Birds of the Shatan River Basin, Mongolia

Published Date
Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity
30 June 2015, Vol.8(2):139–143, doi:10.1016/j.japb.2015.04.003
Open Access, Creative Commons license, Funding information

Original article

Author 

• Onolragchaa Ganbold ^,

• Department of Biology, School of Mathematic and Natural Science, Mongolian National University of Education, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Received 10 March 2015. Revised 20 April 2015. Accepted 27 April 2015. Available online 5 May 2015. 

Abstract

In our study we recorded 149 species of birds belonging to 97 genera and 36 families in 15 orders. These bird species compose 32% of Mongolian registered bird fauna. Of these 149 species, 54% are passeriformes. Our observation was held in three different habitats: mountains ranging with rocks and forest (88 species), river basins (45 species), and an area around human habitation, specifically train stations outside towns (16 species). Of our studied bird species, 11 are enlisted in the International Union for Conservation of Nature red list as endangered, vulnerable, or near threatened species, and 144 are known as least concerned. Also 20 species are listed in Annexes I and II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, and 15 species are listed in Annexes I and II of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species.

Keywords

forest

habitat

mountain

order

species

---

Introduction

In some areas of Mongolia, the landscape has been changed dramatically in recent years following mining activity and the development of agriculture. Researchers are aiming to observe and document the changes on biodiversity of such areas.

Undergraduate students from the Departments of Biology and Geography, Mongolian National University of Education, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia have been doing summer field studies in the past 10 years, with the basic goal to practice on animal and plant identification and their systematics.

Here we unite and process the data gathered by our observations and registration during the past 10 years.

Materials and methods

The study area is located in Batsumber Soum, Tov province (N48.52117, E107.83190), 120 km north of Ulaanbaatar. Geomorphology it belongs to the Tuul River basin and Orkhon-Selenge basin. The maximum altitude is 1300–1700 m; mean altitude is between 50 m and 800 m. Surface soil is composed of imperial granite and mafic rock minerals of the Paleozoic era. The highest point is Tsogt-Undur mountain (1628 m), located west of our camp site, and the lowest point is in the meeting point of Shatan and Kharaa river (1200 m; Figure 1). Common habitats of birds are mixed forest (trees are larch and birch) on the shady side of the Mountain, and water meadows of Kharaa, Ulgii, and Shatan rivers.

Figure 1. Study area and marked nests.

Our study area also included Khan Kentii Natural Park, where various mammal and bird species are found (Punsalpaamuu et al 2012).

Here we report the bird species observation data gathered from 2^nd July 2014 to 7^thJuly 2014, as well as in earlier years. This report has information about bird species (Appendix 1) and their breeding. The observation areas covers 68 km² land. June and July were chosen as the best time for matching the birds breeding and feeding, with easier observation compared to other seasons.

We use common itinerary observing method. The equipment and devices used were: Nikon action 6.5° binoculars (Nikon, Tokyo, Japan); bore scope GL8806 Inspect Camera (QY, Guangdong, China); GPS Garmin map 62 (Garmin, Taiwan), Canon EOS rebel T1i with 300 mm lens (Canon, Tokyo, Japan); MS office; GIS 9.3 (Esri, New York, NY, USA); and a guide book of birds.

We observed and documented birds in four different habitats: water meadow, mixed forest, rocky mountain, and human-settled area (Figure 2), and each species was documented with its number. In some cases, some species track and scat were documented as well, concerning their way to stay hidden in their habitat. We also divided all observed species by International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List Global and Regional status, and international convention annexes (Gombobaatar and Monks 2012).

Figure 2. Bird habitats in study area: A, water meadow; B, mixed forest; C, mountain slope, rocky area; D, human habitation, specifically near the train station.

