Ordubad, Araskanariy, Yaidzi, Akhura, Badamli, Kuku, Bichenek, Goganchi and Yukhari-Ailis (Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Widespread in the mountains and Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: From Karayasi Forest (Akstafa District) and Yenikend (Shamkhor District) to Shirvan and Mugan steppes (Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971a; Gambarov, 1975; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989; MP); also in Gandja (Mustafaev, 1973b). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Drozdov, 1965; MP). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: No records, but may occur. ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Absheron Peninsula including Baku and Sumgait (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Mustafaev, 1973a, 1977; MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Natural habitats (tugai, edges of broad-leaved forest, thickets) as well as orchards, parks, villages and towns. Up to 1,200-2,000 m in Nakhichevan region (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965,

POPULATION SIZE: No estimate. Breeding: In the 19th century, uncommon in Kura Valley (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907), but outnumbered House Sparrow in the vicinity of Mingechaur and Yenikend in the 1940s1950s (Gambarov, 1975). Very common in lower forest zone of Greater Caucasus Mountains and adjacent lowland, in Absheron Peninsula and Nakhichevan region (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965; Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Mustafaev, 1973a); uncommon in Lenkoran Lowland (Drozdov, 1965; MP). Passage: SPRING: In 1958, c. 800 recorded in Sara Peninsula on April 14th, and flocks of 15-20 on April 25th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Winter: Very common in Mingechaur and Yenikend (Gambarov, 1975), but only 0.3/km in Kurdamir and Zardob districts (mid Kura) in January 1961 (Zlotin, 1963). BREEDING: In Nakhichevan Region, mating from late March. Nests in tree cavities, but sometimes in man-made constructions, burrows in banks and cliffs, and even nests of swallows and White Storks. Often nests in loose colonies. In Kura Lowland, colonies of 4-38 pairs (av. 12) in settlements and 14-90 pairs (av. 60) in other habitats (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971a), in Nakhichevan Region: 15-20 pairs/colony (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965). Nesting season from mid March to late August; 2-3 clutches a year in settlements, and 2 in other habitats; 4-7 (usually 5-6) eggs/clutch (Mustafaev, 1971a). In Kusari District, nest with 4-6 small nestlings 1015 April 1960 (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). In Greater Caucasus, fresh eggs in mid July (Gambarov, 1954). Nesting success is high: 65% fledge in settlements and 76% in other habitats (Mustafaev, 1971a). DIET: Stomachs collected in Kusari District contained insects and weed seed (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968), whereas stomachs and crops of specimens from the southern slope of Greater Caucasus Mountains filled with millet (Gambarov, 1954). MORTALITY: Frequently road-killed (Alekperov & Mustafaev, 1971).

345. Pale Rock Sparrow - Carpospiza brachydactyla Bonaparte, 1850 STATUS: Uncommon resident restricted to the southwest and southeast. Monotypic.

DISTRIBUTION: NAKHICHEVAN: From Arpa-chai to Negram Mountains and Julfa (Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Khanmammedov, 1960).

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274 The Birds of Azerbaijan TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (Drozdov, 1965; Agaeva, 1972). HABITAT: Semi-arid mountains in Nakhichevan Region (Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Khanmammedov, 1960) and montane slopes with rocky outcrops in Zuvand Upland (Agaeva, 1972). POPULATION SIZE: Locally common in Zuvand Upland with numbers as high as 125/km2 during post-breeding season (Drozdov, 1965).

BREEDING: Late nester. Of 4 examined nests, 3 in clumps of Astragalus 11-50 cm above the ground, and 1 on the ground. Nests built of dry wormwood twigs and rootlets. Nest measurements: diameter 66-91 mm, height 68-74 mm, diameter of nest-cup 50-73 mm, depth of nest-cup 50-55 mm. Incubated eggs recorded 8-19 June. Average egg weight (n=14): 2.3 g, measurements 20.4 x 15.7 mm. Flocks of 20-25 males recorded in mid June while females incubated suggests that not all males attend to nests (Agaeva, 1972).

346. Rock Sparrow - Petronia petronia Linnaeus, 1766 ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: In Gobustan Upland from Pirkishkul and Sumgait-chai Valley to Beuk-Dush, Kizil-Kum and the village of Gobustan. Also along the Caspian shore, e.g. at Khamamdag Mud-Volcano (Cape Pirsagat) and Puta (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1968; Patrikeev, 1991a, b). HABITAT: Rocky and clayey slopes in low and high mountains up to 2,500 m; also in towns and villages (Radde, 1884; Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Gambarov, 1954; Patrikeev, 1991a). MOVEMENT: In Gobustan Upland, some are resident and others arrive to breeding grounds in March (Satunin, 1907; MP). POPULATION SIZE: No estimate. Common in Gobustan and Zuvand uplands (Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965, MP). A colony of 10 pairs near Shemakha (Gambarov, 1954) and 20-25 pairs on Mount Ilandag, Nakhichevan region (MP).

Azeri name: Gaya sarchasi STATUS: Common resident undertaking some movements in winter. Subspecies P. p. exigna Hellmayr, 1902. DISTRIBUTION: GREATER CAUCASUS: Shemakha Upland, e.g. in the vicinity of Shemakha, Agsu and Alti-Agach (Gambarov, 1954; Shelton, 2001; MP). LESSER CAUCASUS: Recorded only from Kedabek (Shahdag Ridge), but probably more widespread (Mustafaev, 1969a). NAKHICHEVAN: From Aras Valley to the mid montane zone, e.g. near Sadarak, Negram, Julfa, Sirab, Gazanchi, Ordubad and on Mount Ilandag (Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1965; MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland, e.g. near Kalvas and in Barnasai Pass (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965; Agaeva, 1969).

BREEDING: In Zuvand Upland, males on territories from early February, and singing and displaying from early March (Radde, 1884). In Gobustan Upland, still in flocks on April 4th (MP). Loose colonies of 5-25 pairs. Nests in rock crevices, burrows of bee-eaters, vacant nests of Rock Nuthatch and even niches and crevices in houses (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1968; Mustafaev, 1969a). In Shemakha, a colony alongside 2 pairs of Kestrels and several pairs of Common Starlings (Gambarov, 1954). In Gobustan Upland, nest building in early April, nests with large young from early May and broods in June-early July (Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1968; Patrikeev, 1991b). In Zuvand Upland, fledglings observed on June 26th (Radde, 1884).

347. Snowfinch - Montifringilla nivalis Pallas, 1811 STATUS: Uncommon resident. Subspecies M. n. alpicola Pallas, 1811. DISTRIBUTION: poorly known. Probably more widespread than indicated below. GREATER CAUCASUS: Known from high mountains of Zakatali and Belokani districts (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985) although probably occurs at high elevations elsewhere.

LESSER CAUCASUS: Observed near Slavinka (Kedabek District, Shahdag Ridge) and in Murovdag Range in Nagorno-Karabakh Region (Radde, 1884; Laister & Sosnin, 1942). NAKHICHEVAN: High mountains during nesting season, but at lower elevations in winter (Radde, 1884; Laister & Sosnin, 1942).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

HABITAT: NESTING: Alpine and sub-alpine zone up to 3,160 m. WINTER: Descends to 1,300-1,500 m (Radde, 1884; Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

BREEDING: Broods recorded in Greater Caucasus Mountains in July (Bogdanov, 1879).

FAMILY FRINGILLIDAE - FINCHES AND ALLIES 348. Chaffinch - Fringilla coelebs Linnaeus, 1758

Azeri name: Mesha sarchasi STATUS: Common nesting species, migrant and wintering species; partly resident in the southeast and northwest. Two subspecies nest, but their ranges are not fully understood: F. c. caucasica Serebrowski, 1925 occurs west and south of Mingechaur, and F. c. solomkoi Menzbir et Sushkin, 1913 west of Mingechaur. F. c. coelebs Linnaeus, 1758 probably present in winter. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Montane forests and adjacent lowland in Zakatali, Belokani, Kah, Kutkashen, Ismailly, Kuba and Kusari districts, and Shemakha Upland, e.g. vicinity of Pirgulu and Alti-Agach (Gambarov, 1954; Drozdov, 1965; Khanmammedov & Mustafaev, 1965; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990; Patrikeev, 1991d). LESSER CAUCASUS: Shahdag Ridge (upper Shamkhor-chai Valley), Murovdag Ridge (Lake Geigel and the southern slopes) and Karabakh Ridge, e.g. vicinity of Shusha (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Girkan Reserve, Ulasi Range, vicinity of Ruarut and Kalvas, and Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: From Karayasi Forest (Akstafa District) and Yenikend (Shamkhor District) to Gandja (Mustafaev, 1973b; Gambarov, 1975; MP). According to Gambarov (1975) this part of the range is occupied by F. c. solomkoi. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Resident in southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland including the town of Lenkoran (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Drozdov, 1965). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Throughout the forested part of the lowland including Samur Delta (Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965; MP).

ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Recorded in Buzovna, northern Absheron Peninsula on 11 August 1990, but no breeding evidence (MP). Winter: GREATER CAUCASUS: Remains in lowlands and mountains of Zakatali District, e.g. Mount Alibek (Gambarov, 1954). LESSER CAUCASUS: In upper Shamkhor-chai Valley, Shahdag Ridge in November (Radde, 1884). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Throughout the mountains and Zuvand Upland (Mustafaev, 1968b; Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968). BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Vicinity of Mingechaur and Karayasi; Shirvan and Mil steppes (Zlotin, 1963; Gambarov, 1975; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan, Lenkoran Lowland, Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula (Satunin, 1912b; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Dobrokhotov, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972; MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Throughout Absheron Peninsula including Baku and Shah Spit (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Alekperov, 1972; Bannikova et al., 1984; Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989). HABITAT: NESTING: Orchards, woodlots, treebelts, broadleaved and tugai forests from the Caspian Sea to 2,200 m. Most common in foothills (Satunin, 1912b; Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev, 1969a; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; MP). WINTER: Broad-leaved and tugai forests, bush and reed thickets, woodlots, juniper woodlands, wetlands, parks, orchards and gardens in villages and towns (Satunin, 1912b; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Zlotin, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a, b; Mustafaev, 1968b, 1972; Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968; Alekperov, 1972; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989; Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid March to early April. COASTAL: In Kizil Agach Reserve, passage and departure in mid March with latest sighting on April 3rd (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Recorded in eastern Gobustan Upland and Baku in early April (MP). INTERIOR: One recorded in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on April 10th (MP). Fall passage: Early October to mid December. COASTAL: Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula from early October with conspicuous passage in mid October (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). INTERIOR: In Turianchai Bosdag Mountains, passage from October 10th to December 19th peaking at the end of October (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b).

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276 The Birds of Azerbaijan POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. Common in Greater Caucasus Mountains and adjacent lowland (Gambarov, 1954). Winter: No estimate. Common, occurring in flocks of 5-50, e.g. Lenkoran Lowland and the vicinity of Mingechaur (Mustafaev, 1972; Gambarov, 1975). Rather uncommon in towns and villages of Mil Steppe (MP). In January 1961, 20.3/km in bush thickets and tugai of mid Kura, 3.4/km in semi-desert pastures of Shirvan Steppe, 2.5/km in ungrazed semi-desert and 1.3/ km in wetlands (Zlotin, 1963). In Kizil Agach Reserve, only 0.10.4/km in February 1962 (Dobrokhotov, 1963).

Nesting season from mid April to late July. Nests 1.8-6 m (average 3.5 m) in natural habitats and 3.5-11 m in settlements; 3-5 eggs/clutch. The young remain in nests 10-14 days. Survival to fledging: from 60% in settlements to c. 75% in other habitats (Mustafaev, 1971a).

BREEDING: Singing from early February-late March to mid July (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Gambarov, 1954; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a).

REMARKS: In winter frequently occurs in mixed flocks with Bullfinch, Goldfinch, Red-fronted Serin, Common Redpoll, Yellowhammer and House Sparrow (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Gambarov, 1975; MP).

DIET: Mostly insectivorous during nesting season, but switches to grain and seed from late summer (Tugarinov & KozlovaPushkareva, 1938; Gambarov, 1954). MORTALITY: Frequently road-killed (Alekperov & Mustafaev, 1971).

349. Brambling - Fringilla montifringilla Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Common migrant and wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Winter: TALISH MOUNTAINS: Widely distributed (Mustafaev, 1968b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Karayasi Forest (Sultanov & Musaev, 1989) to mid Kura (Zlotin, 1963). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve, southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland (Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972). HABITAT: WINTER: Bush thickets, woodlots, villages, tugai and broad-leaved forests in lowlands and mountains (Zlotin, 1963; Mustafaev, 1968b, 1972; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid March to mid April.

COASTAL: Leaves Kizil Agach Reserve between March 13th and April 8th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). One collected in Baku on April 16th (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: A large flock in Alazani Valley in March (Radde, 1884). Fall passage: Early October through mid November. COASTAL: Arrives at Kizil Agach Reserve in early October (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: In Shamkhor and Mingechaur districts in November (Gambarov, 1975). POPULATION SIZE: Winter: No estimate. Uncommon in Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). In January 1961, only 0.2/km in tugai and bush thickets of mid Kura (Zlotin, 1963).

350. Red-fronted Serin - Serinus pusillus Pallas, 1811 G Tbilisi

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STATUS: Uncommon resident undertaking altitudinal movements. Monotypic.

DISTRIBUTION: poorly understood. Probably more widespread than indicated below. Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Mountains of Zakatali and Belokani districts (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985) and probably elsewhere. LESSER CAUCASUS: Murovdag Ridge e.g. Geigel Reserve, Mount Giamish and Mardakert District of Nagorno-Karabakh Region (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Gasanov, 1990). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Nested according to Radde (1884), but no recent records. Winter: Descends to lowlands and foothills in cold and snowy winters. BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mingechaur District including vicinities of Mingechaur and Khaladz (Gambarov, 1975). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: One found dead in a suburb of Baku on 19 March 1968 (Gazanchian & Mustafaev, 1968).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

HABITAT: NESTING: Bushes and bush thickets in alpine and sub-alpine zones, e.g. in meadows with rocky outcrops, stream valleys and cliffs, at 1,800-3,000 m (Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). MOVEMENT: In winter 1961-1962 this species arrived in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains in mid November and departed prior to March 9th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No information. Winter: In winter 1961-1962, 100-120 in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Uncom-

mon near Mingechaur and Khaladz, Mingechaur District (Gambarov, 1975). BREEDING: Pairs from May in Zakatali Reserve. Often nests in small bushes growing in rock crevices. Two clutches a year: in mid June and late July. Average egg measurements (n=4): 15.7 x 14.7 mm, weight 1.34 g. First broods fledge in early July, and second broods from mid August (Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). REMARKS: In winter, often observed in mixed flocks with Chaffinch and Goldfinch (Gambarov, 1975).

351. Greenfinch - Chloris chloris Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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GREATER CAUCASUS: Resident in Zakatali District (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Mostly in areas transformed through anthropogenically (Mustafaev, 1968b). BOSDAG: Resident in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Probably throughout the lowland. Observed in mid Kura and Shirvan Steppe (Zlotin, 1963). C. c. bilkevitchi recorded in the vicinity of Mingechaur (Gambarov, 1975). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan, Lenkoran Lowland, Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula. Most of specimens collected in Sara Peninsula were C. c. chloris and only one: C. c. bilkevitchi (Satunin, 1912b; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972; MP).

IRAN

Azeri name: Yashildza STATUS: Common resident, migrant and wintering species. Subspecies C. c. bilkevitchi Zarudny, 1911 is resident, and C. c. chloris Linnaeus, 1758 occurs during migration and in winter. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Range of this common species not well known, surprisingly. GREATER CAUCASUS: Foothills and low mountains of Zakatali, Belokani, Ismailly and Kuba districts (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev, 1969a; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990). LESSER CAUCASUS: Foothills of Shahdag Ridge Kedabek, also in the vicinity of Lake Geigel, Murovdag Ridge (Mustafaev, 1969a; Gasanov, 1990). TALISH MOUNTAINS: No information, but probably occurs. BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains and adjacent valleys (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Probably throughout the lowlands in settlements and treed areas, but the only factual records are from Gandja (Mustafaev, 1973b) and Akstafa (MP). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Colonized Absheron Peninsula 1520 years ago. By the late 1980s, nested in Baku, suburbs and adjacent settlements including Baladzari and Kirovski (Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989; MP). Winter: Partly resident.

HABITAT: NESTING: Woodlots, juniper woodlands, tugai, orchards, parks, gardens and open habitats with trees from the Caspian lowland to 1,800 m (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev, 1969a; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; MP). WINTER: Fields, forest edge, blackberry thickets, overgrown clearings, villages and towns (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Mustafaev, 1968b, 1972). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. Only 2 in Turianchai Reserve on 11 August 1961 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b), but at least one pair in every gorge and ravine in April 1991 (MP). Winter: No estimate. Very common in Sara Peninsula, but rather rare in Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). In January 1961, 0.7/km in mid Kura (Zlotin, 1963), and 0.4/km in Kizil Agach Reserve in February 1962 (Dobrokhotov, 1963). Only 2 in Turianchai Reserve on December 4th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). BREEDING: Sings in Sara Peninsula from early February (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938), and in Baku from 26 March-3 April through mid June. In Turianchai Valley, singing heard on April 6th (MP). A nest with 4 eggs in an apple tree in Djari (Zakatali District) on 10 June 1961, and another with 2 eggs in a willow in a backyard in Kedabek, foothills of Shahdag Ridge (Mustafaev, 1969a).

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278 The Birds of Azerbaijan DIET: Stomachs examined in Greater Caucasus Mountains in summer filled with weed seed (Gambarov, 1954). In winter, of-

ten feeds on blackberries in Sara Peninsula (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938).

352. Siskin -Spinus spinus Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Uncommon resident and wintering species. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali District (Zakatali Reserve, Mount Alibek and Tsilbanchai Gorge), also in Ilisu Reserve, Kah District (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990) and probably elsewhere. LESSER CAUCASUS: Geigel Reserve and in the vicinity of Turagai, Murovdag Ridge (Satunin, 1907; Gasanov, 1990). Probably elsewhere. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Montane forests at c. 1,000 m (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). Winter: Resident in parts of the range. Some descend to lower elevations and lowlands in cold winters. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Remains in the mountains through the winter (Mustafaev, 1968b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Recorded in the vicinity of Mingechaur (Gambarov, 1975). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland (Mustafaev, 1972). In Sara Peninsula, 3 dead found on 5 December 1958, and

one observed on 12 February 1958 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Recorded in Baku and elsewhere in Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989). HABITAT: NESTING: Broad-leaved montane forests with hornbeam, oak and maple to the upper forest limits (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). WINTER: Orchards, bush thickets, parks and gardens from lowlands to mountains (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Mustafaev, 1968b; Gambarov, 1975; Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989). MOVEMENT: Observed in Turianchai Valley in March and April (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Remained in the vicinity of Lenkoran until April 16th (Radde, 1884). POPULATION SIZE and BREEDING: No information.

353. Goldfinch - Carduelis carduelis Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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Azeri name: Payiz bulbulu STATUS: Common resident, migrant and wintering species. Subspecies C. c. brevirostris Zarudny, 1884 nests in Azerbaijan, and C. c. carduelis Linnaeus, 1758 occurs during migration and in winter. Georgian subspecies: C. c. colchicus Kondashev, 1915 may also enter limits of Azerbaijan. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali District (e.g. Djari and Tsilbanchai Gorge), Ilisu Reserve (Kah District), upper Girdimanchai Valley up to Lagich (Ismailly District), Kusari District, and Shemakha Upland, e.g. in vicinity of Pirgulu and Avakhil (Gambarov, 1954; Drozdov, 1965; Mustafaev

& Khanmammedov, 1968; Mustafaev, 1969a; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990; Patrikeev, 1991d). LESSER CAUCASUS: Upper Terter Valley in Mardakert District, Nagorno-Karabakh Region (Laister & Sosnin, 1942) and probably elsewhere. TALISH MOUNTAINS: From Ruarut to Kalvas to Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965). BOSDAG: Turianchai Valley (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: From Karayasi Forest to Gandja (Mustafaev, 1973b; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: No records, but probably present. Winter: Many descend to lowlands in winter, although some remained at 2,000 m as late as October (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). GREATER CAUCASUS: Remains in foothills of Zakatali District through winter (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Throughout man-modified habitats, e.g. in Zuvand Upland (Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968; Mustafaev, 1968b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: From Karayasi Forest to Turianchai Valley, Shirvan and Mil steppes (Zlotin, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Gambarov, 1975; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan (e.g. near Glubinka), Lenkoran Lowland and Sara Peninsula. Rare in Kizil Agach Reserve (Satunin, 1912b; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Dobrokhotov, 1963; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972: MP).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Winters in Absheron Peninsula including Baku from the 1940s-1950s (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Sultanov & Karabanova, 1989; MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Forest edge, parks and orchards from lowlands to mountains up to 2,100 m (Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; Mustafaev, 1973b). WINTER: Open areas overgrown with thistle, forest edge, clearings, villages, orchards, fields, pastures and rocky slopes in lowlands, foothills and mountains (Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968; Mustafaev, 1968b, 1972). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Conspicuous passage in Kizil Agach Reserve and Sara Peninsula with latest sighting on April 29th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Fall passage: COASTAL: Earliest record in Sara Peninsula on November 5th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. Common in lower forest zone in Greater Caucasus Mountains and Gandja (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev, 1973b; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Only 3-5 pairs in the vicinity of Turianchai in 1961-1962 (Vino-

gradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). Flocks of 20-100 observed in Shemakha Upland in early September 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991d). Winter: No estimate. Common in Mingechaur District, vicinity of Lake Aggel and Sara Peninsula, but rare in Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a, Gambarov, 1975; MP). In Turianchai Valley, 1.0-1.2/km in December 1962-March 1963 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b), and 0.1/km in mid Kura in January 1961 (Zlotin, 1963). BREEDING: Singing from early February (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938). Nests in pines, locust-trees and other tree species (Radde, 1884). A nest with 5 eggs in Turianchai on May 17th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b), and 4 nests with 4-5 young each in Djari (Zakatali District) in mid June (Mustafaev, 1969a). In the vicinity of Lagich (Greater Caucasus Mountains), females with eggs as late as July 25th. In early to mid July, joined broods of 50-100 recorded in Tsilbanchai Gorge (Zakatali District) and in the vicinity of Kusari (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). DIET: Seed of thistle and other weeds in winter (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Gambarov, 1975).

354. Linnet - Acanthis cannabina Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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Winter: Some remain in mountains while others descend to lowlands where mix with A. c. cannabina arriving from the north. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Remains in the mountains through the winter (Mustafaev, 1968b). BOSDAG: A. c. bella and A. c. cannabina recorded in Mingechaur Bosdag and Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Gambarov, 1975). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Kura Valley from Karayasi to Shirvan steppes (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Zlotin, 1963; Gambarov, 1975). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan, Lenkoran Lowland and Sara Peninsula (Satunin, 1912b; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972). ABSHERON: Common in Sumgait (Mustafaev, 1977). Recorded in Shah Spit (Bannikova et al., 1984).

IRAN

STATUS: Common resident (subspecies A. c. bella C. L. Brehm, 1845), migrant and wintering species (A. c. cannabina Linnaeus, 1758). DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Southern slope from Ilisu (Kah District) to Ismailly and Kuba districts. Also recorded in Shemakha Upland, e.g. Maraza and Alti-Agach (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Shelton, 2001). LESSER CAUCASUS: Shahdag Ridge in Kedabek District and elsewhere (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1969a). TALISH MOUNTAINS: including Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965). BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b).

HABITAT: NESTING: Treeless valleys, grasslands, juniper woodlands, slopes and ravines with blackberry, wild rose, rhododendrons from 400 m to alpine zone (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Tarasov, 1974). WINTER: Forest edges, woodlots, clearings, blackberry thickets, semidesert, fields, rarely in villages and towns (Radde, 1884; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Zlotin, 1963; Mustafaev, 1972). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late April to mid May. COASTAL: A male in Darnagul, Baku on 28 April 1990 (MP) and another one near Cape Sangachal on 14 May 1952 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Fall passage: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Mixed flocks of A. c. bella and A. c. cannabina recorded in Mingechaur Bosdag Mountains on November 18th (Gambarov, 1975). In Kura Valley, large wintering flocks occur from mid November to early April (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907).

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280 The Birds of Azerbaijan POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No information. Very common in vicinity of Ilisu (Kah District), Lagich and Djandakhar, Ismailly District (Gambarov, 1954). Winter: No estimate. In Shirvan Steppe, 6.4/km in ungrazed semi-desert and 1.4/km in semi-desert pastures in January 1961 (Zlotin, 1963). Common in Sara Peninsula in the 1930s

(Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938), but very few in winter 1958/1959 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). BREEDING: A nest with 4 eggs in a backyard apple tree in Kedabek on May 28th (Mustafaev, 1969a). In Greater Caucasus Mountains, broods by mid July (Gambarov, 1954).

355. Twite - Acanthis flavirostris Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Uncommon resident undertaking altitudinal migrations. Subspecies A. f. brevirostris Moore, 1856. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Nesting range poorly known. Probably more widespread than indicated below. GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali District (Zakatali Reserve and Mount Alibek), above Ilisu, Kah District (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985) and possibly above Pirgulu (Shelton, 2001). LESSER CAUCASUS: Geigel Reserve, Murovdag Ridge (Gasanov, 1990) and possibly elsewhere. TALISH MOUNTAINS: No records, but may occur. Winter: Remains in the mountains in warmer winters, but may descend to lowlands after heavy snowfalls. GREATER CAUCASUS: Recorded on Mount Alibek on January 20th and February 24th (Gambarov, 1954). TALISH MOUNTAINS: In the mountains and Zuvand Upland (Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968; Mustafaev, 1968b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Descends to Kura Valley in cold winters (Satunin, 1907).

HABITAT: NESTING: Upper part of subalpine zone and alpine meadows up to 3,000 m (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). WINTER: Mountain slopes, orchards, etc. (Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968; Mustafaev, 1968b). POPULATION SIZE: No information. BREEDING: Observed on nesting grounds in Zakatali Reserve from early April. Nest built on the ground usually next to a grass clump, and lined with animal hair: sheep or East Caucasian Tur (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). DIET: Feeds on hornbeam seed in winter (Gambarov, 1954). REMARKS: Recorded in mixed flocks with Red-fronted Serin, Goldfinch, Chaffinch and Bullfinch (Gambarov, 1954).

356. Common Redpoll - Acanthis flammea Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Accidental visitor. Monotypic.

SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Observed in Kura Valley (Gambarov, 1975).

DISTRIBUTION: Winter: GREATER CAUCASUS: Recorded on Mount Alibek (Zakatali District) in 1937 (Gambarov, 1954).

REMARKS: Recorded in mixed flocks with Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Bullfinch and Yellowhammer (Gambarov, 1954, 1975).

357. Crimson-winged Finch - Rhodopechys sanguinea Gould, 1838 STATUS: Uncommon resident restricted to the southwest. Subspecies R. s. sanguinea Gould, 1838.

HABITAT: NESTING: Up to 3,000 m in the mountains of Nakhichevan Region (Radde, 1884; Laister & Sosnin, 1942).

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: NAKHICHEVAN: Negram Mountains near Julfa (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1911; Laister & Sosnin, 1942) and probably elsewhere in suitable habitat. TALISH MOUNTAINS: May occur. Winter: SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Wintered in Lenkoran Lowland in the past, e.g. a male collected on 16 January 1880 (Radde, 1884). No recent records.

MOVEMENT: May descend to lower elevations in winter. POPULATION SIZE: No information. BREEDING: A brood recorded near Djemaldin, Nakhichevan Region on June 11th (Laister & Sosnin, 1942).

358. Trumpeter Finch - Bucanetes githagineus Lichtenstein, 1823 STATUS: Uncommon nesting species restricted to Nakhichevan Region. Subspecies B. g. crassirostris Blyth, 1847.

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: NAKHICHEVAN: Negram Mountains, Mounts Ilandag and Daridag in the vicinity of Julfa, and foothills

The Birds of Azerbaijan G Tbilisi

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MOVEMENT: Flocks arrive at nesting grounds from March 28th (Panov & Bulatova, 1972).

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BREEDING: In the vicinity of Aza, pairs from March 28th, mating from April 1st and nest building commences shortly after (Panov & Bulatova, 1972). Nests in cavities and crevices in boulders and large rock fragments (Adamian & Zaletaev, 1965; MP). Up to 6 eggs/clutch. Fledglings recorded 3-20 May. Second nests built 11-21 May (Panov & Bulatova, 1972). On 3 June 1962, a female with 2 fledglings observed on Mount Daridag (Adamian & Zaletaev, 1965).

Stepanakert

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POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. 6 pairs and a brood on Mount Daridag in June 1962 (Adamian & Zaletaev, 1965), common near Aza in spring 1970 (Panov & Bulatova, 1972).

IRAN

of Ordubad District (Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Adamian & Zaletaev, 1965; Panov & Bulatova, 1972; MP). Probably more widespread.

REMARKS: Almost never mixes with Bucanetes mongolicus (Panov & Bulatova, 1972).

HABITAT: NESTING: Rocky semi-desert slopes in low mountains and lower parts of higher mountains (Adamian & Zaletaev, 1965; Panov & Bulatova, 1972).

359. Mongolian Trumpeter Finch – Bucanetes mongolicus Swinhoe, 1870 STATUS: Uncommon nesting species restricted to Nakhichevan Region. Monotypic.

MOVEMENT: Flocks recorded on nesting grounds from April 8th (Panov & Bulatova, 1972).

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: NAKHICHEVAN: Zhukov collected a specimen at Bulgan lookout in spring 1915 (Laister & Sosnin, 1942). Found by Mitropolsky in the vicinity of Aza, Julfa (?) District in the 1960s, and confirmed there in 1970 (Panov & Bulatova, 1972). Perhaps elsewhere in the region. However, none of the above records acknowledged in Stepanian (1990).

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No information. Common near Aza in 1970 (Panov & Bulatova, 1972). BREEDING: Mating from April 17th, adults with food on May 10th, and fledglings from May 18th (Panov & Bulatova, 1972).

HABITAT: Clayey and rocky cliffs with saltworts and wormwood, but also on rocky slopes (Panov & Bulatova, 1972).

360. Common Rosefinch - Carpodacus erythrinus Pallas, 1770 G Tbilisi

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STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Subspecies C. e. kubanensis Laubmann, 1915 nests in Azerbaijan and C. e. erythrinus Pallas, 1770 occurs during migration.

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360. Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus 361. Great Rosefinch Carpodacus rubicilla

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali District, vicinity of Ilisu (Kah District), upper Girdimanchai Valley (Ismailly District), lower parts of Mount Shahdag, and mountains of Kuba District (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). LESSER CAUCASUS: Vicinity of Lake Geigel and adjacent parts of Murovdag Ridge (Gasanov, 1990), probably in Karabakh Ridge (Laister & Sosnin, 1942) and elsewhere. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Recorded near Lerik (Satunin, 1907), and probably more widespread.

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282 The Birds of Azerbaijan HABITAT: NESTING: Bush thickets (blackberry, raspberry, wild rose, etc.), forest edge and woodlots in montane valleys at 9002,500 m, although sometimes as low as 600 m (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Late migrant: Late April to mid May. COASTAL: Passes through Lenkoran Lowland, southern Mugan and southeastern Shirvan from late April to mid May (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907, 1912b; Patrikeev, 1991a). A male recorded on Mount Beuk-Dash, Gobustan Upland on May 11th (MP). INTERIOR: Arrives at breeding grounds in Zakatali District from May 3rd (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Recorded near Agsu on May 12th (Satunin, 1907).

Fall passage: No information. POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. Common in Greater Caucasus Mountains at 1,200-2,500 m, e.g. 14/km2 in sub-alpine zone of Zakatali District (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). BREEDING: In mountains of Zakatali District, pairs from late May-early June. One clutch/year (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). In Kuba District, a nest with 5 eggs on June 16th (Satunin, 1907). Singing ceases by early August (Gambarov, 1954). DIET: Stomachs of collected birds contained elm seed (Gambarov, 1954).

361. Great Rosefinch - Carpodacus rubicilla Güldenstadt, 1775 STATUS: Insufficiently known. Probably uncommon resident restricted to alpine zone of Greater Caucasus Mountains. Subspecies C. r. rubicilla Güldenstadt, 1775. DISTRIBUTION: GREATER CAUCASUS: Two summer records from Zakatali Reserve, e.g. on Mount Beuk-Gudor (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). Also alpine zone of Mounts Bazar-Duzu and Shahdag (MP).

HABITAT: Montane slopes at c. 3,000 m (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). MOVEMENT: Probably descends from alpine zone in winter (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). POPULATION SIZE and BREEDING: No information.

362. Common Crossbill - Loxia curvirostra Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Uncommon migrant and wintering species. Possibly nests. Subspecies L. c. caucasica Buturlin, 1907.

Winter: Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.).

DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Probably records of wanderers, but may nest occasionally. LESSER CAUCASUS: Observed in headwaters of Akstafa-chai (Radde, 1884). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Unconfirmed nesting record in pine plantations in Baku (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.).

HABITAT: WINTER: Orchards and pine plantations (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). MOVEMENT: Arrives at Absheron Peninsula in cold winters, e.g. in 1942 (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.).

363. Bullfinch - Pyrrhula pyrrhula Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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STATUS: Uncommon resident undertaking some altitudinal movements. Subspecies P. p. rossikovi Deryugin et Bianchi, 1900.

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DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Southern slope in Zakatali (e.g. on Mounts Rochigel, Verketel, Ahkemal, Pichigel and Alibek), Kah (e.g. Ilisu Reserve), Kutkashen and Kuba districts (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990). LESSER CAUCASUS: Murovdag Ridge (including Mardakert District of Nagorno-Karabakh Region and Geigel Reserve) and headwaters of Shamkhorchai, Shahdag Ridge (Radde, 1884; Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990). TALISH MOUNTAINS: May nest, but no factual records. Winter: GREATER CAUCASUS: Mostly descends to foothills, but some remain in the mountains, e.g. on Mount Alibek (Gambarov, 1954).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

LESSER CAUCASUS: Remained at the headwaters of Shamkhorchai in November (Radde, 1884). BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Observed in Lenkoran Lowland during cold winters (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). HABITAT: NESTING: Upper montane forests (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No information. Common along the southern slope of Greater Caucasus Mountains (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). BREEDING: In Greater Caucasus Mountains, pairs from mid April (Gambarov, 1954). A brood recorded in Mardakert District of Nagorno-Karabakh Region, Murovdag Ridge on June 20th (Laister & Sosnin, 1942).

364. Hawfinch - Coccothraustes coccothraustes Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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A BSHERON AND G OBUSTAN : Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov, 1960).

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MOVEMENT: Observed in Sara Peninsula as early as September 27th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). Collected in Binagadi near Baku on November 21st (Gambarov, 1960). Present in Kura Valley from late September to late April (Radde, 1884).

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HABITAT: NESTING: Orchards, parks, gardens and broad-leaved forests in lowlands, foothills and mountains up to 1,400 m and higher (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev, 1962). WINTER: Montane forests, juniper woodlands, orchards, etc. (Gambarov, 1954; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Mustafaev, 1972).

