Tashimova AR, Gavrilov E, Akentyeva YEV, Chalikova YS, Syrymgul ZK, Kobegenova SS, Berdikulov BT. 2025. Migratory connections of Coraciiformes of Kazakhstan based on bird ringing. Biodiversitas 26: 4706-4713. This study provides the first long-term and comprehensive analysis of bird ringing data for four Coraciiformes species, Eurasian Roller (Coracias garrulus), Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster), and Blue-cheeked Bee-eater (M. persicus), captured in Kazakhstan between 1966 and 2025, with most data obtained from Shakpak Pass, a major migratory bottleneck in Central Asia. Over these 60 years, more than 26,000 individuals were ringed, yet only 35 recoveries were reported, highlighting the scarcity of long-distance encounter data in the region. The majority of recoveries involved M. apiaster, which demonstrated extensive migratory connectivity, including southward movements through Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, westward passage toward the Caspian region, and remarkable long-distance encounters from Saudi Arabia, Syria, and even France. The latter represents a case of abmigration, providing evidence of population mixing between Central Asia and Europe. By contrast, C. garrulus and M. persicus were mainly documented as consistent passage migrants through Shakpak Pass, while A. atthis displayed signs of philopatry at local ringing sites. These findings emphasize the importance of Central Asia as a critical, yet understudied, segment of Eurasian migration systems. The exceptionally low recovery rates stress the urgent need to combine traditional ringing with modern tracking tools and to enhance public awareness and reporting to strengthen migration research and conservation.

This article examines changes in bird community structure in Taldybulak Gorge (Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve) from 1996 to 2025. To maximise comparability, we analyse 11 seasons restricted to the last week of June (1996-2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2025). Counts were conducted along a fixed route, in morning hours only, by the same observer. Over this period, 34 species were recorded; a core of just 12 species formed the resident community, whereas others bred irregularly or appeared during post-breeding foraging movements. The latter occasionally dominated for short intervals (e.g., Sturnus roseus). Both species richness (8-19 per day) and total abundance varied strongly across years (12.3-198.8 ind./h) and even across successive days. The processes observed were largely natural; however, even minor human disturbance influenced them, as evidenced by marked declines since the early 21st century in the Black-headed Penduline Tit (Remiz coronatus) and the White-throated Dipper (Cinclus cinclus), coincident with increased tourist traffic. Key words: Aksu-Zhabagly Nature Reserve; Taldybulak Gorge; avifauna; bird community structure; recreational disturbance; phenology

Kazakhstan is a major migration corridor for raptors in Central Asia, yet the migratory connectivity of these species remains poorly documented. We analysed 60 years of ringing data (1966–2025) for three species: Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), Northern Goshawk (Astur gentilis), and Shikra (Tachyspiza badia). In total, 5785 individuals were ringed, and 38 recoveries of Kazakhstan-ringed birds were obtained (0.66%). Because recoveries for Goshawk (n = 2) and Shikra (n = 1) are extremely limited, quantitative analyses were restricted to Sparrowhawk recoveries (n = 35), while the other two species are reported descriptively as case records. For Sparrowhawks, migration distances reached 1947 km (mean = 975 km) and did not differ detectably among age classes. Most ringing effort occurred at Shakpak Pass (94.7%), and recoveries indicate connectivity between Kazakhstan, Western Siberia and wintering areas in Central Asia and northern India. Among recovered dead birds (n = 25), shooting (n = 10) and powerline electrocution or collision (n = 3) were frequently reported causes. These long-term ring recoveries provide baseline information on movement connectivity and threats for Central Asian accipiters and highlight the value of sustained monitoring at migration bottlenecks.

The study focuses on habitat use and behavioral characteristics of the Eurasian eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) at Shakpak Pass situated in the Western Tien Shan. The study aims to elucidate the species' ecological adaptations and conservation requirements, marking the inaugural use of GPS/GSM telemetry to track spatial movements. The tracking data offers detailed insights into the owl's ecology, including its movement patterns, hunting behavior, and habitat use. The study emphasizes the species' adaptability to various environments and contributes to understanding Bubo Bubo's survival strategies and habitat requirements. The findings hold practical significance for avian ecology and conservation science.