Results and discussion

We recorded 149 species of birds belonging to 97 genera, 36 families in 15 orders. These bird species compose 32% of registrered bird species in Mongolia. Of them, 54% were passeriformes, 10% falconiformes, 9% chradriformes, and 6% anseriformes (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Types of bird (habitats, status, and classification). EN = endangered; LC = least concern; NT = near threatened; VU = vulnerable.

We recorded 70 species in mixed forest, 45 species in water meadow, 18 species in rocky mountain, and 16 species in human-settled was (Figure 3). A large population of long-tailed ground squirrel was found around the mountain antrum. We chose a 300-m² area for checking the hosts of mammal burrows, and supported them with dry cow feces on the hole. Of those nests, 30% had bird tracks showing that they had been resettled by birds. This shows that the small mammal holes are important for the breeding of passeriformes in forest and mountain areas.

Train stations and townships are located following railways and rivers. Such buildings are found to be good nest habitat for small birds, especially, House Sparrow, Raven, Wheatear, Wagtail, Shrike, and Hoopoe (Tseveenmydag, 2005, Tseveenmydag, 2007, Boldbaatar, 2013, Brazil, 2009 and Purewsuren, 2013).

Of the 149 species identified, only one species is listed as endangered, five as near threatened, 54 as vulnerable, and 144 species are listed as least concern in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. Also 20 species are included in the appendices of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, and 15 species are included in the annexes of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species.

Daurian Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, Red-billed Chough, Eurasian Magpie, Black Kite, White Wagtail, Great Tit, Ruddy Shelduck, Tree Sparrow, Rock Pigeon, Little Ringed Plover, Common Sandpiper, Cuckoos, and Buntings are common in each habitat.

Our team found a Lesser Kestrel colony on a small rocky mountain near Kharaa River in 2012. We have been observing that colony for 2 years. A total of 3–4 breedings per 6–8 adults is observed in this colony, and we recorded 13 eggs from only three different nests in June 2014. We also recorded a Cinereous Vulture’s nest with only one chick, during 2 years. Breeding success was 100% during breeding seasons. This nest is set on a tree, and it is well protected from carnivores, but vulnerable to possible climate impact (strong rain, storms).

Other nests of common species were recorded, such as a Northern Lapwing colony (almost 10 breeding per nest), a Little Ringed Plover’s single nest, two Mallard nests (both including 8 eggs), Tit and Bunting nests in tree holes, White Wagtail and Wheatear nests in holes of small mammals, and a Red-Billed Chough nest under a railway bridge. Daurian Partridge and Black-billed Capercaillie have been registered in and in the outskirts of forest in this area.

We provide verification on the potential factors affecting the bird life habit in this area. Forest fire is known to be very dangerous to forest animals, especially birds. Remnants of forest fire are common. In June 2003, a huge forest fire was burning at the time of the students’ field practical.

Following domestic animals grazing over the water meadow, many bird nests were destroyed, especially Northern Lapwing, Sandpipers, and Plover nests in the study area. If the number of domestic animals increases, bird habitat will decline.

We are planning to make a guidebook of birds about our study area for researchers and students. This book will include species photos, English and scientific names, and basic species information.

The study field area Shatan is known to be less damaged or preserved natural reserve place covering forest, mountain, marsh, rivers, and water meadow. It is favorable for bird species.

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to members of Mongolian and Korean biological expedition, its former head Mr. Peak, professors of Mongolian National University of Education, and all students and associates.

Appendix 1 Bird checklist of Shatan River basin.

