ХИЩНЫЕ ПТИЦЫ И СОВЫ УЛУТАУ

• Main Authors: Карякин, И., Барабашин, Т.
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: Общество с ограниченной ответственностью «Сибэкоцентр» 2006
• Subjects: БАЛОБАН; ХИЩНЫЕ ПТИЦЫ; ПЕРНАТЫЕ ХИЩНИКИ; БЕРКУТ; ЗМЕЕЯД; МОГИЛЬНИК; КУРГАННИК; ФИЛИН; Bala; Falco peregrinus; peregrine falcon; Aquila chrysaetos; golden eagle; osprey; Pandion haliaetus; Беркут; Филин
• Online Access: http://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/hischnye-ptitsy-i-sovy-ulutau; http://cyberleninka.ru/article_covers/14667587.png

Methods In 2005 we have continued surveys the population of raptors in Kazakhstan started in 2003. In the season there was Field Research Center group working on the raptors surveys in Central Kazakhstan (29 April 7 May 2005). The total length of survey routes was 636 km. We set 2 new study areas for recording the number of raptors with a total area of 310.63 km2 (№ 38 147.49 km2, № 39 163.14 km2) in the Ulutau region. The Ulutau region is a large territory in Central Kazakhstan. The region includes the Ulutau mountains and steppe hills around the Ulutau mountains. The total area of the Ulutau region is 20 000 km2. Found breeding areas of raptors marked in a map, and entered in GIS (ArcView 3.2a, ESRI, CA, USA) for the following calculation of the total number of every raptor species (Karyakin, 2000, 2004). The study areas include 4 types of rocks and cliffs, charactering for the surveying territory (fig. 2). The total area of height rock and cliff in the Ulutau region measured 556.0 km2 (n=46; 0.48 197.56 km2, average 12.1±29.4 km2; average ± SD), the area of the rocks and cliffs within the study areas was 94.72 km2 (17.1%). The total area of forests in the Ulutau region measured (n=97) 45.71 km2, the area of the forests within the study areas was 4.7 km2 (10.3%). The numbers species, breeding out of rocks, cliffs and forests, calculated with extrapolations of density, recorded on auto and foot routes, per total area. Results of studies 15 species of Falconiformes and 5 species of Strigiformes were found on the surveyed territory, 11 species of Falconiformes and 2 Owls species were noted as breeding. Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) The single bird was recorded on 29 April near the Saryiasu river. Short-Toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus) At whole 3 breeding areas were found (fig. 4). On 3 May a pair of the Short-Toed Eagle (area № 1) was noted, the single bird was surveyed over the Bozdaksay river (Bala-Zheldy). On 6 May a bird uttered the mating-calls (area № 2) was recorded over a rock in upper reaches of the Tamda river. On 7 May the Short-Toed Eagle over a nest (area № 3) noted in the western side of Dondyg mount. Besides these registrations on 5 May we observed the Short-Toed Eagle, flying on a large distance next to Ulutau mount. We may project 5-10 pairs of the Short-Toed Eagle to breed in the Ulutau mountains. Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus) Single birds flying on a large distance were observes on 1 and 5 May in upper reaches of the Kumola river and near Ulutau mount. Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) We found 4 breeding areas on rock with total area more than 10 km2, 3 from which located on study areas (fig. 5). An active nest of the Golden Eagle located on a rock was found on 2 May (area № 1). On 4 May a pair of adult birds (area № 2) was observed at the western side of Ulutau mount near the nest. To 13.7 km of previous breeding area on 6 May in southern cliff part of Ulutau mount another breeding area of the Golden Eagle (area № 3) was found. The fourth breeding area was found on 7 May in rocks of western side of Dondyg mount. The density was a 0,03 pair per km2. A total of 10-18 pairs (14 pairs at average) are estimated for the Ulutau mountains. Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) The 9 breeding areas of the Imperial Eagle were found (fig. 6). On rocks 3 breeding areas (areas №№ 3-5) were found: only 2 were on study areas. All 3 nests were living: females were hatching clutches. Two nests located on the tops of aspens in small forests in canyons and a nest was on the top of a willow in small forest in the upper reaches of a stream in a steppe. The distance between two last nests was 5 km. The density in the rock forests was 0.13 pair per km2. A total of 18-20 pairs are estimated on the Ulutau mountains. The breeding area of the Imperial Eagle №№ 1-2 and 9 located in the flood-lands of rivers. On two last areas on 30 April and 7 May the living nests of the Imperial Eagles were found to locate on the single willows. On the watershed of the Tamda and the Kara-Kengir rivers 3 breeding areas of the Imperial Eagles (areas №№ 6-8) with active nests located on the concrete electric poles. The distances between nests were 9.8 and 5.6 km accordingly. The all nests of the Imperial Eagles on electric poles and trees coincided with the steppe hills around the Ulutau mountains. The density was a 0.35-0.53 pair per 100 km2 (0.44 pair per 100 km2 at average). A total of 56-82 pairs (71 pairs at average) are projected in steppe hills around the Ulutau mountains (16000 km2), while a total of 74-102 pairs are estimated in the Ulutau region. Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) In contrast to the Golden Eagle and Imperial Eagle the Steppe Eagle wasn't found breeding on rocks in the Ulutau mountains. The Steppe Eagle is usual to breed on the steppe hills around the Ulutau mountains especially in the southern part. We recorded 26 Steppe Eagles and found 11 breeding areas (fig. 7): 16 individuals were noted on 10 breeding areas, concentrated particular in the upper reaches of the Kumola river (areas №№ 1-10). Such locations were connected to special searching of breeding areas and nests of the Steppe Eagle had been taken by us on that territory. During our research 6 nests were found: in 3 nests females were hutching clutches (areas №№ 1, 4, 9), near 2 nests pairs of birds had being built nests (areas №№ 3, 8), and a nest was old on the already occupied area (№ 1) by Steppe Eagles. Three nests were located on shelves (2) and on the top (1) of little cliff along drying streams and 3 nests were on shelves (2) and on the top(1) of rocks located on tops (2) and slopes (1) of watershed mountains. The distance between living nests and the breeding area centers was (n=8) 2.0±0.73 km at average (1.24-3.27 km). The density was a 0.84 pair per 100 km2, and a total of 119-199 pairs (159 pairs at average) are estimated in the Ulutau region (19000 km2). Long-Legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) The six 6 breeding areas of the Long-legged Buzzards with active and old nests were found (fig. 8). Living nests were found only on 3 breeding areas in the southern part of the territory (areas №№ 1-3) and contend clutches with 3, 3 and 2 eggs accordingly. On the area № 4 a pair of birds was active building the nests, while on the areas №№ 5-6 birds hadn't begun to build the nest yet. A total of 13 nests of the Long-legged Buzzard were found (including old nests on the occupied areas), out of they only 2 nests were located in niches, but the rest were on shelves of large rocks (6), cliffs (6) and small rocks (1). The density was a 0.02 pair per 100 km2 for large rocks. While the most breeding areas of the Long-legged Buzzard coincide to small cliff-faces out of optimal breeding places of eagles. 37-57 pairs (47 pairs at average) breed in the Ulutau region. Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) A pair were observed near the reservoir at a distance of 15.5 км to south from Zhezkazgan on 30 April. A hunting male was recorded near Ulutau mount on 5 May. We project the total number in the Ulutau mountains no more than 3-5 pairs. Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus) We registered the Montagu's Harrier regularly since 5 May and to north from Ulutau mount. The number of the species was less than the number of the Pallid Harrier only on a bit. For breeding this species was noted preferring the bushes and grasslands in the river and stream valleys, particular near small forests. 23 breeding areas were found (21 during auto routes). The males uttered the mating-calls were registered on the most breeding areas, and on 3 areas birds were building nests. According the auto rout records the density was a 3.30 pair per 100 km2 for the whole territory, or 6.67 pair per 100 km2 for the northern part of the territory. A total of 583-683 pairs (633 pairs at average) are estimated in the Ulutau region. Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus)*** There are the most numerous raptors in the Ulutau region. They occupied the all types of moist treeless areas. At whole 53 breeding areas were found: 48 during auto routs and 5 in the courses of foot rout on rocks. On the 4 areas nests were with the hatching females, the pairs uttered the mating-calls were noted on 6 areas, on the rest areas we registered males or pairs with breeding behavior. The average distance between living nests and the centers of breeding area (n=35) is 1.6±0.93 km (0.37-3.31 km). The density was a 7.55 pair per 100 km2. A total of 1459-1559 pairs (1509 pairs at average) are estimated in the Ulutau region. Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) Probably the Sparrowhawk breeds in the large forests in the canyons of Ulutau. During the period of surveys 5 individuals (3 males and a pair with the breeding behavior) were noted in forests of the central part of Ulutau. The density was a 0.85 pair per 100 km2. The special searching of nests wasn't managed. Considering the record of individual as a pair we can project 35-43 pairs (39 pairs at average) breeding in the Ulutau mountains forests. Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) The breeding Sakers were found only on rocks of the Ulutau mountains. They preferred the large rocks, but some pairs bred on the small river cliffs. 7 breeding areas were found, all of them were on the study areas (fig. 10). On 6 breeding areas 8 nests of falcons were noted in the Long-legged Buzzard buildings. Three nests on 2 breeding areas located on river cliffs were on shelves (2) and in a niche. The other 5 nests located in the central parts of a large rock were on shelves (4) and in a cleft. In the Saker nest on the area № 3 on 3 May we found the fresh clutch with 4-eggs, the nest on the area № 5 on 4 May contained 5 chicks at several days old. The average distance between nests (n=5) was 7.72±1.63 km (6.62-9.86 km). The density was a 0.07 pair per km2 rocks and cliffs. A total of 28-38 pairs of the Saker (33 pairs at average) are estimated in the Ulutau mountains. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) We observed a single birds flying on small height to north on 3 May in the Kishutau mountains. Hobby (Falco subbuteo) During the period of surveys we noted only 7 pairs of the Hobby: 6 pairs occupied nests and 1 pair began to breed (female hutched the clutch). Six nests located in the crow buildings on aspens and one was on a birch. The density was a 1.49 pair per km2 of forests. A total of 63-73 pairs (68 pairs at average) are estimated in the Ulutau mountains. Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) Kestrels were found breeding as in forests (3 nests with the hatching females in the crow buildings on aspens), as on rocks (12 pairs, including 2 nests the hatching females in a niche of a rock and in a Long-legged Buzzard building). The density was a 0.85 pair per km2, and a total of 35-43 pairs (39 pairs at average) are estimated in forests of the Ulutau mountains. The density in rocks and cliffs was a 0.13 pair per km2, total of 65-75 pairs (70 pairs at average) are estimated in the Ulutau mountains. Also Kestrels were found to breed in ruins of villages (30-50 pairs). A total of 130-168 pairs of the Kestrel (149 pairs at average) are estimated in the Ulutau mountains. Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) Lesser Kestrels inhabit niches and clefts in rocks. We observed pairs of the Lesser Kestrel being near nesting niches and uttering the mating-calls, some times the males feeding the females, sitting in nests, but we noted no clutches in surveyed nests. A total of 55 pairs were noted (fig. 11). The most recorded birds (85.5% pairs) were concentrated into 7 colonies, consisted of 5-10 pairs per each (6.7±2.4 pairs per colony at average). The groups of 2-4 pairs of Lesser Kestrels sufficiently even inhabited the Ulutau mauntains. The density was a 0.51 pair per km2 for rocks and cliffs, while a total of 272-292 pairs (282 pairs at average) are estimated in the Ulutau mountains. Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) On the territory we found 8 breeding areas of the Eagle Owl (fig. 12). All found breeding areas located in к rocks and cliffs. It was connected with rocks being surveyed by us at first. Considering the signs of the Eagle Owl presences, we project the Eagle Owl to inhabit ravines nearest the Ulutau mountains, river cliffs along the great rivers, such as the Sarysu river (area № 8). In the upper reaches of the Kumola river on 30 April we found 3 breeding areas on the river cliffs: a pair of birds, a pair near the empty nest and the living nest with the clutch with 4 eggs (area № 3). On the study area № 38 we special searched the Eagle Owl nests, as a result 3 breeding areas were found. The nests of two pairs (with dead clutch consisted of 3 eggs and with 2 chicks in first down plumages area № 5) were noted in rocks and a nest occupied many years by a pair of the Eagle Owl (empty) on a river cliff. One more nest was found on a river cliff on 4 May out of the study area. Also we recorded the signs of the Eagle Owl presence on rocks of Ulutau mount (area № 39), unfortunately we don't have enough time for searching the Eagle Owl nests. The density was a 0.16 pair per km2 for rocks and cliffs. A total of 83-93 pairs (88 pairs at average) are estimated in the Ulutau mountains. The distance between living nests and the centers of breeding areas of Eagle Owls (n=4) was 7.0±4.15 km (1.2-10.26 km). On the steppe hills around the Ulutau mountains 36-46 pairs breed, while a total of 119-139 pairs are estimated in the Ulutau region (20000 km2). Long-Eared Owl (Asio otus) Long-eared owls breed in small forests in canyons on the Ulutau mountains. The single nest with a clutch was found in the magpie building on a willow on 4 May. A male uttered the mating-calls was noted in a small aspen forest at night 5/6 May. The density was a 0.43 pair per km2 for forests. A total of 15-23 pairs (19 pairs at average) are estimated in the Ulutau mountains. Short-Eared Owl (Asio flammeus) Perhaps the Short-eared Owl is common species in the Ulutau region and the nearest territories in some years, unfortunately at the time of our studying on the territory the number of this species was small. We observed only 3 birds during auto routs. The density was a 0.56 individual per 100 км2. A total of 66-146 pairs (106 pars at average) are estimated in the Ulutau region. Little Owl (Athene noctua) The owls inhabit the clefts in rocks. One pair with charactering breeding behavior was observed on Ulutau mount on 4/5 May. An adult bird was noted during a route on 6 May. The density was a 0.02 pair per km2 of rocks and cliffs. A total of 7-17 pairs (12 pairs at average) of little owls are estimated in the Ulutau mountains. Unfortunately the records obviously are insufficient. Scops Owl (Otus scops) Males uttered the mating-calls were registered as during a day (3 individuals), as at night on 5/6 May (3 individuals). The density was a 2.65 pair per km2. A total of 91-151 pairs (121 pairs at average) are estimated in forests of the Ulutau mountains. Methods In 2005 we have continued surveys the population of raptors in Kazakhstan started in 2003. In the season there was Field Research Center group working on the raptors surveys in Central Kazakhstan (29 April 7 May 2005). The total length of survey routes was 636 km. We set 2 new study areas for recording the number of raptors with a total area of 310.63 km2 (№ 38 147.49 km2, № 39 163.14 km2) in the Ulutau region. The Ulutau region is a large territory in Central Kazakhstan. The region includes the Ulutau mountains and steppe hills around the Ulutau mountains. The total area of the Ulutau region is 20 000 km2. Found breeding areas of raptors marked in a map, and entered in GIS (ArcView 3.2a, ESRI, CA, USA) for the following calculation of the total number of every raptor species (Karyakin, 2000, 2004). The study areas include 4 types of rocks and cliffs, charactering for the surveying territory (fig. 2). The total area of height rock and cliff in the Ulutau region measured 556.0 km2 (n=46; 0.48 197.56 km2, average 12.1±29.4 km2; average ± SD), the area of the rocks and cliffs within the study areas was 94.72 km2 (17.1%). The total area of forests in the Ulutau region measured (n=97) 45.71 km2, the area of the forests within the study areas was 4.7 km2 (10.3%). The numbers species, breeding out of rocks, cliffs and forests, calculated with extrapolations of density, recorded on auto and foot routes, per total area. Results of studies 15 species of Falconiformes and 5 species of Strigiformes were found on the surveyed territory, 11 species of Falconiformes and 2 Owls species were noted as breeding. Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) The single bird was recorded on 29 April near the Saryiasu river. Short-Toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus) At whole 3 breeding areas were found (fig. 4). On 3 May a pair of the Short-Toed Eagle (area № 1) was noted, the single bird was surveyed over the Bozdaksay river (Bala-Zheldy). On 6 May a bird uttered the mating-calls (area № 2) was recorded over a rock in upper reaches of the Tamda river. On 7 May the Short-Toed Eagle over a nest (area № 3) noted in the western side of Dondyg mount. Besides these registrations on 5 May we observed the Short-Toed Eagle, flying on a large distance next to Ulutau mount. We may project 5-10 pairs of the Short-Toed Eagle to breed in the Ulutau mountains. Black Vulture (Aegypius monachus) Single birds flying on a large distance were observes on 1 and 5 May in upper reaches of the Kumola river and near Ulutau mount. Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) We found 4 breeding areas on rock with total area more than 10 km2, 3 from which located on study areas (fig. 5). An active nest of the Golden Eagle located on a rock was found on 2 May (area № 1). On 4 May a pair of adult birds (area № 2) was observed at the western side of Ulutau mount near the nest. To 13.7 km of previous breeding area on 6 May in southern cliff part of Ulutau mount another breeding area of the Golden Eagle (area № 3) was found. The fourth breeding area was found on 7 May in rocks of western side of Dondyg mount. The density was a 0,03 pair per km2. A total of 10-18 pairs (14 pairs at average) are estimated for the Ulutau mountains. Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) The 9 breeding areas of the Imperial Eagle were found (fig. 6). On rocks 3 breeding areas (areas №№ 3-5) were found: only 2 were on study areas. All 3 nests were living: females were hatching clutches. Two nests located on the tops of aspens in small forests in canyons and a nest was on the top of a willow in small forest in the upper reaches of a stream in a steppe. The distance between two last nests was 5 km. The density in the rock forests was 0.13 pair per km2. A total of 18-20 pairs are estimated on the Ulutau mountains. The breeding area of the Imperial Eagle №№ 1-2 and 9 located in the flood-lands of rivers. On two last areas on 30 April and 7 May the living nests of the Imperial Eagles were found to locate on the single willows. On the watershed of the Tamda and the Kara-Kengir rivers 3 breeding areas of the Imperial Eagles (areas №№ 6-8) with active nests located on the concrete electric poles. The distances between nests were 9.8 and 5.6 km accordingly. The all nests of the Imperial Eagles on electric poles and trees coincided with the steppe hills around the Ulutau mountains. The density was a 0.35-0.53 pair per 100 km2 (0.44 pair per 100 km2 at average). A total of 56-82 pairs (71 pairs at average) are projected in steppe hills around the Ulutau mountains (16000 km2), while a total of 74-102 pairs are estimated in the Ulutau region. Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) In contrast to the Golden Eagle and Imperial Eagle the Steppe Eagle wasn't found breeding on rocks in the Ulutau mountains. The Steppe Eagle is usual to breed on the steppe hills around the Ulutau mountains especially in the southern part. We recorded 26 Steppe Eagles and found 11 breeding areas (fig. 7): 16 individuals were noted on 10 breeding areas, concentrated particular in the upper reaches of the Kumola river (areas №№ 1-10). Such locations were connected to special searching of breeding areas and nests of the Steppe Eagle had been taken by us on that territory. During our research 6 nests were found: in 3 nests females were hutching clutches (areas №№ 1, 4, 9), near 2 nests pairs of birds had being built nests (areas №№ 3, 8), and a nest was old on the already occupied area (№ 1) by Steppe Eagles. Three nests were located on shelves (2) and on the top (1) of little cliff along drying streams and 3 nests were on shelves (2) and on the top(1) of rocks located on tops (2) and slopes (1) of watershed mountains. The distance between living nests and the breeding area centers was (n=8) 2.0±0.73 km at average (1.24-3.27 km). The density was a 0.84 pair per 100 km2, and a total of 119-199 pairs (159 pairs at average) are estimated in the Ulutau region (19000 km2). Long-Legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus) The six 6 breeding areas of the Long-legged Buzzards with active and old nests were found (fig. 8). Living nests were found only on 3 breeding areas in the southern part of the territory (areas №№ 1-3) and contend clutches with 3, 3 and 2 eggs accordingly. On the area № 4 a pair of birds was active building the nests, while on the areas №№ 5-6 birds hadn't begun to build the nest yet. A total of 13 nests of the Long-legged Buzzard were found (including old nests on the occupied areas), out of they only 2 nests were located in niches, but the rest were on shelves of large rocks (6), cliffs (6) and small rocks (1). The density was a 0.02 pair per 100 km2 for large rocks. While the most breeding areas of the Long-legged Buzzard coincide to small cliff-faces out of optimal breeding places of eagles. 