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STATUS: Common resident, migrant and wintering species. Subspecies C. c. nigricans Buturlin, 1908 nests in Azerbaijan, and C. c. coccothraustes Linnaeus, 1758 occurs during migration and in winter. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Zakatali (e.g. Tsilbanchai Gorge), Kah (Ilisu Reserve), Sheki, Kutkashen, Kuba and Kusari districts (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev, 1962; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990). LESSER CAUCASUS: Recorded at headwaters of Shamkhor-chai and vicinity of Kedabek, Shahdag Ridge (Radde, 1884; Mustafaev, 1969a), but probably more widespread. TALISH MOUNTAINS: In foothills and mountains (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan (Satunin, 1912b). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: Samur Delta (Drozdov, 1965). Winter: GREATER CAUCASUS: Some remain at higher elevations in Zakatali District (Gambarov, 1954). LESSER CAUCASUS: Observed in the vicinity of Kedabek (Shahdag Ridge) in early November (Radde, 1884). T ALISH M OUNTAINS : Observed in montane forests (Mustafaev, 1968b). BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Kura Valley including Karayasi area (Radde, 1884). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan, Lenkoran Lowland and Sara Peninsula (Satunin, 1912b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Mustafaev, 1972).

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. Average of 0.2 nests/ha in orchards of Kusari District (Mustafaev, 1962). Winter: No estimate. Common in Kura Valley near Karayasi (Radde, 1884). In Turianchai Bosdag Mountains, fluctuates from 0.07-0.1/km to 12.5/ha (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Gasanov, 1990). BREEDING: Late April to late July. In the northeast, 11 of 14 nests found were in apple trees, 2 in pear trees and 1 in oak, 1.6-6 m above the ground. Sometimes nests close to roads and human dwellings. The nest is a loose construction of dry twigs lined with a few rootlets. Two clutches a year: in May and late June-early July; 3-5 eggs/clutch. Incubation lasts 1314 days, and the young remain in nests 11-14 days. Nesting success is lower in settlements where only c. 50% of the young survive to fledge while 68% fledge in other habitats (Mustafaev, 1962, 1969, 1971a). DIET: Consumes large amounts of hazelnuts in fall and winter (Gambarov, 1954).

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284 The Birds of Azerbaijan

FAMILY EMBERIZIDAE - BUNTINGS 365. Corn Bunting - Emberiza calandra Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Migrants arrive at Kizil Agach Reserve from 12-27 March (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a) and to southeastern Shirvan from April 25th (Patrikeev, 1991a). Fall passage: COASTAL: In Sara Peninsula from early December (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938).

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(Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1963, 1965; Tarasov, 1974; Vinogradov et al., 1990; Patrikeev, 1991a). WINTER: Open areas including fields, orchards, villages, pastures and clearings in lowlands, foothills and mountains (Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968; Mustafaev, 1968b, 1972), sometimes in reeds (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Dobrokhotov, 1963).

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Azeri name: Valamirgushu (all buntings) STATUS: Common resident, migrant and wintering species. Subspecies E. c. calandra Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Lower slopes in Zakatali, Sheki, Kuba and Kusari districts; also in Shemakha Upland e.g. between Shemakha and Alti-Agach (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). LESSER CAUCASUS: Recorded in Terter Valley in Mardakert District, Nagorno-Karabakh Region (Laister & Sosnin, 1942). Probably widespread. NAKHICHEVAN: Western part of the region (MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Kalvas, Kus-Yurdi, Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Drozdov, 1963, 1965; Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968; Mustafaev, 1968b) and probably elsewhere. BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Karayasi, Shirvan, Mil and Mugan steppes; also in Gandja and its vicinity (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Mustafaev, 1971a, 1973b; Gambarov, 1975; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Northern part of Kizil Agach Reserve (Vinogradov et al., 1990) and southeastern Shirvan (Patrikeev, 1991a). SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: No records, but probably present. ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Northern part of Gobustan Upland, e.g. in Sumgait-chai Valley near Pirkishkul (Gambarov, 1960; MP). Winter: Mostly remains within breeding range in foothills and lowlands, but also occurs in Sara Peninsula, Little Kizil Agach Bay (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Dobrokhotov, 1963), Lenkoran Lowland (Mustafaev, 1972) and Absheron Peninsula (Gambarov, 1960; MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Grasslands, semi-desert, fields and scrub in lowlands and foothills, but also mountains up to 2,100 m

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. 0.5 nests/ha in orchards near Kusari (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). Common in Shemakha Upland and uncommon in Zakatali and Sheki districts and southeastern Shirvan (Gambarov, 1954; Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). Winter: No estimate. In Shirvan Steppe, 11.7/km in semi-desert pastures, 2.9/km in ungrazed semi-desert, and 1.7/km in bushes and tugai in January 1961 (Zlotin, 1963). Common in Mingechaur District (Gambarov, 1975). BREEDING: Singing from late March and pairs from early April (Satunin, 1907). Nesting season from late April to late July. Nests usually on the ground, but sometimes in a bush 0.1-0.4 m above the ground (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971a). Two clutches/year (late Aprilearly May and early June); 3-6 eggs/clutch (av. 5). Egg measurements (n=15): 21.0-27.5 x 15.0-17.7 mm (av. 23.6 x 16.6 mm). The young remain in nests 8-11 days. Survival to fledge is c. 45% in natural habitats and c. 35% in settlements (Satunin, 1907; Mustafaev, 1971a). DIET: Examined stomachs contained insects, wheat, barley and weed seed (Satunin, 1912b; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). MORTALITY: Occasionally perishes in oil (Verestchagin, 1946). REMARKS: In winter, often roams in mixed flocks with Crested Larks (Gambarov, 1975).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

366. Yellowhammer - Emberiza citrinella Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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TALISH M OUNTAINS : Zuvand Upland and open areas elsewhere in the mountains (Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968; Mustafaev, 1968b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Karayasi, Mugan and Shirvan steppes and the vicinity of Mingechaur (Zlotin, 1963; Gambarov, 1975; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989; MP). Probably elsewhere. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Southern Mugan, Sara Peninsula and Lenkoran Lowland (Satunin, 1912b; Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Dobrokhotov, 1963; Mustafaev, 1972).

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HABITAT: WINTER: Fields, pastures, abandoned land and villages in lowlands, foothills and Zuvand Upland; occasionally in wetlands (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968; Mustafaev, 1968b, 1972).

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Azeri name: Valamirgushu (all buntings) STATUS: Common migrant and wintering species. Two subspecies occur: E. c. erythrogenus C. L. Brehm, 1855 and E. c. citrinella Linnaeus, 1758. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Old summer records from Lenkoran Lowland and the vicinity of Gandja (Bogdanov, 1879). Winter: LESSER CAUCASUS: Recorded near Kedabek in the foothills of Shahdag Ridge in November (Radde, 1884).

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Migrants recorded in Lenkoran Lowland on April 24th (Radde, 1884). Fall passage: COASTAL: In 1958, arrived at Sara Peninsula on November 27th, but not until January 30th in 1959 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). INTERIOR: Two small flocks in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on 19 October 1961 (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). POPULATION SIZE: Winter: No estimate. In Shirvan Steppe, 1.9/km in bushes and tugai in January 1961 (Zlotin, 1963). Very common near Mingechaur (Gambarov, 1975).

367. Rock Bunting - Emberiza cia Linnaeus, 1766 G

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STATUS: Common resident undertaking some winter movements. Subspecies E. c. prageri Laubmann, 1915. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Throughout the southern slope, e.g. in Zakatali District, Ilisu Reserve (Kah District), vicinity of Laza (Kutkashen District) and headwaters of Girdimanchai (Ismailly District). In Shemakha Upland, recorded near Pirgulu and Alti-Agach (Gambarov, 1954;

Drozdov, 1965; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990; Patrikeev, 1991d). LESSER CAUCASUS: Observed near Lake Geigel, Murovdag Ridge (Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990), probably occurs elsewhere. NAKHICHEVAN: No records, but probably present. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Zuvand Upland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965). BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). Winter: In winter many descend from mountains to foothills or even lowlands. GREATER CAUCASUS: Observed on Mount Alibek and other mountains of Zakatali District in January (Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Winters in the mountains and Zuvand Upland (Mustafaev, 1968b; Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968). BOSDAG: Remains in Turianchai Bosdag in winter (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Deep snow in the mountains may force these buntings into Kura Valley (Radde, 1884). HABITAT: NESTING: Scrub on clayey and rocky slopes, montane meadows, cereal fields, juniper woodlands and edge of montane forest at 400-2,100 m (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907;

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286 The Birds of Azerbaijan Gambarov, 1954; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; MP). WINTER: Clearings, orchards, fields, villages, pastures and rocky slopes in foothills and mountains (Mustafaev, 1968b; Mustafaev & Agaeva, 1968).

POPULATION SIZE: No information. BREEDING: In Zakatali Reserve, fledglings observed in June (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985).

368. Reed Bunting - Emberiza schoeniclus Linnaeus, 1758 G Tbilisi

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HABITAT: WINTER: Reed stands at wetlands, wooded reservoirs, tugai, Juncus, wormwood and blackberry thickets, fields, pastures and semi-desert (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Tugarinov, 1950; Dobrokhotov, 1963; Zlotin, 1963; Mustafaev, 1972).

Stepanakert

Aras Rive

trict, wetlands of Shirvan, Mil and Mugan steppes (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b; Zlotin, 1963; Gambarov, 1975; Sultanov & Musaev, 1989; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Kizil Agach Reserve and Lenkoran Lowland (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Tugarinov, 1950; Dobrokhotov, 1963; Mustafaev, 1972). ABSHERON: Shah Spit (Bannikova et al., 1984).

Lenkoran

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STATUS: Common migrant and wintering species. Possibly nests. Subspecies E. s. caspia Menetries, 1832. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: Status is unclear. Nesting suspected in the past, but no factual records. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Recorded near Gandja in the mid 19th century (Bogdanov, 1879). No other records. SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Nesting suspected in southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b). A pair observed at Kalinovsky Liman, Kizil Agach Reserve on March 25th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a). No recent sightings. Winter: KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Karayasi Steppe (e.g. Lake Djandargel and small wetlands in Karayasi Forest), Mingechaur Dis-

MOVEMENT: Spring passage: COASTAL: Recorded in Absheron Peninsula in late March (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Fall passage: COASTAL: Arrives at Lenkoran Lowland from November (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1907). POPULATION SIZE: Winter: No estimate. 100/km in reeds of Little Kizil Agach Bay in 5 February 1959, and 6.2/km in Juncus thickets in February 1962 (Dobrokhotov, 1963). In mid Kura: 3.6/km in wetlands, 1/km in tugai, 0.3/km in semi-desert pastures, and 0.2/km in ungrazed semi-desert in January 1961 (Zlotin, 1963). In January 1991, 200/km in coastal reeds of Lake Aggel, Mil Steppe (MP). REMARKS: In winter this species often occurs in mixed flocks with other buntings, but also Linnets, Chaffinches and even tits (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938).

369. Rustic Bunting - Emberiza rustica Pallas, 1776 STATUS: Rare migrant. Monotypic. MOVEMENT: Fall passage: COASTAL: In 1989 one recorded at Lake Karakush on November 28th, a flock of 15 between

Sbrosnoyi and Avarinyi channels on November 29th (both in Kizil Agach Reserve) and another one in Shah Spit, Absheron Peninsula on December 13th (MP).

370. Black-headed Bunting - Emberiza melanocephala Scopoli, 1769 STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Lowlands adjacent to the southern slope in Zakatali and Kutkashen districts, but up to 1,000 m in Sheki District, and up to 1,800 m in Girdimanchai Valley, Ismailly District. Also in Shemakha Upland, e.g. vicinity of Shemakha and Kirovka (Gambarov, 1954; Gambarov & Bagirova, 1957).

LESSER CAUCASUS: Vicinity of Agdam and adjacent districts of Nagorno-Karabakh Region. Also in Murovdag Ridge (e.g. Umutli) up to 1,500 m (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov & Bagirova, 1957). NAKHICHEVAN: At low and mid elevations throughout the region (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov & Bagirova, 1957; MP). TALISH MOUNTAINS: Vicinity of Lerik and Kalvas, and Zuvand Upland (Satunin, 1907; Drozdov, 1965).

The Birds of Azerbaijan G Tbilisi

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BOSDAG: Turianchai Bosdag Mountains and adjacent valleys (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; MP). KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: From Dallar and Yenikend, Shamkhor District (Gambarov, 1975) to vicinity of Gandja (Mustafaev, 1973b), Shirvan, Mil and Mugan steppes (Gambarov & Bagirova, 1957; Mustafaev, 1969a, 1971a; MP). SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Ivanov, 1952) and southeastern Shirvan, e.g. near Khaladz (Patrikeev, 1991a). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: Eastern and northern Gobustan Upland (e.g. Mount Beuk-Dush, Sumgait-chai Valley, etc.), and throughout Absheron Peninsula including immediate vicinity of Baku (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958; Mustafaev, 1973a; Drozdov, 1965; Patrikeev, 1991b). HABITAT: NESTING: Bush thickets, semi-desert scrub, grasslands, orchards, vineyards, young tree plantations (1-6 years old), field edges, roadsides and villages in lowlands, foothills and mountains up to 1,800 m. Less common in tamarisk, pistachio and Paliurus thickets (Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Gambarov & Bagirova, 1957; Mustafaev, 1969a; Tarasov, 1974; Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Early March through early May. COASTAL: Earliest sighting in Lenkoran Lowland on April 20th, and near Kumbashi (Kizil Agach Reserve) on April 29th (Radde, 1884). Single males in semi-desert south of Cape Pirsagat 28

April-9 May (Patrikeev, 1991a). Recorded on Mount Beuk-Dush, Gobustan Upland on May 1st (MP), and in Absheron Peninsula from May 3rd (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). INTERIOR: Arrives in Nakhichevan Region as early as March 9th (Gambarov & Bagirova, 1957), to Turianchai Bosdag Mountains c. April 14th (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b), the vicinity of Gandja on April 20th (Satunin, 1907), and Kurdamir and Shamkhor districts from May 4th (Gambarov & Bagirova, 1957). Fall passage: Leaves Azerbaijan in late August with latest sighting on September (Gambarov & Bagirova, 1957). POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: Common, but no estimate. Very common in Shemakha Upland, (Gambarov, 1954; Gambarov & Bagirova, 1957). At least 4 pairs on Mount Beuk-Dush, Gobustan Upland in 1990-1991 (MP). Passage: Common in Lenkoran Lowland during migration (Radde, 1884; Ivanov, 1952). BREEDING: Singing from 1-20 May (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). Nesting season from mid May to late July (Mustafaev, 1971a). Nest-building probably from early May. Nests in bushes (blackberry, Paliurus australis, wild rose, hawthorn and pomegranate) 0.3-0.5 m above the ground, although as high as 0.8-1.6 m in settlements. When bushes are scarce, nests sometimes only 1-2 m apart, but usually 30-50 m. Clutch contains 3-4, rarely 5 eggs (Gambarov & Bagirova, 1957; Mustafaev, 1971a; MP). Nests with complete clutches in Bosdag Mountains as early as May 16th (Satunin, 1907). Fresh clutches recorded up to July 4th (Gambarov & Bagirova, 1957). Incubation c. 11 days, mostly by female, although male helps rarely. The young remain in nests 7-12 days (Gambarov & Bagirova, 1957; Mustafaev, 1971a). In Shemakha Upland fledglings from June 15th (Gambarov, 1954). Nesting success is c. 44% in settlements and 60% in natural habitats (Mustafaev, 1971a). DIET: Mostly insects during nesting season: 23 of 33 stomachs examined 23 May-30 June contained exclusively insects (ground beetles, long-horned beetles, scarab beetles, leaf beetles, moths, bugs, earwigs, ants, locusts, grasshoppers and cicadas). Weed seed in other stomachs. Feeding on wheat recorded from mid July (Gambarov, 1954; Gambarov & Bagirova, 1957).

371. Ortolan Bunting - Emberiza hortulana Linnaeus, 1758 STATUS: Common nesting species and migrant. Monotypic. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: GREATER CAUCASUS: Southern slope and adjacent lowlands east of Kah, e.g. Ilisu Reserve, Sheki, Kutkashen, Ismailly and Kusari districts, and Shemakha Upland, e.g. vicinity of Shemakha, Kirovka, Tchukhuryurt, lakes Fakhrakush and Yulduz (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968; Gasanov, 1990). LESSER CAUCASUS, NAKHICHEVAN AND TALISH MOUNTAINS: No records, but probably present. KURA-ARAS LOWLAND: Shamkhor District (e.g. near Yenikend and Dallar) and Karayasi Steppe (Radde, 1884; Gambarov, 1975).

SOUTHEAST LOWLANDS: Old records from southern Mugan and Lenkoran Lowland (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b), but no recent sightings. A record from Khamamdag Mud-Volcano (Cape Pirsagat) on 10 May 1989 (Patrikeev, 1991a) was probably of a migrant. SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND: No records, but probably occurs. ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: A pair on Mount Beuk-Dush (Gobustan Upland) on 11 May 1991 (MP). HABITAT: NESTING: Forest edge, scrub, clearings, riverbanks, tugai, lake shores, orchards, field edge and gardens in foothills and lowlands up to 1,500 m. Occasionally in semi-desert (Satunin, 1907; Gambarov, 1954, 1975; Mustafaev, 1969a; MP).

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zanchian, 1958), and in mid September in Kuba District (Shelton, 2001).

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MOVEMENT: Spring passage: Mid April to mid May. COASTAL: In Lenkoran Lowland and southern Mugan from April 18th (Radde, 1884; Satunin, 1912b), Cape Pirsagat on April 29th and Mount Beuk-Dash on May 1st (Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). Passes through Absheron Peninsula until mid May (Gambarov & Gazanchian, 1958). Fall passage: COASTAL: Leaves in late August. One collected in Absheron Peninsula on September 12th (Gambarov & Ga-

POPULATION SIZE: Breeding: No estimate. Common in Shemakha Upland (Gambarov, 1954) and Kusari District (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). BREEDING: Nesting season from mid May to late July. Nests on the ground, usually among grasses. Nest measurements: diameter 10-14 cm, height 7-8 cm, nest-cup 6.5-8 cm, depth 3-4.5 cm (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). One clutch/year, 4-5 eggs/clutch, but sometimes 3 or 6 (Gambarov, 1954; Mustafaev, 1971a). In the vicinity of Kusari, egg-laying from mid May, but nests with freshly-laid eggs to early July. Egg measurements (n=13): 19.4-19.9 x 14.7-16.5 mm, av. 19.7 x 15.5 mm (Mustafaev & Khanmammedov, 1968). The young remain in nests 7-10 days. In the vicinity of Kirovka (Shemakha Upland), fledglings recorded 1118 July (Gambarov, 1954). Up to 50% of young survive to fledge in natural habitats, and c. 42% in villages (Mustafaev, 1971a). DIET: Stomachs of specimens collected in Greater Caucasus Mountains contained grasshoppers (Tettigonia viridissima, Platypterna kazaca, Acrida turrita, Locusta migratoria), a dragonfly, a wasp Vespa media and weed seed (Gambarov, 1954).

372. Grey-headed Bunting - Emberiza buchanani Blyth, 1844 G

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HABITAT: NESTING: Rocky slopes in semi-desert mountains (Laister & Sosnin, 1942; Agaeva & Mustafaev, 1973).

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POPULATION SIZE: No information.

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MOVEMENT: Fall passage: COASTAL: Occurred along the Caspian shore (Satunin, 1911). INTERIOR: Three observed in Turianchai Bosdag Mountains on October 9th; one male collected (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b).

IRAN

STATUS: Uncommon nesting species and migrant restricted to the southwest and southeast. Subspecies E. b. cerrutii de Filippi, 1863. DISTRIBUTION: Summer: NAKHICHEVAN: Negram Mountains, Mount Ilandag and vicinity of Djemaldin (Laister & Sosnin, 1942; MP). Possibly elsewhere. TALISH MOUNTAINS: Two collected in Zuvand Upland on 24 May 1969 and 9 June 1971, and a nest found on 11 June 1971 (Agaeva & Mustafaev, 1973). ABSHERON AND GOBUSTAN: A pair of probably this species on Mount Beuk-Dash, Gobustan Upland in late April-early May 1989 (MP).

BREEDING: An almost completed nest in a hawthorn bush near Kalvas (Zuvand Upland) on 11 June 1971. Nest measurements: diameter 171 mm, height 53.7 mm, nest-cup 63.5 mm, depth 40 mm. Eggs (5) laid 14-18 June, measurements 19.7 x 15.7 mm (Agaeva & Mustafaev, 1973). A brood observed in Negram Mountains on 9 June 1929 (Laister & Sosnin, 1942).

Plates

01. Alfalfa fields near Khaladz: secondary habitat of Black Francolin (Francolinus francolinus) and Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra). Saliani district, April 1990. As many other bird species in Azerbaijan, these two had to adapt to man-modified habitats and even benefited from the spread of those.

02. Floating algae mats provide nesting sites for Whiskered Terns (Chlidonias hybridus). Mahmudchala, Djalilabad district. June 1990. 03. Artemisia semi-desert: habitat of Calandra Lark (Melanocorypha calandra). South of Cape Pirsagat. April 1989.

04. Artemisia semi-desert in coastal part of Shirvan Reserve. Saliani district, May 1990.

05. Flooded tamarisk thickets at Mahmud-chala provide nesting habitat for Turtle Doves (Streptopelia turtur). Djalilabad district, June 1990. Elsewhere, flooded tamarisk thickets like this support diverse mixed colonies of herons, egrets, ibises and cormorants. 06. Mosaic of forest fragments and fields are characteristic of Shemakha Upland where species such as Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix), Corncrake (Crex crex) and Skylark (Alauda arvensis) mostly occur in agricultural habitats.

07. Rocky outcrops and remains of ancient fortresses often provide nesting habitat to Raven (Corvus corax). Shemakha district, September 1989.

08. Forested gorge in Shemakha Upland. Pirgulu Reserve, Shemakha district, September 1989. 09. Montane broad-leaved forests. Shemakha Upland, September 1989

10. Semi-desert slopes of Gobustan Upland: habitat of Finch’s Wheatear (Oenanthe finschii) and Black-eared Wheatear (O. hispanica). Gobustan Reserve, April 1990.

11. Karayasi Forest: one of the very few remaining mature tugai forests in Azerbaijan. Akstafa district, July 1989. 12. Mud volcanoes are typical landmarks of Absheron Peninsula and adjacent parts of Caspian Lowland. Khamamdag, Cape Pirsagat, April 1989.

13. Kobls (thick reed clusters growing from the common root) are typical of lakes and other wetlands in lowlands of Azerbaijan. Mahmud-chala, Djalilabad district, November 1989.

14. Little Ring Plovers (Charadrius dubius) frequently nest in pebble beds in Kura Valley. Near Karayasi, Akstafa district, July 1989. 15. Reedbeds provide nesting and staging habitats for many species of waterbirds including Purple Gallinule (Porphyrio porphyrio) and Common Coot (Fulica atra). Lake KichikShorgel, Shirvan Reserve, Saliani district, April 1990.

16. Kobls and reed thickets of Mahmud-chala are very important for nesting and staging ducks including Redcrested Pochard (Netta rufina) and Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca). Djalilabad district, June 1989.

17. Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus), wild Rock Doves (Columba livia) and Red-billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) often build their nests in low cliffs of Gobustan Upland. Mount BeukDash, April 1990. 18. Montane broad-leaved forest. Mount Pirgulu, Shemakha upland, September 1989.

19. Nesting habitat of Bearded Reedling (Panurus biarmicus) at Shorgel lakes. Lake KichikShorgel, Shirvan Reserve, Saliani district, April 1990.

20. Pirsagat Islands are home to the most diverse nesting colonies of gulls and terns in Azerbaijan: seven species nested in the late 1980s. Baku Archipelago, Caspian Sea, June 1989. 21. Islands of Baku Archipelago are susceptible to oil pollution. Pirsagat Islands, Caspian Sea. April 1989.

22. Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) and Collared Pratincole (Glareola pratincola) frequently nest in saltpans. Shirvan Reserve, Saliani district, May 1989.

23. Channels dug across Kizil Agach Reserve for enhancing local fisheries draw large numbers of cormorants and grebes. Sbrosnoyi Channel, Kizil Agach Reserve, November 1989. 24. Salsola semi-desert: typical habitat of Lesser Short-toed Lark (Calandrella rufescens) and Crested Lark (Galerida cristata) in southeastern Shirvan. April 1989.

25. Semi-desert slopes of low hills in Caspian Lowland. Khamamdag, June 1989.

26. Almost impassable tamarisk thickets shelter Black Francolins (Francolinus francolinus) and nests of Magpie (Pica pica). Shirvan Reserve, Saliani district, April 1989. 27. Turianchai Reserve, Agdash district, May 1991.

Male Bearded Reedling (Panurus biarmicus) at the nest. This species nests in thick reed kobls throughout wetlands of Azerbaijan. Lake KichikShorgel, Shirvan Reserve, Saliani district, May 1990.

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater (Merops persicus) excavating nesting burrow. Vicinity of Cape Pirsagat, Caspian Lowland, May 1989. Although Blue-cheeked Beeeaters (Merops persicus) usually excavate their burrows in flats, some nest in low clayey cliffs. Vicinity of Cape Pirsagat, Caspian Lowland, May 1989.

Large nestlings of Calandra Lark (Melanocorypha calandra) blend perfectly with the surroundings becoming almost invisible to human eye. South of Cape Pirsagat, Caspian Lowland, May 1989.

Incubating Collared Pratincole (Glareola pratincola). Pervaya Grada Island, Pirsagat Islands of Baku Archipelago, Caspian Sea, May 1989. Third largest mixed colony of wading birds and cormorants is found in kobls and impassable reedbeds of Mahmud-chala. Djalilabad district. June 1990.

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis). Karayasi Forest, Akstafa district, June 1989.

Common Terns (Sterna hirundo) on Baburyi Island. Pirsagat Islands of Baku Archipelago. June 1989. Crested Lark (Galerida cristata). Shirvan Reserve, Saliani district, April 1990.

Fledgling of Crested Lark (Galerida cristata). Shirvan Reserve, Saliani district, May 1990.

Nest of Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) with eggs. Mahmud-chala, Djalilabad district, June 1990. Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) in colony of Mahmud-chala. Djalilabad district, June 1990.

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus). Mahmud-chala, Djalilabad district, June 1990.

Nest of Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) with young. Mahmud-chala, Djalilabad district, June 1990. Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica). Pelikanyi Island, Pirsagat Islands of Baku Archipelago, Caspian Sea, May 1989.

Isabelline Wheatear (Oenanthe isabellina) with food. Shirvan Reserve, Saliani district, May 1990.

Isabelline Wheatear (Oenanthe isabellina) near nesting burrow. Vicinity of Cape Pirsagat, Caspian Lowland, May 1989. Nest of Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) with three eggs. Shirvan Reserve, Saliani district, May 1990.

Female Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus) at nest. Zavvar, Djalilabad district, June 1990.

Lesser Short-toed Lark (Calandrella rufescens) near nest with young. Vicinity of Cape Pirsagat, Caspian Lowland, May 1989. Nest and eggs of Lesser Short-toed Lark (Calandrella rufescens). Shirvan Reserve, Saliani district, May 1990.

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) at Mahmud-chala. Two Cattle Egrets (Bubulcus ibis) on the background. Djalilabad district, June 1990.

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) and Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) in mixed colony at Mahmud-chala. Djalilabad district, June 1990. Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius) over nest with eggs. Kura Valley at Karayasi, Akstafa district, June 1989.

Unlike other Sterna terns, Little Terns (Sterna albifrons) often nest on mainland, especially beaches. Vicinity of Cape Pirsagat, Caspian Lowland, May 1989.

Mediterranean Gulls (Larus melanocephalus) were first found nesting on the Caspian Sea in 1989. Pelikanyi Island, Pirsagat Islands of Baku Archipelago, May 1989. Mediterranean Gulls (Larus melanocephalus) were first found nesting on the Caspian Sea in 1989. Pelikanyi Island, Pirsagat Islands of Baku Archipelago, May 1989.

Male Menetries’ Warbler (Sylvia mystacea) attending nest. Vicinity of Cape Pirsagat, Caspian Lowland, May 1989.

Nest of Menetries’ Warbler (Sylvia mystacea) with eggs. Shirvan Reserve, Saliani district, May 1990. Nest of Common Coot (Fulica atra) with eleven eggs. Lake Kichik-Shorgel, Shirvan Reserve, Saliani district, April 1990.

Nest of Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix). Although this species usually builds nests in trees, nesting in reedbeds is not unusual in wetlands of Azerbaijan. Lake KichikShorgel, Shirvan Reserve, Saliani district, April 1990.

Nest of Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca). In tugai forests, this species builds its nests in large Populus trees. Karayasi Forest, Akstafa district, June 1989. In semi-deserts of Azerbaijan, nests of Magpie (Pica pica) are often hidden in tamarisk thickets. Shirvan Reserve, Saliani district, April 1990.

Nest of Rock Nuthatch (Sitta neumayer) is a massive mud structure attached to a rock surface. Mount Beuk-Dash, Gobustan Upland, April 1990.

Stone Curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus) lays eggs on bare grounds, with only few small rocks and seashell fragments added to create likeness of a nest. Complete clutch of this species contains two eggs. Vicinity of Cape Pirsagat, Caspian Lowland, May 1989. Nest of Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybridus) is a loose construction of grass and twigs on the top of floating algae mats. Mahmud-chala, Djalilabad district, June 1990.

Slender-billed gulls (Larus genei) nest in close proximity of each other. Pelikanyi Island, Pirsagat Islands of Baku Archipelago, Caspian Sea, May 1989.

Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos) removing a fecal sac from the nest with young. Karayasi Forest, Akstafa district, June 1989. Male Penduline Tit (Remiz pendulinus) in unfinished nest hanging from tamarisk. Mahmud-chala, Djalilabad district, June 1990.

Pygmy Cormorants (Phalacrocorax pygmaeus) in the mixed colony at Mahmudchala, Djalilabad district, June 1990.

Pygmy Cormorants (Phalacrocorax pygmaeus). Mahmud-chala, Djalilabad district, June 1990. Rafts of Common Coots (Fulica atra) off Kulagin Lookout. Kizil Agach Reserve, Lenkoran Lowland, November 1989.

Rufous Bushchat (Cercotrichas galactotes) is a common bird in lowlands throughout Azerbaijan. Vicinity of Cape Pirsagat, Caspian Lowland. June 1989.

A colony of Sandwich Terns (Thalasseus sandvicensis) on Pelikanyi Island. Pirsagat Islands of Baku Archipelago, Caspian Sea, May 1989. A colony of Sandwich Terns (Thalasseus sandvicensis) on Pelikanyi Island. Pirsagat Islands of Baku Archipelago, Caspian Sea, May 1989.

Lake Karakush at the north end of Kizil Agach Reserve is teeming with waterbirds and waders. Kizil Agach Reserve, November 1989.

Slender-billed Gulls (Larus genei) always nest in dense colonies, probably to avoid predation by larger gulls. Pelikanyi Island, Pirsagat Islands of Baku Archipelago, Caspian Sea, May 1990. Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides) in the mixed colony of Mahmud-chala. Djalilabad district, southern Mugan, June 1990.

A large fledgling Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur). Karayasi forest, Akstafa district, July 1989.

A pair of Woodchat Shrikes (Lanius senator) at nest. In the vicinity of Cape Pirsagat, this species almost invariably builds nests in Eleagnus bushes. Caspian Lowland, May 1989. Yellow-legged Gull (Larus cachinnans) nests on islands of Baku and Absheron archipelagos. Pelikanyi Island, Pirsagat Islands, Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan.

