TURKEY - a report from a birdwatching trip to Central ... - Netfugl.dk

Badger! In flight, the combination of long strong bill and bluish upperparts creates an association to
a miniature kingfisher - an association I never get in Rock or Common Nuthatch. The flanks and
under tail-coverts often shows a buffish to rusty tinge; this may however be weak, and in least
patterned birds, it matches the slightly sandy tinge of Rock Nuthatch.
Breeds in similar habit as Rock Nuthatch, but often in slightly flatter areas with smaller rocks, and
generallly more stands of vegetation (often seen creeping in top of bushes, which is rare in Rock
Nuthatch). Resularly performs “rubberball hopping” between large rocks. The deeper and more farcryng
call than in Rock bears reminiscence to a small gamebird.
Local in Turkey, where Isikli/Durnalik area might form an isolated patch from the Nemrut Dagi
population near Adiyaman. Rather common Halfeti north of Birezik. More widespread in the SE
and E (from SE of Diyarbakir/Batman towards the east, such as between Hasankeyf and Cizre, and
SE of Lake Van (hillside opposite the railway at Van hills (max. 8, Bonser 2004), Hakkari area;
noted N to Dogubayazit).
253. Red-backed Shrike Lanius cullorio Rødrygget Tornskade
Common at the start of the tours where many migrants involved. Otherwise observed throughout.
2005. Most 13.5 14 Akgöl, Göksu Delta (many migrants) - 13.5 10 Göksu Delta - 15.5 30 Sultan
Sazligi. In the north and east only few, most 19.5 7 and 20.5 5 South Van Marshes. Scarce 23-24,5
in areas where many were seen 13-14.5, which indicates that many migrants involved.
2006: Most 14.5 30 Göksu Delta- 16.5 4 Demirkazik – 17.5 20 Sultan Sazligi – 17.5 7 Kayseri-
Sarkisla.
2007: Most 14.5 110 Akgöl, Göksu Delta – 15.5 6 Göksu Delta – 16.5 85 Sultan Sazligi – 16.5 25
Ovaciftlik – 17.5 8 Kayseri-Sarkisla. Scarcer in the north and east, most 20.5 3 Sogoksu – 22.5 3
Hasankeyf-Midyat.
254. Red-headed Shrike Lanius senator niloticus Rødhovedet Tornskade
2005: 19.5 1 male Erzek Gölü - 22.5 2 Durnalik.
2006: 24.5 8 Nemrut Dagi – 24.5 1 Atatürk Barasi – 24.5 6 Atatürk Barasi-Sanli Urfa – 24.5 2 Sanli
Urfa-Birezik.
2007: 14.5 1 male Mezbahane – 22.5 2 Idil-Mardin – 23.5 3 Buzak – 23.5 1 male Karadut – 23.5 3
Nemrut Dagi – 24.5 3 Karadut – 24.5 5 Nemrut Dagi -24.5 3 Atatürk Baraji-Sanliavsar – 25.5 3
Birezik-Halfeti.
Ssp. niloticus differs from senator (south European mainland to W Turkey) in larger white flash at
base of primaries (in males 17-21 mm. p beyond primary coverts (10-16 in senator), broader white
base to tail, and whiter underparts with restricted amount of pinkish or buff in flanks. Males often
shows complete black forehead (normally some white in European birds). Further differences are
complete body boult in all ages in autumn; senator 1 years then in juvenile plumage (Lefranc &
Worfolk 1997, own obs.).
255. Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus Masketornskade
2005: 13.5 2 males Göksu Delta - 23.5 3 Demirzili - 23.5 2 Imamli - 24.5 3 Tarsus Delta West
2006: 15.5 2 Demircili – 15.5 2 Mut-Karaman.
2007: 15.5 1 Demirzili – 15.5 1 male Imamli – 26.5 1 Tuzla Gölü S of Adana..
Breeds in Turkey in the warm Mediterranean zone in Western Turkey and in the southern part of
Anatolia - mainly follows the Mediterranean, but with isolated small population in the SE. Breeds
mainly in small woods and plantations of e.g. citrus and olives, thus preferring more well vegetated
areas than other shrikes apart from Red-backed. Bird seen in more arid areas may be migrants.
Turkish population estimated to 5000-50.000 pairs.