Kurgannik Mohnonogiy - a rare Central Asian mountain-steppe species.
It is found in mountains and plains, in dry steppe areas. It is a sedentary or partially migratory species.
A predatory bird of the hawk family, measuring from 57 to 67 cm in length, with a wingspan of 143 to 161 cm. Males are one-fifth smaller than females. It closely resembles a buzzard. There are light and dark morphs, differing in the amount of reddish-brown feathers. The legs are partially covered with feathers and fine scales. The tail is light both above and below.
The Kurgannik lives in open steppes, deserts, and mountains, most often at altitudes from 1000 to 4500 m, less frequently at altitudes of 500 m or above 5000 m. In winter, it can also be found at sea level. Spring migrations occur in late February to March.
Nests are built on ledges of cliffs or on the ground, lined with old grass, hair, rags, etc. Nests are usually reused multiple times, sometimes for three to five consecutive years. Additionally, the Mohnonogiy Kurgannik may use different nests located close to each other in different years, most often 2-3, sometimes 5.
Laying occurs in late April to early May. The clutch consists of 3-4 eggs, less frequently 2-5. The female lays eggs over 7-8 days. Incubation begins with the first egg. In case of loss of the clutch, it may be repeated, but with fewer eggs. The overall background of the eggs is dirty white, sometimes with a pale ochre tint. The pattern is mottled, superficial, and distinct. Incubation lasts about a month, and the chicks fledge at around 45 days of age. Both parents feed the chicks, which begin to fly in late July to early August.
The main food source consists of rodents ranging in size from hares to voles (pikas, gophers), birds, reptiles, amphibians, and large insects.
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