Pygmy Cormorant
Phalacrocorax pygmaeus Pallas, 1773
Кіші суқұзғын
South Kazakhstan, Chushkakol lake
- status in Kazakhstan
- nests here · on migration · winters here
- conservation status
- IUCN LCleast concern
- when to see it
- February — Octoberwinters: November — January
- on the site
- 358 observationslast: 1 Nov 2026
- videos
- 3
Description
У взрослых птиц в весеннем наряде голова и шея бурые; плечевые, верхние кроющие крыла и второстепенные маховые темно-серые с черными краями; вся остальная верхняя сторона, первостепенные маховые, рулевые, кроющие хвоста, бока брюха и груди и зоб черные, с металлическим отливом; середина груди и брюха темно-бурые. На голове, шее, спине, подхвостье и по всей нижней стороне разбросаны мелкие белые перышки. Зимой все цвета тусклее, голова и шея черные. Рулевых 12. Ноги черные, радужина темно-коричневая, иногда синевато-черная. Молодые сверху темно-бурые; горло белое; низ или беловатый или буроватый. Размеры: крыло 200-210 мм, хвост 140-150 мм, плюсна около 36 мм, клюв 27-33 мм.
Distribution
Previously nested on Syrdarya river valley and, probably, in delta of Ural river. Several birds observed in Ural river delta in 2000, and has probably bred close to Atyrau in 2002. Vagrant birds observed 16-21 April 1967 (2 and 4 birds) on Chu river and 12 birds on Sorbulak lake on 30 May 1995. In 2001 common in Syrdarya valley and on Chushkakol lakes, where also probably bred in 2002. One bird recorded on Kurgaldzhino Reserve 16 May 2001. In mild winters seen on Syrdarya river near Dzhulek village; in Tashkent area winters regularly in small groups or singly. On 18-21 December 2003 about 100 birds recorded on Chardara reservoir.
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- Breeding
- Migration
- Wintering
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Latest observations
all species photos · 358 →
2
4Species videos · 3
all species videos · 3 →
Biology
Rare breeding migrant. Inhabits fish lakes and river channels with rich reed-beds or riparian trees and bushes. Appears end February – early March. Breeding in small colonies, usually together with Cormorant, Grey Heron and Night Heron, or in single pairs. Nests are built in reeds, on bushes and trees from dry reed stems and leaves. Clutches of 4-6, less often 3 or 7 eggs discovered at end of May – mid-June. Both parents incubate and feed juveniles. Autumn migration not well marked.
Sources
Gavrilov E. I., Gavrilov A. E. "The Birds of Kazakhstan". Almaty, 2005. Э.И.Гаврилов. "Фауна и распространение птиц Казахстана". Алматы, 1999. "Птицы Казахстана" том 1. "Наука". Алма-Ата, 1960.