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

287. Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythacus kubanensis Karmindompap
2005: 16.5 3 Sivri Kaya - 17.5 1 Izikdere - 17.5 2 Hopa - 19.5 3 Sivri Kaya.
2006: 18.5 18 Gelinkaya – 18.5 15 Maden Köprubasi – 19.5 6 Izikdere – 19.5 10 Sivri Kaya – 19.5
3 Sivri Kaya-Kalkandere – 20.5 1 Cam Gecedi – 22.5 3 Dogubayazit.
2007: 17.5 2 Kizilham Gecedi-Erzinzan – 18.5 2 Gelinkaya – 18.5 1 Maden Köprubasi-Ovitdagi
Gecedi – 19.5 1 Borcka-Artvin – 21.5 12 Sim Er Hotel, Dogubayazit.
The ssp. kubanensis is similar to erithacus, but males often with more extensive red in underparts,
reaching belly.
In Turkey, breeds in montane area of the north, especially to the NE Pontic mountains, where
found in well vegetated valleys, in willow scrub and open woodland, mainly somewhat higher up
than we did try. Observed in 2006 in small flocks, possibly birds on migration.
288. Crimson-winged Finch Rhodopectus sanguinea Karmoisinfinke
2005: 18.5 15 Serpmetas - 19.5 3 Ishak Pasa. - 19.5 2 Van Hills.
2006: 16.5 5 Demirkazik.
2007: 16.5 2 Cimbar Bogazi, Demirkazik – 20.5 1 Sogoksu – 21.5 3 Sogoksu – 21.5 1 Serpmetas.
Breeds in mountains of southern C Turkey and eastwards, above 1700-2000 m. in almost
vegetation-less mountains and large areas of vulcanic soil, also stony slopes with low scrub and
stands of juniper above treeline.
Areas with frequent observations includes Demirkazik/Aladag, Sivri Kaya, Nemrud Dagi (near Van
Gölü), volcanic soil areas around Lake Van (e.g Gözekla south of Lake Van, in the direction
through Hakkari) and any suitable area in the SE. Largest recent number is 200+ Maj 2004 at
Serpmetas (Ortvad 2004). Outside main areas, 4 observed west of Eregli May 2006 (Nilsson 2006).
289. Mongolian Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes mongolicus Mongolsk Ørkendompap
2005: 18.5 1 male Ishak Pasa.
2006: 22.5 1 male Tendürük Gecedi.
2007: 21.5 1 singing Sogoksu – 21.5 6 Serpmetas (of which 3 males+2 females).
Found in the extreme E Turkey in areas bordering Iran within the triangle Lake Van - Dogubayazit
- Tuzluca; first recorded 1977 (Clement et al. 1993 mentions first record as early as 1915, (Barthel
et al. 1992, Kirwan & Konrad 1995). Occurs in rugged mountains in altitudes between 800 and
2800 m, especially in areas of dark volcanic soil. Also rocky hills with grassy slopes. Often feeds in
grassy fields bordering dark lava soil.
In May, the best site is the lava-fields at Serpmetas near Caldiran. Here max. 10 birds observed
May 2007 (Olof Jönsson & Christian Leth per sms, own obs.). We found 6 displaying birds here,
occuring in a dense group performing a mixture of hunting each other, and males regularly
performing display from perched cliffs or even a road. Direction: In the village Caldiran, a dirt road
immediately south of the military camp leads north. Among the names on the sighs are “Serpmetas
7”. Follow the road; in the outskirs of the village a school is passed; here the road may be partly
flooded. Continue along a canal for 4 km, then turn right into the lava-fields. The main site is in the
middle of the lava-fields. If you continue to Serpmetas, you will probably be shown away by a gunman.
Also lava-fields between Tendürek Gecedi and Gülicar, especially around Sogoksu, e.g. 11 in flock
with Crimson-winged Finches and Rock Sparrows early May 2007 (Spanish group), the Tendürek
Gecedi (highest pass) and the wadi opposite the village of Gülicar. Up to 9 seen here June 2006
Niemo 2000, Petterson 2006).
Ishak Pasa is in later summer the main site, and up to 40 have been seen here in July-August;
Observations in May more random, and the black soil areas between Dogubayazit and Van offers