Local residents in the Moskovsky district have observed a significant number of pheasants gathering along roadsides. According to reports, it is possible to encounter flocks consisting of more than ten birds at a single time.
Reasons for the migration
The sudden appearance of these birds near roads is linked to the loss of their usual cover. During the summer and early autumn, pheasants typically found food and shelter in farm fields. However, the recent hot weather has caused natural thickets, such as reeds and shrubs, to thin out. Additionally, many farm fields have already been harvested and plowed, forcing the birds to seek refuge in the remaining patches of grass along the roads surrounding the fields.
Wild bird population trends
While the sightings in Moskovsky district are a local phenomenon, official data from the National Statistical Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic shows significant fluctuations in wild bird populations across the country. Specifically, the population of partridges (kekliks) has shown varying numbers over recent observation periods.
For comparison, the National Statistical Committee reports that other popular species of game birds maintain different population levels during the same periods. Pheasants, for instance, typically range between 26,000 and 43,000 individuals, while black grouse (mountain turkeys) numbers stay between 22,000 and 27,000.
Game bird population ranges
- Black grouse — 27 birds
- Pheasants — 43 birds
National Statistical Committee
