White-tailed Eagle \ Aquila chrysaetos

White-tailed Eagle

Status: Category VI, Nearly Threatened, NT. A rare bird with a declining population. One of eight species of eagles in the world fauna and one of two species in the fauna of Kyrgyzstan, the nominative subspecies H. a. albicilla (Linnaeus, 1758) winters here. Not listed in the IUCN for Kyrgyzstan [1].

Distribution general and in the country. Found in the north up to the Kola Peninsula, half of Eurasia to the south to Central Asia and Mongolia [63]. In Kyrgyzstan, it is found in the Chui Valley, Issyk-Kul, and in the water bodies of southern Kyrgyzstan [2].

Habitat. Coasts of seas, rivers, and lakes rich in fish and waterfowl, with tall trees or cliffs suitable for nesting [66].

Population. At least 25-30 individuals winter in the republic [3]. However, 7 wintering birds were observed simultaneously at the fish farm ponds near Bishkek, of which only 2 were adults [61].

Life style (life cycles). Arrives only for wintering. Lays from 1 to 4 eggs. Incubation lasts 35-40 days.

Limiting factors. Economic development of water body coasts, lack of food. Direct destruction.

Breeding (keeping in captivity). Breeds in captivity [23].

Existing conservation measures. Listed in the CITES of global significance [15]. Hunting regulations in Kyrgyzstan prohibit shooting. Included in Appendix 1 of the "Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora" [3].

Recommended conservation measures. Protection of wintering sites. Promotion of species conservation through mass media. Establishment of a nursery for breeding in captivity. Determine the actual population at wintering sites and organize supplementary feeding. Study the limiting factors.

White-tailed Eagle
Haliaeetus albicilla (Linnaeus, 1758), ssp. albicilla (Linnaeus, 1758)
Status: VI category, Nearly Threatened, NT. Rare wintering bird in the Chu Valley and Issyk-Kul oblast. Prefers lakes and rivers with fish and waterfowl. There are at least 10-15 birds wintering in Kyrgyzstan. Lays 1-4 eggs, incubates for 35-40 days. Illegal game shooting and economic development of lakes and rivers are major limiting factors. There are cases of breeding in captivity but not in Kyrgyzstan. It is proposed to protect roosting sites during the winter, increase public awareness, and establish a nursery for breeding and reintroducing purposes.