Nestling of Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus). Turianchai Reserve, May 1991 Rock Nuthatch (Sitta neumayer) at nest with young. Mount Beuk-Dash, Gobustan Upland, May 1991

Appendixes

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

Appendix 1 A LIST OF BIRDS OF AZERBAIJAN No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

Species Red-throated Diver – Gavia stellata Black-throated Diver – Gavia arctica Little Grebe – Tachybaptus ruficollis Black-necked Grebe – Podiceps nigricollis Slavonian Grebe – Podiceps auritus Red-necked Grebe – Podiceps griseigena Great Crested Grebe – Podiceps cristatus Great White Pelican – Pelecanus onocrotalus Dalmatian Pelican – Pelecanus crispus Great Cormorant – Phalacrocorax carbo Pygmy Cormorant – Phalacrocorax pygmaeus Eurasian Bittern – Botaurus stellaris Little Bittern – Ixobrychus minutus Night-Heron – Nycticorax nycticorax Squacco Heron – Ardeola ralloides Cattle Egret – Bubulcus ibis Great White Egret – Egretta alba Little Egret – Egretta garzetta Grey Heron – Ardea cinerea Purple Heron – Ardea purpurea White Stork – Ciconia ciconia Black Stork – Ciconia nigra Eurasian Spoonbill – Platalea leucorodia Glossy Ibis – Plegadis falcinellus Sacred Ibis – Threskiornis aethiopicus Greater Flamingo – Phoenicopterus ruber Mute Swan – Cygnus olor Whooper Swan – Cygnus cygnus Bewick’s Swan – Cygnus bewickii Red-breasted Goose – Rufibrenta ruficollis Greylag Goose – Anser anser Greater White-fronted Goose – Anser albifrons Lesser White-fronted Goose – Anser erythropus Bean Goose – Anser fabalis Snow Goose – Chen caerulescens Common Shelduck – Tadorna tadorna Ruddy Shelduck – Tadorna ferruginea Mallard – Anas platyrhynchos Common Teal – Anas crecca Gadwall – Anas strepera Eurasian Wigeon – Anas penelope Northern Pintail – Anas acuta Northern Shoveler – Anas clypeata Garganey – Anas querquedula Marbled Teal – Marmaronetta angustirostris Red-crested Pochard – Netta rufina Common Pochard – Aythya ferina Ferruginous Duck – Aythya nyroca Tufted Duck – Aythya fuligula Greater Scaup – Aythya marila

Resident

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c ex?

uc uc uc

r

c uc c c c c r c c c c r uc c ex uc r

uc (-)

uc c c ir uc ir r? r? r uc (-) ?

uc ?

r r c uc uc c c c r c c c c uc r uc c a c c c a r c (-) c c a a c c vc vc c vc c c c r c (-?) vc c vc (-) c

Winter r r c c uc uc c r r c uc ir ir r c uc c r r vr c c c a r c (-) c c a a c uc vc vc c vc c c uc ir c (-?) vc c vc (-) c

T 319

T

320 The Birds of Azerbaijan No. 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106

Species Common Scoter – Melanitta nigra Velvet Scoter – Melanitta fusca Long-tailed Duck – Clangula hyemalis Common Goldeneye – Bucephala clangula Smew – Mergus albellus Red-breasted Merganser – Mergus serrator Goosander (Common Merganser) – Mergus merganser White-headed Duck – Oxyura leucocephala Osprey – Pandion haliaetus Honey Buzzard – Pernis apivorus Red Kite – Milvus milvus Black Kite – Milvus migrans White-tailed Sea Eagle – Haliaeetus albicilla Pallas’s Sea Eagle – Haliaetus leucoryphus Goshawk – Accipiter gentilis Sparrowhawk – Accipiter nisus Levant Sparrowhawk – Accipiter brevipes Shikra – Accipiter badius Rough-legged Buzzard – Buteo lagopus Long-legged Buzzard – Buteo rufinus Common Buzzard – Buteo buteo Booted Eagle – Hieraaetus pennatus Bonelli’s Eagle – Hieraaetus fasciatus Steppe Eagle – Aquila nipalensis Greater Spotted Eagle – Aquila clanga Lesser Spotted Eagle – Aquila pomarina Imperial Eagle – Aquila heliaca Golden Eagle – Aquila chrysaetos Egyptian Vulture – Neophron percnopterus Lammergeier – Gypaetus barbatus Black Vulture – Aegypius monachus Griffon Vulture – Gyps fulvus Short-toed Eagle – Circaetus gallicus Hen Harrier – Circus cyaneus Pallid Harrier – Circus macrourus Montagu’s Harrier – Circus pygargus Marsh Harrier – Circus aeruginosus Kestrel – Falco tinnunculus Lesser Kestrel – Falco naumanni Merlin – Falco columbarius Red-footed Falcon – Falco vespertinus Hobby – Falco subbuteo Saker – Falco cherrug Lanner – Falco biarmicus Peregrine – Falco peregrinus Caucasian Black Grouse – Tetrao mlokosiewiczi Caucasian Snowcock – Tetraogallus caucasicus Caspian Snowcock – Tetraogallus caspius Chukar – Alectoris chukar See-see Partridge – Ammoperdix griseogularis Black Francolin – Francolinus francolinus Grey Partridge – Perdix perdix Common Quail – Coturnix coturnix Common Pheasant – Phasianus colchicus Common Crane – Grus grus Siberian Crane – Grus leucogeranus

Resident

r uc uc

uc uc

Summer

ex uc ik c r

c r ik

c uc a? ? uc r

r r r uc uc

uc

r ex? ex? uc c c

c c

c

Migration r r c (-?) uc r uc uc r uc c r

Winter a r r c (-) uc r uc uc ? ? r r a

uc r

uc

uc

uc

c uc

c

c (-) c uc r r uc

r c r r

r uc r uc c c c uc r c r

uc

uc r r c c r uc r r

ex? r uc uc r vc (-) r uc/c (-) c ? c (-)

r

r

c

c

r

?

uc r

ex

The Birds of Azerbaijan No. 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162

Species Demoiselle Crane – Anthropoides virgo Water Rail – Rallus aquaticus Spotted Crake – Porzana porzana Little Crake – Porzana parva Baillon’s Crake – Porzana pusilla Corncrake – Crex crex Common Moorhen – Gallinula chloropus Purple Gallinule – Porphyrio porphyrio Common Coot – Fulica atra Great Bustard – Otis tarda Little Bustard – Tetrax tetrax Houbara Bustard – Chlamydotis undulata Stone Curlew – Burhinus oedicnemus Grey Plover – Pluvialis squatarola Golden Plover – Pluvialis apricaria Pacific Golden Plover – Pluvialis fulva Ringed Plover – Charadrius hiaticula Little Ringed Plover – Charadrius dubius Greater Sand Plover – Charadrius leschenaultii Caspian Plover – Charadrius asiaticus Kentish Plover – Charadrius alexandrinus Dotterel – Eudromias morinellus Sociable Plover – Chettusia gregaria White-tailed Plover – Chettusia leucura Lapwing – Vanellus vanellus Red-wattled Lapwing – Vanellus indicus Black-winged Stilt – Himantopus himantopus Avocet – Recurvirostra avosetta Oystercatcher – Haematopus ostralegus Green Sandpiper – Tringa ochropus Wood Sandpiper – Tringa glareola Greenshank – Tringa nebularia Redshank – Tringa totanus Spotted Redshank – Tringa erythropus Marsh Sandpiper – Tringa stagnatilis Common Sandpiper – Actitis hypoleucos Terek Sandpiper – Xenus cinereus Red-necked Phalarope – Phalaropus lobatus Ruff – Philomachus pugnax Little Stint – Calidris minuta Temminck’s Stint – Calidris temminckii Curlew Sandpiper – Calidris ferruginea Dunlin – Calidris alpina Sanderling – Calidris alba Knot – Calidris canutus Pectoral Sandpiper – Calidris melanotus Broad-billed Sandpiper – Limicola falcinellus Ruddy Turnstone – Arenaria interpres Jack Snipe – Lymnocryptes minimus Great Snipe – Gallinago media Common Snipe – Gallinago gallinago Woodcock – Scolopax rusticola Eurasian Curlew – Numenius arquata Whimbrel – Numenius phaeopus Slender-billed Curlew – Numenius tenuirostris Black-tailed Godwit – Limosa limosa

Resident

Summer

c c uc

c c (+) c

ex? c c ex ex? ik c

c r uc

r uc c uc ex? ? ? uc ? c ? ?

? ? ?

?

Migration r c c uc ik uc c uc vc (-) r c c c uc c c r r uc r r r c a c c uc c c uc c uc c c c c c c ik c c uc r a r r uc uc c c c c r c

Winter c c r ik c vc (-) r c

c r a c

r

r c uc c r uc ? uc c r uc r r ? ? uc ? ? c r

r ir uc r c c c uc uc

T 321

T

322 The Birds of Azerbaijan No. 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218

Species Bar-tailed Godwit – Limosa lapponica Collared Pratincole – Glareola pratincola Black-winged Pratincole – Glareola nordmanni Cream-coloured Courser – Cursorius cursor Pomarine Skua – Stercorarius pomarinus Arctic Skua – Stercorarius parasiticus Great Black-headed Gull – Larus ichthyaetus Mediterranean Gull – Larus melanocephalus Little Gull – Larus minutus Black-headed Gull – Larus ridibundus Slender-billed Gull – Larus genei Lesser Black-backed Gull – Larus fuscus Yellow-legged Gull – Larus cachinnans Great Black-backed Gull – Larus marinus Common Gull – Larus canus Black-legged Kittiwake – Rissa tridactyla Black Tern – Chlidonias niger White-winged Tern – Chlidonias leucopterus Whiskered Tern – Chlidonias hybridus Gull-billed Tern – Gelochelidon nilotica Caspian Tern – Hydroprogne caspia Sandwich Tern – Thalasseus sandvicensis Common Tern – Sterna hirundo Little Tern – Sterna albifrons Black-bellied Sandgrouse – Pterocles orientalis Pin-tailed Sandgrouse – Pterocles alchata Pallas’s Sandgrouse – Syrrhaptes paradoxus Rock Dove – Columba livia Stock Dove – Columba oenas Wood Pigeon – Columba palumbus Turtle Dove – Streptopelia turtur Collared Dove – Streptopelia decaocto Laughing Dove – Streptopelia senegalensis Eurasian Cuckoo – Cuculus canorus Scops Owl – Otus scops Eagle Owl – Bubo bubo Little Owl – Athene noctua Tawny Owl – Strix aluco Long-eared Owl – Asio otus Short-eared Owl – Asio flammeus European Nightjar – Caprimulgus europaeus Alpine Swift – Tachymarptis melba Common Swift – Apus apus Little Swift – Apus affinus European Roller – Coracias garrulus Common Kingfisher – Alcedo atthis White-breasted Kingfisher – Halcyon smyrnensis European Bee-eater – Merops apiaster Blue-cheeked Bee-eater – Merops persicus Hoopoe – Upupa epops Wryneck – Jynx torquilla Green Woodpecker – Picus viridis Grey-headed Woodpecker – Picus canus Black Woodpecker – Dryocopus martius Great Spotted Woodpecker – Dendrocopos major Syrian Woodpecker – Dendrocopos syriacus

Resident

Summer c r a?

ex r ? r uc c ex

Migration r c r a?

uc r c c c a c

vc

uc a r c uc uc r uc c uc uc ? a c uc uc vc

c c

c c

? uc uc r ex uc c uc uc ex? vc uc c

Winter ?

a a uc c c uc c r uc a

r r

? a

r uc

r c uc c ? c uc c ik c

c c c uc

c c a c c c uc

a?

a?

c

c a? uc c c

c uc c uc c

c uc

a

r

a?

The Birds of Azerbaijan No. 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274

Species Middle Spotted Woodpecker – Dendrocopos medius White-backed Woodpecker – Dendrocopos leucotos Lesser Spotted Woodpecker – Dendrocopos minor Sand Martin – Riparia riparia Crag Martin – Hirundo rupestris Barn Swallow – Hirundo rustica House Martin – Delichon urbica Skylark – Alauda arvensis Small Skylark – Alauda gulgula Woodlark – Lullula arborea Crested Lark – Galerida cristata Short-toed Lark – Calandrella brachydactyla Lesser Short-toed Lark – Calandrella rufescens Calandra Lark – Melanocorypha calandra Bimaculated Lark – Melanocorypha bimaculata White-winged Lark – Melanocorypha leucoptera Black Lark – Melanocorypha yeltoniensis Shore Lark – Eremophila alpestris Richard’s Pipit – Anthus richardi Tawny Pipit – Anthus campestris Tree Pipit – Anthus trivialis Meadow Pipit – Anthus pratensis Red-throated Pipit – Anthus cervinus Water Pipit – Anthus spinoletta Yellow Wagtail – Motacilla flava Citrine Wagtail – Motacilla citreola Grey Wagtail – Motacilla cinerea White Wagtail – Motacilla alba Red-backed Shrike – Lanius collurio Woodchat Shrike – Lanius senator Lesser Grey Shrike – Lanius minor Great Grey Shrike – Lanius excubitor Waxwing – Bombycilla garrulus Golden Oriole – Oriolus oriolus Common Starling – Sturnus vulgaris Rose-coloured Starling – Pastor roseus Eurasian Jay – Garrulus glandarius Magpie – Pica pica Red-billed Chough – Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax Alpine Chough – Pyrrhocorax graculus Jackdaw – Corvus monedula Rook – Corvus frugilegus Hooded Crow – Corvus cornix Carrion Crow – Corvus corone Raven – Corvus corax Common Dipper – Cinclus cinclus Wren – Troglodytes troglodytes European Dunnock – Prunella modularis Alpine Accentor – Prunella collaris Radde’s Accentor – Prunella ocularis Whinchat – Saxicola rubetra Stonechat – Saxicola torquata European Wheatear – Oenanthe oenanthe Pied Wheatear – Oenanthe pleschanka Black-eared Wheatear – Oenanthe hispanica Finch’s Wheatear – Oenanthe finschii

Resident c ik r

vc uc c c c

Summer

Migration

Winter

c uc vc c c uc

vc uc vc c c a uc

uc

c

c

uc

c

c ir

ir ir

uc uc uc

c c c uc

a uc uc c a c vc uc

vc c uc c ?

c c uc c uc

c vc c

c vc c

uc

uc c

? ? c c r

uc

r ir vc

c c uc r c vc

uc c c

ik uc uc c c uc r

c?

c

uc uc c uc c c

uc c c uc c

c c

r r r?

T 323

T

324 The Birds of Azerbaijan No. 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 325 326 327 328 329 330

Species Desert Wheatear – Oenanthe deserti Red-tailed Wheatear – Oenanthe xanthoprymna Isabelline Wheatear – Oenanthe isabellina Rufous Bushchat – Cercotrichas galactotes Common Redstart – Phoenicurus phoenicurus Black Redstart –Phoenicurus ochruros Güldenstadt’s Redstart – Phoenicurus erythrogaster Eversmann’s Redstart – Phoenicurus erythronotus Robin – Erithacus rubecula Nightingale – Luscinia megarhynchos Sprosser – Luscinia luscinia Bluethroat – Luscinia svecica White-throated Robin – Irania gutturalis Rock Thrush – Monticola saxatilis Blue Rock Thrush – Monticola solitarius Black-throated Thrush – Turdus ruficollis Fieldfare – Turdus pilaris Ring Ouzel – Turdus torquatus Blackbird – Turdus merula Redwing – Turdus iliacus Song Thrush –Turdus philomelos Mistle Thrush – Turdus viscivorus Cetti’s Warbler – Cettia cetti Western Grasshopper Warbler – Locustella naevia River Warbler – Locustella fluviatilis Savi’s Warbler – Locustella luscinoides Moustached Warbler – Lusciniola melanopogon Sedge Warbler – Acrocephalus shoenobaenus Marsh Warbler – Acrocephalus palustris Reed Warbler – Acrocephalus scirpaceus Great Reed Warbler – Acrocephalus arundinaceus Icterine Warbler – Hippolais icterina Booted Warbler – Hippolais caligata Olivaceous Warbler – Hippolais pallida Upcher’s Warbler – Hippolais languida Barred Warbler – Sylvia nisoria Orphean Warbler – Sylvia hortensis Blackcap – Sylvia atricapilla Garden Warbler – Sylvia borin Lesser Whitethroat – Sylvia curruca Common Whitethroat – Sylvia communis Menetries’ Warbler – Sylvia mystacea Desert Warbler – Sylvia nana Willow Warbler – Phylloscopus trochilus Chiffchaff – Phylloscopus collybita Caucasian Chiffchaff – Phylloscopus lorenzii Greenish Warbler – Phylloscopus trochiloides Scrub Warbler- Scotocerca inquieta Goldcrest – Regulus regulus Pied Flycatcher – Ficedula hypoleuca Semi-collared Flycatcher – Ficedula semitorquata Red-breasted Flycatcher – Ficedula parva Spotted Flycatcher – Muscicapa striata Bearded Reedling – Panurus biarmicus Long-tailed Tit – Aegithalos caudatus Penduline Tit – Remiz pendulinus

Resident

uc

Summer a? uc vc c c c

Migration a? uc vc c c uc

Winter

a? uc c a uc

a?

c c a uc uc uc

uc

uc uc

?

c c c c

vc c

c uc ik

c

uc uc c c c ? c uc? uc ik c ? uc c c

?

uc ? uc c

c uc c c ? ? r a ? uc c c c a? c c uc? uc ik c r uc uc c a c c uc c a?

? uc c c c c c

r uc c c

c c

uc c c

c

r

r

a? c

r

The Birds of Azerbaijan No. 331 332 333 334 335 336 337 338 339 340 341 342 343 344 345 346 347 348 349 350 351 352 353 354 355 356 357 358 359 360 361 362 363 364 365 366 367 368 369 370 371 372

Species Sombre Tit – Parus lugubris Coal Tit – Parus ater Crested Tit – Parus cristatus Blue Tit – Parus caeruleus Great Tit – Parus major Common Nuthatch – Sitta europaea Rock Nuthatch – Sitta neumayer Eastern Rock Nuthatch – Sitta tephronota Wallcreeper – Tichodroma muraria Eurasian Treecreeper – Certhia familiaris Short-toed Treecreeper – Certhia brachydactyla House Sparrow – Passer domesticus Spanish Sparrow – Passer hispaniolensis Tree Sparrow – Passer montanus Pale Rock Sparrow – Carpospiza brachydactyla Rock Sparrow – Petronia petronia Snowfinch – Montifringilla nivalis Chaffinch – Fringilla coelebs Brambling – Fringilla montifringilla Red-fronted Serin – Serinus pusillus Greenfinch – Chloris chloris Siskin – Spinus spinus Goldfinch – Carduelis carduelis Linnet – Acanthis cannabina Twite – Acanthis flavirostris Common Redpoll – Acanthis flammea Crimson-winged Finch – Rhodopechys sanguinea Trumpeter Finch – Bucanetes githagineus Mongolian Trumpeter Finch – Bucanetes mongolicus Common Rosefinch – Carpodacus erythrinus Great Rosefinch – Carpodacus rubicilla Common Crossbill – Loxia curvirostra Bullfinch – Pyrrhula pyrrhula Hawfinch – Coccothraustes coccothraustes Corn Bunting – Emberiza calandra Yellowhammer – Emberiza citrinella Rock Bunting – Emberiza cia Reed Bunting – Emberiza schoeniclus Rustic Bunting – Emberiza rustica Black-headed Bunting – Emberiza melanocephala Ortolan Bunting – Emberiza hortulana Grey-headed Bunting – Emberiza buchanani

Resident uc uc

Summer

Migration

Winter

a? c c c c ik uc c ik vc (+) vc (-) vc uc c uc uc

c

c

uc c uc c c uc

c c

c c

c

c uc c c

c c

a uc uc uc c

c

?

uc

uc

c

c c c

c c c

ik

c

c r

c c uc

c c uc

ik uc c c c

LEGEND: a – accidental; c – common; ex – extirpated in Azerbaijan; ik – insufficiently known; ir – irregular; r – rare; vc – very common; uc – uncommon; (-) –declining; (+) – increasing.

T 325

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326 The Birds of Azerbaijan

Appendix 2 IMPORTANT BIRDS AREAS OF AZERBAIJAN Below is a short review of important bird areas of Azerbaijan. A total of 51 have been identified so far. The best known and most important wintering areas (Kizil Agach Reserve, Lake Aggel, etc.) are described in detail. Some formerly important areas and sites that are worthy of further investigation or/and restoration are not numbered and are printed in a smaller font.

A. WETLANDS AND COASTAL ENVIRONMENTS CASPIAN LOWLAND Lenkoran Lowland and southern Mugan: 1. Kizil Agach Reserve (Greater and Lesser Kizil Agach bays, Kalinovsky Liman, Lopatinsky Marsh, Akusha Marsh, Lake Karakush) The Greater and Lesser Kizil Agach Bays (formerly known as the Kirov bays) are situated in the southwest corner of the Caspian Sea in Lenkoran and Neftechala Districts. Prior to the early 1930s this was a single water body - Kizil Agach Bay - with several large islands. Sometime between 1934 and 1939 the water level dropped, so connecting Kulagin, Burunki and Sobachyi-Zub islands with

G Tbilisi

23

EO

R

22

50

Ku

ra

DAGESTAN (Russian Federation)

G

IA

C

28

49

24

A

S

P

10

32 Riv

51

31

er

IA

25

N

27 30

48

A

26

20

35

29

33

7 34

47

9

19

R

M

EN

36

16

IA

Stepanakert

6 17 18 Ara

15 iv sR

13

er

14

37 40

45 4 3 39

38

Aras Riv

43

1

Lenkoran

er

42

IRAN

EA

11

21 46

S

41

2 44

8

12

The Birds of Azerbaijan

the mainland and converting Sara Island into the Sara Peninsula. In 1956 a dam connected the southern tip of the peninsula to the mainland cutting Lesser Kizil Agach Bay off from the sea and eventually turning it into a large freshwater lagoon. Several shallow wetlands lie on the west shore of Greater Kizil Agach Bay: Kalinovsky Liman, Lopatinsky and Akusha marshes. Other coastal areas consist of wet meadows and semi-desert. A total of 88,360 ha are protected in the nature reserve; the southern half of Lesser Kizil Agach Bay (10,700 ha) is unprotected (Verestchagin, 1950; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Vinogradov et al., 1990). Kizil Agach Reserve is 28.5 m below sea level. Water depth in the bays varies from 0.4 to 2.5 m. Winters are usually mild, but cold winters occur every 8-11 years. Inclement weather has a significant impact on wintering birds (Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Vinogradov et al., 1990; see also Appendix 5). The hydrological regime of the bays underwent significant changes in the 20th century. In the past, coastal wetlands were fed by the Vilajchai, Kumbashi, Armianka and Akusha rivers, but presently all wetlands receive water through irrigation channels. The water flow is controlled and, twice a year, water is dumped into Kizil Agach Bays. In the mid 1970s, water level in Greater Kizil Agach Bay reached a record low due to natural lowering of the Caspian Sea. This resulted in changes in water salinity, plankton and algae distribution and consequently also in numbers and species of wintering birds. However, a rise in level of the Caspian Sea has been recorded from 1978. By 1982, seawater burst through the narrow part of Kura Spit (Zeinal Kurusy) creating another connection between Greater Kizil Agach Bay and the sea, and stabilizing salinity at c.10% (Tuaev, 1970; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Vinogradov et al., 1990). Continuing rise of the Caspian Sea at least halved the terrestrial area of Kizil Agach Reserve. Many remaining areas are becoming overrun by reeds and other semi-aquatic plants (Tkachenko, 1997). Emergent vegetation of Kizil Agach Bays is represented by extensive stands of reeds (Phragmites), Bolboschoenus maritimus and Juncus acutus. Submerged vegetation includes algae (e.g. Chara sp.) and Zostera sp. Underwater carpets of Zostera extended up to 3 km offshore in the past, but Potamogeton pectinatus had replaced Zostera along the shores of Greater Kizil Agach Bay by the 1970s. Some Zostera recovery was recorded in the 1980s (Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Vinogradov et al., 1990). Coastal vegetation has also changed. During the last 20 years, many parts of Artemisia and Salsola semi-desert has been consequently replaced by reeds and Juncus acutus. Flooded tamarisk (Tamarix) thickets at Kalinovsky Liman and Lopatinsky Marsh were severely affected by agricultural pollutants brought through the irrigation channels feeding the wetlands. A few trees growing in the reserve were planted by man. Since 1968 staff of the reserve regularly sow barley for wintering geese (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1960, 1970; Litvinov et al., 1984; Litvinov, 1986; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Vinogradov et al., 1990) Kizil Agach Reserve is the most important stopover and wintering site for many waterbirds in the Caspian Sea. The abundant wintering waterfowl in Kizil Agach Bay drew the attention of early explorers and naturalists. In the early 20th century several Russian scientists including K.A. Satunin, N.A. Dinnick and N.M. Kulagin proposed a nature reserve in Kizil Agach Bay. But it was not until 1929 that the bay and the adjacent area (a total of 180,000 ha) were finally declared a reserve. Unfortunately the southern part of Lesser Kizil Agach Bay was not included. At the beginning the role of the reserve was somewhat controversial and 78,000 waterfowl were officially harvested there in 1931-1933 alone (Verestchagin, 1950). Commercial fishing also continued in the new reserve. Later, hunting was banned and even visiting without a permit prohibited, at least on paper. As the Caspian Sea was receding, many dried areas of Kizil Agach Reserve were given to local state farms in 1951. In 1961 an additional 4,600 ha were taken from the reserve leaving only 88,360 ha under formal protection (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1960, 1970; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Vinogradov et al., 1990). Wintering bird species include all 5 species of grebes, Great White and Dalmatian Pelican, Great Cormorant and Pygmy Cormorant, Grey Heron, Great White and Little Egret, Eurasian Bittern, Greater Flamingo, swans (Mute and Whooper), geese (Greylag, Greater Whitefronted and Lesser White-fronted; also Red-breasted in the past), dabbling ducks (Mallard, Common Teal, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler and Marbled Teal), diving ducks (Common and Red-crested Pochard, Tufted Duck, Greater Scaup, White-headed Duck), raptors (White-tailed Sea-Eagle, Marsh Harrier, Peregrine), rails (Water Rails, Common and Purple Gallinule and Common Coot), Little Bustard, shorebirds (plovers, Avocet, Greenshank, stints, Common Snipe, Eurasian Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit), etc. (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Vinogradov et al., 1990; Paynter et al., 1996b). Past numbers of waterbirds wintering in Kizil Agach Reserve are unknown, but probably remarkable. The first quantitative estimates were made only in the 1930s (c. 10,000,000). In the 1940s, c. 7,500,000 wildfowl wintered in Kizil Agach bays and marshes, >5,000,000 in the early 1950s and 6,800,000-7,800,000 in the late 1950s. These numbers comprised mostly Common Coot and dabbling and diving ducks (Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938; Verestchagin, 1950; Gazanchian, 1951; Tuaev, 1960; Grekov, 1962, 1965b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Vinogradov et al., 1990). In the late 1960s the number of wintering birds varied from <1,000,000 to 1,200,000. Through the early 1970s wintering birds already numbered only 145,000-759,300 (Mikheev & Orlov, 1972; Krivonosov & Morozkin, 1984). In the 1980s, 20,000-30,000 shorebirds passed through in August, and 122,200-842,240 wildfowl remained through the winter. Greater numbers were recorded in winters with higher precipitation (Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984; Shubin, 1991a). A census conducted in January 1991 (a warm and rainy winter) yielded 628,370 waterbirds: 210,800 dabbling ducks (e.g. 66,200 teal and 61,900 Eurasian Wigeons), 141,530 diving ducks (93,300 Pochard, 37,400 Tufted Ducks and Greater Scaup combined, and 520 White-

T 327

Pelicans ? ? ? ? ? 88

?

1,500 ? 2,000 ? ? ?

?

48 ? ? 800

? ? 342 115

1,750 >3,000 460-1,150

Winter 1935/36 1938/39 1940/41 1942/43 1949/50 1952-55

1955-1959

1964/65 1966/67 Late 1960s 1971/72 1972/73 1973/74

1974/75

1975/76 1975/76 1977/78 1978/79

1981/82 1982/83 1983/84 1984/85

1990/91 1994/95 1995/96

12,970 >8,900 4,780-5,200

600 600-900 2,000-1,300 13,500

? ? 2,300

1,000-2,500 ? 1,500-2,000

2,000-4,500

Flamingo 20,000 ? 15,850-20,850 ? 15,000 3,000-7,000

8,510 17,600 5,050

? 220-300 <100 9,200

? ? 5,200

9,560 18,400 3,700-12,300

39,300 23,400-38,000 14,300-17,900 19,400-26,200

? ? ?

600-1,200 80,000-120,000 ? ? 1,500-5,300 8,000-40,000

210,800 340,985 182,350-242,950

? 122,200-247,500 126,500-209,700 ?

? ? ?

141,530 301,050 166,100-960,500

158,000 68,000-293,700 44,000-105,800 ?

? ? ?

150,000-500,000 ? ? 70,00-220,000 170,000-500,000

Total c. 10,000,000 ? 7,500,000 ? ? >5,000,000

243,250 240,500 38,000-190,800

221,500 51,400-263,000 45,800-50,400 50,400

? ? 157,000 ?

345,500

147,200

200,000 ? 50,000-400,000

628,370 940,470 456,000-1,357,350

608,000 122,200-842,240 229,610-385,190 ?

145,000 173,800 ? ?

370,000

c. 2,000,000 1,200,000 <1,000,000 759,300 714,400 303,000

2,000,000-3,000,000 6,800,000-7,800,000

Coots millions ? 4,500,000 1,500,000 >1,000,000 4,500,000

Number of waterbirds wintering in Kizil Agach Reserve in 1935-1991 Geese Dabbling Ducks Diving Ducks millions of waterfowl 170,000 ? ? 3,500,000-4,000,000 ? ? ? ? 400,000 ? ? ? >1,500,000 >30,000 ? ? ? >1,000 ? several hundred ? thousand >350 >2,500 3,900,000 850,000

Swans

Source Tugarinov & Kozlova-Pushkareva, 1938 Vinogradov et al., 1990 Verestchagin, 1950 Verestchagin, 1950 Gazanchian, 1951 Tuaev, 1960; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a; Grekov, 1962, 1965b Grekov, 1962, 1965b Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a Gazanchian, 1965 Micheev & Orlov, 1972 Krivonosov & Morozkin, 1984 Krivonosov & Morozkin, 1984 Krivonosov & Morozkin, 1984 Krivonosov et al., 1977 Krivonosov & Morozkin, 1984 Krivonosov et al., 1977 Krivonosov & Morozkin, 1984 Babaev, 1984Krivonosov & Morozkin, 1984 Krivonosov & Morozkin, 1984 Krivonosov et al., 1977 Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984; Litvinov et al., 1984; Babaev, 1984; Krivonosov, 1987 Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984 Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984 Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1984; Litvinova, 1989a Litvinov, 1986; Tkachenko & Litvinov, 1986; Litvinova, 1989a; Vinogradov et al., 1990 Litvinov & Litvinova, 1991 Paynter et al. 1996a

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

headed Ducks), 9,560 geese, 8,510 swans (8,500 Mute Swans), 243,250 Coots, 12,970 flamingo and 1,750 pelicans (Litvinov & Litvinova, 1991). The majority of wintering species still migrate through the reserve in even greater numbers. Apart from waterbirds, Kizil Agach Reserve is very important for wintering Little Bustards. In winters 1972-1984 this species numbered 7,500-30,000 (more in colder winters). In the late 1980s a large part of the wintering population probably moved to Mugan Steppe, but flocks of several hundred were still fairly common in the reserve (Vorobieva, 1986; Babaev, 1991). At least 16 species of raptors also winter in Kizil Agach Reserve (Shubin, 1983). In spring and summer Kizil Agach Reserve hosts the largest mixed colony of wading birds and cormorants in Transcaucasia. The colony was originally situated in flooded tamarisk thickets of Kalinovsky Liman, but moved to Lopatinsky Marsh in the mid 1980s after almost all tamarisks in the liman died off because of pollution (Litvinova, 1986). In 1957, c. 225,000 pairs of 10 species nested in the colony (Grekov, 1965b; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965a), but by the early 1970s the colony decreased many-fold (Morozkin, 1975) with only c. 40,000 pairs by the mid 1980s: 8,000-9,600 pairs of Squacco Heron, 3,000-5,000 pairs of Little Egret, 1,400-4,800 pairs of Cattle Egret, 6,000-7,200 pairs of Night Heron, 900-3,000 pairs of Glossy Ibis, 1,400-2,000 pairs of Pygmy Cormorants and 200 pairs of Great Cormorant (Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986). (See also Appendix 3.) Black Francolin occurs in the reserve throughout the year and its population (c. 2,000 individuals) is probably the largest remaining in Azerbaijan. Other nesting birds include Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Eurasian Bittern, Little Bittern, Purple Heron, Eurasian Spoonbill, Marsh Harrier, Purple and Common Moorhen, Common Coot, Water Rail, Black-winged Stilt, Redshank, White-winged Tern, Whiskered Tern, Common Kingfisher, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, larks (Calandra, Lesser Short-toed and Short-toed), Isabelline Wheatear, Rufous Bushchat, Menetries’ Warbler, Corn Bunting, Spanish Sparrow, etc. Greater Flamingo have irregularly nested in the reserve since 1982 (Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Vinogradov et al., 1990). Despite its status, Kizil Agach Reserve does not function very well. Disturbance and poaching continue to affect migrants and wintering birds. In 1989-1990, 600-700 poachers hunted there (3-5 shots/minute could be heard from anywhere in the reserve). In January-February 1996, c. 21 shots/min were heard in the reserve (Paynter et al., 1996a) signalling an increase in hunting pressure. This is not merely subsistence hunting as Paynter et al. (1996a) tend to think, but a well organized commercial operation allegedly including top reserve officials and some wardens. Commercial fishing is still allowed on Greater Kizil Agach Bay and up to 10,000 cattle graze within the reserve’s boundaries (Gazanchian, 1965; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Vinogradov et al., 1990; MP). In my opinion, a very radical change in the reserve management is required including a sound plan to combat poaching which otherwise will go unchecked leading to further deterioration of these remarkable wintering grounds. Kizil Agach Reserve is a Ramsar site and also merits recognition as a World Heritage site. Its future depends on the willingness of the government of Azerbaijan to preserve this remarkable place. However, it is unlikely that the government - entangled as it is in economic difficulties and the consequences of the war with Armenia - will accomplish this task without financial help from international conservation organizations and other donors.

2. Coastal waters between towns Lenkoran and Astara In the 1930s-1940s up to 50,000 waterbirds wintered along this shore. Mallard accounted for 50-80% of all waterfowl, Common Pochard 10-30%, Tufted Duck 8-10%, and Coot 2-10%. Smew and Common Goldeneye were also present (Verestchagin, 1950). In the 1ate 1980s, only 10,000-15,000 wildfowl wintered between Lenkoran and Astara (MP).

3. Lake Mahmud-chala- Lake Novogolovka-chala Complex Two shallow lakes situated in Masalli, Djalilabad and Astrakhanbazar districts adjoin wetlands of the Kizil Agach Reserve in the northwest. The area of Mahmud-chala is c. 4,000 ha and Novogolovka-chala c. 2,500 ha. In the past, both lakes contained fresh water, but currently receive only brackish water from irrigation channels. The depth of water in Mahmud-chala averages 0.5 m; c. 50% is covered with reeds. Novogolovka-chala is shallower and its reedbeds are more extensive. Flooded tamarisk (Tamarix) stands are present on Mahmud-chala. Saltwort (Salsola) semi-desert and cotton fields surround both lakes. Mahmud-chala is leased to the Azerbaijani Society of Hunters and hunting is intensive in autumn and winter. Runoff pollution from the adjacent cotton fields may present a serious threat (Verestchagin, 1950; MP). Wintering species include Great Crested Grebe, Pygmy Cormorant (up to 300-400), Greater White-fronted Goose, Mallard, Common Teal, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon (thousands), Northern Shoveler (thousands), Marbled Teal (rare), Red-crested Pochard, Common Pochard (thousands), Ferruginous Duck, Tufted Duck, White-headed Duck (rare) and Common Coot (thousands). The lakes are also

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330 The Birds of Azerbaijan very important feeding grounds for dabbling ducks wintering in Kizil Agach Reserve (Verestchagin, 1950: Paynter et al., 1996a; MP). In 1979-1986, up to 21,100 waterfowl wintered at both lakes, e.g. 18,500 dabbling ducks, 1,600 geese and c. 1,000 Coots (Tkachenko, 1986). In 1988-1990, 10,000-15,000 (mostly dabbling ducks and coots) occurred at Mahmud-chala, and similar numbers at Novogolovkachala (MP), but >40,000 ducks recorded in February 1996 at Mahmud-chala alone (Paynter et al., 1996a). In the past, large flocks of geese (Greater White-fronted, Lesser White-fronted and Red-breasted) fed in wheat fields and semi-desert around Novogolovkachala, e.g. near villages Novogolovka, Pokrovka, Andreevka, Privolnoie, Khirmandalli, Kasumlu and Khilli, e.g. 15,000-20,000 Greater White-fronted Geese in early March 1943 (Verestchagin, 1950). When cotton fields replaced wheat and barley, the majority of wintering geese moved to the barley fields sown for geese in Kizil Agach Reserve (Litvinov, 1986; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986). In spring-summer, Lake Mahmud-chala houses an important mixed colony of wading birds and cormorants of 12,000-18,000 pairs (the third largest colony in Azerbaijan). The colony is formed by 500-800 pairs of Pygmy Cormorant, >1,000 pairs of Squacco Heron, 3,000 pairs of Little Egret, 1,000-1,500 pairs of Cattle Egret, 5,500-6,000 pairs of Glossy Ibis and >200 pairs of Eurasian Spoonbill (Patrikeev, 1991e; MP). Other nesting birds include Little Bittern, Night Heron, Red-crested Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, Marsh Harrier, Black Francolin (very few), Purple Gallinule, Common Moorhen, Kentish Plover, White-tailed Plover, Blackwinged Stilt, Whiskered and Little Terns, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Penduline Tit, etc. (Patrikeev, 1991c). Another colony of wading birds may exist at Lake Novogolovka-chala. At least Squacco Herons, Night Herons and Glossy Ibises occurred there in summer. Purple Heron, Marsh Harrier and Purple Gallinule nest in Novogolovka-chala (MP). Marbled Teal have been observed at both lakes in summer, but nesting is not yet confirmed (MP). The Mahmud-chala-Novogolovka-chala complex is an important nesting and wintering site for many species of waterbirds and merits complete protection. A strict nature reserve is desirable, Ramsar site status is recommended.