	Species name		Status		Convention
	Common name	Scientific name	Global status	Regional status	CITES	CMS
	Bird: Aves
A	Podicipediformes
1	Great Crested Grebe	Podiceps cristatus	LC	LC
B	Ciconiiformes
2	Grey Heron	Ardea cinerea	LC	LC
3	Black Stork	Ciconia nigra	LC	LC	II	II
C	Anseriformes
4	White-fronted goose	Anser albifrons	LC	NT
5	Whooper Swan	Cygnus cygnus	LC	LC
6	Ruddy Shelduck	Tadorna ferruginea	LC	LC
7	Mallard	Anas platyrhynchos	LC	LC
8	Green-winged Teal	Anas crecca	LC	LC
9	Gadwall	Anas strepera	LC	LC
10	Tufted duck	Aythya fuligula	LC	LC
11	Common Goldeneye	Bucephala clangula	LC	LC
12	Common Merganser	Mergus merganser	LC	LC
D	Falconiformes
13	Western Marsh Harrier	Circus aeruginosus	LC	LC	II	II
14	Pallas’s Fish-eagle	Heliaeetus leocoryphus	VU	EN	II	II
15	Black kite	Milvus migrans	LC	LC
16	Upland Buzzard	Buteo hemilasius	LC	LC	II	II
17	Rough-legged Buzzard	Buteo lagopus	LC	LC	II	II
18	Common Buzzard	Buteo buteo	LC	LC	II	II
19	Steppe Eagle	Aquila nipalensis	LC	LC	II	II
20	Golden Eagle	Aquila chrysaetos	LC	LC	II	II
21	Black Vulture	Aegypius monachus	NT	LC	II	II
22	Northern Goshawk	Accipiter gentilis	LC	LC	II	II
23	Eurasian Sparrow Hawk	Accipiter nisus	LC	LC	II	II
24	Saker Falcon	Falco cherrug	VU	VU	II	II
25	Lesser Kestrel	Falco naumanni	VU	LC	I	II
26	Common Kestrel	Falco tinnunculus	LC	LC	II	II
27	Amur Falcon	Falco amurensis	LC	LC	I
E	Galliformes
28	Daurian Partridge	Perdix dauurica	LC	LC
29	Black Grouse	Lyrurus tetrix	LC	LC
30	Japanese Quail	Coturnix japonica	NT	LC
31	Black-billed Capercaillie	Tetrao parvirostris	LC	LC
32	Hazel Grouse	Tetrastes bonasia	LC	LC
F	Columbiformes
33	Rock Dove	Columba livia	LC	LC
34	Hill Pigeon	Columba rupestris	LC	LC
35	Oriental Turtle Dove	Streptopelia orientalis	LC	LC
36	Demoiselle crane	Grus virgo	LC	LC	II	II
37	Common coot	Fulica atra	LC	LC
38	Baillon’s Crake	Porzana pusilla	LC	LC
G	Charadriiformes
39	Little Ringed Plover	Charadrius dubius	LC	LC
40	Northern Lapwing	Vanellus vanellus	LC	LC
41	Green Sandpiper	Tringa ochropus	LC	LC
42	Wood Sandpiper	Tringa glareola	LC	LC
43	Marsh Sandpiper	Tringa stagnitus	LC	LC
44	Common Sandpiper	Actitis hypoleucos	LC	LC
45	Red-necked Stint	Calidris ruficollis	LC	LC
46	Common Snipe	Gallinago gallinago	LC	LC
47	Marsh Snipe	Gallinago megala	LC	LC
48	Eurasian Curlew	Numenius arquata	LC	LC
49	Little Gull	Larus minutus	LC	LC
50	Mew Gull	Larus canus	LC	LC
51	White-winged Turn	Chlidonias leucopterus	LC	LC
52	Common Turn	Sterna hirundo	LC	LC
H	Cuculiformes
53	Common Cuckoo	Cuculus canorus	LC	LC
54	Oriental Cuckoo	Cuculus saturates	LC	LC
I	Strigiformes
55	Eagle Owl	Bubo bubo	LC	LC	II
56	Short-eared Owl	Asio flammeus	LC	LC	II
57	Little Owl	Athenne noctua	LC	LC	II
58	Ural Owl	Strix uralensis	LC	LC	II
J	Caprimulgiformes
59	Eurasian Nightjar	Caprimulgus europaeus	LC	LC
K	Upupiformes
60	Eurasian Hoopoe	Upopa epops	LC	LC
L	Piciformes
61	Eurasian Wryneck	Jynx torquilla	LC	LC
62	Black Woodpecker	Dryocopus martius	LC	LC
63	Great Spotted Woodpecker	Dendrocopos major	LC	LC
64	Grey-headed Woodpecker	Picus canus	LC	LC
65	Lesser Spotted Woodpecker	Dendrocopos minor	LC	LC
66	Three-toad Woodpecker	Picoides tridactylus	LC	LC
M	Apodiformes
67	Common Swift	Apus apus	LC	LC
68	Pacific Swift	Apus pacificus	LC	LC
N	Passeriformes
69	Crested Lark	Galerida cristata	LC	LC
70	Short-toed Lark	Galandrella cinerea	LC	LC
71	Mongolian Lark	Melanocorypha mongolica	LC	LC
72	Horned Lark	Eremophila alpestris	LC	LC
73	Common Skylark	Alauda arvensis	LC	LC
