Cheglok - Zhagalmai

Cheglok.

Small (like a pigeon), as with all falcons, it is beautiful and graceful. It has long pointed wings and a tail resembling a wedge. The total length is 32-37 cm, wingspan 76-85 cm, wing length 25-30 cm, males weigh 170-210 g, females about 250 g.

Females of the cheglok, like all other falcons, are larger. The plumage is mottled – the upper part of the body is a solid gray-steel color, while the chest and underside are yellowish-white with small dark streaks. The undertail coverts and "pants" are reddish. The head of the cheglok is also dark, with bright white spots on the throat and cheeks. The dark "moustaches" are clearly visible. Its flight is very fast: frequent wing beats alternate with gliding (not soaring). The call is a ringing "kli-kli-kli."

It inhabits forest edges, along the banks of large rivers, at the edges of sphagnum bogs, in pastures, and agricultural lands near tree plantings or dense shrubs. Occasionally, it settles in the suburbs of populated areas.

Their diet consists of small birds and insects (the latter they catch in the air, holding them in their claws).

The cheglok does not build its own nest but occupies old nests of other birds of prey. Nesting areas are very consistent. The nest is always located in the upper part of a tree with a good view, at a height of 8-37 m (on average 15 m) from the ground, and can be used for several consecutive seasons. Being a territorial bird, the cheglok always nests at least 300-500 m away from other falcons, usually 1-2 km apart.

The clutch consists of 2-4 mottled eggs. The female incubates them for about 28 days. The male feeds her at the nest. At the age of 30-35 days, the chicks begin to fly but stay close to the nest for some time.

Birds