National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) is classified as a vulnerable, rare, migratory nominative subspecies and is listed in the Red Data Book of Uzbekistan as well as on the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Within the territory of the Lower Amu Darya State Biosphere Reserve, the species is resident, spending most of its time along the banks of the Amu Darya River. In recent years, an increase in its population has been observed. Individuals migrate singly, in pairs, or in groups. The spring migration occurs from February to March, while the autumn migration takes place from September to October. The species feeds on waterfowl, fish and occasionally carrion.

The rough-legged buzzard (Buteo lagopus) is a regularly occurring wintering and migratory species in the area. The timing of its autumn arrival and wintering period largely depends on prey abundance, as well as climatic conditions in both breeding and wintering grounds. Unlike the long-legged buzzard (Buteo rufinus), the rough-legged buzzard cannot effectively hunt large sand ground squirrels, as these rodents possess a well-developed acoustic warning system that enables them to detect low-flying predators. Nevertheless, the rough-legged buzzard provides significant ecological benefits by controlling rodent populations.

For reference: the Lower Amu Darya State Biosphere Reserve was established in 2011 in the Beruniy and Amu Darya districts of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. According to scientific staff, 246 bird species have been recorded within the reserve.