74	Richard’s Pipit	Anthus richardi	LC	LC
75	Tree Pipit	Anthus trivialis	LC	NT
76	Yellow Wagtail	Motacilla flava	LC	LC
77	Grey Wagtail	Motacilla cinerea	LC	LC
78	Yellow Headed Wagtail	Motacilla citreola	LC	LC
79	White Wagtail	Motacilla alba	LC	LC
80	Brown Shrike	Lanius cristatus	LC	LC
81	Isabeline Shrike	Lanius isabellinus	LC	LC
82	Great Grey Shrike	Lanius excubitor	LC	LC
83	Bohemian Waxwing	Bombycilla garrulus	LC	LC
84	Siberian Accentor	Prunella montanella	LC	LC
85	Brown Accentor	Prunella fulvescens	LC	LC
86	Chinese Bush Warbler	Bradypterus tacsanowskius	LC	LC
87	Lanceolated Warbler	Locustella lanceolata	LC	LC
88	Paddyfield Reed Warbler	Acrocephalus agricola	LC	LC
89	Great Reed Warbler	Acrocephalus arundinaceus	LC	LC
90	Desert Warbler	Sylvia communs	LC	LC
91	Lesser Whitetroat	Sylvia curruca	LC	LC
92	Willow Warbler	Phylloscopus trochiloides	LC	LC
93	Arctic Warbler	Phylloscopus borealis	LC	LC
94	Inornata Warbler	Phylloscopus inornatus	LC	LC
95	Pallas’s Leaf warbler	Phylloscopus proregulus	LC	LC
96	Dusky Leaf Warbler	Phylloscopus fuscatus	LC	LC
97	Red Breasted Flycatcher	Ficedula parva	LC	LC
98	Asian Brown Flycatcher	Muscicapa latirostris	LC	LC
99	Dark sided Flycatcher	Muscicapa sibirica	LC	LC
100	Spotted Flycatcher	Muscicapa striata	LC	LC
101	Common Stonechat	Saxicola torquata	LC	LC
102	Northern Wheatear	Oenanthe oenanthe	LC	LC
103	Pied Wheatear	Oenanthe pleschanka	LC	LC
104	Isabelline Wheatear	Oenanthe isabellina	LC	LC
105	Rock Thrush	Monticola saxatilis	LC	LC
106	Daurian Redstart	Phoenicurus auroreus	LC	LC
107	Common Redstart	Phoenicurus phoenicutus	LC	LC
108	Eversmann’s Redstart	Phoenicurus erythronotus	LC	LC
109	Siberian Rubythroat	Luscinia calliope	LC	LC
110	Bluethroat	Luscinia svecica	LC	LC
111	Orange-flanked Bush Robin	Tarsiger cyanurus	LC	LC
112	Pale Thrush	Turdus pallidus	LC	LC
113	Red-throated Thrush	Turdus ruficollis	LC	LC
114	Naumann’s Thrush	Turdus naumanni	LC	LC
115	Fieldfare Thrush	Turdus pilaris	LC	LC
116	Bearded Tit	Panurus biarmicus	LC	LC
117	Long-tailed Tit	Aegithalos caudatus	LC	LC
118	Willow Tit	Parus montanus	LC	LC
119	Great Tit	Parus major	LC	LC
120	Marsh Tit	Parus palustris	LC	LC
121	Wood Nuthatch	Sitta europaea	LC	LC
122	Rock Sparrow	Petronia petronia	LC	LC
123	Small Snowfinch	Pyrgilauda daviiana	LC	LC
124	Common Redpoll	Acanthis flammea	LC	LC
125	Hoary Redpoll	Acanthis hornemanni	LC	LC
126	Common Rosefinch	Carpodacus erythrinus	LC	LC
127	Pallas’s Rosefinch	Carpodacus roseus	LC	LC
128	Long-tailed Rosefinch	Uragus sibiricus	LC	LC
129	Pine Crossbill	Pinicola enucleator	LC	LC
130	Eurasian Bullfinch	Pyrrhula pyrrhula	LC	LC
131	Hawfinch	Coccothraustes coccothraustes	LC	LC
132	Barn Swallow	Hirundo rustica	LC	LC
133	House Martin	Delichon urbica	LC	LC
134	Eurasian Magpie	Pica pica	LC	LC
135	Red-billed Cough	Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax	LC	LC
136	Carrion Crow	Corvus corone	LC	LC
137	Common Raven	Corvus corax	LC	LC
138	Daurian Jackdaw	Corvus dauuricus	LC	LC
139	Eurasian Rook	Corvus frugilegus	LC	LC
140	Tree Sparrow	Passer montanus	LC	LC
141	House Sparrow	Passer domesticus	LC	LC
142	Pine Bunting	Emeriza leucocephalos	LC	LC
143	Meadow Bunting	Emberiza cioides	LC	LC
144	Rustic Bunting	Emberiza rustica	LC	LC
145	Rock Bunting	Emberiza cia	LC	LC
146	Yellow-breasted Bunting	Emberiza aureola	VU	NT
147	Siberian Jay	Perisoreus infaustus	LC	LC
148	Eurasian Jay	Garrulous glandarius	LC	LC
149	Azure-winged magpie	Cyanopica cyanus	LC	LC

