Numbers and distribution of Black-necked Cranes (Grus nigricollis)at Qinghai Lake

We surveyed Black-necked Cranes (Grus nigricollis)from 2009-2012 at the Qinghai Lake area. The highest number was 104 in 2010 at the end of the breeding season. Eighteen breeding pairs of Black-necked Cranes, the highest counts among all years, were recorded in 2012. Right after arriving in Qinghai Lake, the cranes mainly moved around at Quanwan, Ganzihe, and Shadao, while before departure for wintering areas they congregated at Shaliuhe, Naren, Quanwan, and Ganzihe. There were a total of 13 breeding sites of the cranes from 2009-2012. Among the 13, nine were used every year, including Quanwan, Xiannuwan, Shaliuhe, Naren, Ganzihe, Shadao, Xiaopohu, Daotanghe, and Heimahe.