Kura Delta and Southeastern Shirvan: 4. Kura Delta The Kura River empties into the Caspian Sea north of Kizil Agach Reserve in Neftechala District. The delta consists of a maze of islands, sandspits, channels, natural ponds and fishponds. Tamarisk (Tamarisk) and reed (Phragmites) grow on many islands. The total area of the delta is c. 10,000 ha (MP). The delta remains poorly known ornithologically, although the majority of waterbird species present in Azerbaijan were seen there during migration (Tuaev, 1975). In the early 1980s, large flocks of wintering pelicans were discovered in the delta. In 1986, 60-400 Dalmatian Pelicans wintered there, and 1,118 in 1988 as well as 10-200 Great White Pelicans (Litvinova, 1987a). In 1989-1991, 800-1,000 pelicans wintered in the delta (80% were Dalmatian Pelicans). Other wintering species include Great Cormorant, Mallard, Gadwall, Common Pochard, Common Coot and Yellow-legged Gull (Tuaev, 1975). In spring-summer, a large mixed colony of wading birds and cormorants (3,000-3,200 pairs) is present in the delta. The colony includes large numbers of Pygmy Cormorants (1,300 pairs), Squacco Herons (800-1,000 pairs) and Little Egrets (800 to 1,000 pairs). Several pairs of Great White Egret and Eurasian Spoonbill are also present (Litvinova, 1987b). Other nesting species include Great Crested Grebe, Eurasian Bittern, Little Bittern, Purple Heron, Marsh Harrier (MP). In 1991 Kura Delta lacked any official protection. A nature reserve is recommended to protect the mixed colony and wintering pelicans.

5. Lakes Beuk-Shorgel and Kichik-Shorgel Shorgel Lakes are shallow brackish lakes lying in the northern part of Shirvan Nature Reserve (26,000 ha) and the adjacent part of Bandovan Game Preserve (southeastern Shirvan). These lakes appeared in the 1950s after the Shirvan Collector Channel burst, so flooding adjacent saltpans. By the early 1990s, the lakes covered c. 4,000 ha. Extensive reedbeds were present throughout the lakes. Semi-desert with wormwood (Artemisia) and saltwort (Salsola) surrounding the lakes supports the largest population of Goitred Gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) in Azerbaijan (Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; MP). In the late 1980s-1990s, 150,000-200,000 waterfowl passed through the lakes, but only c. 6,000-30,000 wintered (Paynter et al., 1996a; MP). Wintering species include Great White and Dalmatian Pelicans (50-100, 2 species), Greater Flamingo (200-600), Greylag, White-fronted and Lesser White-fronted Geese (2,000-3,000 geese), Mallard, Common Teal, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Northern Shoveler (10,000-20,000 dabbling ducks), Marbled Teal (240 in 1996), Common Shelduck (c. 750), Common Coot (2,500-3,000), Little Bustard (900-1,000) and shorebirds (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.; Paynter et al. 1996a; MP).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

Throughout the year lakes Beuk-Shorgel and Kichik-Shorgel house a large population of Purple Gallinule (c. 4,000 pairs). Other nesting species include Great Crested Grebe, Common and Ruddy Shelduck, Mallard, Red-crested Pochard, Marsh Harrier, Black Francolin, Common Coot, Stone Curlew, Kentish Plover, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Collared Pratincole, Gull-billed and Little Tern, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, larks (Lesser Short-toed, Short-toed, Calandra and Crested), Isabelline Wheatear, Menetries’ Warbler, Bearded Reedling and Penduline Tit. A small mixed colony of herons, egrets and cormorants were found at Lake Beuk-Shorgel in 1990: c. 50 pairs of Pygmy Cormorant and 300-400 pairs of herons and egrets including Great White Egret (Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Patrikeev, 1991a). Large numbers of sheep graze in the adjacent semi-desert, destroying pasture and disturbing wintering geese, Little Bustards and Goitred Gazelle. This problem apparently grew more intense in the mid 1990s after refugees from Armenia were settled close to the reserve’s borders (Paynter et al., 1996a). Irrigation channels feeding the lakes probably carry agricultural pollutants. Poaching was uncommon in the late 1980s-early 1990s because of poor road access and remoteness from villages. After rains, saturated saltpans are often inaccessible even to 4x4 vehicles (MP). Removing sheep from the nature reserve has been a standing problem for over a decade. As long as 100,000-200,000 sheep are present in the reserve, protection of the gazelle, wintering birds and wetlands is compromised.

Absheron Peninsula: 6. Sangachal Bay This is a bay (c. 1,000 ha) of the Caspian Sea between Karadag and Cape Sangachal. Shores of the bay are mostly overgrown with reeds, but some sandy beaches were still present in the early 1990s. Several settlements lie in saltwort semi-desert on or near the shore. Scores of oilrigs and offshore platforms are scattered throughout the bay and adjacent Caspian Sea. Some of the facilities are still in use and localized oil spills were not uncommon. The Azerbaijani Society of Hunters owned hunting rights and maintained a lodge there (MP). Sangachal Bay is a very important staging and wintering site for waterfowl, especially Whooper Swan (>1,000 in autumn and 200400 in winter), Red-crested Pochard (>5,000 in autumn and >1,000 in winter), Tufted Duck (up to 10,000 in autumn, 2,000-3,000 in winter) and Common Coot (up to 30,000 in autumn; >5,000 in early winter). Great White Pelican (200-300) and Glossy Ibis (>500) recorded during migration (MP). Proximity to Baku and reasonable access and accommodation make this site a prime candidate for a migratory-bird observatory.

7. Artem Bay Artem Bay (c. 1,000 ha) lies in the northeast of Absheron Peninsula. Once a strait, it became a bay after the construction of a wide dike connecting Artem (Sviatoyi) Island to Absheron Peninsula. There are reed stands along the shore and several small islands in the bay. Artem Bay is heavily hunted. The Azerbaijani Society of Hunters maintains a hunting lodge by the bay. Small oil spills and industrial pollution are not uncommon. During migration dabbling and especially diving ducks and Common Coot feed and rest in Artem Bay. Wintering species include Great Crested Grebe, Whooper Swan (c. 300), Mallard, Red-crested Pochard (100-200), Common Pochard, Tufted Duck (2,0003,000), Greater Scaup, Goldeneye (a total of 3,500-5,000 diving ducks), Common Coot (>3,000) and shorebirds (MP).

8. Shah Spit (Shahdili, Shakhova Kosa) Shah Spit lies at the tip of Absheron Peninsula: a 9-km long and 0.7 km wide sandy spit with reed stands in lagoons and along the shores. Reed encroachment was not recorded until the early 1980s, during the renewed rise of the Caspian Sea. Since then land area has been reduced from 815 to c. 500 ha. Although Shah Spit has the status of game preserve (since 1973), poaching (including by preserve wardens) is a major problem (Bannikova et al., 1984; MP). In autumn 10,000 Tufted Ducks, 3,000 Greater Scaup and 40,000 Common Coots migrated through the area. Up to 50 species winter. c. 50,000 wintered in 1971/72 (Tuaev, 1977), but only c. 15,000 in 1989-1990. Wintering species include Little Grebe, Blacknecked Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Great Cormorant, Pygmy Cormorant (rare), Great White Pelican (rare), Grey Heron, Little Egret, Whooper Swan (250-300), Mute Swan (50-100), Mallard (<500), Common Teal, Northern Shoveler, Red-crested Pochard

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332 The Birds of Azerbaijan (200-300), Common Pochard (>300), Tufted Duck (2,000-3,000), Greater Scaup (500-1,000), Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier (10-15), Common Moorhen, Common Coot (10,000-12,000), Common Snipe (common), Yellow-legged Gull and Little Gull, Short-eared and Little Owl, Skylark, Crested Lark, Bearded Reedling, Blackbird, Fieldfare and Reed Bunting. Purple Gallinules (5-10 pairs) are present in reed stands the year round. Several Goitred Gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa) occurred on the spit in the late 1980s-early 1990s (Bannikova, 1984; MP). The presence of large number of wildfowl and also Goitred Gazelle offers excellent viewing and educational opportunities. A hunting ban must be enforced.

9. Baku Bay Large flocks of wintering Whooper and Mute Swans (>1,000 swans) and Common Coot (>5,000) occur well offshore south of Baku. This wintering area is very poorly known. Divers, grebes and diving ducks are probably present. Oil pollution and intensive poaching (from powerboats) are major threats (G. Bairamov, pers. comm.). Merits annual waterfowl censuses.

* * * LAKE KRASNOE (FORMERLY PUTA BAY): Relatively small lake in Yasamal Valley southwest of Baku; close to Baku-Alat highway. Formerly a bay of the Caspian Sea (Puta Bay), it was cut off with a dike in the 1930s. In the early 1940s, when stands of Typha sp. were still present in the lake, Mallard, Common Teal, Northern Shoveler, Common Coot and Greater Flamingo wintered there. Heavily polluted: several industrial facilities are situated close to the lake (Verestchagin, 1946, 1950; MP). In the 1980s-early 1991 small numbers of dabbling ducks were seen on the lake from the highway (MP). Surprisingly enough 120 White-headed Ducks (Cranswick et al., 1998) and a good selection of other species turned up at the lake in the late 1990s (Shelton, 2001).

Samur-Divichi Lowland: 10. Divichi Liman (Lake Ah-Zibir) Lies east of Divichi, northeastern Azerbaijan. The area covered by the wetland varies from 1,600-2,000 ha in drier years to 7,000 ha in wetter winters. Water depth: 0.5-1.2 m. Emergent vegetation represented by reeds (Phragmites communis), Bolboschoenus maritimus, Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani and Typha sp. and submergent vegetation by Potamogeton pectinatus and Myriophyllum spicatum. Ponds of open water (c. 200 ha) were present in the northern part. Saltwort semi-desert and fields surround the wetland. Adjacent fish nurseries affect water level in the liman by periodically dumping water through a lock into the Caspian Sea. Several nutria farms also operate in the area (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965; Karabanova, 1984). In the late 19th-early 20th century Divichi Liman was a private hunting reserve of the Russian Royal Family. Now this wetland is a very popular hunting destination. The Azerbaijani Society of Hunters owns a hunting lodge at the liman. According to official records 50,000-150,000 waterfowl/year were taken at the liman in the 1930s-1940s (Verestchagin, 1950). In the early 1960s an average of 225,000 shots/season were fired there, e.g. some hunters spent up to 100 kg of lead pellets/month at the liman (Tuaev, 1965). In the early 1980s 51,360 coots, 600 ducks and 120 geese were bagged at the liman within 28 days of one hunting season (Karabanova, 1984). Wintering species include Great Crested Grebe, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Greylag Goose, Mallard, Common Teal, Northern Pintail (irregularly), Northern Shoveler, Red-crested Pochard, Common Pochard and Common Coot (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965). In the 1930s-1940s hundreds of Greylag Geese and thousands of Mallard were recorded at the liman (Verestchagin, 1950). In the early 1960s the number of wintering waterfowl did not exceed 5,000 (Tuaev, 1965). In 1979-1986 an average of 6,700 wintered at Divichi Liman: 3,200 dabbling ducks, 3,200 coots, 300 geese and 200 swans (Tkachenko, 1986). In December 1981, 82,500 waterfowl (mostly Coot, dabbling and diving ducks) were present at the liman, but most fled after 2 days of intensive shooting (12-13 December) leaving only 6,000 coots and ducks by December 14th. During the next two days c. 1,000 were shot and the remaining birds completely abandoned Divichi Liman for several days (Karabanova, 1984). Unlike wetlands in the southeast, Divichi Liman often freezes over in winter (from a few days to a month) forcing wintering waterbirds elsewhere (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1965). Nesting species include Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Little Bittern, Purple Heron, Ferruginous Duck (>5 pairs), Marsh Harrier, Little Crake, Common Moorhen, Purple Gallinule, Common Coot, Rook, etc. (Tuaev, 1965; Y. Guseinov, pers. comm., MP). A new colony of herons, egrets, Eurasian Spoonbill and Glossy Ibis was discovered by E. Sultanov in the late 1990s (Patrikeev & Wilson, 2000).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

A popular hunting location, Divichi Liman is unlikely to receive less hunting pressure. However, some conservation measures should be considered, e.g. rehabilitation of adjacent wetlands and perhaps creation of new ones to ease the existing pressure.

ISLANDS OF THE CASPIAN SEA 11. Yashma Island A low island of volcanic origin (c. 200 ha) southeast of Kilazi Spit. Sandy beach and semi-desert vegetation. A popular shorebird and waterfowl hunting location. The Azerbaijani Society of Hunters maintained a hunting lodge on the island. Netting of diving ducks in the sea with gill-nets still occurs. Localized oil spills are not uncommon. In autumn sandy bars of the island are frequented by migrating shorebirds (up to 20,000-30,000/year) including Curlew Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Terek Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit, Eurasian Curlew, Whimbrel, Black-winged Stilt and Avocet. In 1988 a Slender-billed Curlew was shot on the island. According to local hunters this species may occur on the island almost every year. At least, hunters distinguished between “greater”, “middle” and “lesser” curlews, i.e., possibly Eurasian Curlew, Whimbrel and Slenderbilled Curlew respectively (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.; MP). In 1989-1991, >15,000 Tufted Ducks, Greater Scaup and Coots recorded near the island during autumn migration; 5,000-10,000 Tufted Ducks and >2,000 Greater Scaup occurred between Yashma Island and Kilazi Spit in early winter. Other wintering species include Common Goldeneye, Velvet Scoter (rare) and Goosander (MP). Yashma Island is probably the most important stopover for migrating shorebirds in Azerbaijan. Full protection of the island is highly desirable (if only for the sake of Slender-billed Curlew). A good site for a bird observatory.

12. Absheron Archipelago A group of islands east of Absheron Peninsula. Volcanic and rocky islands. The largest island (Zhiloyi or Chilov) is populated. Offshore oil extraction occurs in some areas and oil spills and industrial pollution are not uncommon. Some areas are hunted for wildfowl. The archipelago is poorly known ornithologically and may hold greater number of wintering wildfowl than suspected. Several thousand waterbirds were present there in autumn-winter 1989 and 1990. Wintering species include Great Cormorant, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan (100-200), Mallard, Red-crested Pochard, Tufted Duck, Greater Scaup, Common Goldeneye and Common Coot. In summer: Ruddy Shelduck (>10 pairs), Yellow-legged Gull (100-200 pairs), Common Tern (c. 100 pairs) and possibly Sandwich Tern (MP).

13. Glinanyi Island A volcanic island (>200 ha) in the Caspian Sea belonging to Baku Archipelago. The island, situated 3 km from Cape Alat, is almost completely devoid of vegetation because of a large population of feral rabbits. In 1973 the island was declared a seasonal bird preserve with no access during nesting season. However, illegal egg-collection (for food) still occurs from time to time. Disturbance from passing boats probably affects nesting gulls. Oil pollution is not a major threat, but some small spills have happened in the past; some oil might have been brought to the surface through mud-volcano eruption. Glinanyi Island is home to the largest colony of Yellow-legged Gulls in Azerbaijan. 1,500 pairs nested there in 1965, 3,000 pairs in 1966 (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1969) and 10,000-11,000 pairs by the late 1980s. Other nesting species include Ruddy Shelduck (50 pairs), Common Shelduck, Collared Pratincole, Kentish Plover, Common Tern (c. 500 pairs) and Little Tern (MP). In winter Little Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Great Cormorant, pelicans (reported), Mute Swans, Whooper Swans (300-500), Common Pochard and several thousand of Tufted Duck and Common Coot occur in the Caspian Sea around the island. Winter concentrations of swans and diving ducks are probably greater than previously thought (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.; MP).

14. Pirsagat Islands and Los’ (Karasy) Island Pirsagat Islands (c. 250 ha): Pervaya Griada, Baburyi (Vtoraya Griada), Pelikanyi, Tashkent, Baklanyi and Rakyshechnyi are a chain of low-lying rocky islands in the Caspian Sea southeast of Cape Pirsagat. Los’ Island is a volcanic island lying further east. All these islands are a part of the Baku Archipelago. Pirsagat Islands are a popular hunting and fishing destination and the Azeri Society of

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334 The Birds of Azerbaijan Hunters maintains a hunting lodge on the mainland (south of Cape Pirsagat). Fishermen’s camps are built on all islands except Los’. Some egg-collection (by fishermen) and associated disturbance of seabird colonies occurs. Oil drilling took place on and near Los’ Island in the past (structures remain) and traces of oil pollution were observed in the late 1980s. The rising Caspian Sea might have flooded low-lying parts of the islands. Three islands (Pelikanyi, Baburyi and Los’) are home to the largest and most diverse seabird colonies in Azerbaijan. Pelikanyi Island is the only nesting site of Mediterranean Gull on the Caspian Sea (28 pairs in 1989). Other nesting species include Slender-billed Gull (>500 pairs), Yellow-legged Gull (300 pairs), Gull-billed Tern (70-80 pairs), Sandwich Tern (c. 4,000 pairs), Common Tern (450-500 pairs) and Little Tern. Colonies of Collared Pratincole found on Baburyi and Pervaya Griada. Ruddy Shelduck, Common Shelduck, Mallard, Gadwall and Lesser Short-toed Lark also nest on the islands (Patrikeev, 1990b; 1991a; MP). Large numbers of waterbirds (5,000-10,000) winter around Pirsagat Islands. Wintering species include Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Great White and Dalmatian Pelicans, Great Cormorant, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan (500-1,000), Mallard, Red-crested Pochard, Common Pochard, Tufted Duck (several thousand) and Common Coot (thousands). Rafts of diving ducks and coots are probably greater than reported (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.; MP). Islands Pelikanyi, Baburyi and Los’ (especially the former two) deserve complete protection, at least during breeding season. Fish fauna is very diverse and includes several species of sturgeon. Caspian Seal (Phoca caspica) and large population of Diced Snake (Natrix tesselata) are also present. Perhaps a marine nature reserve or marine park should be considered for protection of these islands and surrounding sea.

KURA-ARAS LOWLAND Shirvan Steppe In the past, extensive marshes and akhmas (oxbow lakes) were found on the left bank of the Kura in Shirvan Steppe. During the first half of the 20th century many of these wetlands were drained to make way for agriculture. Several remaining marshes (including Karasy and Shilian) have dwindled and may completely dry out in some years. Wetland rehabilitation should be seriously considered to restore these formerly important staging and wintering sites.

15. Lake Hadjikabul A large lake (c. 2,500 ha) in Kura Valley north of Ali-Bairamli. Poorly known ornithologically. Proximity to a large town (AliBairamli) causes disturbance and pollution. There is a hunting lodge at the northwest corner and a fish nursery in the southwest. The Baku-Evlakh Highway and other roads encircle the lake. Oil extraction takes place west of Hadjikabul. Emergent vegetation is scarce with the exception of fishponds. In the past good numbers of Greylag, White-fronted, Lesser White-fronted and Redbreasted Geese rested on Lake Hadjikabul after feeding in Shirvan Steppe (Verestchagin, 1950). The first three species still occurred on the lake in the late 1980s, but in very small numbers (MP). Wintering species include Pygmy Cormorant, Mallard, Shoveler, Ferruginous Duck (12 in February 1998), Tufted Duck, Smew (rare), White-headed Duck (620 in February 1998), Common Coot and White-tailed Plover (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1975; Cranswick et al., 1998). Among species nesting at or near the lake are Great Crested Grebe, Little Bittern, Common Shelduck, Ruddy Shelduck, Purple Gallinule (rare) and European Bee-eater. Lake Hadjikabul merits further studies to determine the status of wintering White-headed Ducks, geese and other wildfowl. Perhaps this site is more important for staging and wintering wildfowl than previously thought. Good access to Lake Hadjikabul may make bird monitoring easier. KARASY MARSH: Formerly stretched for over 30 km from Elchubeily to Kazi-Magomed. It was a maze of ponds and channels overgrown with Phragmites, Typha, Carex, Potamogeton and Myriophyllum. Depth of water varied from 1 to 2 m. In mid February, seeds of Potamogeton and Myriophyllum were abundant, attracting waterfowl. In 1962-1963 the water level dropped dramatically after water was diverted for irrigation. By October 1963 the average depth did not exceed 20-30 cm, but from time to time heavy rains fill remaining ponds (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1975). In the late 1980s ponds with emergent vegetation remained only north of Agsiha and west of Kazi-Magomed. Current status of the marsh requires investigation. Great and Pygmy Cormorants, Eurasian Bittern, Great and Little Egrets, Greater White-fronted Goose, Mallard, Common Teal, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeon, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Red-crested Pochard, Common Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, Common Goldeneye (uncommon), Smew and Common Coot wintered at Karasy Marsh (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1975). Nesting species included Little Grebe,

The Birds of Azerbaijan Black-necked Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Eurasian Bittern, Little Bittern, Purple Heron, Mallard, Marsh Harrier, Water Rail, Common Moorhen, Purple Gallinule, Common Coot and probably Spotted Crake (Tuaev, 1975; MP). Karasy Marsh was a very important stopover and wintering site for wildfowl. Restoration work should be seriously considered. SHILIAN MARSH: This was a freshwater marsh (1.5-2.1 m deep) overgrown with reeds, bulrushes and sedges in Zardob and Kurdamir districts. The marsh was sustained by rivers Turianchai and Gekchai (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1975). In the 1950s water was diverted to irrigate fields, turning Shilian Marsh into a system of drying ponds with average depth less than 1 m. However, water level may partly recover after heavy rains. Shilian Marsh usually freezes over for 1-2 weeks in winter (Tuaev, 1975). The present status of the wetland requires investigation. Wintering species included Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Pygmy Cormorant, Eurasian Bittern, Grey Heron, Common Teal, Mallard, Gadwall, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Common Pochard, Red-crested Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, Tufted Duck, Purple Gallinule and Common Coot (Verestchagin, 1950). Coots wintering in Kizil Agach Reserve would often move to Shilian Marsh in March (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1975). Nesting species include Little Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Little Bittern, Purple Heron, Ferruginous Duck, Marsh Harrier, Water Rail and Common Moorhen (Tuaev, 1975). Another good candidate for wetland restoration.

Mil Steppe 16. Lake Aggel Extensive lake-marsh system south of Kura River and east of Agjabedi (Agjabedi District). The second most important wetland in Azerbaijan. Until the early 1980s Lake Aggel covered 4,400-5,000 ha, but rising ground waters flooded adjacent semi-desert increasing the area to 9,000 ha (Gasanov, 1990; MP). The lake consists of several large ponds of open water (such as Beuk-Aggel, Gushy and Baklan), many small ponds and channels, and extensive reedbeds. Water depth: 0.5-1.5 m reaching 3 m in Beuk-Aggel. Formerly fresh water, the lake turned brackish in the 1960s when collector channels became the only source of water. Winters in Mil Steppe are relatively warm (average January temperature is +1.8oC) and Lake Aggel is usually free of ice (may freeze over during an occasional severe winter). The average number of days with snow does not exceed 12/year. In the 1930s-1940s Aggel apparently lacked emergent vegetation, but was overgrown with Phragmites, Typha and Scirpus by the early 1960s. Submergent vegetation is represented by Potamogeton and algae. Semi-desert (Caragana and Salsola) surrounds the lake. Aggel is rich in fish although fish population dwindled after important spawning areas (Kichik Aggel and Shorgel) were cut off from the rest of Aggel and partly drained (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1970, 1975; Gasanov, 1990; MP). The central and eastern parts of the lake were declared a nature reserve in 1978. The western part is unprotected. Commercial fishing is still allowed in Aggel in spite of the nature-reserve status. In the early 1990s poaching was common, but mostly under control unlike in Kizil Agach Reserve. The present situation is unknown, but food shortages in rural areas in the mid and late 1990s might have led to increased poaching and other illegal activities in the reserve. However, Lake Aggel is not always accessible in winter. Even a light drizzle will transform dirty roads around Aggel into a quagmire, and after heavy rains roads remain impassable for days. Irrigation channels feeding the lake probably carry agricultural pollutants, but the level of pollution has not been investigated (Tuaev, 1975; Gasanov, 1990; MP). Wintering species include Little, Black-necked and Great Crested Grebes, Dalmatian Pelican, Pygmy and Great Cormorants, Eurasian Bittern, Great White Egret, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Greylag and Greater White-fronted Goose, Whooper and Mute Swans, Common and Ruddy Shelducks, Mallard, Common Teal, Gadwall, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Marbled Teal (rarely), Common Teal, Red-crested Pochard, Common Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, Tufted duck, Common Goldeneye, Whiteheaded Duck, White-tailed Sea-Eagle, Hen and Marsh Harriers, Common Moorhen, Purple Gallinule, Common Coot, Whitetailed Plover, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Great Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Eurasian Curlew, Great Black-headed Gull, Common Starling, Cetti’s Warbler, Bearded Reedling and Reed Bunting. In winter 1941/1942, 20,930 Coots and diving ducks were harvested at Aggel and 25,000-30,000 in the following winter (1942/ 1943). However, in summer 1944 the lake almost dried out after its water was diverted to cotton fields (Verestchagin, 1950). During the 1950s, c. 72,000 coots were shot at the lake annually. In the early 1960s only 30,000 to 60,000 wildfowl wintered at Lake Aggel (Vinogradov, 1967). In the 1970s the lake lost its Red-breasted Goose: this species abandoned all of its wintering grounds in Azerbaijan and moved to the Black Sea region (Tuaev, 1975; Gasanov, 1990). In the 1980s, 80,000-100,000 wildfowl wintered at Aggel and 110,550 waterbirds were recorded in January 1991: 50-60 Dalmatian Pelicans, <100 herons and egrets, 170 flamingo, 1,000 swans, 1,500 geese, 800 shelducks, >14,000 dabbling ducks, 15,000 diving ducks (including c. 3,000 White-headed Ducks), 17,000 unidentified ducks, 8,000 Purple Gallinules, c. 50,000 Coots and 1,800 shorebirds (MP).

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336 The Birds of Azerbaijan Number of waterbirds wintering on Lake Aggel from 1941 to 1991 Winter 1941/42 1942/43 1950s

1960/61 1961/62 1962/63 1963/64 (cold winter) Mid 1980s 1990/91

Pelicans Herons and Egrets ? ? ? ? ? ?

Swans

Geese

? ? ?

? ? ?

? ? ? ?

820 2,530 2,660 2,120

200

?

?

?

?

?

?

?

?

50-60

100<

1,000

1,500

800

>14,000

15,000

c.50,000

8,000

50-154

15,540 17,850 13,300 7,600

Shelducks Dabbling Diving Coots Purple Total Source Ducks Ducks Gallinule ? ? 20,930 harvested ? ? Verestchagin, ? ? 25,000-30,000 harvested ? ? 1950 ? ? ? c. 72,000 ? ? harvested annually 1,120 6,380 1,800 1,100 960 27,620 Vinogradov, 1,880 26,100 3,120 6,520 340 58,340 1967 1,700 10,190 1,080 20,400 550 49,960 120 8,990 1,140 2,630 260 22,886

80,000- S. Gasimov, 100,000 pers. comm. 110,550 MP

In summer Lake Aggel is the most important nesting site for the rare Marbled Teal in Azerbaijan (50-60 pairs), Mute Swan, Greylag Goose, Red-crested Pochard, Purple Gallinule (6,000 pairs) and White-tailed Plover; and an important nesting site for Blackwinged Stilt and Avocet. Reedbeds of the lake house the second largest colony of wading birds and cormorants in Transcaucasia (20,000-25,000 pairs): 6,000-8,000 pairs of Glossy Ibis, 10,000-15,000 pairs of herons and egrets (Squacco Herons, Night Herons, Little and Cattle Egrets), 600-700 pairs of Eurasian Spoonbills and 1,500 pairs of Pygmy Cormorants (Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; Gasanov, 1990; MP). [For more information on this colony see Appendix 3]. Lake Aggel clearly deserves Ramsar-site status and better protection. All coastal areas (perhaps 0.5-1 km wide) should be included in the existing nature reserve, and the western part of the lake should be rehabilitated and returned to the reserve.

17. Lakes Bos-Koba and Shorbet-Koba Bos-Koba and Shorbet-Koba (c. 3,500-4,000 ha) are a system of deep natural channels and extensive reedbeds connecting lakes Aggel and Sarisu. Altogether these four lakes form the largest wetland in Kura-Aras Lowland. Bos-Koba and Shorbet-Koba received little ornithological coverage in the past. Access to both lakes is poor, but there are a hunting lodge and several oil rigs south of Bos-Koba; the village of Mamedli is adjacent to Shorbet-Koba from the north. Both lakes are brackish (Vinogradov, 1967; MP). Bos-Koba was the last known nesting site for Dalmatian Pelicans in Azerbaijan (5-15 pairs in the early 1980s). Over 1,000-2,000 pairs of wading birds (Night Heron, Squacco, Heron, Little and Great White Egrets, Purple Heron, Eurasian Spoonbill and Glossy Ibis) nested in Bos-Koba; other nesting species include Greylag Geese, Marbled Teal (possibly), Purple Gallinule and White-tailed Plover. In late 1980s 5,000-20,000 wildfowl wintered on both lakes (MP). Studies of summer and winter avifauna on both lakes are urgently needed in order to determine their status. Protection of the entire wetland complex from Aggel through Bos-Koba, Shorbet-Koba and Sarisu is highly desirable.

18. Lake Sarisu A large reed-overgrown lake on the right bank of Kura River west of Saatli. Sarisu is a complex of large ponds, channels and extensive reedbeds with a total area of c. 15,000 ha. Water depth varies from 0.1 to 1.4 m throughout the year, but is generally low from January through March. The water is brackish (8%) and supplied by irrigation collector channels (formerly, it was a freshwater lake connected to Kura). It may freeze over for up to 10-15 days (usually in January), but not every winter. In fair weather the lake is accessible via several causeways. Despite poor access Lake Sarisu is heavily hunted. In the early 1990s the Azerbaijani Society of Hunters maintained three hunting lodges at the lake. Hunting is intensive: up to 173 shots/5 min in 1996 and perhaps as many as 130,000-427,000 birds bagged each year. The wildfowl are harassed continuously and find no refuge on this lake. Pesticide pollution is probable, considering the proximity to cotton fields (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1975; Paynter et al., 1996a). Wintering species include Black-necked Grebe, Great and Pygmy Cormorants, Dalmatian Pelican, Great White Egret, Grey Heron, Greater Flamingo, Greylag, Greater White-fronted and Lesser White-fronted Geese, Common and Ruddy Shelducks, Mallard,

The Birds of Azerbaijan

Common Teal, Gadwall, Eurasian Wigeons, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Red-crested and Common Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, Common Goldeneye (uncommon), Smew (rare), Goosander (uncommon), White-headed Duck (uncommon), Purple Gallinule and Common Coot (Tuaev, 1975; Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.; MP). c. 20,000 waterfowl wintered at Lake Sarisu in the early 1960s (Vinogradov, 1967), 40,000-80,000 in early winter in the late 1980s (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.; MP) and >300,000 reported in February 1996 including 151,250 Red-crested Pochard (Paynter et al., 1996b). During breeding season, 1,000-2,000 pairs of wading birds and cormorants (Pygmy Cormorant, Night and Squacco Herons, Little Egret and Glossy Ibis) nested in several small colonies at Sarisu. Other nesting species include Eurasian Bittern, Little Bittern, Purple Heron (20-25 pairs), Greylag Goose, Mallard, Marbled Teal (c. 20 pairs), Ferruginous Duck (20-30 pairs), Marsh Harrier (810 pairs), Water Rail, Purple Gallinule (800-1,000 pairs), Common Coot, White-tailed Plover, Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, Common Tern, etc. (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.; MP). Lake Sarisu is a very important wintering and staging area possibly matching Lake Aggel. Ramsar-site status is recommended. The entire Aggel-Bos-Koba-Shorbet-Koba-Sarisu wetland complex should be considered a World Heritage site. At least a part of the lake should receive complete protection during the hunting season.

19. Lake Mekhman A periodically flooded shallow depression on the right bank of the Kura to the northwest of Aggel; often dries up completely in summer. White-tailed Plover, Black-winged Stilt, Black-headed Gull, Common Tern and Collared Pratincole nested at this lake (Gambarov, 1956). In winter 2,500-3,500 waterfowl (Greylag, Greater White-fronted and Lesser Whitefronted Geese, Mallards and Gadwall) wintered at Mehman. Flocks of Bar-tailed Godwits and Avocets occurred in years with low water level (Verestchagin, 1950; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev, 1975; MP). Poorly known ornithologically and merits an annual waterfowl census.

Reservoirs of Kura Valley 20. Varvara Reservoir Built on Kura River in 1956 in Mingechaur District. Relatively small (400 ha). Phragmites, Typha and sedges grow along the shores and there is a partly flooded island with Phragmites and Tamarix in the middle. Shortly after the completion of the reservoir, cormorants and herons nested in treetops in flooded tugai forest, but later moved to reed stands (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Tuaev, 1975). In the late 1980s a mixed bird colony (c. 350-400 pairs) was still present at the reservoir: Pygmy Cormorant (40-50 pairs), Squacco Heron (c. 100 pairs), Night Heron (>100 pairs), Little Egret (40-50 pairs), Cattle Egret (>20 pairs), Grey Heron, Glossy Ibis (>50 pairs). Other nesting species include Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Purple Heron, Spotted Crake, Purple Gallinule, Common Coot, Common Tern and Common Kingfisher (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; MP). Wintering species include Little Grebe, Pygmy Cormorant, Great White Egret, Ferruginous Duck, Common Goldeneye, Smew, other ducks and occasionally Great White Pelican (perhaps 7,000-12,000 waterbirds in total). An extensive shallow area west of the reservoir attracts wading birds, ducks and shorebirds (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Tuaev, 1975, 1977).

21. Mingechaur Reservoir A large freshwater reservoir built in 1953 at the confluence of the rivers Kura, Iori and Alazani. The reservoir is approximately 75 km long and 25 km wide; the depth reaches 60 m. It lacked emergent vegetation in the 1970s. In the 1950s flooded tugai forests remained in shallower areas along former riverbeds of the Kura, Iori and Alazani, but the trees eventually fell down. Great Cormorants, herons, egrets, Black Kites and White-tailed Sea Eagles nested in treetops of flooded tugai. Small numbers of Ruddy Shelducks nest around the reservoir (Tuaev & Vasiliev 1972; Tuaev, 1975; Gambarov, 1975). Migrating and wintering wildfowl concentrate in the Khanabad area. Wintering species include Little Grebe, Black-necked Grebe, Great Crested Grebe (up to 5,000), Great Cormorant (up to 400), Pygmy Cormorant, Great White and Dalmatian Pelican, Great White Egret, Grey Heron, Greylag Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Common and Ruddy Shelducks, Common Pochard, Tufted Duck, Common Goldeneye, Smew, Red-breasted Merganser, Goosander and Great Black-headed Gull (up to 300). 17,000-18,000 wildfowl wintered on Mingechaur Reservoir in the early 1960s and 8,000-15,000 in the 1970s-1980s (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Tuaev, 1977; MP).

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Karayasi Steppe 22. Lake Djandargel A lake on the border between Georgia and Azerbaijan (c. 1,500 ha of the lake is in Azerbaijan) with some stands of emergent vegetation (Typha). Poorly known ornithologically. Nesting species include Pygmy Cormorant (a pair in 1997), Great Crested Grebe, Common Shelduck, Ruddy Shelduck and Purple Gallinule. Wintering species include Dalmatian Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant (400 in February 1998), Greater White-fronted Goose, Mallard, Smew (400 in February 1998) and Common Coot (Tuaev, 1975; Cranswick et al., 1998). Further studies desirable.