CITES = the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species; CMS = Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species; EN = endangered; LC = least concern; NT = near threatened; VU = vulnerable.

References

1. • Boldbaatar, 2013
   • S.H. Boldbaatar
   • Guide book to Mongolian birds I, II хэϑлэл⌖
   • 2013 Ulaanbaatar
2. • Brazil, 2009
   • M. Brazil
   • Birds of East Asia
   • 2009, Christopher Helm Publishing, London
3. • Gombobaatar and Monks, 2012
   • S. Gombobaatar, E.M. Monks
   • Bird red list of Mongolia
   • 2012 Available at: http://www.nationalredlist.org/mongolian-red-list-of-birds/
4. • Punsalpaamuu et al., 2012
   • G. Punsalpaamuu, S.H. Dariimaa, M. Munkhbaatar, et al.
   • Report ecological research in Shatan Region
   • 2012 Ulaanbaatar
5. • Purewsuren, 2013
   • T.S. Purewsuren
   • Birds of Khanbogd guidebook
   • 2013 Ulaanbaatar
6. • Tseveenmydag, 2005
   • N. Tseveenmydag
   • Birds of Khentii Mountain region guidebook
   • 2005 Ulaanbaatar
7. • Tseveenmydag, 2007
   • N. Tseveenmydag
   • Index of names of Mongolian bird species
   • 2007 Ulaanbaatar

• Peer review under responsibility of National Science Museum of Korea (NSMK) and Korea National Arboretum (KNA).

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