Species fact sheet by Global Register of Migratory Species - www.groms.de

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Migratory. Winters on shores of Australasia and Indian Ocean, but relation between breeding and non-breeding quarters poorly known. Probably migrates in broad front non-stop to non-breeding areas; some birds follow coast and occasionally large flocks are seen on passage, typically mixed with C. mongolus. Apparently strong fidelity to non-breeding sites. Flocks form after breeding season between mid-Jun and early Aug, 1 month earlier in columbinus; abundant in S China and Hong Kong late Jul to Nov; arrives Australia mid-Aug, S Asia and Sudan to Tanzania late Aug to Sept, adults and immatures before juveniles. Body mass peaks in early Apr in Australia. Starts moving N from SE Asia in late Feb, peaking Mar to early Apr, and reaches breeding grounds from mid-Mar, most Apr-May. Departs E Africa and S Asia mid-Apr to early May. Some wintering birds, probably non-adults remain in wintering areas during breeding season.   (del Hoyo J, Elliott A, Sargatal J (eds), 1996)

• digitised by GROMS, after del Hoyo J A Elliott; J Sargatal (eds) (1996) - www.hbw.com,
• Copyright: GROMS/BfN - www.groms.de
  
  (A digitised version of this map is published in GIS shape format on the GROMS CD).