Geology topics
Pu Tsengeg
Publications and source records attributed to Pu Tsengeg.
Siblicide, splayed-toes-flight display, and grappling in the Saker Falcon
We observed two incidents of novel social behavior in the saker falcon (Falco cherrug) in Mongolia. First, we provide an account of a two-week-old saker falcon chick killing its nest mate, the first direct observation of siblicide in the genus Falco. We also report aerial combat between three adult saker falcons including observations of talon grappling, whirling, and Splayed-toes-flight, a previously undescribed social display.
Pronounced variation in tarsal and foot feathering in the upland buzzard (Buteo hemilasius) in Mongolia
During 1994, 1995, 1997, and 1998 expeditions across Mongolia, we located over 250 upland buzzard (Buteo hemilasius) nests. At these, we noted considerable morphological variation in plumage coloration and in leg pterylosis. In 1997 and 1998, we examined 131 nests scattered across eastern and central Mongolia and report here the tarsal condition of 119 nestlings from 59 broods where young were at least 2 weeks of age. Of 119 birds carefully examined, 50 (42%) had less than fully feathered tarsi and 4 of the 69 with fully feathered tarsi had scattered feathers on their toes. Thus, 54 of 119 birds (45%) in some way deviated from the feathered tarsibare toes condition. This extraordinary degree of variability in feather patterns may be best explained as the result of extensive and relatively recent hybridization between the longlegged (Buteo rufinus) and roughlegged (B. lagopus) buzzards and/or between long-legged and upland buzzards.
Saker falcon research and conservation efforts in Mongolia, 1997
This past summer. our small field team followed a 4000 km route through central and eastern Mongolia. Even though there was a population crash underway for picas (Ochotona sp.) and voles (Microtus sp.). we found 38 new saker nests and visited 60 eyries found in previous years. Many of the former eyries were unoccupied. Others were occupied but without young. Productivity was good at eyries with large young. and southeastern Mongolia seemed unaffected by food shortages. The main goal for 1997 was to create new eyries and enlarge. stabilise. or otherwise alter marginal eyries. \Ve created 65 eyries as follows: 8 on wooden powerlines or telephone supports, 8 on metal power line towers, 3 in trees, 3 on boulders, 11 on cliffs, 17 on abandoned buildings, 9 on metal geological survey towers, and 6 on miscellaneous structures. \Ve also enlarged or repaired three establishedeyries and did minor repairs on several others. Lesser accomplishments include what may be the first observation of siblicide for the saker falcon (please contact us immediately if you have other records of sakerchicks attacking or killing their nest mates) and the description of a new saker flight display. We also documented an unusual golden eagle eyrie containing the remains of nearly 30 foxes, several predatory birds, and a number of gazelle. In 1998. we plan to return to Mongolia to see how many of our 'fake eyries' attracted falcons. Our work in 1997 was supported by Mr. Howell. another philanthropist (anonymous) and the Institute of Raptor Studies.
Remarkable saker falcon ( Falco cherrug ) breeding records for Mongolia
During 1994-95 surveys, we located over 80 Saker Falcon ( Falco cherrug ) breeding sites in Mongolia. Over half of the sites had features that were in some way remarkable or previously undescribed in the scientific literature. Ten were on utility poles, two on bridges, three on abandoned buildings and one was on a truck tire on a pole. Seven sites were very near buzzard nests and two more were in buzzard nests that were used the same season. Five sites were on cliff tops accessible by walking. Four were on very short cliffs, two were on broken/sloping cliffs and one was at the base of a cliff. Five were on the tops of stone pillars. Six were in very short elm trees. Nest composition was also sometimes remarkable: one was a suspended uric acid (excrement) platform without underlying support, three were trash nests and two were composed largely of bones.
Productivity of saker falcons (Falco cherrug) in Mongolia
During the summers 1994-1995, over 80 eyries were located on over 10,000 km of survey routes in Mongolia. Where possible, production and hatch dates were assessed when the eyries were found. For 75 nesting attempts, breeding success was found to be 92%. The average number of young per brood was 28 for 68 attempts. The number of young fledged per pair by year were 3.2 in 1994 and 2.6 in 1995. Productivity values for western Mongolia were 3.1, central 3.4, and eastern 2.5. Similar values for three habitat types were 2.8 in mountain, 3.1 in foothill, and 2.4 in flat habitat. Support type comparisons were: 2.9 young for cliff nests, 3.5 young for trees, 1.9 young for utility poles, and 2.5 young for other artificial structures. These values (except for the utility pole sites) represent a highly productive population.
Preliminary raptor surveys in western Mongolia
Raptors were observed on a 5200 km expedition from Ulaan Baatar through the Hangay Mountains to the Russian Altay Mountains with return through the Gobi Altay Mountains. The focus of the expedition was on nesting ecology of the Saker (Falco cherrug) and Altay falcons (F. altaicus) (25 eyries were located), but nests were also found for seven other species including more than 30 nests found of the upland buzzard (Buteo hemilasius). We conducted 21 day-long counts and 10 more formal raptor road counts. Raptors were concentrated in areas where perches were common and where food was most abundant. Western Mongolia remains a vast undeveloped land where camel trains and yak carts are normal. No developed highway network exists. Raptor work in the interior must be supported by four-wheel drive vehicles traveling cross country. Food and fuel for a research team are difficult to procure, but raptor populations are largely unexploited. Raptors frequently nest on the ground or on very low cliffs and tress, and often nest in close proximity of pairs of their own and other species. Several areas of special significance to raptors are discussed including the Taleen Ulaan (Red Steppe) areas of granite dells which we recommend for status as an international reserve.