B. FOREST, MONTANE AND SEMI-DESERT ENVIRONMENTS GREATER CAUCASUS MOUNTAINS The Watershed and Lateral Ridges 23. Zakatali Nature Reserve Zakatali Nature Reserve (23,844 ha) is situated on the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus Mountains (Watershed Ridge) across the border from Georgia and Dagestan (in the Russian Federation). It was established in 1930 and consists of two separate areas in Belokani and Zakatali districts at 630-3,648 m (Mount Guton). The terrain is very rugged with many gorges and chasms. Average temperature varies from –3.8oC in January to +15.6oC in July. Precipitation: from c. 600 mm in the foothills to 1,400 mm in high mountains (only c. 25% of precipitation falls as snow). At the higher elevations snow remains for up to 4.5 months/year (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990). Forest covers c. 67.4% (16,068 ha) of the reserve. Broad-leaved forests of beech, hornbeam, oak and maple occur on the lower and middle slopes up to 1,500-1,800 m, gradually changing into mixed forest (oak, maple, birch and pine) at higher altitudes. Sub-alpine woodlands (oak, birch and maple), rhododendron and juniper thickets occur at 2,000-2,400 m. Sub-alpine (1,900-2,600 m) and alpine (2,200-3,000 m) meadows cover 5,810 ha (Gasanov, 1990). The bird fauna consists of 104 species including Black Kite, Goshawk, Levant Sparrowhawk, Booted Eagle, Golden Eagle, Lammergeier, Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Hobby, Peregrine, Caucasian Black Grouse, Caucasian Snowcock, Chukar, Common Quail, Stock Dove, Eurasian Cuckoo, Eagle Owl, Common Swift, Common Kingfisher, Black Woodpecker, Shore Lark, Grey Wagtail, Red-billed and Alpine Choughs, Common and Isabelline Wheatears, Güldenstadt’s Redstart, Marsh Warbler, Wallcreeper, Red-fronted Serin, Twite, Great Rosefinch, Snowfinch, etc. In addition, the nature reserve supports large numbers of ungulates including East Caucasian Tur (Capra cylindricornis), Chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), Red Deer (Cervus elaphus), and also Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) and Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) (Popkova & Popkov, 1965; Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; Gasanov, 1990). In the early 1990s Zakatali Nature Reserve was one of the best-protected and largest nature reserves in Azerbaijan with ecosystems representative of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. A Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site status are recommended. A protected corridor between the two sections of the reserve was proposed, and negotiations were under way in 1990-1991. Although poaching has occurred, it was not a serious problem in the late 1980s-early 1990s, but encroachment of sheep flocks caused degradation of some protected sub-alpine and alpine meadows. Thus, protection of sub-alpine and alpine meadows adjacent to the reserve is highly desirable. Non-organized tourism caused some damage to the marginal areas on the lower slopes (Gasanov, 1990; MP).

24. Ilisu Nature Reserve Created on the southern slope of the Watershed Range in Kah District in 1987 (9,345 ha). Altitude 700-2,100 m. The terrain is rugged with gorges and deep river valleys. Average temperatures: –3 to +1oC in January, +14 to +24oC in July, at higher and lower altitudes respectively. Annual precipitation: 950-1,400 mm. Forest covers c. 92% (8,590 ha) of the Reserve. Broad-leaved and mixed forests of beech and oak occur up to 1,800-2,000 m and sub-alpine forests (oak, beech, hornbeam, birch and ash) at 1,800-2,100 m. Sub-alpine meadows are present at 1,800-2,100 m (Gasanov, 1990).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

Poorly known ornithologically and only 90 bird species have been recorded, e.g. Honey Buzzard, Black Kite, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, Booted Eagle, Golden Eagle, Lammergeier, Black Vulture, Peregrine, Caucasian Black Grouse, Scops Owl, Eagle Owl, Long-eared Owl, Tawny Owl, Hoopoe, Green Woodpecker, Black Woodpecker, Greater, Middle and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers, Grey Wagtail, Eurasian Jay, Raven, Common Dipper, Wren, European Dunnock, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Blue and Great Tits, Common and Rock Nuthatches, Eurasian Treecreeper, Chaffinch, Siskin, Goldfinch, Bullfinch, Hawfinch, etc. In 1990 the ecosystems of the reserve were in fairly good condition, although poaching and some illegal logging occurred along the borders (Gasanov, 1990; MP).

25. Mount Bazar-Duzu and Mount Shahdag The highest mountains in Azerbaijan: Mount Bazar-Duzu (4,466 m) in the Watershed Range and Mount Shahdag (4,243 m) in the Lateral Ridge of the Greater Caucasus Mountains (Kutkashen and Kusari districts). A part of Bazar-Duzu is in Dagestan (in the Russian Federation). The lower slopes of Bazar-Duzu are covered with broad-leaved and mixed forests, while Shahdag apparently lacks arboreal vegetation. Glaciers and snowfields are found near summits of both mountains. Approach to Bazar-Duzu and Shahdag from the Azerbaijani side is difficult and both mountains are poorly known ornithologically. The following species have been recorded: Golden Eagle, Lammergeier, Black Vulture, Peregrine, Caucasian Snowcock, Caucasian Black Grouse, Eagle Owl, Common Dipper, Güldenstadt’s Redstart, Alpine Chough and Great Rosefinch. A national park was being planned in the late 1980s, but the outcome is unknown (MP).

26. Ismailly Nature Reserve A reserve (5,778 ha) on the southern slope of the Watershed Ridge, Greater Caucasus Mountains (Ismailly District); established in 1981. Two sections: Topcha (5,589) at 800-2,250 m and Galindja (189 ha) at 600-650 m. Average temperatures: –0.7oC in January to +22.6oC in July. Annual precipitation: c. 810 mm at the lower elevations and c. 1,000 mm at higher elevations. About 86.9% (5,021 ha) of the reserve is forested (oak, hornbeam and beech). Forests at the upper limits were logged before the area was declared a nature reserve, and were replaced by secondary sub-alpine meadows (Gasanov, 1990). 104 bird species were recorded by the late 1980s, including Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, Imperial Eagle, Booted Eagle, Shorttoed Eagle, Caucasian Black Grouse, Common Pheasant (Galindja area only), Tawny Owl, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, European Jay, European Dunnock, Wren, Common Redstart, Blackbird, Song and Mistle Thrushes, Spotted Flycatcher, Coal and Great Tits, Greenfinch, etc. Golden Eagle and Lammergeier have been observed, but nesting in the reserve seems unlikely (Gasanov, 1990; MP).

27. Mount Babadag Mount Babadag (3,629 m) lies in the Watershed Ridge north of Ismailly (Ismailly and Kuba districts). Several rivers (Girdimanchai, Velvelchai, Korachai, etc.) have their source on this mountain. The southwestern slopes are forested (broad-leaved and mixed forests); upland steppe, rocky outcrops, shrub thickets and sub-alpine meadows occur on the other slopes. The terrain is very rugged and access is difficult. The southern slopes were in part included in Ismailly Game Preserve, but hunting was allowed elsewhere. The Azerbaijani Society of Hunters maintained a hunting lodge at Mount Babadag. The area is poorly known ornithologically. Recorded species included Black Kite, Imperial Eagle, Golden Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, Lammergeier, Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Peregrine, Caucasian Black Grouse, Caucasian Snowcock, Eagle Owl, etc. The mountain also housed perhaps the only viable population of Bearded Goat (Capra aegagrus) in the Azerbaijani sector of the Greater Caucasus Mountains; East Caucasian Tur also occurs (S. Ibragimov, pers. comm.; Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.; MP).

28. Kusari Game Preserve A game preserve (c. 15,000 ha) in low forested mountains and hills descending to the Samur Valley in Kusari District (200-1,500 m). Slopes east of Imamkuluken are forested (broad-leaved forests). Dense shrub thickets in Samur Valley; upland steppe, agricultural fields and semi-desert elsewhere. The avifauna of Kusari Game Preserve is virtually unknown. The preserve was declared in 1964 to protect Common Pheasant and game mammals (Wild Boar, Roe Deer, etc.). Recorded bird species include Black Kite, Common Buzzard, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Booted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, Tawny Owl, woodpeckers and passerines. Black Vulture has been observed on several occasions, but nesting is unlikely (MP).

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Shemakha Upland 29. Pirgulu Nature Reserve Established in 1968 in Shemakha District. Four mountains in three sections at altitudes 800-1,900 m (1,520 ha). Two of the three sections are partly surrounded with fields, orchards, secondary upland steppe (on steep slopes) and villages. Average temperature: –4oC in January and +19.7oC in July. Annual precipitation: 780-1,000 mm. Forest covers c. 89.5% (1,362 ha) of Pirgulu Reserve and secondary sub-alpine meadows c. 8%. Oak, hornbeam and beech are dominant tree species; yew is also present. All forests were selectively logged before the 1960s (Gasanov, 1990). The avifauna is poorly known. Nesting species include Honey Buzzard, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard, Booted Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, Grey Partridge, Wood Pigeon, European Nightjar, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, European Roller, European Bee-eater, Grey Wagtail, Eurasian Jay, Raven, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Long-tailed Tit, Blue and Great Tits, Spotted Flycatcher, Chaffinch, Goldfinch. Imperial Eagle, Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture and Caucasian Black Grouse recorded at higher elevations - the Girkhbulak section (Patrikeev, 1991d; MP).

30. Alti-Agach Nature Reserve Declared in eastern part of Shemakha Upland in 1990 (5,500 ha). Includes montane forest, upland steppe and scores of small lakes at 800-2,205 m (Mount Dubrar) in Khizi District (MP). No detailed ornithological studies have been conducted in the area. Species recorded during several short visits include Grey Heron, Black Kite, Sparrowhawk, Imperial Eagle, Booted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Black Vulture, Lesser Kestrel (status unclear), Caucasian Black Grouse, Chukar (very common), Eagle Owl, Scops Owl and many passerines (Gambarov, 1954; MP).

Sheki Upland 31. Sheki Game Preserve Established in 1963 in forested hills south of Sheki and north of Beuk-Dakhna (10,400 ha). Broad-leaved forests and shrub thickets in Agrichai Valley, fields and semi-desert. No ornithological coverage. Species observed during a short visit included Black Kite, Levant Sparrowhawk, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Pallid Harrier, Kestrel, Lesser Kestrel, Common Pheasant, Black Francolin, Turtle Dove, Skylark and Crested Lark. Further studies are strongly encouraged (MP).

32. Hadjinour Steppe Extensive upland semi-desert between Dashyuz and Akharbakhar ridges south of Sheki with Lake Hadjinour in the middle. Formerly a Caragana and Salsola semi-desert, but many areas were turned into arable land and cattle range during the second half of the 20th century. Greylag and Greater White-fronted Geese numbered thousands in the 1930s-1940s (Verestchagin, 1950), but only a few hundred in the late 1980s. Little Bustard (200-300) and Great Bustard also winter in this area. Black-bellied Sandgrouse has been recorded in the summer. Hadjinour Steppe is very poorly known ornithologically and requires thorough study (MP).

Bosdag Mountains A chain of low (400-650 m) clayey semi-desert mountains stretching from Mingechaur to Agsu.

33. Turianchai and Gekchai Bosdag Mountains Extend for c. 50 km (west to east) in Agdash, Evlakh and Kutkashen districts: the Turianchai Bosdag has been protected in Turianchai Nature Reserve (12,634 ha) since 1958; the Gekchai Bosdag is unprotected. Climate is warm and dry: annual precipitation is c. 500 mm; average temperature: from +1.9oC in January to +26.4oC in July. Juniper woodlands grow on northern slopes of the mountains, e.g. covering 7,504 ha (c. 60.8%) in Turianchai Reserve. The southern slopes are steep and eroded. Patches of tugai forest are found in river valleys (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Gasanov, 1990; MP).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

The avifauna of Turianchai and Gekchai Bosdag Mountains includes 112 species. The area is notable for nesting raptors: Black Kite, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Long-legged and Common Buzzards, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Egyptian Vulture (>7 pairs), Black Vulture (6-8 pairs), Griffon Vulture (15-20 pairs in several colonies), Kestrel, Lesser Kestrel and probably Lammergeier. A pair of Bonelli’s Eagles observed in 1991. Other nesting species include Chukar (6,000-8,000), Common Pheasant (only in Turianchai Valley), Eurasian Cuckoo, Eagle Owl, Scops Owl, Common Nightjar, Alpine Swift, Eurasian Roller, European and Blue-cheeked Bee-eaters, Woodlark, Red-backed and Lesser Grey Shrikes, Eurasian Jay, Magpie, Raven, Golden Oriole, Nightingale, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Rock Nuthatch, Common Starling, Rock and Black-headed Buntings, Greenfinch, etc. Large number of thrushes (Black-throated, Fieldfare, Blackbird, Redwing, Song and Mistle Thrushes) winter in juniper forests (Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1965b; Gasanov, 1990; MP).

Gobustan Upland Despite its proximity to Baku, Gobustan Upland remains virtually unstudied because of poor access.

34. Mount Kargabazar and Mount Gush-gaya Low semi-desert mountains (up to 284 m) in the east of Gobustan Upland (Maraza District). Mount Kargabazar was the only known nesting site for Lanner in Azerbaijan (last nesting record in the late 1940s). Other nesting species include Ruddy Shelduck, Long-legged Buzzard, Egyptian Vulture, Kestrel, Lesser Kestrel, Chukar, Stone Curlew, Black-bellied Sandgrouse (possibly), Alpine Swift, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Crested and Calandra Larks, Finch’s and Isabelline Wheatears, Rock Nuthatch, etc. Access is poor (dirt roads). Large flocks of sheep observed around Mount Kargabazar. Poaching is widespread (Burchak-Abramovich & Gambarov, 1961; MP).

LESSER CAUCASUS MOUNTAINS The Lesser Caucasus Mountains is one of the least studied regions of Azerbaijan as far as birds are concerned. Almost the entire Shahdag Ridge, extensive areas in Murovdag and Karabakh ridges, and Karabakh Upland have probably never been visited by ornithologists and naturalists. After the Karabakh war (1991-1994) almost the entire area fell into the hands of the Armenians.

Murovdag Ridge 35. Geigel Nature Reserve and Mount Giamish Geigel reserve (6,739 ha) and Mount Giamish (8,000 ha) situated in the central part of Murovdag Ridge. The nature reserve lies at 1,100-3,065 m (Mt. Kapaz) in Khanlar District. Mount Giamish (the highest peak of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains, 3,724 m) falls within Khanlar, Gulistan and Kelbadjar districts of Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region. In the vicinity of Lake Geigel (1,612 m) absolute temperature varied from –18.5oC to +30oC (average +7oC). Annual precipitation is c. 675 mm. Snow cover remains for the average of 82 days (Gasanov, 1990; MP) In Geigel reserve, 52.3% (3,524 ha) is covered in broad-leaved and mixed montane forests (up to 2,000 m); sub-alpine meadows occur on 32.7% (2,210 ha) and alpine meadows on 2.9% (201 ha). The rest consists of rocky outcrops, cliffs, deep ravines and montane lakes (Geigel, Maralgel, etc.). Beech, oak and hornbeam are dominant species in montane forest; maple, birch and pine occur near the upper forest limits. On Mount Giamish, forests grow only on the lower slopes (Gasanov, 1990; MP). Over 50 species of birds nest in Geigel reserve including Black Kite, Common Buzzard, Caspian Snowcock, Chukar, Little Owl, Tawny Owl, Green Woodpecker, Water Pipit, Alpine Chough, Alpine Accentor, Blackbird, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Long-tailed Tit, Coal and Great Tits, Rock Bunting, Chaffinch, Siskin, Twite, Red-fronted Serin, Greenfinch, etc. Golden Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, Lammergeier, Griffon Vulture and Black Vulture also occur and may nest in the reserve (Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990). Mount Giamish is less accessible and its avifauna poorly known. However, Imperial Eagle, Golden Eagle, Lammergeier, Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Caspian Snowcock (50-80) and Caucasian Black Grouse (up to 150) were recorded on the mountain (MP). In the late 1980s-early 1990s the area around Lake Geigel was under considerable anthropogenic pressure due to drawing water from the lake, tourist lodges, free access and poaching. Twice a year a large herd of cattle and sheep was driven through the reserve to and from the summer pastures. An addition of 3,500 ha to the reserve and relocation of the tourist lodges were considered in

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342 The Birds of Azerbaijan the late 1980s. Inclusion of Mount Giamish in the reserve is also desirable. However, in the early 1990s, the area was inaccessible due to the armed conflict between Azerbaijani troops and the Armenian rebels from the Nagorno-Karabakh Region (MP).

Karabakh Upland and Karabakh Ridge 36. Mount Dalidag Mount Dalidag (3,616 m) lies in the central part of Karabakh Upland and covers c. 10,000 ha in Kelbadjar and Lachin districts of Azerbaijan. The slopes are barren with numerous rocky outcrops, cliffs and upland steppe; arboreal vegetation is scarce. Northwestern and northern slopes are accessible from Istisu and Bashlibel. In the late 1980s-early 1990s Mount Dalidag supported the largest population of Caspian Snowcock in Azerbaijan (100-150 individuals). Other recorded species included Golden Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, Lammergeier, Griffon Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, Peregrine, Chukar and Eagle Owl. A large population of the Bearded Goat (Capra aegargus) was also present. The mountain is virtually unstudied and further surveys of Caspian Snowcock and other species are required. A strict nature reserve was proposed in the late 1980s. However, Lachin and Kelbadjar Districts have been occupied by Armenian troops since the early 1990s (MP).

37. Lachin Game Preserve A game preserve (c. 20,000 ha) at 500-2,000 m in the east part of Karabakh Upland and western slopes of Karabakh Ridge (Lachin District). Gazetted in 1963 to protect game mammals (Wild Boar, Roe Deer). The terrain is rugged and access to many parts of the preserve is difficult. Habitats include juniper woodlands, montane forests, upland steppe, sheep range, fields and villages. Poorly known ornithologically. Black Kite, Booted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Egyptian, Black and Griffon Vulture occur and probably nest in the preserve. The status of Imperial Eagle, Lammergeier and Lesser Kestrel is less clear. Other recorded species included White Stork, Red Kite (one record), Caucasian Black Grouse, Chukar and Eagle Owl (MP). In 1991-1992 Lachin District was a battleground between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops for the so-called Lachin Corridor connecting Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh Region. Eventually the area was overrun by the Armenians (MP). Two other large game preserves have existed in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains of Azerbaijan: Kubatli Game Preserve (20,000 ha) in Kubatli and Lachin districts, and Kizildjar Game Preserve (c. 8,000 ha) in Kedabek District. The bird fauna of these game preserves is virtually unknown. From the early 1990s the area was occupied by the Armenians.

NAKHICHEVAN REGION 38. Negram Mountains and Mount Ilandag Low semi-desert mountains (500-1,300 m) with numerous cliffs, gorges and ravines adjacent to Aras Valley (c. 7,500 ha in Babek and Julfa districts of Nakhichevan Region). Habitats include Artemisia semi-desert and upland steppe; some shrub thickets on slopes. Heavily grazed by sheep; poaching of large birds and ungulates is common. A nature reserve was planned in Negram Mountains in the early 1990s but the outcome is unknown. The following bird species have been recorded during the nesting season: Long-legged Buzzard, Golden Eagle, Lammergeier, Egyptian and Griffon Vultures, Short-toed Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Chukar, Houbara Bustard (anecdotal report), Stone Curlew, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Little Swift (status unclear), Red-billed Chough, Red-tailed Wheatear, White-throated Robin, Crimson-winged Finch, Trumpeter Finch, Pale Rock and Rock Sparrows. Little Bustards winter in the vicinity of Mount Ilandag. In addition some uncommon mammal species such as Leopard (Panthera pardus tulliana), Bearded Goat and Transcaucasian Moufflon (Ovis orientalis cycloceros) occur in the mountains (MP).

Zangezur Ridge 39. Ordubad Game Preserve Southwestern slopes of Zangezur Ridge in Ordubad District of Nakhichevan Region: 1,000-3,904 m including the highest mountains of Zangezur Ridge: Mount Kapudjik (3,904 m) and Mount Soukh (3,146 m). Declared in 1973 (c. 40,000 ha). Habitat ranges from Artemisia semi-desert to upland steppe and alpine meadows. The terrain is rugged with many steep gorges and cliffs. Snow covers the highest peaks in winter sometimes remaining on Kapudjik throughout the summer. Protection was not

The Birds of Azerbaijan

strictly enforced in the 1980s. Large flocks of sheep grazed throughout the preserve, so degrading the habitat of Caspian Snowcock and wild ungulates, some mining has occurred and poaching was not uncommon. A strict nature reserve was planned on c. 10,000 ha in the late 1980s, but never gazetted. In the early 1990s the area was inaccessible because of the Karabakh war. Black Kite, Imperial and Golden Eagles, Egyptian Vulture, Lammergeier, Black and Griffon Vultures, Short-toed Eagle, Caucasian Black Grouse, Caspian Snowcock (c. 50 birds on Mount Kapudjik) and Eagle Owl have been recorded at the higher elevations; Lesser Kestrel, Chukar, Stone Curlew, Red-tailed Wheatear, White-throated Robin and Trumpeter Finch occurred on the lower slopes. Ordubad game preserve is also notable for presence of Leopards (10-15 individuals) and large populations of Bearded Goat and Transcaucasian Moufflon (Baziev, 1978; MP).

40. Mount Kukudag and Bichenek Pass Mount Kukudag (3,120 m) and Bichenek Pass (c. 2,000 m) situated in Zangezur Ridge (Shahbuz District) on the border with Armenia. Habitats include upland steppe and alpine meadows on Kukudag. A montane forest of oak, maple and elm near Bichenek is unusual for Nakhichevan Region. A nature reserve was proposed on c. 7,000 ha, but the Karabakh war interfered with this plan. Known species include Golden Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, Lammergeier, Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Caspian Snowcock, Eagle Owl and many passerines (MP).

TALISH MOUNTAINS AND LENKORAN LOWLAND 41. Girkan Nature Reserve Established in 1936 to protect sub-tropical broad-leaved forests of southeastern Azerbaijan (Lenkoran and Astara districts). Two sections (2,906 ha): the montane section (2,815 ha, up to 980 m) is on the slopes of Ulasi Ridge (Talish Mountains) and the lowland section (91 ha, altitudes 15-20 m) encompasses the last remains of lowland sub-tropical forests once covering the entire Lenkoran Lowland. The climate is mild and humid. Average temperature in January varies from +1oC to +3.7oC and July +22 to +24.5oC. Annual precipitation: 900-1,400 mm. Snow is rare. The rich flora includes several species and subspecies of oak, Caucasian Hornbeam, Ironwood, beech, date plum, yew, lianas and other creepers. Forest covers 96.9% of the reserve (Gasanov, 1990). In the late 1980s there were plans to increase Girkan Reserve to c. 10,000 ha. The avifauna is poorly known: only 40 species recorded so far including Black Stork, Honey Buzzard, Black Kite, Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Booted Eagle, Scops Owl, Tawny Owl, woodpeckers and passerines (including Short-toed Treecreeper). Eurasian Treecreeper, Common Nuthatch, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Great and Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers are represented by subspecies endemic to Talish Mountains and adjacent parts of Iran. A few possible sightings of Red Kite (Drozdov, 1965; Gasanov, 1990; MP).

42. Zuvand Upland A semi-desert plateau adjacent to the Iranian border (altitudes 500-2,492 m). Habitats include upland steppe, semi-desert slopes, orchards, fields and villages. A large rural population. Sheep grazing and agriculture are widespread. A game preserve was gazetted on c. 15,000 ha in 1973, but protection is ineffective. Bird species: Red Kite (one record), Long-legged Buzzard, Golden Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, Lammergeier (very rare), Griffon Vulture, Short-toed Eagle, Peregrine, Grey Partridge, Chukar (very common), Eagle Owl, Syrian Woodpecker, Güldenstadt’s Redstart, Red-billed Chough, Pale Rock Sparrow, Grey-headed Bunting, etc. (Agaeva, 1972, 1973; I. Babaev, pers. comm.).

43. Vilajchai Valley Vilajchai flows from Talish Mountains onto Lenkoran Lowland where it is diverted for irrigation. Only one area (c. 1,000 ha) in the foothills is of ornithological importance (at the junction of Yardimli, Lerik and Lenkoran districts). Habitats include dense riverine thickets and adjacent broad-leaved forests. The area is very important for endangered Talish subspecies of Common Pheasant (P. c. talischensis). Other birds species include Black Stork (1-2 pairs), Black Kite, Goshawk, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Booted Eagle, Common Kingfisher, European Roller, Syrian Woodpecker, etc. Records of Red Kite and Saker Falcon. Illegal logging, burning, poaching and overgrazing were common in the late 1980s. The population of P. c. talischensis in the valley is on the brink of extinction and requires immediate attention (Musaev & Babaev, 1989; I. Babaev, pers. comm.).

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344 The Birds of Azerbaijan 44. Astara-chai Valley Astara-chai is a short fast-flowing river dividing Azerbaijan from Iran. The Azerbaijani side of the valley is covered with dense broad-leaved forests. Restricted access until the early 1990s (due to the border zone regulations). Birds: Black Stork, Goshawk, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Booted Eagle and the Talish subspecies of Common Pheasant P. c. talischensis (100-150 individuals), Common Kingfisher, European Roller and Middle Spotted Woodpecker, etc. A nature reserve for protection of P. c. talischensis is highly recommended (MP).

KURA-ARAS LOWLAND Semi-Desert 45. Mugan Steppe A vast area (c. 100,000 ha) of semi-desert pastures and cotton fields with an extensive network of irrigation channels. The central part of Mugan Steppe is the most important wintering area for Little Bustards in Transcaucasia: 10,000-30,000 in the late 1980searly 1990s. Great Bustard is rare. Nesting species include White Stork, Black Francolin (shrub thickets along irrigation channels), Stone Curlew, Little Owl, Black-bellied Sandgrouse (possibly), Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, larks, Rose-coloured Starling, etc. Steppe Eagle, Common and Demoiselle Crane occur during migration. Poaching of Little Bustards is common and effective conservation measures are a priority (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.; MP).

46. Korchai Game Preserve 15,000 ha of semi-desert plain south of Mingechaur Reservoir, low mountains of Mingechaur Bosdag Mountains and shrub thickets along Gandjachai (Kasum-Ismail District). Gazetted in 1963 to protect one of a few remaining herds of Goitred Gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) in Azerbaijan. Nesting species include Ruddy Duck, Long-legged Buzzard, Egyptian Vulture (rare), Lesser Kestrel, Chukar (c. 300), Black Francolin (c. 250), Stone Curlew, Black-bellied Sandgrouse (possibly) and larks. Little Bustards (300600) and occasionally Great Bustards (2-5) winter in the preserve. Steppe Eagle occurs during migration. Unlike many other game preserves of Azerbaijan, Korchai Preserve was well protected in the late 1980s (MP).

Tugai Forest 47. Barda Tugai Forest One of the last sizeable tugai forests in Azerbaijan (4,000 ha) lying on the banks of Kura River in Barda District. Main tree species include Populus, Morus and Salix; lianas and dense shrub thickets in the understorey. Also akhmas (oxbows) and agricultural fields (some abandoned). Illegal logging and cattle overgrazing are common. A nature reserve encompassing all of the remaining tugai was planned in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Nesting species include Grey Heron, Black Stork (2-3 pairs), Black Kite, Levant Sparrowhawk, Imperial Eagle, Scops Owl, Long-eared Owl, Black Francolin (100-150), Common Pheasant (>200), European Roller, Syrian and Middle Spotted Woodpeckers, etc. Lesser Kestrel nests in the adjacent villages (MP).

48. Shamkhor Game Preserve Tugai forests (polar, mulberry, willow) on both sides of Kura from Dzegamchai to Mingechaur Reservoir, semi-desert pastures and the last remaining patches of tugai in the mouth of the Iori (Shamkhor and Khanlar districts). Total area c. 10,000 ha. Large patches of tugai still remain, but some illegal small-scale logging and sheep grazing are not uncommon. Nesting species include Great Cormorant (15-20 pairs in the mouth of the Iori), Grey Heron, Black Stork (possibly), Lesser Spotted Eagle (2-3 pairs), Imperial Eagle (1-2 pairs), Black Francolin (150-200), Common Pheasant, Common Kingfisher, European Roller, Middle Spotted and Syrian Woodpeckers, etc. (Gambarov, 1975; MP).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

49. Alazani Valley Alazani (Ganikh) River separates Azerbaijan from Georgia. A narrow belt of tugai forest remnants and open habitats (5,000 ha) in Belokani, Zakatali and Kah districts of Azerbaijan are of ornithological importance. Birds include Black Stork (5-6 pairs), Lesser Spotted Eagle (12-15 pairs on both sides of the river), Imperial Eagle (8-10 pairs on both sides) and Common Pheasant. Whitetailed Sea Eagles nested in the past (Alekperov & Mustafaeva, 1985; MP).

50. Karayasi Forest A belt of tugai forest (0.3-3 km wide) on the left bank of the Kura extending for 32 km from the Georgian border to Poily railway bridge (Akstafa District). Dominant tree species include poplar, mulberry, willow, also oak and pistachio on drier grounds. Stands of mature tugai with huge poplars (35-40 m in height and 2.5 m in diameter) mostly remain in western and eastern parts of the forest. Impassable thickets of blackberry, other shrubs and creepers are common in the understorey and along the river. Abandoned cotton fields and wetlands in the central part of the forest. Pebble beaches and islands along the Kura. The western and central parts of the forest were declared the Karayasi Nature Reserve (4,855 ha) in 1978. Unfortunately the oldest stands of tugai in the eastern part were not included. The climate is moderate and dry. Average temperature: –0.1oC in January, +24.3oC in July. Annual precipitation: c. 400 mm (Gasanov. 1990; MP). The avifauna of Karayasi Forest includes 87 species, e.g. Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Black Stork (at least 3-4 pairs), Mallard, Honey Buzzard, Black Kite, Common Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Lesser Spotted Eagle (2-3 pairs), Imperial Eagle (3-4 pairs), Montagu’s Harrier, Kestrel, Hobby, Common Pheasant, Little Ringed Plover, Little Tern, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Turtle Dove, Eurasian Cuckoo, Scops Owl, Tawny Owl, European Nightjar, Common Swift, Common Kingfisher, Eurasian Roller, European Bee-eater, Hoopoe, Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Eurasian Jay, Magpie, Red-backed Shrike, Common Starling, Golden Oriole, Nightingale, Blackbird, Blackcap, Common Whitethroat, Spotted Flycatcher, Long-tailed Tit, Blue and Great Tits, Common Nuthatch, Goldfinch, etc. Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) is also present (Sultanov & Musaev, 1989; MP).

SAMUR-DIVICHI LOWLAND 51. Samur Delta The Samur River flows into the Caspian Sea in the extreme northeast of Azerbaijan. East of the town of Samur the river creates the extensive Samur Delta with numerous fast-flowing streams. The Azerbaijani part of the delta covers c. 6,000 ha. Once the entire delta was covered with lowland broad-leaved forest of oak, elm and beech, but large tracts were cleared for agriculture in the 1950s-1960s and the forest highly fragmented by the 1980s-early 1990s. Conspicuous bird migration occurs through the delta: 302 species have been recorded, e.g. 25 species of raptors. The delta is an important stopover for many land- and water-birds. Good numbers of waterbirds (e.g. pelicans) and gulls are observed in the Caspian Sea off the delta (Verestchagin; Butiev et al., 1983, 1989, 1990a, b). Nesting species include Great Cormorant (a small colony of 5-10 pairs), Black Stork, Black Kite, White-tailed Sea Eagle (the last known nesting site in Azerbaijan), Sparrowhawk, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Hobby, Common Pheasant (common), Common Moorhen, Stock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Turtle Dove, Tawny Owl, Common Kingfisher, European Roller, Green Woodpecker, Hoopoe, Eurasian Jay, Red-backed Shrike, Nightingale, Common Redstart, Blackbird, Blue and Great Tits, Common Nuthatch, etc. (Butiev, 1989, 1990b; Butiev & Lebedeva, 1991; MP). Samur Delta is a popular tourism destination and a national park should be considered to preserve the remaining lowland forests.

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346 The Birds of Azerbaijan Summary of Important Bird Areas in Azerbaijan Site name Absheron Archipelago Aggel, Lake Alazani Valley Alti-Agach Nature Reserve Artem Bay Astara-chai Valley Babadag, Mount

No 12 16 49 30 7 44 27

Size (ha) ? c. 9,173 c. 5,000 5,500 c. 1,000 >2,000 c. 9,000

Altitude (m) c. –10 to 0 c. 0 100-500 800-2,205 c. -29 - 20 to 500 1,000-3,629

Baku Bay Barda Tugai Forest Bazar-Duzu and Shahdag, Mounts Beuk-Shorgel and Kichik- Shorgel, lakes

9 47 25 5

? 4,000 7,000-7,500 c. 4,000

c. - 29 0-50 1,500-4,466 -25 to -20

Bos-Koba and Shorbet Koba, lakes Dalidag, Mount Divichi Liman Djandargel, Lake Geigel Nature Reserve and Giamish, Mount Girkan Nature Reserve Glinanyi Island Hadjikabul, Lake Hadjinour Steppe Ilisu Nature Reserve Ismailly Nature Reserve Karayasi Forest Kargabazar andGush-gaya, Mounts Kizil Agach Bays Korchai Game Preserve Kukudag, Mount and Bichenek Pass Kura Delta Kusari Game Preserve Lachin Game Preserve Lenkoran to Astara, coastal waters Mahmud-chala and Novogolovka-chala Mekhman, Lake Mingechaur Reservoir Mugan Steppe Negram Mountains and Ilandag, Mount Ordubad Game Preserve Pirgulu Nature Reserve Pirsagat Islands and Los’ Island Samur Delta Sangachal Bay Sarisu, Lake Shah Spit Shamkhor Game Preserve Sheki Game Preserve Turianchai and Gekchai Bosdag Mountains Varvara Reservoir Vilajchai Valley Yashma Island Zakatali Nature Reserve Zuvand Upland

17 36 10 22 35 41 13 15 32 24 26 50 34 1 46 40 4 28 37 2 3 19 21 45 38 39 29 14 51 6 18 8 48 31 33 20 43 11 23 42

3,500-4,000 c. 10,000 1,600-2,000 c. 1,500 c. 15,000 2,906 >200 c. 2,500 >30,000 9,345 5,778 c. 6,000 2,800-3,000 99,060 15,000 >7,000 c. 10,000 15,000 20,000 ? c. 6,500 c. 2,000? c. 50,000 >100,000 c. 7,500 c. 40,000 1,520 300 6,000 c. 1,000 c. 15,000 c. 500 c. 10,000 10,400 >20,000 400 c. 1,000 c. 200 23,844 15,000

c. 0 1,500-3,616 c. –20 100-200 1,100-3,724 15-981 -20 to 10 c. 50 100-300 700-2,100 600-2,250 100-200 200-284 -29 to - 24 100-500 1,500-3,120 -29 to -20 200-1,500 500-2,000 c. -29 c. -20 c. 0 c. 50 0-100 500-1,300 1,000-3,904 800-1,900 -27 to -10 -20 to 100 -29 c. 0 c. -20 50-200 200-600 400-650 c. 50 100-500 c. -20 630-3,648 500-2,492

Status unprotected c. 9,000 in Nature Reserve unprotected Nature Reserve unprotected unprotected north: unprotected; south in Ismailly Game Preserve unprotected unprotected unprotected protected in Shirvan Nature Reserve and Bandovan Game Preserve unprotected unprotected unprotected unprotected 7,130 in Geigel Nature reserve Nature Reserve Game preserve unprotected unprotected Nature Reserve Nature Reserve 4,700 ha in Karayasi Nature Reserve unprotected 88,360 in Nature Reserve Game Preserve unprotected unprotected Game Preserve Game Preserve unprotected unprotected unprotected unprotected unprotected unprotected Game Preserve Nature Reserve unprotected unprotected unprotected unprotected Game preserve Game Preserve Game Preserve 12, 350 in Turianchai Nature Reserve unprotected unprotected unprotected Nature Reserve Game Preserve

The Birds of Azerbaijan

Appendix 3 MIXED COLONIES OF CORMORANTS, HERONS, EGRETS AND IBISES IN AZERBAIJAN Lowlands of Azerbaijan formerly housed enormous numbers of colonial waterbirds. The largest and most diverse colonies were found in broad-leaved swamp forests of Lenkoran Lowland. Those colonies consisted of Great and Pygmy cormorants, Little and Cattle egrets, Squacco, Night and Grey herons. Great Cormorant and Grey Herons usually nested in the treetops, Pygmy Cormorants and Night Herons in the middle level and other egrets and herons in the lower branches. When Spangenberg (1951) visited the lowland in the late 1920s, he found a colony c. 5-km long! In the 19th century, several millions of pairs likely nested in Lenkoran Lowland alone and 500,000 to 2,000,000 pairs in the 1900s-1930s (Sudilovskaya, 1951; Spangenberg, 1951, 1987). In Mingechaur district (Kura Valley), a vast colony of Cattle Egrets, Little Egrets, Squacco and Night herons existed in a woodlot and large numbers of Glossy Ibises nested in reedbeds (Satunin, 1907). In the 1930s-1940s, the forests of Lenkoran Lowland were almost completely cleared and colonies displaced. The woodlot of Mingechaur district also disappeared. However, mixed colonies re-established in other habitats: flooded tamarisk thickets in Kalinovsky Liman (Kizil Agach Reserve) and extensive reedbeds elsewhere (Verestchagin, 1947; Grekov, 1965a). In the 1950s-1960s, c. 238,500 pairs of waterbirds nested in mixed colonies in Azerbaijan, 95,000-115,000 pairs in the 1970s and 70,000-100,000 pairs in the late 1980s-early 1990s. The largest colonies found in Kalinovsky Liman-Lopatinsky Marsh (Kizil Agach Reserve), Lake Aggel (Mil Steppe) and Lake Mahmud-chala (southern Mugan), and other important colonies in Kura delta, lakes Bos-Koba and Sarisu (Mil Steppe). Small colonies exist on Lake Beuk-Shorgel (southeastern Shirvan), Varvara Reservoir (Mingechaur district) and Novogolovka-chala (southern Mugan). In addition, there are unconfirmed reports of colonies in the mid-Kura and southern Azerbaijan (Grekov, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965a; Vinogradov, 1967; Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Litvinova, 1989b; Vinogradov et al., 1990; Patrikeev, 1991a, e, MP). The most important colonies are described below.

