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Breeds and recorded on migration throughout Kazakhstan, including mountain lakes (Markakol lake and on Dzhabagly ridge in Talasskiy Alatau). Wintering in the south, sometimes in south-eastern Kazakhstan, where common, and on unfrozen lakes at Kulsary village. In mild winters observed on Aral Sea near Barsa-Kelmes. Annually common on Sorbulak lake and in Western Tien Shan foothills.

Biology

Common breeding migrant. Inhabits fresh or salty lakes, rivers and also small streams both on plains and in mountains up to 2200 m in Western Tien Shan, and 1500-1800 m in Altai. Arrives very early in spring, when first thawed patches of earth appear. In south Kazakhstan migration begins mid- or end February, in more northern areas in March, and near Petropavlovsk and on Markakol lake early – mid-April. Migration occurs in pairs or small separate flocks, but mostly with other ducks. Nest is built under grass, bushes, among reeds and in old Crow nests in trees. It is constructed from grass stems and lined with down which is plentiful close to hatching. Clutches of 5-11 eggs mostly in April – May, probably repeat clutches recorded in early – late June. Juveniles observed from mid-May onwards, mainly June – July, and in July – August birds begin to fly. After females begin incubation, males gather in flocks and disperse to moult on shallow steppe lakes with reed-beds mainly in Central Kazakhstan (Kurgaldzhin, Turgay, Naurzum etc). Autumn migration begins end August, but in most areas in October - November, before open water freezes.

Subspecies

Anas platyrhynchos platyrhynchos (Linnaeus, 1758)

References

Gavrilov E. I., Gavrilov A. E. "The Birds of Kazakhstan". Almaty, 2005. Э.И.Гаврилов. "Фауна и распространение птиц Казахстана". Алматы, 1999. В.К.Рябицев. "Птицы Урала, Приуралья и Западной Сибири". Екатеринбург. Изд-во Уральского университета, 2000.