37-57 pairs (47 pairs at average) breed in the Ulutau region. Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) A pair were observed near the reservoir at a distance of 15.5 км to south from Zhezkazgan on 30 April. A hunting male was recorded near Ulutau mount on 5 May. We project the total number in the Ulutau mountains no more than 3-5 pairs. Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus) We registered the Montagu's Harrier regularly since 5 May and to north from Ulutau mount. The number of the species was less than the number of the Pallid Harrier only on a bit. For breeding this species was noted preferring the bushes and grasslands in the river and stream valleys, particular near small forests. 23 breeding areas were found (21 during auto routes). The males uttered the mating-calls were registered on the most breeding areas, and on 3 areas birds were building nests. According the auto rout records the density was a 3.30 pair per 100 km2 for the whole territory, or 6.67 pair per 100 km2 for the northern part of the territory. A total of 583-683 pairs (633 pairs at average) are estimated in the Ulutau region. Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus)*** There are the most numerous raptors in the Ulutau region. They occupied the all types of moist treeless areas. At whole 53 breeding areas were found: 48 during auto routs and 5 in the courses of foot rout on rocks. On the 4 areas nests were with the hatching females, the pairs uttered the mating-calls were noted on 6 areas, on the rest areas we registered males or pairs with breeding behavior. The average distance between living nests and the centers of breeding area (n=35) is 1.6±0.93 km (0.37-3.31 km). The density was a 7.55 pair per 100 km2. A total of 1459-1559 pairs (1509 pairs at average) are estimated in the Ulutau region. Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) Probably the Sparrowhawk breeds in the large forests in the canyons of Ulutau. During the period of surveys 5 individuals (3 males and a pair with the breeding behavior) were noted in forests of the central part of Ulutau. The density was a 0.85 pair per 100 km2. The special searching of nests wasn't managed. Considering the record of individual as a pair we can project 35-43 pairs (39 pairs at average) breeding in the Ulutau mountains forests. Saker Falcon (Falco cherrug) The breeding Sakers were found only on rocks of the Ulutau mountains. They preferred the large rocks, but some pairs bred on the small river cliffs. 7 breeding areas were found, all of them were on the study areas (fig. 10). On 6 breeding areas 8 nests of falcons were noted in the Long-legged Buzzard buildings. Three nests on 2 breeding areas located on river cliffs were on shelves (2) and in a niche. The other 5 nests located in the central parts of a large rock were on shelves (4) and in a cleft. In the Saker nest on the area № 3 on 3 May we found the fresh clutch with 4-eggs, the nest on the area № 5 on 4 May contained 5 chicks at several days old. The average distance between nests (n=5) was 7.72±1.63 km (6.62-9.86 km). The density was a 0.07 pair per km2 rocks and cliffs. A total of 28-38 pairs of the Saker (33 pairs at average) are estimated in the Ulutau mountains. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) We observed a single birds flying on small height to north on 3 May in the Kishutau mountains. Hobby (Falco subbuteo) During the period of surveys we noted only 7 pairs of the Hobby: 6 pairs occupied nests and 1 pair began to breed (female hutched the clutch). Six nests located in the crow buildings on aspens and one was on a birch. The density was a 1.49 pair per km2 of forests. A total of 63-73 pairs (68 pairs at average) are estimated in the Ulutau mountains. Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) Kestrels were found breeding as in forests (3 nests with the hatching females in the crow buildings on aspens), as on rocks (12 pairs, including 2 nests the hatching females in a niche of a rock and in a Long-legged Buzzard building). The density was a 0.85 pair per km2, and a total of 35-43 pairs (39 pairs at average) are estimated in forests of the Ulutau mountains. The density in rocks and cliffs was a 0.13 pair per km2, total of 65-75 pairs (70 pairs at average) are estimated in the Ulutau mountains. Also Kestrels were found to breed in ruins of villages (30-50 pairs). A total of 130-168 pairs of the Kestrel (149 pairs at average) are estimated in the Ulutau mountains. Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) Lesser Kestrels inhabit niches and clefts in rocks. We observed pairs of the Lesser Kestrel being near nesting niches and uttering the mating-calls, some times the males feeding the females, sitting in nests, but we noted no clutches in surveyed nests. A total of 55 pairs were noted (fig. 11). The most recorded birds (85.5% pairs) were concentrated into 7 colonies, consisted of 5-10 pairs per each (6.7±2.4 pairs per colony at average). The groups of 2-4 pairs of Lesser Kestrels sufficiently even inhabited the Ulutau mauntains. The density was a 0.51 pair per km2 for rocks and cliffs, while a total of 272-292 pairs (282 pairs at average) are estimated in the Ulutau mountains. Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) On the territory we found 8 breeding areas of the Eagle Owl (fig. 12). All found breeding areas located in к rocks and cliffs. It was connected with rocks being surveyed by us at first. Considering the signs of the Eagle Owl presences, we project the Eagle Owl to inhabit ravines nearest the Ulutau mountains, river cliffs along the great rivers, such as the Sarysu river (area № 8). In the upper reaches of the Kumola river on 30 April we found 3 breeding areas on the river cliffs: a pair of birds, a pair near the empty nest and the living nest with the clutch with 4 eggs (area № 3). On the study area № 38 we special searched the Eagle Owl nests, as a result 3 breeding areas were found. The nests of two pairs (with dead clutch consisted of 3 eggs and with 2 chicks in first down plumages area № 5) were noted in rocks and a nest occupied many years by a pair of the Eagle Owl (empty) on a river cliff. One more nest was found on a river cliff on 4 May out of the study area. Also we recorded the signs of the Eagle Owl presence on rocks of Ulutau mount (area № 39), unfortunately we don't have enough time for searching the Eagle Owl nests. The density was a 0.16 pair per km2 for rocks and cliffs. A total of 83-93 pairs (88 pairs at average) are estimated in the Ulutau mountains. The distance between living nests and the centers of breeding areas of Eagle Owls (n=4) was 7.0±4.15 km (1.2-10.26 km). On the steppe hills around the Ulutau mountains 36-46 pairs breed, while a total of 119-139 pairs are estimated in the Ulutau region (20000 km2). Long-Eared Owl (Asio otus) Long-eared owls breed in small forests in canyons on the Ulutau mountains. The single nest with a clutch was found in the magpie building on a willow on 4 May. A male uttered the mating-calls was noted in a small aspen forest at night 5/6 May. The density was a 0.43 pair per km2 for forests. A total of 15-23 pairs (19 pairs at average) are estimated in the Ulutau mountains. Short-Eared Owl (Asio flammeus) Perhaps the Short-eared Owl is common species in the Ulutau region and the nearest territories in some years, unfortunately at the time of our studying on the territory the number of this species was small. We observed only 3 birds during auto routs. The density was a 0.56 individual per 100 км2. A total of 66-146 pairs (106 pars at average) are estimated in the Ulutau region. Little Owl (Athene noctua) The owls inhabit the clefts in rocks. One pair with charactering breeding behavior was observed on Ulutau mount on 4/5 May. An adult bird was noted during a route on 6 May. The density was a 0.02 pair per km2 of rocks and cliffs. A total of 7-17 pairs (12 pairs at average) of little owls are estimated in the Ulutau mountains. Unfortunately the records obviously are insufficient. Scops Owl (Otus scops) Males uttered the mating-calls were registered as during a day (3 individuals), as at night on 5/6 May (3 individuals). The density was a 2.65 pair per km2. A total of 91-151 pairs (121 pairs at average) are estimated in forests of the Ulutau mountains.