1. Kalinovsky Liman-Lopatinsky Marsh (Kizil Agach Reserve) This colony (the largest in Azerbaijan) discovered in Kalinovsky Liman in 1952, but most likely existed there since 1948-1949 (Grekov, 1965a). The colony is situated in flooded tamarisk thickets and only a small part in reeds. Location and shape of the colony changed a few times after its discovery. Prior to 1956, there were actually two colonies in the liman (5.4 ha and 1.75 ha in size). In 1956, the colonies merged into one (12 ha). In 1957, another huge colony was found at the liman. Five colonies existed in 1958, three in 1964, and only one in 1965 (Grekov, 1965a; Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965a, 1966a). Frequent relocations might have been caused by annual visits to band chicks. However, shifting also occurred in unvisited colonies (Grekov, 1965a). The main colony remained in the same general area from the late 1960s until 1985. In the 1970s, serious water pollution recorded in the liman: agricultural runoffs from fields outside Kizil Agach Reserve. In 1981-1985, the pollution killed almost all tamarisks and other emergent vegetation including reeds reducing the colony size from 12 to 0.9 ha. Pollutants also were found in chick tissue and eggshells. In 1985, the colony moved to the adjacent Lopatinsky Marsh. However, both wetlands are connected and die-off of tamarisk recorded in Lopatinsky Marsh as well (Litvinova, 1986). Water depth in the colony fluctuates from 0.6 to over 1.3 m in spring. The breeding birds seem to prefer deeper areas, because water level decreases by 50% in June, and may run completely dry by July-August. Nesting success in the colony depends on weather conditions. For example, during a drought in May 1955, the majority of nesting birds abandoned nests with partly incubated clutches. On the other hand, in rainy summers of 1956 and 1957, nesting was recorded until August. In June-July, when water level drops to 0.2-0.3 m, Wolves, Golden Jackals and Jungle Cats often raid the colony. Hooded Crows nesting in the marginal areas steal eggs from other species nests. Marsh Harriers also visit the colony killing some nestlings especially Glossy Ibises’ (Grekov, 1965a; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986). In the 1950s, the colony was formed by the following species: Great Cormorant Pygmy Cormorant, Night Heron, Squacco Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Great White Egret, Grey Heron, Eurasian Spoonbill and Glossy Ibis. Great and Pygmy Cormorants usually nested close to tamarisk tops. Night, Squacco and Grey herons, and Great White Egrets took the middle level. Finally, some Squacco Herons and majority of Glossy Ibises nested in the lower level 0.1-1.9 m above water. The herons, egrets and ibises usually

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348 The Birds of Azerbaijan avoided bushes with cormorant nests (Grekov, 1965b). Every morning and shortly after sunset, large flocks of Pygmy Cormorants, Squacco Herons, Little and Cattle egrets and Glossy Ibises leave the colony and head to feeding areas. A noise from the colony could be heard for >1 km (Vinogradov et al., 1990). Estimates of birds nesting in the mixed colony in the 1950s varied from the conservative 225,000 pairs (Vinogradov et al., 1990) to 4,000,000-5,000,000 individuals (Grekov, 1965b). In 1964, c. 153,500-200,000 pairs nested in flooded tamarisks and 1,500 pairs in reeds (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965a, b, 1966a; Vinogradov et al., 1990), 80,000-100,000 pairs in the 1970s, 20,000-40,000 pairs in early 1980s and 48,200 pairs in 1987 (Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Vinogradov et al., 1990). As the number of nesting birds in the colony gradually decreased, the structure of colony has changed significantly. In the 1950s, Glossy Ibis, Little and Cattle egrets were overwhelming majority. However, Squacco and Night herons outnumbered other species in the colony from the early 1960s. Glossy Ibises experienced the most dramatic decline dropping by 96%. Apart from environmental factors poaching is likely responsible for this decline. These ibises feeding primarily outside Kizil Agach Reserve often shot for food outside the reserve. In 1985, c. 50% of Glossy Ibis nests in the colony failed because the adults have disappeared (likely shot). Great Cormorants and Great White Egrets abandoned the mixed colony in 1964, and Eurasian Spoonbills in 1965. After 1975, the two former species returned to the Kalinovsky Liman, but have been nesting in small separate colonies. Eurasian Spoonbills established a separate colony recently (Mustafaev & Kiazimov, 1965a, 1966a; Skokova & Vinogradov, 1986; Litvinova, 1986; Vinogradov et al., 1990). The mixed colony of Kalinovsky Liman-Lopatinsky Marsh remains the largest and most diverse in Azerbaijan and the Transcaucasia. Strong actions are urgently needed to preserve this unique colony of waterbirds. Average number and composition of colonial waterbird species nesting in the colony of Kalinovsky Liman-Lopatinsky Marsh (Kizil Agach Reserve) in the 1950s-1980s Species

Late 1950s

Great Cormorant Pygmy Cormorant Night Heron Squacco Heron Little Egret Cattle Egret Great White Egret Grey Heron Eurasian Spoonbill Glossy Ibis Total

Average No 450 14400 24750 36000 45000 42750 6750 5355 45 49500 225,000

Mid-1980s % of total 0.2 6.4 11 16 20 19 3 2.38 0.02 22 100

Average No 200 1700 6,600 8,800 4,000 3,100 ? ? ? 1950 26,350

% of total 0.7 6.5 25 33.4 15.2 11.8 0 0 0 7.4 100

50000 Mid-1980s Late 1950s

40000

30000

20000

10000

0 Great Pygmy Night Cormorant Cormorant Heron

Squacco Heron

Little Egret

Cattle Great Grey Egret White Egret Heron

Eurasian Glossy Spoonbill Ibis

Changes in number of waterbirds nesting in the colony of Kalinovsky Liman-Lopatinsky Marsh (Kizil Agach Reserve) in the 1950s-late 1980s (mean numbers per decade).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

The Mixed Colony of Kalinovsky Liman-Lopatinsky Marsh: Changes in species composition, 1950s to 1980s (mean number per decade; thousands of pairs)

2. Lake Aggel (Mil Steppe) Aggel houses the second largest waterbird colony in Azerbaijan. In the early 1960s, the colony was situated in dense reedbeds and the kobl near the large pond known as Beuk-Aggel (Vinogradov, 1967). In the late 1970s-early 1980s, it moved 1-1.5 km to the east (S. Gasimov, pers. comm.). The colony comprised of Pygmy Cormorants, Night Herons, Squacco Herons, Cattle Egrets, Little Egrets, Eurasian Spoonbills and Glossy Ibises. Grey Herons and Great White Egrets nested in small separate colonies nearby (Vinogradov, 1967). In the mid-1960s, 3-4 large colonies with 6,000-11,000 nests each. On 15 May 1964, 6,160 nests recorded in the accessible part of the main colony; impassable reed thickets were not surveyed (Vinogradov, 1967; Vinogradov & Tcherniavskaya, 1969). In the late 1960s, total of waterbirds in the colony estimated in 13,470 pairs (Vasiliev, 1968) and 20,000-25,000 pairs in the 1970s-late 1980s (Mustafaev, 1975; S. Gasimov, pers. comm.; MP). Average number and composition of waterbird species nesting in the colony of Lake Aggel in the 1960s-early 1990s Species

Late 1950s

Pygmy Cormorant Herons and Egrets Eurasian Spoonbill Glossy Ibis Total

Average No 900 2070 2,200 8,300 13,470

% of total 6.7 15.4 16 62 100

Late 1980s-early 1990s Average No % of total 1,500 7 12,500 58.4 400 1.85 7,000 32.7 21,400 100

15000 Late1980s-early 1990s Late 1960s

12000

9000

6000

3000

0 Pygmy Cormorant

Herons and Egrets

Eurasian Spoonbill

Glossy Ibis

Changes in number of waterbirds nesting in the colony of Lake Aggel in the 1960s-early 1990s (mean numbers per decade)

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Changes in species composition in the colony of Lake Aggel, 1960s to early 1990s (mean number per decade, thousands of pairs) In early 1960s, Glossy Ibises and Eurasian Spoonbills were the most numerous species in the colony (8,300 and 2,200 pairs, respectively). Squacco Herons numbered 1,400 pairs, Pygmy Cormorants 900 pairs, Little Egrets 540 pairs, Cattle Egrets 80 pairs and Night Herons 50 pairs (Vasiliev, 1968). In the early 1990s, Glossy Ibis remained the most common species (6,000-8,000 pairs), but the number of Eurasian Spoonbills fell to 600-700 or perhaps 150-200 pairs. Squacco Herons, Little Egrets and Pygmy Cormorants increased during the 1980s (S. Gasimov, pers. comm.; MP). The colony of Aggel lies well offshore and out of reach of terrestrial predators, but Hooded Crows (and possibly Rooks) nesting nearby steal eggs from unattended nests (Vinogradov, 1967; S. Gasimov, pers. comm.). The colony was fully protected in Aggel Nature Reserve. However, poachers might shoot Glossy Ibises feeding outside the reserve. Irrigation channels connected to the lake likely carry agricultural chemicals, but level of water pollution in Aggel is unknown.

3. Lake Mahmud-chala (southern Mugan) In the early 20th, Glossy Ibises nested on this lake, but abandoned it the 1940s (Verestchagin, 1947). A mixed colony established in Mahmud-chala in 1988 (M. Kasumov, pers. Comm.). In the same year, Litvinova (1989b) conducted an aerial survey of the colony. The colony occupies c. 3 ha in the south section of Mahmud-chala. All nests are built in reed thickets and the kobls surrounded by open water (Patrikeev, 1991e). Nesting species include Pygmy Cormorants, Night Herons, Squacco Herons, Cattle Egrets, Little Egrets, Eurasian Spoonbills and Glossy Ibises. It is possible that the lake was colonized by birds from Kizil Agach Reserve where nesting conditions deteriorated in the 1980s. In 1988-1990, 12,000-18,000 pairs nested in the colony: Glossy Ibis (5,500-6,000 pairs), Little Egret (3,000 pairs), Cattle Egret (1,000-1,500 pairs), Squacco Herons (> 1,000 pairs), Pygmy Cormorants (500-800 pairs), Eurasian Spoonbills (200-360 pairs) and Night Herons (20-30 pairs) (Litvinova, 1989b; Patrikeev, 1991e; MP).

Species composition in the colony of Lake Mahmud-chala, 1990 The colony lies offshore and inaccessible to most of four-legged predators whereas number of Marsh Harriers and Hooded Crows was low. Lake Mahmud-chala was not officially protected, but access to the colony strictly controlled by game wardens. Glossy Ibises feeding outside the colony might be shot for food by poachers.

The Birds of Azerbaijan

Level of water pollution in the lake is undetermined, but likely serious (runoffs from cotton fields carried into the lake through irrigation channels). Several birds (including Little Egrets) found dead on their nests in 1990 (MP).

* * * Another large colony (c. 3,200 pairs) and several small colonies (5-15 pairs each) found in flooded thickets of Kura Delta in 1986 (Litvinova, 1989b). The large colony mostly consisted of Pygmy Cormorants (1,300 pairs), Squacco Herons and Little Egrets (8001,000 pairs each), Grey Herons and Eurasian Spoonbills (several nests each). Squacco Herons, Little Egrets, Great White Egrets, Grey and Purple Herons nested in the small colonies (Litvinova, 1989b; MP). In late 1980s, c. 1,000-2,000 pairs of colonial water birds nested in reedbeds of Lakes Bos-Koba and Sarisu each. Both colonies remain unsurveyed. In Bos-Koba, the colony consisted of Night Heron, Squacco, Heron, Little and Great White Egrets, Purple Heron, Eurasian Spoonbill and Glossy Ibis. In Sarisu, the mixed colony included Pygmy Cormorants, Night Herons, Squacco Herons, Little Egrets and Glossy Ibises (Y. Guseinov, pers. comm.; MP). Another colony of 350-500 pairs exists in reedbeds of Varvara Reservoir (Mingechaur district, Kura Valley). Prior to 1965, colonial waterbirds nested there in tops of flooded trees, but later moved to reedbeds (Tuaev & Vasiliev, 1972). Squacco and Night herons were the most common species in the colony. Other species included Pygmy Cormorant, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Grey Heron and Glossy Ibis (Mustafaev, 1975; Tuaev, 1975; MP). A colony of 350-400 pairs (Pygmy Cormorants, Night Herons, Squacco Herons, Little and Great White Egrets) found in reedbeds of Lake Beuk-Shorgel, southeastern Shirvan in 1990 (Patrikeev, 1991a; MP). A small colony of Lake Novogolovka-chala, southern Mugan was not surveyed properly. According to local people, Night Heron, Squacco Heron and Glossy Ibises nested on the lake. A total number of nesting waterbirds likely does not exceed 200-300 pairs (MP). Hunters, game wardens, teachers and others who responded to my questionnaires reported two large colonies of waterbirds (e.g., large numbers of Eurasian Spoonbills) in Fisuli district (southern Azerbaijan) and small colonies in Zardob and Udjari districts (mid-Kura). However, no field visits were made and the information remains unverified (MP).

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Appendix 4 WILDFOWL HUNTING IN AZERBAIJAN Wildfowl have always been an important source of food for people living in the lowlands of Azerbaijan. Hunting occurred throughout the lowlands, although the Divichi Liman was protected as a hunting reserve of the Russian Royal Family in the late 19th-early 20th century. At the beginning of the 20th century a few local hunters used firearms to hunt waterfowl, and the rest had to rely on traditional hunting methods described by Verestchagin (1950): netting (gill-nets, curtain nests cover nests), night hunt with torches, boat chase of “flightless” coots, etc. However, by 1930, 28,000 officially registered hunters possessed shotguns (Verestchagin, 1950). In 1931 commercial centralized harvesting of wildfowl began at Divichi Liman, Karasy Marsh and Lenkoran Lowland and later spread to Sangachal Bay, Mahmud-chala, Mortzo, Aggel and Sarisu. In 1931-1939 wildfowl were mostly harvested by sportsmen and occasional hunters delivering shot birds to government storing facilities, but teams of professional hunters were hired in 1939. In addition oilrig keepers collected oiled waterfowl for the government trade. In 1931 government facilities received c. 193,500 waterfowl, 201,000 in 1932, 70,500 in 1933, 37,000 in 1934, 21,000 in 1935, 148,000 in 1941 and 297,500 in 1942. However, Verestchagin (1950) suspected that 459,000 to 750,000 000 were harvested in the winter of 1942/1943 alone. It is very probable considering that each of 600 professional hunters was taking up to 1,000 ducks/year. In winter 1942/1943 two hunters harvested 7,000 coots per 15,000 shots at Divichi Liman (Verestchagin, 1950). Commercial wildfowl harvest persisted through the 1950s. In the early 1960s up to 70,000 coots were shot annually at Lake Aggel, and fewer at lake Sarisu (Vinogradov, 1967). Also in the early 1960s c. 225,000 shots a year were fired at Divichi Liman. At the liman coots accounted for c. 80% of the kill, 10% were diving ducks, 5% dabbling ducks and the remaining 5% were Great Crested Grebes, cormorants and geese (Tuaev, 1965). In the early 1970s 43,000 hunters were registered in Azerbaijan (Vinogradov, 1974), but the present number is unknown. In 19891990 - i.e. at the beginning of civil disorders - all hunters were ordered to surrender their weapons to the authorities, but some probably kept their guns. On the other hand poaching flourished. Poorly paid and equipped reserve staff and game wardens could not cope or were unwilling to fight poaching. In the early 1990s a reserve warden earned 80 roubles/month (which is less than US$1). Thus some of them turned to illegal hunting and fishing in protected areas or collected payoffs from poachers. However, large-scale poaching supplying food markets was a major threat to wintering wildfowl. In 1989-1990 at least 600-700 poachers hunted in Kizil Agach Reserve alone killing thousands of wildfowl. In December 1990 a slaughter of coots took place in Shah Spit Game Preserve, Absheron Peninsula. On 13 December 1990 a big truck completely loaded with coots was spotted there. The preserve guards were paid off and allowed poachers through (the preserve was gated). Shooting coots and swans from powerboats was widespread in the coastal waters of Absheron Peninsula. In the early 1990s poaching probably increased due to food shortages in rural regions. Perhaps all wintering areas (including formerly protected sites) are heavily hunted these days (MP). Urgent action is required to stop large-scale poaching in important bird areas (notably Kizil Agach Reserve) and protect unique wildfowl wintering grounds in Azerbaijan. Hunting pressure should also be decreased at Divichi Liman and Lake Sarisu. Thorough planning is required for sustainable wildfowl management outside protected areas. However, political instability, food shortages, corruption and unwillingness of government officials to act make accomplishment of these tasks very difficult.

The Birds of Azerbaijan

Appendix 5 IMPACT OF COLD WINTERS ON BIRDS The lowlands of central and southeastern Azerbaijan are characterized by mild winters (0oC to +5oC), with little or no snow, and this makes them attractive to wintering birds. However, once every several years the lowlands experience a spell of cold weather lasting from a few days to over 40 days. In such winters the temperature drops to -10 to -18o C, the depth of snow reaches 80-100 cm, and lakes, marshes and even Kizil Agach Bays may freeze over. In Kizil Agach Reserve and Lake Aggel spells of cold weather were recorded from December to March, but more often in January. A list of notably cold winters includes 1924/25, 1938/39, 1946/47, 1949/50, 1963/64, 1968/69, 1971/72, 1972/73, 1976/77, 1981/82, 1989/90 and 1995/96 (Mustafaev, 1964; Butiev et al., 1965; Vinogradov, 1967; Mustafaev et al., 1969; Tuaev, 1977; MP). Cold winters are hard on wintering birds, especially grebes, Eurasian Bittern, Greater Flamingo, swans, Black Francolin, Purple Gallinule, Common Coot and Common Moorhen. During cold weather groups of Great Crested and Little Grebes and Common Coots were seen gathering on ice and later freezing to death. Ice-fields drive ashore flocks of Greater Flamingo, sometimes knocking down weakened individuals. Others may freeze into ice (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1960; Mustafaev et al., 1969). Purple Gallinules and Common Moorhens also fare poorly in cold weather. When ice and snow covers wetlands both species lose access to food and starve. As a result some Purple Gallinules were seen trying to feed on carcasses of dead birds and animals. In Kizil Agach Reserve the population of Purple Gallinule was completely eliminated in the winters of 1924/1925, 1946/1947 and 1963/ 64; very few made it through the winter of 1968/69. After the winter of 1946/47 this species was not seen in the reserve until 1953 (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1960; Mustafaev, 1964; Mustafaev et al., 1969). Also in the winter of 1963/64, 60-70% of Purple Gallinules and 95% of Common Moorhen perished at Lake Aggel (Vinogradov, 1967). Large numbers of flamingo, swans, coots and other waterbirds died in the winters of 1924/1925 and 1938/1939. In the winter 1946/47 waterfowl almost completely disappeared from Kizil Agach Reserve, and the lakes and marshes of Kura-Aras Lowland (Verestchagin, 1950). In 1949/50 ducks, coots and flamingo were dying in great numbers in Kizil Agach Reserve (Verestchagin, 1950; Tuaev, 1960). After a cold spell in January 1964, 325 bird carcasses (25 species) were found in the reserve, e.g. 32 Eurasian Bitterns, 8 Purple Gallinules, 63 ducks (mostly Pintails), 60 Great Crested Grebe and dozens of Common Starlings (Mustafaev, 1964). In 1969, >13,000 were found dead: 6,000 coots, >5,000 ducks, >1,000 flamingo and >1,000 swans. In cities and towns populations of Common Starlings were decimated by 80%, House Sparrows by 40% and Rooks by 20%. Weakened Black Francolins, Chukars, Grey Partridges and Little Bustards were picked up by hand. Large numbers of birds were destroyed by dogs, cats, Hooded Crows and gulls. Yellow-legged Gulls were seen successfully attacking Common Starlings and Hooded Crows preying on weakened flamingo (Mustafaev et al., 1969). After the cold spells of the winter of 1971/72 only 30% of wintering birds remained at Varvara Reservoir, c. 17% at Shah Spit, c. 10% at Lake Aggel, less than 1% on Mingechaur Reservoir (Tuaev, 1977).

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Appendix 6 IMPACT OF OIL POLLUTION ON BIRDS Severe oil pollution of the Caspian Sea and some coastal areas (notably Absheron Peninsula) presents a serious threat to wintering and migrating birds. Most probably, thousands perish annually in offshore oil spills, the polluted lakes of Absheron and elsewhere in Azerbaijan. This problem has never been properly addressed by central or local authorities and has received little coverage in both media and scientific publications. Verestchagin (1946) evaluated impacts of oil pollution on birds from the late 19th to the early 1940s, but no follow-up work was done. It is quite possible that authorities were not interested in publicizing this problem. Meanwhile birds of many species continue to die in oil. Oil pollution was first recorded in Azerbaijan in the middle of 19th century and had become a common place occurrence in the early 20th century. Natural events account for a small part of the pollution. For example some oil mixed with water, gas and mud is brought to the surface through natural eruptions of mud-volcanoes. In the 1930-1940s underwater eruptions occurred 3-4 km offshore from Kilazi and southwest of Zhiloyi (Chilov) Island. Eruptions of mud-volcanoes also occurred on the islands Kumani, Bulla, Svinoyi (Sangi-Mugan) and Glinanyi, and on the mainland between Siasan and Zorat, near Mt. Beshbarmak, Khurdalan and in Neftechala District. After eruptions on land oil accumulates in small ponds often mixed with water after heavy rains. Such waterand-oil mixtures often attract and kill passerine birds (larks and starlings), rodents (jirds, jerboas and hamsters) and also larger birds like Avocet and Common Teal (Verestchagin, 1946). However, the Caspian Sea and coastal areas were mostly clean until the beginning of oil exploration in Absheron Peninsula in 1869. Since then, polluted waters pumped out from oil wells have created lifeless ponds covered with an oil film, and also seepage into some brackish lakes of Absheron Peninsula (e.g. Beuk-Shor and Krasnoe) and the Caspian Sea. In the 1930s several open oil storage facilities (reservoirs) were also built in the peninsula. Large number of wildfowl visiting those ponds, lakes and oil reservoirs were stuck in oil or contaminated and eventually died. Separators built to trap oiled water leaking from wells also turned into bird-traps (Verestchagin, 1946; MP). Oil leaking during transportation and storage added to the problem. In 1884, c. 40,000 tons of oil leaked into the Volga River from barges owned by Nobel (the founder of renowned Nobel Award). The spill spread from mid Volga to Baku in Azerbaijan (Verestchagin, 1946). Later, tankers often dumped their ballast waters into the Caspian Sea and oil leaks regularly occurred during loading and unloading, releasing tens of thousand tons of crude oil into the sea. Offshore drilling started in Azerbaijan in 1923. During 1923-1927 Bibi-Eibat Bay near Baku was filled in to allow better access to oilfields. Drilling intensified in the 1960s, when a city-on-stilts - Neft-Dashlari (“the Oil Rocks”) - was built in the sea east of Absheron. Later, invention of mobile offshore platforms allowed oil exploration and extraction throughout the Caspian Shelf and causing severe pollution in several areas. Pipelines connect some offshore facilities to the mainland and accidents on pipelines were not uncommon (Verestchagin, 1946; MP). A massive degradation of coastal marine environments was a consequence. In the Zikh area near Baku shrimp, mussels, bird and fish habitats were destroyed by the early 1930s. Oil film covered the water surface and coastal soils were soaked in oil. South of Baku, oil film covering the sea bottom extended 3-4 km from the shore in some areas. Die-off of molluscs and other benthal organizms occurred in the Shihov and Karadag area (south of Baku). By 1940 Zostera - an important food source for coots - was wiped out along the entire south shore of Absheron Peninsula and 30-35 km further south. Oil-jelly accumulating along the shoreline became a deadly trap for migrating shorebirds (Verestchagin, 1946). Although oil pollution in and around the Absheron Peninsula was reduced in the 1970s-1980s, oil film was still a common sight in Baku Bay and adjacent beaches (MP). A water test conducted on beaches of the peninsula in 1989 revealed 0.09-0.37 mg of oil and oil-products/litre of seawater (0.05 or more mg/litre was deemed unsatisfactory). In areas where oiled waters leaked into the sea, seawater contained 1,653.8 mg/litre (T. Djavanshir, pers. comm.). The number of birds that expired in oil-polluted water bodies and killed by spills will never be known, but may add up to many millions. In 1938 and 1941 Verestchagin (1946) recorded 156 oiled birds of 39 species along the Caspian shore between Divichi Liman and Cape Sangachal, and 973 individuals (29 species) on lakes of Absheron Peninsula. Encountered oiled birds included such rare species as Marbled Teal, Siberian Crane and Slender-billed Curlew (see table below). In addition 2 White-tailed Sea Eagles and 1 Greater Spotted Eagle were found dead on the shore. Their plumage was clean, but they probably died of poisoning after feeding on oiled birds (Verestchagin, 1946).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

Oiled birds recorded in 1938 and 1941 along the Caspian shore between Divichi and Sangachal (Verestchagin, 1946) Species Great White Egret Little Egret Grey Heron Eurasian Spoonbill Siberian Crane Water Rail Crake Porzana sp. Purple Gallinule Golden Plover Ringed Plover Lapwing Black-winged Stilt Avocet Wood Sandpiper Redshank Red-necked Phalarope Ruff Dunlin Jack Snipe Common Snipe Eurasian Curlew Slender-billed Curlew Rock Dove Little Owl Sand Martin Skylark Crested Lark Calandra Lark Short-toed Lark White Wagtail Magpie Rook Song Thrush Warbler Sylvia sp. Common Starling Corn Bunting Bunting Emberiza sp. Total

Number 2 1 2 4 1 4 1 1 1 7 1 1 2 4 3 4 5 8 2 5 2 1 1 1 1 12 12 38 1 2 1 1 1 3 17 2 1 156

Oiled birds recorded in 1938 and 1941 on lakes of Absheron Peninsula (Verestchagin, 1946) Species Little Grebe Great Crested Grebe Pygmy cormorant Greater Flamingo Mute Swan Greylag Goose Common Shelduck Mallard Common Teal Gadwall Eurasian Wigeon Northern Pintail Northern Shoveler Garganey Marbled Teal Common Pochard Tufted Duck Velvet Scoter Goosander Smew Common Coot Little Gull Black-headed Gull Yellow-legged Gull Great Black-backed Gull Black Tern Barn Swallow Total

Number 29 23 1 1 3 4 1 182 99 25 8 6 17 12 1 12 53 3 1 3 466 3 1 1 1 14 3 973

In 1941 a 30 ha open oil storage facility was built north of Baku. In the winter of 1941/1942 security guards collected 12,000 oiled birds there, 3,500 in winter 1942/1943, and 1,500 in 1943/1944. By December 1944 up to 303 bird carcasses/100 m of shoreline were recorded at the facility. In mid February 1945 a pipeline connecting Absheron Peninsula and Artem Island burst during a peak of waterfowl migration. In a few hours thousands of tons of crude oil spilled into the sea killing thousands Tufted Ducks along the north shore of the peninsula. Later this oil drifted into Sangachal Bay and into rafts of wintering coots. A total of 30,000-35,000 waterfowl and coot died in the spill. Perhaps 20,000-25,000 birds perished annually because of oil pollution the 1930s-1940s (Verestchagin, 1946). In 1977 up to 15,000 migrating waterfowl perished in oil mixed with mud on Lake Dashgel, 23 km north of Baku (Zakiev, 1990). Accidents at oilrigs and pipelines still happen from time to time. During 9-10 February 1990 a leakage from an oilrefinery near Gum (Peshianyi) Island caused a large oil spill. The southerly wind drove the oil onto Zikh on the Absheron coast. A total of 6,322 dead birds were found on the shore after the spill: 17 Black-throated Divers, 20 herons and egrets, 9 Mute Swans, 5 Whooper Swans, 200 dabbling ducks, 1,000 diving ducks (mostly Tufted Duck and Common Pochard), 27 Purple Gallinules, 5,000 Common Coots and 64 Yellow-legged Gulls. Great numbers of dead fish (e.g. European Carp,

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356 The Birds of Azerbaijan Mullet and Asp) were also recorded (H. Bairamov, pers. comm.; Zakiev, 1990). More accidents happened in mid June 1999, e.g. at Cape Alat and Zenbil Island (Sultanov, 1999). Although only 100 dead birds (7 species), 7 seal and 2 sturgeons were found (Sultanov, 1999) the actual number of casualties was undoubtedly many times greater. Sultanov (1999) also mentioned a decrease in numbers of gulls nesting on nearby islands. Unknown numbers of waterbirds die annually in accidents at offshore drilling platforms. The Baku Zoo regularly received oiled ducks, swans and other wildfowl in the 1970s-1980s (MP). Pollution of the Caspian Sea presents a grave threat not only to birds, many endemic fish species, the endemic seal and unique marine environments, but also to the health of the human population residing along the Caspian shore (e.g. in the capital city of Baku). However, rehabilitation of the Caspian Sea is a very difficult task - achievable only with substantial financial and technological help from the international community.

The Birds of Azerbaijan

Appendix 7 GLOSSARY Azeri and Russian Words Used in the Text akhmas – a meander or oxbow (Az.) banka – extensive shallows (Rus.) bidjar – a forest reservoir created by flooding a woodlot (Az.) bosdag – low semi-arid mountains (Az.) -chai – a river (Az.) -chala – a shallow depression flooded with water and overgrown with reeds (i.e., a marsh) (Az.) -dag – a mountain (Az.) -dash – a rock (Az.) -gaya – a cliff, a rock (Az.) -gel – a lake istyl – a forest reservoir created by flooding a woodlot (Az.) koba, koby – a former river bed still filled with water (Az.) kobl – a dense cluster of reeds growing from a common root (Az.) liman – a shallow wetland, most often an overgrown sea lagoon (Rus.) shor – a saltpan (Az.) tugai – a riverine forest (Az.)

