Dunnock

Prunella modularis (Linnaeus, 1758)

2019-10-10 Altaisky krai	© Andrei Bespalov

Distribution

Recorded on migration in Ural valley in south to Atyrau, in Ural-Emba and Utva-Ilek interflows and at Mangyshlak. Vagrant birds noted in Naurzum Reserve (18 April 1972, 19 October 2013), Kurgaldzhino Reserve (10 April 1977) and near Chilik. In mild winters recorded on Barsa-Kelmes island. Several birds were ringed in the Kyzylkum desert in October 1973.

Biology

Rare passage migrant. Occurs in scrub, dense willow or poplar thickets, tall weeds, and reeds or reed-mace beds on reservoir shores. In spring occurs end March – late April. In autumn recorded singly or in small groups late September – November, mostly in October. Winter records from Mangyshlak 7 December 1966, Barsa-Kelmes island 19 January 1960 and near Chilik 10 January 1993.

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.