Sakpa / Balıkçı Kushu / Osprey

Osprey

Status: Category VII, Least Concern, LC. A representative of a monotypic family and genus in the world's bird fauna. In Kyrgyzstan, the nominal subspecies P.h. haliaetus (Linnaeus, 1758) migrates.

General distribution and in the country. From the western borders, it is distributed to Kamchatka, Sakhalin, and the southern Kuril Islands. To the north, it is found on the Kola Peninsula, and to the east, it is only noted in the middle reaches of the Aldan River. Outside the CIS, it is found in Western Europe, North and Central America, Asia south to the Himalayas, Africa, and South Asia. In the Republic, it occurs during migration in water bodies in the Chui Valley; sightings near Bishkek were recorded in 1949, 1952, and 2002. There have also been multiple sightings at Lake Issyk-Kul, mainly on the northern shore near Koysary in 1956, near Ananyev, and near Tyup in 1957, with sightings noted along the left bank of the Atbashy River in 1957. Individual pairs were observed during the nesting period near the village of Srednie Uryukty in 1956-1957. Nesting may occur at Issyk-Kul. Additionally, two nests were discovered in the Sary-Chelek area in 1955.

Habitat. Clear water bodies rich in fish and wooded shores.

Population. In Kyrgyzstan, its population has not been studied. It is scarce throughout the Republic.

Life cycle. Arrives in late March-April. Egg-laying occurs in late April to early May, with 2-3 eggs per clutch. Incubation lasts 34-40 days. Migration lasts from the third decade of August to October.

Limiting factors. Economic development of water bodies, deforestation, reduction of fish stocks. Nest destruction, direct killing, and disturbance are also factors.

Conservation measures in place. Hunting is prohibited in the Republic. It is protected in nature reserves [3].

Recommended conservation measures. Organize population monitoring, clarify nesting sites for their protection. Promote species conservation. Thoroughly study biology, and attract to artificial nests in nesting areas.

Balikchy Kushu

Osprey
Pandion haliaetus (Linnaeus, 1758), ssp. haliaetus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Status: Category VII, Least Concern, LC. Migrates in the Chu Valley and Issyk-Kul oblast, along the Atbashy River. Few pairs were observed during nesting time near Orto Yryukty Village in the eastern part of the Issyk-Kul oblast; probably, the species nests near the lake. Additionally, 2 nests were recorded next to Sary-Chelek Lake in the south. Prefers clean lakes and ponds with fish and trees along the shores. Exact numbers are unknown. Arrives in March-April, lays 2-3 eggs at the end of April-beginning of May, and incubates for 34-40 days. Autumn migration starts from the third decade of August until October. Increased economic development of fish-rich lakes and ponds, tree felling, reduction of fish numbers, and destruction of nests are major limiting factors. There is no data on holding in captivity. It is recommended to identify nesting sites, assess the species' density, conduct public education, and create artificial nests to attract Osprey to nest.