Status: Category III (VU) — Vulnerable species.
Importance: This species’ population in Turkmenistan is crucial for preserving the country’s gene pool.
Distribution: Found in plains from the lower Etrek River to Amudarya. Outside Turkmenistan — Eurasia (from the lower Danube to Baikal), lower Syrdarya and Iran. Winters in southern Asia and Africa.
Habitat: River valleys, deserts, and wintering in oases.
Population and trends: Common in 1970s-80s, now rare. Migrates and winters in small numbers, estimated total about 400 individuals.
Biology: Migratory, partly wintering. Spring migration from late March to late April; autumn migration from late September to late November. Diet includes rodents, small birds, lizards, and insects.
Conservation: Listed in Turkmenistan’s Red Book, protected in all reserves. Protection measures should be strengthened.
Research recommendations: Regular monitoring of the species’ status is necessary.