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Common, in places numerous breeding migrant. Inhabits meadows, river valleys and steppes with bushes, both on plains and in mountains at altitudes to 1400-2800 m; and also near agriculture fields, irrigation channels. On migration occurs in shelterbelts, riparian forests, groves, gardens and thickets of tall weeds. In spring appears in southern regions in end of April to early - mid May; and in northern regions in second half of May. Migrates by morning in flocks of 10-30 birds. Breeds in separate pairs close one to another. Nest is build for 2-4 days from the green and old grass and is lined with dry grass leaves and shrub bast. Only female builds the nest, male only escort her. Nest is placed in various bushes or in juniper trees usually close to the ground but may be at height 4 meters above the ground; or in grass at height 1-2 cm above the ground. Clutch of 2-5 (or very rarely 6) eggs incubated by female for 10-14 days. Both parents feed juveniles which fledge at age 12-13 days old. The autumn migration begins early, from northern areas Red-headed Buntings disappears in mid-end July. Probably migrates mainly by night.

References

Gavrilov E. I., Gavrilov A. E. "The Birds of Kazakhstan". Almaty, 2005. Э.И.Гаврилов. "Фауна и распространение птиц Казахстана". Алматы, 1999. В.К.Рябицев. "Птицы Урала, Приуралья и Западной Сибири". Екатеринбург. Изд-во Уральского университета, 2000.