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Appendix 8 GEOGRAPHIC NAMES Names of places used in the present publication correspond with those used in Important Bird Areas in Europe by Heath & Evans (2000). However, some atlases, e.g., National Geographic Atlas of the World (1995) and The Times Comprehensive Atlas of the World (1999) use different names for various geographic locations in Azerbaijan. These discrepancies are probably a result of historic changes in the way the Azeri language has been written - from the Arabic alphabet to Roman in the early 20th century, then to a form of Cyrillic, and finally (in the 1990s) to a form of Roman script used in Turkey. I feel that the names used in the present publication most closely match Azeri pronunciation. Birds of Azerbaijan (this publication) Important Bird Areas in Europe (2000) Agdam Agdash Aggel Agjabedi Agsu Akstafa Alat Ali-Bairamli Aras Artem Babadag Babek Baku Bank Barda Bazar-Duzu Beilagan Belokani Bichenek Pass Bilasuvar -chai (river) Chilov Dalidag Dashkesan Divichi Djabrail Djalilabad Dubrar Evlakh Fisuli Gabala (Kutkashen) Gandja Gekchai Gobustan Hadjikabul Hadjinour Imishli Ismailly Julfa Kah Kapudjik Karadag Karasy Katekh Kazakh Kazi-Magomed Kelbadjar

National Geographic (1995), Times (1999) Ag˘damg˘ Aghdash, Ag˘das Ag˘göl Aghjabädi, Ag˘cabädi Aghsu Agstafa Älät Äli Bayramli Araz Artyom Babadag˘ Bäbak Baki Bankä Bärdä Bazar Duyzu Beyläqan Balakän Bichänäk Ashyrymy, Bich’anaki Biläsuvar -çay Jiloy, Çiloy Dälidag˘ Dashkäsän Dävaçi Jäbräyyl Cälilabad Dübrar Yevlax Füzuli Qäbälä Gäncä Göyçay Qobustan Haciqabul Acinohur Imișli Ismayilli Culfa Qakh, Qax Qazangödag Qaradag Qarasu Katex Qazakh Qazimämmäd Käläcär

Birds of Azerbaijan (this publication) Important Bird Areas in Europe (2000) Khachmas Khaldan Khizi Khudat Kilazi Kizil Agach Kizil Agach Bay Kuba Kubatli Kura Kurdamir Kusari Lachin Laki Lenkoran Mashtaga Mingechaur Mirbashir Nakhichevan Neftechala Nizovaya Pirsagat Pirshaga Sadarak Saliani Sangachal Sara Island Shah Spit Shahbuz Shahdag Sheki Shemakha Shirvan Shurabad Siazan Stepanakert Sumgait Tauz Tazakend Turianchai Udjari Vartashen (Oguz) Yashma YukhariZakatali Zangelan Ziria

National Geographic (1995), Times (1999) Xaçmaz Xaldan Khizy Xudat Giläzi Qizilag˘ ac Kirov Körfazi Quba Qubadli Kür Kürdämir Qusar Lachyn, Laçin Lyaki Länkärän Maștag˘a Mingäçevir Mirbäshir Naxiçivan Neftçala Niyazoba Pirsaat Pirsagi Sädäräk Salyan Sängäçal Sara Adasy Suiti Burunu Shakhbuz, Șahbuz Shahdag˘ Säki Șamaxi Șirvan Shuraabad Siyäzän Xankändi Sumqayit Tovuz Täzäkänd Türyançay Ucar Og˘ uz Yasma YuxariZakataly, Zaqatala Zangilan Zyrya

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The Birds of Azerbaijan Khanmammedov, A.I. & G.T. Mustafaev. 1967. [Present distribution and numbers of Common Pheasant in Azerbaijan]. [Nature of the Northern Caucasus and its conservation], Nalchik (in Russian). Khanmammedov, A.I. & F.A. Safarova. 1981 [Ecology of White Stork in Azerbaijan.] [Ecology and conservation of birds] (Proc. 8th All-Union Orn. Conf.), Kishinev, pp. 229 (in Russian). Khokhlov, A.N., 1989a. [Present status of waterfowl in Stavropol Region]. [Ornith. resources of the Northern Caucasus], Stavropol, pp. 106-136 (in Russian). Khokhlov, A.N. 1989b. [Distribution and status of Eurasian Curlew in Stavropol Region]. Proc. All-Union Conf. on wildlife inventory and census, Ufa, part 2, pp. 236-237 (in Russian). Kislenko, G.S. 1996. [On nesting of Little Crake in Aggel Reserve]. Ornitologia, vol. 27, pp. 293-294 (in Russian). Kokshaisky, N.V. & G.T. Mustafaev. 1967. [On associations between birds and domestic animals in Azerbaijan]. Proc. Azerb. Univ., biol. ser., no. 4, pp. 73-81 (in Russian). Konovalova, N.A. 1977. [Breeding success of Glossy Ibises in Kizil Agach Reserve.] Proc. 7th All-Union Orn. Conf., Kiev., pp. 261 (in Russian). Krivonosov, G.A., V.I. Vasiliev & N.I. Morozkin. 1977. [Greater Flamingo at the Caspian Sea.] Proc. VII All-Union Orn. Conf., Kiev, pp. 222– 223 (in Russian). Krivonosov, G.A. & N.I. Morozkin. 1984. [On waterfowl numbers in Kizil Agach Reserve, and studies of wintering grounds]. [Present status of waterfowl resources], Moscow, pp. 102-104 (in Russian). Krivonosov, G.A., A. Poslavsky A. & V. Vinogradov. 1971. [Problems facing bird wintering grounds in the Caspian Sea]. Okhota i okhotnichie khoziaistvo, no. 11 (in Russian). Krivosheev, V.G. & L.S. Stepanyan. 1959. [Ornithological observations in Nagorno-Karabakh]. 2nd All-Union Ornith. Conf., pp. 57-58 (in Russian). Kurochkin, E.N. 1982. [Grebes]. [The Birds of the USSR: Divers, grebes and petrels]. Moscow, Nauka (in Russian). Kurochkin, E.N. & A.I. Koshelev. 1987. [Rails]. [The Birds of the USSR: Gallinaceous. Cranes and allies]. Leningrad, Nauka (in Russian). Laister, A.F. & G.V. Sosnin. 1942. [On avifauna of Armenian SSR]. Erevan (in Russian). Lebedeva, E.A. 1991. [Ecology of Olivaceous Warbler in the Samur river delta (southern Dagestan).] Proc. 10th All-Union Orn. Conf., Minsk, part 2 (2), pp. 24–25 (in Russian). Lebedeva, M.I. 1986. [On status of White Stork in the USSR]. Proc. of 9th All-Union Ornith. Conf., Leningrad, part 2, pp. 15-16 (in Russian). Litvinov, V.P. 1977. [Population dynamics of Black Francolin in Kizil Agach Reserve.] Proc. 7th All-Union Orn. Conf., Kiev, pp. 229–230 (in Russian). Litvinov, V.P. 1986. [Status of geese wintering in southeastern Azerbaijan]. Proc. of 9th All-Union Ornith. Conf., Leningrad, part 2, pp. 30-31 (in Russian). Litvinov, V.P. & N.A. Litvinova. 1977. [Distribution of Black Francolin by habitat type in Kizil Agach reserve.] Proc. 7th All-Union Orn. Conf., Kiev, pp. 231 (in Russian). Litvinov, V.P. & N.A. Litvinova. 1991. [A waterfowl census in Kizil Reserve in 1991] Unpubl. report prepared for Ecological Centre of Azerbaijan, 2 pp (in Russian). Litvinov, V.P., N.A. Litvinova & E.E. Tkachenko. 1984. [Kirov Bay of the Caspian Sea and measures to improve bird wintering grounds there]. [Present status of waterfowl resources]. Moscow, pp. 216-218 (in Russian). Litvinova, N.A. 1986. [Problems facing nesting colonies of wading birds and cormorants in Kizil Agach Nature Reserve]. Proc. of 9th All-Union Ornith. Conf., Leningrad, part 2, pp. 31-32 (in Russian). Litvinova, N.A. 1989a. [Trends in numbers of pelicans wintering in Kizil Agach Nature Reserve]. Proc. All-Union Conf. on wildlife inventory and census, Ufa, part 3, pp. 144-145 (in Russian). Litvinova, N.A. 1989b. [Distribution of mixed colonies of wading birds and cormorants in the southeastern Azerbaijan]. Proc. All-Union Conf. on wildlife inventory and census, Ufa, part 3, pp. 146 (in Russian). Loskot, V.M. 1978. [The Hyrcanian Tit, PARUS HYRCANUS SARUDNY ET LOUDON]. [Systematic and biology of rare and poorly known birds] (Proc. of Zool. Inst. of Acad. Sci. of the USSR, vol. 76), pp. 46-60 (in Russian). Loskot, V.M. 1982. Parus hyrcanus (Sar. et Loud.): A distinct species. Ornithological studies in the USSR 1, Moscow: Nauka, pp. 24-30. Loskot, V.M. 1986. [Phenotypic composition in populations of Black-eared and Pied Wheatears in zones of their secondary contacts]. [Actual questions in ornithology], Moscow, pp. 17-33 (in Russian). Loskot, V.M. 1988. [New data on distribution and habits of Radde’s Accentor (Prunella ocularis Radde)]. [Ecology, fauna and systematic of birds] (Proc. of Zool. Inst. of Acad. Sci. of the USSR, vol. 182) (in Russian). Loudon H., 1910 Mein vierte Reise nach Zentral-Asien Und Talysch Ganur-Mazz, 1908. Berlcht. Uber den vintern, Ornith. Congr., Berlin. Marova, I.M. 1991. [New data on the ecology and distribution of the East European and Caucasian Chiffchaffs.] Proc. 10th All-Union Orn. Conf., Minsk, part 2 (2), pp. 58-60 (in Russian). Menetries, E. 1832. Catalogue raisonne des objets de zoologie requellis dans un voyage au Caucase et jusqu’aux aux frontieres actuelle de la Perse.- St.-Petersburg, 272 pp. Micheev, A.B. & V.I. Orlov. 1972. [Wintering grounds of wildfowl in Kizil Agach Reserve]. [Fauna and ecology of animals], Moscow (in Russian). Mitropolsky, O.V. 1989. [On White-throated Robin in Transcaucasia]. [Fauna and ecology of birds of Uzbekistan], Samarkand, pp. 111-115 (in Russian).

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364 The Birds of Azerbaijan Morozkin, N.I. 1975. [On numbers and ecology of colonial herons, ibises and cormorants in Kizil Agach Reserve]. [Colonial Waterbirds and their conservation]. pp. 147-148 [in Russian]. Morozkin, N.I. 1977. [Wintering of Greater Flamingo in Kizil Agach Reserve.] Proc. 7th All-Union Ornith. Conf., Kiev, pp. 234–236 (in Russian). Morozov, V.V. & N.D. Poyarkov. 1997. [On Lesser White-fronted Geese (Anser erythropus) wintering in Azerbaijan]. Casarca 3, pp. 211-214 (in Russian). Mukhtarov, K.S. 1991. [Acoustical and territorial behaviour of Golden Oriole during breeding season]. [Fauna, population and ecology of birds of the Northern Caucasus], Stavropol, pp. 26-28 (in Russian). Musaev, A.M. 1991. [On nesting biology of Black Francolin in Azerbaijan]. [Fauna, population and ecology of birds of the Northern Caucasus], Stavropol, pp. 3-4 (in Russian). Musaev, A.M. & I.R. Babaev. 1989. [Present distribution and status of Talish Pheasant and Black Francolin in Lenkoran Natural Region]. Proc. of All-Union Conf. on wildlife inventory and census, Ufa, part 2, pp. 367-368 (in Russian). Mustafaev, A.G. 1991. [Biology of Lesser Kestrel in Azerbaijan.] Proc. 10th All-Union Orn. Conf., Minsk, part 2 (2), pp. 101-102 (in Russian). Mustafaev, G.T. 1960a. [On distribution of Rook colonies in Azerbaijan]. Reports Acad. Sci. Azerb. SSR, agricult. and biol. sci. ser., no. 4, pp. 99103 (in Azeri). Mustafaev, G.T. 1960b. [On moult in some corvids]. Proc. of Azer. Univ., biol. ser., no. 3, pp. 37-41 (in Azeri). Mustafaev, G.T. 1960c. [Breeding of Menetries’ Warbler in Azerbaijan]. Proc. Azerb. Univ., biol. ser., no. 6, pp. 39-43 (in Azeri). Mustafaev, G.T. 1962. [On breeding and post-embryonic development of Hawfinch in Azerbaijan]. Proc. Azerb. Univ., biol. ser., no. 4, pp. 2830 (in Azeri). Mustafaev, G.T. 1963a. [Nesting of useful birds in nests of corvids]. Ornitologia, vol. 6, pp. 476-477 (in Russian). Mustafaev, G.T. 1963b. [On breeding of Rock Dove in Azerbaijan]. Proc. Azerb. Univ., biol. ser., no. 1, pp. 37- 41 (in Azeri). Mustafaev, G.T. 1964. [Effects of inclement meteorological factors on birds wintering in the southwestern Caspian Sea]. Proc. Azer. Univ., biol. ser., no. 3, pp. 53-57 (in Russian). Mustafaev, G.T. 1968a. [New information on distribution and status of some birds in Azerbaijan (first report)]. Proc. Azerb. Univ., biol. ser., no. 3, pp. 60-66 (in Russian). Mustafaev, G.T. 1968b. [Winter bird populations in montane forests of Talish Mountains]. Proc. Azerb. Univ., biol. ser., no. 4, pp. 36-41 (in Russian). Mustafaev, G.T, 1969a. [On birds nesting in settlements of Azerbaijan]. Proc. Azerb. Univ., biol. ser., no. 4, pp. 70-77 (in Russian). Mustafaev, G.T. 1969b. [Ecology of Hyrcanian House Sparrow.] Ornitologia v SSSR (Proc. 5th All-Union Orn. Conf.) vol. 2, pp. 433–435 (in Russian). Mustafaev, G.T. 1971a. [On ecological changes in bird behaviour in settlements of Azerbaijan]. Proc. Azerb. Univ., biol. ser., no. 1, pp. 37-45 (in Russian). Mustafaev, G.T. 1971b. [On birds nesting in man-made construction in Azerbaijan]. Proc. of Azerb. Univ., biol. ser., no. 3, pp. 59-62 (in Russian). Mustafaev, G.T. 1971c. [On birds nesting in human settlements in Shirvan Plain of Azerbaijan]. Proc. Azerb. Univ., biol. ser., no. 4 (in Russian). Mustafaev, G.T. 1972. [Wintering birds of Lenkoran Lowland]. Ornitologia, vol. 10, Moscow, pp. 280-287 (in Russian). Mustafaev, G.T. 1973a. [Summer bird population of the Greater Baku]. Proc. Azerb. Univ., biol. ser., no. 1, pp. 32-37 (in Russian). Mustafaev, G.T. 1973b. [Summer bird population of the city of Kirovabad]. Proc. Azerb. Univ., biol. ser., no. 4, pp. 50-52 (in Russian). Mustafaev, G.T. 1974a. [Changes in status of some birds in Eastern Transcaucasia in the last 100 years]. Proc. 6th All-Union Ornith. Conf., Moscow, part 1, pp. 219-221 (in Russian). 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[On number of coots nesting in Kizil Agach Nature Reserve in the period of a transgression of the Caspian Sea]. Proc. All-Union Conf. on wildlife inventory and census, Ufa, part 2, pp. 390-391 (in Russian). Tkachenko, E.E. 1997. [The Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus) wintering on the West Coast of the Caspian Sea]. Casarca, vol. 3, pp.198-210 (in Russian). Tkachenko, E.E., and V.P. Litvinov. 1984. [The number of waterfowl wintering in Kizil Agach Nature Reserve in 1981-1984]. [Present status of waterfowl resources], Moscow, pp. 104-106 (in Russian). The Times Comprehensive Atlas of the World. 1999. Times Books, London. Tuaev, D.G. 1957a. [Wintering ducks census in Kizil Agach Nature Reserve]. Reports Acad. Sci. Azerb. SSR, no. 3, pp. 335-342 (in Azeri).

The Birds of Azerbaijan Tuaev, D.G. 1957b. [Future of waterfowl wintering grounds and developing fish industry in Azerbaijan]. Reports Acad. Sci. Azerb. SSR, no. 4, pp. 135-142 (in Azeri). Tuaev, D.G. 1957c. [Ecology of dabbling ducks (Anas penelope, Anas crecca) wintering in Kizil Agach Nature Reserve]. Reports Acad. Sci. Azerb. SSR, no. 7, pp. 89-104 (in Russian). Tuaev, D.G. 1957d. [Ecology of dabbling ducks (Anas platyrhynchos, A. strepera) wintering in Kizil Agach Nature Reserve]. Reports Acad. Sci. Azerb. SSR, no. 9, pp. 103-112 (in Russian). Tuaev, D.G. 1958. [Ecology of dabbling ducks (Anas clypeata, A. acuta) wintering in Kizil Agach Nature Reserve]. Reports Acad. Sci. Azerb. SSR, biol. and agricult. sci. ser., no. 2, pp. 61-75 (in Russian). Tuaev, D.G. 1960. [On conservation of bird wintering grounds in Kizil Agach Reserve]. Reports Acad. Sci. Azerb. SSR, no. 4, pp. 89-97 (in Russian). Tuaev, D.G. 1965. [On fauna and ecology of waterfowl and marsh birds of Samur-Divichi Lowland, Azerbaijan.] [Fauna and ecology of terrestrial vertebrates of Azerbaijan], Acad. Sci. Azerb. SSR Press, pp. 69-97 (in Russian). Tuaev, D.G. 1967. [On summer occurrences of Ferruginous Duck and Red-crested Pochard in Azerbaijan.] Proc. Azerb. Acad. Sci., Biol. Ser., vol. 3, pp. 95-99 (in Russian). Tuaev, D.G. 1970. [An analysis of fauna and ecology of waterfowl of Azerbaijan]. Reports Acad. Sci. Azerb. SSR, biol. ser., no. 3, pp. 61-67 (in Russian). Tuaev, D.G. 1975. [On fauna and ecology of waterfowl of Kura-Aras Lowland]. [Data on fauna and ecology of terrestrial vertebrates of Azerbaijan], Baku, Elm, pp. 151-188 (in Russian). Tuaev, D.G. 1977. [The influence of cold winters on the composition, numbers and distribution of waterfowl in Azerbaijan.] Proc. 7th All-Union Orn. Conf., Kiev, pp. 329–330 (in Russian). Tuaev, D.G. & S.A. Israfilov. 1977. [Biology of Eurasian Spoonbill in Azerbaijan.] Proc. 7th All-Union Orn. Conf., Kiev. pp. 106–107 (in Russian). Tuaev, D.G. & V.I. Vasiliev. 1965a. [Bearded Reedling in Azerbaijan]. Ornitologia, vol. 7 (in Russian). Tuaev, D.G. & V.I. Vasiliev. 1965b. [Biology of Great Crested Grebe in Yst-Kura fishponds, and its effect on fisheries]. Reports Acad. Sci. Azerb. SSR, biol. ser., no. 2 (in Russian). Tuaev, D.G. & V.I. Vasiliev. 1965c. [Special features of the ecology of Ferruginous Duck and Red-crested Pochard in Azerbaijan.] In: Novosti ornitologii (Proc. 4th All-Union Orn. Conf.), Alma-Ata, Nauka, pp. 383–384 (in Russian). Tuaev, D.G. & V.I. Vasiliev. 1969a. [Present status of Larids nesting on islands of the Baku Archipelago]. Reports Acad. Sci. Azerb. SSR, biol. ser., no. 6 (in Russian). Tuaev, D.G. & V.I. Vasiliev. 1969b. [Present distribution, number and economic status of Great Cormorant in Azerbaijan]. Reports Acad. Sci. Azerb. SSR, biol. ser., no. 3, pp. 39-46 (in Russian). Tuaev, D.G. & V.I. Vasiliev. 1969c. [Colonial waterbirds of Azerbaijan.] Ornitologia v SSSR (Proc. 5th All-Union Orn. Conf.) vol. 2, pp. 649–652 (in Russian). Tuaev, D.G. & V.I. Vasiliev. 1972. [On fauna and biology of birds of Mingechaur and Varvara Reservoirs]. Ornitologia, vol. 10, pp. 260-265 (in Russian). Tuaev, D.G., V.I. Vasiliev & Abushev. 1972. [On mass mortality of Herring Gulls in their nesting colony on Glinanyi Island, Azerbaijan SSR]. Ornitologia, vol. 10, pp. 394-395 (in Russian). Tuaev, D.G., V.I. Vasiliev & C.M. Magerramov. 1965. [New information on the diet of Great Cormorant on southwestern shore of the Caspian Sea]. Proc. Azerb. Univ., biol. ser., no. 2, pp. 103-108 (in Russian). Tuaev, D.G. & I.P. Danilov. 1955. [Nesting record of Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus Pall.) in Azerbaijan]. Reports Acad. Sci. Azerb. SSR, vol. 11, no. 8, pp. 567-569 (in Russian). Tuaev, D.G. & N.I. Kurbanov. 1984. [On numbers of nesting waterfowl in Azerbaijan]. [Present status of waterfowl resources], Moscow, pp. 98-100 (in Russian). Tugarinov, A.Y. 1950. [Spring passage of birds along the Talish shores]. Proc. Conf. in memory of Academic P. P. Sushkin, Moscow-Leningrad (in Russian). Tugarinov, A.Y. & E.V. Kozlova-Pushkareva. 1938. [Birdlife on wintering grounds in Kizil Agach Reserve]. Proc. Azerb. branch Acad. Sci. of the USSR, zool. ser., vol. 23 (in Russian). Vasiliev, V.I. 1967. [On diet of Larus ridibundus, Sterna hirundo and C. cristatus, and their effect on fisheries in Azerbaijan]. Reports Acad. Sci. Azerb. SSR, biol. ser., no. 6, pp. 60-65 (in Russian). Vasiliev, V.I. 1968. [Fish-eating birds of Azerbaijan]. Abstract of PhD thesis, Baku (in Russian). Vasiliev, V.I. 1970. [On biology of Pygmy Cormorant in Azerbaijan]. Reports Acad. Sci. Azerb. SSR, biol. ser., no. 5-6, pp. 90-93 (in Russian). Vasiliev, V.I. 1975. [Feeding habits of fish-eating birds and their effect on fisheries in Azerbaijan]. [Data on fauna and ecology of terrestrial vertebrates of Azerbaijan], Baku, Elm, pp. 189-216 (in Russian). Verestchagin, N.K. 1940. [On Little Bustards and Great Bustards wintering in Eastern Transcaucasia]. Reports Azerb. branch of Acad. Sci. of the USSR, no. 5, pp. 57-65 (in Russian). Verestchagin N.K. 1943. [Game birds and animals of Azerbaijan and their economic value]. Proc. Azerb. branch Acad. Sci. SSSR No.5: 92-99 (in Russian).

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368 The Birds of Azerbaijan Verestchagin, N.K. 1946. [Bird mortality caused by oil in Azerbaijan]. Zool. journal, vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 69-80 (in Russian). Verestchagin, N.K. 1947. [Birds]. [Game animals of the Caucasus], Baku, pp. 69-90 (in Russian). Verestchagin, N.K. 1950. [Waterfowl wintering grounds and waterfowl hunting in Azerbaijan]. Proc. Inst. Zool. Acad. Sci. Azerb. SSR, vol. 14, pp. 133-214 (in Russian). Vinogradov, V.G., N.A. Litvinova, V.P. Litvinov, E.E. Siroechkovsky & E.E. Tkachenko. 1990. [Kizil Agach Nature Reserve]. [Nature reserves of the Caucasus] (Nature reserves of the USSR series), Moscow, Misl, pp. 287-309 (in Russian). Vinogradov, V.V. 1963a. [On nesting of Black Vulture in the Bosdags]. Ornitologia, vol. 6 (in Russian). Vinogradov, V.V. 1963b. [Nesting of White-tailed Plover in Transcaucasia]. Ornitologia, vol. 6 (in Russian). Vinogradov, V.V. 1967. [Biological resources of wetlands of the Mil Steppe, their productivity and prospects for commercial use]. Proc. nat. reserves of Azerb., Moscow, vol. 2 (in Russian). Vinogradov, V.V. 1974. [Utilization of Greylag Goose on the Caspian.] Proceedings of 6th All-Union Orn. Conf., part 2, pp. 255–256 (in Russian). Vinogradov, V.V., 1977a. [On western population of Siberian Cranes]. Proc. 7th All-Union Orn. Conf., Kiev, pp. 194-195 (in Russian). Vinogradov, V.V., 1977b. [The Purple Swamphen on the west coast of the Caspian Sea.] Proc. 7th All-Union Orn. Conf., Kiev, pp. 95–96 (in Russian). Vinogradov, V.V. & S.I. Tcherniavskaya. 1965a. [On avifauna of Kizil Agach State Nature Reserve]. Proc. nat. reserves of Azerb., Moscow, vol. 1, pp. 22-79 (in Russian). Vinogradov, V.V. & S.I. Tcherniavskaya. 1965b. [On avifauna of the Bosdags]. Proc. nat. reserves of Azerb., Moscow, vol. 1 (in Russian). Vinogradov, V.V. & S.I. Tcherniavskaya. 1969. [A study of nesting colonies of herons and ibises at Lake Aggel in Azerbaijan.] Ornitologia v SSSR (Proc. 5th All-Union Orn. Conf.) vol. 2, pp. 108–112 (in Russian). Vitovich, V.V. 1958. [The Transcaucasian Black Francolin]. Okhota i okhotnichie khoziaistvo, no. 12 (in Russian). Volkov, E.N. 1977 [Winter range of the Greater Flamingo.] Proc. 7th All-Union Orn. Conf., Kiev, p. 201 (in Russian). Vorobieva, T.D. 1977 [Wintering Little Bustard in Kizil Agach Reserve.] Proc. 7th All-Union Orn. Conf., Kiev, pp. 202–203 (in Russian). Vorobieva, T.D. 1982. [Daily temporal and energetic budgets of Lesser White-fronted Geese wintering in the southwest coast of the Caspian Sea]. Proc. Zool. Inst. 113, pp. 91-103 (in Russian). Vorobieva, T.D. 1986. [The Little Bustard wintering at the southwestern coast of the Caspian Sea]. [Bustards and their conservation], Moscow, pp. 8689 (in Russian). Zablotzky, V.P. & L.I. Zablotzkaya. 1963. [Eco-faunistic review of Larids of the southwest of Caspian Sea, and their effect on fisheries]. Proc. Astrakhan State Nat. Reserve, vol. 8, pp. 309-348 (in Russian). Zakiev, F. 1990. [A trap for waterfowl]. Vishka of 18 February 1990, pp. 8-9 (in Russian). Zaletaev, V.S. 1960. [On biology of fish-eating birds of eastern and northeastern Caspian Sea]. Okhrana prirody i ozelenenie, No. 4, pp. 11-44 (in Russian). Zinoviev, V.I. & V.I. Orlov. 1977. [On waterbirds wintering in Kura-Aras Lowland in 1971/72 and 1972/73]. [Waterbird recourses of the Caspian and adjacent areas: conservation, use and studies]. Astrakhan, pp. 86-88 (in Russian), Zlotin, R.I. 1963 [A winter bird population of Shirvan Steppe]. Ornitologia, vol. 6, pp. 204-209 (in Russian). Zubakin, D.A. 1988. [Mediterranean Gull. Slender-billed Gull]. [Family Laridae. The Birds of the USSR]. Moscow. Nauka (in Russian).

The Birds of Azerbaijan

Index of English Names Accentor Alpine 232, 323, 341 Radde’s 16, 20, 25, 232-233, 323, 364 Avocet 147-148, 162, 321, 327, 331, 333, 335-337, 354, 355 Bee-eater Blue-cheeked 25, 193-194, 229, 322, 329-331, 341, 344, 362 European 190, 191-191, 221, 322, 334, 340, 341, 345, 363, 365 Bittern Eurasian 45-46, 319, 327, 329, 330, 334, 335, 337, 353 Little 46, 108, 319, 329, 330, 332, 334, 335, 337 Blackbird 23, 26, 96, 246-247, 324, 332, 339-341, 345, 365 Blackcap 255, 324, 341, 345 Bluethroat 243, 324 Brambling 276, 325 Bullfinch 276, 280, 282-283, 325, 339 Bunting Black-headed 17, 26, 286-287, 325, 341, 362 Corn 284, 290, 325, 329, 355 Grey-headed 21, 25, 288, 325, 343 Ortolan 287-288, 325 Reed 286, 325, 332, 335 Rock 26, 285-286, 325, 341 Rustic 20, 286, 325 Bushchat, Rufous 23, 182, 238-239, 313, 323, 329, 366 Bustard Great 17, 19, 22, 135-136, 321, 340, 344, 361, 368 Houbara 21, 139, 321, 342 Little 17, 21, 22, 26, 27, 94, 102, 114, 137-139, 321, 327, 329-331, 340, 342, 344, 353, 361, 363, 368 Buzzard Common 24, 25, 98, 320, 339, 341, 345 Honey 24, 91, 320, 339, 340, 343, 345 Long-legged 25, 26, 97, 295, 320, 341-344 Rough-legged 97, 320 Chaffinch 96, 184, 275-276, 277, 280, 325, 339-341 Chiffchaff 258, 324, 341 Caucasian 258-259, 324, 364 Chough Alpine 20, 103, 225, 323, 338, 339, 341 Red-billed 224-225, 295, 323, 338, 342, 343 Chukar 22, 26, 29, 102, 103, 118-119, 320, 338, 340-344, 353, 363 Coot, Common 17, 22, 25, 26, 29, 30, 35, 45, 94, 108, 132135, 229, 294, 308, 312, 321, 327-338, 352-355, 363, 367

Cormorant Great 20, 41-43, 319, 327, 329-331, 333-337, 344, 345, 347-349, 362, 367, 368 Pygmy 20, 25, 26, 43-45, 48, 312, 319, 327, 329-331, 334338, 347-351, 355, 368 Corncrake 21, 26, 91, 129, 291, 321 Courser, Cream-coloured 21, 163, 322 Crake Baillon’s 21, 129, 321 Little 128, 321, 332, 363 Spotted 114, 127-128, 321, 335, 337 Crane Common 22, 125-126, 320, 344 Demoiselle 20, 22, 126, 320, 344 Sarus 126 Siberian 19, 126, 320, 354, 355, 363, 368 Crossbill, Common 282, 325 Crow Carrion 21, 229, 323 Hooded 22, 29, 43, 62, 93, 94, 110-113, 121, 132, 135, 183, 186, 227-229, 309, 323, 347, 350, 353 Cuckoo, Eurasian 24, 25, 181-182, 214, 216, 239, 252, 322, 338, 341, 345 Curlew Eurasian 158-159, 321, 327, 333, 335, 355, 363 Slender-billed 19, 20, 28, 160, 321, 333, 354, 355 Stone 26, 139-140, 310, 321, 331, 341-344 Dipper, Common 230, 323, 339, 367 Diver Black-throated 20, 35, 319, 355 Red-throated 20, 35, 319 Dotterel 20, 144, 321 Dove Collared 20, 22, 180, 322 Laughing 22, 26, 181, 322 Rock 23, 95, 97, 113, 114, 176-177, 179, 295, 322, 355, 364 Stock 24, 178, 179, 322, 338, 339, 345 Turtle 96, 179-180, 291, 315, 322, 340, 345 Duck Ferruginous 20, 22, 83-84, 295, 319, 329, 330, 332, 334, 335, 337, 366-368 Long-tailed 20, 87, 320 Tufted 22, 26, 84-85, 86, 319, 327, 329, 331-335, 337, 355 White-headed 20, 29, 89-90, 94, 320, 329, 332, 334, 335, 337, 366, 367 Dunlin 154, 155, 321, 355

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370 The Birds of Azerbaijan Dunnock, European 231-232, 323, 339 Eagle Bonelli’s 21, 99, 320, 341, 361 Booted 24, 25, 99, 320, 338-340, 342-344 Golden 20, 24, 25, 101-102, 116, 119, 139, 320, 338-341, 342, 343 Greater Spotted 22, 100, 320, 354 Imperial 20, 26, 27, 101, 119, 309, 320, 339-342, 344, 345, 366 Lesser Spotted 26, 27, 100-101, 320, 339-341, 343-345 Short-toed 20, 25, 26, 105-106, 320, 339-343 Steppe 22, 99, 320, 344 Egret Cattle 20, 49-50, 306, 319, 329, 330, 335-337, 347-351 Great White 20, 50-51, 319, 327, 330, 331, 334-337, 347349, 351, 355 Little 20, 43, 51-52, 108, 113, 306, 319, 327, 329-331, 334, 336, 337, 347-351, 355 Falcon, Red-footed 20, 111, 320 Fieldfare 245, 324, 332, 341 Finch Crimson-winged 21, 25, 280, 325, 342 Mongolian Trumpeter 21, 281, 325 Trumpeter 21, 25, 280-281, 325, 342, 343, 361 Flamingo, Greater 22, 60-62, 228, 319, 327-330, 332, 335, 336, 353, 355, 363, 364, 368 Flycatcher Pied 20, 260, 324 Red-breasted 261, 324 Semi-collared 260-261, 324 Spotted 261-262, 324, 339, 340, 345 Francolin, Black 17, 20, 25, 26, 29, 95, 119-121, 132, 290, 298, 320, 329-331, 340, 344, 353, 361, 363, 364, 368 Gadwall 76-77, 114, 319, 327, 329, 330, 334, 335, 337, 355 Gallinule, Purple 22, 29, 130-132, 294, 321, 327, 330-332, 334338, 353, 355, 361, 367 Garganey 80, 81, 114, 319, 355 Godwit Bar-tailed 20, 161, 321, 337 Black-tailed 160-161, 321, 327, 333, 335 Goldcrest 260, 324 Goldeneye, Common 22, 87, 320, 329, 331, 333-335, 337 Goldfinch 276, 277, 278-279, 280, 325, 339, 340, 345 Goosander 89, 320, 337 Goose Bean 21, 70, 319 Greater White-fronted 68-69, 319, 327, 329, 330, 334338 Greylag 22, 66-68, 319, 327, 332, 336, 337, 355, 368 Lesser White-fronted 69-70, 319, 327, 330, 336, 337, 364, 367, 368 Red-breasted 19, 29, 64-65, 319, 327, 330, 335, 361, 366 Snow 21, 70-71, 319, 361 Goshawk 24, 94-95, 119, 121, 125, 229, 320, 338-341, 343, 344

Grebe Black-necked 36-37, 319, 331, 335, 336, 337 Great Crested 37-38, 319, 329-335, 337, 338, 352, 353, 355, 367 Red-necked 21, 37, 319, 333 Slavonian 37, 319 Little 35-36, 319, 329, 331-335, 337, 345, 353, 355 Greenfinch 23, 26, 277-278, 325, 339, 341 Greenshank 150, 321, 327 Grouse, Caucasian Black 20, 24-26, 29, 103, 114-116, 320, 338-343, 363, 365 Gull Armenian 169 Black-headed 165-166, 322, 337, 355 Black-tailed 169 Common 169, 322 Great Black-backed 20, 169, 322, 355 Great Black-headed 22, 163-164, 322, 335, 337 Herring 167, 368 Lesser Black-backed 21, 167, 322 Little 164-165, 322, 332, 355 Mediterranean 20, 22, 164, 307, 322, 334, 366, 368 Slender-billed 20, 22, 26, 166-167, 311, 314, 322, 334, 368 Yellow-legged 22, 26, 28, 167-168, 315, 322, 330, 332353, 355, 362 Harrier Hen 22, 106, 320, 331, 335 Marsh 29, 59, 73, 74, 85, 107-108, 121, 132, 135, 320, 327, 329-332, 335, 337, 347, 350 Montagu’s 107, 320, 345 Pallid 20, 22, 106-107, 320, 340 Hawfinch 283, 325, 339, 364 Heron Grey 52-54, 319, 327, 331, 335-337, 340, 344, 345, 347349, 351, 355 Night 20, 45, 47-48, 319, 329, 330, 336, 337, 347-351 Purple 54, 135, 319, 329, 330, 332, 335-337, 351 Squacco 20, 48-49, 108, 314, 319, 329, 330, 336, 337, 347-351 Hobby 24, 25, 112, 224, 320, 338, 345 Hoopoe 194-195, 322, 339, 341, 345 Ibis Glossy 20, 25, 26, 34, 58-59, 108, 303, 319, 329-332, 336, 337, 347-351, 363 Sacred 19, 25, 60, 319, 361 Jackdaw 225-226, 323 Jay, Eurasian 26, 121, 222-223, 323, 339-341, 345, 365 Kestrel 95, 109-110, 190, 192, 224, 228, 274, 320, 340, 341, 344 Lesser 110-111, 224, 320, 340-344, 364 Kingfisher Common 190-191, 301, 322, 329, 337, 339, 343-345 White-breasted 21, 191, 322

The Birds of Azerbaijan

Kite Black 92-93, 119, 121, 228, 320, 337-345 Red 21, 25, 91, 320, 342, 343 Kittiwake, Black-legged 21, 169, 322 Knot 20, 156, 321 Lammergeier 20, 24-26, 103, 116, 320, 338, 339, 341-343, 361 Lanner 19, 26, 113, 320, 341, 361 Lapwing 145-146, 321, 355 Red-wattled 21, 146, 321 Lark Bimaculated 16, 25, 208, 238, 323, 361 Black 208, 323 Calandra 26, 114, 207-208, 290, 300, 323, 329, 331, 341, 355 Crested 96, 205-206, 238, 284, 297, 301, 302, 323, 331, 332, 340, 341, 355 Lesser Short-toed 206-207, 297, 305, 323, 329, 331, 334 Shore 24, 25, 209, 323 Short-toed 206, 323, 329, 331, 355 White-winged 207, 208, 323 Linnet 279-280, 286, 325 Magpie 93, 110-112, 119, 121, 183-186, 190, 219, 223-224, 298, 309, 323, 341, 345, 355 Mallard 73-74, 77, 94, 114, 319, 327, 329, 330-338, 345, 355 Martin Crag 201, 323 House 23, 202-203, 323 Sand 200, 323, 355 Merganser Common 89 Red-breasted 20, 88-89, 320, 337 Merlin 111, 320 Moorhen, Common 108, 129-130, 321, 329, 330, 332, 335, 345, 353 Nightingale 242, 243, 311, 324, 341, 345 Nightjar, European 24, 187, 322, 340, 341, 345 Nuthatch Common 267-268, 325, 339, 343, 345 Eastern Rock 21, 269, 325 Rock 26, 268-269, 274, 310, 316, 325, 339, 341, 361 Oriole, Golden 218-219, 323, 341, 345, 364 Osprey 19, 21, 90-91, 320 Ouzel, Ring 103, 245-246, 324, 365 Owl Eagle 20, 24, 25, 119, 125, 183, 322, 338-343 Little 184, 322, 332, 341, 344, 355 Long-eared 24, 185-186, 228, 322, 339, 344 Scops 24, 182-183, 322, 339-341, 343-345 Short-eared 20, 186, 322 Tawny 24, 25, 184-185, 322, 339, 341, 343, 345 Tengmalm’s 186 Oystercatcher 22, 148-149, 321

Partridge Grey 26, 121-122, 320, 340, 343, 353, 363 See-see 21, 119, 320 Pelican Dalmatian 22, 26, 39-41, 319, 327, 330, 334-338, 366 Great White 19, 26, 38-39, 319, 327, 330, 331, 334, 337 Peregrine 20, 24, 25, 74, 113-114, 121, 139, 320, 327, 338, 339, 342, 343 Phalarope, Red-necked 153, 321, 355 Pheasant, Common 19, 22, 25, 26, 29, 123-125, 320, 339-341, 343-345, 361, 363, 364 Pigeon, Wood 178-179, 322, 339, 340, 345 Pintail, Northern 78-79, 319, 327, 332, 334, 335, 337, 353, 355 Pipit Meadow 210-211, 213, 323 Red-throated 21, 211, 323 Richard’s 21, 209, 323 Tawny 209-210, 323 Tree 210, 323 Water 211, 323, 341 Plover Caspian 20, 143, 321 Golden 141, 321, 355 Greater Sand 20, 142-143, 321 Grey 140, 321 Kentish 143-144, 162, 174, 175, 297, 304, 305, 321, 330, 331, 333 Little Ringed 142, 294, 306, 321, 345 Pacific Golden 21, 141, 321 Ringed 141, 321, 355 Sociable 20, 144, 321 White-tailed 20, 22, 26, 144-145, 147, 162, 321, 330, 334, 335-337, 362, 368 Pochard Common 22, 82-83, 319, 327, 329-335, 337, 355 Red-crested 22, 81-82, 295, 319, 327, 329-337, 367 Pratincole Black-winged 20, 145, 147, 162, 322 Collared 26, 142, 143, 145, 147, 161-162, 175, 297, 300, 321, 331, 333, 334, 337, 363 Quail, Common 26, 91, 96, 122-123, 291, 320, 338 Rail, Water 94, 108, 127, 321, 329, 335, 337, 355 Raven 104, 229, 292, 323, 339, 340, 341 Redpoll, Common 21, 276, 280, 325 Redshank 150-151, 152, 321, 329, 355 Spotted 151, 321 Redstart Black 240, 324 Common 239-240, 324, 339, 345 Eversmann’s 21, 241, 324 Güldenstadt’s 24, 25, 240-241, 324, 338, 339, 343 Redwing 247, 324, 341 Reedling, Bearded 262-263, 296, 299, 324, 331, 332, 335, 367 Robin 241-242, 324, 340 White-throated 17, 21, 25, 243, 324, 343, 364

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372 The Birds of Azerbaijan Roller, European 24, 189-190, 221, 224, 322, 340, 341, 343-345 Rook 43, 93, 110, 111, 114, 186, 226-227, 323, 332, 350, 353, 355, 361, 364 Rosefinch Common 281-282, 325 Great 21, 24, 25, 282, 325, 338, 339 Ruff 153, 321, 355 Saker 20, 112-113, 139, 320, 343 Sanderling 155, 321 Sandgrouse Black-bellied 20, 25, 26, 175-176, 322, 340-342, 344 Pallas’s 21, 176, 322 Pin-tailed 19, 176, 322 Sandpiper Broad-billed 20, 156, 321 Common 152, 321 Curlew 150, 152, 154, 321, 333 Green 149, 321 Marsh 151, 321, 333 Pectoral 21, 156, 321 Terek 152, 154, 321, 333 Wood 149-150, 321, 355 Scaup, Greater 85-86, 319, 327, 331-333 Scoter Common 21, 86, 320 Velvet 20, 86, 320, 333, 355 Sea-Eagle Pallas’ 21, 94, 320 White-tailed 19, 22, 85, 93-94, 135, 320, 327, 335, 337, 345, 354 Serin, Red-fronted 24, 25, 276-277, 280, 325, 338, 341 Shearwater, Manx 38 Shelduck Common 71-72, 319, 330, 331, 333-338, 355 Ruddy 72-73, 168, 319, 331, 333-338, 341 Shikra 21, 25, 96, 320 Shoveler, Northern 79-80, 108, 319, 327, 329-332, 334, 335, 337, 355 Shrike Great Grey 218, 323 Lesser Grey 182, 217, 323, 341 Red-backed 182, 215-216, 217, 323, 341, 345, 363 Woodchat 182, 216, 315, 323 Siskin 278, 325, 339, 341 Skua Arctic 21, 163, 322 Pomarine 21, 163, 322 Skylark 26, 96, 108, 203-204, 207, 208, 291, 323, 332, 340, 355 Small 21, 204, 323 Smew 88, 320, 329, 334, 337, 338, 355 Snipe Common 111, 157-158, 321, 327, 332, 355 Great 157, 321, 335 Jack 156-157, 321, 355 Snowcock Caspian 20, 25, 27, 117-118, 320, 341-343, 363

Caucasian 20, 24, 27, 102, 103, 116-117, 241, 320, 338, 339, 365 Snowfinch 24, 25, 274-275, 325, 338 Sparrow House 22, 96, 190, 270-271, 276, 325, 353, 365 Pale Rock 21, 25, 273-274, 325, 342, 343 Rock 26, 274, 325, 342 Spanish 17, 22, 56, 221, 271-272, 325, 329, 362 Tree 26, 273, 325 Sparrowhawk 26, 95-96, 121, 320, 339-341, 343, 345 Levant 20, 96, 320, 338, 340, 344 Spoonbill, Eurasian 20, 25, 26, 57-58, 59, 302, 319, 329, 330, 332, 336, 347-351, 355, 367 Sprosser 21, 243, 324 Starling Common 23, 96, 114, 168, 190, 219-221, 222, 272, 274, 323, 335, 341, 345, 353, 355 Rose-coloured 221-222, 323, 344 Stilt, Black-winged 145, 146-147, 162, 321, 329-331, 333, 335337, 355 Stint Little 153-154, 321 Temminck’s 21, 154, 321 Stonechat 233-234, 323 Stork Black 20, 26, 27, 56, 319, 343-345, 361 White 55-56, 271-273, 319, 342, 344, 363, 364 Swallow, Barn 201-202, 203, 271, 323, 355, 365 Swan Bewick’s 21, 64, 319 Mute 22, 26, 62-63, 319, 327, 329, 331-336, 355, 356 Tundra 64 Whooper 26, 63-64, 319, 327, 331-335, 356 Swift Alpine 188, 322, 341 Common 23, 188-189, 322, 338, 345, 365 Little 21, 25, 189, 322, 342 Teal Marbled 16, 19, 26, 29, 80-81, 319, 327, 329, 330, 335337, 354, 355, 366 Common 75-76, 81, 114, 319, 327, 329, 330-332, 334, 335, 354, 355 Tern Black 22, 169-170, 322, 355 Caspian 22, 172, 322 Common 22, 26, 142, 147, 151, 162, 172, 173-174, 175, 301, 322, 333, 334, 337 Gull-billed 22, 26, 171-172, 290, 303, 322, 331, 334 Little 142, 145, 162, 174-175, 307, 322, 330, 331, 333, 334, 345 Sandwich 26, 76, 172-173, 313, 322, 333, 334 Whiskered 135, 171, 310,, 322, 329, 330 White-winged 135, 170, 322, 329 Thrush Black-throated 244, 324, 341 Blue Rock 244, 324

The Birds of Azerbaijan

Mistle 249, 324, 339-341 Rock 244, 324 Song 248, 324, 339-341, 355 Tit Blue 265-266, 324, 339, 340, 345 Coal 265, 324, 339, 341, 343 Crested 21, 265, 324 Great 26, 266-267, 324, 339-341, 345 Hyrcanian 364 Long-tailed 26, 263, 324, 340, 341, 343, 345 Penduline 263-264, 311, 324, 330, 331 Sombre 21, 25, 264, 324 Treecreeper Eurasian 269-270, 325, 339, 343 Short-toed 21, 25, 270, 325, 343 Turnstone, Ruddy 20, 156, 321 Twite 24, 25, 280, 325, 338, 341 Vulture Black 17, 26, 104, 316, 320, 338-343, 368 Egyptian 25, 26, 102-103, 113, 320, 339-344 Griffon 25, 26, 105, 320, 338-343 Wagtail Citrine 213, 323, 365 Grey 182, 213-214, 323, 338-340 White 182, 213, 214, 323, 355 Yellow 211-212, 323 Wallcreeper 269, 325, 338 Warbler Barred 254, 324 Booted 253, 254, 324 Cetti’s 250, 324, 335 Desert 21, 257, 324 Garden 20, 255, 324 Great Reed 182, 252-253, 324 Green 259 Greenish 259, 324 Icterine 21, 253, 324 Marsh 251-252, 324, 338 Menetries’ 16, 17, 257, 308, 324, 329, 331, 364 Moustached 251, 324 Olivaceous 253-254, 324, 364 Orphean 21, 255, 324 Reed 108, 182, 252, 324 River 20, 250, 324 Savi’s 21, 250, 324 Scrub 21, 259, 324 Sedge 251, 324 Upcher’s 21, 254, 324 Western Grasshopper 21, 250, 324 Willow 258, 324 Wood 259 Waxwing 218, 323 Wheatear Black-eared 235-236, 293, 323, 364 Desert 21, 237, 323

European 234-235, 323, 338 Finch’s 26, 236-237, 293, 323, 341 Isabelline 26, 237, 304, 323, 329, 331, 338, 341 Pied 235, 323, 364 Red-tailed 21, 25, 237-238, 323, 342, 343 Whimbrel 159, 321 Whinchat 233, 323 Whitethroat Common 256, 324, 345 Hume’s Lesser 256 Lesser 256, 324 Wigeon, Eurasian 77-78, 108, 114, 319, 327, 329, 330, 334, 337, 355 Woodcock 29, 158, 321 Woodlark 204-205, 323, 341 Woodpecker Black 24, 25, 197, 322, 338, 339 Great Spotted 197-198, 199, 322, 339, 340, 343, 345 Green 24, 25, 190, 196, 322, 339-341, 345 Grey-headed 21, 197, 322 Lesser Spotted 20, 199-200, 322, 339, 343, 345 Middle Spotted 199, 322, 339, 344, 345 Syrian 198, 322, 343, 344 White-backed 21, 199, 322 Wren 230-231, 323, 339, 340 Wryneck 195-196, 322 Yellowhammer 276, 280, 285, 325

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374 The Birds of Azerbaijan

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The Birds of Azerbaijan

Index of Scientific Names Acanthis 279-280 Accipiter 94-96, 320 Accipitridae 91-108 Acrocephalus 249, 251-253, 324 Actitis 152, 321 acuta, Anas 78-79, 319, 367 Aegithalidae 263 Aegithalos 263, 324 Aegolius 186 Aegypius 104, 316, 320 aeruginosus, Circus 107-108, 132, 320 aethiopicus, Threskiornis 60, 319, 361 affinus, Apus 189, 322 Alauda 203-204, 323 Alaudidae 203-209 alba, Calidris 155, 321 alba, Egretta 50-51, 319 alba, Motacilla 214, 323 albellus, Mergus 88, 320 albicilla, Haliaeetus 93-94, 320 albifrons, Anser 68-69, 319 albifrons, Sterna 174-175, 307, 322 Alcedinidae 190-191 Alcedo 190-191, 301, 322 alchata, Pterocles 176, 322 Alectoris 118-119, 320 alexandrinus, Charadrius 143-144, 297, 304, 305, 321 alpestris, Eremophila 209, 323 alpina, Calidris 155, 321 althaea, Sylvia 256 aluco, Strix 184-185, 322 Ammoperdix 119, 320 Anas 73-80, 319, 367 Anatidae 62-90 angustirostris, Marmaronetta 16, 80-81, 319 Anser 66-70, 319, 367 anser, Anser 66-68, 319 Anthropoides 126, 320 Anthus 209-211, 323 antigonae, Grus 126 apiaster, Merops 191-193, 322 apivorus, Pernis 91, 320 Apodidae 188-189 apricaria, Pluvialis 141, 321 Apus 188-189, 322 apus, Apus 188-189, 322 aquaticus, Rallus 127, 321 Aquila 99-102, 309, 320

arborea, Lullula 204-205, 323 arctica, Gavia 35, 319 Ardea 52-54, 319 Ardeidae 45-54 Ardeola 48-49, 314, 319 Arenaria 156, 321 argentatus, Larus 167-169 armenicus, Larus 167, 169 arquata, Numenius 158-159, 321 arundinaceus, Acrocephalus 252-253, 324 arvensis, Alauda 203-204, 291, 323 asiaticus, Charadrius 143, 321 Asio 185-186, 322 ater, Parus. 265, 324, 324 Athene 184, 322 atra, Fulica. 132, 294, 308, 312, 321, 363 atricapilla, Sylvia 255, 308, 324 atthis, Alcedo 190-191, 301, 322 auritus, Podiceps 36-38, 319 avosetta, Recurvirostra 147-148, 321 Aythya 82-86, 319, 367 badius, Accipiter 96, 320 barbatus, Gypaetus 103, 320 bewickii, Cygnus 64, 319 biarmicus, Falco 113, 320 biarmicus, Panurus 262-263, 296, 299, 320 bimaculata, Melanocorypha 16, 208, 323 Bombycilla 218, 323 Bombycillidae 218 borin, Sylvia 255, 324 Botaurus 45-46, 319 brachydactyla, Calandrella 206, 323, brachydactyla, Carpospiza 273-274, 325 brachydactyla, Certhia 270, 325 brevipes, Accipiter 96, 320 Bubo 183, 322 bubo, Bubo 183, 322 Bubulcus 49-50, 306, 319 Bucanetes 280-281, 325, 366 Bucephala 87, 320 buchanani, Emberiza 288, 325 Burhinidae 139-140 Burhinus 139-140, 310, 321 Buteo 97-98, 295, 320 buteo, Buteo 98, 320 cachinnans, Larus 167-168, 315, 322

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376 The Birds of Azerbaijan caerulescens, Chen 70-71, 319 caeruleus, Parus 265-266, 324 calandra, Emberiza 284, 290, 325 calandra, Melanocorypha 207-208, 290, 300, 323 Calandrella 206-207, 297, 305, 323 Calidris 96, 153-156, 321 caligata, Hippolais 253, 324 campestris, Anthus 209-210, 323 cannabina, Acanthis 279-280, 325 canorus, Cuculus 181-182, 322 canus, Larus 169, 322 canus, Picus 197, 322 canutus, Calidris 156, 321 Caprimulgidae 187 Caprimulgus 187, 322 carbo, Phalacrocorax 41-43, 319 Carduelis 278-279, 325 carduelis, Carduelis 278-279, 325 Carpodacus 281-282, 325 Carpospiza 273-274, 325 caspia, Hydroprogne 172, 322 caspius, Tetraogallus 117-118, 320, 363 caucasicus, Tetraogallus 116-117, 320 caudatus, Aegithalos 263, 324 Cercotrichas 238-239, 313, 323 Certhia 269-270, 325 Certhiidae 269-270 cervinus, Anthus 211, 323 cetti, Cettia 249, 250, 324 Cettia 249, 250, 324 Charadriidae 140-146 Charadrius 141-144, 150, 152, 321 Chen 70-71, 319 cherrug, Falco 112-113, 320 Chettusia 144-145, 321, 362 Chlamydotis 139, 321 Chlidonias 147, 169-171, 290, 310, 322 Chloris 277-278, 325 chloris, Chloris 277-278, 325 chloropus, Gallinula 129-130, 321 chrysaetos, Aquila 101-102, 320 chukar, Alectoris 118-119, 320 cia, Emberiza 285-286, 325 Ciconia 55-56, 319 ciconia, Ciconia 55-56, 319 Ciconiidae 55-56 Cinclidae 230 Cinclus 230, 323 cinclus, Cinclus 230, 323 cinerea, Ardea 52-54, 319 cinerea, Motacilla 213-214, 323 cinereus, Xenus 152, 321 Circaetus 105-106, 320 Circus 106-108, 132, 320 citreola, Motacilla 213, 323 citrinella, Emberiza 285, 325 clanga, Aquila 100, 320

Clangula 87, 320 clangula, Bucephala 87, 320 clypeata, Anas 79-80, 319, 367 Coccothraustes 283, 325 coccothraustes, Coccothraustes 283, 325 coelebs, Fringilla 275-276, 325 colchicus, Phasianus 123-125, 320 collaris, Prunella 232, 323 collurio, Lanius 215-216, 323 collybita, Phylloscopus 258, 324 Columba 176-179, 322 columbarius, Falco 111, 320 columbianus, Cygnus 64, 319 Columbidae 176-181 communis, Sylvia 256, 324 Coracias 189-190, 322 Coraciidae 189-190 corax, Corvus 229, 292, 323 cornix, Corvus 132, 227-229, 309, 323 corone, Corvus 229, 323 Corvidae 222-229 Corvus 132, 225-229, 292, 309, 323 Coturnix 122-123, 291, 320 coturnix, Coturnix 122-123, 291, 320 crassirostris, Larus 169 crecca, Anas 75-76, 319, 367 Crex 129, 291, 321 crex, Crex 129, 291, 321 crispus, Pelecanus 39-41, 319 cristata, Galerida 205-206,297, 301, 302, 323 cristatus, Parus 265, 324 cristatus, Podiceps 37-38, 319, 368 Cuculidae 181-182 Cuculus 181-182, 322 curruca, Sylvia 256, 324 cursor, Cursorius 163, 322 Cursorius 163, 322 curvirostra, Loxia 282, 362 cyaneus, Circus 106, 320 Cygnus 62-64, 319 cygnus, Cygnus 63-64, 319 decaocto, Streptopelia 180, 322 Delichon 202-203, 323 Dendrocopos 197-200, 322 deserti, Oenanthe 237, 323 domesticus, Passer 270-271, 325 Dryocopus 197, 322 dubius, Charadrius 142, 294, 306, 321 Egretta 50-52, 306, 319 Emberiza 284-288, 290, 325, 355 Emberizidae 284-288 epops, Upupa 194-195, 322 Eremophila 209, 323 Erithacus 241-242, 324 erythrinus, Carpodacus 281-282, 325

The Birds of Azerbaijan

erythrogaster, Phoenicurus 240-241, 324 erythronotus, Phoenicurus 241, 324 erythropus, Anser 69-70, 364, 367 erythropus, Tringa 151, 321 Eudromias 144, 321 europaea, Sitta 267-268, 325 europaeus, Caprimulgus 187, 322 excubitor, Lanius 218, 323 fabalis, Anser 70, 319 falcinellus, Limicola 156, 321 falcinellus, Plegadis 58-59, 303, 319 Falco 109-114, 320 Falconidae 109-114 familiaris, Certhia 269-270, 325 fasciatus, Hieraaetus 99, 320 ferina, Aythya 82-83, 319 ferruginea, Calidris 154, 321 ferruginea, Tadorna 72-73, 319 Ficedula 260-261, 324 finschii, Oenanthe 236-237, 293, 323 flammea, Acanthis 280, 325 flammeus, Asio 186, 322 flava, Motacilla 211-212, 323 flavirostris, Acanthis 280, 325 fluviatilis, Locustella 250, 324 Francolinus 119-121, 290, 298, 320, 361 francolinus, Francolinus 119-121, 290, 298, 320, 361 Fringilla 275-276, 325 Fringillidae 275-283 frugilegus, Corvus 226-227, 323 Fulica 132, 294, 308, 312, 321, 363 fuligula, Aythya 84-85, 319 fulva, Pluvialis 141, 321 fulvus, Gyps 105, 320 funereus, Aegolius 186 fusca, Melanitta 86, 320 fuscus, Larus 167, 322 galactotes, Cercotrichas 238-239, 313, 323 Galerida 205-206, 297, 301, 302, 323 gallicus, Circaetus 105-106, 320 Gallinago 157-158, 321 gallinago, Gallinago 157-158, 321 Gallinula 129-130, 321 Garrulus 222-223, 323 garrulus, Bombycilla 218, 323 garrulus, Coracias 189-190, 322 garzetta, Egretta 51-52, 306, 319 Gavia 35, 319 Gaviidae 35 Gelochelidon 171-172, 303, 322 genei, Larus 166-167, 311, 314, 322 gentilis, Accipiter 94-95, 320 githagineus, Bucanetes 280-281, 325, 366 glandarius, Garrulus 222-223, 323 Glareola 161-162, 297, 300, 321-322

glareola, Tringa 149-150, 321 Glareolidae 161-163 graculus, Pyrrhocorax 225, 323 gregaria, Chettusia 144, 321 griseigena, Podiceps 37, 319 griseogularis, Ammoperdix 119, 320 Gruidae 125-126 Grus 125-126, 320, 363 grus, Grus 125-126, 320 gulgula, Alauda 204, 323 gutturalis, Irania 243, 324 Gypaetus 103, 320 Gyps 105, 320 Haematopodidae 148-149 Haematopus 148-149, 321 Halcyon 191, 322 Haliaeetus 93-94, 320 haliaetus, Pandion 90-91, 320 heliaca, Aquila 101, 309, 320 hiaticula, Charadrius 141, 321 Hieraaetus 99, 320 Himantopus 146-147, 321 himantopus, Himantopus 146-147, 321 Hippolais 249, 253-254, 324 Hirundinidae 200-203 Hirundo 201-202, 323 hirundo, Sterna 173-174, 301, 322, 368 hispanica, Oenanthe 235-236, 293, 323 hispaniolensis, Passer 271-272, 325 hortensis, Sylvia 255, 324 hortulana, Emberiza 287-288, 325 hybridus, Chlidonias 171, 290, 310, 322 Hydroprogne 172, 322 hyemalis, Clangula 87, 320 hypoleuca, Ficedula 260, 324 hypoleucos, Acrocephalus 152, 321 hyrcanus, Parus 264, 364 ibis, Bubulcus 49-50, 306, 319 ichthyaetus, Larus 163-164, 322 icterina, Hippolais 253, 324 iliacus, Turdus 247, 324 indicus, Vanellus 146, 321 inquieta, Scotocerca 259, 324 interpres, Arenaria 156, 321 Irania 243, 324 isabellina, Oenanthe 237-238, 304, 323 Ixobrychus 46, 319 Jynx 195-196, 322 lagopus, Buteo 97, 320 languida, Hippolais 254, 324 Laniidae 215-218 Lanius 215-218, 315, 323 lapponica, Limosa 161, 321

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378 The Birds of Azerbaijan Laridae 163-175 Larus 163-169, 307, 311, 314, 315, 322, 368 leschenaultii, Charadrius 142-143, 321 leucocephala, Oxyura 89-90, 320, 366 leucogeranus, Grus 126, 363, 320 leucoptera, Melanocorypha 208, 323 leucopterus, Chlidonias 170, 322 leucorodia, Platalea 57-58, 302,319 leucoryphus, Haliaeetus 94, 320 leucotos, Dendrocopos 199, 322 leucura, Chettusia 144-145, 321, 362 Limicola 156, 321 Limosa 160-161, 321 limosa, Limosa 160-161, 321 livia, Columba 176-177, 295, 322 lobatus, Phalaropus 153, 321 Locustella 249, 250, 324 lorenzii, Phylloscopus 258-259, 324 Loxia 282, 362 lugubris, Parus 264, 324 Lullula 204-205, 323 Luscinia 242-243, 311, 324 luscinia, Luscinia 243, 324 Lusciniola 249, 251, 324 luscinoides, Locustella 250, 324 Lymnocryptes 156-157, 321 macronyx, Remiz 263 macrourus, Circus 106-107, 320 major, Dendrocopos 197-198, 322 major, Parus 266-267, 324 marila, Aythya 85-86, 319 marinus, Larus 169, 322 Marmaronetta 16, 80-81, 319 martius, Dryocopus 197, 322 media, Gallinago 157, 321 medius, Dendrocopos 199, 322 megarhynchos, Luscinia 242, 311, 324 Melanitta 86, 320 melanocephala, Emberiza 286-287, 325 melanocephalus, Larus 164, 307, 322 Melanocorypha 16, 207-208, 290, 300, 323 melanopogon, Lusciniola 251, 324 melanotus, Calidris 156, 321 melba, Tachymarptis 188, 322 merganser, Mergus 89, 320 Mergus 88, 320 Meropidae 194-195 Merops 191-194, 299, 322 merula, Turdus 246-247, 324 migrans, Milvus 92-93, 320 Milvus 91-93, 320 milvus, Milvus 91, 320 minimus, Lymnocryptes 156-157, 321 minor, Dendrocopos 199-200, 322 minor, Lanius 217, 323 minuta, Calidris 153-154, 321

minutus, Ixobrychus 46, 319 minutus, Larus 164-165, 322 mlokosiewiczi, Tetrao 114-116, 320 modularis, Prunella 231-232, 323 monachus, Aegypius 104, 316, 320 monedula, Corvus 225-226, 323 mongolicus, Bucanetes 281, 325, 366 montanus, Passer 273, 325 Monticola 244, 324 Montifringilla 274-275, 325 montifringilla, Fringilla 276, 325 morinellus, Eudromias 144, 321 Motacilla 211-214, 323 Motacillidae 209-214 muraria, Tichodroma 269, 325 Muscicapa 261-262, 327 Muscicapidae 260-262 mystacea, Sylvia 16, 257, 308, 324 naevia, Locustella 250, 324 nana, Sylvia 257, 324 naumanni, Falco 110-111, 320 nebularia, Tringa 150, 321 Neophron 102-103, 320 Netta 81-82, 295, 319 neumayer, Sitta 268-269, 310, 316, 325 niger, Chlidonias 169-170, 322 nigra, Ciconia 56, 319 nigra, Melanitta 86, 320 nigricollis, Podiceps 36-37, 319 nilotica, Gelochelidon 171-172, 303,322 nipalensis, Aquila 99, 320 nisoria, Sylvia 254, 324 nisus, Accipiter 95-96, 320 nitidus, Phylloscopus 259 nivalis, Montifringilla 274-275, 325 noctua, Athene 184, 322 nordmanni, Glareola 162, 321 Numenius 158-160, 321 Nycticorax 47-48, 319 nycticorax, Nycticorax 47-48, 319 nyroca, Aythya 83-84, 295, 319, 367 ochropus, Tringa 149, 321 ochruros, Phoenicurus 240, 324 ocularis, Prunella 16, 232-233, 323, 364 oedicnemus, Burhinus 139-140, 310, 321 Oenanthe 234-238, 293, 304, 323 oenanthe, Oenanthe 234-235, 323 oenas, Columba 178, 322 olor, Cygnus. 62-63, 319 onocrotalus, Pelecanus 38-39, 319 orientalis, Pterocles 175-176, 322 Oriolidae 218-219 Oriolus 218-219, 323 oriolus, Oriolus 218-219, 323 ostralegus, Haematopus 148-149, 321

The Birds of Azerbaijan

Otididae 135-139 Otis 135-136, 321 Otus 182-183, 322 otus, Asio 185-186, 322 Oxyura 89-90, 320, 366 pallida, Hippolais 253-254, 324 palumbus, Columba 178-179, 322 palustris, Acrocephalus 251-252, 324 Pandion 90-91, 320 Pandionidae 90-91 Panurus 262-263, 296, 299, 320 paradoxus, Syrrhaptes 176, 322 parasiticus, Stercorarius 163, 322 Paridae 264-267 Parus 264-267, 324, 364 parva, Ficedula 261, 324 parva, Porzana 128, 321 Passer 270-273, 325 Passeridae 270-275 Pastor 221-222, 323 Pelecanidae 38-41 Pelecanus 38-41, 319 pendulinus, Remiz 263-264, 311, 324 penelope, Anas 77-78, 319, 367 pennatus, Hieraaetus 99, 320 percnopterus, Neophron 102-103, 320 Perdix 121-122, 320 perdix, Perdix 121-122, 320 peregrinus, Falco 113-114, 320 Pernis 91, 320 persicus, Merops 193-194, 299, 322 Petronia 274, 325 petronia, Petronia 274, 325 phaeopus, Numenius 159, 321 Phalacrocoracidae 41-45 Phalacrocorax 4-451, 312, 319 Phalaropus 153, 321 Phasianidae 116-125 Phasianus 123-125, 320 Philomachus 153, 321 philomelos, Turdus 248, 324 Phoenicopteridae 60-62 Phoenicopterus 60-62, 319, 368 Phoenicurus 239-241, 324 phoenicurus, Phoenicurus 239-240, 324 Phylloscopus 258-259, 324 Pica 223-224, 298, 309, 323 pica, Pica 223-224, 298, 309, 323 Picidae 195-200 Picus 196-197, 322 pilaris, Turdus 245, 324 Platalea 57-58, 302, 319 platyrhynchos, Anas 73-74, 319, 367 Plegadis 58-59, 303, 319 pleschanka, Oenanthe 235, 323 Pluvialis 140-141, 321

Podiceps 37, 319 Podicipedidae 35-38 pomarina, Aquila 100-101, 320 pomarinus, Stercorarius 163, 322 Porphyrio 130-132, 294, 321 porphyrio, Porphyrio 130-132, 294, 321 Porzana 127-129, 321, 355 porzana, Porzana 127-128, 321 pratensis, Anthus 210-211, 323 pratincola, Glareola 161-162, 297, 300, 322 Procellariidae 38 Prunella 16, 231-233, 323, 364 Prunellidae 231-233 Pterocles 175-176, 322 Pteroclididae 175-176 Puffinus 38 puffinus, Puffinus 38 pugnax, Philomachus 153, 321 purpurea, Ardea 54, 319 pusilla, Porzana 129, 321 pusillus, Serinus 276-277, 325 pygargus, Circus 107, 320 pygmaeus, Phalacrocorax 43-45, 312, 319 pyrrhocorax , Pyrrhocorax 224-225, 295, 323 Pyrrhocorax 224-225, 295, 323 Pyrrhula 282-283, 325 pyrrhula, Pyrrhula 282-283, 325 querquedula, Anas 80, 319 Rallidae 127-135 ralloides, Ardeola 48-49, 314, 319 Rallus 127, 321 Recurvirostra 147-148, 321 Recurvirostridae 146-148 Regulidae 260 Regulus 260, 324 regulus, Regulus 260, 324 Remiz 263-264, 311, 324 Remizidae 263-264 Rhodopechys 280, 325 richardi, Anthus 209, 323 ridibundus, Larus 165-166, 322, 368 Riparia 200, 323 riparia, Riparia 200, 323 Rissa 169, 322 roseus, Pastor 221-222, 323 rubecula, Erithacus 241-242, 324 ruber, Phoenicopterus 60-62, 319, 368 rubetra, Saxicola 233, 323 rubicilla, Carpodacus 282, 325 rufescens, Calandrella 206-207, 297, 305, 323 Rufibrenta 64-65, 319 ruficollis, Rufibrenta 64-65, 319 ruficollis, Tachybaptus 35-36, 319 ruficollis, Turdus 244, 324 rufina, Netta 81-82, 295, 319

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380 The Birds of Azerbaijan rufinus, Buteo 97, 295, 320 rupestris, Hirundo 201, 323 rustica, Emberiza 286, 325 rustica, Hirundo 201-202, 323 rusticola, Scolopax 158, 321 sandvicensis, Thalasseus 172-173, 313, 322 sanguinea, Rhodopechys 280, 325 saxatilis, Monticola 244, 324 Saxicola 233-234, 323 schoeniclus, Emberiza 286, 325 scirpaceus, Acrocephalus 252, 324 Scolopacidae 149-161 Scolopax 158, 321 scops, Otus 182-183, 322 Scotocerca 259, 324 semitorquata, Ficedula 260-261, 324 senator, Lanius 216, 315, 323 senegalensis, Streptopelia 181, 322 Serinus 276-277, 325 serrator, Mergus 88, 320 shoenobaenus, Acrocephalus 251, 324 sibilatrix, Phylloscopus 259 Sitta 267-269, 310, 316, 325 Sittidae 267-269 smyrnensis, Halcyon 191, 322 solitarius, Monticola 244, 324 spinoletta, Anthus 211, 323 Spinus 278, 325 spinus, Spinus 278, 325 squatarola, Pluvialis 140, 321 stagnatilis, Tringa 151, 321 stellaris, Botaurus 45-46, 319 stellata, Gavia 35, 319 Stercorariidae 163 Stercorarius 163, 322 Sterna 173-175, 301, 307, 322, 368 strepera, Anas 76-77, 319, 367 Streptopelia 179-181, 291, 315, 322 striata, Muscicapa 261-262, 327 Strigidae 182-186 Strix 184-185, 322 Sturnidae 219-222 Sturnus 219-221, 323 subbuteo, Falco 112, 320 svecica, Luscinia 243, 324 Sylvia 16, 254-257, 324, 355 Sylviidae 249-259 syriacus, Dendrocopos 198, 322 Syrrhaptes 176, 322 Tachybaptus 35-36, 319 Tachymarptis 188, 322 Tadorna 26, 71-73, 319 tadorna, Tadorna 71-72, 319 tarda, Otis 135-136, 321 temminckii, Calidris 154, 321

tenuirostris, Numenius 160, 321 tephronota, Sitta 269, 325 Tetrao 114-116, 320 Tetraogallus 116-118, 320, 363 Tetraonidae 114-116 Tetrax 137-139, 321 tetrax, Tetrax 137-139, 321 Thalasseus 172-173, 313, 322 Threskiornis 60, 319, 361 Threskiornithidae 57-60 Tichodroma 269, 325 Timaliidae 262-263 tinnunculus, Falco 109-110, 320 torquata, Saxicola 233-234, 323 torquatus, Turdus 245-246, 324 torquilla, Jynx 195-196, 322 totanus, Tringa 150-151, 321 tridactyla, Rissa 169, 322 Tringa 149-151, 321 trivialis, Anthus 210, 323 trochiloides, Phylloscopus 259, 324 trochilus, Phylloscopus 258, 324 Troglodytes 230-231, 323 troglodytes, Troglodytes 230-231, 323 Troglodytidae 230-231 Turdidae 233-249 Turdus 244-249, 324 turtur, Streptopelia 179-180, 291, 315, 322 undulata, Chlamydotis 139, 321 Upupa 194-195, 322 Upupidae 191-194 urbica, Delichon 202-203, 323 Vanellus 145-146, 321 vanellus, Vanellus 145-146, 321 vespertinus, Falco 111, 320 virgo, Anthropoides 126, 320 viridis, Picus 196, 322 viscivorus, Turdus 249, 324 vulgaris, Sturnus 219-221, 323 xanthoprymna, Oenanthe 237, 323 Xenus 152, 321 yeltoniensis, Melanocorypha 208, 323